Chapter 1

Garth Shado and Baron Stikman walked through the corridors of the castle in Herinak, the capital of Korocca. Their discussion was centered on the best use of the Occan lancers during the coming war, but a familiar voice distracted Garth. With a silent hand motion to suspend the conversation, Garth turned and walked out onto one of the balconies overlooking the city. The baron nodded and followed. On the balcony Kalina was discussing magic with Sigfrid, the Royal Sorcerer of Korocca. The two mages were so engrossed in their discussion, that they did not notice the two men entering the balcony.

"I do not think we have the power necessary to fight whatever is in the Forest of Death," stated Kalina. "That forest is not simply enchanted by a mage. There is a far greater power involved."

"But that is the only way that we will get troops to the cities of the Federation," argued Sigfrid. "If we cannot gain passage through the Forest of Death, Occan lancers will not be involved in the coming war."

"There is truth in that statement," interjected Baron Stikman. "I have just been discussing that very point with Garth."

The two mages turned with surprise at having company, but Kalina shook her head.

"The way to the Federation cities is through the Sands of Eternity," Kalina insisted.

"How?" questioned Sigfrid.

"I do not know," sighed Kalina, "but I am sure of it. You must trust me on this."

"Trust her," stated Garth Shado. "She was told by the Mage that our path must traverse the desert."

"The Mage?" scoffed Sigfrid. "You seek to win an argument with fairy tales? If the Mage ever did exist, it was so long ago that no one remembers."

"Need I remind you that fairies do exist?" retorted Kalina.

Garth smiled at his wife's reply and walked to the railing to gaze upon the city below.

"Even if I grant you the thought that the Mage might still exist," countered Sigfrid, "surely he would not give counsel to the likes of you and me. Such a supreme being would only associate with the world's greatest masters. I am sorry, Kalina, but I cannot advise the king to follow a path based upon such statements as you are offering me."

Kalina was about to offer a retort to the Royal Sorcerer when she heard the sharp intake of Garth's breath. She turned away from Sigfrid and glanced down towards the city.

"K'san," spat Garth.

Kalina scanned the crowd in the square below until she spotted the large black priest. Two black-cloaked mages flanked K'san.

"What is the matter?" Baron Stikman asked as he sensed the concern in Garth's voice.

"The tall black man below is a demonkin," answered Garth.

"And the two men flanking him are mages," added Kalina. "How did they get here?"

"And what do they want?" mused Garth. "Surely, they cannot expect to find followers of Balmak up here in Korocca."

"Demonkin?" questioned Sigfrid. "Is such a thing possible? I thought those possessed by demons were nothing more than babbling fools."

Just then K'san looked up and saw the four people looking down on him. His lips curled upward as he spoke quickly to the men next to him.

"Not these ones," replied Kalina. "They have been created to further Alutar's desires. Raise some shields!"

The words were barely out of Kalina's mouth when a bolt of lightning smashed down on the balcony. A brilliant flash outlined the transparent shield that Kalina had erected, and Baron Stikman swore as he shielded his eyes against the blinding flare.

"I have a shield up now," declared Sigfrid. "You can drop yours, Kalina."

Kalina dropped her shield and sent a fireball at the three mages below. As the fireball impacted, it showed three strong shields surrounding the three men in the square.

"They are well shielded," frowned Sigfrid. "We will not get through such protection."

Citizens cried out in alarm as they realized that a magical battle was taking place. People in the square scattered, seeking refuge wherever they could find it. Baron Stikman leaned over the railing and shouted orders to the soldiers below.

"Call them back," Garth warned the baron. "K'san will not yield to your lances and swords."

"We shall see about that," scowled the baron as two riders rode out through the castle gate.

One of the black-cloaked mages saw the horsemen approaching. He unleashed a fireball that blasted one of the riders from his saddle. The other rider managed to close the distance before the mages could react. He lowered his lance and drove it straight into the chest of K'san, but the lance merely splintered. K'san raised his hand towards the charging rider, and man and horse flew sideways into a building.

"No man can withstand a lance hit like that!" Baron Stikman exclaimed.

"K'san is no normal man," Garth replied. "His skin is akin to rock."

"They have no physical shields," Kalina commented calmly. "Their arrogance might be their undoing."

Three simultaneous bolts of lightning smashed into Sigfrid's shield and Kalina saw the Royal Sorcerer nearly stumble from the strain of the impact.

"Where is Tedi?" asked Garth.

"He went with Natia and the Royal Stablemaster to an Occan ranch outside the city," answered Kalina. "His staff will be of no use to us today."

Kalina threw a fireball at K'san and immediately followed it with a lightning bolt. Neither spell had any effect except to jolt the shields of the three mages. Three more lightning bolts slammed into Sigfrid's shield and the Royal Sorcerer dropped to one knee with a grimace.

"We should retreat," gasped Sigfrid.

"No," Garth quickly replied. "Kalina take over the shield. Do not waste energy on attacking them, but stay here and keep their attention. Baron, get some archers on the roofs and aim only at the black-cloaks. Do not waste arrows on K'san."

"What are you doing?" Kalina asked with concern as she took over Sigfrid's shield.

"I am going after K'san," answered Garth. "Keep him distracted."

"You will barely scratch him," warned Kalina.

"A scratch is all I need," Garth smiled thinly as he patted his quiver of myric quills.

Kalina tried to object, but Garth was already gone. She sighed as three more bolts of lightning slammed into her shield.

"You cannot stay here and distract them," warned Sigfrid as he rose to his feet. "Another triple bolt will destroy your shields."

"Regain your strength," instructed Kalina. "I will be fine, but when Garth gets into position, you will need to take over the shields again. I must aid him when the time comes."

Baron Stikman alternated between shielding his eyes from the glare and watching the progress of his men. K'san noticed the archers getting into position, and he sent lightning bolts to each of the rooftops. Bodies flew through the air as the archers were destroyed before they could release a single arrow. Baron Stikman cursed as the remaining archers fled from the rooftops.

"Don't think about Garth," Kalina warned softly as another triple blow impacted her shield. "K'san is trying to read our minds. That is probably how he knew about the archers."

"You can't be serious?" scoffed the baron.

"Listen to her," Sigfrid said as another triple bolt hit Kalina's shield without significantly weakening it. "Her power and knowledge is far greater than I thought. We would be dead now if we were depending on my shields alone." Turning to Kalina respectfully, he continued, "Let me know when to take over the shield."

Kalina merely nodded as her eyes scanned the streets below for Garth. Another trio of lightning bolts slammed into Kalina's shields before she spotted her husband. Garth slid out the front door of an inn and dashed to the cover of a large tree behind the three mages.

"Now, Sigfrid!" Kalina said anxiously. "Put everything into it."

Trusting the Koroccan mage to act quickly, Kalina dropped her shield and stretched her arms towards the square below. As three lightning bolts slammed into Sigfrid's shield, two powerful, continuous streams of fireballs soared from Kalina's hands. The magical projectiles blasted the shields around the black-cloaks, but not K'san.

"You are missing the big one," warned Baron Stikman.

The shields surrounding the Federation mages glowed brightly in the shape of a butterfly as Kalina continued her attack on the black-cloaks. Garth raced forward and swung his sword hard at K'san's back. Expecting the sword to rebound as if it had hit a rock, Garth was surprised when the blade sliced deeply into the priest. K'san cried out in pain, and his shield dissipated. As soon as K'san's shield fell, Kalina's streams of fireballs punched through the remaining shields and struck the black-cloaks. The two lesser mages flew backwards, their bodies burning brightly, as their screams roared through the square. K'san turned slowly to stare at Garth Shado with disbelief. Even though it was obvious that the priest was dying, Garth swung his sword again. The blade easily sliced through K'san's neck, and the priest's head toppled to the ground before his body slowly followed.

"Blessed steed!" remarked Sigfrid. "I have never witnessed such power. Their shields did not weaken at all. You just punched right through them."

"I thought a sword would not harm that creature?" frowned Baron Stikman as he gazed at the carnage in the square.

Kalina frowned in agreement until she remembered the words of Fakir Aziz. Suddenly, she realized what the second spell was that the Mage had bestowed upon the swords of the Alceans. "Garth carries no ordinary sword," she declared. "It has been enhanced by the Mage."

Sigfrid glanced at Kalina with wonder. "I must talk to you about the Mage," he said reverently. "I suspect that I have much to learn from you."

"We will discuss much," Kalina promised, "but now it is imperative to secure this city. Baron, you need to identify all foreigners in Herinak and then discover how those mages managed to get here. Their presence here is disturbing. I will be in Sidney's suite."

Kalina glanced once more at the square and saw Garth heading for the castle. She turned and left the balcony and headed for Sidney's suite. When she arrived, she found Sidney, Queen Romani, King Myer, and General Skye discussing the patriot movements in their homelands. From the way they casually noted her entrance, Kalina realized that they were unaware of the magical battle that had just taken place outside. She filled a glass with water and sank into a soft chair as the others continued their conversation. A few moments later, Garth entered the suite and sat to clean his sword.

"What happened?" asked Sidney Mercado.

"K'san and two Federation mages showed up in the city," explained Garth. "It would appear that they are spreading everywhere. We ended their Herinak tour earlier than they would have liked."

"Their arrival in Herinak was no coincidence," retorted Kalina. "They were here to kill us."

Garth looked questioningly at his wife. "How would they even know what we look like?"

"I am not sure," Kalina admitted, "but I am sure of their purpose. They did not choose to strike just any balcony in the castle. Their spells were aimed at me, even when Sigfrid held the shields. K'san recognized me. I could feel it."

"That makes no sense." Garth frowned.

"Unless the K'sans have a herd memory," mused Kalina. "That thought has been nagging me since the temple attacks in Alcea. They certainly have some method of communications that defy reason. It would explain a lot about them."

"The K'san I just killed stared at me before he died." Garth nodded. "His gaze gave me an eerie feeling. I think it is time for us to be moving on. We accomplish nothing by staying here in Herinak."

"I concur," Kalina agreed. "We still have not visited Valdo or Despair, and the time for saving the elven children is fast approaching. I would also like to spend some time in the Sands of Eternity."

"The desert?" questioned Garth. "What on earth for?"

"Something Fakir said to me," Kalina replied vaguely. "Did you happen to notice the effect of your sword on K'san?"

"How could I not?" replied Garth. "Has the nature of K'sans changed?"

"No," answered Kalina. "The nature of your sword has changed. It is the Mage's second spell. We need to inform the others. I suspect their blades are likewise enchanted."

"That is what the fairies are for." Garth nodded.

"There was a fairy message just a while ago," interjected Sidney. "King Arik says that he thinks they have found all of the Doors. He asks that we find their counterparts on this continent."

"That is a tall order." Garth frowned. "How does he expect us to find a couple of dozen doors in this vast land?"

"He did not say," replied Sidney, "but he is concerned about the nature and timing of the attacks on Alcea. Perhaps you should view the message yourself."

The merchant stuck his finger in his pocket and stirred a fairy to life. The tiny woman poked her blue head out of the pocket and beamed when she saw Alexander Tork. She leaped out of the pocket and hovered over the table. When Garth nodded his assent, the fairy cast an image above the table. The image resolved into a view of the library in the Royal Palace in Tagaret. King Arik and Queen Tanya were prominent in the image and a dozen other advisers were also present. The group stood around a table with a map spread over it, and the map had two-dozen coins placed upon it. Garth stared at the map as the king spoke.

"We now know the locations of twenty-four Doors in Alcea," King Arik said. "I suspect that we have found them all, but that knowledge by itself is insufficient to develop a proper defense. If we assume that all Doors will be used simultaneously, a quarter of a million men will be streaming into Alcea around our four most important cities. With foreknowledge of the attacks, we might inflict heavy losses on the enemy, but we will be spread too thin to win. Worse, they might send all of their men to one city at a time. If that happens, Alcea is surely lost. It is imperative that you locate the Doors on your end. By doing so, you can keep us informed of troop movements and how they are planning to assemble for the attack. We need as much information as you can provide to help us survive this coming storm."

"Also," Queen Tanya interjected, "if they all do attack one city, destroying the Doors after they come here will prohibit them from going back to use other Doors to get to another of our cities."

"Right," agreed King Arik. "That will leave them fighting on our side of the portals and they will not have the supplies they need to survive. Find those Doors, Alex."

The vision winked out and Garth frowned in concentration.

"Alex?" asked General Skye. "Who is Alex?"

"I am," answered Garth. "Our real names are Alexander and Jenneva Tork. As our names were well known to the forces of Balmak, we have traveled under assumed names. Garth and Kalina are merely the names we are using at the moment."

"Why don't they just destroy some of the Doors?" asked Sidney. "Wouldn't that limit the number of troops they have to fight?"

"It would," Garth nodded, "but it presents other problems. As soon as the Alceans destroy a single Door, the Federation will know that we are aware of the portals. I think that secrecy of the Doors is the only thing forestalling a full attack on the horse countries. We cannot afford that. If the Federation conquers Zarocca and Korocca, there will be no attack on this continent to destroy the Federation's home base."

"It will also prompt the Federation to send more Doors to Alcea," added Kalina, "and our people will not know the locations of the new ones."

"What about moving some of them?" asked Natia.

Everyone turned to see that Tedi and Natia had entered the room.

"We need to pay better attention to our own security," scowled Garth. "We are getting lax."

"What do you mean, Natia?" Kalina asked the gypsy princess.

"When the gypsies move and set up a new camp," explained Natia, "it is hardly apparent that the campsite has moved. With the exception of the location of some trees, the encampment often looks identical to the one we just left. Why can't we choose where we want the Doors to be and then recreate the look and feel of the original location?"

Garth nodded silently for a moment before speaking. "That suggestion has merit. It would take a good deal of preparation to make the locations appear the same, but it could be done."

"Where would they move the Doors to?" asked Tedi.

"I do not know," answered Garth, "but any movement would disorient the enemy and give us an advantage. If their plan calls for coordinating the various armies, which I am sure it will, the enemy will be in disarray."

"It could even be worse than that," interjected Kalina. "Imagine if some of the Doors were moved to the island of Grakus. The enemy would have no means of reaching the mainland."

"Which makes it more imperative for us to find the Doors on this continent," stated Garth. "Those on Grakus would turn around and come back here only to use a different Door. We need to be able to make sure that they cannot return."

"We should send word of this discussion to Arik," suggested Kalina. "They are best equipped to determine where they want the Doors to be."

"The fairy will carry our conversation to the king." Garth nodded. "I will also send a message regarding our progress. We should also get a message to Clint. He might be able to find out where the Doors are in Zara."

"Where do we go next?" asked Tedi.

"To Valdo," answered Garth. "We need to see the rest of the Federation strongholds before the attacks begin."

"Tedi and Natia can go alone to Valdo," suggested Kalina. "I need some more time here before we join them. There are things I must discuss with Sigfrid, and I want to see whatever maps they may have of Sirocca before it became buried under the Sands of Eternity. Fakir led me to believe that something important lies beneath the sands."

Deep in the Forest of Death four demons stood watching as a K'san's face clouded with pain. Although the demonkin said nothing, D'Artim watched with concern. The demonkin groaned softly and dropped to his knees.

"What is wrong with him?" asked D'Lycind.

"Quiet," reprimanded D'Artim. "We will know soon enough. Observe and learn."

The demonkin's hands went to his neck, and the creature bared his teeth in rage. The fit lasted only a moment, and the demonkin stood as if nothing had happened. The demons waited for a report from K'san, but the creature offered no explanation.

"Speak," commanded D'Artim as he grew impatient. "What causes you pain?"

"One of my kin has been defeated," K'san replied. "A sword that is more than a sword has removed his head."

"Another?" groused D'Wycaram as he glared at D'Artim. "Over half of your invincible demonkin have been defeated. Not one of the Mage's heroes has been killed."

"Continue with your report," D'Artim demanded of the demonkin, ignoring the complaint from his fellow demon.

"One of us was sent to Herinak," replied K'san. "He was to destroy the Alcean mage. Care was taken to avoid the one with the staff, but it did not matter. He was struck down from behind with a sword."

D'Artim spat a glob of acidic spittle at the demonkin and waved at him in a dismissive manner. K'san turned and walked away.

"They are worthless," D'Lycind said with scorn.

"They are not worthless," argued D'Artim. "They are just not being used properly. What fool sent a K'san to Herinak?"

"I did," confessed D'Cavan. "Why was it foolish? The Alcean mage is powerful. She must be destroyed."

"K'san is well known to the Alceans," explained D'Artim. "How easily do you think he fit in among the Occans? One glance at him and I bet they had their shields already erected. The K'sans must be used as they were intended to be used. They are to control the populace and prepare the masses for war. They must not be wasted on the Knights of Alcea."

"Killing the Knights of Alcea would do more to ensure victory than any other action," argued D'Cavan.

"Do not confuse our victory with that of the Federation," scowled D'Artim. "I do not care who wins their petty war. Our goal is only the restoration of Alutar. I care not for the goals of others."

"The war is needed for the tears of millions," D'Lycind reminded the other demon. "Besides, the death of a Knight of Alcea would be some repayment for the condition of our master."

The head demon stood silently for a moment and then reluctantly nodded in agreement. "There is a debt to be paid by the Knights of Alcea," he declared, "but it cannot be obtained with the likes of K'san. Besides, K'san is not ours to use. They belong to another. Something greater than K'san is needed to collect on the debt owed to us by the Knights of Alcea."

Without explanation, D'Artim turned and walked away. The other three demons followed silently, and the group ended up on the shore of the lava lake. As the other watched from a distance, D'Artim fell to his knees at the edge of the lava. He bowed his head reverently, and the lava began to boil violently. The turmoil increased to a furious tempo and then the lava parted in the center of the lake. Slowly a black mass began to emerge from the lava, and the other three demons swiftly dropped to their knees.

The massive black object rose upward, lava flowing off its skin like rain flowing off a statue. Within moments the upper half of Alutar rose to the surface of the lava lake, and the other three demons gave vocal vows of reverence. D'Artim ignored them. For several long minutes, D'Artim knelt, staring wordlessly at his master. Without warning, Alutar slowly sunk back under the lava, and eventually the troubled surface of the lake calmed. D'Artim rose to his clawed feet and bowed reverently. He turned to face the other demons.

"Was that real?" asked D'Cavan.

"Why you?" asked D'Wycaram.

"You should not need to ask about the realness of our master," scowled the head demon. "As for why I have been chosen, the answer is simple. While you three are favored for your continued diligence to his principles, I alone spent the last thousand years trying to free Alutar from his imprisonment."

"Did he speak to you?" asked D'Lycind.

"He did," D'Artim grinned. "Our plea has been heard. We are to obtain four elven women to create a new breed of demonkin. Each of us shall spawn a creature to track down and kill the Knights of Alcea."

"What will be special about them?" asked D'Cavan.

"Each will be unique," explained D'Artim, "and they will be much more powerful and intelligent than the K'sans. They are to be known as the Claws of Alutar."

"This is exciting," grinned D'Cavan. "I shall send for the women immediately."

"No." D'Artim shook his head. "Ordinary elven women will not suffice. The chosen women must hail from the lineage of King Elisar, the ancient king of all elves."

Chapter 2

Waxhaw was a major hub of transport on the west coast of Vinafor, and it had existed for over a thousand years. While many parts of the city had been modernized over the centuries, the old part of the city still remained the same with its narrow, twisting alleys. The shops were tiny by modern standards, and few people bothered to visit the old district any more. Still there were items available in the old district that were not available anywhere else.

The old man meandered down the narrow alleys as if merely out for a morning stroll, but his eyes constantly flicked left and right as if he were searching for something particular. Deep in the warren of the old district, the old man halted in front of a narrow shop that bore no sign. The small window fronting the shop was so dirty that it was impossible to see through, and the shop's location, exactly where the skinny alley turned, would have made most people pass it by without knowing that it existed. The old man was not put off by appearances. He put his hand to the door and smiled with surprise as the door actually opened. He strode into the shop and heard a small bell announce his arrival.

The tiny shop was packed with books. Bookshelves ran the length of the two walls, and only a narrow pathway led between them. Even that pathway had piles of books cluttering it, and the old man had to step carefully to avoid damaging the books. At the far end of the pathway was a small table with a curtain behind it. He halted at the table and waited for the proprietor to appear. After several minutes had passed, and no one had come to greet him, the old man stepped around the table and passed through the curtain.

Beyond the curtain were more books, and the air was musty. There were no bookshelves to hold them, so the books were merely piled one atop another, and the piles reached nearly to the ceiling. The old man moved through the piles and soon found himself at the rear of the shop. A tall, thin, blond woman sat on the floor reading a weighty tome. Beside her on a piece of cloth was a glass of water and a piece of moldy bread. He stood watching the woman for some time, but she seemed oblivious to his presence. Eventually he felt compelled to speak.

"I do not see how you can ever make a profit at this business," the old man said. "For several days your shop has remained closed, and when it finally does open, you pay no mind to your customers."

The woman looked up with a startled expression on her face. Her face blushed with embarrassment as the words of the old man registered. She gently put down the book she had been reading and rose to her feet.

"I am sorry," she apologized. "I must not have heard the bell."

"For days I have not even been able to make the bell sound," complained the old man. "The door has been locked."

"I forget sometimes," the woman said sheepishly. "Is there a particular book that you are interested it?"

"Do you happen to have a copy of Shelman's Treatise on Auroras?" asked the old man.

"No." The woman shook her head emphatically.

"How can you be sure?" asked the old man. "You have thousands of books here."

"I am sure," declared the woman. "I know every book in this store. I have never even heard of Shelman's Treatise on Auroras. I do not have a copy. Do you have one to sell? I would be interested in obtaining one."

"There is probably nothing in it that you do not already know," smiled the old man. "Why do you read so much?"

"To read is to gain knowledge," answered the woman. "Is there anything you want?"

"Valera," stated the old man.

"Excuse me?" frowned the woman. "Do I know you?"

"I am not certain," the old man replied with a smile. "There are other ways to gain knowledge you know."

"But you called me by name," the woman retorted with confusion. "I do not remember ever having met you. I know for certain that we have never done business before. I remember all of my customers."

"That should be fairly easy to do," the old man chuckled as he looked around at the pile of books. "Your shop is certainly hard enough to find, and even harder to find open."

"I do not do a great deal of business," admitted Valera, "but the shop suits me. Is there anything that I can get for you?"

"Valera," the old man smiled again. "It is not a book that I came to procure. It is you that I am searching for."

"Me?" questioned Valera. "I am confused."

"I know," replied the old man. "You search for knowledge with a thirst that is admirable, but there is more to learn than what can be found in books alone. Close your shop and come with me."

Valera stared at the old man and slowly her eyes opened wide with wonder. "I do not even know your name."

"What is in a name?" the old man asked rhetorically. "Today I am known as Fakir Aziz. Close up your shop and learn more than books can teach. I have need of your skills."

Valera frowned as she gazed around at her piles of books. "Where will we go? How long will I be gone?"

"Questions without answers," sighed Fakir. "Where we go matters little now, and you might never return. There is danger in what I require from you. Does that scare you?"

Valera thought for a moment before answering. "I am not a fearful person, but it would sadden me to think I might never finish reading all these books."

"These books were written by people who never had such an opportunity presented to them," Fakir replied. "Come with me and learn."

Valera nodded. "Let me gather some things to bring with me."

In a small clearing just off the Calusa Road in Vinafor, four men and a woman settled in for the night. A fire burned brightly as Fakir Aziz cleaned up the cooking utensils and then retreated to a log to sit and continue his work on the cloak he had been toiling over for the past month. Valera sat on the ground near the fire, so engrossed in the book that she was reading that none of the other people in the group existed for her. Zynor, the old mage from the woods of Zarocca grabbed a brush and proceeded to stroke one of the unicorns. Theos, the firebrand mage from Tyronia walked over to a long log near the fire and sat next to Kalmar, the young healer from Herinak. Theos sighed with frustration, and Kalmar looked expectantly at the Tyronian.

"What troubles you, Theos?" asked Kalmar.

"What troubles me?" snapped Theos. "You can't be serious in your ignorance. What are we doing in this forsaken country? Where is the old man taking us? And for what purpose? How can you just follow him like some lost puppy?"

Kalmar smiled and shook his head. "Every night you protest your own presence in this group, yet here you remain. Why do you stay?"

"I don't know," Theos confessed. "I should just get on my unicorn and depart. There is no point to our travels. Unlike you, Kalmar, I have been down this road before. The Calusa Road goes to the unimpressive city of Calusa and no further. Beyond the city is nothing but jungle and swamp. It is not a place that any sane man would wish to journey."

"Does it truly matter where we go?" asked Kalmar. "Why should our destination trouble you?"

"Because anything worthwhile in life has a purpose," retorted Theos. "How can you not be curious about our destination or purpose?"

"I am curious," admitted Kalmar, "but not to the point of mutiny. Evidently, Fakir Aziz does not wish to enlighten us at this point. I can wait."

"Is it that he wishes our goal to be secret," replied Theos, "or is it that he does not know himself? I think we are merely wandering and picking up strays as we travel. Look at the woman who joined us in Waxhaw. She says nothing at all. It is as if we do not exist for her. Only her book matters. Why is she with us?"

"I suspect that she is a mage of considerable power," shrugged Kalmar. "Why does her joining the group cause you so much concern?"

"Because this group is becoming a haven for misfits," stated Theos. "Zynor spends more time with the unicorns than he does with people. I think he prefers their company to ours. Fakir spends every night on that cloak. A decent tailor would have finished it weeks ago. Why does he waste his time on it?"

"Perhaps it relaxes him," shrugged Kalmar.

"And now we have a woman who does nothing but read," Theos continued. "You and I might as well be traveling alone. You are the only one in the group that appears normal. How do you stand the boredom?"

"Actually," smiled Kalmar, "I find the travel quite enjoyable. Unlike you, I have never been out of the horse countries. I am finally getting to see what the rest of the world is like."

"The rest of the world?" retorted Theos. "I would hardly consider Waxhaw or Calusa as places worth visiting."

"There is much anger in your heart, Theos," frowned Kalmar. "You should use this time to peer inside yourself and find the source of the anger."

"Now you sound too much like Fakir to please me," scowled Theos. "Do you really expect me to sit around the fire night after night and watch everyone else vegetate their lives away?"

"Do you have a better suggestion?" asked Kalmar.

"There must be something to speed the time away," answered Theos. "Maybe we could use our magic to entertain ourselves?"

Kalmar's eyebrow rose at the suggestion and soon a smile spread across his face. "I suppose we could use some entertainment. How about a contest of a sort?"

"Like what?" Theos asked with interest.

Kalmar glanced around the clearing and smiled when he saw the pine cones littering the floor of the forest. "Let's have a small contest. Given five minutes, let's see who can create the largest pile of pine cones."

"A child's game," scowled Theos.

"Fearful of losing?" taunted Kalmar.

"To you?" balked Theos. "You don't stand a chance."

"Then let's begin," laughed Kalmar.

Theos looked around the clearing and started levitating pine cones into a pile at his feet. Kalmar chuckled and began doing the same. Within moments the piles grew, and pine cones became hard to find. The two mages stood in an effort to find more cones to levitate, and the other mages glanced up to see what was going on. Zynor stopped brushing the unicorn and turned to watch what was going on. When he saw Theos and Kalmar trying to levitate the same pine cone to the piles in front of them, he understood the object of the game. He chuckled inwardly and walked towards the fire ring. Looking up into the darkness of the canopy, he cast a spell and hundreds of pine cones started falling from the trees. He deftly guided them to a pile at his feet.

"You're cheating," scoffed Theos.

"Perhaps," smiled Zynor, "but my pile is still bigger than yours."

Kalmar laughed heartily. "One minute left."

Valera finally tore her eyes from her book. She stared at the other three mages for a moment and then smiled. With a flick of her wrist, a pile of pine cones appeared before her. The pile was several paces tall, and she smiled with satisfaction.

"That is an illusion," accused Theos.

"So it is," smiled Valera, "but my pile is still larger than yours."

Fakir Aziz put down the cloak and stood up. He looked curiously at the piles of pine cones and smiled. Without a visible gesture, every pine cone instantly disappeared, including the illusion. The mages looked around in wonder. Every pine cone had been returned to its original location.

"An interesting game," Fakir said. "Perhaps a wise use of our evenings would be for the four of you to share your talents with one another. I presume that each of you is interested in broadening your skills?"

"I would enjoy that," Kalmar replied eagerly.

"It would be preferable to boredom," conceded Theos, "if we can get the attention of everyone else."

"I am always interested in learning," agreed Zynor, "and I am sure that Valera will find more to learn from the group than can be found in her books."

The female mage glanced at her book with longing, but she nodded in agreement. "I want to learn all there is to learn."

"Then it is agreed," smiled Fakir Aziz.

Tedi and Natia rode along the Zinbar Trail approaching the city of Giza. They had passed numerous caravans and even a small army patrol since leaving Olansk, but the road was sparsely traveled.

"I would have expected the road to be crammed with goods stolen from Tyronia," commented Natia. "Where is all that stuff going?"

"It is probably flowing down Blood Highway," answered Tedi. "I get the feeling that Emperor Jaar doesn't feel the need to share with his cohorts."

"I did detect some animosity towards the Baroukans the last time we were in Giza," remarked Natia. "Do you think we can use that to our advantage in some way?"

"It is worth a try," replied Tedi, "but we must be careful in doing so. We do not want to appear to be enemies of the Federation."

"I will test the waters with Judge Julius," stated Natia. "Are we going to touch base with Headman while we are in Giza?"

When Tedi didn't answer, the gypsy princess turned to look at him. Although he appeared to be looking straight ahead, Natia could feel the tenseness emanating from him.

"What is the matter?" she asked softly.

"We are being watched," Tedi whispered. "Look casually beyond me and tell me what you see."

"There is a tall hill off the road quite a bit. There is a group of soldiers atop it, and they are watching us intently. Some of them are heading down the hill now. I expect that we are about to have company. Do we run?"

"We would hardly be welcomed through the city gates if we show up at a gallop with an army patrol chasing us." Tedi shook his head. "Perhaps they are just curious about why we are traveling alone."

"I don't like it," frowned Natia.

Tedi didn't reply. They rode on in silence for a few minutes and then the column of soldiers emerged from the woods. Twenty soldiers surrounded the couple, and the gypsies were forced to halt.

"You will come with us," ordered a colonel.

"We are special agents for Sidney Mercado," objected Tedi. "We are on our way to deliver a shipment to Judge Julius in Giza. I am sure that he would not appreciate a delay in our arrival."

"The judge will have to be disappointed," the colonel said with an obvious lack of concern for the judge. "You will come with us."

The colonel turned his horse and started into the trees. Tedi and Natia really had no choice but to follow the officer, and the column of soldiers followed them closely. The colonel led the way through the forest and up the side of the large hill the gypsies had seen from the road. As they started down the other side of the hill, Tedi gazed downward with concern. The bare valley was brimming with soldiers, and they were all involved in sparring of one type or another. The soldiers showed a discipline that was unlike what he had seen in the Federation armies so far, and the gypsy began to wonder if he had underestimated the professionalism of the enemy troops.

The colonel led the way through the training field to an area of tents. One tent stood on a small knoll overlooking the others, and Tedi saw a man standing there with the stars of a general. A nervous twitch started in his eye, and he fought to control it. As the sound of the horses grew close to the tent, the general turned around to face the newcomers. Tedi's jaw dropped when he saw the face of the general.

"Welcome Tedi and Natia," smiled General Forshire. "Come into my tent."

Tedi and Natia looked at each other with relief. They slid off their unicorns and followed Clint into his tent.

"Colonel Magee," General Forshire called from inside the tent. "Set a privacy cordon around my tent. I wish my conversation to remain private."

The colonel called an affirmation to the general and then began shouting orders. The gypsies walked into the tent and Clint ushered them to chairs before sitting down himself.

"Is it wise to bring us here?" Natia asked softly.

"I think so," smiled Clint, "or I would not have ordered it."

"Are we truly safe from eavesdropping?" asked Tedi.

"We are," assured the general. "My men are loyal to me alone, and most loyal of them all is Colonel Magee. He will guarantee our privacy."

"What are you doing so far from Despair?" asked Tedi.

"Building my army," answered Clint. "We just brought the last of them out of the jails in Giza. We are now two thousand strong. I was surprised to see you on the road to Giza. I thought you were heading for Valdo?"

"We are," replied Tedi. "Garth doesn't want us flying around unless it is necessary, especially to places where we don't know the terrain. Besides, we wanted to stop in Giza on the way, and that required us to go to Zinbar first as we owe Judge Julius some goods for favors that he performed for us."

"We also want to see Headman while in Giza," added Natia. "It is getting close to when we will spring the elven children from their prison. I will need the help of his thieves when that time comes."

"I am glad that I ran into you then," stated General Forshire. "I was in Giza two days ago, and I saw something unusual. The shipyard is building a massive ship, and no one is willing to talk about it. Perhaps your thieving friends can find out what a Federation general can not."

"I will ask about it," promised Natia. "Do you think it is something that should concern us?"

"Everything concerns us," replied Clint, "especially things that are done in secrecy, and secrecy surrounds that ship like no other."

"I still can't believe that you have your own Federation army," Tedi said with a shake of his head. "And it seems like you are truly making them combat worthy."

"Combat worthy?" chuckled the general. "I would wager that my two thousand men are the best trained in Zara, or at least they will be before I am done. They are all misfits and castoffs from the Federation. Most of them have been pulled out of the prisons of the Federation."

"Why train the enemy?" frowned Natia. "Surely you can maintain your cover without helping the enemy?"

"These men are not the enemy," declared General Forshire. "I will use these troops to battle the Federation when the time comes."

"Will they actually fight against their brothers?" questioned Tedi. "That sounds unrealistic."

"They will fight," vowed the general. "The main requirement for joining my army is personal loyalty to me, and me alone. And I test that loyalty frequently. These men care not a whit for the Federation. Most originally joined the army for the food coupons for their families, and those coupons stopped when they were arrested. Now their benefits have been restored and in a lot of cases increased due to promotions. I have also extended to them the second chance that no one else would give them. I have given them pride and camaraderie and discipline. These men would eagerly sack Giza if I was foolish enough to give such an order."

"I hope your confidence in them is not misplaced," worried Tedi. "Men in prison are seldom the most trustworthy of men."

"What about your work in Despair?" asked Natia. "There is much information we need to get and it seems to me that you are in a good position to get much of it."

"One would think so," frowned the general, "but I am not trusted yet. They let me form the army because it costs them nothing, but I have not been taken into confidence on anything. My task is supposed to be tracking down the rebels, but the files they gave me were woefully incomplete. There is no mention of Alcea in the entire folder, and many pages were left out so that I would not see them."

"You must find a way to gain their trust," urged Tedi. "We need to know the strength of the enemy and where the Doors are."

"I have heard talk of three hundred thousand men," replied the general, "but I have seen no documentation to support that figure."

Tedi whistled and raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"What if you were to capture some of the rebels?" asked Natia.

"Now that would be a trick," chuckled Clint. "Are you volunteering?"

"Obviously you could not actually catch any of the Alceans," explained the gypsy princess, "but you could make it look like you did. Captain Gomery has some Alcean coins. You could have a fairy get some and plant them on some corpses. You could claim to have killed some rebels and present the coins as proof."

"That is not a bad idea," agreed Tedi. "Maybe burn the corpses so they are not identifiable."

"If one of them was a mage," Clint nodded enthusiastically, "we could claim the building they were in caught fire when the mage tried to attack us. I like the idea."

"You will need a female body then," interjected Natia. "The only mage they know about is Yolinda."

"People die every day in the cities of the Federation," stated the general. "I will have no shortage of bodies, but there is special place I would like this attack to happen."

"Where is that?" asked Tedi.

"A fair ways up the Blood Highway is a strange military installation," answered General Forshire. "There is a hidden tunnel carved into the Barrier. I am anxious to discover its secret, but there has been no way to bring it up in conversation. If the attack were to happen near it, I might be able to press for information about it."

"That sounds like a plan," smiled Tedi. "We should probably get going before your men begin to wonder why you are spending so much time with merchants."

"Actually," grinned General Forshire as he handed each of the gypsies a piece of paper, "I intend for my men to get a good look at you. Those passes will identify you as agents of the A Corps. Use the passes sparingly, but when all else fails, you may use them. They will let any other officer know that you are trusted by me. It might make a difference when you need it to. Also, if any of my men see you in trouble, they will aid you as best they can."

"Aren't you afraid that our actions might bring harm to your position in the army?" asked Natia.

"Hardly," chuckled Clint. "I already have a reputation for traveling with known misfits. I can always claim I judged wrong in your case and then set my men to the task of freeing you."

"You are enjoying this role far too much," laughed Tedi.

"It is challenging, but I am enjoying it," replied General Forshire. "Let me walk you out so that my men see how friendly I am with you. It never hurts to have a couple of thousand men looking out for your best interests."

Chapter 3

Tedi and Natia stared at the massive ship being built at the shipyard in Giza. It easily dwarfed any ship they had ever seen.

"What in the world would anyone need a ship that large for?" asked Tedi.

"To move an army?" guessed Natia.

"No." Tedi shook his head. "They could build several smaller ships much quicker, and that thing will not make much speed at sea. It would also be a sitting duck for a warship. Look at how the masts are arranged. It is designed to carry some large load. It is nothing more than a huge cargo ship, but I can't imagine what cargo would require such a vessel."

"Perhaps Judge Julius will know something," suggested the gypsy princess. "Let's go have a talk with him and see what we can find out."

The two Knights of Alcea moved away from the waterfront and walked through the city streets to meet with the judge. When the it. His step faltered, and he caught Natia by the arm.

"They will not let me enter with my staff," he said softly. "I will wait out here for you."

Natia glanced across the street and nodded. "That might be best. I suspect that the guards might remember me. I won't be long."

Natia left her husband staring at a window display and crossed the street. Her face carried a big smile as she climbed the steps, and the soldiers were whispering before she reached them. One of them opened the door and said something to those inside. Natia smiled at them as she stepped through the open door. A wooden barrier barred the entrance to the building and a score of soldiers stood nearby. The officer in charge sported a broad smile as he saw Natia enter.

"I would like to see Judge Julius," Natia said to the officer.

"Of course you would," grinned the officer. "Go on up."

Natia frowned at the officer. From the amount of snickering going on, it was fairly obvious that the soldier thought she was having an affair with the judge. While there were times when she would like that image to ease entry into places, she was concerned about the judge's reputation. If his reputation was besmirched, he might become useless as a protector.

"I do not think I like the inference you are drawing about my business with Judge Julius," Natia said sternly. "And I do not think the judge will care for it either. Are you anxious to be reassigned?"

The smile slid from the officer's face, and a frown of concern quickly replaced it. "I do not know what you mean, Lady. I am merely being polite and cordial to one of the judge's business relations."

"Then I trust you will make that clear to the pack of snickering subordinates behind you," scowled Natia. "I do not expect Judge Julius or his wife to take a favorable view of anyone spreading vile rumors about him."

Natia pushed her way through the barrier and moved quickly up the stairs. Before she reached the top of the stairs, she heard the officer berating his men. She smiled inwardly as she knocked on the judge's door. The judge gave permission to enter, and Natia opened the door and walked into the office.

"Natia," smiled the judge. "Close the door and come in."

"I think it might be best to leave the door open," Natia replied. "I believe the soldiers downstairs have taken the wrong meaning for my visits."

"They have, have they?" scowled the judge. "I will take care of that when you leave. Close the door and come in."

Natia nodded and closed the door. She moved across the room and sat in a chair before the judge's desk. Without preamble, Natia reached into her pack, pulled out six DeCardia figurines, and placed them on the desk.

"Each of these is unique," she said proudly.

The judge's eyes widened in appreciation as he picked one up and examined it. For several minutes the room remained silent as the judge examined each figurine closely. Finally, he smiled and sat down.

"I don't suppose these would sell for the same five hundred gold as the others?"

"Absolutely not," grinned Natia.

"I didn't think so," sighed the judge. "How much are they?"

"They are a gift," Natia replied. "Both Garth and I impressed on Sidney how helpful you have been to us. He wants you to have them with his thanks."

"A gift?" gasped the judge. "But they must be worth a fortune."

"That might be," shrugged Natia, "but your help in leaving Giza the last time we visited proved to be beneficial to us. We were able to close a lucrative deal a full day before the competition. Had we been forced to spend another day in Giza, we would have lost the deal. Sidney always takes care of his friends."

"I don't know what to say," the judge replied emotionally. "I am extremely touched by your generosity. Is there anything that I can do for you?"

"Not really," smiled Natia. "I am just on my way through Giza and wanted to stop by and say thank you."

"Well if anything comes up, just let me know," replied the judge. "How is that school coming along?"

"Not well," frowned Natia. "I am sure that you heard about Tyronia joining the Federation. With all the goods being taken out of Ur, there might not be much need for merchants any more. Sidney has put the school idea on hold."

"I am sorry to hear that. You will not be put out of work, will you? If so, I am sure I can put in a good word for you in Giza."

"My status is secure," smiled Natia. "I think there will always be a need for special agents, but that may end up being the bulk of Sidney's business unless something changes."

"That would be a shame," stated the judge. "I think traveling merchants have a place in our society and we shouldn't be in a rush to get rid of them."

"Obviously, I agree," grinned Natia. "Sidney is looking at starting up a maritime company again. He thinks it might be the only way to stay in business."

"Most of the freight movement around the Sea of Tears is by ship," nodded Judge Julius. "Maybe Sidney is wise to look into it."

"I couldn't help noticing that your shipyards are making a huge ship right now," replied Natia. "I can't imagine from its size what it is intended to carry."

"That ship is the talk of the town," stated the judge. "The funny thing is that no one knows what it is designed for. It is monstrous."

"That makes no sense," frowned the gypsy princes. "Someone in town must know what it is to be used for. Why else would a shipyard build it?"

"It is being built on the orders of Emperor Jaar," explained the judge. "Only he knows what its use will be. No one that I have spoken to has a clue what such a large ship would be used for."

"Well," shrugged Natia as she rose from her chair, "he must have a reason for it. I guess we will all find out when it is finished. Thank you for taking the time to see me."

"Thank you for the wonderful figurines," the judge smiled warmly. "I do hope you will stop by again when you come through town."

"I will," Natia promised as she moved across the room and let herself out of the office.

Natia moved down the stairs and out of the building. She turned and walked towards the nearest corner and as soon as she rounded it, Tedi joined her.

"How did it go?" he asked.

"The judge knew nothing about the ship other than it was ordered by Emperor Jaar. That would indicate a fair amount of secrecy is involved, or everyone would be talking about its purpose. Let's go talk with Headman."

"And how will we find him?" asked Tedi. "Garth and Morro are the only ones who know how to contact him."

"That is not entirely accurate," grinned Natia as she led Tedi through the streets of Giza.

The gypsy princess led her husband into an area of expensive and fashionable shops, her eyes scanning both sides of the streets as they moved along. Abruptly she turned into a small gem shop and Tedi followed.

"Welcome to Aerta Gems," said a young man as they entered. "How may I serve you?"

"Are you the jeweler?" Natia asked.

"I am the apprentice," answered the young man. "My name is Mencham."

"I believe you had dealings with a man called Garth Shado a while ago." Natia probed. "Do you remember him?"

Mencham suddenly appeared very nervous, though he tried hard not to let it show. "Many people come into this shop," Mencham replied vaguely. "May I ask what brings you to my shop today?"

"I work for Garth Shado," declared Natia. "My name is Natia, and I have need to speak to your boss."

"I am afraid that the jeweler will not be in until late in the day," Mencham replied.

"I meant your other boss," Natia smiled thinly. "I need to speak to Headman."

Mencham started sweating, and his eyes darted around the room.

"Stay calm, Mencham," urged Natia. "I know that my request is abnormal, but it is sincere. Garth was supposed to introduce me on our last visit, but as you know, we had to leave the city quickly that day. Do what you must to contact him. Tedi and I will go have the midday meal at one of the outside tables along the waterfront. He can have someone contact us there."

Without waiting for a reply, Natia turned and left the shop with Tedi close behind. They walked swiftly towards the waterfront.

"Was that wise?" asked Tedi. "He might just turn us in to the Federation."

"No, he won't," Natia said confidently. "The only threat to us will come from Headman and his men. I am hoping that Morro described our whole group the last time we were in the city. If that is true, Headman will see us."

"And if that is not true?" asked Tedi.

"They will seek to kill us," frowned Natia, "but they will not alert the authorities. To do so would risk Mencham's position, and I suspect that he is valuable to the organization."

"You are quick to risk our lives," sighed Tedi.

"I do not take Headman for a fool," replied Natia. "And if he does send men to attack us, they will die. We will not get in trouble for the deaths, because of Judge Julius. If necessary, I will complain to him about the lawlessness of Giza and describe the thieves' attempts at stealing our precious artifacts. Besides, Headman would want to know who we are before he kills us. Relax. We will be safe."

Tedi shook his head and sighed as Natia led him to an outdoor table in front of one of the inns. A waiter arrived and the Alceans ordered a light meal. Before they were half way through the meal, two men sat down at their table. The one that sat next to Natia held a knife below the table and used it to tap Natia's leg to get her attention.

"That is not the way that friends meet," Natia said softly as she looked the man in the eye.

"We have not been introduced yet," the man replied stonily. "We can hardly be described as friends. I understand that you are asking questions in strange places."

"You understand correctly," conceded Natia. "I work for Garth Shado, and I am a personal friend of Speedy. I have specific business with a certain elf in Giza, but I have not had the chance for a proper introduction yet. I made the only contact that I was aware of, and I made sure that my words were said in private. Was there any better way to get your attention?"

"And what is your business?" asked the man.

"It is a business that I will discuss only with Headman," declared Natia. "If he wishes a hint of its nature, you can tell him that it involves a project very close to the heart of Speedy. I am sure that he will understand."

The thief with the knife nodded to his partner, and the second man rose and disappeared into the waterfront crowd. Although Tedi remained tense with his staff in hand, Natia ignored the remaining thief and finished her meal. By the time she was done, the other thief had returned. He did not sit at the table, but merely nodded to his partner.

"You have been granted an audience," the knife-wielding thief announced as he stood. "Do not make any sudden movements, or you will not live to arrive at our destination."

The second thief moved to take Tedi's staff, but the Knight of Alcea moved it away from him. "I will carry my own staff, or I will not go," Tedi stated.

"You would let the woman go alone?" asked the thief.

"Natia can take care of herself," Tedi replied. "Are you so afraid of a staff that you must fondle it yourself?"

The thieves hesitated. They had already received instructions to bring the two strangers underground. To leave one of them behind while the other was shown to Headman would not be wise.

"Are all of his men as fearful as you are?" taunted Natia. "Does a lone man with a staff scare you?"

The taunt made the decision for the thieves. "Move them along," the knife-wielding thief ordered his partner. "I will watch your back."

The other thief nodded and started walking away. Natia and Tedi casually followed him. The thief led them through the city on a winding path meant to disorient them. Eventually they entered an abandoned building where other men were waiting for them. Tedi and Natia were blindfolded, but no one moved to take Tedi's staff. The Alceans were led down a flight of stairs and then maneuvered through a trap door and down a ladder. The aroma of the sewers was unmistakable as they were led through another maze of twisting passageways. For over an hour they proceeded through the sewers until eventually, they were directed up another ladder. At the top of the ladder, their blindfolds were removed.

The room was nicely furnished, and a long table sat in the middle of it. At the head of the table sat an elf of indeterminable age. His eyes inspected the Alcean couple and came to rest on Tedi's staff.

"Place the staff in the corner and then sit down," commanded the elf.

Tedi turned to find the men of his escort leaving the room. He walked to the corner and leaned his staff against the wall and then walked to the table and sat next to Natia.

"What is Speedy's project?" asked the elf.

"To free the elven children from the reeducation center," answered Natia.

The elf nodded in satisfaction. "And you think you can help in some way?"

"I can," answered Natia. "I will be coordinating the project here in Giza."

"You?" asked the elf with a raised eyebrow. "What can you two do that Morro can not?"

"Not the two of us," corrected Natia. "Tedi will be in another city at the time. All of the centers must be emptied at the same time."

"You plan to attack all four centers at once?" questioned Headman.

"It can be no other way." Natia nodded. "If one was done before the others, the Federation would be expecting the other attacks. They must be done together."

"Logical," the elf said with a shrug, "but I still doubt the ability of anyone to pull off even a single attack. What makes you the person to pull this off?"

"I know the inside of the center," answered Natia, "and I know what the reactions of the soldiers will be when an alert is sounded in the city."

"How do you know this?"

"I was inside the center when the shipyards were destroyed," answered the gypsy princess. "I watched their reactions and movements closely."

"How did you get in?" Headman asked skeptically.

"I have cultivated some interesting friends in Giza," Natia replied. "Judge Julius is one of them. As a favor to me, he had a colonel escort me for a tour of the center. The colonel believes that I am a spy for Emperor Jaar, so I feel confident that I can regain admittance when the time comes."

Headman whistled appreciatively. "Morro spoke very highly not only of Garth, but his people as well. I can see that his judgment is sound. How will the children be taken out, and where will they be taken?"

"I have arranged for a merchant caravan to be in the city when we need it," answered Natia. "The children will be smuggled out of the city in the wagons. As to where they are going, I will not say. It is not necessary for the escape, and I don't want anyone left in Giza who can be tortured for the information. I hope you understand that this is necessary."

"Your caution is wise." Headman nodded. "What can I do to help?"

"I am not sure," admitted Natia. "I know the layout, and I have a means of escape, but not much more."

"Will Morro be here?" asked the head thief.

"I do not think so," answered Natia. "He is needed elsewhere."

"Then you will need an elf to speak to my people," declared Headman. "They will not leave the center without assurances from one of their kinsmen. I guess that I will be involved in this more than I had planned on. What do the guards inside do when an alert is sounded?"

"They all gather at the front door and secure it from the inside. I will have to be inside before that happens."

"While it is nice to have them gather like that," frowned Headman, "such an alert would also seal the city. Your wagons would never get out through the gates. This plan needs a fair amount of work before it is complete."

"I agree," said Natia. "The escape is still a ways off. Why don't you think about it, and I will run it by my people as well. I am sure we can come up with a plan before the day arrives."

"Fair enough," agreed Headman. "Was there anything else?"

"Yes," Tedi responded. "We noticed a massive ship being built in the shipyards. Do you have any idea what it is for?"

"No." Headman shook his head. "There is a lot of secrecy surrounding that ship. From what I understand, Emperor Jaar ordered it built, but no one knows why. I can tell you that below its enormous deck are about a hundred small cabins. Each cabin is only large enough for a small berth, so I imagine that more than just the ship's crew will be on board."

"I don't think they would bother with cabins for soldiers," posed Tedi.

"You are correct," agreed Headman. "Their troop transports have cabins only for officers. The men sleep on deck."

"Could the ship carry enough soldiers to require a hundred officers?" asked Natia.

"It would be a foolish way to transport troops," shrugged Headman. "They could easily have produced four to six normal transports in the time this ship has taken to build. The cradle itself takes up the space of two normal cradles, and I heard that the cradle will be destroyed once the ship is complete. Whatever the ship is being built for, it will be unique."

"Keep an eye on it," suggested Tedi. "Anything that secret is worth knowing about. Thank you for seeing us, Headman. We are heading down to Valdo to see what the situation is like down there. How can we get to meet you when we come back?"

"You are known to my people now," smiled Headman. "I will know when you next enter Giza, and I will send someone to see if a meeting is necessary. Do you know the Strangler?"

"The Strangler?" echoed Natia. "Who is that?"

"He is my counterpart in Valdo," answered the head thief. "Morro is not keeping you well informed. I should talk to him about that. Where is he?"

"With his people," answered Natia. "We had not planned to separate before we reached Despair, but sometimes plans go awry. We had to make a hasty exit from Farmin and then we got split up."

"You seem to have more than your fair share of hasty exits," chuckled Headman. "Get a room in Valdo, and put a small hangman's noose on the doorknob. The Strangler will send someone to talk to you."

"Will the Strangler be interested in Morro's project?" asked Tedi.

"That I cannot say," mused Headman. "I do know that Morro is highly regarded there as well as in Despair and Farmin, but the Strangler is not an elf. He will not have the personal desire for this project as I do. You might have to offer him some financial incentive to aid you."

"Yet you do not request a fee for yourself," noted Natia. "You must know that we would try to pay your price if we could."

"I do know that," Headman smiled thinly, "but I think much like Morro on this subject, although I will admit to having less faith in its feasibility. I loathe what the Federation has done to my people. If you truly have a plan to free them, you will find me an enthusiastic supporter. I can hardly charge you for a chance to be part of that historic day."

"It will happen, Headman," promised Natia. "All of Garth's people are committed to seeing it happen."