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Wizard War for Domination
Chapter 1 There has been an ongoing battle between Tangwystl and Zeddicus for power in the far North. The two wizards were life-long enemies. The struggle was that of white versus black magic. The two wizards had been enemies for many years. His apprentice, Percy, supported Tangwystl. The Wizard Zeddicus utilized the efforts of Slag, his devious apprentice. This ancient battle between the two wizards gave way to many a tale about the epic fight. The dazzling colors of the Northern lights were a manifestation of the wizards battling in the night sky. Tangwystl and Zeddicus had raged a battle for supremacy of the northern sky for years. Neither wizard could gain the upper hand. Each had cast spells but each time a spell was cast the opposing wizard negated it. It seemed time had come for a final showdown. Zeddicus sent his apprentice, Slag to set up a meeting with Tangwystl. The purpose of the meeting was to negotiate a final confrontation. The loser would bow out and let the winner gain supremacy over the northern sky. At first Tangwystl was hesitant to meet with his archrival. In the end, he realized that this might be his last opportunity to end the epic battle. He spent some time counseling Percy. He wanted his apprentice to understand all that would be at stake in this confrontation. That evening as he and Percy enjoyed their supper he enlightened the young apprentice about a black versus white magic." Percy", the old Wizard chimed, "You must understand young one, White Magic is based upon the principles of work and to strive to earn as a reward each and every blessing that one enjoys. Those rewards are not satisfied by the misery of worshipers but they raise the dignity and talent of their observers. The rewards not the sacred humiliation that is the submissive humans but the respectful mastership of proud humans. Believers of black magic are the slaves of their gods. Believers of White Magic are the masters of their gods. Always keep in mind black magic is the use of magic in dark methods and with evil intentions. White Magic is for the use of good and benevolent reasons. Chapter 2 The day arrived for the meeting that included the infamous wizards, Tangwystl and Zeddicus. Their ever-faithful apprentice accompanied them each. Slag made his presence known standing just behind and to the right of the all-powerful Zeddicus. Percy on the other hand stood steadfast shoulder to shoulder with his mighty, mentor, Tangwystl. The two wizards stopped just short of two paces from each other. It was time now to settle their long battle. Neither wizard was willing to make concessions about the final confrontation. They made every effort not to concede anything that would leave them vulnerable to defeat. Hours passed. There was no give and take between the two combatants. As time passed, each wizard was losing his patience with the negotiating terms. Finally, Percy stepped forward. It was his suggestion to Tangwystl that he and the apprentice Slag settle the final conflict. After some thought, Tangwystl agreed. He approached Zeddicus with this proposal. Zeddicus said he would give the proposal some thought. They parted company with the thought that they would have another meeting within a few short days. Zeddicus gave his word that this meeting they would finalize the negotiations. It was his intent to speak at length with Slag. In his black heart, he knew he would finalize a plan that would guarantee Slag an overwhelming victory. Chapter 3 The stage was set for the confrontation between Percy and Slag. Both young apprentices were devoted to their mentors. Percy strove to learn everything he could from the teachings of Tangwystl. He tried to absorb all he could about like magic, and it is good uses. Percy was a boy of but 15 years of age. He was tall and slender. His body had not developed as much as boys had his age. He was keen of mind, and quick-witted. He strove each day to please his mentor, Tangwystl. What he lacked in strength, he more than made up for his physical shortcomings with a brilliant mind. Tangwystl developed this quality as he instructed his young apprentice. He saw in Percy, many of the same characteristics that he had as a younger person. Percy was always willing to please his mentor. He was a devoted student and worked very hard every day to develop his skills as a wizard in training. Slag was quite a different young man. He was rather brawny of build. However, he was a bit slow when it came to his apprentice training. Quite often Zeddicus repeated many of the past lessons he had imparted to Slag. It was not that Slag could not learn. He just had a hard time in retaining the lessons he received as a wizard in training. Like Percy, slag was devoted to his mentor. Strength was never an issue with the young lad. It was just that his mind was not nearly as proficient as his body. Zeddicus and Tangwystl agreed that there would be several different events for the young lads to compete in to settle their ongoing battle. The events included a foot race, boulder rolling, jumping, stone lifting in the final event would be rock throwing. Following a long look by Zeddicus into the eyes of Percy, he felt confident that his apprentice would have no problem with winning the competition. Zeddicus slapped his hands together and yelled, "Let the games begin, we are here to settle a long and drawn out battle foreperson supremacy for the northern sky." Chapter 4 The first event was a foot race. Unfortunately, for Percy, Slag proved to be too much over the 2-mile course. The next event was the rock throw. Here again, Slag was the victor. The third event was rolling boulders. Percy dominated this event. He won this event, even though it was by the smallest of margins. Zeddicus looking on from the side was feeling very smug. Inside he felt very strongly that Slag would be too much of an opponent for young Percy. Tangwystl on the other hand, was very encouraging to Percy. He knew the young lad would give it his all in each event. For the moment, he was only behind by one event. There was still time for Percy to prove his worth. The next event included jumping for both length and height. It was here that Percy again excelled. He had become tired from the competition, but he was still enthusiastic knowing there was one event left. He knew that that event would decide the fate of the epic battles between Tangwystl and Zeddicus. It had come down to the final event to decide which of the apprentices would be victorious for this confrontation. The final event was the rock toss. The young lads were each to choose a stone to throw at their opponent. They would stand back-to-back count off 10 paces walking away from their opponent. At the end of 10 steps, they were to turn and launch their stones at their opponent. Neither opponent could move their feet to avoid being hit by the stone. It was an event that Percy truly used his intellect. Slag was the first to choose a stone. He chose a rather large rock that was somewhat cumbersome in his grip. Percy, giving it some thought, chose a much smaller stone. His concern was for accuracy, not for the damage the stone might impart. The boys picked up their stones and stood back to back. The slowly marched off 10 paces. They turned and faced their opponent. Slag quickly launched his stone. To his dismay, it sailed past Percy without touching him. Slag stood his ground. Percy took careful aim and fired his stone at Slag. The stone struck Slag square in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Percy had won the competition. Both he and Tangwystl jumped for joy with the outcome of the events. Their opponents were gravely disappointed. In an instant, Zeddicus and Slag vanished. Chapter 5 The battle was over. The outcome had been favorable for Tangwystl and Percy. The agreement between Tangwystl and Zeddicus was that the loser was to move on. The loser would no longer conjure spells in the northern sky. As promised, Zeddicus and Slag had moved on. Tangwystl and Percy would now be masters of the northern sky. It was their goal to maintain peace in awe at throughout the hemisphere. They had nothing but good intentions for all humanity, who lived in maintain their existence in this part of the world. It was their desire to share the peace and quiet with all of humanity in this hemisphere. Tangwystl and Percy began their supervision of the northern skies peace and tranquility spread like wildfire. Life in large measure was good for everyone. There were no wars. Monsters were not invading the various territories. It was a time of true enjoyment to be alive. Much to the surprise of all humankind in the area a beautiful arc of various colors appeared. This arc appeared only after rainfall. It was a special site to see. The colors of this arc included red, orange, yellow, blue, indigo and violet. It was special for all to behold. Unknown to the human beings this arc was a gift from Tangwystl to honor his apprentice, Percy. The arc brought great joy to all who witnessed its periodic display. Word count = 1,652
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