thought dragons were creatures to be feared?" asked Gideon in amazement.
"Ahh," replied Cordlyer. "Some human groups do not perceive the beauty of creatures in nature. You see them in only two varieties: those that are harmful and those that are not. Most of nature's animals are not evil by nature, the dragon being an example. They become tainted by their encounters in life, as we do. When you were a child in your mother's arms, did you know real fear?"
"No, I don't think so," said Gideon, a bit confused. He still was not sure what his point was.
"I see; I am drifting a bit, aren't I?" said Cordlyer thoughtfully. "Well, what I am trying to say is don't always judge an animal by its legends and mythic implications, but rather think of it as a person who has learned about life as we have. You see, we elves hold a different philosophy on the value of life than do many humans. Remember what I have said and you may save yourself much grief in the long run."
"I'll try to remember that," said Gideon. "Thank you."
Eventually, they came closer. Gideon was able to see the dragon flying, and he was amazed that such a thing could exist.
Cordlyer then saw the griffon regiments descend and prodded his mount to do likewise. "Hold on, we're going to land," he said.
Once on the ground, they dismounted, and Cordlyer removed some metal stakes and an expandable metal pole from his saddle pouch. He then tethered his griffon with a line attached to the metal pole sunk deep into the ground. He twisted the pole's top until it was tight.
"There, this will secure Tema, with a little room left to flap about," said Cordlyer. "See, she is happy."
The griffon stalked back and forth for a second and then sank down on her haunches and rested. Gideon carefully climbed down from the saddle and moved away from the resting griffon.
"Well, let's go and have our midday meal," said Cordlyer as he led Gideon off toward the center of the camp. The cooks had already set up and were beginning to prepare the meal. After they ate, everyone prepared to resume the journey to Mindon. The riders made two more stops that day: one to give the griffons time to rest and the other to make camp for the night.
Ragan approached Gideon from behind so as not to disturb his repast. The wizard seemed to be pondering something. "Gideon," he said thoughtfully in a low voice as he sat next to him. "I've been thinking; perhaps in order to blend in, you should appear more native to this land, and I feel that you should adopt a country and their ways. I believe Calendor has people similar to your physical build and facial features. For the time being, you could say you are from Taros. It's a huge city and is mostly populated by humans."
"Why should I want to do that?" asked Gideon.
"Many people here have been educated that there are other worlds besides their own. Most of these are educated at one of the many universities or an academy. If you go around saying you are from another world, people may become too curious or perhaps even suspicious, leading to things that might mark you in some way," said Ragan. "In addition, you have had an altercation with a Valharri, and word may pass around. Sadly, they sometimes hold grudges, especially Vasha. It would be best if you kept a low profile. One cannot be sure what words could be said that might lead the Valharri to you or to me."
"That's funny," said Gideon. "Many people of my world think the same way."
"Then I see you can understand the implications."
"Yes, I can," said Gideon. "Don't worry. I'll act just like a native…in time."
The next morning, the griffons took off at dawn, and for the first time, Gideon looked up and studied the dawn sky. This world's sun was older than Earth's and was a deeper yellow. There was a small bright object in the sky, another star that appeared to be farther away. It was greenish in color but was dimmed by the glow of the former. He made a mental note to ask the wizard more questions about the system they were in and the approximate age of the planet. If anyone would know that information, Ragan would. He seemed to have knowledge beyond what should be possessed by individuals in what appeared to be an advanced Renaissance-level civilization.
The griffon riders made good speed, traveling about one hundred leagues in a day. From what he could determine from his watch, they traveled for over fifteen hours, with three short breaks each day of their trek. From what Gideon could figure out, Illúmaril was a somewhat larger world than Earth. He would have to ask Ragan for more details on this hypothesis some other time. Throughout the next day, Gideon noticed flying ships or craft of some sort gliding through the air.
"What are those?" asked Gideon.
"They are skyships," replied the Cordlyer, who seemed to intuit that Gideon had never before seen these types of crafts. "Some are quite large and transport groups of people to our other cities. Others are part of our airborne armada and are warships. Some have the ability to travel to other dimensions."
One of the craft approaching Gideon appeared to be magnificently constructed and resembled a sailing ship with decks, portholes, and other distinctions possessed by such craft. This particular one seemed to be a pleasure model. Its passengers lounged about its deck, sunning themselves, reading books, or playing games. Some of the crew on the more-exposed decks had cords between their backs and parts of the ship, probably a lifeline of some sort to protect them from falling overboard.
Other flying vessels passed within viewing range. Each was distinct but resembled flying animals like great dragons or eagles; a few looked like ornate submarines. After a few days of flying over forested areas, farmlands, and several towns and cities, the riders finally approached Mindon. Gideon saw that the rather large city was spread out over several miles. There was a central region with what appeared to be a citadel, closer to the outer northern portion of the city. It appeared that the majority of the city was close to the river and downstream of the citadel. The large city was quite breathtaking as the griffons flew parallel and then circled for a landing a fair distance away from the city proper. Tema landed near the large tent of the camp veterinarian. Cordlyer then led her toward the tent to be examined after the long flight. After that, he told Gideon to follow him into a small grove of nearby trees.
Beyond this grove, in the distance stood a castle citadel carved of white stone. Later, as they passed through the thick stone and metal gates, they were hailed by Ragan from the other side of the open court. "Lord Cordlyer, will you be going into Mindon on leave?" asked Ragan.
"I'm certain that I will get leave time after I've attended to my duties, but I first would like some good cooking in my stomach. I will eventually need to go to the guild markets to purchase some personal supplies," replied Cordlyer. "Why do you ask, Archmaster Ragan?"
"Because even though I shall be going into the city, I have some Red Lodge business and other White Council tasks. I was hoping that you would tend to Master Gideon until I get back, keeping him out of trouble and such. When I return, perhaps we will dine together for a late supper at Palrents in the Green Griffon Inn."
"I understand, Tauri Ragan, and I can look after him for a portion of the time. Although I think I know someone he would actually enjoy spending the day with," said Cordlyer with a knowing look. "Palrents is an excellent choice, Ragan," replied the elf. "I recall you are friends with the owner. I should be able to meet you there by the seventh hour."
"Agreed," replied Ragan. "Well, let us be off, Gideon. The Gilthondral will be expecting us as I asked to be given an audience after we arrived." Then Cordlyer, Ragan, and Gideon continued walking toward the citadel.
As they continued past a guard's station, Ragan said, "John Gideon, during the audience
