Al-Hazim

Fights began to break out-apparently spontaneously-over minor things, and he and Al-Hazim might just as well have been invisible.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

With a resigned air about him, Al-Hazim began chanting again, only this time it was something different, more intense.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

To Alinor it was only so much gibberish, but "scientists" in the towns they passed through would provide food and shelter for the privilege of transcribing while Al-Hazim spoke.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

: You were with Al-Hazim,: the Salamander continued, and Alinor realized this was the same creature that the Mad Arab had conjured, and the Hermit had seized, at the inn.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

Al-Hazim had been particularly pleased with himself lately.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

Al gathered that it wasn't the man's religious significance, though, that Al-Hazim was ecstatic over.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

So he produced a nugget of gold in the crucible at the appropriate moment, the next time Al-Hazim made the attempt for some of his fellow scientists.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

For hours Al-Hazim gazed at the little brazier, occasionally adding coal to keep it going.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

Over time Alinor learned that the man was known in the region as Al-Hazim, also called the "Mad Arab," though he was neither Arabic nor mad-he was, in fact, a Moor from Alhambra.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993

The copper vessel simmered and boiled, and when Al-Hazim tested the elixir on a sample piece of lead, nothing happened.

Omnibus Lackey, Mercedes 1993