Okay, you can have the first bit. Anything to make you stop making faces at me. ;) It's not very edited, and nothing actually happens. You have been warned. The Master Magician was dying. The city of Valus was still, somber, subdued—though few townspeople knew what brought this mood upon them, all but the least sensitive could feel the tension, the uncertainty in the air. People went about their business quickly, and the city was noticeably quieter that it should have been, even in these grey morning hours when only the virtuous and desperate had left their beds. The palace of the king—awake the long night—merely watched, wary but unable to affect this most intimate of all times in the Tower. Though the buildings were connected, and messengers stood ready, centuries of tradition ensured that not a single man trod the corridors between them. One girl was a different matter, but no one noticed. Varicore Tower was full of magicians. Valus already assumed this as a matter of course—today it was literally true. Masters gathered from the corners of the realm and beyond. With them came magicians of all levels, here to mourn, to spend time in the company of their fellows, and to witness the ascension of a new Master Magician—particularly if he should happen to be their patron master, or at least an ally who would then elevate his friends. Mendar Tyrell had not named a successor—he might yet, but if he did not the decision would revert to the Council of Masters for the first time in a thousand years. Not that anyone really wanted that to happen. There would be considerable power lost if the Master Magicianship did not past directly from Mendar to the next recipient. It would be a difficult decision. There would be negotiations, alliances, betrayals. The Tower might tear itself apart. Even discounting the powers of his office, Mendar Tyrell was the most respected, astute and powerful magician living. He was known for his wisdom and foresight—surely, he would choose rather than risk chaos when the Tower needed unity. Yet, if he did not, the possibilities were dazzling... I suppose I could repeat the first setence a time or two, for dramatic effect. I'm not sure if that would actually be effective, or just needlessly melodramatic. ~Erin, 10:08 PM Comments: Post a Comment
