them well, from what I have heard. Have them join you in your quest to the wall,”

Sturbious moved forward until he was in front of the marble steps that lead up to the king. “Why would they want to help in this crusade?”Sturbious demanded with the power back in his voice.“After all, you are the one that ran them off deep into the woods.”

 “That, my dear wizard, is none of my concern. Do you have any idea what the blood of an elf does to a sword? If bathed three times in elven blood, the weapon took on magical properties. It can turn aside the strongest attack, pierce the stoutest armor and the metal becomes unbreakable. Any warrior would pay good money for that sort of advantage in battle. If people understood how the world works they would understand the necessity of sacrificing a few, for the benefit of many. Besides I did not make them run; they decided to flee,” said the king as he bit into another cherry tomato.

“May I pick the others that will accompany me?”Sturbious asked in a dark, deep voice that echoed throughout the chamber.

“Very well, you may have who you wish,” said the King.

With those words ,Sturbious turned away from Eric and slowly walked toward the portals that led from the chambers. He paused at the entry way for a moment, then turned back toward that avaricious king.“My Lord” he said in a rather gentle voice.

“WHAT!” the king shouted. “What do you want now?” he demanded as un-chewed fruit fell from his mouth.

“Know this, Eric. When I return, and I promise I will do so, you better have every man in your army protecting you, because if I get hold of you, you will be placed next to your father in a cold and dark grave,” Sturbious said, and the tone of his voice made the king lose control of his bladder. After loosing his threat, Sturbious the White Wizard turned back toward the old wooden door, waved his hand before it and the massive hatchway opened without physical assistance. He then entered the dark passage to take his leave of the king’s chambers.

Eric watched as the body of the wizard was completely engulfed in darkness, then he heard the voice of Sturbious, say, “Heed my warning King Eric. Your death will be at my hands!” As the last words were spoken the door slammed shut, causing the king to shudder.

 Once he could no longer hear the footsteps of the wizard, he lept to his feet and shouted, “No Sturbious, it is not be my grave that will be dug, but your own!”

                                                              #

The sound of Sturbious as he bellows out in anger vibrates down the corridors and halls, echoing finally fading as young Jubee, came upon his master moving swiftly down the castle’s hallway.

 “Master, what did the king say?” Jubee asked with a excited quiver in his voice, since this was Sturbious’ first vision in almost a half a year.

“He does not believe in my dreams.” explained Sturbious “But he has allowed us permission to challenge the invaders as they come upon the wall.” He said.

“Well, that’s good news, Master. Who will he be sending out to the wall?” the young apprentice asked.

The two exit through a wooden door, to find themselves outside, on top of the highest tower and from that vantage point, they could view the entire kingdom of Terrence. The Wizard leaned into the low opening between two merlons, his eyes drift off into the night and with a deep sigh he turned toward his pupil with a sour look of grief. “Jubee, my lad, what do you see when you look off into the night?” Sturbious asked.