The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Read Online Free PDF

they were doing what they were, why it was so important to them. I did not know how they could wish to defy you. I only wanted to learn everything I could. I wanted to be able to help people…”
    “There it is.” Xaarus sighed, “You were always my best pupil, son.”
    The younger man looked up, startled. “I? Your best pupil? How can you say that? Ailianne and Benjin were so bright, so quick. I was slow and plodding, always behind them by leagues – a dullard by comparison. You mock me.”
    “Do not mistake me. All of you were gifted, a joy to teach and the pride of my days back then. But you were all different. Those two were always ambitious and clever, always questioning and wanting more. But they never cultivated patience; they never learned to listen deeply. And they missed the very heart of what our profession is about. That, my son, was where you far outstripped them. You took the time to understand the ‘whys’ behind ‘hows,’ and made them a part of yourself.”
    Tvrdik shook his golden head. “I do not understand…”
    “You will one day. You are a gifted and talented wizard, more powerful than you could ever imagine. But your gifts are tempered with an innate wisdom, and a great deal of compassion.”
    “I am no wizard at all.”
    “My son, your classmates were young and foolish. They chased after power and wealth, and it led them to lay their hands on something they could not handle. They paid the ultimate price. But they also did not consider the probable consequences to you, or to me, or others they might have injured in the process. Perhaps with time, and maturity, they might have changed, become the kind of people worthy of the gifts they had inherited and the knowledge given them. We will never know now. But it is also possible that the poor judgment they displayed that night was a serious flaw that might have been part of their nature always. You, Tvrdik, do not share that flaw.”
    Tvrdik raised a hand in a gesture of impatience, “Have you come here now, after all this time, to torture me with ghosts and painful memories I thought I had laid to rest long ago?”
    Xaarus’ eyebrows arched. “Why, I’ve come to complete your education. There is so much that I have yet to teach you.”
    There was a long silence. At last, the young man spoke. “That book was closed years ago. I have locked it away and the key is lost forever.”
    “Not lost, Tvrdik. I can help you find yourself again…”
    “I and myself are quite content to be just what we are, and have been for twelve years, thank you very much. All the rest is just a page from a past I barely remember.”
    “Tvrdik, you must listen to me. Time is passing and there is great need. There is work for you out in the world.”
    “I know nothing of the world. Leave it to the king and the court, and all those who play important roles.”
    “The king and queen are dead – perished at sea in a terrible accident. Their only child, the rightful heir to the Crown, is but an infant, and there are those who would wrest the throne from him for their own dark purposes. There is a regent and a good council at Theriole to handle affairs of state, but they are besieged on all sides. They will soon be preparing for war. Tvrdik, the world you walked out of was peaceful and prosperous, but the storm clouds are fast gathering. The kingdom badly needs help…”
    “Then you must give it, old man, for I have none to offer. I am neither warrior, nor courtier, nor scholar. After all these years, why do you come to me with this story? I, who know nothing but digging stones, chopping wood, and carrying water? You are a great mage – the Court Wizard ! You left them to face these dire circumstances years ago. Why do you not go to them now and put things in order? Why are you wasting valuable time in this place with a hermit?”
    Xaarus rose from his makeshift chair, his tall frame slightly bent beneath the low ceiling, and paced away from the hearth.