didnt you tell me?
	It was something of a surprise, she admitted.  I didnt realize Id been impregnated until a few days before laying the eggs, because there were only two of them.  Usually, a female blue lays seven or eight.  And trust me, I can feel it when I have seven or eight eggs developing inside me.  Id been so busy, I didnt feel it until they were almost ready to be laid.
	Tarrin wasnt quite sure how she wouldnt know shed been impregnated, but he wasnt about to venture into that particular topic of discussion.
	How far are you along? Sapphire asked Triana.
	Four, she answered.  Sapphire nodded, which meant that she obviously understood what that meant.
	How has he done?
	Surprisingly well, she replied.  Hes got a fast mind.  That always helps.
	Hes almost ready to learn what I have to teach him, she announced.  When you have him up to six, let me know.  Im confident that any spell I know under six is something you also know.  Its after we get him to six that well start finding spells the other doesnt know.
	Tarrin was a bit startled at that.  Learn what Sapphire had to teach him?  Shed always talked about trading information with Triana, not really taking a hand in his education--no, wait, now that he recalled, she did once mention in passing, quite absently, that she was of a mind to give him some Druidic training.  But he hadnt thought that she meant it.
	Obviously, anything Sapphire said, Sapphire meant, no matter how casually it was spoken.
	It took him five days to learn that spell, the one spell he had been more interested to learn than any other, but the results pleased him to no end.  There were a few very, very painful errors, because half the trick of the spell was ending it.  He had to make very sure not to leave any part of himself inside something else when ending it, which happened four separate times as Triana let him practice the practical use of the spell.  The pain was absolutely unimaginable; it was like every tiny mote of what was inside the other object was set on fire, and the part of his body that was affected was literally fused with the object.  Once it happened, there was no way to unfuse it, meaning he had to cut off the limb that got stuck.  The other surprising limitation of the spell was the fact that Tarrin couldnt breathe when he was using the spell.  So the spell had two effective durations; the amount of time he could sustain it, and the amount of time he could hold his breath.
	That was the last four layer spell that Triana had to teach him, and intended to start him on the five layer spellsat least after a few days of rest.  The Hierarchs had summoned her over some bit of news that was important enough to interrupt the training, giving Tarrin a few precious days to rest and recover his strength.  The magical training was only half of the training, after all, and the instruction in magic was the part he looked forward to while he performed grueling exercises.  The weight he had to carry was now a massive boulder almost as large as an outhouse, but he had to admit that the training was effective.  He was strong enough to knock a small cottage off its foundation now.  The strength even transferred, at least partially, to his human form.  In human form, he was nearly as strong as Azakar.
	He was excited about the idea of a few days to himself, but he was so tired that he spent the entire first day sleeping, resting, and generally taking it easy.  He spent half the time awake down in his study, reacquainting himself with Duthak, and helping Jula with her pronunciation.  Unable to stand not knowing something that Tarrin knew, she had taken his notes and his book and had started teaching herself the language.  She was about three quarters of the way through his book, and was competent in the language, only needing practice to become fluent.
	While he was working with her, Tara and Rina wandered down the stairs.  Tarrin picked them up and put them in his lap as he worked with Jula and read over some of the ancient writing hed managed to collect.
	Whas this, Papa? Rina asked, pointing at the book.
	Its writing, cub, he answered her, tapping the book with his claw.  Writing is words you see instead of hear.
	I know what writing is, and this aint the writing in Mamas books, Tara said critically.
	Its another language, he told her.
	Like Toian? Rina asked, looking up at him.  They were about two years old now, and spoke with as much grammatical advancement as any six year old child, but Rina seemed to have this problem with pronunciation.  Tarrin figured it was Kimmies fault, trying to teach her cubs two languages at once.  Tara didnt seem to have the same problem, but then again, Tara was militantly resistant to most of her mothers teaching.  Tara had to be any mothers worst nightmare.
	Its not Torian, but you have the right idea, he corrected, bouncing her a bit on his knee.  This is Duthak.  Its the language that the Dwarves used.
	Oooh, Dwarves! Tara said with sudden excitement.  Tarrin had told them stories about the Dwarves, and Tara rather fancied them.  Arent they all dead?
	Yes, they are, Jula answered her.
	Then why learn how they talked?
	Why not? Jula countered.
	That seemed to take Tara off guard.  She floundered for a moment, then snorted.  Because who can you use it to talk to? she finally argued.
	I can use it to talk to our father, she answered with a wink.  He and I are the only people around that know the language.  And nobody else knows what were saying.
	Like they ever do anyway, Tarrin said absently as he turned the page.
	Ooh, a secret, Rina said in delight.  I wanna learn too!
	Tarrin gave Jula a frosty look.  As if he didnt have enough to do, now shed gotten Rina interested in Duthak.
	Ill be glad to teach you, sis, Jula said plainly, as much to Tarrin as she did to Rina, glancing up at him as she spoke.  Itll give me a good way to practice.
	Yay!  Whas first?
	Jula chuckled.  Slow down, cub, she warned.  Well start tomorrow, alright?
	Aright, Rina nodded.
	Tarrin decided that the best way to introduce Rina to the Dwarves was to show her where they once lived, so the next day, Tarrin decided to take a little holiday.  He wanted his parents to come, who told Jenna, who told Keritanima, who leaked it to Dolanna, who somehow managed to get word of the news to Sapphire.  So, the next frosty morning, Tarrin ended up Teleporting a surprisingly large group of people to Mala Myrr, where Allia and Allyn were waiting for them.  He intended to take the children so they could see the ancient Dwarven city, and Tarrin and Jula could hunt for new artifacts.
	Tarrin didnt mind the large group, which was almost a reunion of sorts.  He hadnt seen Dolanna in quite a while, and these were all his dear friends and beloved family members.  What bothered him was that damned Phoenix.
	It was back.  He was absolutely positive that it was the same one, as well.  He had noticed it sitting on top of one of the larger buildings as he showed the others around the city, a building with a granite dome atop it.  It was perched at the very top, wings folded, looking down at him with those glowing red eyes.  It raised and fanned out its tail feathers when he looked up at it, and it was enough to make Tarrin stop dead and stare at the animal in surprise.
	Its a Phoenix, Dolanna said in Sharadi.
	Its the same Phoenix from Amazar, Allia said concisely in Selani.  I remember its tail markings.
	How did it get all the way up here? Keritanima asked in surprise.
	Id guess that it flew, Jula said dryly.
	Keritanima gave her a withering look.
	Well, its true, she said defensively, but she had a slight smile gracing her pretty face.
	Dont get cute with me, girl, Keritanima snapped.
	Look! Rina cried, pointing.  Its comin down!
	And it was.  The Phoenix was circling down on its flame-colored wings, then landed lightly not ten spans away from the group.  It raised its tail feathers and fanned them out once again, then folded and lowered them and started ambling forward at a slow, steady pace.  Tarrin wasnt quite sure what to make of this sudden, unusual behavior, but something told him that the animal was not acting in a hostile manner.  It stepped right up to Tara and Rina and rose to its full height, which put its eyes right at a level with the twins.  That close to it, Tarrin caught its scent, which was like brimstone and smoke, and saw that it was quite a handsome animal.  It had that feather crest on the top of its head that gave it a windswept appearance, and its plumage was resplendent in the strong spring sun of the desert, almost shimmering in the light like, molten gold and fiery lava.
	It gave a surprisingly gentle chirping sound, then took a step forward and nudged at Taras shoulder with its beak.  The usually dour cub giggled and put her paw over where the beak touched her.  Its all warm, she announced.
	Jula moved to reach out to it, but the bird hissed threateningly at her, even as it sidestepped slightly and nuzzled at Rinas neck, which made the little cub erupt in a squeal of surprised giggling.
	I dont think it likes the rest of us, Jula said as she wisely withdrew her paw.
	I have never heard of a Phoenix behaving so, Dolanna said seriously.  They are usually very shy animals around humanoid races.
	Dont worry at it, Triana said dismissively.  The bird wont hurt the girls, and it doesnt look like its interested in the rest of us.
	Ca we keep it, Papa? Rina asked immediately.
	Tarrin balked at that.  No, he said adamantly.
	Why not? she demanded.
	Because its not our decision, Triana told her bluntly.
	Grandmothers right, Jasana said pompously.  Its a sentient magical animal.  We cant make it do anything it doesnt want to do.
	Triana gave Jasana a hard look, which made the girl get very meek very quickly.  Whats her problem? the Were-cat matriarch asked Jesmind.
	Shes going through her mature phase, she answered levelly.
	Oh.  Its about that time for it, isnt it?
	Mature phase? Allia asked.
	When Were-cat cubs decide theyre more mature than they really are, Jesmind replied.  We all go through it.  It has to do with how fast we grow up.
	Humans call it teen rebellion, Dolanna said with a light chuckle.
	No, this is the pre-teen rebellion, Jesmind answered.  The teen rebellion will hit when shes around seven.  Ill probably throw her out of the house between then and when shes ten, whenever I feel shes mature enough to not get killed and knows enough to make it on her own.
	Ah, Dolanna smiled, but wisely said no more.
	The Phoenix seemed interested in Tara and Rina, but its curiosity was not ongoing.  After a few moments of nuzzling and inspection, the Phoenix simply hopped back and took to wing, then flew up over the buildings and out of sight.  The twins were very unhappy that the Phoenix didnt seem to want to go home with them, but their displeasure was eaily deflected by the wonders and the mysteries of the ancient ruins, many sections of which were still very well preserved, especially around the center of the huge, abandoned city.
	All in all, it was a very good day.  Tarrin and Allia showed everyone around the ruins, pointing out some of the more interesting areas they had found during their individual forays into the city, and then they amused the cubs by going on a hunt for Dwarven artifacts in the buildings near the center of the city, near the arena where Faalkens white marble tomb rested, but Tarrin didnt particularly feel like going to visit it.  Even after all this time, Faalkens death still had a powerful effect on the Were-cat, and he felt reluctant to dwell on it for very long.
	A pity I wasnt alive when the Dwarves were here, Sapphire mused as he walked with her along a wide avenue, now choked with sand, only a few blocks from the sand-covered street where he had found the priceless axe of the Dwarven king last year.  The ruins of this city speak of a highly advanced and technologically superior race.
	Tarrin nodded.  From what Ive read, they were builders without equal, and they made objects of metal with a skill that even modern smiths cant match, he told her.  Can you read Duthak?
	She shook her head.  Ive yet to meet anyone who knew the language, she answered.  Aside from you, that is.
	I could teach you, if youd like.
	When I have the time, Ill lift it from you, she told him.  But theres no hurry.
	He forgot about that.  It seems like cheating to do it that way.  He chuckled.  I wouldnt do that for Jula.  I forced her to learn it the hard way.
	Jula speaks Duthak? she asked in surprise.
	More or less, he answered.  Shes got the grammar and vocabulary down, but she needs more practice to be fluent.  They paused to allow an umuni amble past, as reptile, dragon, and Were-cat respected each others personal space.  How is Eron doing? she asked as they watched the poisonous creature sidle off casually.
	If he were here, hed be chasing that thing, Tarrin chuckled.
	Truly, she agreed.  Whatever happened to that animal of his?
	The desert fox?  He still has it, he answered.  He spoils her rotten.  Mist says that its been acting strange lately.  She thinks its in heat.
	That shouldnt be a problem.
	Im not sure, he answered.  She may be a different species of fox, but she is a fox.  The red and gray foxes in the forest might be able to impregnate her.
	Triana might know.
	If she doesnt, she could probably find out, he agreed, then he chuckled.  I miss having you around, Sapphire.
	I can visit more often.
	No, as a drake, he told her.
	You liked me as a pet better than you do now? she asked archly, then she laughed.  I am only teasing, she told him before he tried to answer her.  That was good, for Tarrin was certain that there was no correct answer to that question.
	I guess I miss having a drake around, he admitted.
	My poor little friend, she said, patting him on the arm.  How would you like one of my new clutch? she offered.  Theyre quite rambunctious, and I wouldnt mind someone taking them off my talons for a while, before I step on them in aggravation.
	Tarrin laughed.  I dont think Im suited for raising baby dragons, my friend, he warned her.  Theyd probably grow up extremely confused.
	Ah, well, she said with a sly smile.
	By sunset, they had quite a few artifacts to take home.  Jasana, Tara, and Rina had managed to find childrens toys, weapons, armor, stone tablets with Duthak engraved upon them, a metal shield with Duthak inscribed on the inside edges of the shield, and several of those thought-provoking stone sculptures that had so captivated Tarrin the first time he had come to Mala Myrr.  They said goodbye to each other there in the city and each Teleported or returned home in their own way.
	Tarrin was rather eager to study these new objects, since he knew that he had a couple of free days, but hed had a very full and busy day, so he was more than willing to put that off until tomorrow.
	The next day proved to be quite memorable, for it began to the sounds of what sounded like high-pitched growling, coming from the common room.  It was enough to wake Tarrin and Jesmind up.
	Is Tara torturing a squirrel? Jesmind asked blearily as she sat up in the bed, scratching at her wild hair.
	I have no idea, Tarrin answered, climbing out of bed without bothering to put on any clothes.  He opened the door and padded up the very short passage into the common room, then stopped dead at the passages entryway.
	Sitting on the back of the couch facing the fireplace, its scales shimmering in the sunlight streaming through the windows to each side of the chimney, was a drake.  It wasnt any ordinary drake either, for its scales were a breathtaking gold, polished like a jewelers finest work proudly displayed behind his counter.  Its serpentine eyes locked on him, amber and unwavering, and it then yawned languidly and laid down on the back of the couch, folding its golden wings in to its sides.  Its head was squarish, a little blockier than a red or blue drake, and with a stronger jaw, but it possessed the same backswept horns and little ridges and protrusions running down its spine, between its wings and all the down to the base of its tail.  This one was much smaller than Sapphire had been, but it had a look about it that hinted to Tarrin that this drake was very young.
	A gold drake!  They were the rarest of all drakes, well known to be exceptionally intelligent and possessed of formidable magical powers!  What was more, they were also well known to be incredibly picky animals, who would only allow a very, very select and rare few the privilege of even getting close to them.
	A drake? Jesmind asked, looking around him from behind.  Where did that come from?
	Me and Sapphire were talking yesterday, and I told her I missed having a drake, he answered.  I think she put it here.
	Its not blue.
	Its a gold drake, Tarrin said with surprise evident in his voice.  Theyre very, very rare.
	The drake sat up again and stretched out its wings, then launched itself into the air and lanced over to him with surprising speed.  Tarrin managed to get his paws out to catch the animal as it all but flew right into his chest, but once he had a firm and gentle grip on it, it simply yawned again and laid its head against his shoulder.  Seeing it that close, smelling it, it was obvious to him now that this was a very, very young drake, barely an adult.  It wasnt even fully grown yet.  Its scent was like gold, just like the color of its scales, and those scales were cool and smooth, almost feeling like gold themselves.
	Tarrin picked his brain to remember what hed learned about drakes.  Each drake had a chance to have magical powers similar to the dragon of the same color--except gold drakes, who always had the powers of the dragon with which they were cousins.  That meant that this one, a gold drake, would have the breath weapon of a gold dragonwhich were actually two separate and distinct breath weapons.  Gold dragons could breathe fire, or breathe a gas that had a paralytic effects when they didnt want to kill.  That gas happened to be exceptionally flammable, almost explosive in nature, which meant that it was probably a base component of the fiery breath weapon when they used it.  Gold dragons also were reputed to be the most intelligent of all dragons--a fact he very much doubted, given how vastly intelligent Sapphire was--and were, as a group, reputed to be as kind and gentle as they were wise.  But that was a misnomer, Tarrin knew, for since they were sentient beings, each dragon was unique and had its own unique outlook on life.  There was no way to group sentient beings like that and list them as good or evil, because each was an individual who just happened to be a part of a group by virtue of race.
	Well, it seems to like you, Jesmind ventured.
	Tarrin had to agree.  The little drake was nuzzling his shoulder with its head, and he couldnt help but stroke its scales delicately, then scratch it right between the horns in a way that made it close its eyes and surrender to that heavenly claw.  Its a juvenile, he told her.  Not an adult yet.  I hope Sapphire didnt kill its parents, he said with sudden concern.
	Silly boy, her voice emanated from thin air.  I did nothing of the sort.  This drake was orphaned, and has been in the care of a Druid in Wikuna, which is where most gold drakes live.  I asked that he give the drake to me, so I could see if he would accept you.  I see that he does, so consider him yours.
	That was very kind of you, my friend, he answered aloud.  Does he have a name?
	The druid named him Fireflash, she answered.  Because his breath weapon had only just begun to emerge when he came under the Druids care, so he had a tendency to belch forth bursts of fire.  But hes older now, and has full control of both his breath weapons, so dont worry about any accidents.  My gift to you, little friend, in appreciation of all you have given me over the years.
	Tarrin was speechless, unable to do much of anything but look down at the little drake with wide-eyed wonder, and almost feel like a child again.  I cant thank you enough, Sapphire, he finally replied.
	Your happiness is all the thanks I need, little friend.  I must go now.  Be well.
	Goodbye, he called, but there was no answer.  Jesmind came around and looked at the drake, which looked up at her through hooded eyes, then closed them when she stroked his scales tentatively.
	Its kinda cute, she announced.
	Hes beautiful, Tarrin said, nearly whispering, holding his new drake gently.
	What a thoughtful gift, Jesmind reasoned as she stroked Fireflashs lustrous scales.
	What a wonderful gift, was all Tarrin could think as he held the small drake in his arms and felt its heart beating through the fur on his arm.
	There probably could not have been anything better than anyone could have given him.
	What a wonderful gift indeed.
 
Chapter 13

	Because of the many wild and unbelievable things that Tarrin had seen and done since taking up the quest to find the Firestaff years ago, Tarrin was an extremely hard man to impress.  Amazing magic was dry and dusty to him.  Exotic locales were boring, as everywhere he went and where he lived could be considered an exotic locale.  Most magical beasts were a copper a tenpair.  Even gods were little more than episodes of increased interest.
	But Fireflash impressed him from the moment they met.
	At first, the little juvenile drake was almost effete in its attitude, rather vain and fully expecting to be the center of all attention, which it seemed to disdain with an uninterested turn of its head.  But that didnt last long, and Tarrin suspected that it was an act that the animal put up in order to get Tarrins attention.  After he used Druidic magic to talk to Fireflash, to set down the house rules, he found the drake to be surprisingly intelligent, smart enough to understand spoken language, playful, loving, and very loyal.  Sapphire had talked to him before dropping him off at his house, and told him that he was being placed in a home where he was wanted and needed, a place where he would have no shortage of children to play with, as well as accommodating laps and shoulders and ample opportunities to learn.  Fireflash was at that awkward age in any sentient beings development where he was caught between the needs of a child and the motivations of an adult, and in Tarrins house he would find plenty of activities to satisfy both his childish needs of play and love and inclusion and his adult impulses to learn and have an established place and contribute to the well-being of the home.  Tarrin was impressed by the drakes adolescent mind, a mind that was very hungry to learn.  The drake understood Wikuni already, but had not learned how to speak quite yet--but not for lack of trying.  Speaking humanoid languages was extremely difficult for drakes, for the shape of their mouths made it difficult, if not impossible, to make some of the sounds the humanoids did.  Fireflash had been practicing for nearly a year, and could manage to hiss out some Wikuni words.  All in all, Wikuni was a good language for an animal like a drake to learn first, since some of the Wikuni themselves were possessed of similarly shaped mouths.  There were many words in Wikuni that included hisses, sigh-like sounds, and even yips and near-barks, to accommodate those mammalian and reptillian Wikuni who had very long muzzles.
	Not everyone in the house would be comfortable speaking in Wikuni to the drake, so Tarrin cheated and implanted the other three languages that Fireflash would be apt to hear within his house; Sulasian, Selani, and ShaKar.  It took Fireflash about an hour to get his balance back after that, because implanting languages with Druidic magic always left one dizzy and a little disoriented afterwards, but Tarrin did that down in his study, to keep the drake out of the paws of the cubs.
	But what impressed him most about Fireflash was how well he integrated with the rest of his family, almost immediately.  The three cubs were absolutely smitten with him immediately after he introduced him to them, and Fireflash seemed just as smitten with them.  Everyone liked him, because he was polite and affectionate, and he liked the others, because he thought they were nice.  After Tarrin gave the three cubs a stern lecture about how to treat the drake so no one would get hurt, they all ran out and started playing, and they were very careful to be gentle with him.
	Tarrin watched from the porch for a while, as the four of them played a game of tag out in the yard--which was really just Fireflash chasing the girls around as they giggled and carried on--and he was satisfied that the cubs wouldnt hurt Fireflash accidentally, and Fireflash would be careful not to hurt them.  Hed given the drake permission to lay into one of the cubs if she hurt him in any way, which would be a very effective reminder for the cub about how to be gentle.  Then again, all it would take would be one blast of that paralyzing gas in the face, and the offending cub would be chastised most effectively without doing any harm.  Tarrin had had Fireflash try it on him, and he could personally attest that it worked.  Hed been unable to move for nearly five minutes after getting a face full of the strangely sweet-smelling greenish gas.  The paralysis could last for over an hour if it was used one a human, but against a Were-cat, who had a powerful metabolism that could quickly burn out any kind of invading foreign agent, it only lasted about five minutes.
	But five minutes of paralysis would be a very powerful teaching tool for any cub that angered or hurt Fireflash enough for him to retaliate.  It would be a terrifying experience for a child.
	A day that Tarrin had intended to use to study his Dwarven artifacts, which were sitting down in his study, had instead become a day of getting acquainted with his drake, and letting him get to know Tarrin and his family.  But that afternoon, Tarrin and Jula had time to start going over the Dwarven artifacts, with Fireflash in attendance, sitting on the table and watching curiously as they examined objects, read the angular runes, and argued about their meanings.  Fireflash was a very intelligent little drake, and he seemed to enjoy being in attendance when Tarrin and Jula did their studies.
	Tarrin! Elke called from the top of the stairs, and the sound of her boots was loud as she came down into his cavernous underground study.  Where are you, son?
	Im at the main table! he called back, since several bookshelves concealed the central area from the staircase.
	You need to teach me Ungardt, Jula mused absently as she turned the shield over and studied its outside face.
	Its an easy language to learn, he told her as Elke came around the bookshelves.  She wore a tunic and a pair of old leather breeches, like always, and had a book under her arm.
	Can you do me a favor and send this to Jenna? she asked.  She wants it.
	I can take it to her tomorrow, he answered.  Ill have all day.
	You dont have any lessons tomorrow?  He shook his head.  Good, then you can take us to see Tomas and Janine, she announced.  Im sure Janette wouldnt mind a visit.  She looked at the drake.  Is that a drake?
	Tarrin nodded to her without looking up.  Sapphire gave him to me.  His name is Fireflash.
	The golden drake looked up at him when he heard his name, his eyes intent and his head tilted slightly to the side in curiosity.  Fireflash, this is my mother, Elke, he addressed the drake in Sulasian.  Go say hello.
	The drake unfurled its wings and launched itself the few spans between itself and Elkes shoulder, and then climbed around her back and neck to her other shoulder.  Elke almost giggled when the drake stuck its boxy nose in her ear and snuffled, reaching up and pushing the drakes snout out of her ear.  Hes a friendly little thing, she told him.
	He understands Sulasian, so be careful what you say around him, he warned.
	He doesnt understand Ungardt?  Tarrin shook his head.  Thats fine.  Since when do I speak Sulasian when Im talking to you, son?
	You know it drives Jesmind crazy.
	Then she should learn the language, Elke said diffidently.  Elke had strong views about that; if someone wanted to understand her, then theyd better speak her language.  The only exception she had ever made was with her husband Eron, who had never really learned Ungardt outside of some words and phrases.  She spoke Sulasian when it was necessary, but if she was dealing with someone she knew spoke Ungardt, she did not speak any other language to that person.
	Tarrin was about to say something as Elke set Fireflash back on the table, but Triana simply appeared not two steps to Elkes right, which made his mother give out a cry of surprise and flinch away.  When Triana did what she did--dimension walking, she called it--there was no warning she was about to show up, and Tarrin couldnt sense her approaching.  The only warning he got was a sudden surge in the Weave that happened whenever Druidic magic opened that invisible hole between dimensions that Triana used to enter and exit that extra-dimensional place, as the latent and pooled magical energy was attracted to the breach the same way it was attracted to Weavespinners.  Gods, Triana, warn us when you do that! Elke exclaimed.
	Tarrin glanced up at Triana, and immediately frowned.  Her expression was grim, and her scent, which had just reached him, was tense and apprehensive.  Whats wrong, mother? he asked.
	Its bad, she told him.  The Hierachs have asked me to deal with this Stragos Bane.
	Tarrin remembered that name, that Were-kin hunter who had attacked Haley in Dayis several months ago.
	Hes killed almost a hundred Were-kin in just two months.  Theyre all afraid to leave the Heartwood now, and the Druids cant do anything about him.
	Why not?
	Hes got some kind of artifact or magical device that nullifies magic, she answered darkly.  You can use magic, but any time you send a spell at him, it just dies.  The two Druids that tried to deal w