Transcription: FORGE OF THE ELDERS By L. NEIL SMITH BOOK ONE FIRST TIME THE CHARM This book is dedicated, with affection and admiration, to the memory of Carl Hess, who wields the hammer of Voland at the forge of liberty. PROLOGUE THE HOUSE OF ENERI RALDE A fountain sparkled in the broad-tiled courtyard of the hillside villa, cooling the afternoon breeze, and sprinkling the sandaled feet of a lean-muscled young man seated before it. His sleeveless tunic, its decorative metallic border just reaching his knees, was the lightest in his wardrobe. As always, Acura Oran wondered in an absent way how the air could ...
