The Trickster and The Magister
In an age lost to us, a magister set his eye upon a village insignificant but for rumors of its power. In his greed, he was determined to claim it as his own, and gathered to his side those who believed in his right to that power. The elder of the village, warned of the magister's approach, sent his people away to safety and waited, alone, in his hall for the invaders.
The magister demanded the elder lead him to the source of the village's power. Three times he was refused, and in his rage, had him taken to the orchard and hung by his wrists from the tallest, oldest tree. Once more, the magister commanded him to reveal the source, or give his life instead.
The elder, knowing his people were safely away, relented. "I am this place's power," he said, and called down a great wind through the trees, felling orchard and army alike. When it was done, the magister fled, in vain, for his prisoner had one final trick to play.
A circle of fire formed around him, broken only in one place, and there the elder stood, giving the magister a choice between immolation or facing his pursuer. He turned to flee once more, shielding himself with his magic, but the flames proved too strong for him.
The villagers returned when the fire had abated, and, fed by the ashes of that army, their orchard regrew, healthier than ever.
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