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By Root 637 0

moment a slender wild elf was performing there on a hammered dulcimer. Delicate fingers flew as the musician used a small wooden spoon to coax melodies from the instrument's metal strings. A black cat also watched the performer from his perch on the mantlepiece above the fire. This was Indigo, so named because his pelt was so black as to be almost blue; he was the tavern's mascot. He had, as always, hissed angrily at Jander when the gold elf had entered; now Jander reached out and calmed the animal's mind with a mental touch. Beaming patrons, seated at ten tables and at the bar, listened attentively and applauded with gusto as the bard finished and took his bow. It was time for a break, and the wild elf and some of the other performers took the opportunity to wet their throats before the competition resumed. Jander continued to peruse the crowd. Few of the patrons would pose a threat. There were a couple of possible brawlers, but they were weaponless save for their eating knives. Most of the crowd consisted of local farmers and musicians. Jander regarded the old man seated to his right at the bar. Too frail to be a warrior. The man had an air of quiet assurance about him, though. He could be a wizard, the elf decided. “Uncle Pogg!” came a shrill youthful voice as a boy burst into the inn. Some heads turned, and a few people regarded the interloper curiously. “Trevys!” cried the heavyset barkeep, his thick brown eyebrows drawn together in a puzzled frown. “What in the name of-come here, lad!” Breathlessly the shaggy-haired boy hastened to his uncle's side. “Uncle, we found a Rider's horse, and Papa said I was to come here and tell you. He thinks we'd better get her back to her master, and-” “Yes, yes. We can do that in the morning. Didn't your father remember that the competition was tonight?” Pogg sighed heavily, rolling his eyes. “No, Shomar wouldn't remember such things.” “But the Rider-” “In the morning, Trevys. It's dark outside now, and I'm very, very busy.”

The elderly man sitting next to Jander had watched the scene with amusement. Now he broke in. “Your uncle is right, Trevys. Here's something to take your mind off your troubles.” He waved the slim, soft fingers of his right hand, and three glowing balls appeared over the boy's head. Trevys gasped, reaching hesitantly for the radiant orbs. “Toss them up gently, and they'll float like snowflakes,“ the mage said, smiling. Enchanted by the lovely magical conjurations, Trevys obediently wandered into an unoccupied corner, bouncing the balls in front of him. ”Ah, to be so young and so easily amused,“ sighed Jander. The mage turned toward him, and the gold elf gazed deeply into the old man's pale blue eyes. ”What is your name, good wizard?“ The man blinked, trying to tear his eyes away from Jander's intense gaze. ”Pakar,“ he murmured at last, surrendering to the silent command the elf was issuing. Jander took silent assessment of the man's powers. He's a strong magician, he noted to himself, but not quite strong enough to resist me. Aloud the elf said, ”And I am Jander Sunstar. Should I need your skills someday, learned Pakar, I hope I may be able to call upon them.“ Pakar stared, captivated. ”Certainly.“ The gold elf smiled. ”Aluise, another drink for my friend,“ he told the barmaid as she approached the bar to refill several mugs. The girl wasn't beautiful, but she had a full, shapely figure and impish, laughing eyes. A pert, tilted-up nose added to the impression of mischief. She winked amiably at Jander as he placed the coins on the bar and turned his attention back toward the stage. The present performer was well worth his attention. His voice was sweet and pure, and the intricately carved harp cradled against his shoulder marked him as a bard of consequence. One, thought Jander, who had obviously traveled a long way. The bright yellow tunic, echoing the pale blond of his hair, and the rose hue of his breeches clearly marked the young man as an outsider. Folk in Mistledale dressed more soberly, especially at this time of year. Jander's eyes narrowed. The singer wore