of magic and its use. The Test shall require the casting of all of the spells known to the initiate, at least three tests

that cannot be solved by magic alone, and at least one combat against an opponent who is higher in rank than the

initiate.' Do you have any questions?"

Not one of the initiates did; the questions were locked in each person's heart. Caramon had a great many

questions, but he was too awed to be able to ask them.

"Then," said the Red Robe, "I ask that Lunitari walk with you."

He sat back down.

The head of the Order of Black Robes rose to her feet. "I ask that Nuitari walk with you." Unfurling a scroll, she

began to read off names.

As each name was called, the initiate stepped forward, to be met by one of the members of the conclave. The

initiate was led in silence and with the utmost solemnity into the shadows of the hall, then vanished.

One by one, each of the initiates departed until only one, Raistlin Majere, remained.

Raistlin stood stoically, with outward calm, as the numbers of his fellows dwindled around him. But his hands,

inside his sleeves where they could not be seen, clenched to fists. The irrational fear came to him that perhaps there

had been some mistake, that he was not supposed to be here. Perhaps they had changed their minds and would

send him off. Or perhaps his loutish brother had done something to offend them, and Raistlin would be dismissed in

shame and ignominy.

The Black Robe finished reading the names, shut the scroll with a snap, and still Raistlin stood in the Hall of

Mages, except that now he stood alone. He maintained his rigid pose, waited to hear his fate.

Par-Salian rose to his feet, came forward to meet the young man. "Raistlin Majere, we have left you to the last

because of the unusual circumstances. You have brought an escort."

"I was requested to do so, Great One," Raistlin said, the words coming in a whisper from his dry mouth. Clearing

his throat, he said, more forcefully, "This is my twin brother, Caramon."

"Welcome, Caramon Majere," said Par-Salian. His blue eyes, in their maze of wrinkles, peered deep into Caramon's

soul.

Caramon mumbled something that no one heard and subsided into unhappy silence.

"I wanted to explain to you why we requested the presence of your brother," Par-Salian continued, shifting his

astute gaze back to Raistlin. "We want to assure you that you are not unique, nor have we singled you out. We do

this in the case of all twins who come to the testing. We have discovered that twins have an extremely close bond,

closer than most siblings, almost as if the two were in reality one being split in twain. Of course, in most cases, both

twins take up the study of magic, both having a talent for it. You are unusual in this respect, Raistlin, in that you

alone show a talent for the art. Have you ever had any interest in magic, Caramon?"

Called upon to speak, to answer such a startling question, one that he had in truth never even considered,

Caramon opened his mouth, but it was Raistlin who answered.

"No, he has not."

Par-Salian looked at the two of them. "I see. Very well. Thank you for coming, Caramon. And now, Raistlin Majere,

will you be so good as to accompany Justarius? He will take you the area where the Test begins."

Raistlin's relief was so great that he was momentarily faint and dizzy, obliged to close his eyes until he regained

his balance. He paid scant attention to the Red Robe who stepped forward, aware only that it was an older man who

walked with a pronounced limp.

Raistlin bowed to Par-Salian. Spellbook in hand, he turned to accompany the Red Robe.

Caramon took a step to follow his twin.

Par-Salian was quick to intervene. "I am sorry, Caramon, but you cannot accompany your brother."

"But you told me to come," Caramon protested, fear giving him the voice he had lacked.

"Yes, and it will be our pleasure to entertain you during your brother's absence," Par-Salian said, and though his

tone was pleasant, there was no arguing with his words.

"Good ... good luck, Raist," Caramon called out awkwardly.

Raistlin, embarrassed, ignored his brother, pretended he had not heard him. Justarius led the way into the

shadows of the hall.

Raistlin was gone, walking where his brother could not follow.