Wizard of the winds

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

For a long time Safar floated on a balmy sea. Below were mysterious depths where nightmares were sea dragons pursuing his dreams.

He dreamed of Kyrania and its fruited fields. He dreamed of clouds melting in the Sun God's forge, dripping colors on the land. He dreamed of clay that leaped into fantastic shapes the moment he touched it. He dreamed of maids bathing in the lake and they were blessed with figures as beguiling as Astarias and faces with winsome smiles and starry eyes like Nerisa.

But each time a dream popped into being it was devoured by the swift-moving nightmares. He saw the volcano overwhelm the people of Hadin. He saw the demon cavalry charging the caravan. He saw Tulaz lift his sword, saw Kalasariz peeping through a dungeon grate, saw Katal die at Zeman's handsand Didima's soldiers slay Nerisa.

He dreamed of Alisarrian's cave where he crouched beside Iraj, watching smoke form into a woman's seductive lips and he saw them move and he heard the Omen speak:

"Two will take the road that two traveled before. Brothers of the spirit, but not the womb. Separate in body and mind, but twins in destiny. But beware what you seek, O brothers. Beware the path you choose. For this tale cannot end until you reach the Land of Fires."

Eventually the intensity of this sleeplife lessened and Safar became aware of the world around him. It seemed as mysterious as the ocean of dreams.

He still felt buoyant as if he were floating on that sea, except now he seemed to be lying on a cushioned raft. Instead of hissing surf he heard the flutter-drum of the winds and the whistle and ping of it singing through taut lines. He heard the rhythmic pumping of bellows and the low roar of a furnace.

Strong, gentle hands lifted his head. A spoon touched his lips, which parted and he lapped up a meaty broth. The spoon dipped up more and he ate until he heard the hollow scrape of wood, signaling the bowl was empty and he drifted away again.

The next time he became aware he heard odd voices saying even odder things, like, Tighten that carabiner. Or, Work the mouth, dammit! Work the mouth! And, Who's minding the burner? It's almost out!"

Once he heard the woman whom he'd thought was Death cast an incomprehensible spell.

"Come to us Mother Wind. Lift us in hands blessed By the warm sun. We have flown high. We have flown well. Take us in your arms, Mother Wind. And when you are done, Set us gently on the ground."

Safar wondered at the purpose of the spell. While he was puzzling he fell asleep.

Time passed. A time of dreamless drifting. Then a current of cold air washed over him and he opened his eyes.

There was the shock of sudden sunlight and then vision cleared.

He seemed to be lying on a firm surface at the bottom of a fantastic canyon with dazzling walls of many colors. The walls curved inward until they seemed only a few feet apart. Through that hollow he could see skies as blue as the high vaults above the Bride and Six Maids.

Then hazy reason formed and he thoughtThat's no cliff. It's too smooth. AlsoI've never seen slate with all those colors. And so bright! Like they were painted. Then he realized the canyon walls were moving as if they were made of living skin.

Maybe a giant swallowed me, Safar thought, and I'm looking up into his guts. But that conclusion made little senseit didn't allow for the sky.

I must still be dreaming, he thought. Then a leg muscle threatened to cramp and he stretched the limb until the pain eased.

And he thoughtThere is pain, which proves I'm awake. But exactly where am I awake? He considered. Then it came to him that he was flyingor, lying upon something that was flying, at any rate. Perhaps he was awake, but in the middle of a vision and in that vision he was perched on a mighty eagle flying to wherever the vision commanded.

No good. Where were the wings? If he were riding an eagle, there'd be wings.

He tried to sit up and reconnoiter his surroundings.

Someone shouted. Weakness overcame him and he fell back. Dizzy, he closed his eyes.

Slippered feet approached.

A whiff of perfume as someone knelt beside him.

He opened his eyes and found a beautiful woman bending over him. She had almond eyes and long silvery hair streaked with black. It was the face of the woman he'd seen floating across the desert; the woman he'd believed was Death herself come to take him away. But this face was of normal size and it wasn't painted with all sorts of savage colors. Her skin was white and smooth as the most expensive parchment, with a fine, barely visible net of age etched on the surface.

"I did this once before, Safar told her. Awaken from the dead, I mean. With a beautiful woman hovering over me. He was thinking of Astarias.

The woman laughed. It was a rich, earthy laugh. A laugh with appetite.

Instead of answering she turned her head and called to someone, The lad wakes up pretty as he sleeps, Biner. He has the loveliest blue eyes. And you should hear the compliments. First time I've blushed in thirty years."

"That's enough hot air to lift us another thousand feet, Methydia, Biner replied. His voice was a familiar baritone.

Heavy feet thudded forward. Last time you blushed, Biner said, the Goddess Felakia was a virgin."

Safar craned to look. From the deepness of the voice and the obvious weight the feet were carrying, Safar expected to see a huge fellow come into view.

Biner was immense all right. He had the girth of a giant, the mighty arms and hams of a giant, but all that size had been squashed by an enemy giant's hand into a body that stood less than four feet high. He had a huge bearded face with an overly wide mouth filled with broad teeth.

Biner saw Safar staring at him. He displayed his teeth in what was meant to be a comforting smile. Bet you're glad I wasn't the one to wake you up, lad, he said. I got a face that'll peel the reflection right off a mirror."

Safar struggled to answer. He didn't want to be rude by appearing to agree with an all-too-obvious truth.

Methydia patted him. Don't worry about Biner's feelings, she said, guessing what was on his mind. Ugly as it is, he's proud of that face. People pay good money to see it. Almost as much as they pay to see him lift a wagon of pig iron. Or smash a pile of bricks with his fist."

Biner toed the floor, embarrassed. Aw, that stuff isn't much, he said. Just tricks to wow the fair crowds. Besides, Methydia does some of her witchy business first to soften them up."

Methydia gave Safar a look of immense sincerity. Biner is a fine actor, she said, a dramatic hand going to her flowing bosom. The best male lead in all Esmir, in my judgment."

Safar's head was swimming. He was very confused. Excuse me, dear lady, he said. But would I be wrong in guessing that I've been rescued by, uh… entertainers?"

Biner and Methydia laughed. Biner stood as tall as he could, shouting: Come one, come all! Lads and maids of Alllll ag-es! I now to present to youMethydia's Flying Circus of Miracles!

"The Greatest Show In Esmir!"

Methydia applauded, crying Bravo! Bravo!"

Safar became alarmed. He propped himself up on an elbow. Excuse me again, he said. I know it isn't polite to question one's rescuers too closely, but… What was that thing you said about flying?"

Biner seemed surprised. Of course we're flying, lad, he said. We're about two miles up, is my estimate."

Safar coughed. Two miles up? In what?"

"Why, a Cloudship, boy. A Cloudship!"

Fear overcame weakness and Safar stumbled to his feet.

He went to a rail and looked down. Far beneath him was the floor of a wide, fertile valley. He could see a great double-humped shadow moving swiftly across the fields. His veins turned to ice as it came to him that he was probably part of that fast-moving shadow.

He called back to his rescuers, How far up did you say we were?"

Biner replied, Two miles, lad… Give or take a thousand feet."

First Safar threw up.

Then he passed out.

When he regained awareness a small crowd was gathered around him.

Methydia was beside him, trying to coax brandy between his lips. One look at the crowd and Safar opened his mouth wide and choked down a flood.

Biner was in the center. To his left was a tall, skeletal fellow wearing nothing but a breech cloth and a turban. He had a huge snake draped about his necka snake with the face of a man. Just behind him was a stocky man with the hard muscles of an acrobat. He had a too-small head that was detachable, holding it up by the hair to see over the others, a long tube-like neck trailing down to his shoulders. Towering over the group was what had to be a dragon. A white dragon, with a long snout and a spiked tail, which curled up as Safar looked to scratch a place behind its ear. Then someone moved and Safar saw the creature wasn't entirely a dragon. The long torso was that of a well-endowed woman, complete with breast plates and a triangular modesty patch tied about the hips with a thong.

There was much to goggle at. But the dragon noticed Safar had fixed upon her.

"I altho juggle, she lisped. Thix globth and theven thwords. We thoak them in oil and I thet'm on fire with my breath."

She raised a claw to her snout and burped. Smoke and flames shot around her fist.

"Excuthe me, she said. Mutht have been thomething I ate."

Safar nodded. What a polite dragon, he thought. Then he passed out again.

The last thing he heard was:

"Really, Arlain! Methydia said. Can't you control yourself? You've scared another guest half to death!"

"I'm thorry, the dragon wailed. Wath'n my fault. The thquath we had for thupper mutht of been thpoiled."

Several days of dreamless sleep passed, interspersed with half-conscious feedings. Then the sudden moment came when he awoke and felt very strong and very alert. He smelled perfume and immediately he felt very very…

He opened his eyes. A dim, flickering light illuminated his surroundings. There was a cabin roof above his head, shadows dancing on the dark ceiling. Safar looked down and saw a certain part had made itself embarrassingly apparent beneath the blankets.

Safar heard a familiar, throaty laugh. Methydia's face leaned over him, lips parted in a smile, almond eyes dancing with humor. She glanced down, then back at him again.

"It's good to see you among the living, she said.

Safar flushed. He started to apologize, but Methydia put a finger to his lips, silencing him.

"Don't be embarrassed on my account, she said. Consider your little upstart welcome. Any friend of yours, and all that."

Safar opened his mouth to speak, but once again a long, slender finger touched his lips.

"You're a young man, Methydia said. Youth has its advantages and its disadvantages. The advantages are apparent. She glanced at the blanket. To Safar's relief his problem had subsided. The disadvantages arewhat to do with your advantages."

"Oh, was all Safar could say.

"Now, I suppose you have some questions, Methydia said. Assuming your uninvited guest isn't so consumed with himself that he'll allow you to think."

"First off, Safar said, I should tell you about myself before I have the right to ask any questions."

"Go on, Methydia said.

"My name is Safar Timura, he said in a rush. I've just escaped execution in Walaria. I could swear on my mother's soul I didn't deserve such a fate. That I am no criminal. That I am only a studenta seeker of truth who has never done anyone harm. But none of that should matter to you.

"What should matter is that I am wanted by very powerful men who would most certainly do you harm if they learned you had aided me."

Methydia clapped her hands. What a delicious speech, she said. And so well spoken. My compliments to your mother and father for raising such an honest lad."

Once again Safar felt the discomfort of a blush. I was only trying to warn you about what you might be in for, he said, a bit sullen.

Methydia kissed him and patted his cheek. Don't mind me, dear, she said. I have an old woman's blathering tongue."

Safar's eyes strayed to her lush figure, swathed in a many-layered, translucent gown.

"You're not so old, he mumbledand tore his eyes away.

"If you keep talking like that, my pretty lad, Methydia said, we're going to get ourselves in trouble.

"Now. Allow me to compose myself."

Methydia, ever the actress as Safar eventually learned, fanned her cheek with a delicate hand, saying, You have a way of troubling a woman's concentration, dear."

Safar had learned better than to automatically blurt an apology. He said, Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"

"Ask away, Methydia replied.

"First I want to ask about the Cloudship, he said. Then I want to ask about the circus."

The answers consumed many days and many miles. In fact, during the months Safar spent with Methydia and her troupe, he never did hear the entire talealthough everyone from Biner, the muscular dwarf, to Arlain, the human dragon who preferred vegetables over meat, was more than willing to enlighten him.

The Cloudship had no life of its own and although complicated in design, it was an object and therefore easier to explain.

Essentially, it was a shipa ship with its nose bobbed off and its masts and sails removed. It had a long ship's deck, a high ship's bridge and a ship's galleys and cabins. The timbers it was made of, however, were light as parchment and strong as steel.

Methydia said the rare planks were the gift of a woodsmana long ago loverwho stole the trees from a sacred grove to prove he'd make a worthy husband. The woodsman's most ardent rivala magical toy maker of great renownturned the planks into a marvelous vessel, hoping to upstage his opponent.

"I was very young, then, Methydia said. But although I was dumb enough to attract men I didn't want, I was bright enough to not only keep my gifts, but to avoid marrying my lovers without giving insult."

The body of the Cloudship dangled beneath two balloons, each ninety feet high and made of a strong, light cloth that was not only moisture proof but offered a marvelous surface for all the colorful paints the troupe used for decoration. Methydia's face graced the front, or forward, balloon. The legend, Methydia's Flying Circus", the aft.

The quantities of hot air required to lift the vessel were provided by two big furnaces, called burners, with magically operated bellows to fan the fuela mixture of crumbled animal dung, dried herbs and witch's powders that gave off a faint odor of ammonia. Ballast was ordinary sand in ordinary bags that could be spilled out to gain greater heights. To descend, you worked the mouth"pulling on ropes that widened the balloons bottom openings so that gas could escape. One thing needing constant attention were the big clampsor carabinersthat were attached the cables holding the Cloudship's body to the balloons. They tended to loosen in a rough wind and had to be tightened constantly.

Beyond that, the vessel seemed simple enough to operate. Although sometimes there were periods of intenseand to Safar, bewilderingactivity, mostly the Cloudship seemed to run itself. Besides the main members of the troupe, there was a crew of half-a-dozen men and women called roustabouts. They were usually busy attending to the equipment and props that went into making a circus, leaving the routine operation of the Cloudship to the performers.

Part of that routine was steering. The task was performed on the bridge, where a large ship's wheel was mounted. The spoked wheel was linked to an elaborate system of scoops, sails and rudders that provided steerage.

"How fast does she go? Safar asked Biner one day. It was Biner's turn at the wheel, while Safar had the task of keeping an eye on the compass.

"Depends on the wind, Biner said, and the temperature. We've made as much as three hundred miles in a day. Other times we've been becalmed and made less than thirty in a week."

Safar watched Biner work the wheel. Despite the elaborate steering system it seemed to him direction was mainly determined by the wind.

"What happens in a storm? he asked.

Biner chortled. We pray a lot. And Methydia casts her spells. But mostly we pray. If there aren't any mountains about it's best just to let the storm be the boss. If there are, we tie up to something and hang on. Worst thing you can do is put her on the ground. That's if the storm doesn't give you any notice and you can't find a barn big enough to hold her. Wind can rip her up before you get the balloons collapsed and stowed away."

Safar could see straight off that, storm or not, the best place to be was sailing high above the earth where no oneking or outlawcould reach you.

He thought of his recent troubles in Walaria and said, It's too bad you ever have to come down."

Biner nodded understanding. Safar had told the crew an abbreviated version of his tale of woe.

"Gotta eat, he said. Food may grow in trees, but not in the air. His massive shoulders rolled in a shrug. Ground's not all bad. Wait'll you work your first show. Nothing like an audience's applause to restore your good feelings about folks. Especially the tikes, way their eyes light up warms you from the inside out."

It had already been agreed that Safar could travel with the troupe for awhile. To earn his keep he was being trained to handle the hundreds of small details that went intoin circus parlance"wowing the rubes."

"How did you become a circus performer? Safar asked. Or were you born to it?"

Biner shook his massive head. My parents were actors, he said. Came from a long line of board trodders, as a matter of fact. Made my first appearance while I was still suckling my mother's breast. Played all kinds of child parts. Kept on playing them way past my time. I'm kind of short, in case you didn't notice. My mother and father were normal-sized and never did figure out what to make of me. Then I started growing out, instead of up. And I couldn't play tikes anymore."

Biner's face darkened at some painful memory. Then he shook it off, displaying his wide teeth in a grin.

"Swept theater floors and other drudge work for a time. Then one day this Cloudship sailed right over the town, music playing, folks way up in the sky waving at us like they were gods and goddesses. They shouted for everybody to follow. So I followed. And I was bitten by the circus bug the very first show. I begged Methydia for a tryout. She gave me one and I've been with her ever since. Going on fifteen years, now. Even gave me a new name after awhileBiner, from the carabiners that hold us up. She said it's because she depends on me so much."

Although Biner's story was entirely different in its details from the background of the others, Safar soon learned the members of the troupe all had one thing in commontheir appearances had made them outcasts from regular society so they'd formed their own. It was Methydia who'd given them that chance, coming along at just the right time, it seemed, to rescue them from unpleasant circumstances.

"Weren't fer Methyida, Kairo said one day, I'd still be back at me village, gettin conked wi rocks. Kairo was the acrobat with the detachable head. Uster hide in me house, he said, so's I wouldn't get conked. So th lads'd stone me house, breakin windows and stovin holes in th roof. So me muvver threw me out. Rather I got conked th'n the house, I s'pose."

Rabix and Elgythe snake charmer and the snakehad been seasoned circus performers when Methydia found them. But they'd had a disagreement with their employer over unpaid wages and had been left at a roadside in the middle of nowhere.

"We had not even a copper to buy a slender mouse for my weekly dinner, Elgy said in his oddly lilted tones.

Elgy was the snake with a man's face. He was also the brains in the act. Rabix, he of the turban and breech cloth, was a mindless soul who sat or stood placidly wherever he was put. Elgy alone could communicate with him and cause him to act.

"He plays an excellent tune on the pipes, Elgy said. As witless as the poor fellow is, he is a much better musician than the last man I had."

Arlain, the dragon woman, was being hunted by a mob set on vengeance when Methydia rescued her.

"I wath hiding in a thed and thort of thet it on fire. And then it thpread and thet fire to the whole thity. Arlain wiped her eyes, overcome by the memory. It wath an acthident, she said. I thaid I wath thorry, but they wouldn't lithen."

Arlain had no idea where she came from. I thuppoth my father dropped me when he wath changing netht, she said. A farmer'th wife found me and raithed me ath a pet. But then I got older and tharted having acthidenth and her huthband chathed me off the farm. And that'th why I wath hiding in the thed."

Methydia was not so forthcoming as the others. Although she never refused to answer any of Safar's questions, her answers tended just to tease the edges of the central question. Details of her background came only in veiled hints or casually dropped remarks.

Much later, after she took Safar as a lover, he complained about her habit of never revealing anything personal.

Methydia was amused. I was born to be a woman of mystery, my sweet, she said. It is a role I have cherished all my life. And with each passing year the mystery deepens, does it not? For then there is more for me not to tell."

She shifted in his arms. Besides, she said, I fear you would be disappointed if you knew all there was to know. What if I was merely a milk maid who ran away with her first lover? Or a young town wife who fled a fat old husband?"

Safar thought for a moment, then said, I can't imagine you as either one. You were never ordinary, Methydia. That I know for certain."

"Are you, now, my sweet? she murmured. Then she nibbled her way up his neck. Are… you… really… really… entirely… certain…? She found his lips, shutting off any reply.

They made love and afterwards Safar thought she was an even greater mystery than before. A delicious mystery, he thought. Then he realized perhaps that was her point.

All he ever really knew about her was that she was a strong-willed woman, a kind-hearted leader others felt comfortable to follow.

She was also a witch.

Safar sensed it the first time he became fully conscious. The atmosphere had been charged with more than her seductive presence. Little whorls of energy swirled about her, making the hair rise on the backs of his hands. And deep in those almond eyes he could see flecks of magic that sparkled when the light struck just so.

He said nothing of his own powers, partly because he didn't know how she'd react. Would she be jealous, like Umurhan? But mainly it was because he was so shaken by his experience in Walaria he was loathe to visit his magical side until he'd had time to recover.

Evidently Gundara felt the same way. The little Favorite was silent for a long time. For awhile Safar worried that the desert ordeal might have been too much for Gundara and his twin. He would take the stone turtle out of his purse from time to time to check. The idol was cold to the touch, but he could still feel a faint shimmer of magic. He thought of summoning Gundara to see if he needed anything, but then he wondered if the spell commanding the Favorite's presence might do more harm than any good he could offer. He thought, Let him rest and heal himself. And so that is what he did.

Early one morning, a few weeks after his recovery, Safar was awakened by loud music and excited voices. He crept out of the little storage room that was his bachelor's cabin, rubbing his eyes and wondering what was up.

The Cloudship was abuzz with activity. The crew was hauling chests of equipment and props out of the lockers. The members of the troupe were all doing stretching exercises or practicing their specialties.

The music came from Rabix, who was sittinglegs crossedin the center of the deck, playing his pipes. It was a strange instrument, consisting of bound-together tubes of varying lengths. They were valved and Rabix played by blowing through the tubes while his fingers flowed gracefully over the valves. A marvelous stream of music issued from the instrument, sounding like an entire orchestra of drums and strings and trumpets and flutes. Elgy, anchored by a few coils wrapped loosely about his neck, rose nearly three feet above Rabix turbaned head, weaving in time to the music.

Kairo practiced his high wire act, strolling along a suspended cable, then pretending to fall. He'd steady himself, then let his head drop from his shoulders. He'd catch it, squeaking in fear, then put it on again.

Arlain, who was so excited she'd forgotten her clothes, bounded naked about the deck, shouting joyfully, Thowtime folkth! Thowtime folkth!"

There was a roar from Biner, Here now, Arlain! Put something on! This is a family show!"

Arlain skidded to a stop, tail lashing furiously. She looked down, saw what she'd done, then turned from pale white to the deepest red.

A claw went to her mouth. Oh, my goodneth grathiouth, she said.

Then she scuttled off, wailing, I'm thorry. I'm thorry."

As she rushed into the wardrobe room, her tail hooking out to slam the door behind her, Biner shouted, And watch out for the"

Fire and smoke blasted out of the wardrobe room's window, cutting Biner off in midbellow. Arlain wailed something incomprehensible and a few crew members came running with buckets of water and sand to douse the fire.

"If only she wouldn't get so excited, Biner said. Then he shrugged. Oh, well. She's a grand crowd pleaser. So what if she starts a few fires? He grinned at Safar. Temperament, my lad, he said. All the best talent's got it. If you can't take the temperament then you might as well get out of the circus business."

"That's good advice, I'm sure, Safar said. But would you mind slowing down for a minute, please, and tell me what in the hells is going on?"

"You mean nobody told you? Biner was aghast.

Safar said, no, he'd not been informed of anything, thank you very much.

"Why, the Deming Fair's only two hours away. First show at dusk, second at eight bells. We'll be there a week. Two performances every night, plus two and a matinee on Godsday."

He clapped Safar on the back, nearly bowling him over.

"So it's just like Arlain said, lad'It's Showtime, Folks!

The town of Deming was the center of a rich farming area, fed by a long snaking river. The fairgrounds sat just outside the town's main gates and it was already packed with people, strolling past tents blazing with color or crowding around exhibits and hucksters of every variety.

Methydia's Flying Circus made a dramatic entrance, swooping low over the town and fairgrounds, Rabix's music blaring through an amplifying trumpet. The troupe had changed into glittering costumes and lined the edges of the Cloudship, waving and shouting invitations to the crowd.

Arlain, wearing spangled breastplates and modesty patch, stood on a rail, breathing long spears of fire and waving her tail. Methydia had donned a red witch's robe, scooped low in front and slit on one side to the hip. She was provocatively posed beside Arlain, the wind whipping the gossamer robe aside to reveal her long shapely legs.

Biner, voice magically enhanced by one of Methydia's spells, bellowed: See the fire breathing dragon! Gasp at the feats of Kairo, the Headless Marvel. Test the strength of the mightiest man alive! See the Snake Charmer dare the deadly Serpent of Sunyan! Wonder at the Miracles of the Mysterious Methydia.

"Come one! Come all! Lads and maids of all ages. Welcome to Methydia's Flying Circus of Miracles.

"The Greatest Show On Esmir!"

Once a big enough crowd had been gathered the Cloudship sailed slowly and majestically away, leading them to a wide field next to the fairgrounds. Then it descended, stopping about twenty feet above the earth. Biner and a few roustabouts, bags of tools slung over their shoulders, swung down on lines, then quickly hammered iron stakes into the ground and secured the Cloudship to the stakes.

One by one, the members of the troupe slid down the lines. Each pausing midway to show off some acrobatic feat to wild applause from the gathering crowd.

On the other side of the Cloudship Safar and the remaining roustabouts had the more mundane task of lowering chests and crates of equipment. But Safar soon learned even this job had its admirers. Wide-eyed boys were transfixed by the work, oohing and ahhing as each item was swayed to the ground. The roustabouts took immediate advantage of their interest. They handed out free tickets to the biggest lads in return for their help. Soon a score of muscular young men had stripped to the waist and were helping to set up the circus.

Dazed by the excitement of his first circus, Safar was jolted from job to job by barked orders. Before he knew it a huge tent had been erected, stands hurled up, and he was being pushed into a ticket booth at the entrance of the tent. Someone shoved tickets into his hand and he found himself shouting the seller's speech Biner had drummed into him during the journey:

"Five copper's our price, folks. Now that's not much."

He slapped coins down, counting, One, two, three, four and five!"

Then he swept one away.

"Bring a friend, we'll make it four!"

He palmed a coin.

"If she's pretty, it's only three."

Then another.

"Two for your granny!"

And another.

"One for your babe."

Then he held up the remaining coin for all to see.

"Catch the lucky copper and the ticket's free."

He tossed the coin into the crowd. Children scrambled for it. Safar saw one little girl knocked down in the rush. She sat in the dirt weeping. His heart went out to her and for the first time since he'd joined the troupe he felt the tingle of magic in his veins. He whispered a spell, gestured, and the child suddenly shouted in glee.

She tottered to her feet, crying, I got it! I got it! She raised a hand, displaying the lucky copper. See!"

The other children groaned in disappointment, but the adults were delighted. They lifted the little girl up and passed her over their heads until she was standing in front of Safar.

With a flourish, he presented her with a ticket. She stared at it, eyes huge with wonder.

Safar was really caught up in the spirit now. Words flowed smoothly from brain to tongue.

"We've got ourselves a lucky lady to start the day, folks! he shouted. Now, where's her mother and we'll make it two? A young matron in a patched dress announced her presence and was pushed forward. Safar presented her with a ticket. Step right in ladies, he cried. Step right in and we will reveal to you the greatest wonders of Esmir."

As the grateful mother and her child stepped through the entrance the crowd boiled around Safar, practically throwing coins at him in their fever to get their tickets.

He sold out in half an hour. Then he collected the coin box, closed the booth and slipped inside the tent.

The show had already begun. The audience was roaring laughter as Arlain, wearing a gaudy dress, pursued Binercostumed as a lumpish clown soldieraround the ring. At appropriate moments she'd let loose a blast of fire at Biner's padded rear. He'd jump, hands grabbing his bottom, and let out a falsetto shriek of pretended pain. Then he'd run on, crying for help, Arlain at his heels.

Safar found a seat in a darkened corner and watched the show unfold, intent as any member of the paying audience.

The performance lasted three hours. During the whole time the troupe never stopped and there were so many costume changes it seemed as if there were fifty entertainers with fifty different acts to amaze the crowd.

Rabix and Elgy provided all the music. They were hidden beneath a small bandstand with stuffed dummies for musicians. Besides playing the clown, Biner costumed himself as a dozen different fearsome animals. Each would threaten the audience in some way, only to be foiled by Methydia, who played a mighty huntress dressed in outfits that seemed to get skimpier and gaudier with each change. Biner also displayed many feats of great strength, each more amazing than the last.

Arlain was every bit as good as Biner had said. She not only juggled fiery objects, she proved to be a fantastic acrobat who could swing from her tail wrapped around a trapeze while tossing flaming swords.

Besides his high wire act Kairo played catcher to Arlain, hurling her high into the air to another trapeze. When she swung back he'd pretend to drop his head, fumble getting it back onthen suddenly remember Arlain and catch her just in time.

Talented as everyone was, however, Methydia was clearly the star attraction. She appeared in her role as Methydia The Magnificent four times during the show. Dressed in her filmy red witch's robes, she made each entrance a treat in itself to the growing delight of the crowd. Multi-colored smoke would suddenly erupt, or there'd be a crash of forked-lighting, or a great wall of fire. Then she'd swing through the fire on a flaming rope. Or float above the boiling smoke. Or seem to dive out of the lightning, to be caught in Biner's powerful arms.

She bade objects both large and small to appear and disappear, always accompanied by some kind of dramatic pyrotechnics. She called volunteers from the audience and caused them to float above the ground. With Biner to aid her she put on magical skits, all with romantic themes that didn't leave a dry eye in the house. She sawed Arlain in half, then put her back together again.

To Safar the most amazing thing about Methydia's performance was that although he could feel a faint of buzz of real magic emanating from her, there didn't appear to be any sorcery behind the feats themselves. Some were so difficult he should have been hit by the sear of a powerful spellcast. Instead, he felt nothing but that faint buzz. A few of her feats, like the sawing in half business, were just plain impossible. No wizard could do that! The more Safar watched, the more mystified he became. How did she make magic without using magic?

Then there was a great fanfare announcing the show's end. As the lights came up Safar found himself whistling and cheering along with the rest of the audience.

As the people filed out, chatting excitedly about their experiences and carrying sleeping children over their shoulders, The crew started cleaning the stands and getting ready for the evening performance. Safar went to work with a will, sweeping where he was told to sweep, lifting what he was told to lift.

He was whistling a merry tune when Biner strolled up, wiping the last vestiges of clown makeup from his face.

"So, what did you think, lad? Biner asked.

"I've never seen anything like it in my life, Safar said. Especially Methydia. Oh, don't get me wrong. You were grand! Everyone was grand!"

Biner laughed. But Methydia was just a little grander than the rest of us, right?"

"A lot grander, Safar said. No offense."

"None taken, lad, Biner said. It isn't just because she owns the circus that she gets top billing. She's the real star."

He gave Safar a hand with the heavy trunk, lifting his end with remarkable ease. Suppose you might elect to stay on awhile, then, lad? he asked casually. Pay's not much, but we eat regular."

Safar laughed. As long as you don't charge me admission, he joked. Then, seriously, I'd just as soon take a rest from the outside world for awhile. Not much in it is all that worthwhile, from what I've seen."

"That's the spirit, lad! Biner cried. To the Hells with them all!

"And damn everything but the Circus."

That night after the final show, the troupe ate and retired to tents set up on the ground. The Cloudship, Safar discovered, couldn't be used for that purpose when a show was going on. He'd been so overwhelmed by all the new experiences he hadn't noticed a good portion of the Cloudship's body was disassembled and turned into parts for the circus, such as the stands the audiences sat in.

He was heading off to sleep in the roustabout's tent when Methydia emerged from a small, gaily-decorated pavilion and beckoned him.

"I think we need to have a little talk, my sweet, she said, gesturing for him to enter.

The pavilion, lit by oil lamps, was spread with thick carpets. Pillows were piled onto trunks to make comfortable chairs. A curtained hammock was strung at the back for a bed.

Methydia bade Safar to sit and poured him a little wine. She raised her glass in a toast, intoning, May the winds be gentle, the stars be bright. May the crew be skilled, the landing light. And they drank.

After a moment, Methydia said, I heard about your little trick with the lucky coin. Apparently you made a little girl and her mother very happy."

Safar became uneasy. Although Methydia was smiling and her words were gentle, he could see from the look in her eye the purpose of this visit had nothing to do with compliments. It was time to bare his soul.

"I haven't told you everything about me, Safar confessed.

"If you mean that you left out the small part about being a wizard, Methydia said with exaggerated mildness, I expect you're right."

"Only a student wizard, Safar hastened to add.

Methydia curled a lip. I see. Only a student. Well, that certainly makes me feel much better."

"I'm sorry, Safar said, feeling as socially clumsy as Arlain. I didn't mean to deceive you."

"Oh, you didn't deceive me, Methydia said. I sensed you had certain powers right off. And after your little confession about being hunted by powerful men, I just wanted to see how long it would take for you to tell me the rest. But I've never been known for my patience. So I'm asking you to tell me now."

"I was really deceiving myself, more than anything, Safar said. Magic has brought me nothing but grief. And after what happened in WalariaI suppose I just wanted a rest. To live normally for a while."

"There was a girl, Methydia said. Nerisa, I believe? She saw Safar's look of surprise and explained, You babbled quite a bit while you were unconscious. Her name was mentioned more than most. A young lover, I presume?"

Safar shook his head. No, she was just a child. A street urchin who became my friend. She died saving my life."

Methydia drank a little of her wine, eyeing him across the rim. Then, From the way you railed in your sleep, I thought something tragic had happened to her."

"I only wish it could have been Nerisa instead of me you found in the desert, Safar said.

"Some would say you ought to take comfort in the gods, Methydia said. Pray that they had their reasons for choosing one over the other. Personally, I've never found that sort of thing much help. But you might."

Safar shook his head. No."

Methydia drew a small vial out of her sleeve. Give me your wine, she said.

Puzzled, he complied. She poured the contents of the vial into his glass and stirred it with a long, graceful finger.

She handed him the glass. Drink it, she commanded.

"What is it? Safar asked.

"Oh, just a little potion my old granny taught me how to make, she said. It will help heal the wounds caused by your friend's death."

Safar hesitated. Methydia pushed the glass to his lips. It won't make you forget Nerisa, my sweet, she said softly. It will just make everything seem long ago. And therefore easier to bear."

Safar drank. The potion was tasteless, but when it hit his belly it frothed up into heady fumes that seemed to rise along the back of his spine. He felt his muscles relax, then his tight-strung nerves.

He closed his eyes and saw Nerisa's face with its twisted little grin.

The face filled his mind's eye for a moment, then recededfloating away, deep into darkness, until it was a small image.

Then he put her away in a special chest of memories where the sweet mingled with the bitter.