CHAPTER III: SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS

Go to the stream. Put on the band. That's what the voice had said. But even now, after an hour's walk to the stream and the golden band in her palm, Ann felt unsure. She was not one to rush into things, and had thoroughly thought over the decision all the way to the bank. Now, with the decision at its last moment, she thought over her options.

Firstly, the voice had to be the work of magic. She had deduced that much, although why the voice had chosen her and why at this time was still beyond her. She had often heard of sweet, persuasive voices luring people into lethal traps. But somehow she was sure this was not the case. The voice she heard was stern and impatient, like that of a disgruntled father snapping at his slothful children. Not nearly as sweet and convincing as the stories she had heard. The band looked innocent enough, but even the most harmless objects could be imbued with unspeakable curses. It was very likely that, upon wearing the band, her hair would fall out permanently, or her skin turn the hue of mouldy cheese. Nothing more than a cruel trick from a traveling magician. But what intrigued her the most was the inscription of the word "destiny". Whatever the band could mean, she had a feeling that it would still return to her, like a twist of fate.

So she sighed and wore the band.

Initially she felt nothing. But then, a tingling feeling; the strange emotion that always came with interacting with magic. Just that fleeting feeling and then it was all over.

Hold out your hand.

She obeyed, and then cried out in surprise as her hand burst into a globe of white hot flame.

I am Brandr, a dragon whose spirit is captured in this band. I am searching or a warrior who will channel my spirit. I wish revenge on Salvorah, the felve who trapped me in this golden prison. I hope you are up to the task. Frankly, I would have preferred a male.

Ann did not reply. She was too busy staring in awe at her flaming hand.

You are still human, human. Your body cannot sustain the effects of my power for long.

Her hand sparked with pain, as if she had held it out over a cooking fire. Frantically, she waved it back and forth. Brandr sighed and extinguished the flames. The golden bracelet glowed with irritation.

We are connected mentally. As long as the band is on your hand, we will always be in sync. I highly suggest that we practice battle together, to extend how long you can use my magic. But heed my words; we will find Salvorah, and we will make him pay.

Ann's mind swum with questions, and finally she spoke. "A dragon! How can you bond with me? Who is Salvorah? You cannot kill a felve! It is forbidden by the law!"

The bracelet glowed.

Law? What law? There was no law to stop this horror from being inflicted upon me. Where is my justice?

"Your justice is in the law. If Salvorah, who ever that is, is responsible for this torture, he must be brought to justice. Bring him towards the court, and you will have your justice."

But how will I find him? He is a tricky sort, and almost impossible to catch. I will require someone with the skills and the means to locate him.

Ann was lost in confusion, but at least one idea popped into her mind. Brandr needed someone with skills and resources. Someone whose specialty it was to bring escaped criminals to justice.

Luckily, Ann knew just the person for the job.

And all it would cost her would be a few swills of mead and an apology.

Hopefully.