The Horn of Moran

“You should spend the afternoon thinking,” said Whalen as they left the small room together. “You need to consider what the oath means and be sure that you’re ready to accept it.”

Alex nodded. Whalen was right, of course; he had a lot to think about. Whalen had explained so many things in such a short amount of time that Alex wanted some time to sort them all out. He needed some time alone, time to think about what he was and where that might lead him.

After eating the midday meal with his friends, Alex returned to the small room alone. He considered what it meant to be a true wizard, wondering if he was really ready for the burden. He had only been on two short adventures. Wizards were revered; they were expected to know things and to be wise. In the end, he decided that all wizards had to start somewhere.

Alex was surprised when Whalen knocked on the door to tell him it was time for the company’s final feast. The afternoon had slipped away, but Alex had made up his mind. He would take the oath, and do everything he could to keep it, whatever his future held.

As Alex entered the dining room with Whalen, his friends stood and bowed to both of them. Alex felt slightly embarrassed by the attention, but he didn’t say anything. Whalen led him to the head of the table and indicated that he should remain standing.

“Alexander Taylor,” said Whalen, turning to face him. “You have taken your staff and agreed to take the wizard’s oath. Do you do this of your own free will?”

“I do,” Alex answered.

“Will all those gathered here as witnesses acknowledge that he takes this oath of his own free will?” Whalen asked, turning to the company.

“We will,” Alex’s friends all replied.

“Present your staff,” Whalen commanded.

Alex took his new staff from his magic bag and held it out toward Whalen. Whalen did not touch the staff, but looked at it closely.

“Alexander Taylor, do you swear by your staff that you will obey the wizard laws?”

“I swear by my staff,” answered Alex, a tingling sensation ru

“Will the witness testify?” Whalen asked, continuing to look Alex in the eye.

“We will,” his friends answered

“As a member of the council of wizards, I, Whalen Vankin, accept the oath of Alexander Taylor,” said Whalen, his eyes shining with happiness. “I name you a true wizard and a friend of the council of wizards.”

Alex smiled and bowed to Whalen. Whalen returned his bow, and the company all cheered. Alex was now as much a wizard as any wizard could ever be.

“A fitting end to this adventure,” said Bregnest as Whalen and Alex took their seats. “If there are no questions or disputes, I will call our agreement fulfilled.”

None of the company spoke so Bregnest went on.

“Our agreement is complete, and another first-class adventure is over.”

“And a new adventure begins for our wizard friend,” said Sindar.

Alex and his friends laughed, and Bregnest rang the bell to call the servants. Their final feast was long and full of conversation and storytelling. Alex knew he would soon be leaving his friends once more, but he hoped he would see them all again soon.

As they were finishing their meal, Alex learned that most of his friends would be leaving for home the next morning. Halfdan, Andy, and Sindar would all be riding to the great arch together. Bregnest would be going to Mr. Clutter’s shop with Alex. Whalen said he would wait at the Swan for Bregnest’s return, before traveling to Alusia.

“You know,” said Whalen looking at Alex. “You might want to start thinking about moving to one of the known lands.”

“Moving?” Alex questioned.

“You won’t be staying with your stepfather forever,” said Whalen in a kindly tone.

“But I’ve only visited three of the known lands, and then only for a short time.”

“It’s only a thought. You don’t have to move right now, or even decide on a land this minute. And you can always move again, if and when you feel like it.”

“I did rather like Alusia.”

“As do I,” Whalen replied. “It would be nice having you close as well. If you like, I’ll keep an eye out for a suitable place for you. You know, a small farm or something.”

“Would you?” Alex thought the idea sounded wonderful. Of course, he would have to talk to Mr. Roberts about it, but he felt sure that his stepfather would accept whatever decision he made.

“I’d be happy to,” Whalen said. “As I said, it would be nice having you close.”

They finished their feast but none of them wanted to say goodnight or good-bye. They remained at the table for a long time, talking about what they would do next, and eventually their good-byes were put off until the following morning.

“Thrang will be pleased when I tell him you’ve taken your staff,” said Halfdan the next morning at breakfast. “Though he’ll be disappointed that he wasn’t here to see it.”

“It’s his own fault for trying to retire,” Alex answered. “Though I’d guess he’s not completely retired yet.”

“He’s got an adventure or two left in him,” said Halfdan with a wink.

“Skeld and Tayo will be green with envy,” said Andy. “This might put an itch in them to go on another adventure.”

“Tell them they’d better get permission from Lilly and Indigo first,” said Alex. “Give my best to your family, will you, Andy?”

“I will,” Andy promised. “And Michael will be pleased to hear about your staff, I’m sure.”

“And you, Sindar,” said Alex. “Are you returning to the dark forest?”

“I am. And I’m sure Calysto will be pleased with all I have to tell her.”

“Give her my best,” said Alex. “And greetings to Iownan and Osrik if you happen to see them.”

“I’m sure I will,” Sindar replied. “Take care, my friend. May we ride together again one day.”

“As long as there aren’t so many goblins next time,” Alex laughed.

Sindar smiled, and then leaned close so that only Alex could hear what he said. “I’ve been thinking about our discussion—the one about the pendant I wear. If you like, I can try to find out what your father did for the order.”

“Would you?”

“I can try,” Sindar answered. “Such questions are not often asked, and even less often answered, but I can try.”

“Please do,” said Alex. “And let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“Until we meet again, my friends, be well,” said Sindar, winking at Alex.

With those final words, Halfdan, Andy, and Sindar climbed onto their saddles and rode away from the Golden Swan. Alex waved to them as they went, and then turned to look at Bregnest.

“How are we getting to Mr. Clutter’s?” he asked.

“Through the wardrobe,” Bregnest sighed.

Alex said good-bye to Whalen, promising to keep in touch with him as often as he could. He felt sad at the parting, sadder even than leaving his friends behind. He had only been face to face with Whalen for two days, but he felt like he’d known him all his life.

Whalen smiled and promised to keep an eye out in Alusia for Alex’s new home. As he took Alex’s hand to say good-bye, he spoke in a lowered voice. “We will meet again, my friend. And perhaps we will even share an adventure some day.”

Alex bowed to Whalen, and then followed Bregnest back into the main lobby of the Golden Swan.

Bregnest sat down and said, “Clutter’s adventure shop.” He vanished.

Alex followed Bregnest’s example and as soon as he had repeated, “Clutter’s adventure shop,” everything went dark around him. For a minute he felt confused, and then he saw the open door of the wardrobe in front of him.

“Back again,” said Mr. Clutter as Alex stepped out of the wardrobe. “And another successful adventure, if I do say so myself.”

“Very successful,” replied Bregnest. “We’ve completed our quest, and Master Taylor has taken his staff.”

“How wonderful,” said Mr. Clutter, beaming at Alex. “I knew he would one day, but after only two adventures, that is outstanding.”