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"Don't worry," Torkwil said, not they can, and they don't give second
resisting Jonlen's pushes. "The Wizard chances."
King will not die tonight." "You're the one that sounds like an
Torkwil, Jonlen, and Slip left, leaving ancient Wizard King," Torkwil said.
the door wide open behind them, leaving "If being as ruthless as a Wizard King is
Fora falling to the floor in tears. what it takes to stop a Wizard King, I will
not hesitate. Even if you tell the truth
about your mercy, trusting you is not a risk
"What were your plans?" Jonlen asked, worth taking. Not with all the atrocities
as he and Slip led the now blindfolded man committed by those wizards of the past."
through the forest. Jonlen kicked the back of Torkwil's knees,
"Not getting caught was pretty high on forcing him to kneel.
the list," Torkwil said. "But I'm afraid you're "I understand your position," Torkwil
too late, you can't stop me. By this time said, "but the atrocities of the past should
tomorrow night, a Wizard King will rule the not prevent the grand opportunities of the
world." future. Think of all the atrocities being
"And so why don't you stop us now?" committed around the world now. The
Jonlen asked. power of a Wizard King can and will stop
"I'm not evil. I'm merciful, in fact. I'm them."
just seeing how far you'll take this, if you'll "No," Jonlen said, walking around the
really try to kill me. If you do, you will die." man, trying to decide from which angle to
"That doesn't seem very merciful." strike him. "It is not a chance I can take."
"It's mercy that stops me from killing "You cannot simply stop me by killing
you now." me. You so much as pierce my skin, my
Jonlen just laughed. Now he was sure power will shoot through your sword and
the man was bluffing. Wizard Kings didn't you will explode. Your sword will shatter.
hold back if they didn't have to. And I will walk away with nothing but a
"I don't know," Slip said, "maybe we nasty scratch. Trusting me is really your
shouldn't tempt him?" only choice."
"What are you so worried about?" As Jonlen took his sword from his
Jonlen asked. sheath, Slip grabbed his arm, but Jonlen
"We just saw this man make a moon!" shoved him away.
Slip said. "Forgive me for wanting to be "You bluff," Jonlen said. "Now hold your
cautious." head high so this will be easier for both of
"Your friend is wise," Torkwil said. us."
"Release me now and you will live." But Torkwil only sunk his head to his
The three men came to a stop in a small chest and was silent for a long moment.
clearing. The only light that shone on them Then he said:
came from the many moons above them, "Please. I have a family. I have a son."
peeking through the branches. "Hold your head high. I do this for their
"When has there ever been a Wizard sake."
King that was merciful?" Jonlen asked. Torkwil swallowed and held his head
"Do not judge me based on those that high. "So do I."
came before," Torkwil said. One swift arc of the sword and Torkwil's
"What makes you so different?" head fell.
"You're alive, aren't you?" Jonlen sighed and looked up at the
Jonlen laughed. "You have no power at twenty-first moon. He thought slaying the
the moment. If you did, I'm quite sure I'd be Wizard King should feel good, saving the
dead by now. Because that's what Wizard world from such evil, but it didn't. It hurt.
Kings do, they seize control the moment
36 | Extensive Listening & Reading
