Fireball

Preparing For An Attack

Approaching his destination, Fireball slowed and ducked below the clouds. He sensed that he was close, but he had to get under the clouds to see the island. Once he could see the water he almost immediately spotted the island. From high above, everything appeared normal. He saw no fires, no noticeable debris, though he was miles above the ground, and no wizards fighting.

Amos walked out onto a second-floor balcony as soon as Fireball approached the castle. Amos motioned for Fireball to come in, so he flew in through the balcony door, landing inside the castle. Amos was waving his wand as Fireball flew past him. The little dragon didn't know much about wizards, but he was sure Amos was creating an invisible barrier around the castle. Knowing most wizards feared Marcello, Fireball suspected a barrier likely wouldn't keep the wizard and his ilk out, but it might slow them down long enough to give the prince and Amos more time to prepare a defence. He assumed the prince's wife, son and their community did not have the luxury of being forewarned before they were attacked.

Alexander thanked Fireball for helping to get his son to safety. The little dragon had only known the prince for a brief time, but he could tell that he was not himself. Still, Alexander got straight to business. He did not think Marcello would attack right away. The evil wizard would want Alexander to suffer from his loss, but they had to be ready. Several wizards were gathered in a large hall as Fireball entered with Amos. They all listened intently as the prince discussed some of Marcello's advanced spells and how the wizards could best defend themselves.

Fireball was amazed at how much Alexander knew about Marcello. Amos explained that Marcello had learned a lot of his magic from Alexander, but he offered no further explanation.

After a lengthy discussion, Alexander showed the wizards an old cedar trunk. The prince opened it and took out a book. Writing in it, he looked around the room and then back down at the book. When he finished writing, he handed the book to Amos.

"Amos, I need you to take care of these two items. The trunk has been in my family for generations. Marcello wants the trunk. He believes that my magical powers are enhanced by the powers inherent in this trunk. I once made the mistake of telling him that past owners leave a piece of their magical energy in the trunk after they die. He wants that power, but he can never have it. The power held within the trunk belongs only to its rightful owner.

"What I did not tell him is that this trunk can protect itself from evil. If an evil wizard opens the trunk, they will meet a gruesome fate. Protect this journal well. It must be preserved and given to one of my descendants. They will need the contents to help them defeat an evil power that will be far greater than the evil upon us now. As the centuries pass you will know who the rightful heir of my book and trunk is. Read the journal. It contains the identity of my heir."