Bards and storytellers all say “It is never wise to anger a Mage, even if you believe you have the upper hand.” It is a lesson that many still never take to heart, especially the mercenary dragon hunter Abarkis who confronts the legendary Dragon Mage.
The Mage stopped and stared hard at the carcass of a dragon being butchered at the edge of the camp. The two guards escorting him also stopped and glanced at each other apprehensively. Even veterans such as they were deferential to a Mage. Especially to a Mage whose legend has preceded him.
The wind shifted suddenly, and the acrid stench from the carcass drifted towards them. The two guards at either side recoiled in disgust, but the Mage calmly continued. The two guards hurried to keep pace with the Mage’s long stride. The Mage took little notice of his guards’ discomfort. Such is the character of Mages.
My first published professional sale, to Marion Zimmer Bradley for Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Fantasy Magazine, issue #2.
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