Jarik is assigned to the Lalee-Papu, a less-than-first-class airship bound for Abu Dhabi, yet one with its own Air Mage. He meets Wynona (a bat wizard), as well as "Doc" Halla, Captain Blackard, and a poodle noble named Kazhir Doromanov (making a negative impression on the last). He is also "initiated" by the crewmembers