"We need to locate Xander quickly," the prince said. "And find a way to meet with him quietly." Alaron looked out of his window at the coast. They had reached the shoreline after sunset the night before. Now it was bright, and the sun off the water was blinding. He had unrealistically hoped to see the pirate ship on the horizon as soon as they arrived. He had no idea how vast the ocean actually was. Across from him, the gnome clicked his tongue.

"Keep practicing your magic, my son. I have contacted some people to find out Xander's whereabouts," Cafer promised him.

The words brought Alaron out of his brooding. "You still have human contacts?" The prince was surprised.

"You do not live as long as I have without picking up few tricks along the way. And I did not say my contact were human." The gnome left the rest up to the boy's imagination. "Now, how is your magic coming along today?"

Since leaving the palace the day before, Alaron had been reviewing different spells with his mentor. As no one else was in the carriage, they could converse in compete privacy. "I have down the whirlwind spell and can do the water spell, but the earth one has me stumped. This is your area of expertise, Uncle Cafer. I need your help."

Alaron showed him the page of the book. It was a spell used to raise rocks from the ground. Cafer mumbled to himself as he read through the spell. "I actually have the least experience with ground spells because I have the least need for them. Ground magic just comes naturally to gnomes. Show me what you know, and I will see how to assist you."

Alaron began to chant and move his arms. He finished the spell and nothing happened. "I am not even sure what is supposed to happen," the prince admitted.

They hit a bump in the carriage which caused the driver to yell an apology. "I am sorry, Your Highness! That rock came out of nowhere."

"That is what is supposed to happen," Cafer chuckled. He gave the prince a mischievous grin.

"You did that?!" Alaron's mouth hung open.

"Yes, Your Highness. Now, try again." Cafer held out his hands in encouragement. Alaron read through the spell, changing the pronunciation of last word. The carriage lurched as it hit another bump in the road.

"I did it!" The prince laughed. He did the spell three more times. The carriage bumped around wildly, causing the occupants to be jostled.

The driver did his best to keep them straight. "Prince Alaron, this road has a mind of its own! I cannot drive without hitting something. I think we may be bewitched!"

The gnome and prince burst into quiet laughter. "He has no idea!" Alaron whispered.

"They rarely do," Cafer told him. They were enjoying the childish game immensely.

Then they hit another bump. The driver cried out and the carriage slowly came to a halt. "That was not me," both Cafer and Alaron said in unison. Outside a clash of metal was interspersed with soldiers grunting and shouting.

"We are under attack!"

Alaron reached for his sword, which was leaning against the seat next to him. "I wouldn't do that." A face appeared in the window of the carriage. A man with a curling mustache, dark hair and a thin face smiled at them.

"Who are you?" Cafer puffed out his chest, looking down his nose at the intruder.

The man was unfazed. "I will ask the questions. But first, we will move somewhere more comfortable. Shall we?" From the man's jacket, a beautiful round object appeared in his hand. The last thing Alaron remembered was its pleasant light.

—————————

"Nurlan sent a preliminary report of his findings, he says there is definitely magic involved." Aurora spoke over her desk to her spymaster. The elf had her feet propped up on the desk, which would have easily gotten anyone else reprimanded or worse. But Aurora actually liked the informality. The Empress flipped through the pages. "Look here." Aurora pointed to a description of the object. "What do you make of this?"

Brinn read the description. "Sounds like a Merpearl. They were created to light up the ocean floor by the merfolk, but the mesmerizing power of the creatures got mixed up in the stones. They were dangerous to men and magical creatures alike, because the wielder of the pearl could put anyone who looks upon it in a trance."

"That explains the mayor's reaction and his lack of memory. We will have to share that with the Council." Aurora moved on to another part of a document and chuckled. "He also mentions that the troops have a budding scientist in their midst. A little rough around the edges though."

"Who is a scientist?" Mairwen was escorted into the room by a servant. The Empress glanced at Brinn who gave a reassuring nod.

"She is human, not a gnome," the elf said.

Mairwen frowned. "Is that why spymaster Brinn is following you everywhere? To be your gnome-detector?"

Aurora shrugged. "Until we know what Cafer is up to, we cannot be too careful. I would appreciate it if you stay close to me when you can be spared. And do not be alone with anyone unless you are positive of their identity."

"Yes mother," the Princess said dutifully. She knew how much stress the Empress was feeling.

Aurora smiled at her gracious daughter. "In answer to your question, there is a boy with Nurlan who fancies himself a scientist. He is quite young though."

Mairwen's eyes lit with excitement. "I would love to meet him!"

"I am sure we can arrange that," Aurora chuckled. "Just don't tell your father."

"What are you not telling me?" Devrim walked in with Gandr and Junayd. "And our daughter is never meeting boys…ever!

Aurora ignored him, pretending to be annoyed. She glanced at Brinn. "I miss Nurlan. He never would let all these people enter unannounced."

Brinn gasped. "He is a gnome!" She yelled dramatically and drew her short knife on Gandr.

"Haha, very funny…just like it was the last three times," Gandr said with irritation.

"It's the best way to tell if it is really you, because you smell of gnome. Plus it is fun," the elf added with a smirk. She sheathed her knife and leaned back in her chair again. No one mentioned her rude behavior.

Aurora looked expectantly toward her husband. "Has Alaron returned?"

"Not yet. The one communication we have received said that he must have made it further or taken a different route." Devrim told her honestly.

Aurora furrowed her brow. "He had less than a half-day lead. And he should be slow moving. How could they not have found him?"

"Do not worry, my love. Alaron probably pulled off the road to rest and the messengers missed him." The Emperor comforted his wife. He put his hands on her shoulders and rubbed them gently.

Mairwen disagreed. She held her hand against her heart and shut her eyes. "I think Mother is right to be concerned."

"Why do you think that?" Devrim could see that the girl was disturbed. He was never quick to dismiss her words.

Mairwen shook her head as she concentrated. "I do not know how to explain it, but I cannot help but feel that Alaron is in terrible trouble."