Anyway, the day came when we couldn't keep putting departure off. We left Castle Harding at dawn, well before anyone woke. I think it was the best that way. Our journey to the north was long, tedious, and mostly uneventful. Two knights in full plate armour and me, in my traveling robes (I made a point of dressing as a wizard – which I usually don't do) could frighten off a lot of bandits. After crossing most of the human kingdoms, we made it finally to a nameless town, the last cesspit of civilization before the northern wilderness. The tavern we found was filthy, the innkeeper greedy and the townsfolk as obnoxious as they get. After settling down and washing off the dust in a basin of lukewarm water, I was eager to get a bit of fresh air; and though it was clear that it is unadvisable to stroll these streets at night, I thought that there could be a few things out there that would be more dangerous than me. I'm not a battle-mage, my specialty is fertility spells, and before you start to think about anything naughty, I'd like to make unmistakably clear that I mean icrop /i fertility spells. For better harvest and such. It's not really an interesting branch of wizardry, but I hadn't had what it takes to become a dimensional mage, and it was as good as a second choice as any other. It pays well, and I have to work only a few hours a week, and you can't really expect anything more from a job. iAnyways/i before I got side-tracked, I was saying that I went out for a little fresh air. Maybe it was just pure luck, maybe the gods themselves set me on a path that led so far. Oh, so far!

I turn the corner and I sense the danger before I actually spot it. Three thugs surround their prey, two petite women. I melt into the shadows, trying to decide what to do. Maybe it's the routine of being friends with Max and Michael, maybe I'm just paranoid, but I first check the rooftops for hidden archers. I'd hate to go down with an arrow in my back in the middle of a spell. I see no snipers, so I begin to gather energy. Light flashes around my hands as I weave the strands of magic together. I keep it simple, but effective. The good 'ole magic missile will do. The years of practice take over, and the energy is ready to fly in a few seconds. I let it go, and iwill /i it to home on the nearest thug. The missile is a few inches big sphere of raw, radiant energy. It's meant for capture, rather than to kill. I have visual on the target, and my aim is flawless. The magic missile explodes and sends the cutthroat flying. I see in almost slow motion, as they turn towards me. They are quick – trained, or at least instructed in dealing with mages – raising their knives, but neither of them has a chance to hurl it at me. The countless hours spent in self-defence classes were not in vain. They are soon out cold. 'Are you all right?' I call out, and I step closer. I ignite a light spell; this darkness creeps me out. After a quick glance that assures me that the thugs won't get up soon for a re-match, I take a better look at the ladies.

By the way it looked, I've saved a noble's daughter and her chambermaid. In retrospect, I should have paid more attention to the details, but alas, I have not. They didn't look a bit frightened, nor relieved, that they've been rescued by such a powerful mage (that would be me). Instead, the brunette watched me with the wide open eyed curiosity of a kitten, while the blonde surveyed me as a warrior surveys her future opponent. But I was young and naive, so I overlooked all the signs that screamed into my face that something's not right. Instead, I fell into the "Chivalrous Saviour Scheme". After being a sidekick to Max and Michael for years, I just wanted to be the applauded hero who saves the ladies from mortal peril. Watch, and learn from my mistakes.

'Are you all right?' I ask again. They must be in shock from the attack. Poor souls!
'I.. I guess we are fine,' says the brunette. She looks around, frightened of the shadows. Who knows what dangers lurk still in these alleys!
After a quick conversation, it becomes clear that the lady and her friend were robbed. I'm so glad that I've been here! Their packages are lost, but at least they came out of this incident unscratched. They've just arrived, and now that they've lost everything, it's without doubt that they need protection. My breast is swelling with pride as I shepherd the ladies towards the inn. I'm so proud of myself, that I nearly pat me on the shoulder. Way to go, Alex! Saving damsels in distress from the clutches of mighty villains then escorting them back to safety. Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit, but that's the gist of it. Just wait 'till Max and Michael see me!

Five minutes later

In the light of the tavern, I have to re-evaluate the ladies – Maria's (that's the name belonging to the blonde one) hands are too fine for a maid, and her stature is surprisingly noble for her simple clothes. You can put on any disguise, but you'll walk the way you were raised. So I'm not surprised when I find out that they are distant cousins. But there is definitely something strange about them. There story has quite a few holes in it, and while Max is too polite, Michael points them out one-by-one, and I can't honestly say that they are answered correctly. I put my concerns aside; though they must hold a few secrets (who doesn't), they are definitely in need of our help.
Well, Max is Saint Max as always, all for doing the good thing and offers our protection, while Michael couldn't care less. I think he just wants to go home. I miss my library too and I've slept one night too many in flea-infested beds in roadside inns like this to disagree with him. But we are nearing to the borders of the Empire, and the adventure is already beginning!
Our offer is not as warmly received as I expected. After a quick debate in low tones, Maria drags of Elizabeth to a corner.
I look at the others 'So, what do you think'
'The blond is definitely cute. I wonder if she is a good lay,' says Michael.
'I don't think it'd be appropriate to…'
'Chill, Maxwell. I didn't mean anything. Don't worry, I'll keep in mind the trauma they went through, et cetera, et cetera' cuts in Michael, reciting as he was reading it from a book. 'Whatcha you think'
'If their Uncle indeed lives in the Forest, I'm sure he can provide us with information. And anyways, it is our Duty to escort them.' He is the guy, who can pronounce duty with a capital D. I think that says all about him. 'Do we really have to take every lost soul under our wings? Aren't we moving slowly enough as it is?' It is an old row of theirs, and Max clearly doesn't want to go through it again.
So he just says 'we do' nonchalantly, and that's the end of it as far as he is concerned. There's a moment of uncomfortable silence, which is broken by the return of the ladies. Or should I say girls? They are maidens, without doubt, and I wouldn't bet on that either of them has seen twenty winters. Liz is leading the way, with Maria following grumpily. Liz hops down on the chair and informs us enthusiastically, that they accept us as traveling companions. I can't fail to recognize, that a "thank you" is not part of the package. What did I expect of women?
The conversation drones on, and honestly, I'm more occupied with my beer than anything else. The adrenalin rush wore off and I'm damn tired. It's been a long day, and an even longer night. The inn is warm, the beer is cool, the chair is comfy and I'm in safety with my friends. Suddenly I can't think of anything else I need, apart from a good night's sleep. I already feel that I'm dozing off. Then there is a sudden moment of silence. I'm instantly wide awake again. Looking up, I see Michael and Max changing a look. What did I miss?
'Well, we are going to hunt fairies,' Max answers to the question unknown. Maria, well there is no better expression, spits out her beer (where did she get it? I sure did not order it for her!) and Liz's expression changes to something… peculiar. 'Did I say something wrong'
There is another long look, but this time between Elizabeth and Maria. An agreement is found, a decision is made, I don't know. What the hell has just happened?
'It's unwise to say such things,' Liz says carefully, as if looking for the right words. 'Even as a joke.' She is looking questioningly at Max.
'I wasn't joking. I've sworn to bring back the brightest jewel of the King of the Faes.' Elizabeth bursts out laughing. Whoops. Now as he says it, with a straight, honest face, it does sound quite silly.
'Oh, you had me. For a moment I really thought that you mean it…,' she says, still chuckling. Then when she realizes that no one is laughing with her, she stops suddenly, and the air is full of tension once again.
'You did mean it.' This is a statement. 'But why?' Before Max could begin in his own style, I cut in hurriedly.
'He wants to marry the boss's daughter, but the boss won't let him until he does something terribly brave and equally stupid; namely this'
'It is bad luck to go against the elves'
'Very bad luck indeed!' Maria seems… hostile? I think we hit a wasp's nest with this one. Elizabeth shoots her a warning glance, and again, I wonder about their relationship. She isn't behaving anyway like a poor cousin should, much more like an equal, but it's clear that the decisive voice is Lady Elizabeth's. 'No one returned from the Forest who had ill will towards the faeries'
'I'll still attempt it, and any help you could give would be more than welcome'
'Don't count on me,' says Maria, folding her arms. 'Come on Maria, they saved our lives, I'm sure should return the favor,' she scolds her, then turns back to us. 'We've been through the Forest many times, and I know a few paths that may lead you to the elves. But how do you plan to get the jewels of the King, if there is indeed a such king?' She has asked the very same question we've been pondering on the last few weeks.
'I don't know yet, but I hope I'll get it without blood being shed. And if you could set me on a path leading to winning my Theresa's hand, then I'll thank the gods 'till the end of my days for our serendipitous meeting'
Okay, even I couldn't have phrased "Thanks, it would be nice" better. But I think it's best for everyone if we shot down Max right now, he could go on like a raving minstrel for hours if it's about Tess. So I grab his wrist and try to jerk him back into this reality.
'Max, I think the ladies are tired, and now that we have the table cleared, we should retire for the night. We have a long day ahead tomorrow.' 'You are right, my friend! I'm deeply sorry. You must be exhausted! Allow me to show you to your room,' and while Liz and Maria try to protest meekly, he leads them away.' If he can be so obsessed about someone with the qualities of Tess, I'd like to see what he'll be like, when he finds someone worthy of him.

Many a year have passed, but my memories of that night are still crystal clear. The flickering flames of the fireplace in the inn, the sour taste of the mead, the thick smell of sweat and dust. I remember every word that has been said, and I still marvel that I've ever been so naive and innocent. There we were, sitting between two of the Fair Folk, boasting about our plans to the first pretty eyes we met, feeling daring and adventurous. Sometimes I still wonder how Liz and Maria could play it keeping a straight face. The next few days passed in a blur. After getting a few things for our new companions, we left that sorry excuse for a city and traveled north, following the road leading nowhere. During our journey, we've heard legends and fairy tales, but nothing of real value. No one knew what lay behind the edge of the Forest.
There were strange events that took place during our ride, which I'll get back to later, but with luck and courage, we reached the boundary separating the domains of mankind and elvenkind in four days, and then, on a sunny summer afternoon, we finally overstepped that boundary …