“Where the hell have you been?” screeched Xanthipi, ruler of the Dark City of Khazban and soon- to-be-ruler of the Wold. The evil Xanthipi, the only wizard of the 9th Level, though no one knew but her. Now, with the arrival of her skilled tyro, she could begin the last stages to mastering an unheard of 10th Level.

“I apologize for the late arrival…,” replied Kahi through gritted teeth. This was not the greeting she had anticipated; after all, she was a wizard of the 7th L...