Episode 1: A Journey Begins

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For each of the visitors, rooms had been prepared, and each found themselves in distinct luxury that evening. Ioan, in his regular room, struggled to decide which books he should take with him, and which were simply too heavy to carry. The decision seemed fraught with difficulty, because many books were not useful by themselves when not cross-referenced with a second, and a third book often was needed to understand the reference between the other two. He had just reconfigured his travelling pack for the fourth time when a knock sounded at his door.

"Good evening, good teacher," said an old, familiar voice. "May I come in?"

"Of course, Chamberlain Urqhart, come in."

Leaning heavily on his wooden walking stick, Urqhart ambled slowly into the room and settled himself into a comfortable chair. Clutched in his free hand was a rolled parchment. From it's colour and age, Ioan guessed it must be at least --

"Fifty-six years old," answered Urqhart, noticing Ioan's attention. "When I was a much younger man I ventured forth for Lord Underwood -- James' father -- on an expedition into the Southern continent. We were looking to establish trade between the House and the Pharoah, who at that time was a very young man..." Urqhart's voice trailed off and his eyes became distant as memories replayed themselves in his mind.

"And?" asked Ioan, curious.

Urqhart seemed to stir himself back to the present. "And, we became distracted by side-business, as I seemed to be." Ioan smiled, patiently. "Those stories can wait until you return, and you bring stories of your own, good teacher. For now, let me tell you two pieces of advice that were told to me by a wanderer in that country, and that served me well

"First, know that the desert is itself a living thing, or at least has every appearance of it. It can take a man's life in an instant, or it may provide shelter in a storm. But never turn your back on it, for it is fickle, and prone to anger!

"Secondly, know that even in the deepest of deserts, if one looks hard enough, one may find allies, often where you would least expect them."

"Sage advise, Chamberlain, and I will keep it close in my mind." The old man began to stand up, and Ioan pointed to the rolled parchment he still held in his hands. "And what is this parchment you bring?"

Urqhart looked down at it, almost surprised. "Oh! I almost forgot! It is a map." He hobbled over to Ioan's table and spread out the roll with his bony fingers. Before them lie a map of much of Elysia, but the emphasis was clearly on the Southern continent. On it strange symbols were marked on it, which Ioan took to be the AEgyptian heiroglyphs which he had briefly seen once.

"I purchased this upon landing from an old sailer on the dock, and it has served me well. As you can see, it contains all of AEgypt and much of the surrounding lands, and it has been marked with many of the oases that are to be found in the deserts." He pointed to the sharp wavy lines that dotted the desert on the map. "Some of these are bound to still be there, but if you find yourself in the deep desert, take the utmost of care -- especially yourself, being so closely affiliated with water."

"Your concern is appreciated, but I have ways of taking care of my watery needs!" Ioan reached over to his pack and extracted an folded canvas. Unfolding the canvas and screwing together rods that were woven into it transformed it into a rectangular basin.

"What is it?" asked Urqhart, peering at it.

In answer, Ioan began a whistling-chanting sound. The tune was unfamiliar to Urqhart, and he marvelled at the vocal range of the Oannes people as Ioan's song grew more insistent. Then, he noticed the water gathering at the bottom of the canvas bowl, filling it rapidly. In a few seconds, Ioan stopped and it was full.

"Marvelous! What do you call it?" asked Urqhart, impressed.

"A `portable bathtub'. With this and my magic I can immerse my skin as needed each day." Ioan grinned and dipped his hand in the water, drawing it back out rapidly. "Still haven't figured out to make it warmer than winter, however..."

"I see that James' faith in you is well placed, good teacher." Urqhart turned to leave, and then seemed to remember something. "I have something that may be of interest to you, Ioan. It will take me some time to put my hands on it, but I shall return in the morning with it. Until then, good night."

"Good night, sir."

Ioan rummaged through his shelves to retrieve a metal-braced scroll case, and gingerly placed the map inside and set it with his pack. Turning back to his shelves he sighed again. Maybe only one book or two... he mused.

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