(The play starts out in Drakes familys home. Their home has two floors. The first floor has three rooms. There is not much in the center room other than a door leading outside and a staircase leading up. The room to the audiences right has a table in the middle with three or four chairs around. There is a fireplace on the right side. The left room is the kitchen. It has a table, another fireplace and a sink. Since there is no plumbing, the sink is nothing more than a basin and a bucket of water. Drakes father is sitting at the table in the right room adding the finishing touches to a suit of leather armor. Drake is using a fletching kit to make arrows. Drakes mother is in the kitchen cooking.)

Father: Youre doing well, son. Those should bring in a few extra silver pieces when the next merchant caravan comes through town.

Drake: Thanks. (Pauses, thinking.) I . . .(Dropping the arrow hes working on.) I cant do this anymore.

Father: Thats fine. Take a break. Weve got enough arrows already.

Drake: No, not that. I mean . . . (Trying to find the right way to say what hes thinking.) I mean this life. Its so . . . so boring. Every day its the same thing. Wake up. Feed the chickens. Milk the cows. Make a few arrows or a buckler to sell to the next merchant that comes through town. Go to sleep. Then wake up and do it all over again. This is unbearably . . . (Searching for the right word) dull.

Father: Why do you need any more than this? We may not be the richest family around, but we have enough money to live comfortably enough. We live in a nice town and you have plenty of good friends. What more do you need?

Drake: I need adventure. I always hear stories about powerful wizards, noble paladins or mighty barbarians and their exciting adventures. Well, Im tired of just hearing about them. I want to be one of the heroes of those stories. I want to travel across Erthshar with a band of fellow adventurers, righting wrongs, slaying foul beasts and rescuing fair maidens from imminent doom at the hands of a crazed zombie warlord.

Father: (Laughing slightly) I can appreciate your desire for adventure. I was the same way at your age. But adventuring is a dangerous profession. Youre five times as likely to be killed by some monster or wild animal on the road to becoming that powerful wizard.

Drake: (Hesitating. He clearly hadnt thought about that.) I . . .What if everyone let that scare them away. Look at Merkava OrcBane. Hes only 16 years old, and hes already one of the greatest heroes Erthshar has ever seen. What if his parents had told him that he couldnt be an adventurer? New Trondheim, the second largest city in Erthshar, wouldnt even exist.

Mother: Honey, Merkava OrcBane is probably the son of a deity or some other celestial being, not some adventure hungry farmer.

Drake: Maybe. Or maybe he was just a boy like me who wanted to get out and do something with his life.

Father: And what exactly is it that you want to do with your life?

Drake: I could go to New Trondheim and join one of the guilds there. Im strong enough to be a fighter and smart enough to be a mage. I have what it takes . . . I think.

Mother: If thats what you really want, then you can do it. But only if your father agrees as well.

Drake: Really? Tha-

Father: What are you saying?! I dont want our son running off and getting killed by some wild beast because of his dreams. Its better for all of us if he stays here, where its safe. Anyway, theres no guarantee any of New Trondheims guilds would accept you. You have to be the best of the best to get into a guild like the Red Brotherhood of Cystram or Nathors Cavaliers.

Drake: New Trondheim just went to war with that Orc Clan to the East of here. Theyll want as many new recruits as possible because of that.

Father: And, because of that, the risk is a hundred times greater.

Drake: And my chances of finding adventure and glory are a hundred times better.

Father: You seem to be missing the point here, son.

Drake: So do you!

Father: (Surprised by his sons rebellious outburst.) If . . . If thats what you really want, I suppose . . .I suppose you can go. Dale is heading New Trondheim in a day or two to sell some of the new armor hes made. Ill ask him if hell mind bringing you along.

Drake: (Unable to contain his excitement.) Really?! Thanks! Ill go and start packing my things.

Father: I hope we didnt just make a big mistake.

Mother: I think we made the right decision. And besides, if the worst does happen, we can ask that Cleric, Jaylin to resurrect him. She still owes us a favor from the time you fished her cat out of a well.

Father: I wish I could be as optimistic as you.

Dale: So, is this yer first time out of Sharnall, Drake?

Drake: Yes, sir.

Dale: No need fer that. Jes call me Dale. So, ye want to git out and see some adventure, eh? Did ya like watchin the guards takin out them goblins?

Drake: Yes! Actually seeing it is much better than just reading or hearing about adventures.

Dale: But, its mighty dangerous too. Poor Rico almost lost an eye to one o them archers. Is a good thing he cast a nice protection spell on imself.

Drake: I know its dangerous. But the danger is half the fun.

Dale: I disagree. Ill take nice, safe black smithing oer fighting any day. So, ya lookin forward to seein New Trondheim?

Drake: I cant wait. How much longer will it take to get there?

Dale: We got us quite a bit o travelin left to do. Itll be three days at best. Thats if none o them goblins decide to show up again. (Pauses) So, what do ya know about New Trondheim?

Drake: Not much, really. It has about 15,000 citizens, making it the largest city in Erthshar next to the Bluefur Gnoll Stronghold. Its size is very surprising, given the fact that it was founded only about 10 months ago by Merkava OrcBane. Actually, I kind of think that the stories Ive heard about its size are somewhat exaggerated. How could a city that size be built in only 10 months? Its almost too amazing to believe.

Dale: Its size isnt half as amazing as how the city got started. I would neverve believed it if I hadnt seen it with my own eyes.

Drake: (Excited) You were there?! What was it like?

Dale: Strangest day o my life. I was headin south, to Verkath, to deliver some chain mail that one o my customers had ordered. I was bout, (Pauses, trying to remember) probly some 5 miles north of where New Trondheim is now. I could see a whole buncha things marchin toward me on the road ahead. Looked like giants from where I was standin so course the first thing I did was git off the road and hide. I waited til they were close enough to see clearly, and then I took a little look out and I saw that it wasnt an army of giants. No. They were golems. Huge iron golems. At least 30 o them, all pullin huge carts loaded with stone and wood and such. Building supplies. And at the front of em all was a boy who couldnt a been moren fifteen or sixteen years old. That was Merkava, course, I didnt know that at the time. Now, I was mighty curious, so I decided to come out from where I was hiding and go see what was up. He wasnt surprised to see me come out of hiding. I saw a bunch more travelers, merchants like me mostly, following him and the golems. Probly all just as curious as me an followin to see what was goin on. I walked up to the boy and asked what he was up to and why he had all them golems. "Im going to build a city," he said. "A safe haven for all who wish to escape the violence and suffering that are far too commonplace in Erthshar." When I asked im about them golems, he just said that they were a gift from a friend of is to help im build the city. Well, I was even more curious now, so I decided that Drolans armor could wait and followed the boy and his golems. We kept going for a few more miles, then he stopped, right in the middle of a big field where a few roads met. "This will do nicely," he said. "Yes, well build it here." No sooner as e said it than all them golems start unpackin the wagons and building things. They were building a city right before our eyes. They built houses, smithies, inns, taverns, stables and all sorts of other things. They threw up a thick stone wall with lotsa guard towers, then the built a huuuuge (He stretches the word and makes a gesture with his arms to emphasize the size of the building he is talking about) castle, right in the middle of it all. Strangest thing I ever saw. I bet ya find that a bit hard to believe, eh?

Drake: I can believe it. Its . . . That was a fascinating story.

Dale: Thanks. I got a few more stories about my travels, but none quite like that one. Anyway, ye should be gettin to bed now. We still got a long way to go to get to New Trondheim, and yell be needin plenty o rest.

Drake: Alright. Thanks for telling me that story. Good night.

Dale: Gnight, Drake.

Mage: Welcome to the guildhall of The Red Brotherhood of Cystram, New Trondheims primary wizard guild. Is there something I can do for you?

Drake: I . . .I was hoping you could tell me how to apply for membership in the guild.

Mage: Wow. An applicant. Havent seen many of you lately.

Drake: Whys that?

Mage: The ability to use magic has become something of a status symbol among todays youth. Most of the applicants we get really only want to join so that they can learn enough magic to show off in front of their friends. The mandatory military service that comes with membership in the guild has scared many would be applicants away now that New Trondheim is having its first real war. I see youre different. Or were you simply unaware of the mandatory service.

Drake: I didnt know that service was mandatory. But I wanted to do it anyway, so its not a problem.

Mage: What is your name?

Drake: Drake Drukall.

Mage: Youre not from around here, are you, Drake?

Drake: No. Im from Sharnall. Its a to-

Mage: I know. Shall we get down to business? (Without waiting for an answer.) Applying for membership is really a rather simple matter. I will ask you a few questions to see what you know about magic already. You will then serve as an apprentice to a mage of the Councils choice. You will serve your master until he, she or it decides that you are ready for full membership in the game.

Drake: It?

Mage: In a city as . . .(Trying to find the right word.) diverse as New Trondheim, a guild like ours gets many . . . (Searching for the right word again.) unusual applicants. We take pride in the fact that we are the only mage guild in recorded history to have both a beholder and a tan dragon who call themselves members.

Drake: Ive never heard of a tan dragon before.

Mage: And thats just the way they like it. But enough distractions. First question: Magic is divided into two main archetypes. What are they?

Drake: Divine and Arcane magic.

Mage: Good. What are the eight main schools of magic?

Drake: Uh . . . alteration, divination, conjuration . . . evocation, div-no I said that already. Enchantment. Lets see . . . necromancy. (Counting off on his fingers.)

Mage: (Helpfully) Two more.

Drake: Illusion and . . . uh . . . abjuration!

Mage: Good. Do you plan on specializing in one of these schools?

Drake: No. I dont want to be a specialist. Id rather be more versatile.

Mage: Very well. (He pauses, as if in thought.) The Council has been made aware of your decision. They will take that into account when they decide whom you will serve. Im able to communicate with Xanar, the beholder, telepathically, in case you were wondering how I told them. Next question: Wizards are divided into two classes. What are they and what are the differences between them?

Drake: There are mages. Their magic is logic based and comes from studying. Then there are sorcerers. Their magic is intuitive and comes to them naturally. They are usually the offspring of deities, or dragons walking around in humanoid form.

Mage: Very good. You intend to become one of the former, yes?

Drake: Yes.

Mage: Ok. Next question: Do you know why our guild is called The Red Brotherhood of Cystram?

Drake: Um . . . no. Im afraid not. Why?

Mage: I dont know either. I was hoping you could tell me. (Pause) The Council has made their decision. You are to serve as an apprentice to . . . (Surprised) really?! Wow. Well, Drake Drukall, the Council must have seen great potential in you. Either that you someone really likes you. You will be serving as an apprentice to Lord Merkava OrcBane himself.

Drake: (Stunned) Really? I . . .I dont know what to say.

Mage: Well, you can figure out what to say on your way to Mächtig Burg. Thats the name of Lord OrcBanes castle, in case you didnt know. (He hands a note to Drake.) Show that to the guards at the castle gate, then give it to Lord OrcBane when you see him. Do you know how to get there?

Drake: (Still somewhat stunned.) Uh . . . what? Oh. No. I dont.

Mage: Very well. Ill have my familiar show you the way. (He whistles once.) Payne, come here, boy.

Drake: (Excited) Wow. A real hell hound. When can I choose a familiar?

Mage: When you are powerful enough, a familiar will choose you. Payne, take this boy to Lord OrcBanes castle.

Nervith: (To himself) As if it wasnt bad enough that I must serve a human master, Ill be serving with not one, not two, but three human students. This is nauseating. (He looks at Raewyn.) How can she drag herself down to their level by talking to them. Growing up in a city thats constantly at war with Dark Elves must have done something to her. I cant stand those filthy troglodytes. I can feel myself growing stupider just by being around them.

Drake: (To Raewyn, Neara and Rose.) And thats my story. What about you? Why are you here?

Raewyn: Im from Evora. Its an Elven city far to the north of here. My city is at war with the Dark Elf city of NeRa, and I was sent here to be trained as a mage so that I would be of more use in future battles.

Neara: My grandfather was a powerful conjurer. I really only joined the guild so that I could be like him.

Rose: My . . . my parents and I were attacked by bandits a few months ago. Some gnolls from the Bluefur Stronghold came and saved me, but my parents were already dead. I thought that, if I became a really strong mage, then maybe I could get revenge. And help make the roads safer for other travellers.

Raewyn: Im sorry for your loss. I hope you get what you desire. Everyone except for the bandits would be better off if a powerful mage or two would go and teach them a lesson every now and them. Perhaps someday I will be able to aid you in your bandit hunt.

Rose: Thanks. M . . . maybe sometime I could come and help you fight those evil Dark Elves.

Raewyn: Your help would be appreciated.

Merkava: So these are my new victims?

Ali Abid: Yep.

Merkava: Elves? Its going to feel strange having apprentices four times my age.

Ali Abid: If thats a problem I could find a different instructor for those two.

Merkava: Its not a problem. Itll just feel a bit odd.

Ali Abid: (To the students) Your master is here! Come here and hear what he has to say.

Nervith: What is our first task? A Cacofiend scroll? A Wand of Cloudkill? A Robe of the Archmagi?

Merkava: Not just yet. See that bag on the table? It contains several daggers. I want you to place simple enchantments on them. The tome next to the bag will tell you how.

Nervith: Enchanting simple daggers? Thats insulting. I could do so much more than that.

Merkava: Maybe you can. Maybe you just think you. It would be wise of you to learn your own limits if you want to survive long. It would also be wise of you to realize that, as long as you are my apprentice, I am in charge and you will do as I say, or suffer fierce consequences.

Nervith: You dare to threaten me?

Merkava: Yes. I dare to threaten you. I dont care how powerful you think you are. You and I are like a fire beetle and a Balor Lord, respectively, of course. I could destroy you with little more than a thought.

(Merkava lowers his hand. Nervith recovers. The other students are a bit stunned by this display.)

Merkava: Im doing this for your own good. When I was serving as an apprentice, I was part of a class of six. Only three of us were still alive by graduation. The three that died were killed by a wand that they tried to make, without our instructors permission, that proved to be too powerful for them. They were incinerated and couldnt be resurrected. I dont want that to happen to any of you. I have five students now, and I intend to have five when Im done with you. Im sorry I cant stay longer, but I have some important visitors that I must see. I would be very pleased if you would all join me for dinner tonight so that we might all become better acquainted. Good bye for now.

Ali Abid: Ill be doing some research in the library on the floor below this one. If you have any questions at all about your work, please do not hesitate to come and ask me.

Neara: Yeah, he is kinda cute, isnt he, Rose?

Rose: What do you mean?

Neara: Dont bother trying to hide it. I saw the way you were looking at him.

Rose: Was it really that obvious?

Raewyn: He is rather handsome in person.

Nervith: How can you find that disgusting creature attractive?!

Rose: Dont say that! Merkava OrcBane is one of the greatest men alive!

Nervith: I have no doubt that he is the greatest human alive. However, given how stupid and disgusting humans are, thats not too much of an accomplishment. How can you stand to be around these beasts, Raewyn?

Raewyn: (Calmly) Id much rather be around humans than an arrogant jerk like you.

Raewyn: Ive dealt with his kind before. Hell become more tolerable eventually. I hope.

Girls Voice: Merkava, is that you?

Merkava: Yes, its me, sis. How are things in the Planes?

Merkavas Sister: Not good. Belial is worried.

Merkava: Things must really be getting bad if the Lord of Fire is worried. Whats he worried about?

Merkavas Sister: Some of his soldiers have started disappearing during their patrols. His followers are really worried.

Merkava: Does he know who or what is responsible?

Merkavas Sister: Raiders from the Negative Energy Plane. And theyre not just a few wandering zombies or some restless young vampires. These are organized raids. I think Belial has plenty to be worried about.

Merkava: It looks like the war will be starting sooner than we had expected. Ill prepare New Trondheim. Ill send some golems into the Plane of Fire if Belial wants extra security.

Merkavas Sister: Im sure hed appreciate that.

Merkava: (Looking at Ambrose.) It seems I have a visitor. Good-bye for now.

Merkavas Sister: Good-bye.

Ambrose: I love you, Ransisa.

Ransisa: I love you too.

Merkava: Whats up, Ambrose?

Ambrose: I have a little problem. Some of my rogues are . . . uh . . . scared.

Merkava: (Sarcastically) Gasp. The almighty Freecrusters are scared? Whatever could be the problem?

Ambrose: Cut that out. This is serious. Some of my rogues were in the sewers and-

Merkava: What were your rogues doing in the sewers?

Ambrose: Thats not important right now. What is important is that my rogues ran into a bunch of zombies and skeletons in the sewers near one of our . . . uh . . . places that we like to go.

Merkava: And what place would this be?

Ambrose: Oh, alright. Its an old tomb, loaded with treasure. My thieves, er rogues would have kicked me out of my own guild if I told that they couldnt loot it.

Merkava: You probably triggered some ancient trap that animated the corpses your rogues ran into. The timing is perfect. My apprentices have learned a lot these past two months, and I think that theyre ready for some field training. Ill send them into the sewers so that they can take care of this little undead infestation.

Ambrose: Thanks, Merkava. My thie- er . . . rog- er . . . the city will surely be very appreciative.

Merkava: Im sure your guild will. Good night, Ambrose.

Ambrose: Good night.

Drake: (He is very excited.) Wow. Our first real adventure this is so exciting.

Rose: (She is very scared.) Y . . . yes, but its really scary.

Neara: I dont think we need to worry too much. Im sure Merkava is watching us, and hell intervene if we get into too much trouble.

Raewyn: Probably, but I hope we wont need his help. We are down here to prove ourselves, after all.

Nervith: That wont be a problem. Finally, I get a chance to test my true powers in real combat. I almost pity any zombies that I come across.

Drake: So, what should we do now? Should we just wander around the sewers smashing any undead we come across?

Nervith: Id rather travel alone, but Ill need a meatshield to take the hits for me when Im casting spells. You come with me Drake. The rest of you go that way.

Drake: (Sarcastically) Where to now, fearless leader?

Nervith: Just shut up and follow me.

Drake: Wow. It was just as exciting as I thought it would be.

Nervith: (Without looking up.) It wasnt that exciting. We both knew from the beginning that those skeletons never had a chance against me.

Drake: So, how long are we just going to stand here?

Nervith: As long as it takes to figure out how to open this damn door.

Drake: What door?

Nervith: Dont you see it? Theres a hidden door here. Ah . . . here.

Drake: What are you doing?!

Nervith: Isnt it obvious? Im opening it.

Drake: Why?

Nervith: He was buried in a tomb guarded by zombies and skeletons, so he was probably pretty important when he was alive. That means he might have been buried with some magical items.

Drake: Whats wrong?

Nervith: He wasnt guarded because he was important. Hes guarded because hes so dangerous.

Drake: What do you mean?

Nervith: This isnt a corpse. Its a lich.

Drake: A lich?! An undead spellcaster? The most powerful undead creatures known? Wow. Id be kind of excited if I didnt know that I was gonna die in a few seconds.

Nervith: Dont be so pessimistic. Ill be able to handle it.

Drake: I know youre strong, Nervith, but youre not stronger than a lich.

Lich: Light . . . so long . . . voices . . . you die . . . join my army of the dead.

Drake: Um . . . damn. Im going to die. I . . . dont want to die.

Nervith: Stop whining.

Drake: Cant move. Dont want . . . to die. So much to do. So much to see. I . . . cant . . . I must . . .live. I WONT LET IT END LIKE THIS!!

Celestial Avenger: What is your will master?

Drake: What?

Lich: What is going on?

Nervith: How did you do that, Drake?

Celestial Avenger: You summoned me, Lord Drukall. Now, what would you have me do?

Drake: Lord? I . . . attack that lich!

Celestial Avenger: Yes, master.

Lich: No. How could it end like this? (Dies. Again.)

Celestial Avenger: It has been done. What shall I do next, master?

Drake: Release us from the lichs spell.

Celestial Avenger: Yes, master.

(The avenger casts a short spell, and Drake and Nervith are able to move again.)

Nervith: That was . . . interesting. Now to see if it has one.

Nervith: Yes. Do you know what this is? A lich scepter. With this, someone like me could become a lich himself.

Drake: Youre not . . .

Nervith: Of course I am.

Nervith: Yes! YES! I can feel the power already.

Drake: Stop him!

Celestial Avenger: I cannot. My time in this plane is over. I must return to my celestial home now.

Drake: I . . . I have to tell Merkava.

Drake: Mer . . . Merkava. Lich . . . Nervith got a sce-

Merkava: I know. I was watching. Were ready for him. Get somewhere safe.

Merkava: It might be possible to restore him, so lets try to take him alive if we can.

Merkava: Everyone ready? I can feel his energy. Hes almost here.

Nervith: At last, the student has surpassed the teacher. And now, the teacher shall pay for not giving the student the respect he deserved.

Merkava: (Standing up) Youll never gain anyones respect if you only act like a selfish arrogant brat.

Nervith: How dare you speak to me that way?!

Merkava: Give it up. Youre not scaring anyone. You havent completed the ritual. Youre not even a full lich yet. Youve tripled, maybe even quadrupled your magical ability. Youre still no match for me.

Nervith: Thats where youre wrong. I have more power than even you could imagine.

Merkava: Lich Scepters arent that powerful. And even if they were, the power will do you no good if you dont have the knowledge and discipline to use it properly. I know youre not going to listen, but Ill give you some advice anyway. Youll be much better off if you know your own limits. Ive seen too many young people like you killed because they thought they were unstoppable, and then they got taken out by a goblin or kobold in their first real battle.

Nervith: Im sure that has happened many times, but it wont happen to me. Unlike those fools you speak of, I actually am as strong as I say.

Merkava: If youre so strong, then why am I still alive. What are you waiting for? Attack me.

Nervith: If youre so eager to fight, why havent you attacked me?

Merkava: Paladins code of honor. I cant hit you until you hit me.

Nervith: Very well. Prepare to die, fool.

Nervith: Well? What are you waiting for? Does your stupid code of honor keep you from striking someone on the ground.

Merkava: Actually, it does. Youre safe right now, but Im going to drive a bastard sword through your chest as soon as you get up.

Merkava: I wish it hadnt had to end like that. He was pretty powerful. He couldve done a lot of good if was willing to help others. (Pause) I hope he can be restored.

Drake: Im . . . glad hes going to be ok, but . . .

Merkava: Youre worried he might try something again?

Drake: Yes. (Pause) Whats going to happen now?

Merkava: You, Rose, Raewyn and Neara will continue to train under me until I feel that theres nothing more I can teach you. Nervith is going to be expelled for using a powerful magical artifact without his instructors permission. Id like to keep teaching him. He could do a lot of good if he had the right motivation, but thats the Councils decision, not mine.

Drake: You could teach him privately. Outside of the guild.

Merkava: Nervith doesnt want to learn anything from me. Even if the Council hadnt decided to expel him, I doubt hed stay here much longer.

Drake: You were watching us in the sewers, right?

Merkava: Yes. Why? Oh. Wondering about that celestial avenger, are you?

Drake: Yes. It said that I summoned it, but . . . how can that be true?

Merkava: If you finish your training and become a mage, youll encounter many strange things, but the strangest mystery youll ever find is yourself.

Drake: . . . Thats . . . not the answer I was looking for.

Merkava: Ok. It could have been one of several things. You might have some celestial blood in you. Or someone other than me was watching and intervened before I could.

Drake: So, you didnt send it?

Merkava: No. I dont have any power over beings like that.

Drake: But you do know why it was there.

Merkava: Its not my place to tell you. If youre destined to know, then youll learn without my help.

(The head cleric walks over to Drake and Merkava.)

Cleric: Weve done everything we can for this boy. It is fortunate that he was only affected for a short time. A few more hours, and the scepters effects would not have been reversible.

Merkava: When will he be awake?

Cleric: Hes awake now.

Nervith: Its gone. You took it from me. I . . . I had it. I had power. And now its gone.

Merkava: Your scepter has been placed in the care of the guild council. If you can prove to me that you can use the power of the scepter responsibly, you can have it back.

Nervith: I dont need to prove myself to you. I dont need anything from you. I had a dream. Now I know where I can find power on my own. More than enough to squash a puny insect like you.

Drake: Well, it wasnt the happiest ending, but it could have been worse.

Merkava: That wasnt the end. Nervith isnt the only one who sees things in his sleep. I know there is truth to what he said. The act has come to a close, but the play is far from over. Weve made an enemy today, Drake. And he will be back someday. With the power he desires. I just hope were ready when that day comes.