“Human magics are centered on the elementals,” explained the shaman. “They primarily seek to control the elements of this world and harness their powers. The Khadorans, for example categorize their mages as having power in one of the four elemental areas, sun, air, water, and soil. The air tunnel spell is a good example of human magic. The mage sets up a corridor of air and then manipulates the pressures within it to obtain the desired effect.”
“And the elves?” prompted Bakhai.
“Elves have a totally different concept of magic,” replied Yltar. “Their spells revolve around senses and feelings. It is a more intangible branch of magic. They seek to influence nature and allow life forms to provide the changes that they desire. The expedited growth of plants and animals is an example, as are their spells of compulsion. Instead of directing outside energy to affect an object, they use the object’s own life force to accomplish their goal.”
“But mages can do both,” frowned Bakhai. “Princess Alahara is quite capable of throwing a fireball or casting an air tunnel, yet she knows elven magic as well.”
“Correct,” nodded Yltar, “but few elves see magic through the eyes of a human. It is not that the mages are incapable of such deeds; it is that they do not think in such terms. The Qubari, however, were human shaman that were taught elven spells to enable them to protect Angragar. For generations we have used elven magic to nurture the jungle and communicate with the animals.”
“So animal-talking is an elven art?” asked Bakhai.
“By its very nature,” nodded Yltar, “although I do not know if the elves still practice it. I look forward to the days when elven mages return to this land so that I may learn what magics they still focus on.”
“Mistake will know,” shrugged Bakhai. “Rejji said that she was learning magic in Elvangar.”
“You must learn to call her Princess Alahara,” cautioned Yltar. “We do not want to offend our elven friends.”
“Sorry,” sighed Bakhai, “but I knew her before she became a princess.”
“I understand,” smiled Yltar. “You will learn. Let’s go talk to Rejji about you becoming a full fledged shaman.”
They left the roof of the temple and walked across the plaza to the administration building. They looked in the Astor’s office, but Rejji was not there. Walking the corridors of the complex, they finally found the Astor in one of the large meeting rooms. The leaders of the free tribes were all present and voices were raised to alarming levels. Yltar and Bakhai slipped into the room to listen.
“I can’t imagine what Wyant has in mind,” scowled Yojji, leader of the Kheri tribe. “The Jiadin were sent to Meliban and Taggot precisely to keep them away from Angragar. Why in the world would he bring some of them here?”
“We should ride out and confront him with that very question,” stressed Adger, leader of the Mutang tribe.
“And before he gets much closer,” added Blaka, leader of the Extala tribe. “Already the Jiadin will have been able to narrow down the location of the lost city.”
“I will not have the free tribes confronting Wyant and the Jiadin in an aggressive manner,” warned Rejji. “While I am as surprised as you are about this development, I have a great deal of faith in Wyant. The Marshal of Fakara well knows the reason that the Jiadin have been kept separate. It was his idea in the first place.”
“So you are just going to allow them to continue on their way here?” asked Yojji.
Rejji looked around the room as if measuring the degree of hostility present. His eyes landed on Yltar and Bakhai, and a smile crossed his lips.
“No,” answered Rejji. “A delegation from Angragar will go out and meet Wyant and the Jiadin, but it will not be members of the free tribes. I will go myself to find out what the situation is. Yltar and Bakhai will accompany me.”
“The Jiadin may turn on you,” cautioned Blaka. “You should have protection.”
“I will be protected,” Rejji assured the tribesmen. “Not only by Bakhai and Yltar, but Kaltara will be with me as well. What better protection could I have?”
The tribesmen grumbled, knowing that they could not argue with the Astor.
“I will send word back to Angragar well before we return,” Rejji continued, ignoring the mood of the tribesmen. “If I allow the Jiadin to enter Angragar, they are to be treated as long lost brothers. Their desire to rejoin the brotherhood of the tribes is the only reason that would force me to allow them to come here. Has not our goal been to eventually bring the Jiadin back into the fold?”
“But that could be a ploy,” balked Adger. “We should watch them closely. I doubt that the Jiadin can ever be trusted enough to rejoin the free tirbes.”
“I will determine their true intent,” assured Rejji. “If they arrive in Angragar, you will treat them as brothers. It is that agreed to?”
“I have faith in Rejji,” Yojji sighed in submission. “For better or worse, I bow before the Astor. The Jiadin will be treated as brothers.”
“And the past will be forgotten?” frowned Blaka. “Do we just forget the slaughter of our brothers by the Jiadin scum?”
“The tribes have quite a history of warfare,” replied Rejji. “The latest wars were the free tribes against the Jiadin, but each and every one of you can remember wars with other tribes. Those differences are well behind us now. It is time to put the Jiadin wars behind us as well.”
“If they are truly repentant,” nodded Adger.
“Agreed,” nodded Rejji. “They must be ready to accept our new way of life in Fakara, but that is the requirement that I have for them being allowed to enter Angragar. I will determine the truth of it.”
The tribal leaders all nodded in agreement, and Rejji adjourned the meeting. The leaders filed out of the room, leaving Yltar and Bakhai alone with the Astor.
“How will you determine their true intent?” asked Bakhai.
“I was hoping that Yltar might have an answer to that question,” sighed Rejji. “He is the head shaman.”
“I cannot tell for certain if the Jiadin will lie,” replied Yltar, “but there is an ancient spell that can accomplish such a thing.”
“Then get the shaman who is capable of the spell,” directed Rejji. “We will take him with us.”
“There is no such shaman,” Yltar reported as he glanced at Bakhai, “but there may be a candidate to learn the spell. How much time do we have before we must leave?”
“We must leave in the morning at the latest,” answered Rejji. “Wyant and the Jiadin were seen heading for the pass in the mountains. Tomorrow they will pass through it. I would prefer to leave today, if possible, but if you can supply someone with the magical ability to determine if the Jiadin speak the truth, I will wait.”
“I cannot guarantee success,” shrugged Yltar. “No Qubari shaman has mastered the spell in generations.”
“And what makes you think that one of your shaman can now learn it?” frowned the Astor. “This is no time to take chances with new magic.”
“I disagree,” replied Yltar. “It is the perfect time for it. Much rides on the words of the Jiadin coming here. Your decision to let them enter Angragar will either result in a terrible act of treachery, or it will herald a new beginning for Fakara. If the Jiadin are sincere in their vows to you, we may actually have a chance against the forces of Vand.”
Rejji paced the room in silence for some moments before stopping and turning to face Yltar.
“Have your shaman try to learn the spell,” Rejji decided, “but we leave in the morning whether he is successful or not. I will order four horses to be ready for us.”
“We will only need three horses,” smiled Yltar, “and your permission for Bakhai to enter training to become a Qubari shaman.”
“Bakhai?” questioned the Astor. “You think he will be able to learn this spell?”
“He is the most promising student that I have ever encountered,” nodded Yltar. “His power and range are extraordinary.”