Текст книги "The Horn of Moran"

Автор книги: Mark Forman

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“Of course, you may speak freely.”

“Would it not prove your kingship to all of Athanor if you challenged Trion to a contest?”

“An excellent idea! Yes, most excellent. In fact, that is what I’ll do. I’ll insist that the people of Athanor gather, and then I’ll compete with Trion. I’ll ask him to play the Horn, and when he fails, he will look a total fool. Then I will play the Horn, and everyone will know that I am the king.”

“A most inspired plan. However, my lord, perhaps youshould play the Horn first. There is no need to make Trion look like more of a fool than he already is. And such a gesture will show your people your great kindness and win many hearts that may not otherwise be yours.”

“Yes, of course,” said Varson. “The true king should be kind to fools like Trion. That is what I’ll do.”

“And how soon will you be able to prove yourself and claim your throne?”

“Tomorrow at high noon, I think,” said Varson with a satisfied tone. “There are a lot of people in Athanor, and I will have messages sent to the nearby towns as well. We will march forward in the morning, and before tomorrow night, I will be king. That will end the threat of war quickly, and everything will be as it should be.”

“Wonderful,” Alex gushed.

“You have been most helpful, Master Taylor. I would be pleased if you would accompany me to the contest.”

“A great honor,” said Alex. “If I may be so bold, perhaps you will allow me to hold the Horn. That way Trion won’t be able to use any magic to make himself appear to be more than he is.”

“Another grand idea. You are a wonder. If there is anything I can do for you tonight, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“There are two small matters,” Alex said slowly. “I hate to bring them up at a time like this, so perhaps I should not.”

“No, no,” said Varson, waving his hand. “Please, let me do what I can for you.”

“You are most kind, my lord. The first matter concerns some bandits that my company and I captured on our way here. No doubt you will wish to judge them, once your throne is secured. In the meantime, if a few soldiers might be spared to guard them, it would be helpful.”

“Of course,” said Varson, trying to look and sound like a king. “I will have some men sent right over to take these bandits off your hands. Now, what else would you ask?”

“The second matter concerns the fate of the adventurers traveling with Master Nellus. Our two companies have several friends in common. It would be, shall we say, awkward if anything unpleasant were to happen to Master Nellus or his companions.”

“Yes, I can see that clearly enough,” Varson agreed. “That fool Kappa has had them placed in chains, but I can remedy that. In fact, I think they did me a great service in attempting to find the Horn, so I am in their debt. I will have them freed at once and returned to your camp. That way your company will see how kind the true king can be.”

“You are generous and kind, my lord. Now I suppose we should both get some rest, tomorrow promises to be an important day.”

“Yes, yes, it does,” said Varson, almost falling over in his excitement. “I will send an honor guard for you in the morning, and you will ride beside me to Athanor.”

“You do me a great honor,” said Alex.

When Alex reached the door of the tent, he turned to look back at Varson and Kappa the donkey.

“Shall I ask your guards to remove this donkey?” Alex asked.

“Yes,” said Varson in a definite tone. “Send them in at once. And thank you again, my friend.”

“Not at all, my lord, not at all.”

Alex had a hard time controlling his laughter as the guard led him back to his friends. As they approached Bregnest and the others, Alex slipped the guard three more gold coins for his service. The guard bowed to Alex, and then hurried back to his post.

Before Alex could tell his friends what had happened in Varson’s tent, more guards arrived, escorting Nellus and his company to the campsite. The guards bowed to Bregnest, removed the chains from Nellus and his friends, and then took the three captured bandits away with them.

Once the guards had departed, Alex told his friends everything that had happened. He had a hard time keeping them all from laughing too loudly as he told the story. Once, when a guard seemed to take too much interest in the noise they were making, Halfdan quickly praised Varson loudly. This seemed to satisfy the guard’s curiosity, and he soon returned to his post.

“He actually thanked you for turning Kappa into a donkey?” Andy asked, wiping tears off his checks.

“He did,” said Alex. “And he’s also asked that I ride beside him to Athanor in the morning. I will be holding the Horn so Trion can’t play any magic tricks with it.”

“You are a genius,” said Bregnest, slapping Alex’s shoulder. “This will be far better than anything I had hoped for.”

The following morning, before everyone was awake, Alex asked Bregnest to send a short letter to his cousin, King Trion. Bregnest explained to Trion what would be happening that day and asked him to go along with it. Bregnest also told Trion that Alex was a member of his company and that his only goal was to prevent all-out war in Athanor.

With his message sent, Bregnest returned the Horn of Moran to Alex with a bow, and Alex stored it safely inside his bag. Shortly after Alex and his friends had finished their breakfast, the prince’s personal guards appeared to escort Alex to Varson. Alex said good-bye to his friends with a bow and a wink, then followed the guards to Varson’s tent. Holding Shahree’s reins behind him, Alex waited patiently outside the tent for the prince to appear.

Varson arrived, wearing his finest clothes and looking excited and pleased with himself. He grinned at Alex as he awkwardly mounted his own horse and prepared to lead the entire company toward Athanor. Alex felt a little sorry for Varson; he wasn’t an evil man after all, only a very foolish one.

As Varson’s army moved forward, Alex acted his part as well as he could. Varson seemed confident that he would be king before the day was over, and he made several promises to Alex and to the rest of the adventurers, including offering to pay whatever price Trion had promised for the return of the Horn and add to it. Alex simply smiled and said Varson was far too generous. When they approached the city of Athanor, Alex leaned toward Varson and spoke in a lowered voice.

“Before we begin, perhaps I should remind the people that the Horn will sound only for the true king,” said Alex.

“Yes, I think that would be best,” agreed Varson. “In fact, you may say that you are there to judge the contest fairly and announce to the people who their true king is.”

“You honor me, my lord. But surely there are others more qualified than I who can judge this competition. I am not from this land, so perhaps someone who lives here should act as judge.”

“You make a good point,” said Varson after some thought. “I will have the captains of my army act as witnesses, and if Trion wishes, the captains of his army as well.”

“An excellent solution, my lord. Then there will be none in Athanor who can doubt the true king.”

“That is correct, my friend,” said Varson with a nod. “After all, I don’t want war any more than you do. I can’t blame Trion’s soldiers for his mistakes after all.”

“You are most wise,” Alex replied.

Varson seemed lost in his thoughts of becoming king, and he didn’t say anything more as the company approached the gates of Athanor. A messenger rode into the city with a request for Trion to met Varson at midday to prove once and for all who was the true king. The rest of the army assembled outside the city walls. The messenger was only gone for a short time before returning with Trion’s answer.

“The fool has accepted,” said Varson, waving the message in front of Alex. “He must actually believe he has a chance.”

“Men will often do foolish things to prove what they believe.”

“Yes, I suppose they will,” said Varson, sounding almost sad. “I wish that Trion would simply accept me as king. I really hate to embarrass him this way.”

“You are kind, my lord. Perhaps Trion will concede the contest once you have blown the Horn.”

“Yes, that would be better than seeing him try hopelessly to sound the Horn. Then at least some of his honor might be saved. You know, he is an honorable man, and he has run the kingdom very well over all.”

Alex did not reply but simply nodded.

As midday approached, Varson’s soldiers set up a large, raised platform so everyone would be able to see Varson and Trion compete with the Horn. Alex commented on what a good idea it was and praised Varson for thinking of it.

At midday the gates of Athanor were opened wide, and Trion and his captains emerged from the city, followed by a large crowd. Even more people gathered on the city walls to watch the competition. Alex was pleased that there would be so many witnesses. No one in all of Athanor would be able to question the true king after today.

Varson and Trion met at the foot of the platform and bowed to each other. Varson’s captains lined up on one side of the platform, while Trion’s captains lined up on the other. Varson then led Trion and Alex onto the platform, looking at the crowds confidently.

“If you will, Master Taylor,” said Varson once the three of them were on top of the platform.

Alex bowed to Varson and then to Trion. He noticed that Trion looked stern, but that his eyes were shining brightly. Trion looked a great deal like Bregnest, and Alex was glad to be able to help him secure his throne.

“People of Athanor,” Alex called loudly. “This competition will be to determine the true king of Athanor. I have been asked to serve as the judge, along with these assembled captains of the armies of Athanor. I have brought with me the legendary Horn of Moran, which will only sound for the true king of this people. I call upon all of you to act as witnesses this day.”

Alex turned to Varson and Trion. He bowed once more to each of them and then produced the Horn of Moran from his magic bag. He held the Horn up and turned in all directions so that all the soldiers and all the people could see it. The bands of true silver flashed like fire in the sunlight, and the watching crowds fell silent.

Then, facing Varson and Trion once more, Alex spoke in a softer tone. “My lords, if you are both prepared, we will proceed.”

“I am prepared,” Varson answered eagerly.

“As am I,” said Trion, still looking stern.

“Which of you will go first?” Alex questioned.

“I will,” Varson answered quickly. “As I have made a claim on the crown, I will go first.”

“As you wish,” Trion replied in a grim tone.

Varson stepped confidently to the front of the platform and stood beside Alex.

“Prince Varson has asked to make his attempt first,” Alex called out loudly.

Alex held out the Horn of Moran to Prince Varson. Varson put it to his mouth and blew until he was red in the face. But no sound came out of the Horn at all. Alex felt a mixture of amusement and pity. When Varson finally quit blowing, he was gasping for air. He looked shocked and completely dumbfounded.

“Prince Varson’s attempt has failed,” Alex called out. “Now King Trion will make his attempt.”

Alex motioned for Trion to come forward. Trion bowed to Alex with just a hint of a smile on his face.

Once again Alex held the Horn steady. Trion took a deep breath and put his mouth to the Horn. As he began to blow, the Horn began to sound a long, loud note, which grew louder and louder. The sound filled Alex with a fierce and overwhelming joy. After the sounding of the Horn, Trion stepped back, his stern look softening.

“King Trion is the true king of Athanor,” Alex proclaimed to the waiting crowds. “Let none here doubt, the Horn of Moran has spoken.”

Turning, Alex bowed and presented the Horn of Moran to Trion, who accepted it with a bow and a quick wink.

Trion turned to look at Varson, who was pale and shaking, looking around as if he didn’t know what to do. As Trion moved toward him, Varson dropped to his knees and begged for forgiveness.

“Forgive me, my lord. I have been a great fool. Kappa convinced me that you were not the true king, and I believed his lies.”

“You have been a great fool,” Trion agreed. “And you have brought your own land to the very edge of war and ruin. Once you had great honor and you served Athanor well. I will remember your years of good service now, as I name your punishment. As punishment for your actions, I confiscate your lands and properties. I take away all your titles and honors. I name you as the lowest servant in the king’s house.”

“Better than I deserve,” said Varson, remaining on his knees. “You have been too kind, my lord.”

“Perhaps so,” said Trion, looking stern. “But I will say this: in time your honor, your titles, and your lands may be restored to you. Of course, much depends on how well you serve Athanor from this day forward.”

“I will serve you as best I can, my king,” Varson replied, looking slightly relieved.

“Now, for the root of all this evil,” said Trion. “Bring Kappa forward that I might proclaim his punishment.”

There was a slight delay, but in a few minutes, two of Varson’s soldiers led a nervous-looking donkey forward. They stood the donkey in front of the raised platform and stepped back.

“What is this?” Trion asked, a stern but slightly confused look on his face.

“Lord Trion,” said Alex, stepping forward. “The soldiers are not trying to fool you. This is, in fact, Kappa. I’m afraid he was attempting to prevent us from returning the Horn of Moran to you. To overcome the difficulties he was putting in our path, I was forced to change him into his present form.”

“I see,” said Trion. “Then this is the punishment I name for Kappa. He shall remain as he is. Perhaps in this form he will better serve the kingdom of Athanor, which he has tried so hard to destroy.”

“A most fitting punishment,” said Alex.

“And a most interesting tale, I would guess,” replied Trion. “Come, I will call Bregnest and the rest of your company to us. We will share a midday meal, and I will hear the story of your adventure.”

Alex walked with Trion back into the city of Athanor, where the crowds were all cheering for Trion’s success.

Bregnest and the rest of Alex’s friends soon arrived at the city and were given seats of honor at the king’s table. Bregnest told his cousin about the adventure they had been on and all the troubles they had faced in finding the Horn of Moran. Trion and his court listened to the story with great interest, and when Bregnest reached the end of the story, the entire court broke into joyful cheers once more.

Alex and his friends could now laugh openly about everything that had happened. Halfdan insisted that Alex retell the story of changing Kappa into a donkey once more, and they all laughed again.

“You have all done a great service, both to myself and to my kingdom,” said Trion when the cheering finally stopped. “I fear that the promised reward is too small.”

“The payment was agreed to,” said Bregnest. “Everything we have done has been part of our agreement with you.”

“Very well then. I will have the payment made ready, and you shall have it tomorrow morning.”

“As you wish,” answered Bregnest, bowing to the king.

“I will, however, use my right as king to award special honors to each of you,” Trion continued. “And I will not forget the noble efforts of your fellow adventurers, who renounced the quest that Varson sent them on.”

After they had eaten, Nellus and his company came to say good-bye to Alex and his friends. They would be leaving for their homes in the morning and wanted to thank Bregnest’s company once more for their rescue.

“My friend,” Tara said to Alex, taking his hand in both of hers. “I owe you a great deal more than thanks.”

“Your friendship and happiness are a greater payment than any treasure,” Alex replied. “I am sure of your friendship, and I have great hopes for your happiness.”

“You are very kind. If ever you come to my father’s kingdom in Kess, you will be well received.”

“I look forward to that time,” said Alex with a bow.

Before the companies parted, Tara kissed Alex on the cheek and slipped a small silver brooch into his hand. Alex nodded to Tara as she left with the others, slightly embarrassed by her kiss.

“Now Alex will be looking to retire,” said Halfdan, shaking his head.

“Not any time soon,” Alex replied softly.

* * *

The next morning, Trion presented the adventurers with their gold, and Bregnest commanded that Alex should take the two shares that would have gone to Val. Alex accepted without argument, though he would have much preferred dividing the shares with the others. Once the gold was divided and stored in their bags, Trion led the company to a large field where their horses were grazing.

Alex was delighted to see so many wonderful horses in one place at one time. The only problem he could see was deciding what to do with the three hundred and fifty horses that were his. Bregnest laughed and said that he would gladly care for Alex’s horses on his own lands. Trion overheard what Bregnest said, and in gratitude for Alex’s service, he also offered to care for Alex’s horses on his lands.

Sindar and Halfdan both decided that they had no need for so many horses and offered to sell their horses to Alex. After some debate, Alex paid fifteen gold coins for each horse and promised a free horse to either of his friends whenever they needed one.

Andy, thinking about his future, made arrangements to return his share of the horses to his home in Norsland. He said he thought his family might try raising horses because horses were not overly plentiful in any part of Norsland. He was also sure that Michael would be angry if he did not return home with the horses. This last remark made everyone laugh, including Andy.

Alex and his friends remained as Trion’s guests for a week. Each night they ate with the king, and at each feast at least part of their story was retold.

One evening during the week, when things were quiet and not many people were around, Alex had a long talk with Trion and his most trusted lords. He explained that the Horn of Moran was more than just a symbol of the true king, it was a guardian object for all of Alusia.

“Guard the Horn well,” said Alex, looking Trion in the eye. “Sound it at each spring festival and again at the harvest festival so all will know there is a true king in Athanor. If you do this, your kingdom will be united and grow larger as the years pass.”

Trion thanked Alex for explaining what the Horn really was and promised he would do as Alex had said.

“The people of Alusia have slowly been breaking apart for many years,” said Trion. “There are disputes and bitter rivalries in many places. Perhaps, with the Horn’s return, our people can come together once more.”

At the end of their week in Athanor, the company said their farewells to Trion and started off once more toward Telous.

“Why are you returning to Telous?” Alex asked Bregnest as they left Athanor behind.

“I have to pay Mr. Clutter,” Bregnest answered. “I also need to update the files on each of you. And I’d like to talk to Whalen, if he’s around.”

Alex had almost forgotten that Whalen had never replied to his last message. He hoped that Whalen would be in Telous when they arrived so they could finally meet, and he decided to send another message to him, just in case.

“Another adventure is almost over,” said Halfdan as they ate dinner that night.

“Only this chapter of the adventure is over,” said Sindar. “With luck, there are still many chapters to come.”

Chapter Nineteen

A Wizard’s Staff

Alex and his friends rode away from Athanor in high spirits. Their adventure had turned out well, and they had managed to prevent war in Athanor. Alex felt a little sorry for Varson and hoped that someday his honor would be restored. On the morning of their third day away from Athanor, Alex received the long-awaited letter from Whalen.

Dear Alex,

I must apologize for not replying to your previous message. To be honest, I decided to use the situation in Athanor as a test for you. I know that may seem like a foolish decision on my part, but I did not believe your company was in any great danger. If things had gone wrong, I would have been there to assist you in a matter of days.

I will be arriving in Telous in a few days’ time and will wait to meet you there. You have done far better than even I expected, and I am both proud of and pleased with your success.

We will have a great deal to talk about when you arrive.

Yours in fellowship, Whalen

“So, Whalen was testing you,” said Bregnest when Alex told him about the letter. “Wizards have their own ways, I suppose, and their own reasons for doing things.”

“But if the plan hadn’t worked there could have been a war,” said Alex, not at all happy about the test.

“But your plan did work,” said Sindar. “War was avoided and the true king remains on his throne. Whalen was correct to trust you.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Alex said. “What if I hadn’t thought of the plan? Or what if Kappa had done things differently? There were all kinds of things that could have gone wrong.”

“Do you think it would have been your fault if war had broken out in Athanor?” Bregnest questioned.

“Well, yes,” Alex replied.

“Was it you who talked Varson into making a claim on the throne?” Sindar asked.

“No, I didn’t do that.”

“Was it you who brought armies to Athanor to try to take the throne?” Bregnest asked.

“No, I didn’t do that either,” Alex admitted again.

“So, if there was a war, why exactly would it have been your fault?” Sindar questioned.

“All right, so it wouldn’t have been my fault,” said Alex with a grumpy sigh.

“You’ve done a great deal of good and you’re unhappy about it,” said Bregnest with a smile.

“I’m not upset about that,” said Alex, starting to feel foolish. “I’m upset because Whalen took a terrible risk and a lot of people might have had to pay for it.”

“And there is the lesson of your test,” said Sindar. “Sometimes others may have to pay for our actions, or our inaction. The difference for you is that wizards can do great things, and if they are wrong, many more people have to pay for their mistakes.”

Sindar’s words reminded Alex of something he’d learned on his first adventure. Accountability and responsibility went with power, and even more so with great power. It made perfect sense now that he thought about it, and he felt that Whalen had been right to test him.

Their journey continued without interruption, and Alex’s mood improved as they rode toward the great arch. Bregnest entertained the company with stories about his own lands, some of which they passed on their journey to Telous. Alex was impressed with Bregnest’s descriptions of his lands and thought Alusia would be an excellent place to live, if he ever decided to move away from his stepfather’s tavern.

They spent their last night in Alusia camping a short distance from the great arch. They had decided to ride to Telous the next morning so that they would arrive in time for their midday meal. Alex hoped that he would be able to return to Alusia soon, both to see his friends and to see his many new horses.

“Perhaps you should have chosen a horse or two to take back to Telous with you,” Bregnest commented as they sat around the campfire that night.

“I have the only horse I need,” Alex answered. “Though I suppose someday Shahree will grow too old for adventures.”

“Most horses only make it through three or four adventures,” said Sindar in a thoughtful way. “Adventures are harder on the horses than on the adventurers who ride them.”

“And they don’t get to change their age on adventures like we do,” said Andy.

“I’m quite happy with my present horse,” said Alex, hoping to change the subject.

“And I’m sure she is happy with her present owner,” said Halfdan.

Alex grinned at Halfdan’s comment, but did not reply. He didn’t want to think about going on an adventure without Shahree. He knew that someday he would have to, but he hoped that day was far, far away.

“Tomorrow you will meet Whalen,” said Bregnest with a twinkle in his eye. “It has been a long time coming.”

“It has,” Alex agreed, trying to hide his excitement.

“Perhaps he will ask you to travel with him,” Andy commented. “That would be an adventure worth going on.”

“And perhaps Whalen will ask something else of you,” said Sindar, catching Alex’s eye. “He may no longer think of you as an apprentice.”

“I believe Master Vankin still has a great deal to teach me,” said Alex. “As I’ve been telling you all for this entire adventure, I’m only a wizard in training.”

“It seems you’ve had a fair bit of training then,” Halfdan laughed. “You’ll be taking a staff soon, I would guess.”

“I will wait until Whalen says I am ready before taking a staff,” Alex replied.

“And only time will tell when that might be,” said Sindar softly, as if reading Alex’s mind. “Though for all that is good in the known lands, I hope that it is sooner rather than later.”

The following day, as the company approached Telous, Alex’s nervous feelings grew to a new high. Soon he would be meeting Whalen for the first time in person. He felt like he already knew Whalen from all the messages and letters they had exchanged and from the stories he had heard about Whalen, but this was different. Whalen was known as the greatest wizard alive, and more than anything else, Alex hoped that Whalen would ask him to go on an adventure with him so that he could continue his training in person and learn by watching him work.

When they finally reached the Golden Swan, Alex was so nervous he could hardly move. He had some trouble getting off Shahree, and he stumbled on the steps of the Swan. He knew he was being silly, but he couldn’t help it.

“Bregnest,” a voice called as the company entered the Swan. “Good to see you again, my friend.”

Alex looked over and saw that Whalen was both everything and nothing at all like he had expected. Whalen looked old, but not too old; thin, but not too thin. He was almost six feet tall with shoulder-length silver-gray hair and a neatly trimmed goatee. Alex could also see that he had a great deal of magical power.

“Whalen,” answered Bregnest. “It has been too long, my old friend.”

“And this must be Alex,” said Whalen, approaching Alex with his hand outstretched. “So good to meet you face to face at last.”

“A great honor,” Alex managed to say, shaking Whalen’s hand.

“Oh, perhaps,” said Whalen with a mischievous look on his face. “Though perhaps the great honor is mine.”

“Sir?” Alex asked, not understanding what Whalen meant.

“Now then, Bregnest, introduce me to the rest of your fine company,” Whalen continued, not taking time to answer Alex. “Alex has kept me up with your adventure, of course, but now I can ask all those little questions that are best asked in person.”

Bregnest introduced the rest of the company to Whalen, and Whalen greeted them all as if he knew them. Alex was relieved to see that his friends were nearly as nervous as he was. In fact, Whalen had to take Andy’s hand and shake it before Andy would stop bowing to him.

“Well, now,” said Whalen. “I do hope you’ll allow me to join you for your midday meal.”

“It would be both our honor and our pleasure,” Bregnest replied.

Whalen nodded and waved his hand toward a small dining room set at the front of the Swan, where arrangements had already been made for their meal. As soon as they were seated, servants appeared with trays of food.

Whalen was interested in everything Alex’s friends had to say. He seemed to be almost overflowing with energy as he asked all kinds of questions about what had happened on their adventure. He seemed most interested in the minor points that Alex had neglected to mention in his letters, and he listened closely to every answer.

“You turned old Kappa into a donkey?” Whalen laughed. “Exactly what he deserved. I’m pleased that Trion saw it that way as well, and chose to leave him in that form.”

“It seemed the most fitting thing to turn him into,” said Alex.

“Of course it was. You have become very good at reading people, Alex. I am impressed with your judgment on this adventure.”

“Thank you,” said Alex.

“Now, to business,” said Whalen in a slightly more serious tone. “Bregnest, I take it you have not had your final feast with this company or declared your adventure at an end?”

“That is correct,” said Bregnest. “I thought perhaps tonight or tomorrow we would take care of that final part of our agreement.”

“Tomorrow night would be better,” said Whalen, looking at Bregnest with his eyebrows raised.

“Then tomorrow night it shall be,” said Bregnest with a slight bow.

Alex thought it was odd that Whalen wanted them to wait; he wasn’t a member of the company, after all.

“Now then, with your permission, Bregnest. I would like to have a good long talk with Alex,” said Whalen.

“He is free to do as he wishes until tomorrow night’s feast.”

“Very good,” said Whalen with a nod. “If the rest of you will excuse us. Alex, we have a great deal to discuss.”

Alex was puzzled, but decided that Whalen had his reasons. With a quick nod to his friends, Alex followed Whalen out of the dining room and toward the back of the Swan.

Whalen led Alex to a small room with two comfortable chairs, a small table with a lamp, and a large fireplace. The curtains in the room were pulled shut and the lamp and fire were both burning brightly.

“Have a seat,” said Whalen, closing the door behind them.

Alex sat down in one chair, and Whalen sat in the other chair, looking at Alex for what seemed like a long time.

“I suppose you know what I want to talk to you about,” said Whalen in a serious tone.

“No,” Alex answered nervously.

“I want to ask you to do two things, and then to let me do a third,” said Whalen. “First of all, I want to ask you to take your staff.”

“A . . . a staff?” Alex asked in shock. “But I’m still in training, I still have so much to learn.”

“Exactly. You have learned that you still have much more to learn. That is perhaps the hardest thing for any wizard to discover.”

“I . . . I don’t understand.”