Read The (sort of) Dark Mage (Waldo Rabbit) for Free Online Page B

the last, most impossible requirement. “You must acquire a dragon’s egg or a dragon and return with it.”
     
    Waldo stared at her hoping she would suddenly laugh at him and tell him this was all some huge joke. Her somber manner convinced him this was no joke.
     
    “Bind three monsters, defeat a knight in battle, and bring back a dragon’s egg or a dragon? Is that all? Why don’t I slay an army or capture a castle while I’m at it?”
     
    “Careful son, they might add those.”
     
    Waldo stopped and considered the situation.
     
    Making a contract with just one monster was extremely dangerous and quite a feat. Getting three would be an even greater challenge.
     
    Knights and White Mages were the deadliest threats most Dark Mages could face on a First Quest. Only the strongest candidates, or the most desperate, would deliberately seek out a knight.
     
    Dragons were far and away the rarest and most powerful of the Great Monsters. Even his mother, an experienced grand master, would never try and face one alone. That was work for an entire army. Unless you had some sure method to keep the mother far away, stealing a dragon’s egg was nearly as dangerous.
     
    “Why does the council want me dead?”
     
    “They are afraid you are too weak to replace me as both head of the family and as a member on the council.”
     
    “Well I can’t say I’m surprised. Do you agree with them mother?”
     
    “No. Never.”
     
    “Even though I have never managed to kill anyone?”
     
    “Killing is the easiest thing in the world my son. All it takes is not caring about your victim. You care too much, you feel too much. It’s only ever hard when you let yourself care.” She knew how true that was.
     
    “I’m sorry; I can’t seem to help it.”
     
    His mother looked at him wistfully. “You remind me of your father.”
     
    Waldo had never known who his father was. He had asked his mother a few times, but she had never given him any information. From the color of his eyes it was obvious his father was from Avalon, the home of the White Mages.
     
    “Is that a good thing?”
     
    “To me it is.” Lilith sighed. “I had hoped that eventually you would learn to harden your heart. Unfortunately there is no more time.” She paused. “If you were to find a place in the greater world no one would come after you.”
     
    “You mean go into exile?” Waldo said shocked. “Never come home again?”
     
    “If the only choices are exile or death which do you prefer?”
     
    “'If I can't come home there's no point to any of it. All I have ever wanted is to make you proud of me mother. This is the only place where I belong, the only place I have ever wanted to be. I want to be proud to call me your son.”
     
    He really is like his father . Lilith thought fondly. She felt an ache in her chest and forced herself to ignore it. “If that is your choice then so be it.”
     
    His mother surprised him then by placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
     
    “Whatever happens, I am already proud of you.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 2
     
    Setting Out
     
    Waldo was in his room getting ready.
     
    It was tradition that he would have one last meal and then leave. He would not be permitted to take any coins or precious metals. Waldo would have to travel alone on foot, without any slaves or undead. From the moment he stepped outside the castle gate he was expected to rely on his own strength.
     
    Whether he went north or south it would take weeks to reach the border. Though he would be without money Waldo did not expect any problems until he left Alteroth. The peasants would give him food and shelter. They would not dare refuse one who wore the black robes. Once he was on foreign soil he truly would be on his own.
     
    Come the morning Waldo would be given a couple waterskins, as well as a week’s worth of travel food. He had a backpack where he