The Radiant Dragon

wanted to continue his search without relying on the elves for transportation, he would have to purchase a new ship. That problem had been pressing on his mind for days, and perhaps Evermeet presented a solution. There was enough gold left in his bag for a modest down payment, but Teldin knew that as an unknown, inexperienced captain making a voyage of exploration into deep space, he was not exactly a good risk. He doubted anyone would be willing to extend him credit. The elves, perhaps, might prove an exception. They regretted the treacherous behavior of one of their own, Admiral Cirathorn. Although Teldin didn't like the idea, he figured he would have to find out how far the elves would go to make amends.

'Evermeet's fine,' he muttered grudgingly. 'Hectate and I will be looking for another ship.'

Vallus shook his head. 'I'm afraid that's out of the question.'

So it was true, Teldin thought. He was a prisoner of the elves. 'You're saying I can't leave the swan ship?'

The elf s surprise seemed genuine. 'Not at all. You may come and go as you will, but Hectate Kir cannot set foot on Evermeet.'

Teldin's resentment over his friend's treatment returned in full measure. 'Why? Because he's half- elven?'

'Yes.'

Teldin shot both hands through his hair, astounded that the elven wizard didn't even bother to hide his bigotry. 'That's ridiculous,' he sputtered.

'I agree,' Vallus said evenly, 'but the decision is not mine to make. I personally have no objection to Hectare Kir.'

'Is that so? Then why is the crew treating him like a pariah? Why is a skilled navigator-the best I've seen!- washing dishes instead of taking shifts on the bridge?'

The elf s green eyes remained steady. 'I am the captain of the Trumpeter, and therefore my dictates are followed. I cannot, however, transfer my beliefs and values to the crew. Elves tend to be an insular people, and many of my crewmen distrust the half-elf. Putting your friend on the bridge would create more tension that the exercise merits.'

Teldin shook his head adamantly. 'No. I can't agree that you should abandon a principle merely because upholding it might create a little discomfort,' he said with scathing sarcasm. To his surprise, his wrathful answer brought a smile to Vallus's face.

'You do not disappoint me, Teldin Moore.'

He threw up his hands in exasperation. 'I live to please. Now, I'm sorry if this ruffles a few elven feathers, but I need to bring Hectate with me. If I'm to purchase a new ship, I need the advice of someone I can trust, someone from my own crew.'

'Surely you know that the swan ship is at your disposal,' Vallus told him. 'After we visit Evermeet, you may choose whatever course you wish. You do not need another ship.'

'Sorry, but I don't care for the strings attached to your offer,' Teldin said bluntly.

The elf received this information with a long silence. 'Very well. I ask only that you keep an open mind and not make your final decision until after we speak with the elves of Evermeet.'

The human shrugged. 'If you like, but Hectate comes with me,' he insisted.

'That is not possible,' Vallus repeated. 'No half-elves are allowed on Evermeet. It is not permitted for me as an ambassador of the Imperial Fleet to violate a rule of the groundling elves. If you wish, you may bring other, more acceptable crew members.'

'Like Rozloom?' Teldin asked with heavy irony.

Vallus had the grace to smile. 'That choice might not further diplomatic relations. Actually, I had the dracons in mind.'

'Chirp and Trivit?' echoed Teldin in disbelief.

'Why not? They are fine sailors, born and raised in the void. Since they now are part of your family, so to speak, they have a very personal stake in choosing your next ship.'

Teldin's eyes narrowed. He suspect that Vallus was teasing him, but he could detect no sign on humor on the elf s angular, aristocratic face. Neither could he see any real reason for leaving the dracons behind, so he gave in with a gut-deep sigh. 'All right. They can come.'

'Then only one minor matter remains.' Vallus excused himself and left the cabin. He returned almost immediately with a large, paper-wrapped bundle, which he handed to Teldin. 'Since your possessions were either lost or damaged in the last battle, we took the liberty of replacing some of them.'

With a feeling of apprehension, Teldin untied the string. He had a mental picture of himself gadding about in the shining silver favored by the Imperial Fleet. He didn't particularly like the idea of appearing before elven royalty in his only set of battered clothing, but wearing an elven uniform would be making a statement of allegiance that he could not support.

To his surprise, the bundle contained several dark garments. He shook out the first, a shirt of fine black silk. Black trousers, a dark jacket, and several other garments completed the package. The cut of the clothing was almost identical to his old wardrobe, except that the quality of fabric and workmanship far surpassed anything he'd ever owned. At the bottom of the package were finely tooled leather items: boots, a belt and scabbard, even a new money sack.

'We had these made while you were ill, using your old things as a measure. I trust they are satisfactory?'

'Very,' Teldin murmured, still stunned by the thoughtfulness of the gift.

'Then we shall meet after we make landfall. Sleep well.' Vallus was gone before Teldin realized he'd forgotten to thank him.

Chapter Eight

Chirp and Trivit responded to the news of their furlough with such glee that Teldin was glad he'd agreed to Vallus's suggestion. However, Teldin made a point of talking to Hectate and explaining the position of the Evermeet elves. The half-elf seemed quietly pleased by Teldin's concern, but he shrugged off the rebuff as if it were of no consequence. Teldin got the distinct impression that the whole thing mattered more to him than it did to Hectate.

Everyone whose duty schedule permitted gathered at the swan ship's railings to watch the descent to Evermeet. Rozloom was there, uncharacteristically surly over not being allowed ashore. Following him like a tiny brown shadow was Om, who remained more or less invisible to the aperusa. Despite his professed lack of interest, Hectate joined Teldin at the railing, as did Vallus Leafbower. Chirp and Trivit kept up a running dialogue, speculating about the wonders that awaited them ashore, until Teldin began to give serious consideration to throttling them.

Vallus acknowledged the exasperated expression on Teldin's face with a faint, sympathetic smile. 'Try to appreciate the dracons' curiosity,' the elf suggested. 'So few maintain it past youth that your clan's enthusiasm is actually refreshing.'

Kaba or not, Teldin was about to take issue with the elf s casual reference to clan, but he saw that he no longer had Vallus's attention. The elf was absorbed in the scene spread out before them, and his angular face was rapt with wonder. The elf s expression was a perfect replication of what Teldin always felt upon making landfall. For the first time Teldin felt a touch of sympathy-even kinship-with the elven wizard. He turned his own attention back to the rapidly approaching world.

Teldin watched, fascinated, as the jewellike island of Evermeet came up to meet them. 'So many shades of green,' he murmured. 'I didn't know so many different greens existed.'

'Evermeet is heavily wooded,' Vallus explained. 'There are ancient forests on the island, but much of the foliage has been cultivated to produce shades of green, blue, gold, and silver. In different lights and at different times of year, certain colors predominate. From this height all meld into the unusual green you see before you.'

The swan ship spread its wings and began its descent, finally splashing down about a league off the coast. The small group clung to the railing for balance as the ship rocked, and Teldin heard the deep, creaking groan of turning gears.

'They're lowering the paddles now,' Hectate informed him.