Theobald withdrew a scroll case. He opened the lid, taking an unconscionable length of time about it, fussing and

fumbling clumsily until Raistlin was tempted to leap across the room and wrest the case from the man's hand.

Finally the lid came off. Theobald removed a scroll, handed it across to Raistlin.

"Here, pupil. You might as well see this for yourself."

Now that the scroll was in his hands, Raistlin wondered if he had the courage to read it. He hesitated a moment to

insure that his hands did not tremble and betray him, then, with outward nonchalance masking inward

apprehension, he unrolled the scroll.

He tried to read it, but his nervousness impaired his eyesight. The words would not come into focus. When they

did, he did not comprehend them.

Then he could not believe them.

Amazed and aghast, he stared at his master. "This . . . this can't be right. I am too young."

"That is what I said," Theobald stated in nasty tones. "But I was overruled."

Raistlin read the words again, words that, though they were not in the least magical, began to glow with the

radiance of a thousand suns.

The aspiring magus, Raistlin Majere, is hereby summoned to the To wer of High Sorcery at Wayreth to appear before the Conclave

of Wizards on the seventh day of the seventh month at the seventh minute of the seventh hour. At this time, in this place, you will be

tested by your superiors for inclusion into the ranks of those gifted by the three gods, Solinari, Lunitari, Nuitari.

To be invited to take the Test is a great honor, an honor accorded to few, and should be taken seriously. You may impart

knowledge of this honor to members of your immediate family, but to no others. Failure to accede to this injunction could mean the

forfeiture of the right to take the Test.

You will bring with you your spellbook and spell components. You will wear robes representing the alliance of your sponsor. The

color of the robes you will wear,ifand when you are apprenticed-i.e., your allegiance to one of the three gods-will be determined

during the Test. You will carry no weapons, nor any magical artifacts. Magical artifacts will be provided during the Test itself in

order to judge your skill in the handling of said artifacts.

In the unfortunate event of your demise during the Test, all personal effects will be returned to your family.

You may be provided with an escort to the Tower, but your escort should be aware that he or she will not be permitted to enter the

Guardian Forest. Any attempt by the escort to force entry will result in most grievous harm to the escort. We will not be held

responsible.

That last sentence had been written, then crossed out, as if the writer had experienced second thoughts. An

addendum had been inserted.

An exception to this rule is made in regard to Caramon Majere, twin brother to the aforementioned contestant. Caramon Majere is

expressly desired to attend his brother's testing. He will be admitted into the Guardian Forest. His safety will be guaranteed, at least

during the time he is inside the forest.

Raistlin lowered the scroll, let it roll back upon itself. His hands lacked the strength to hold it up, keep it open. To

be invited to take the Test so young, to be even considered capable of taking the Test at his novitiate stage, was an

honor of incredible magnitude. He was overcome with joy, joy and pride.

Of course, there was that cautionary phrase,In the event of your demise.Later, in the small hours of the night, when

he would lie awake, unable to sleep for his excitement, that sentence would rise up before him, a skeletal hand

reaching out to grasp him, drag him down. But now, filled with confidence in himself, proud of his achievements and

the fact that these achievements had evidently impressed the members of the conclave, Raistlin had no fear, no

qualms.

"I thank you, Master," he began when he could control his voice sufficiently to speak.

"Don't thank me," Theobald said, standing. "It is likely that I am sending you to your doom. I won't have your

death on my conscience. I told Par-Salian as much. I go on record as being opposed to this folly."

Raistlin accompanied his guest to the door. "I am sorry you have so little faith in me, Master."

Theobald made an impatient gesture with his hand. "Come to me if you have any questions on your spellbook."

"I will do so, Master," said Raistlin, privately resolving that he would see Theobald in the Abyss first. "Thank you."

After the master had gone and Raistlin had shut

the door behind him, it was now Raistlin's turn to caper about the house. Transported with happiness, he

lifted the skirts of his robes and performed several of the round-dance steps Caramon had struggled for