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dinner.
    The Presidential Palace was a large, white stone mansion on a spreading estate. An ornate carriage had been dispatched to pick up the dinner guests. Callie looked stunning in a lovely, yellow gown with her long, brown hair sporting a matching yellow ribbon. Oscar spent the entire ride to the Palace staring at her.
    President Suarez and his wife were in a receiving parlor when the party arrived. John made the introductions and presented his painting. The President had the painting hung over the fireplace. Oscar marveled at the incredible likeness of the painting to the actual President. The black, wavy hair was parted in exactly the same spot. The long black mustache ended precisely where it should. The green eyes were so lifelike that he felt like the portrait was actually looking at him. Oscar knew that the painting was done from memory. The President may have sat for a sketch, but he certainly did not have the time to sit for the entire painting. John seemed to have the ability to recall vivid images that he had seen previously.
    The dinner was very informal and Oscar was impressed with the President’s ability to keep the conversation moving. Oscar’s magic ring let him know that the President was prone to exaggeration. The stories he told were true enough, but the numbers quoted or reactions to events were stretched in proportion to reality. John happily announced the engagement of Oscar and Callie and the President offered a toast.
    “You shall have the congratulations of the entire nation,” said President Suarez. “Does this mean that Kantor is to become the home of Duke Dalek of Targa?”
    “I do intend to have a fine home built here in Kantor,” answered Oscar. “I will, of course, still maintain my homes in Dalek and Bordon. I imagine Callie and I will spend time in each depending on the needs of my business. I hope that John will live in our Kantor home and use it as his own.”
    “I offer whatever help the Republic of Cordonia can give in finding a site for your home, Oscar. The Secor family is fondly thought of here and I am happy to add your name to the list of their members. When will the wedding be?”
    “The wedding will have to wait at least two weeks. I would never be forgiven if we married without my mother here as a witness. Callie and I will leave tomorrow by ship for Dalek. Hopefully, we shall return with Duke Whitley and my mother on the return voyage. John told me that you would be gracious enough to perform the service. Would your schedule permit a small wedding in two weeks time?”
    “If not,” President Suarez laughed, “I’ll change my schedule. I can’t promise a small celebration, though. John Secor is a bit of a celebrity here in Kantor and the marriage of his daughter will bring many requests for admittance.”
    The rest of the dinner was spent in pleasant small talk and soon it was time to leave. They returned to John’s studio and Callie went off to pack a travel bag. Egam roamed the studio looking for a suitable painting for Jenneva. He finally settled on a picture of Kantor’s harbor from the edge of the marketplace. The picture sported one of Dalek’s ships approaching the dock. When Egam went to pay John for the picture, John waved him away.
    “No, Egam,” John stated, “Oscar has already made me a very wealthy man. Please take it with my compliments. I cannot afford to give my paintings to Oscar for he is my largest customer. I can, however, give one to his friend and my friend too.”
    The next morning, John escorted his daughter to the ship and waved goodbye. The weather was pleasant and everyone spent the days on deck. Egam spent a lot of time with Callie and got to know her well.

    Far to the east in the town of Paso, three black clad figures hid in the bushes not far from the wall of the Temple of Dori, goddess of soil. The night was moonless and the townspeople were sleeping. One of the black clad figures detached from the shadows and leapt at the