Death of a Wizard

    I think back to a time when the world was new and I was young. When my mind was sharp and the body was strong. I was invincible and feared nothing. I had powers that even I did not know the full potential of; powers that could be used to help and heal or to maim and destroy. I traveled the countryside always seeking to increase my knowledge. I met many great and wise people in my journeys, always taking something away from the meeting that hopefully would enhance my life. It was a time when those of us with the power were feared and respected at the same time. We were given privileges that others could only envy. It was a great time and I took full advantage of everything that I had been blessed with.

    Now as I sit alone as an old man thinking back over that great span of time I realize that I was not that much different than anyone else. The power that I had and used to increase my stature in the eyes of those around me was nothing special; it was nothing that those around me did not have themselves. The thing that separated me from them was that I saw the potential of the power; I sought it out, always looking to increase it. Now that more and more have found, use, and understand the power, my time here becomes very short. My usefulness has been greatly diminished. I am now nothing more than an old man looking back on a golden age that may never be seen again.

    It is now time for my body to be put in the earth. I do not fear this because I know that my body is not me, merely a vessel that carried my essence while on this earth. I know that who I am and what I am will live on, my spirit will survive for all time, and that I will be called on again to come back and use my power once again.

    As my eyes dim and the room darkens around me I can now tell you what the power is and where its source can be found. Lean close and listen hard, this is the true essence of everything that I am and everything that I will be again. The power is knowledge. Search it out, embrace it, and never turn your back to it. This is the one true power that will set you free and let you live for all time. It will let you come back again and again to help, heal, and spread light where there once was nothing but darkness.

    This is the secret of the wizard.