Driz aspires to be a great mage but he’s done poorly the last few years of his schooling and cannot enter the mage university. Instead he seeks a mentor in the remnants of the once-great magical race of Melcovia, now mostly driven into hiding by the brutal government of dictator Congerson.<br><br>Cory has hidden out in a remote estate in the foothills of the great mountains and sorely misses contact with others of his kind. When he hears a telepathic call from a youth seeking a mentor and master, it seems a dream come true. But will the young man find him? Can he buckle down enough to learn the discipline and control he needs? And can he ever become the true partner and soul-mate Cory has never found?<br><br>When Congerson’s minions and a rogue mage strike the last empowered folk in Melcovia, Driz’s family is in dire peril. He must choose between staying to work with Cory or breaking his indenture to try to save his mother and siblings. Which will it be?

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

No! There’s no way I can do that! Still, the silent voice in his mind demanded action. ::You must. You must do it now before all is lost. Take the dare!::


Driz glanced toward Cory for some support or approval. The mage had stopped trying to argue with the rest and simply stood, almost seeming withdrawn. When Driz finally caught his master’s eye, a sudden chill hit him. The gaze seemed soulless and empty, showing none of the mage’s vital energy and normal reined-in power. Something was wrong!


He squeezed his hand tight around the medallion, fighting the rush of fear. Something then led him to look farther across the wide lawn. There he saw another figure, one that also seemed to be his mentor. Which was the real Cory and what was going on? All at once he knew.


Chapter 18