CHAPTER 10

	Hawk stood, and turning from his master, looked out the 
cracked window of an old study.  The sun had not yet risen and 
Hawk stared thoughtfully into the darkness.  Shaking his head he 
turned and faced Jeshur Baerd.
	"I cannot become a Retter.  I know the ancient lore.  Tradition 
requires a Retter to be born of a Retter and my father was a farmer, 
nothing more.  That is why I left the Keep."
	The old, white haired man smiled under a thick beard.  He 
knew well his old apprentice's concerns.  His smile turned somber 
as he replied, "Hawk, you have been wounded both physically and 
spiritually.  Though you have healed your physical ailments, your 
spirit is still waning.  You will not recover fully, without taking 
upon the mantle of Retter and retrieving your Protectorates."
	"I am not ill, Jeshur.  I defeated the poison the dark warrior's 
black sword spilt into my soul."
	Jeshur's voice took on a more serious tone.  "That you have 
overcome its effects, there is no doubt, but its seed still taints you.  
I can see it, my son.  And it will slowly gain power within you 
growing into a formidable opponent that will challenge your very 
purpose and resolution."
	Hawk stared into his master's old, yet wise eyes.  He knew 
that Jeshur Baerd spoke truth, for even now he could feel the 
struggle within him, demanding that he give up and return to the 
easy life of a wanderer.  He shook his head in silent despair.
	Rising from a chair older than its occupant, Jeshur placed a 
soft hand on his nephew's shoulder and invoked a spell of comfort.  
Softly he said, "I will be with you Kenoren Baerd."  It was the only 
time Hawk would remember his master calling him by his given 
name.
	For several long minutes Hawk stood silently fighting the 
decision he knew he had to make.
**********
	"Not with the wrist, use your entire arm!"  Jeshur yelled from 
the steps of the Keep.  He had spent the better part of the morning 
bringing Pahl and Derek to a familiarity with the short sword.  
Hawk had left just after sunrise and the old master felt it best to 
keep the young men busy.
	Though not a master of weapons, Jeshur Baerd had a qualified 
background with almost all modern arms and was easily competent 
to teach the young apprentices.  He had given them wooden swords 
from the training room and had taken them through a series of 
thrusts and hacks, the effective attacks for this particular weapon. 
The swords had been filled with lead to add the weight necessary 
for realism and had nearly the same feel as a real sword.  Derek 
had proved a capable student, adapting his strong body to the 
techniques after only a few tries.  Pahl, however, had seemed to 
have trouble with the bulky weapon, flailing it about in a way that 
would end his life quickly in real combat.
	"Pahl, watch your brother," Jeshur admonished.  "See how the 
sword appears to be a simple extension of his arm?  If you continue 
to bend your wrist that way, your opponent will break it when your 
swords collide." 
	"I don't see why..." Pahl began.
	"There is no why for the beginner, only do or die!" Jeshur said 
mock seriously.  Then, in much lighter tones he added, "Or at least 
that is what the ancient masters taught.  I feel it could be said more 
appropriately, to question without thought is to question naught."

	Jeshur Baerd smiled at the two brothers who stared back with 
bewildered looks.  "Enough with rhetoric,"  he sighed, "let's be 
practical.  Pahl, give Derek your sword and go back through each 
of the dohkas you have learned from the second mahte'.  Derek, 
come over here and let's see what you have learned."
	Derek took the sword from Pahl and gave it to Jeshur who left 
the steps and met him in the yard.  The elderly master took a 
defensive stance and parried Derek's newly learned attacks with 
relative ease, giving him notes of encouragement and 
admonishment when needed.
	Pahl could readily see that his brother would soon become f 
formidable fighter once he learned more advanced skills.  He felt 
an odd sense of pride in his brother that shrouded any sense of 
jealousy at his own failure.  He pondered on this for a short while 
then began working on the mahte'  he had learned.  He found to his 
surprise he could go through the dohkas almost without 
concentrating.  The movements flowed as naturally as that of 
walking and Pahl relished in this discovery. 
	As they ate, Jeshur explained the multi-faceted purpose of the 
Retter and the Keep.  How the practice and study of the Light and 
the Path offered a needed balance in a country and its politics.  
Why many began to lose faith in the purpose of Retter and why it 
was important for Hawk and them to remain steadfast against what 
could and would possibly transpire over the next months.  Many of 
the explanations and clarifications were beyond the young men's 
ability to comprehend, but they understood easily enough, the 
magnitude of their own undertaking.
	"Will we be ready when Hawk returns, Master?"  Pahl asked.  
Both he and Derek had begun using the epithet when their training 
started that morning.
	"Probably not," Master Baerd replied matter-of-factly.  "But 
what are we to do?  Wait?  No, I think not.  We shall just make do 
with what I can teach and you can learn.  Hopefully it will be 
enough.
	"This afternoon I will continue your training with the short 
sword, Derek.  Pahl, do you think you are ready for the third 
mahte'?"
	"I do."
	"Good, then that will be your lesson for today," said Master 
Baerd.  "After you are through eating I want you both to retire for 
an hour rest, then meet me in the training yard."
	That afternoon Derek and Pahl began training with more 
earnest than before.  Somehow they both knew that everything they 
learned might result in the saving of their own lives at some point 
in the future.  Jeshur Baerd was pleased with their commitment and 
determination.  He helped them stretch their skills and resolution to 
limits never before known.  He continued teaching Derek skills 
with the short sword, showing him defenses that matched those of 
the dohka he had previously learned.  Pahl required other training 
and after showing Derek enough techniques to occupy his time for 
the afternoon Master Baerd led Pahl inside the Keep and into the 
Grand Library.
	"Amazing!" Blurted Pahl as they entered a room filled with 
thousands of ancient writings.  "How old are these books?"
	"Old," said Master Baerd and added, "but not as old as they 
appear."
	Pahl gave Master Baerd a sidelong glance, "What do you 
mean?"
	Master Baerd smiled  coyly and said, "In this room one must 
look with inner sight to see, listen to inner voice to hear, and think 
with inner thoughts to learn.  I will be here when you are ready to 
begin."

	"But Master..." Pahl began and before he could finish the old 
man had vanished.
	Pahl looked about and realized that the room no longer had an 
entrance or exit.  The door had been replaced by a wall of books 
and old scrolls stacked high on a cedar shelf.  Pahl sat for a 
moment in confusion.  Then as he always did when presented with 
a problem, he began talking to himself out loud.
	"Inner sight to see, inner voice to hear?  What's that suppose 
to mean?  And where did the door go?"  Pahl stood up and went to 
the shelf where the exit should have been.  He felt the books and 
shelving only to find their feel and look appeared to be the that of 
old books and an old shelf.
	"Inner sight?"  Pahl repeated.  "Think Pahl, you know what 
that means.  What did Hawk say when I saw the white dragon fly?  
That I saw it in my mind.  That must be what is needed here."
	Pahl closed his eyes and went through the first mahte' 
exercises to relax.  When he finished, he let his mind go blank and 
immediately pictured the room in truth.  He opened his eyes and 
saw the door that represented the exit and Master Baerd sitting 
across from him.
	"An illusion, Master?"
	"You are learning, Pahl Kempter," Jeshur replied.  "As 
promised, you are ready to learn and I am here to teach.  Let's 
begin with this..."
	Jeshur raised his hand slightly and a book disappeared from 
one of the shelves and reappeared on the table in front of Pahl.  
Pahl looked at archaic symbols inscribed on the books cover and 
three images flashed in his mind.
	"Tell me what the insight the book holds?"  Jeshur asked.
	Pahl hesitated, then answered, "It speaks of the soul, the mind, 
and the body, I think."
	"That is correct," said Jeshur.  "Trust yourself,  Pahl.  The 
Light always reveals truth, there is no need for uncertainty.  What 
is the meaning of these symbols?"
	"I have not been taught to read, Master."
	"Inner thoughts to learn.  Open the book."
	Laying his right hand on the cover, Pahl was shocked to find 
that he could not open it.  He used both hands and still found it 
impossible to open or even move.
	"Inner thoughts to learn, Pahl.  Open the book."
	Frustrated, Pahl took a deep breath to relax.  Rather than 
opening the book with his hands, he opened it with his mind.  
Although the book itself never opened, images flooded his mind.  
They came as vague, ambiguous thoughts at first and as Pahl 
sharpened his mind the images sharpened as well, forming into 
complete patterns of thought.  After what seemed like several 
minutes, Pahl closed his thoughts and stared at Jeshur Baerd wide 
eyed.
	"The book talks!"  Exclaimed Pahl.
	"Not exactly,"  said Jeshur.  "Nevertheless, what did you 
learn?"
	"Well, from what I understood, a Retter's spirit harnesses 
power, his mind focuses it, and his body acts as a focal point to 
release the power."
	Jeshur Baerd smiled at his young apprentice.  "That is correct.  
You see, Pahl, a Retter must learn for himself what it takes to 
wield the Light and also how it feels.  A master can but show the 
way, the Retter must walk the path alone.  Only then can you truly 
see the light and from it, learn.  Do you see how this is 
accomplished?" 
	"Yes, I am beginning to understand.  Has it always been so?"
	"Since the beginning, when the Holder of the Light called 
upon honest men and women to guide the affairs of the world."
	"Who is this Holder of the Light?  Is he still alive?"
	"Yes, the Holder lives," said Jeshur, "but not as we do.  You 
will understand more as you progress and you are ready to receive 
the Protectorates and become a full Retter, as did Hawk."
	"I wondered about that,"  said Pahl thoughtfully.  "What are 
Protectorates and why must Hawk retrieve them?"

	"Protectorates were created from ancient matter left by a 
higher power when the world was in the infant stages of its own 
birth,"  Jeshur explained.  "With them a Retter can extend his 
power beyond the normal restrictions of mathematics and physical 
laws on this world."
	"Master Baerd, you have spoken twice now of our world as if 
it were but one of many," Pahl said.  "Are there others?"
	"Yes, we are not alone in the universe.  But talk of other 
worlds is a lesson to long for present discussion.  You asked about 
Protectorates and I will explain them.
	"At the time our world was created, chaotic matter struggled 
for supremacy.  Good and Evil, Light and Darkness,  were matched 
in a battle that would dwarf any from our own imaginations.  As 
Light emerged victorious and the world formed, certain fragments 
of the battle fell upon this land and burned deep into the soil.  The 
fragments resting in our Western mountains are that of the Light.  
These fragments are only a minuscule part of that great essence 
from the chaotic struggle, yet they contain potentially immense 
power."
	"But what of the Darkness?"  Asked Pahl.  "Did any of its 
matter find itself here?"
	"Very good, Pahl," Jeshur said.  "Even though Light won the 
initial battle, the conflict remains unresolved.  It is for this reason, 
the Holder of the Light assembled the Retter to follow the Light of 
the Path.  You, Hawk, your brother, and those others on the side of 
good, are even now engaged in this conflict.  You must do what 
you can to learn to use the power within you to assist in this 
matter.  Soon you will be ready to continue learning the advanced 
mahte' ."
	Pahl stared at Master Baerd, accepting as truth what he had 
previously only imagined.  He said, "I will follow your instruction, 
Master Baerd."
	"I am glad you are hearing not only my voice, but also my 
inner voice?"
	Not fully understanding, Pahl smiled and nodded in agreement 
anyway.
**********
	Throughout the next week Pahl and Derek practiced the things 
Master Baerd taught them.  Concentrating fully on every lesson 
and rehearsing the mahte' every morning and evening.  Never in 
their lives had they work so hard and still they strove to devote 
more time and energy to their practice.  By the fifth day they were 
only sleeping four hours each night and studying or practicing 
every minute they could.
	Even though they slept little, the young men's energy never 
diminished.  Pahl ascribed this to Master Baerd's power and that of 
the Keep.  By the end of the week the young men had developed 
more than was naturally possible.  Pahl could scarcely believe his 
brother's skill with the short sword as he watched Master Baerd 
and Derek exchange attacks and blocks.  For all appearances his 
brother looked as though he had grown up with the sword.  He 
hoped that the ability would not diminish when they left, and 
somewhere inside he knew that it would not.

	His own skills in the advanced mahte' had also improved 
dramatically.  Master Baerd had taught his brother and him the 
third and fourth mahte' that included basic attacks called lohka and 
throws called tohka in the ancient tongue.  Pahl also learned ways 
to discern his inner power and the manufacturing of simple 
illusions.  He learned that illusions required less concentration and 
power than other forms of magic, making them a better starting 
point.  He was also surprised to learn that every wielder of the 
power had different talents or skills in focusing and controlling that 
power.  By spending time in the library Pahl learned of Retter who 
were adept in healing, combat, defense, mind communication, 
plant manipulation, and many other forms of magic.  He wondered 
what his talent would emerge to be and after asking Master Baerd 
he found that only through time and after acquiring Protectorates 
would his full potential be realized.
	Even though he had succeeded in mastering the skill of 
reading the ancient books of the library with his mind, Pahl still 
had trouble with the illusions Master Baerd taught him.  Creating 
simple inanimate objects did not prove difficult, but making those 
objects appear real to Master Baerd or Derek did.  Despite his 
commitment and effort, the images took on the semblance of a 
mirage or fleeting shadow without clarity and it took Master Baerd 
own power to solidify them into recognizable objects.
	Two days into the second week Pahl began to feel the first 
pangs of failure creep into his otherwise determined resolve.  If he 
could not master the simpler arts, he thought, how would he 
become a formidable ally to Hawk?  Rather than getting easier, the 
same spells Pahl tried to weave, became more difficult.  This 
digressed until, by the fourth day, Pahl could not even create the 
illusory half images he had before.

	In a fit of frustration after a failed attempt, Pahl declared, 
"Master, I am a failure!"  He threw up his hands and walked 
toward the door of the Grand Library.
	Master Baerd stood and with a wave of his staff, erected a 
minor force barrier between Pahl and the exit.  Pahl walked 
through the barrier without a flinch, the only sign of his passing 
being a light shearing sound and an insignificant brightening of 
Pahl's aura.  
	Pahl noticed the sound and turned to Master Baerd.  "What 
was that?"  He asked, somewhat disturbed by the smile on his 
master's face.
	"You are far from failing, young Kempter," Master Baerd 
said.  He tended to use Pahl's surname, when teaching a 
particularly important lesson.
	"But I can't even command a simple illusion," countered Pahl.
	"Come here, sit," the old teacher directed.  Pahl hesitated only 
slightly and then did as his mentor asked.
	Master Baerd said, "Perhaps I have been teaching you in the 
wrong fashion.  You have been focusing your energies on the 
properties of performing the spell rather than on the final product.  
You are spending too much time concentrating on the particulars 
that you learn from the archives.
	"It is important to know the particulars, Pahl, but you must 
also understand that knowing how to use the power, and wielding 
the power are two completely different things."
	Paul looked confused and Master Baerd explained, 
"Remember when I taught you the art of sword play?"  Pahl 
nodded, how could he forget his failings there.  "Use of magic is 
much the same.  You knew the techniques of the sword, but you 
did not have the talent to be an effective fighter in the short time 
we have here."
	"Are you saying that I haven't the talent to practice magic?"  
Pahl asked concerned.
	"I am saying the exact opposite," Master Baerd countered.  
"You must begin exercising your natural ability to call upon the 
power, rather than trying to develop the spell like you would an 
equation."
	The look on Pahl's face resembled that of a frustrated 
accountant adding impossible numbers.  Master Baerd tried a 
different tactic.  "When you tried to leave, I put up an invisible 
wall that should have blocked your exit.  It did not.  You walked 
right through it as if it wasn't there.  That sound you heard 
represented the displacement of my barrier."  Master Baerd paused 
momentarily, then emphasized, "Pahl, you broke my defense 
barrier without even casting a spell!"

	 "How did I do that?"  Pahl asked in disbelief, 	
	Master Baerd shook his head, "I am unsure.  But I do know 
that it took tremendous talent and ability on your part to 
accomplish something of that magnitude without training.  We 
need to work on fine tuning that talent of yours lest you end up 
causing more havoc inadvertently than you know.
	"I want you to begin by calling up the illusion of the bowl that 
you tried earlier.  Only this time do not try to build the image in 
your head and step through the spell directives.  Just let your 
natural instincts guide you through the steps and cast."
	Pahl tried and nothing happened.  He started over and again 
failed without a hint of the illusion becoming visible.  Again he 
tried and this time sweat began to collect on his forehead, but still 
he did not succeed.
	Gently, Master Baerd put a hand on his shoulder.  "Don't push 
it, Pahl, just let it happen.  Do not think, just act."
	Pahl nodded and closed his eyes.  Almost instantaneously a 
bowl, plate, silverware, and a gourmet dinner appeared on the table 
before them.  Pahl opened his eyes and the entire illusion 
disappeared in a flash of brilliant light.
	"I did it!"  Pahl exclaimed.  And then more somberly said, 
"But it didn't last."
	"Ah, but it did,"  said Master Baerd.  "When you opened your 
eyes, your natural reflex caused the flash of light canceling your 
own spell!  A lesson, I have not yet taught you!"
	Pahl beamed with pride as a worried Derek burst into the 
room with sword in hand and sweating from his exercises.  "Is 
everything all right?"
	Pahl said, "We're fine Derek, why?"
	Derek said, "I thought the library caught fire after I saw that 
bright light."
	Understanding mirrored on Pahl's face.  "Oh, that light.  Yes, 
that was me.  I am beginning to progress,"  Paul said giving his 
startled brother a bear hug.
	Pahl backed away and scrunching his face he said, "You need 
to bathe, brother.  You stink."  Master Baerd chuckled while the 
two brothers from Aubon erupted into uncontrolled laughter.
	The next day, Pahl and Derek practiced together under the 
watchful eye and ever correcting hand of Master Baerd.  Pahl 
would create illusions of  attacking soldiers, while Derek would 
combat them.  Pahl would make them disappear if Derek hit a vital 
or crippling point.  The images as yet remained inanimate and 
lacked a solid contact, but Pahl made up for this by placing 
wooden figures throughout the training field.  Master Baerd would 
periodically stand behind those figures and poke at Derek his staff. 
	The practice sessions where Pahl and Derek worked together 
became a friendly competition between the two brothers.  Pahl, 
would attempt to trick Derek by placing different sizes and 
numbers of foes around him.  This allowed Master Baerd to catch 
Derek in the ribs or side with his staff, knocking him to the ground 
to Pahl's delight.  Derek's objective would be to eliminate all of 
the figures and then tackle his brother disrupting his concentration 
and removing the illusions.

	The competition excited the young apprentices and Master 
Baerd allowed them to compete in the afternoon while constraining 
them to individual study in the morning.  This went on for the next 
week and Pahl suddenly realized that Hawk had been gone for 
close to three weeks.  This alarmed Pahl, because already snow had 
fallen in the mountains where Hawk had gone.
**********
	Hawk sat resting on the edge of a beautifully serene plateau.  
The countryside from his vantage point was the most awe inspiring 
he had ever seen.  Despite the elevation and surrounding harsh 
landscape, this hidden glen looked as if perpetual springtime 
prevailed.  Lush, green grass filled the area, surrounded by yellow 
and blue wild flowers in all stages of growth.  Willow trees, not 
pine common to mountainous regions, grew in an oddly scattered 
fashion.  
	Experienced in botany, Hawk knew that this entire ecosystem 
bordered on the impossible.  Had he not witnessed it, he would 
have never believed it could exist.  And after seeing it himself, he 
found it difficult to accept.

	The location of what Hawk now knew to be the oldest, most 
undiscovered terrain in Nordenland was settled deep in the 
mountains West of the Keep.  It had taken him almost a week to 
reach the surrounding edges and only through several hazardous 
passes, nearly impossible to negotiate.  But the call had come,  
entering deep into his very soul, drawing him to this location like 
the tug of the ocean's tide.  Had it not been so, he doubted his own 
ability to find such a remote place.
	Even with the pull of the call, Hawk fought a desperate battle 
within his own conscience.  It was this struggle that kept him on 
the edge of the plateau, unwilling and unable to enter the resting 
place of that ancient substance from the chaotic war.
	Since he had resolved to undertake the journey after his 
discussion with Jeshur Baerd, he had to recommit himself every 
step of the way.  More than once, he had turned around to give up.  
Only the belief in his former master and his own unwillingness to 
fail carried him to this final location.
	Here is where my life will change, thought Hawk.  But do I 
want it to change?  These questions taunted him like a cat and dog 
fighting in the night.  He knew that by entering the cove his 
decision would be final and his way of living would change 
dramatically.  This knowledge frightened him like nothing else in 
his entire life.

	On the edge, Hawk sat.  For two days he thought of every 
conceivable reason to enter and every viable argument to leave.  
He did not eat or drink.  He did not need to.  He had entered into a 
trance-like state that left him somehow outside of the realm of the 
world.  With giddy awareness Hawk realized that he could 
probably remain this way for months without harm and only with 
iron will, he broke away from that soothing train of thought.
	In the end, a simple promise to a family he had barely known 
made his decision.  Breaking the spell of trance, Hawk stood and 
with firm resolve walked into the grove.  Immediately upon 
entering, Hawk felt the weight of years of guilt disappear and a 
strong sense of  rightness replace the void.
	Following the inner voice that called to him, he walked for 
what seemed like hours.  He stopped at a section of the plateau that 
consisted of a substance that looked like nothing as much as white 
sand.  Walking upon the sand like substance, Hawk drew in a deep 
breath.  He could feel tremendous power radiating from beneath 
his feet and the inner voice became a chorus of musical 
reverberations singing triumphant victory mingled with saddened 
loss.
	A wash of emotions and power burned into Hawk, causing 
him fall onto his back in stunned ecstasy.  He lay prone in the sand 
listening to a concert of epic proportions.  As the sound intensified, 
images flashed into Hawk's mind of the struggle that had taken 
place several millennia ago.  Light and Darkness, releasing power  
and majesty beyond comprehension battled in the heavens sending 
bolts of brilliant light through the stars.  Streaks of color so 
dazzling they brought tears to Hawk's eyes careened through the 
stars while shearing globes of utter darkness ripped at the very 
threads of the universe.  Astonishing beyond belief, the battle 
raged and within it substance of both good and evil collided into 
the planet where Hawk lay.
	The images shifted to thousands of years after the struggle had 
finally ended and the forces of Light prevailed.  In the location 
where Hawk lay prone, a being of intense power and knowledge 
rose from the sand.  All around him tiny fragments from the 
previous battle collected until they formed into two intensely white 
cylinders of perfect design.  The being lifted the first Protectorates 
and held them high above his head.  Blinding, white light shot 
forth brightening the entire countryside and then subsided.  Hawk 
realized that the being that stood where he lay was the Holder of 
the Light, caller of the Retter.
	Time passed.
	The images shifted and the Holder of the Light remained in 
the center of the plateau, a beacon of power.  Men and women 
from generations long sense forgotten found the plateau and the 
Holder of the Light handed Protectorates to those worthy of their 
receipt. 
	Time passed again.
	The images faded, replaced by those of darkness and evil 
power.  The respite from the chaos war was over and out of the 
south an enemy emerged.  One of extreme power who converted 
some of those Retter and destroyed those who challenged.  Terror 
reigned for a brief time, before the enemy was crushed.
	Time passed once more.
	Hawk saw his own image approach the Holder of the Light.  
The Holder stretched forth his hands, burying them into the white 
sand and returning with two cylinders that glowed with life and 
appeared to Hawk like ivory rods.  Turning toward Hawk, the 
Holder of the Light handed the cylinders to him.
	The images faded and Hawk awoke.  He found himself under 
a willow tree on the grass.  He couldn't remember walking there 
and stood up to get his bearings when something caught his eye.  
On the ground, not three feet away, lay the two feet long, white 
Protectorates Hawk had scene in his vision.  Hawk also noticed 
that his entire outfit, including his boots, radiated in whiteness.
	Hawk picked up the Protectorates, and finding them warm to 
the touch he placed them in a carrying case Jeshur had provided 
him before he left.  He did not know how long he had been on the 
plateau, but he was famished and quickly recovered his backpack, 
he had hidden next to the grove.
	Smiling with a sense of rejuvenation and new beginnings 
Hawk ate an appetizing meal and started his trek out of the hidden 
pass.  Snow fell, but Hawk could tell it was midmorning and he 
would try to reach the outer pass by nightfall.  He did not fear the 
return trip, knowing that his own powers now dwarfed those he 
had previously possessed and any dangers he might encounter in 
the mountain would prove uneventful.  The Protectorates provided 
warmth and reassurance that all would go well.
**********
	"Hawk's returned!"  Shouted Derek, from the training field.
	Master Baerd and Pahl arose from their chairs in the library  
and left several scrolls on the table.  Pahl came out of the main 
chamber of the Keep at a run.  This day marked the second day 
after the third week since Hawk had left and Pahl felt elated that 
Hawk had finally returned.
	"Where?"  Asked Pahl, coming to a stop at Derek's side.
	"Just North of those trees," said Derek pointing in the 
indicated direction.
	"He's dressed in white,"  Pahl observed absently.
	Master Baerd arrived to hear Pahl's comment.  "Then he has 
succeeded in his quest,"  he said, almost to himself.
	The two brothers looked at their master briefly, then back to 
where their friend approached.  Pahl smiled from ear to ear.  He 
couldn't help feeling that events would now begin to take on a 
structured shape and that he would play a role in the shaping.
	Hawk greeted his old friend with an uncharacteristic hug.  The 
two talked and laughed into the afternoon about old times, while  
Pahl and  Derek listened in satisfied silence.  As afternoon turned 
to evening Master Baerd bade the two young men demonstrate 
some of the skills they had learned.  The brothers complied and 
found Hawk astonished by their accomplishments.

	Shortly thereafter, they ate dinner and the discussions turned 
toward serious matters.  "We must leave at first light," said Hawk 
with a hint of sadness in his voice.
	"That would be appropriate," agreed Jeshur.
	"We were expected in Surik a week ago," continued Hawk, 
"And I feel that any further delay may have consequences." 
 	"This is true," Jeshur said.  "Timing may become critical 
shortly."
	Hawk looked down at his currently white clothing.  Then gave 
Jeshur a knowing look.  "Despite traditions of the past, you know I 
cannot remain in these clothes."
	Jeshur almost laughed, "Not if you want to stay alive."  He 
stood and instructed Hawk to stand as well.  Raising his staff he 
made a motion in the air.  The staff turned bright white and Jeshur 
pointed the end at Hawk's chest.  Using a back and forth motion, 
Jeshur moved the staff across Hawk's clothing.  After several 
passes the white coloration began to glow and then fade to a crude 
black.
	The four men spent the rest of the evening preparing for their 
journey to Surik and possible return to Aubon.  Even though Pahl 
and Derek were clearly involved in whatever might transpire, they 
both accepted that visiting their home and their family superseded 
any further adventure.  Jeshur Baerd again emphasized the need for 
caution and not to trust anyone.  Pahl thought the admonition 
academic since he planned on trusting no one and playing caution 
to the hilt.  And even though he had learned much from this old 
man he felt insecure in leaving him--Jeshur had reminded his 
companions that he would remain at the Keep awaiting their return.
	That night Pahl slept restlessly.  He could not shake the 
feeling that he would prove inadequate when a real confrontation 
came.  And come it would.  He was certain of it, more certain than 
his feelings for Ti Anniomi.  Funny that he should remember her 
full name, since he had always called her Tia.  He found some 
comfort in the memory of the Sojourn thief who had rescued him 
from captivity.  He vowed that he would be the one doing the 
saving the next time they met.
	Paul shuffled, curling his legs to get more comfortable.  He 
knew that midnight had already passed and he still had not gotten 
more than a few minutes sleep.  He glanced sidelong at Derek 
listening in envy to his slow, steady breathing that indicated 
somber rest.  In exasperation he sat up sharply dislodging the wool 
blanket over his legs.  Crossing his ankles he motioned through a 
short version of the first mahte'  and closing his eyes cast a spell 
learned from a medicine book in the archives.  The content of the 
spell purportedly caused sleep in preparation for an operation.  A 
Retter would normally cast it upon a wounded person, but Pahl 
thought he could change the directives and it might work on 
himself.  His last thoughts were those of a dark skinned girl with 
flowing black hair then he drifted into unconsciousness.  
	The next morning Pahl rose early.  Though he had only slept 
for a few hours he felt invigorated.  He resolved to commit the 
previous night's spell to memory for further use when necessary.  
Pahl heard the faint sounds of horses in the courtyard and knew 
that Hawk and Master Baerd had risen earlier to prepare for their 
departure.  He dressed quickly and woke Derek.  The brothers ate a 
quick breakfast and met the others in the courtyard.

	Pahl and Derek helped Hawk finish tying down provisions on 
their horses while Jeshur Baerd went in and out of the Keep 
retrieving bundles for the journey.  When they were finished the 
four stood staring at one another, no one wishing to speak and say 
the required good bye.
	Finally, Hawk broke the silence and turning to Jeshur he said, 
"Uncle, thank you.  Thank you for believing in me."  His voice 
was filled with emotion and Jeshur wept openly as the two 
embraced.
	"Just make sure you believe in yourself now,"  the old master 
said in a halting voice.
	"I will,"  Hawk said, breaking away and wiping his own eyes.  
"I have seen the vision and accepted my destiny."
	Jeshur smiled broadly and turned to his young apprentices.  
"Young Kempters, I have already given both of you the best gifts I 
could during your training.  It will be Hawk's duty to continue that.  
Still, a final word of caution:  rely on each other, alone you will 
fail, but together prevail."
	Pahl expected a different warning, but nodded nonetheless.  
After a pause, Jeshur hefted an object wrapped in oiled leather and 
handed it to Derek.
	"This sword is old but forged from a metal belonging to an 
ancient era,"  Jeshur said.  "It will not break and contains some 
magical properties as well.  Care for it as you would a babe and it 
will care for you."
	Derek removed the leather covering and inspected the sheath.  
It was ordinary and practical, and the protruding handle of the 
sword looked old and worn, but effective.  When he pulled the 
sword from the sheath his breath caught in his throat.  The blade 
gleamed like it had just been forged and polished and when he held 
it he could barely tell that it had any weight.  He quickly returned it 
to its sheath and wrapped the water resistant leather over it.
	"Thank you, Master," Derek almost whispered.
	Jeshur Baerd nodded and then picked up another smaller 
object also protected by soft leather.  He handed this one to Pahl.
	"Do not remove the covering now,"  Jeshur admonished as 
Pahl had begun unwrapping his gift.  "Inside is a special book from 
the archives.  It is a catalyst to the other books in the old library 
and from it you can read any writings in the library no matter how 
far away you are.
	"Be especially selective when using it, because it only has 
limited contact ability and you must wait between readings.  Also, 
it takes great concentration to use and can be detected by scrying 
magic from your enemies.
	"One more thing.  You must destroy the book rather than let 
dark powers possess it."
	Pahl nodded and put the wrapped book into a pack on his 
horse while Derek strapped the covered sword to the back of his  
saddle.  With a final farewell and shaking of hands, Hawk, Derek, 
and Pahl mounted their horses and began an early morning trek on 
Old Keep Trail.
	The first snow had fallen the previous night and continued 
lightly making the trail appear serene in the whiteness, despite the 
lack of sunlight.  As they passed the tree entwined archway that 
marked the entrance to the Keep, a feeling of remorse and dread 
washed over Pahl and Derek.  They both looked at each other in 
surprise and halted.
	"Relax," said Hawk turning toward them.  We have passed the 
parameter where the original spell lay over us.  You have grown 
accustomed to its effects and are only feeling its release."
	"Warn me next time," Pahl said still shaking.

	Hawk smiled, "I will."
 	The brothers pulled their cloaks tighter about them and rode 
on, accepting the fact that comfort would not be a commodity they 
would soon enjoy.
	Like their ride in, the three had an uneventful trip on the trail, 
down the highway and into the river town.  When they arrived in 
the prosperous logging town, the snow had stopped and evening 
approached.  Hawk had decided to take the return journey slower 
to ensure safety and nearly doubled the time it had taken them to 
originally travel the same route. 
	The river town bustled with activity that alarmed the three 
travelers.  The Inn was full and the tavern boasted more than three 
times the patrons as their last visit.  An unusually large number of 
soldiers sat around the hearth talking loudly and drunk with ale.  
This concerned Hawk as he and the Kempters ate a modest supper.  
The soldiers numbered twice the size of a large patrol in Surik.  
The bar tender seemed unconcerned and happily filled their mugs 
while he filled his coffer.
	By listening to the boisterous conversations throughout the 
room, Hawk gleaned that the king once again sat on the thrown and 
the confusion that previously reigned in the Magistrate had 
dissolved.  This led to a rise in spending and lowering of tariffs 
that all enjoyed.  He also learned that the number of soldiers 
represented an increase in the size of the Royal Army and patrols 
this size roamed the highways regularly.  Watching the men that 
made up this patrol, Hawk deduced that the increased size in the 
army primarily consisted of freelancers, hired swords, and inept 
draftees.  He hoped fervently that the bulk of the army did not 
match this lack of quality. 
	With the inns full, several caravans and travelers camped just 
outside the town.  Hawk decided to join the campsite and offered 
the lead teamster watch duty in exchange of sharing their fire.  The 
teamster almost declined, but the sword strapped to Derek's horse 
and the two daggers hung visibly at his sides convinced him that 
Hawk's group could hold their own.  Pahl smiled inwardly at his 
brothers new demeanor--he did look like a young mercenary.  
	Light banter filled the air as the men and women around the 
campfire talked loosely.  Hawk need not have warned his 
companions to remain vigilant and distant in their conversations.  
The young men already respected the gravity of their mission and 
kept silent for most of the evening, only interjecting an occasional 
agreement or laughing in concert with others. 
	As the evening became late most of the travelers prepared 
their beds.  Pahl drew first watch with four other men and donned 
an extra heavy, wool inlaid coat.  The other men wore an 
assortment of cheap weapons and one held a short bow.  Pahl's 
lack of a weapon except for his short dagger did not seem to bother 
the others.  Everyone knew their main duty involved rousing the 
camp if bandits attacked and not to engage in a fight.

	Not uncommon for a watch so close to a town, the five men 
ended up around the fire an hour after the camp slept.  Their 
assigned stations lay around the fringes of the camp, but with the 
chance of a raid so slim the fire called to them like a magnet to 
metal.  Pahl took his place around the fire, knowing that he should 
keep watch, but unwilling to defy the other guards.
	"Where you from, boy?"  Asked a bearded man holding a cup 
of steaming coffee. The gruff man's use of the term `boy' did not 
bother Pahl.  Most of these men were twice his age and Pahl's 
eighteen years were far from what experienced teamsters would 
consider a man.
	"Aubon," Pahl said, not wishing to lie.
	"Aubon?"  Asked the man raising an eyebrow.  "Pretty far for 
the three of you."
	"Yes," Pahl said, concerned about the direction of the 
conversation.
	"Where are you headed?"  He asked a little to casually for 
Pahl's liking.
	Pahl took a short breath and before answering cast an illusion 
of movement in the nearby trees, making sure that more than one 
of the men noticed it. He stood up and pointed.
	"I think I saw something."  Pahl said adding some alarm to his 
voice.
	"Probably just a `coon," the gruff man said.
	"No, I saw it too,"  another man affirmed.  "We better take our 
posts."  He stood and picked up the short bow.
	The other men rose and went back to their assigned stations, 
while the man who first talked to Pahl looked at him suspiciously.  
Pahl shrugged and returned to his position.  At midnight, the watch 
changed and Pahl fell asleep forgetting about the man who 
questioned him.

	In the morning, the camp disbanded and each went his way.  
Several groups headed for Surik, and Hawk's group left early to 
get ahead of them.  By noon they had reached the Northern toll 
gate that led to Surik.  Hawk paid the toll guard one copper and he 
and his companions passed.
	In two hours they had ridden to the outskirts of Surik where 
nearly a month previously they had left Tia and Lorina.  Despite 
the previous day's snowfall and the cold weather, the roads seemed 
overly active with caravans and lone riders moving in both 
directions.  The attitude of strangers seemed cheerful near the 
capitol, a mirror image of that in the river town.
	Hawk did not share the optimism.  After lunch he instructed 
Pahl and Derek to rehearse the four mahte' they had learned, while 
he meditated.  When finished, they found Hawk sitting cross 
legged holding the two strange Protectorates in both hands.  The 
white cylinders glowed brightly and then faded as Hawk looked 
up.
	"Sit," Hawk instructed.
	Both Derek and Pahl sat on the cold ground..
	"Lorina is not at the capitol," Hawk began.  The brothers 
exchanged looks but remained silent.  "If she has left the capitol it 
can only be for something of importance.  We must find out what 
that is."
	"Is she in danger?"  Derek asked, not questioning how Hawk 
knew of her location.
	"Not yet, but that may change," Hawk answered.  I assume 
that Tia is with her and possibly others.  I have been tracking her 
since we left the Keep.  She heads east, possibly to Elvendan or a 
northeastern kingdom city."
	The young men looked at their companion in wonder.
	"She wears a special token that has magical properties,"  
Hawk explained to their unvoiced question.  "I can locate her, 
much like a ship's captain follows a lighthouse in the fog."
	"She is a special person," Hawk continued.  "A princess of the 
crown."  He paused as the young men absorbed the significance of 
that statement.  "If she is on a mission, it will be one of utmost 
consequence.
	"We will skirt Surik and attempt to catch up to her party near 
Baiern.  We'll have to get provisions in a smaller town along the 
way."  The last was said more to himself as Derek and Pahl stared 
at the unbelief reflected in each other's eyes.

	Derek's only comment was, "a princess!"