MAGE RANDIKA
Eighteen years earlier:
Randika stares at the latest recruit. The boy’s jaw is set like granite, and his eyes are dark—not only in color. The senior mage shoots a questioning glance at the Mage Master and gives a subtle shake of his head.
“I’ve already tested him,” the Mage Master blares, continuing in spite of Randika's disapproval. “Such talent is rare. Only you can raise him to greatness.”
Again, Randika stares at the boy, eyes probing.
“I’m better than you, aren’t I?” the lad growls. Clenching his teeth, he steps toward Randika. “AREN’T I?”
Randika smiles weakly at the boy.
“Can you please step outside while the Mage Master and I have a little chat?”
Satha stomps from the laboratorium and slams the door behind him.
“Honestly, Mage Master, how can you expect anyone to work with such an angry boy?” Randika protested. “I’ve already heard
reports—”
“If anyone can get through to him, it’s you,” the Mage Master pleads, grasping Randika's elbow and walking him to the central work table. “I can invoke Council rules and require you to mentor him, but I’m appealing to you as a longtime ally. Please!”
"I'm not responsible for the outcome," Randika grunts, nodding grudgingly before waving the top mage away.
Randika stares at the latest recruit. The boy’s jaw is set like granite, and his eyes are dark—not only in color. The senior mage shoots a questioning glance at the Mage Master and gives a subtle shake of his head.
“I’ve already tested him,” the Mage Master blares, continuing in spite of Randika's disapproval. “Such talent is rare. Only you can raise him to greatness.”
Again, Randika stares at the boy, eyes probing.
“I’m better than you, aren’t I?” the lad growls. Clenching his teeth, he steps toward Randika. “AREN’T I?”
Randika smiles weakly at the boy.
“Can you please step outside while the Mage Master and I have a little chat?”
Satha stomps from the laboratorium and slams the door behind him.
“Honestly, Mage Master, how can you expect anyone to work with such an angry boy?” Randika protested. “I’ve already heard
reports—”
“If anyone can get through to him, it’s you,” the Mage Master pleads, grasping Randika's elbow and walking him to the central work table. “I can invoke Council rules and require you to mentor him, but I’m appealing to you as a longtime ally. Please!”
"I'm not responsible for the outcome," Randika grunts, nodding grudgingly before waving the top mage away.
