The Wizard Duel Read online

others.”

  “I-“

  Cecht raised a hand to cut off Saccius. “I know, I know. You're nothing but grateful that the Master took you off the streets. But that was over a decade ago. You've learned more than enough to take care of yourself. You can even look for your brother and-”

  “My brother is dead.”

  “You don't know that.”

  “I do. The Master let me look for him several years ago. One of the boys in the slums remembered him. He didn’t live for more than a few months after I was taken in.”

  “Still, you can help others just like him.”

  “I could have helped more if I succeeded the Master and became a wizard lord.”

  The poor fool. Cecht looked at Saccius with sympathy. “Saccius, you were never going to succeed the Master. That's why he took me.”

  Saccius hung his head and sighed. “I know. I know, blast it!” he pounded the bed with his fist. “I just thought that without you around the Master would settle for me. Then… then I thought I would actually be able to do something useful. Now what? Now what do I have to hope for?”

  “Nothing,” Cecht said. Saccius gave Cecht an incredulous look. “It's time to stop waiting for someone above you to come and pick you up. You're not going to hope for something to happen. You're going to make it happen.”

  “And how do I do that?”

  “Go teach the orphans magic. Donate to them, teach them to read and write. Give them the things you and your brother didn't have. Put a stop to the cycle of slavery and orphanage here in Caldea.”

  “I don't know that I can.”

  “Gods, Saccius. Quit beating yourself up and just do something. Anything is better than standing under the Master's shadow in his estate, nothing but a failed apprentice.” Cecht headed for the door. “I've said all I can say, Saccius. If you still can't do anything then...” Cecht shrugged.

  Saccius could only look at him, unable to say anything.

  He hoped his words took root in the boy. He hated to admit it, but Saccius could be an important ally in the future when he returned.

  Cecht walked out of the room and stopped around a corner. He pulled out a parchment from his robe and recited the words written on it, and in a flash of blue light he was teleported outside of Caldea's gates.

  A burly man in leather leaned against a fence post.

  “’Bout time,” he said. “Was beginnin’ to think you lost.”

  “Funny. How are things back at base?”

  “Good. We managed to move some plans along without you, but we haven’t been able to take over the town in full yet. It’s hard to get people behind a person who’s not around.”

  “I’m going to enjoy killing the Master as payback for the time he’s made me lose. At least I was able to set up a network while I was here. It’ll make taking over Caldea easier when we get to it. Keep in touch with them.”

  Also, Saccius could prove a valuable ally, if he finds a little self-motivation.” He tossed the pouch of gold winnings to the man. “Keep an eye on him, and use that to help him. Now, let’s go. I want Sheepshed under our control within three months.”

  “Good to have you back, boss.”

  ###

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