Mysteries Explained

John then answered, "We are taking a chance on your honesty and self- restraint, but we do not think that it is foolish to do so. You are, in your own mind, mostly human still, even though you now assume the form of a dragon. So we feel that you can master the passion for treasure in pursuit of your long- term interests. Wouldn't you agree?"

"That sounds reasonable."

"And, of course, you are not presently strong. It will take some time for you to learn, perfect, and marshall your powers. In the meantime, if you turn out to lack the discipline to control your urges, we probably have the strength to terminate the relationship. We believe that by the time you become a serious threat to us, our interests and yours will be aligned closely enough to where you will not be inclined to harm us."

"Very well. But suppose that I make common cause with one of your enemies?"

"We have only one rival that causes us some concern. The man of Colonia Gallia, whom you may have seen. But we think that you will want to stay here because we can offer you one thing that he will not."

"What is that?"

"The freedom to travel. He will not explicitly bar you from leaving, but he is likely to twist the magic of his treasure in such a way that your living quarters in such a way that you will not be able to leave without feeling much weaker."

"And you feel no need to do that?"

"No. We do have a few security measures in place to ensure that you do not steal - I mean - move - more than a certain number of the blanks without us agreeing to it. But they would not be as secure if we let you know what they were, would they? But as for travel, Biscuit Creek and the Blacksand colonies feel that it would be good for you to do that, consistent with your duties at the mint."

"But if you wanted me to guard the mint, wouldn't I have to be on duty all the time?"

"Not at all. It is in your interest to make arrangements to keep the stock well protected when you are gone. We would not presume to tell you how to do it, except for the restriction that we need to be able to withdraw bullion for normal circulation of coinage while you are away."

"It sounds tempting. But I do have a problem that may force me to turn you down."

"What is it?"

"It is hard to explain. There is apparently a nation to the east of here called the Red Dolomite League. There is some sort of tie that I have inherited from a dragon that I killed. It is the same tie that compels me to remain a dragon."

John translated this to the group, and there was a stirring and much chattering amongst those gathered. One of the men in the room gave a servant an order to get something, and then spoke to John quietly. John nodded, and then asked the room to be quiet.

"This is important news, and we need to discuss this further amongst ourselves. Cooperation between us may be even more fruitful. I have worked with Professor Cicero on several volumes of his collection, 'Notes on the Voyages of Blacksand Sailors to the Outside World.' There has been much new exploration over the last forty or so years as we have had better ships and navigational aids. Overland trade has declined somewhat, but we still keep accounts as to newsworthy observations on the Diamond Route and Pepper Route. There has been little trade between Blacksand and the League for a variety of reasons, and therefore little interest in the League, except as a danger to be avoided on the Pepper Route. Professor Cicero has asked an assistant to get a copy of volume six, which, as he remembers, talks about encounters with the League and its neighbours. You might find this useful. We would be interested in how what you know about the League, and your tie to it."

Astra said, "I really do not know much, except for what I have gathered from one of my travel companions, who was born and grew up there. Her name was Checkers, and the first thing anyone would notice is that she has a pair of wings."

Astra would not have been surprised if John had rolled his eyes, but he listened respectfully. She also noticed that Professor Cicero nodded his head, which told her two things. Somewhere in that book there was an account of the Gliders, and that he knew more of her language than he let on.

John answered, "I have heard some stories about that."

The Professor spoke up, "Not stories. Fifty years ago, stories. Now, it ess fact."

John said something in Barque to the Professor, and he replied with a lengthy explanation in the same language.

The room was abuzz with what the Professor said. Apparently he was what passed as an expert in the part of the world that the Dolomite League was in, and what he was saying was new to the people in the room.

When the Professor was finished, John said, "We would ask, what happened to your traveling companion? We would very much like to meet her. Especially after what the Professor told us."

"The Lords of the Sea captured our party off the Blacksand coast and split us up. I was on a ship called the Stony Brook, I believe. I do not know where my travel companions are, but I would like to see them again. What did the Professor tell you?"

"First, that what you say clears up a mystery. When the dragon you called Minestus first came from across the sea, we were worried that he would pillage our cities, as the west coast is where most of the treasure and wealth of the continent are. But he ignored us for the most part, going to the bleaker interior. We were glad for him to do so, but we always wondered why. And now you have identified the land that compelled him to make the journey across the sea. Second, he says that the Red Dolomite League is perhaps more significant than it looks. For he says"

1. that it is rich in potential trade goods - coffee, a marvelous preservative called tinflower, and some precious metal. The problem has always been that the Gliders are hostile.
2. that there are rumours of the descendants of Glider mages, who, if they could be found, might have powers unknown to human or dragon mages.

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