Kimra Astin

In the early years of Trá Magnon, two students shone above the rest, Thondaran Astin and Aeral Merchant. The two were always near the top of their class, but as they grew older these two became friends, nemesis, and study partners. They were always studying together and competing for the best grades, the attention of their teachers, and the praise of the other students. By the time they graduated, they were far beyond the other students, and had fallen deeply in love. They were married soon after graduation, and became the first two teachers hired by Selimnaras and Karil to teach in their growing school.

After several years of teaching, they began construction of a large castle-like house that they called Astin Keep. They built it themselves out of stone they magically quarried from nearby hills, moved to the site, and shaped. It was a magnificent site with flying buttresses, secret passageways, hidden rooms, magical traps, moving staircases, all kinds of magical enhancements you might imagine from newlywed mages that had far more magic than wisdom.

Once they finished their home, they decided to retire Aeral from teaching for a couple years to start a family. They decided to have seven children, but they did not want to wait seven years so they decided to have them all at once. But rather than just take the risks of septuplets they decided to stagger them. So once again with more magic than wisdom they decided to use a little magic, and conceive a child every three months. In this way Aeral would would be pregnant with three children at different stages of development and could deliver one every three months.

As wisdom would have dictated, this turned out to be harder than they had imagined. First there was the conception which had to be assisted with magic, then there was the tricky births that had to be assisted by magic and a midwife, then there was feeding and taking care of the babies, which soon required several nurse maids. Thondaran struggled to keep up with his teaching and the magical assistance that Aeral needed, but they eventually worked their way through the two years, and began raising a large family of toddlers.

They brought on a rotating staff of interns to clean, help feed the children, and change diapers, and Aeral was able to return to teaching during the day. The interns were generally young women students that were attending the school and a couple local women that spearheaded the operation.

The Astin home was obviously one of magic, but it was also a home of order and love. Every evening and morning they would gather all the children and staff into the great hall, and have meditation time. This would inevitably end when one of the children would dirty a diaper or fall over and bump its head. As the children grew older meditation time was extended to an hour both morning and night. These longer sessions would often turn into tickle fights, or long talks about magical topics, then as they entered school, they would include topics like boys, magic fairs, new spells, and little wizard duels.

It was truly a home where something exciting was always happening. Thondaran and Aeral’s love grew, but Aeral began to miss having babies around the house, and eventually convinced Thondaran to let her take a year off of teaching and have another baby, this time without a magically enhanced process, but a natural one.

Aeral was able to become pregnant, but to say there was no magic involved would not be entirely accurate. In a household of mages, and a staff of mages, and the lord and lady of the house being master mages, living in a magical house, with a thousand magical devices, it would be true to say that the conception and pregnancy were natural, but they were certain not without magical influence.

They day finally arrived and horde of brothers, sisters, staff, interns, fellow professors, and local dignitaries heralded their arrival with grand celebration that was planned to last an entire week. When it was announced that Lady Astin had given birth to twins, a boy, Therral, and a girl, Kimra, the parties duration was doubled on the spot. So, two weeks of partying in a grand magical mansion was beyond description, and it took almost an entire third week to clean up and return the county to normal.
The babies were never bereft of attention, and even while they slept there was always someone singing, casting spells, or just sitting near reading spell books. All this magic had a profound effect on the children, or at least on Kimra. They quickly learned that Kimra’s hair would change color with her mood. So when she was in pain, or hungry, or pooping her diaper, everyone knew. She also began to levitate at seemingly random times, and her basinet had to be covered with a soft net to allow her to float around in her crib without waking or harming her.

Therral, on the other hand did not show any outward signs of inherent magic, but instead seemed to be the opposite. Magic around him seemed to be weakened, and any spell cast directly on him was almost guaranteed to fail. This actually turned out to be advantageous because as long as the two babies were together, Kimra’s floating about was minimized, and they seemed to cry less when they were close together.

As they grew they both learned to control and focus their inherent abilities. Kimra could float wherever she wanted to go. Often to the ceiling or the roof. Therral found that he could cast simple cantrips if he first concentrated on suppressing his magic resistance. Therral also seemed to have a natural ability to imbue his toys with magic. He could make them move or make noise on their own.

With seven teenagers egging them on and provoking them, their parents soon learned to keep to two youngest in the nursery, and seven older busing with chores and studies. Even so the twins got turned into puppies, turned invisible, given gills and thrown in the tub, turned pink, and magically enthralled on a daily basis.

The household staff was also reduced as they grew, but was soon replaced with a constant flow of girlfriends and boyfriends coming and going, and the twins were constantly showing off, and challenging the older, budding mages to duels. When the older Astins graduated from school, some of their siblings became teachers, some got married, some became lazy lounging around the house causing mischief, and some went off to see the world.

Therral and Kimra entered the schools at Trá Magnon the year after the last group of their siblings graduated. This allowed them to get all the Astin attention, both good and bad. Some of the jealous upperclassmen would play jokes on them, just to get back at the older Astins that had stilted them in some way.

Kimra immediately became a star pupil and spent as much time teaching the other students as learning. She was the prime girl for crushes, and got more anonymous love notes than everyone else in the school combined. She tried to be kind, but the sheer volume of attention consumed her every moment. One of the favorite activities that he boys of all ages at the school loved, was to go up to her and get her attention for a brief couple seconds to see what color her hair would turn. The lucky boys got a bright blond, the unlucky ones got a dark brown or black. Occasionally some would make her so made they got a red. It was humiliating to her, and her parents would often sit up late with her helping her figure out how to cope with the attention.

Therral was quite the opposite. He was only mediocre at spells. The girls paid him some attention because he was the heir apparent of the Astin clan, but the boys were ruthless and unrelenting in their pranks and mischief against him. He tried to blend into the crowd, but often found himself called out or stepping out to defend some slight or prank against Kimra. He didn’t mind so much the pranks against himself, but he hated the ones against Kimra. He especially hated the other boys’ constant attempt to check Kimra’s hair color when they got her attention. He got in many fist fights with boys of all ages when Kimra was feeling overwhelmed by the stead stream of attention seekers. He was in a way luck because none of the other students could ever get a spell to function against him. This, of course, infuriated them, and their verbal harassment at times was horrible. He also spent many nights up late with Kimra or with his parents learning to cope with the other students.

By the end of their first year they were both beginning to build up a tolerance for the attentions that were poured out on them. Therral generally tried to stay close to Kimra, and she liked having him around, but they were budding adolescents, and many times boys and girls just needed space from each other. Kimra helped Therral with his spells, and he made the cutest little toys for her.

On the last day of the year Therral gathered up his courage and gave a cute little card to a girl that he liked. It was a magical card that moved, and sparkled, and played a cute little song when it was opened. It would have been a simple thing that made both him and the girl blush, and run off to summer break, but some of the other kids saw it, and soon the entire school was begging to see the card. After the final class most of the student body gathered at the central park on campus to see it. Therral was congratulated over and over, and shook hands with most of the student body before the faculty began breaking up the crowds with silence spells. When the park was cleared the girl was finally able to say thank you one last time, and skipped home. Kimra gave him a big hug, please that someone else got all the attention for once. Therral found the attention exhausting, but preferable to the pranks he usually got.

Their second year was much the same, but Therral found himself the target of many girls affections, some just hoping for a magic card, others had a legitimate crush on him. He occasionally reward a particularly touching expression or generous gift with a magic toy or card.

The boys let up some on the Kimra hair assaults, but was able to find some good friends that helped her out when they could. Kimra continued to astound the teachers, and Therral passed all of his classes except the crafting classes where he ran circles around everyone else, including Kimra.

Their third year the boys let up some more on the Kimra hair runs, but the girls increased their pleas for attention on Therral. Therral found himself friendly with most of the boys in the school, but closest to his sister. Even her friends came to accept him as one of the girls so to speak. So Therral went to more baking parties than wizard ball games.

That summer after their third year, The Circle of Astin, as the extended family was called, all pitched in to build a grand crafting workshop for Therral. When it was finished, and with the help of Trell, he made a special comb for Kimra that allowed her control the appearance of her hair.

Their fourth year was better than any other before. They both got a fair amount of attention, but they both began assisting with various magical research projects, and were not around the other students after lunch breaks. During this time, they worked with the faculty and some of the senior students, but quickly became regular members of the research teams, and helped move many research projects forward. Their crowning honor was to be part of the circle that raised the first mithal, or magic covering over the entire school.

Their fifth year was more of a first year as sudo faculty. Kimra began teaching some of the entry level evocation classes, and Therral joined Trell, Gabe, and Salanthra in exploring new directions for the school. Gabe and Trell began teaching basic blacksmithing, Trell and Therral began teaching magic item creation, and Salanthra began teaching dance. In addition Gabe, Trell, Therral, and Thane began experimenting with mixing magic and swordplay, not as a class per se, but more as an after hours club. To top it off Therral was elected student body president, and had grown into a very handsome young man causing a never ending stream of love notes and even a few marriage proposals.

Lord Selimnairus was dubious about bringing ‘sudo magics’ and ‘non magics’, as he called them, into the school, but Lady Karil and Heather both pushed to expand the topics beyond raw wizardry. They actually wanted to involve the various professions such as tailors, horse trainers, farmers, chefs, and a whole host of others, but Lord Selimnairus was hard pressed to expand it as far as they did.

The school operated year-round, and students came and went as they were needed on their farms or other family activities, but there was always the largest classes during the winter. This year was larger than ever, with the new classes, the student numbers grew faster than any year before, and by the time the new year approached Lord Selimnairus was no longer trying to stop the new types of classes, but merely trying to control the expansion of the curriculum to a manageable rate. He even began to consider a gnomish engineering class, though he insisted it would have to be taught outside the wall of the school.

The new year in Zelaea begins with the first day of spring. It is still sold during the day, and quite cold at night that time of year, so it is generally an indoor celebration. Lady Karil and Aeral Astin had begun a little tradition a few years prior where they would combine the school graduation with an all-night New Years party. They always held it at the Astin Keep, and invited everyone in the county.

This year Kimra and Therral were graduating from their studies as students at the school, and they would be taking full time positions and teachers the following year. As this was the last graduation of one of her children, Aeral wanted to make it big. The entire family put their full efforts into constructing new grand hall with all kinds of magical trappings. The road from the Keep to the East Road was expanded, and the entire resources of The Inn Between were enlisted to cater the event.

As the winter drew on and the celebration approached, letters of invitation were sent to parents and special guests as far away as Dusara, and Kith. Goods and services began flowing in and out of the county at an unprecedented rate. Some began to worry that the party would bankrupt the entire county, but the acceleration of the local economy brought to bear every able hand. The gnomes even began creating practical, or at least more practical, mechanical carriages and wagons; they were also found be very adept at creating fireworks, costumes, decorations, and as general errand runners. There was not an idle hand from sun up to sun down.

The night finally arrived. The students and their parents assembled in the great hall of Astin Keep for the graduation ceremony before sundown, but already the roads were packed with travelers running to and from the Keep. Lord Selimnairus lead the graduation, giving each student a certificate and a hug. The other faculty and staff took turns escorting the students to the front to receive their honors. Kimra and Therral delivered the valedictory and school president addresses, and Trell offered a few words of advice about the world.

Finally, ceremonies drew to a close, and with one final shout they done. All at once the great doors to the hall were thrown open, and fireworks outside lit up the night. The guests began to flood into the keep, and food began to steam in on platters and huge bowls. The chairs were cleared and one end the great became a dance floor. A local band of gnomes erupted into a dance beat and sailing melody inviting all to tap their feet and clap their hands.

The dance floor began to strobe and glow with swirling colors and caused everyone to float a couple inches off the floor as they danced. Kimra and Therral lead their fellow students onto the dance floor, and soon it was packed with shaking and spinning bodies. They both let themselves relax completely for the first time since they could remember. They danced with anyone that asked, and had a wonderful time forgiving and forgetting the hurts of the years. Everyone was friend, and everyone was included.
As more and more people arrived the Astin’s added a new shimmering magical floor seven feet above the real floor. This was followed by another and another, until there were five floors with matching shimmering stairs to travel between them.

As midnight approached the Astin family began to prepare for their traditional grand finale. Kimra and Therral excused themselves and slipped out of the main hall to dress. This would be their initiation into the Circle of Astin so Kimra and Therral were dolled up and decked out in the grandest regalia a family of mages can imagine.
While they were gone to dress, the faculty and staff joined the dancing. Trell traded fairy fire for kisses, and Gabe showed off by throwing the girls into the air like a catapult. On their way down the other faculty cast feather fall on each student, and before long students were glowing and floating all over the hall, onto the roof, upside down, off the walls, and every other crazy angle they could imagine. The students too joined in the spell casting and filled the hall with sights, and sounds, sparkles, and waterfalls, and animals of all kinds.

For a minute the gnomes on the roof began shooting fireworks in through the windows, and that excitement was quickly subdued, and they returned to shooting into the gardens and into the sky. Most of the people in attendance were common folk from around the county, but mixed in were kings, queens, princes, and princesses from far away. There was a band of satyrs from the fey wood, and elves with wings from the tops of the Keltorin Mountains.

Midnight began to approach and ticking sound began to grow louder and louder, and a four story globe began to appear in the center of the room. The lights within the globe showed the new year approaching and the old settling into a comfortable looking bed. After a few minutes Thondaran, Kimra and Therral’s father floated into the center of the globe. He wore the traditional blue robe, with its silver trim, but as head of the house he also wore silver pauldrons on his shoulders. Beside him was Aeral dressed in a blue and silver dress, but with a silver belt of interlocking links.

Both of them set a silver ball whisking about their heads like an orbiting comet, and raised their hands. From all over the hall, through the windows, and doors, similarly dressed members of the Astin set silver balls in motion around their heads and floated up to join the circle. But rather than simply forming a circle, then hold of hand and feet in a sphere drifting and floating around Thondaran and Aeral.

When the sphere was complete, Thondaran gave a signal and they all turned to face the great doors. The fireworks outside stopped, the band went silence, and all the light in the hall went out except for a couple magical spotlights that shone on a magnificent figure in the doorway.

There stood Kimra dressed in a matching dress, but her hair billowed in a magical breeze. It was the color of fire: yellow and red. It truly looked like fire flowed from the top of her head down her back to her waist.

Her hands and feet suddenly erupted in fire, and chorus of magical trumpets shattered the silence. She set a silver ball spinning about her head floating up to join the family, when a flash in the doorway drew everyones attention. There stood Therral in his blue robes with his hood over his head. The silver around the trim of his rope and hood flowed and flashed like a living creature. He too set a ball spinning about his head and joined their parents where they all joined the sphere that began again to spin and float like a human planet rotating in the center of the room.

The ticking returned, and the band improvised to its beat. The fireworks again began to explode outside the windows, and everyone in the hall began to mingle and dance once again. One minute passed, then another. The sphere of Astin spun faster and faster, and the ticking grew louder and louder. Then a booming voice that shook the entire building began counting down, and everyone joined in.

Ten… Nine… Eight… The new year appeared in the circle again, and the old one slipped under the covers. Seven… Six… Five… The trumpets began to rise in a great crescendo. Four… Three… Everyone was yelling at the top of their lungs. Two… One…

And suddenly time began to slow down. The air in everyone’s lungs stopped. No one could move, but it seemed as if time continued to pass. A darkness began to grow in the center of the sphere, and still no one could move. Their lungs began to burn as the air expanded threatening to burst their lungs.

The darkness expanded erasing the walls and world around the party goers. It was as if they had all been teleported into lightless space with no gravity. Suddenly a great red and black dragon burst into being. Its horns, twisted and sharpened, dripping with red were as big as a horse. Its jaws were lined with wicked teeth that could turn a man to jelly in a single bite. It circled the crowd, bellowing until their ears began to ring uncontrollably. It breathed pure darkness from its mouth. The black clouds erased all hope and joy from the hearts of the helpless onlookers as the dragon passed again and again. Still they could not move.

Then a small voice rang out, and the dragon was silenced. Somehow Therral had broken free of the evil spell. His robes flickered and flashed lashing out at the dragon that flinched as they connected. In his hand was a thin blade of silver that crackled with lightning.

The dragon dove at him billowing massive dense clouds of despair, but small fan in his left hand simply brushed them away. As the dragon approached Therral stood in front of his family and the guests as a small candle before a hurricane. The opened its mouth to devour him, but a swift sidestep and stroke from the crackling sword lit up the dragons head, and sent burns racing across its snout.

As it passed screaming in pain the dragon struck Therral with a wing sending him tumbling through the darkness. One leg was clearly smashed, and the side of his face quivered precariously as if every bone had been smashed. The dragon circled thinking to easily swallow the tiny mage. Meanwhile, Therral quickly swallowed a glowing plus potion, and his entire left side erupted in blue flame that quickly faded healing him of all injuries. He stood and pulled a something from his robes.

A quick incantation later he breathed fire on the end of a firework that flew straight into the dragons face momentarily blinding him. Therral again unleashed the lightning from his sword, this time punching holes in the dragons wings.

The dragon circled away, and Therral drew out another firework preparing to light it. This time the dragon seemed to calm and shrink as it approached Therral who still stood between the dragon and his family suspended like the rest of the crowd behind him.

The dragon transformed into a man and approached Therral at a leisurely walk.

“Very well done, young one.” said the man. “We shall surely have to continue this another time.”

Therral responded with a growl, “Leave, or we will continue this right now.” he said raising his sword.

“Do not worry, little man” said the man. “You, and your puny village will not be harmed. I only need to enlist the services of your sister.”

“Over my dead body.” said Therral.

The man raised both hands and took a step back. “No, no. No dead bodies, please. I would be honored if you would come as well. I could use a good general to lead my armies.”

He pause with a disgusting happy little smile on his face waiting.

“Your armies?” stuttered Therral, a bit flustered.

“Oh yes, you would be impressed. They are flooding into this world as we speak, but they are just paltry little devils and demons. What I need are men like yourself to give them a little guidance.”

“Never!” spat Therral.

“Very well.” said the man raising his hand to toward Therral, and speaking a strange incantation.

Suddenly the firework Therral was holding launched right into the mans chest and exploded. The man yelled out, and lost control of his spell. A ripple of magic swept over area freeing everyone from their invisible prisons. The Astin family was sent spinning in all directions, and the rest of the guest gasped for breath or collapsed on the floor.

“Foolish boy, you sister will pay for your insolence.” said that man as he leapt into the air grabbing Kimra, pinning her arms to her sides with one hand and clamping his hand over her mouth with the other. He transformed into his dragon form again and transferred Kimra to rear claws. He began casting a spell as Therral, and everyone else in the room lunged at him.

But the dragon was too fast, and quickly sped out of reach. Finishing his spell a cloud of blackness formed again and he dove into it. Just as the portal closed, Therral grabbed the silver ball from around his head, and threw it after them. The ball and darkness vanished and great hall returned.

The next few minutes were frantic, as medical care was administered, and everyone searched for their loved ones. Only Heather noticed that Therral was not moving. He was not crying, he was not casting a spell, he was just standing there as if he had been turned to stone. She walked up and lightly put her arm around his shoulder, but he immediately threw it off, and snapped: “Don’t touch me.”

He continued to stare into nothingness, and she realized that he was concentrating, but she couldn’t see what it could be.
He raised his hand, and said, “Watch with me… don’t move.”

Minutes passed, and Heather shielded him from the chaos around them. Still he didn’t move. The crowd began to disperse, and several others came to see what was happening with Therral. They opened their mouths to ask questions, but were shushed by Heather before they make a sound.

Trell and Gabe came and stood as sentinels around him as well. They tried to follow his gaze, but he stared at nothing. Just a plain section of the wall. His right hand still gripped his sword, and his left was raised slightly were it had frozen after throwing the tiny ball into the portal.

Twenty then Thirty minutes passed, and still he stood there not moving. Tears began to roll down his cheeks, and he set his teeth in determination. Occasionally he would mumble, “So far. So far.” and fall silent again.

The Keep was cleared, and the dawn began to approach, and still Therral did not move. His eyes had no more tears, but a fire burned there that was frightening to behold.
The other family members began casting divination and scrying spells to try to locate Kimra, but no matter what they tried they could not find her. The debated, and read books, and cast spells, while Therral just stood there with his sword and intense concentration.

Trell and Gabe began to look for a bench to sit on, and Therral spoke with a pleading that reflected the deepest tortures a soul can endure. “Stay. Watch with me.” He said no more, and Trell and Gabe steeled their bodies to stand with him as long as he needed.

The family had all given up, and most of the had collapsed into tears or fitful sleep when the sun began to rise. Trell and Gabe began to wonder if their strength would hold out when suddenly a whistling sound began to grow. They could not tell where it came from, but Therral turned slowly raising his empty hand toward one of the stone walls. In an instant a tiny silver ball burst through wall leaving a tiny hole in the stone.

The silver ball stopped right in front of Therral’s hand, and then began to circle his head. “There!” cried out Therral. “Mark that direction.”

In an instant Trell, Gabe, and Heather understood, and sprang into action. They marked the spot where Therral stood, and drew a line in the direction of the hole.

Therral said one more time as he lost consciousness, “So far.” He collapsed and would have injured himself if not for the ion stone that kept his body suspended in the air.

Trell - 6

The next morning Trell planned to sleep through the day, as was the custom in the fey wood, but by the time Lady Karil returned home for lunch he succumbed to the inquisitive knocks of the house staff, and joined her for the meal. Gabe was there as well, and both of them had dark circles under their eyes. Heather, Salinthra and family, and Lord Selimnairus were there as well, but none of them seemed any worse for the late night. They explained it away as a simple little spell.

Heather was very talkative, and politely begged Trell to come visit some of her classes. Apparently she was having no success at all teaching her planned lessons, and every class simply degenerated into the talking about the fireside, or the fey wood, or the magical fauns, satyrs, nymphs, dryads, etc. She said that the students had an endless stream of questions, that she could not begin to satiate, and was hoping Trell might help. He graciously agree, and listened as the others talked about the performance, or the students reactions, or how they were thinking of changing some classes to incorporate some new ideas. Salinthra was even began planning to teach a dance class after her baby was born.

After lunch Trell and Gabe freshened up a bit, and then escorted Heather to her next class. Gabe took the opportunity to ask about things, and answered kindly, telling about this person and that person that he had known. As they neared the classroom Trell spoke up.

“So, Heather, are you unattached then?” He asked not so much for his own interest, but because he knew Gabe would never have the courage to ask directly.

Heather signed, “Yes, I suppose I am.” she said wistfully. Then with a sparkle in her eye she scolded, “But you are taken, don’t you start flirting with me.”

They all laughed, and filed into a small classroom. To their surprise, the classroom was packed beyond capacity. Not only were all the seats taken, and many of the desks were being put to use as chairs, but there was not even standing room around the walls.

“Well!” said Heather surprised. “I didn’t remember my spell components class was so popular. Perhaps we will have to go out and sit on the grass.”

There was a murmur of agreement by the students, and they all followed her out to the lawn where the class continued to grow. Once there Heather started by asking Trell: “So what kinds of components do you use in the few wood for spells?”

Trell puzzled over the question for a minute and then asked, “Do mean like the dust Lord Selimnairus used to light the stage last night?”

She nodded in agreement, and Trell thought about it. “Well I don’t think I have ever thought to categorize them.” he paused for another moment, then said, “I guess I might classify them as plant, animal, element, and spirit. Is that what you mean?”

Heather thought about what he had said for a moment before responding. “That is a very intriguing way of classifying things. We refer to spell components as three types verbal, the words, somantic, the actions or movements, and material, like the dust used by Lord Selimnairus.”

“Oh, okay.” said Trell, “Let me see then…” He stroked his goatee for a few seconds then continued, “I guess we use the same, but I might add that there is a source and a target for a spell.”

Heather responded encouragingly, “We definitely recognize those aspects of a spell, and I can see how you might call those components. Thank you.”
She then turned to her class and began her lecture on mosses, and their magic properties and uses. Trell listened curiously, and learned some things that he had not known. Gabe seemed to be enthralled by the lecture, but Trell suspected he was entranced by the lecturer. Many of the older students, that had already been through the class, slowly drifted off to other activities, and the class took notes or just listened.

At the end of the lecture Heather gave their assignment and passed out little plates with moss on them to the student groups. She then dismissed them, but most just sat still as if waiting for some further discussion. After a minute of light conversation with Trell and Gabe, Heather turned to the students and asked if they needed something.
One of the boys, who sat a tight little group of students hesitantly asked, “We were wondering if we might as Trell something.”

Heather looked to Trell, “Do you mind?”

Trell responded, “No not all.”

The boy, with a little nudging and encouragement, finally asked, “We were wondering… um what what… well… is magic different in fey wood than it is here?”

Trell found the question a little strange, and thought for a second. Then a sly smile spread across his face. He quickly changed that to a very serious and thoughtful expression and said, “Hm, lets see.”

He then waved his hand in the direction of the boy who began to glow with a swirling of colors that surrounded his entire body.
“Nope.” said Trell, “It works that same here.”

The other children burst into laughter, and began touching the boy to see what the fairy fire felt like. The boy blushed brightly at first, but then began to strut around, waving his arms and flexing his muscled.

“Look at me!” he said, “I’m a fairy.”

The children dispersed after that, and Trell and Gabe escorted Heather to her next class, that was across campus. As they walked Heather asked, “What kind of magic users are there in the fey wood?”

“Well” said Trell as he thought about the question. “That is hard to say. I mean every thing has magic. Some of it is very visible, like the fairy fire spell, but so much of it is very difficult see, and often can only been seen over long periods of time.”

Heather turned to Trell with a quizzical look, “You mean even the plants and animals cast spells in the fey wood?”

It was now Trell’s turn to be surprised. “Well sure, but it is not any different than it is here for you.”

“But our animals, and even most of the people don’t cast spells.” replied Heather, “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Well,” said Trell pondering. “The thing is…” He paused for a minute then changed direction with his explanation.

“If I wanted to get a field plowed, and I asked Gabe here to go plow that field, would you say it was magic when the next day the field was plowed?”

Heather responded hesitantly, “No.”

Trell continued, “Well I call that magic. By saying a few simple words, I got a field plowed.”

He paused for a few moments, and then continued, “Now it is important that you do things the right way. I can’t ask the stars to plow the field. I can’t ask the rabbits to plow the field. I can ask Gabe, because we are friends, we have a relationship, a trust, and we can both see the value in getting the field plowed, and we both gain by plowing the field.”

Trell let his words sink in. “But let’s say I don’t have a friend who can plow the field for me. Can I ask a passing stranger to go plow the field for me?” he waited and Heather slowly shook her head no. “No, of course not.” said Trell, “But if I were to speak some ‘magic’ words and use a handful of gold as…” he thought back to her classifications then continued, “…as material components, then the field would get plowed. Once again, I have plowed the field by magic.”
Trell could see some understanding beginning to grow, and continued. “Now sometimes magic happens, not by what you say or do, but by who or what you are. For example, Gabe here has a crush on you.”

Trell’s frankness and flat tone took both Heather and Gabe by surprise and made them both blush brightly. He thinks that you are very pretty. Now, he will do all sorts of things for you, just to see you smile, or to spend time with you.”

At this point Gabe punched Trell in the shoulder teasingly, but couldn’t hide his blushing face. Trell gave his a sly smile, and acting all innocent asked, “What?” Gabe just let out a puff of air and rolled his eyes.

“So anyway” continued Trell, turning back to Heather, “You can ask him to do just about anything, and he will do it just because you are pretty. So if you asked him to go plow a field, he might do it. I call that magic. But, if you were insult or offend him, it may very well break the crush, or the spell, and he will no longer do things for you.”

“Now if you two were to fall in love, and get married, it would not be just because he thought you pretty, it would be because some additional ‘magic’ was at work from both sides. Probably, you would see the considerate, kind, and strong heart in Gabe, and he would find you to be smart, and kind, and loving as well. If that were to happen, not only would Gabe plow a field for you, but he would do that every day for the rest of his life. He would cut off his own hand if it would save yours. Her would rush into the jaws of a dragon if it would save you.” he paused and then concluded, “That sounds like magic to me.”

Trell paused momentarily, while Heather pondered. “Here is another example.” he said, “When you assign your students a certain bit of homework, do they do it?” she smiled and responded, “Generally, yes.”

“So I would say” continued Trell, “You are using magic to get a lot of stuff done. But why do they do that?”

“Because I’m the teacher.” said Heather.

“Exactly, because you are the teacher.” repeated Trell. “So just because you are the teacher, the students do things. And think about it, if Gabe, or mayor Shiny Pants from

No Magnon, or another student asked them to do those same things, would they do them?”

“Not likely.” said Heather.

“Thats magic too.” said Trell.

“Now think of a more mechanical type of magic. Imagine Gabe here were down in No Magnon, and was standing beside one of the gnomes. Lets say the gnome asked Gabe to go away, and Gabe said no. I might say that a spell had failed. Then lets say the gnome sets off an explosion that throws Gabe far away. Was that magic? The gnome has just moved Gabe far away with only the effort of lighting a fuze. A lot of people would not call that magic, but I do.”

Heather’s eyes began to register understanding, and they walked a bit in silence. Then as they approached the school building she asked: “Now you mentioned a long term kind of magic. One that you could only see over time. What do you mean?”

“Simply this,” began Trell, “When you stick a seed in the ground, it grows. I call that magic. In a similar way, when a man and a woman come together, a baby is conceived. When a group of people come together, a city is conceived. You see, the universe is in a constant state of decay or entropy, and any time something is created or built up, that is going against the cold reality of the universe. All of that, I call magic.”

By this time, they were standing at the door to another school classroom.

“That is very intriguing.” said Heather. “I’ll have to give that some thought.”

They entered the classroom, and once again, they found it packed. As they squeezed passed the students near the door they noticed that one of the boys in the back was playing with a little fire ball that floated above his hand.

Heather noticed him, and was about to scold him when another boy threw a strange powder of the boys should onto the fire. Heather called out, “NO!”, but the powder scattered down the boys arms and wrist. When it reached the little fireball the powder exploded sending a wave of flame up the boys arm and igniting his shirt.

By the time the three adults could get to the boy, the other students had doused the flame, but the boy was burned badly from his hand to his shoulder and one side of his face. Much of it was beyond blistering, and parts were beginning to bleed.

“Everyone out!” called Heather. “Except you Markus!” said said with a dangerous venom in her voice.

Heather removed the remaining scraps of the boys sleeve revealing the awful burns. The boy was in agony crying out as each wave of pain surged through his arm.

Flustered, Heather called after the students that were streaming out of the room, “Someone call the nurse!”

By this time Trell’s hands had begun to glow blue, and getting brighter. As he placed his hands on the boys scorched arm, the boy cried out in pain, but quieted as the glow spread across his arm, and into his face. The bleeding stopped, and much of the wound was once again covered in skin, but Trell cast the spell again, and everyone watched in amazement as the would vanished completely.

The boy touched his arm and face, and finding no pain, and his skin fully restored, he looked up to Trell with gaping mouth and wide eyes. “Thank you.” he said incredulously.
Trell smiled and looked to Heather. She took stood with mouth wide, and eyes like lamps looking at the boys arm. Even the mischievous Markus ran his fingers up the boy’s arm in awe.

Heather tried to speak to Trell, “How… err… What… You… Fairy Magic?” she finally go out.

Trell was rather surprised at how surprised they were. “Well, kind of… but, not really.” he started, “Its just healing magic.” He stuttered a little, and tried to put his surprise into words, “…but I thought you could… or I mean… can’t you heal?”

Heather slowly shook her head no, her mouth still gaping open.

Markus was the first to recover from the shock, patted the boy on the shoulder, and said, “Sorry man, I don’t know it would do that, and Miss Heather surprised me, and… well… sorry.”

He began to walk away, but Miss Heather quickly spoke a few words and pointed at him. Shining chains appeared around the boys body and raised him up into the air.

“I’m sorry. Really. I won’t do it again.” he said a little scared, and fully expecting some formal punishment.

“You just hangout right there!” Heather growled at him.

She turned back to the boy with the burned shirt, and said, “Are you sure you are okay.”

“Yah”, he said, “…and sorry for playing with fire in the classroom.” He hung his head in submission.

“Good.” said Miss Heather in a softer voice. “Now I want both of you to Lord Selimnairus, and explain what happened here.”

In unison the boys answered, “Yes, Miss Heather.”

She released Markus, and the two boys slipped passed a door full of gawking children.

Heather turned back to Trell and Gabe, and said, “Why don’t you go relax a bit, and we can talk again after dinner. I’ll take care of the students.”

Trell and Gabe, both tired from the night before, and a little unsettled from the incident, agreed and wandered off to find a quiet place in the shade.

Not far from Mag le So, is a pool with some of the most beautiful gardens in the valley. There is a small waterfall that drops into the pool. Trell and Gabe laid down in the grass near a large oak tree. Soon a gaggle of young girls came giggling up to Trell and asked if he could make them glow.

Trell gave them a mischievous smile and said, “Only you will each give me a kiss on the cheek.”

The girls all giggled blushed, but clearly thought that was a fair price. They hesitated until one of the less giggly girls, a short girl with red hair, stepped forward and puckered up. Trell bent over and received his kiss, then waved his hand over the girl’s head and she immediately was outlined in fairy fire. She squealed and danced back the the other girls. One by one the girls all came forward and delivered payment and received their reward until there were only two left.

Trell recognized that he had been wrong. One of the children was a boy, and he was standing very close to the only remaining girl in the group. He noticed that here hair was a strange mix of light yellow, blond, and green. Although he had never seen that combination, the colors were very muted, and did not look particularly strange.

He looked and the last girl who was hesitating, and put his hands on him hips. “Well?” he said raising his eyebrows at her.

She seemed to hold her breath for a few seconds before letting out a puff of air and responding, “Fine!”

The boy standing next to her grabbed her arm, and asked, “Are you sure?”

She put her hand on his, answered, “It’s okay.”, and pulled away from him. She was tall enough to reach Trell’s cheek without him bending over, and to his surprise, she did not kiss him on the cheek, but right on the mouth. It was a strong kiss, but not particularly passionate. When stepped back her hair was a medium brown color streaked with blond.

Trell was stunned by both the kiss and the girls hair. Now it was her turn to put her hands on her hips and raiser her eyebrows.

“Oh, right” said Trell waving his hand over her head.

She was immediately outlined in fairy fire like the rest, and her turned a dark raven black. Again Trell was surprised, and could only stare as she and the other girls danced away down the path.

As Trell recovered from the surprise he noticed that the boy had not skipped off with the girls, but was coming forward. Trell raised his hand to cast the spell, but the boy stopped him.

“No, no.” said the boy, “I don’t need to be fairyfied. I was just going to suggest a better place to take a nap.”

Gabe had come to stand next to Trell, and responded, “Yes… please.”

The boy smiled and lead them to some bushes that seemed be be up against a little ridge. Slipping through some of the less dense bushes the arrived in a small grassy space, shaded by a great Sycamore tree, and completely obscured from the outside world.

“You should clear any of these itch bombs before laying down.” said the boy collecting a few of the sycamore seed balls from the grass.
Trell and Gabe tossed the remaining seeds away and thanked the boy.

“It’s no problem. I know how nice it can be to get away for a little while.” said the boy. “I’m Therral, by the way.”

“Glad to meet you Therral; and thank you again for the nap spot.” Trell put his hand on the boys shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Oh” Trell continued, “…and do you know what the deal is with that girls hair?”

As he asked he noticed that the boy was rolling one of the seed balls in his hands and it had begun to glow slightly.
“…and what are you doing?” Trell said abruptly.

“Oh this?” said Therral. “Just a little trick I learned. You place this in the bushes while you sleep. If anyone approaches it will explode with a little pop, waking you and startling them away. And the girl is my sister, Kimra. She was born that way. Her hair just changes color with her moods. We don’t know why.”

“hmm.” said Trell releasing the boy. “Are you sure you don’t want to be fairyfied?” he said smiling.

“Thank you, but no.” said Therral placing the ball in the bush as he slipped out.

The afternoon was wearing away when Trell and Gabe awoke. They feared they might have missed dinner with Lady Karil, so they quickly stepped through the bushes, back into the world of young students. They were surprised when there was a sudden pop nearby that showered them with an itchy powder.

“Awe, man!” said Gabe. “I forgot about that. Well we know it works I suppose.”

There were some students sitting under a tree nearby that leaped to their feet, scattering some papers and other stuff across the lawn. They were wide eyed, and quite surprised to see Gabe appear as if out of nowhere, but when they recognized Trell they relaxed, blushing, and began gathering their supplies.

“Sorry.” said Trell, “We didn’t mean to surprise you.”

The students quickly dismissed it shyly as they finished assembling their stuff. “That was a wonderful dance last night.” said one of the children. “Are you going to have another fireside tonight?”

Trell smiled, and said, “I don’t think so. Did you want me to do it again tonight?”

All of the students cheerfully answered affirmatively, their eyes shining with the new hope.

“Well” said Trell. “I hadn’t thought about it, but I’ll talk to Lady Karil and Lord Selimnairus.”

They all smiled and one of them actually clapped a couple times before blushing and looking down in embarrassment.

“Happy studying.” Trell said as he and Gabe hurried off to Lady Karil’s house.

They were met by Salanthra and the baby when they arrived at Lady Karil’s house.

“Hi. Come in”, she said cheerfully. “Father will probably not be back until late, it is a research night for him, and Heather and my mother are still out at classes, but should be back shortly. Dinner is almost ready.”

“Thank you.” said Trell as he stepped close and tickled the baby.

It was nearly a half an hour before Heather and Lady Karil got back, but Trell was amused by the baby who would grab at his horns, and pull on his goatee. Gabe and Salanthra talked about light topics like trees and food, while the house staff set the table and watched for the women to return.

Someone called, “Here they come.”, and the house went into high gear with final preparations for dinner. Heather and Lady Karil came in and sat down with Gabe, Trell, and Salanthra. They looked like they had a long day.

Salanthra asked, “How was you day?”

Lady Karil responded, “I don’t know how you handle those students alone Heather. That was crazy.”

“Well it is Trell’s fault.” Heather said with a wink to Trell. “If he hadn’t been so handsome, and exciting, and magical, and so interesting…” She smiled and let her voice fade away.

Lady Karil then continued. “Every one of the classes was bigger than the last, and I wish could bottle some of that excitement, and save it for the herbs class where it is really needed.”

Everyone laughed and Lady Karil and Heather excused themselves to wash up.

“Sounds like you have set the school alight with excitement.” said Salanthra, picking up the baby and showing them to the washroom.

About midway through dinner, Lord Selimnairus came in.

“Daddy!” said Salanthra, “We thought it was research night.”

“Well” laughed Lord Selimnairus, “How am I or the students suppose to concentrate when there is someone running around the school turning my students into fairies?”

“Sorry” said Trell shyly.

“…and casting healing spells?!” Lord Selimnairus continued.

Before Trell could answer, Lord Selimnairus let out another big laugh and slapped Trell on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it my boy. A couple nights of research lost is a small price to pay for the energy you have infused into the school.”

“So what’s for dinner?” he said turning to give Lady Karil a kiss.

Trell - 5

After dinner they all went out to the amphitheater to prepare for the fireside. The amphitheater was very well manicured circular depression in the hill near the top of the school grounds. It was about three quarters of a full circle with a wooden stage in the middle, leaving some of the seats actually behind the stage itself. Between the front row and the stage was a large metal depression in the ground where many a fire had darkened it to a deep black. The slope was grassed and tiered with descending rows wooded benches. Among the benches were stairs that acted as aisles in several places.

Lord Selimnairus walked them around the perimeter and down to the stage to get Trell comfortable with stage. They then began to greet some of the early guests, including the brightly dressed mayor of No Magnon and his family. The owner of the Inn Between was there escorting Gabe’s mother and brother. Before long students, faculty, and staff of the schools began to flood into the amphitheater, and everyone moved to find a seat.

The guests of honor were all seated in the first couple rows near the front of the stage, the other adults near by and the students scattered around in groups of whispering to raucous students. Soon the flood of new visitors slowed to a trickle of late comers, and the sun slipped behind the mountains. Lord Selimnairus rose and walked up on the the stage. He spoke some strange words and sprinkled some kind of dust around the edge of the stage. The dust sprang into small candle-like multi-colored flames about a six inches tall where ever the dust touched the stage. When the entire stage, except a small space for access, was surrounded in the flames, he changed his chant, and threw the remaining dust into the air where it burst into a million sparks the hung suspended in the air like a firework frozen in time.

He then addressed the gathering: “Welcome all this most exciting, and short notice, fireside. Tonight we have the incredible honor to see and hear from a special guest who has come all the way from the fey wood.”

At this point the amphitheater erupted into clapping cheers and whistles of excitement. As the applause died down one area of benches up near the top continued to hoot, and holler, and whistle like band of banshees. As the entire audience turned to look, they could see several students trying desperately to cancel spell that had taken on a life of its own. The other students laughed as the students continued with increased desperation to silence the spell. Eventually Lord Selimnairus came to their rescue, and with a wave of his hand that entire section went silent.

With a smirk, Lord Selimnairus continued, “Yes we are all very excited to have Trell a faun of the Order of the Dervish here tonight. But before we give him the stage, Lady Karil has a few announcements to make.” He extended his hand and drew his wife to the stage.

“Students, friends, and guests, thank you for coming. I won’t bore you with any long speeches, but I would like to take this opportunity with all of you here to update you on some minor matters.” She proceeded to announce some class changes for the next semester, and some issue with food getting tainted with mischievous magic that was causing students to miss classes. She also reiterated that polymorph spells were not allowed on except in special controlled classes and supervised activities.
As she closed, there was still some laughter and general chatting as Lord Selimnairus helped her back off the stage, but once he returned to the center of the stage, the night went silent in anticipation.

“Now” said Lord Selimnairus in audible excitement, “I am honored to turn the stage over to Trell.”

The amphitheater erupted into cheering and applause, and several of the faculty stood prepared to silence any out of control spells. Every eye turned to Trell who just sat for a minute as if oblivious that it was his turn to do something.

The applause faded slowly, and still Trell sat with his eyes on something in his lap. When at last the sound of crickets and other night sounds were all that remained, Trell raised his pipes to his lips and began with a long tone that seemed to swell and diminish for nearly a minute. Then the note changed, and held strong for a short time. Then that note too slipped into another, and before long a melody began to form as the notes flowed up and down, faster and slower.

Then after a long note faded into silence, Trell waved his hand above his head, and was instantly outlined in a strange glow that did not illuminate or obscure anything, but outlined him in a swirling dance of color. He then rose and launched into a vigorous song dancing his way onto the stage. The entire gathering erupted into the cheers and clapping to beat beat as Trell danced and marched around the stage, and no matter how loud the applause the pipes could still be heard clearly by everyone.

He finished his dance with a tight spin on one hoof and a trilling note on his pipes. Then with a flourish his spin flowed into a bow and silence. Again the crowd erupted into applause and several people people spewed rose petals and feathers onto the stage while other sent sprays of sparks into the air popping and sparkling as they faded.

Trell walked about the stage waving and smiling and thanking the audience until the petals and the feathers had faded away, and the audience had quieted to a dull roar.
Finally Trell put the pipes back in a pouch on his belt and began to speak.

“Thank you all so much for the incredible welcome. I have never seen a group of this size, and certainly never been the guest of so much honor. Thank you all; and think you Lord Selimnairus and Lady Karil.” He paused for a minute for the applause to fade some.

“Let me start by sending you the greetings of the fey wood, Queen Cheveux de la Séquoia and Lord Chêne Defender of the Fey Wood. You honor the whole of the fey wood with the warmth of your greeting.”

Trell then bowed deeply as the applause again drowned out his voice. Soon he began again, “Lord Selimnairus and Lady Karil have told me that you all might like to hear a little about the fey wood. Are any of you interested?”

The resurgence of applause urged him on, “Well let me first tell you the sad tale of our dear queen Séquoia. She was born of dryad and an elf…” here Trell paused, and looked up at the audience, “Do you all know of dryads?”

The audience gave a mix of uncertain mumbling, cheers, and a few hesitant claps. He ventured again with, “How about nymphs? Anyone?” The mixed response told Trell he should elaborate.

“Okay, so the dryads and the nymphs are the epitome of female beauty and innocence. They live a the heart of the fey wood, and only allow themselves to be seen by other fey. Now the nymphs look much like your women here, only they don’t wear the long dresses, high collars, earnings and the like. They are all very beautiful and absolutely enchanting. I have never one that did not threaten to melt my heart with her beauty. I dare say a man unprepared would probably not survive an encounter with one, and would probably lie right down pass from this life from the joy of the sight.

“Dryads are not nearly as delicate, but unbelievably beautiful. They blend their soul with the very trees of the forest. Their skin is like the softest wood, lined with the swirls and grains of living woods. Their hair is rich and very thick, and I am not sure whether they actually grow leaves in their hair, or just decorate them that way, but they always have wreaths or strands of leaves, and both their hair and the leaves change colors with the seasons…”

Trell voice trailed off as he stared up into the stars. His momentary lapse was cut short as he said, “Oh don’t let me fool you, I have given my heart to a nymph, but the dryads have a deep beauty and strength that will stop a man in his tracks.”

Trell paused for a moment and then continued in sneaky tone, “So ladies, if your man ever strays into the fey wood without you, you better pray he doesn’t stray too far, because I don’t think a mortal man could survive meeting such a beauty; it would surely melt his heart, and relieve him of his desire to ever leave the forest, that is if he doesn’t die on the spot.”

Trell then returned to his grand voice, “So, back to Queen Séquoia. The legend goes that her mother, a beautiful red skinned dryad found a widowed elf lord and his young son wandering through the forest. Her curiosity drove her to show herself to the two, and it is said that the elf lord would have died on the spot if she had not been a healer, but her beauty stopped the elf lords heart and took his sight, and his son lost all desire to ever leave the wood. The dryad was so touched by the strength and purity of the elf’s heart and the love he had for his son, that she too fell in love with them. She and the elf lord were married, and soon thereafter Séquoia was born with all the beauty of her mother, and the strength of her father. She became the most powerful and wisest of the dryads.”

“But her life was not without sorrow, for her father died while she was still a young woman, and her mother went with him to the next world. Such is the fate of a dryad that falls in love with a mortal.”

“Young Séquoia turned her love and attention to the forest, and married a strong young faun, but their bliss was short lived as a skirmish with some wicked men left took his life. She went on to become Queen and Hamadryad, but she refuses to this day to give her heart again; so deep was her first love.”

“That young son of the elf lord, Chêne, grew up among the dryads, and became the greatest warrior the forest has ever seen. He was granted the title Defender of the Fey Wood and given command of its defenses shortly after Séquoia ascended to her throne.”

Trell let a little the crickets chirp three times then continue, “In fact these are the his legendary blades,” he said drawing out is swords, “given to me on the very night I said farewell to the fey wood. And that brings me to my own story.”

Before continuing, Trell took out his pipes again, and played another song. It was not so much a dancing song, but it was a diverse and flowing tune. It was haunting and ancient, and at the same time, fresh and energetic. The song lasted for several minutes, and then suddenly stopped as if if was unfinished.

“That” said Trell in a humble thoughtful tone, “Was the song that my father composed the night I was born. He always said that it was unfinished because I would have to write the ending.”

Trell changed tone and continued, “My parents were sheep and goat herders in the northern woods. The father was a great musician, and my mother was a dancer, so I grew up dancing, and singing, and playing pipes from the time I could walk. I often visited the great lake and played with the young nymphs and dryads, but it wasn’t until joined the The Dervish that I realized my heart was lost to me. I had given it to sweetest and most beautify nymph of the forest, Nénuphar”

He paused because a lump had suddenly choked off his throat, but he could not stop the tears from streaking his cheeks. He paused, took a deep breath, and continued, “Nénuphar was surely beyond my reach, but I visited every chance I could, until one day my worst fears came true. The elders of the forest had seen my affections, and began to fear I might take advantage of her like a cruel satyr. They offered us several very difficult options. In the end we chose the hard path. Nénuphar left to train as a druid, and I chose the path of the Pariah Volontaire, or voluntary exile, and learn of the world outside the forest.”

“I was escorted out of the forest by my fellow dervish, and met Chêne one last time. He gave me some good advice and encouraged me when my heart wavered.”

“But I left, and struggled my way across the desert to the ridge that extends through the middle of the desert.”

Someone near the front row yelled out, “Zelaea’s Spine.”

Trell nodded to the overeager young student, and continued, “I camped near Zelaea’s Spine following the road when one night I was jumped by men. I was able to fend them off, and that eventually lead me to meet Gabe, son of the Smiths, who some of you may know. Anyway, we went to meet Lord Tramere. He enlisted me to pay a visit here to Trá Magnon, and here I am.”

He bowed and the audience clapped and cheered, then rose to their feet and redoubled their applause. As they did so rose petals, and feathers, illusions of animals, lights of all colors, and every other visual and audible illusion that could be concocted danced around the stage. While they cheered Lord Selimnairus came up to stand beside Trell.
After a minute or so Trell whispered something into Lord Selimnairus raised his hands and cast a spell. All the other spells in the amphitheater were quickly doused except the flames along the edge of the stage.

Lord Selimnairus then announced to the audience that Trell had offered to answer any rather questions you might have about the fey wood or himself. Immediately several hands went up, but one hand near the back erupted with a shower of sparks.

Lord Selimnairus called on the sparkler who asked: “Is it true the the nymphs and dryads don't wear anything but leaves and flowers in their hair?”

Trell blushed a little at the question, and said, “Goodness no. That would not only be impractical, and embarrassing, but surely such beauty could only be endured inside the covenants of marriage. Any man, or even male fey, would surely be rendered blind or dead if he beheld such a sight with anything except a pure heart.”

Just as Lord Selimnairus was about to call on another student, Trell’s face brightened, and he spoke up again, “Since you asked, and I know how your young minds work,” he began in a devious kind of voice, “Let me describe for you how my Nénuphar often dressed.”

He waited just a moment, until the amphitheater was silent, and began. “When my beloved was young, her mother would cloth her in her namesake water lilies. As she grew she continued to follow the tradition. She often wore the white flowers in her hair and writes and feet, and around the trim of her clothing. But when she was traveling, or spending extended time away from the water, she would use more practical materials such as leaves, moss, and bark.”

He paused briefly pondering, then continue, “I suspect a bit of magic went into their coverings because it was always perfect. I never saw a flower wilt, or a leaf fall from place. But maybe that is just one of those mysteries we guys were never meant to know.”

Trell then turned to Lord Selimnairus who chose an older girl from the middle of the amphitheater. “What is a dervish?”

“Ah yes. Sorry, I should have explained that.” began Trell. “The term dervish is a general description of a something spinning or churning. For example you have all probably seen the air elementals spinning up little funnels of dust. We call those dust dervishes. Or, as you watch a stew boil and churn, we call that a dervish stew. Also, when someone is dancing or spinning wildly, we say they have become a dervish, or they are dancing like a dervish. But there is a special discipline in the forest defense called The Dervish. The Dervish are taught a style of fighting that looks much like a dance. It involves spinning, and leaping, and weaving in order to dodge and strike at an opponent. If you like I could demonstrate one of our practice routines?”

The audience broke out in scattered calls of approval, but Lord Selimnairus called out, “What do you think? Should would you like to see another performance by out guest?”
With that the entire audience cheered or clapped their approval. Trell again whispered something to Selimnairus and the stepped off the stage returning to his seat. Meanwhile Lord Selimnairus thanked everyone again for coming and reiterated that although it was late, classes would begin and daybreak, and everyone was expected to be there.
While Lord Selimnairus held the audiences attention, Trell quickly stepped over to Lady Karil to ask for some assistance. “Gabe tells me you are the greatest wizardess in the world, is that true?”

Lady Karil blushed a little, and said, “Well probably not the world, but can I help you with something?”

Trell continued, “I don’t have the right costume to do this dance right, but I was wondering if you conjure something up for me.”

“Ah a costume.” said Lady Karil. She then put her arm around her daughter who was sitting beside her, “Heather is the one you want for that.”

Heather listened intently as he described the costumes The Dervish would wear during performances. She smiled and assured him that she would take care of it. She then began drawing small components and objects from the pockets of her dress.

Trell returned to the stage, and conferred quietly with Lord Selimnairus for a minute, then took his starting stance at the back of the stage. When he was in place, all the lights around the stage suddenly went out, and a fire started in the fire pit. The change cast eerie flickering shadows on Trell and the stage around him.

He began with rapid tapping and kicking of his hoofs. As he did so, he shirt changed into a brightly colored, loose, silky shirt. A bright blue sash appears around his waist and his hooves turned to pure gold, and began to spark wildly as they beat out a rhythm on the stage. He advanced to one side and retreated, then to the other side and retreated, the right up the middle of the stage and retreated. All the while his hooves tapping a kicking at a feverish speed while his shoulders and arms moved smoothly and gracefully in an unhurried flowing arcs.

After a couple repetitions of this movement, his hoof beats changed to a less flashy style. They continued at a feverish pace, but the kicks stopped, and he appeared to be preparing to pounce. The fire dimmed, and the sparks around his feet diminished noticeable. He crossed his arms and brought them close in to his body gripping the hilts of his swords.

Then suddenly the entire stage erupted with light as he suddenly drew swords raising them high above his head. They flashed in the firelight, and streams of sparkles followed in their wake. The fire burned brighter than ever, his hooves again exploded in sparks and flourishing kicks, and all of his movements took on a surreal blurred look, as if the eyes of the audience could not keep up with the movements. He began to sway and duck and leap in to the air as if he were in a desperate fight for his life.

His movements and the beat of his hooves accelerated to an ever higher pitch. His swaying and dodging turned into lunges and springing assaults. The sparks from his hooves began to take the form of small fiery fauns dancing and lunging in unison. As the pitch of the dance accelerated Trell began slapping his swords together and against his arms and chest adding a thumping and ringing sound to the dance.

The audience was completely enraptured and could not move or look away. Their breathing accelerated and their muscles tensed and flexed to the beat of his hooves.
Then Trell went into a series of leaps and dives and rapid clanging and thumping. The audience held their breath waiting for something they knew was coming, but could not yet comprehend. Then Trell leapt high into the air with both swords raised. The fire and dancing sparks erupted in a flaming burst. Trell hit the stage with on knee, one hoofs and both swords at the same time. At that very moment all the sparks and fire exploded and went dark. Trell continued to glow for a brief moment until that too faded into darkness and silence. The entire amphitheater, including the crickets, were absolutely silent.

Then the small fires around the stage ignited as before the dance, and Trell bowed. The audience launched themselves to their feet and erupted in cheering, and shouting, and clapping like the valley had never heard. The stage was flooded with rose petals and feathers from all directions. Several of the young girls swooned into a faint. The sounds of elephants, dragons, lions, bears trumpeted into the night sky. Sparks and fireworks erupted from many places around the amphitheater, and Lord Selimnairus slowly climbed to the stage and shook Trell’s hand vigorously.

Trell bowed over and over again in all directions. He blew kisses and brandished his swords for several minutes as the air was filled with the thunderous applause.
Nearly a mile away, outside the gates of Trá Magnon, the city of No Magnon cowered in their homes and workshops waiting for some mentors beast to come bellowing down the valley and destroy them all.

Eventually, Lord Selimnairus was able to get his magically amplified voice to raise above the roar of the crowd. He thanked Trell, his wife, Heather, and the staff of the school for their assistance and dismissed the students to return to their dorms.

Trell remained trapped on the stage for several hours as he shook hands, showed off his swords, and kissed many brightly flushed cheeks. He showed off his horns and hooves and joined in short dances demonstrating moves, and explaining the meaning of the dance. He deferred many questions about the pyrotechnics and costume to Heather who gracious explained the spells used to create the various effects.

As the night wore on, Trell would pull out his pipes from time to time and give short dance and music lessons to various students. He danced with many of the girls and women including Lady Karil, Heather, and the very pregnant Salinthra.

It was well into the morning before the crowd began to tire. Many simply sat or laid down on the benches not wanting to leave, but eventually Lady Karil shoed them all off to bed and escorted Trell and Gabe back to her residence for a light snack and soft beds.

Trell - 4

Trell and gabe raced down the canyon pausing to rest their horses and splash in the river. When their horses tired they talked like old friends. Trell told him of life in the fey wood, about Nénuphar, and his choice to follow the path of the Pariah Volontaire, and what that meant. He told him of his trip through the desert, and Gabe named the cactus prickly pear and the barrel. He told Gabe of the ambush and then his adventure up to point where they met.

Gabe was full of questions about the fey wood, and especially about the fey creatures such as fairy dragons, nymphs, satyrs, nixies, pixies and the like. He wanted to go see the fey wood, but Trell would not even consider it. So eventually he began to tell Trell of his upbringing.

Gabe was born fourth of four boys. He parents ran a common blacksmith north of Trá Magnon near the Inn Between.

“The in-between?” asked Trell with a confused look on his face.

“Ya. It is an Inn about a mile north of Trá Magnon near the junction of the north and east roads” said Gabe. “Its full name is The Inn at the Center of the World, but somehow it got the nickname the Inn Between.”

“Anyway” he said. “My older brothers were trained as blacksmiths, and there just wasn’t room for me in the forge. I carried a lot of heavy rocks and metal bits, back and forth to the gnomes down in No Magnon, and I even did most of the sweltering of raw iron into molten metal, but I never got the chance to do the real shaping.”

He described his life as a general purpose porter carrying everything imaginable from the Inn Between to the city. He described some the travelers that met, and told Trell some crazy stories, some of which might be true. But it was when Gabe starting talking about Lady Karil and her two daughters they he really lit up.

“The Lady Karil is the nicest and most powerful woman in the world.” he said, “and she is so beautify. But her daughters are like the moon and stars. They light up the world like daisies and… well, they are so pretty it makes it hard to breath around them. Its almost like time stops, and the air is sucked right out of you lungs.”

He tried many more times to do justice to their beauty in words, but never could quite express what was in his heart. Eventually Trell moved his attention along to where Gabe left home.

“Oh yes” began Gabe, “Well it actually has to do with Sal, thats short for Salanthra; well since Heather went off and got married that Astin boy, she wasn’t around much. But I tried to talk to Sal any time I saw her, and she would often smile. Well one day, I was waiting to pick up a package, and she was hanging out with some other girls and guys, I was just sitting there enjoying my time watching her, when one of the guys came over. He talked like he would to a child. And, well he said that unless ran off and slayed a dragon or something there was no way she was going to ever go on a date with her. She was just not interested in simple porter.” By this time Gabe was talking so fast he began to stutter a bit, but he clearly needed to share this, and Trell was satisfied hearing the tale.

“Now I wasn’t hurting anyone, and I wasn’t even thinking to ask her on a date. I was just watching. And, well I would love to, but… but I don’t know why they had to such mean things. I played it cool like that was okay, but it wasn’t. It just wasn’t right that because I wasn’t rich or a mage that I couldn’t even be friends with her. So that night I found an old sword and decided to learn how to slay a dragon. And it was kind of strange because I really liked all the different weapons. It was like I never noticed how much I liked swinging swords and throwing spears. I killed a couple deer, and my mother was awful proud, but I couldn’t forget how rude they were, so one day I heard that Lord Tramere was hiring, I went. My mom seemed kind of sad, but both she and my pa said it would be good for me. And you know when I worked in the dungeon at Tramere Keep I played with all kinds of stuff. I even got good at stuff while wearing armor.”

Gabe finally stopped to take a few well deserved breaths. Trell just waited to if he was still going or had really talked himself out. They both noticed that they had come out of the canyon into the rolling hills. The road had left the river before it dipped into a narrow ravine, and it suddenly ran right into the east road and stopped. They turned west and down a slope to the river, then back up the other side. When they reached the top they stopped to take a look around. The land before them was dry, and it seems that only sage, cactus and a few other meager plants could survive. It was still couple hours to sunset, but they decided to camp by the river for the night, and make sure their water skins were full before they started out across the desert.

They spent some time skinny dipping in the shallow river, and swapped battle tips. Trell showed Gabe how to use the smaller curved blades to strike sensitive spots, and Gabe showed off his prowess by slaying a large cactus with a single blow of his huge two handed greatsword. They at some dinner, did stupid things with their fire. They burned everything they could lay their hands on, and stayed up well past dark. It was like two teenage friends out on a summer campout away from the adults for the first time. They both slipped deep that night and woke up pretty sore from the long ride the day before.

That day they just walked the horses, and chatted until it got too hot to talk. They frivolously drank most of their water, and finally camped in a dry wash.
In the morning Gabe told Trell that they should be able to reach the next river sometime that afternoon. It was another scorching hot day and they stopped about midday to try to eat some of a barrel cactus, but it was more sticky that wet, and tasted terrible. The dried fruits and meats in their packs helped get the taste out of their mouth, but they were very glad when they finally reach the river. It was no larger than than the last river, but it revived their spirits and filled their water skins. Gabe said that it was only a day and a half to Trá Magnon from there, and the last several miles were along another little river. They stayed up late again as Gabe tried to explain the crazy streets of No Magnon and the beautify gardens of Trá Magnon. It was impossible for Trell to comprehend piles of broken machines, and four story buildings, but he thought the gardens sounded nice.

The next day they again drained their water skins, but were able to reach the next river before sunset. The following day they passed the huge Astin Keep with its towers and stone walls, its multi-colored windows, and the strange lights and sounds that occasionally erupted from nowhere. They were drawing close to the feet of the mountains when the road abruptly ended into another well travelled and broad road that ran north and south.

Gabe talked Trell into going up to his families house to spend the night. It was dark by the time they arrived, but his mother acted like he had returned from the dead. She hugged him and kissed him, and commented on how much he had grown, and how strong he looked. When she saw Trell walk in, she gasped staring at his legs and hooves. Gabe explained that Trell was a Faun and had come from the fey wood to see the world. She welcomed him, and although she stayed at arms length, she was kind.

The dinner table was humble but well stocked with bread, meat, and vegetables which were shared with them generously. Gabe learned that his father and two of his brothers had taken sick the previous winter, and passed away. His oldest brother, Aaron, who now ran the forge, shared the meal with them as well. He had lost his wife to the illness as well. Trell helped lift the mood by telling them of life in the fey wood, and playing songs on his pipes, but it was the apple pie for dessert that really lightened the mood, and soon they were singing the songs while Trell played. They stayed up late again that night, but there were plenty of beds, and they were much better than the hard burning sands of the desert.

Gabe’s mother made them breakfast and a nice lunch of sandwiches and apples for their trip into town. Gabe’s brother walked with them to the crossroads on his way the Astin Keep to deliver some strange metal objects. He inquired about their plans, and offered to take them both as apprentices if they would stay around for a year. They both found the idea intriguing, and promised to think about it.

Leaving Gabe’s brother at the crossroads they raced south toward the river. The road weaved among hills and slowly descended until they climb one last rise where they could see the river below them and No Magnon beyond.

To Trell’s eyes this was an absolutely alien world. The near side of the river had some ordinary looking buildings like the one Gabe’s family lived it and a whole town of tents, but the far side immediately gave way to mounds and hills of metallic trash. There were large wheels broken or abandoned sticking out of a pile of metal the size of a horse. There were pits that looked like bomb craters, there were long linked wooden and metallic forms. As they wound their way through the piles of trash they also found many strange shapes partially built. They passed towers that that were a hundred feet high, and barely big enough to fit inside. There was a squash building that was made of a metal frame four stories high. The walls, where there were walls, were made of wood, metal, cloth, and bushes. The highest level seemed to still be under construction because it was barley more than occasional pillars of metal reaching toward the sky; some of them were connected at the top making rectangular frames, and some were lone fingers that seemed to sway in the breeze.

Among all of this seeming chaos were hordes of small, large nosed creatures, that Gabe called gnomes. They had high squeezing voices, and were always in a hurry. Many of them wore metal rings over their eyes or had metal dangling from their face and ears. Some wore robes, some wore pants, some wore rags, but all of them were brightly colored, and none of them seemed to match the colors of their one garment to another. It was the most unnatural, and unsettling place Trell could have ever imagined, and he was anxious move past it.

The road through No Magnon followed a small creek up a gently sloping value toward the mountains. About a half mile up the road the came to a great gate and wall that seemed to have a deep blue glowing haze over it. The gate itself was about fifteen feet high, and very well made. It was metal twisted and bent into the shape of vines over a grate of stronger metal bars. On either side of the gate were towers slightly taller than the gate. They were flat at the top about twenty feet in diameter and had a nice gazebo like roof. Each tower had a robed person sitting in the gazebo reading from a book.

There was also a gaggle of gnomes standing or sitting near the gate. Many of them hand arms full of brightly colored cloth, or strange metal devices, or magical floating or shining devices. Some were dressed in new clothes, others in rags, but all of them were being ignored by the watchmen on the towers.

As they approached, Gabe called out to the watchers, “Ho there. We have a message for Lady Karil. Open the gates.” The two watchers, a young girl and an older boy looked up from their books. The boy cast a spell toward the gate the blue haze pulled back and the gate began to swing inward.

All the gnomes were immediately on their feet calling to be let in as well. Some of them claiming to be with the horsemen, others promising gifts or money. They seemed hesitant to approach the gate as Trell and Gabe rode in, but couple of them got up courage and dashed past the horses. The watchers seem to have been ready for this, and each cast a spell causing the two gnomes to float into the air, and back out of the gates. Once Gabe and Trell where through the gates slowly closed and the haze returned sending loud snapping sparks and the gnomes that were too close.

The boy called down to Gabe telling him that Lady Karil would be at Mag le Estu, and asked if he knew where that was. Gabe answered in the affirmative and urged his horse on as both watchers stared in amazement at Trell.

Tramagnon was stark change from the chaos of No Magnon; it had well manicured hedges, and lawns, pathways wound through the lawns, and crossed the creek in beautify arching metal bridges. There were many kinds of trees, and up on the ridges on either side of the creek were beautiful delicate looking buildings. Some were large fancy homes, others instructional buildings, and others seemed to be dorms.

The paths and parks were mostly empty as they climbed up through the valley, but occasionally a student could be seen walking, reading, scurrying to class. They seldom noticed the two visitors, but those that did, stopped to stare at Trell.

Arriving at the Mag le estu main building they found a tall kind looking woman in a long red velvet dress. the sleeves extended all the way down her arms and covered much of the back of her hands. She had long brown hair, and freckles scattered across much of her nose and cheeks. Her expression was pleasant and warm as they approached and dismounted.

“Welcome Gabe.” she said with a small curtsy. “We have missed your visits these last three years. I hope all is well with you and your family.”

Gabe bowed and replied with a sad tone. “Thank you my lady. I have only just returned from an extended absence, but sadly my family is much diminished. My father and two brothers passed away last winter, but my mother and brother Aaron are well.”

“That is very sad.” said Lady Karil. “Please take my condolences to your mother.”

“I will my Lady, and how is your family?” asked Gabe.

“Thank you for asking.” said Lady Karil. “They are all well. My oldest daughter is now expecting her second child, but my sweet Heather is still unattached.” After a warm smile she added, “She teaches many of my classes now, but if I could persuade you stay for dinner I am sure she would be pleased to see you.”

Gabe blushed and stammered a brief, “Thank you. I hope we can.”

He then looked to Trell who smiled, but before he could reply, Gabe broke in a little embarrassed, “Oh wait! I am sorry, let me introduce you. Lady Karil, this is Trell of the fey wood. Trell this is Lady Karil, Wizardess of Zelaea, Master Mage of Trá Magnon, ….”

Lady Karil broke in suddenly, “Thats okay Gabe, Lady Karil is plenty.”

Trell bowed deeply and said, “My Lady, I am honored to meet you.”

“And I likewise.” Said Lady Karil, “It is so rare to receive visitors from the fey wood, I am anxious to hear news.” she curtsies to Trell and continued, “…but let us not get ahead of ourselves. You have come here with a purpose. So, what can I do for you?”

“My Lady Karil.” said Trell. “Gabe and I bring a message for you from Lord Tramere.” handing her the sealed letter.

“Well, lets see what Lord Tramere has to say” she said as she broke open the letter.

She read through the letter, and continued, “It seems that Lord Tramere wants to hold a party… and he wants me to bring lots of other people. Well, we shall have to think about this.”

“But in the meanwhile,” she continued. “I must hear all about you Trell. Would you walk with me to see Lord Selimnairus?”

Gabe and Trell both responded, “Sure.”

Lady Karil took the round about path through the valley so she could give them the full tour of the three schools. Needless to say they created quite a stir among the students, and as classes ended the students began to spread all kinds of rumors about the strange visitor that had come to the school. By the time they reached Mag le So to where Lord Selimnairus was teaching, they had a large entourage, and began to disturb the classes still in session.

Lord Selimnairus came out to meet them, thinking there was some kind disturbance on campus, he curious and surprised to see Lady Karil and her guests. She introduced Trell and Gabe, and let him read the invitation from Lord Tramere. The letter made him frown, but he quickly set it aside, and inquired about the large crowd milling about.

“Oh the students are just curious.” said Lady Karil.

“Undoubtedly you gave our guests a tour the ENTIRE campus?” he asked suspiciously.

“Of course” came Lady Karil’s cheerful answer.

“Well then,” continued Lord Selimnairus “what should we do about the large crowd that you have collected?”

“I was thinking that we might invite our guest to dinner, and beg him present a guest fireside where we could invite the students to hear the story of a Pariah Volontaire?” said Lady Karil batting her eyes expectantly at her husband.

“Well…” said Lord Selimnairus, “that seems like the right course of action. I too am curious to hear the tale.”

Then turning to Trell he asked, “Would you be willing to stay for dinner, and tell your story to the whole student body tonight at a fireside after?”

Trell turned to Gabe to see what he thought, and Lady Karil quickly added, “And Gabe I hope you know, it goes without saying that you are invited as well.” She then raised her hand as if to deflect objections that might come from either of them, and said, “We will of course send a messenger to invite your mother and brother as well.”

With no possible reason not to accept, Trell graciously accepted, and Gabe nodded his agreement.

Lord Selimnairus_ then turned to Lady Karil and asked, “Sweetheart, do you have and more classes today?”

“No.” she answered, “Heather has them all well in hand.”

“Then would you take the lead on planning the dinner and fireside?” said Lord Selimnairus, “I have a full day of classes.”

“Certainly.” she responded.

Then Lord Selimnairus turned to the crowd, that was trying hard not to act like they were hanging on every word of the conversation, and said, “Everyone can I have your attention?”

The students quieted and turned full attention to the head master.

“Students, Lady Karil is going to organize a fireside tonight and our distinguished guest has agreed to speak. So tell all the other students, but for now, get back to you studies.”

Lord Selimnairus waved his hand and the crowd dispersed a hundred different directions buzzing like a bunch of honey bees. He then returned to his class, and Lady Karil took the two visitor to lunch. It was a strange lunch of strawberry flavored mash and apples.

After lunch Trell gracious modeled for one of the anatomy and physiology classes begin taught by a very fat gnome, and then Trell and Gabe lounged in the gardens and chatted with some of the brave students that wandered past. For dinner Lady Karil guided them to her private residence where they ate with her family, including her son-in-law Thane Astin his very pregnant Salinthra and baby.

They talked a lot with Gabe and reminisced about old days, who married who, and the general goings on since Gabe had left. They also talked about some other happenings in the No Magnon where the gnomes continued to build larger and more ambitious projects, most of which failed or crashed, adding the to the piles of wrecked metal. There had been some effort to organize the paths through the junk into regular streets, but the failed machines and experiments where constantly blocking roads, and no one seemed interested in clearing them out unless they could use the pieces in their next grand creation. So, the streets quickly reverted to the random trails through the junk.

Trell - 3

He awoke to the sound of a trumpet in the middle of the night, but quickly remembered where he was, and waited to see if any of the other men got up. When none else got out of their bunks he rolled over to sleep some more. He was immediately asleep, and woke at the dawn trumpet as the other men began to stumble out of bed.


“Morning, piped up a cheerful Gabe. “Wow you were tired. Either that or you just passed out from my endless talking. Either way, its grub time. Come on.”

Trell began to put on his weapon belt, but Gabe stopped him, taking the time as they walked to explain that weapons were discourage at meals. “People sometimes get into fights” he whispered, “So the commander ‘asked’ us not bring weapons to meals.” With a wink he fell silent long enough to inhale a good size bowl of mushy something, and a slab of meat. Trell found the mush mostly tasteless, and gave the meat to Gabe who ate it in two quick bites. One advantage to such a voracious appetite was that he couldn't talk with such large mouthfuls.

Trell looked around the large room as he ate. The were in a large building, but there were only the outer walls and roof of the structure. One end of the structure was a kitchen with various fires and stoves, the other end was filled with tables and chairs while between the two was a long counter that functioned as a serving area.

As he explored the building with his eyes, a man came up to Trell and in a formal voice said, "You will report to Commander Gray when you are finished. He will be found in the staging area at the top of the ramp."

Just then Gabe swallowed a massive bite and drained the huge mug in front of him. "Well I guess I get to share your company for a short while longer. I am headed to the same place to start my assignment."

Gabe persuaded Trell that they should collect their gear on the way to the staging area because they would not be allowed to go ack for it once orders were given.

Back at their bunks, Trell found his pack, swords, and staff as he had left them under his bed. Gabe too began retrieving things from under his bed. There was his massive greatsword, which he strapped to his back, there was one of those strange bows, except this one was almost twice the size of the ones Trell had seen the other men carrying (Gabe called this a crossbow), this he also slung onto his back with a quiver of arrows. There was a traveling cloak that seemed to be treated with something that made it stiff (and waterproof Gabe explained). There was a handful of small trinkets that Gabe slipped into a belt pouch, explaining that they were gifts from his family back home. Then to Trell's surprise Gabe strapped on another weapon belt that had another normal sized sword and a long dagger. Then just when Trell thought Gabe couldn't possibly carry any more, he pulled out a large metal shield that probably weighed as much as Trell did. This he slung over the top of his greatsword and crossbow.

After strapping on his own weapon belt Trell lifted his pack onto one shoulder, and grabbed his staff. Gabe immediately spoke up. "Oh no. You don't need the pack. They will have a fresh one waiting for you at the staging area. You can just leave that on on your bunk, and someone will collect it after you are gone."

Not willing to leave everything, Trell put the two pouches on his belt, and put his two good waterskins in his smaller bag which he slung on his back.
"There you go. Beamed Gabe, "Now you look perfect."

As they walked toward the ramp, Gabe made a point of telling Trell that generally the men don't keep their own cloaks, but his father had waterproofed his, and it was hard finding one large enough for him.

At the top of the ramp there were a large number of men, some loading horses, and wagons, others handingn out packs, and the rest seemed to be preparing for whatever they had been assigned.

Commander Gray was also there and had a small wooden board with papers on it. As they approached he barked out, "Gabe, you are late! get moving." He pointed to a man that was holding the reigns of two horses, and barked again, "Move it!".

As Trell came up to him, he used a softer tone, but with the same sternness, "Trell, we can't allow this kind of dilly dallying, you have got to report on time."

Sheepishly Trell replied, "Yes sir."

"Your assignment is there" he said pointing to the same man to which Gabe had been assigned. You are to deliver this letter..." he turned looking for something then called out, "Spack!" to which a short beanpole of a man replied.

"Here sir."

"Where is that letter?" Commander Gray demanded.

"The man came jogging to the commander and handed him a folded piece of paper that had some hardened blue goo holding it closed.

Turning again to Trell he continued, "... to Lady Karil of Tra Magnon. Don't open it, don't fold it, don't damage it." He turned back to Spack for moment before Lord Tramere came striding up, and addressed them both.

"Trell, one thing with that letter." he said, "I want you to deliver that message to Lady Karil yourself. Do not let anyone one else deliver it, but make sure she reads it."

He then lowered his voice as if being secretive, "If her husband get his hands on it, he will destroy it for sure."

Placing his hand on Trells shoulder he repeated, "Karil's eyes only. Right!?" Trell felt that same dizzy sleepiness as he heard himself repeat, "Karil's eyes only."

He blinked his eyes several times as he walked over to Gabe and the man holding the horses.

"No way!" blurted on Gabe. "Where are you going?"

"Tragnon." Trell mispronounced.

"You men Tra Magnon?" offered Gabe.

"Yah, thats it", replied Trell, comming to himself, "Some lady named Karil."

"No way!" replied Gabe, "The Lady Karil?"

"I guess", said Trell.

Excitedly Gabe lost all control of his tongue, "Lady Karil, the Queen of Magic, the Beautiful Sorceress, the Enchantress of Keltorin, the..."

Trell had to break in, "Whoa, slow down. I don't know if she is all those, but just that she is Lord Tramere's sister."

"Yup, that's her", Gabe said, his eyes glowing. "I have only met her once, but I would loooove to go with you. I would give anything. Pleeeese let me go with you."

Trell raised an eyebrow as he tried to cool his friend. "Well as I understand it... " Trell hesitated, "Lady Karil... is... married, right?"

"Oh yes, she is. And Selimnairus is a great guy too." Gabe replied. Then he lowered his voice and leaned close to Trell, "Actually they have these two daughters..."

Trell exploded in laughter, and he looked around to see if anyone else had overheard the deep dark secret. The man holding the horsed couldn't help but smile briefly before looking away and regaining control of his composure. Gabe, in the mean time, had red splotches on his arms, neck, and face and he ducked his head to hide his embarrassment.
"Well I don't mind if you come" offered Trell.

Neither of them spoke as they were each assigned a pack that included rations, cloak, bedroll, crossbow, and a sword and dagger on a weapon belt. The elements they didn't need were recorded on a piece of paper that Spack was holding as he came around to make sure everything was in order. Trell had no interest in the crossbow or extra weapon belt, but found plenty of room to put his small pack inside the larger one assigned to him. Trell and Gabe each tied their packs on the back of a saddled horse, and climbed on.

Trell had been trained in riding horsed, but with a saddle he found it much easier, and was pretty sure that anyone with or without training could probably ride this way. Gabe surprised him and nearly fell off before he had even sat in the saddle. He did not look very comfortable, and began to look around as if there might be some alternative to riding. On top of that, the horse seemed just as uncomfortable and Gabe.

Trell climbed off and showed Gabe how to get familiar with the horse so that both of the could be more comfortable. The second time Gabe climbed up on the horse both he and the horse were settled and the event went much better, though not without a fair bit of shuffling and reshuffling by both the horse and Gabe.

As Gabe and his horse were settling down a man walked up to Trell and extended his hand, "Welcome to the garrison. Sorry for the misunderstanding."

Look found himself looking down at Auth. The hand extended was his repaired hand, and when he shook it, it was as strong as it ever had been.

Trell nodded, but was unable to manage a smile, and watched in a stunned silence as he walked back to the other three men that Trell recognized from yesterday's march.

Gabe finally settled down, and asked, "So what happened between you two? Yesterday I thought was going to kill you for sure."

Trell responded in an offhand matter-of-fact tone. "Oh, he tried to kill me, and I returned the favor." He then gave his horse a bit of a kick and started down the ramp.

Gabe's eyes went wide with amazement, but he soon recovered and followed.

At the bottom of the ramp Trell called out to the guards behind the gate, "Which way to Tragnon?"

One of the guards answered absently, "'cross the river and take a right."