"The Culdcept is the book of creation that the Goddess Culdra used when she created the multiverse. During the war of the gods it was shattered and the pieces fell onto the various worlds. In my world they fell as cards. Like these." She reached behind her back and a card flew out of the pouch that hung off her belt into her hand. She held it up, but would not let him take it. "This is a Culdcept card. Cepters, like me, can use them to summon the things written into their part of the Culdcept. Like this card is Knight, he's my friend and I summon him lots. He's also the card I use most often in combat." She gave a bright smile. "He gets to have a fun battle and get some exercise, and I get to not die! It works out for everyone."

"Najaran sees things in somewhat simple terms," Goligan added, "but in essence, she is correct. Cepters have a long and varied history and some Cepters use their cards poorly. Najaran might do some things she should not, like make her cards help with chores, but she would never use them to attack the innocent or to be a bully or in fights they have no chance of winning. She also, for the most part, does not fight just for fighting sake."

"For the most part?" she sputtered. "I'd never fight for fighting sake!"

"The tournament in Soron," he said, flatly.

She puffed out her cheeks. "How else was I supposed to investigate to see if the Black Cepters were there?"

"And of course your temper and the prize money had nothing to do with it?" Goligan asked dryly.

"So, would you like to meet any of my friends?" she asked Dyme quickly, changing the subject.