Making A Wish

Toby was a very quiet child, often considered a loner. He preferred to keep to his books and enjoyed all manner of stories that let him escape his mundane, small town life. He would get lost in the wild tales within the pages of his books and long for the rare opportunity when a minstrel would come to town and share stories about the greatest of heroes. He would find himself daydreaming about traveling the world and finding adventures both dangerous and exhilarating.

One day he left home while his mother was still making dinner, promising to be home before the sun dipped below the horizon. He made his way to his favorite reading spot. It was near the small creek that passed by his cottage, just under the boughs of a large chestnut tree. There he could curl up in the soft earth among the knotted roots of the tree. He took out his most treasured book, Escape from Everdark, and opened it to where he left off. He read for what felt like just a few minutes but then noticed it was getting difficult to make out the words and quickly realized it was already getting dark.

He scrambled to his feet and started jogging towards home but in the dying light it was very difficult to see where he was going. He pressed on, knowing his parents would scold him for losing track of time like this. He ducked under a low tree branch that he almost didn’t see and just as he was righting himself he lost his balance and went tumbling down a steep embankment.

After sliding through tangles of roots and into rocks jutting from the slope he came to a stop at the edge of the creek. Groaning, he stood up then started dusting himself off and making sure he wasn’t injured. Deciding the only thing damaged was his pride, he picked up his book and started to follow the flow of the water back home.

A short way up stream the creek took a sharp bend. As he rounded the curve he noticed a soft glow coming from what looked to be a small cave right at the water’s edge. He immediately froze. What, or more likely who, was in that cave? He stood there for a moment trying to decide what to do. The tall cliff would be impossible to climb so he either needed to walk past the cave or walk back the way he’d come to find a different path. He thought about how nothing dangerous or interesting ever happened around his small town and so he calmed his nerves and decided to have a look inside the cave.

Very carefully, so as not to make a sound, he inched his way to the mouth of the cave. As he reached the entrance he peeked his head around the edge to look inside. The cave opened up into nothing more than a small hole in the side of the hill which was completely empty except for a small, half buried crystal sphere that was glowing with a soft white light.

Toby looked around wondering if he’d found some kind of trap but the wooded glade was as quiet as ever. He glanced back at the small bauble and without thinking reached down and picked it up. He stared into the glowing orb but it was only filled with what looked like barely spinning sand clouds. Disappointed, he was about to put it in his pocket when all of a sudden the clouds began to rotate more and more rapidly until, with a puff of air and shimmering sand, an otherworldly being appeared in front of him. Standing over eight feet tall, his body was composed of stone which was flecked with veins of amethyst, jade, and even the occasional glint of gold. These swirl and flow like the seams of stone and metal within the earth itself. Despite his imposing stature, his eyes, which are pools of molten gold, twinkle with a surprising warmth. As the dust settles, the creature extends a massive hand, his voice echoing like a deep tremor.

“Greetings, little mortal. I am Volothe, Dao of the Earth at your service… or perhaps it is you who serve me? That remains to be seen.”

With wide eyes Toby looks up at the towering form with his mouth hanging open in shock. Every fiber in his body wants to run away from the little cave but he found himself incapable of speaking, let alone fleeing. A few moments pass and Volothe reaches out and pokes him in the chest. 

“Are you alright, little one? What is your name?”

Toby stammers out, “T-t… Toby.”

“Well then Toby, it seems you’ve managed to find this vessel, crafted from the purest crystal from deep within the heart of a mountain. This vessel allows me to travel between planes but alas, it has its limitations. Unfortunately, a mishap during my last planar sojourn left me… grounded here in the mud of the Forgotten Realms, near… what do you call it?”

“Floodblest,” Toby supplied hesitantly.

“Flood…blest?” Volothe rumbled, the word unfamiliar. “Regardless! As a token of my gratitude, I grant you a wish young one. Speak your desire and, within reason, it shall be yours.”

Toby thought for a moment, still gazing up at Volothe. While he loved his town, his family and friends, the yearning for adventure had always stirred within him. Tales of daring heroes and faraway lands filled his head. 

“I wish to live a life full of adventure. To explore forgotten ruins, battle fearsome beasts, and see the wonders of the world.”

Volothe paused for a moment to consider the boy’s request. The moment dragged on and Volothe could sense the boy getting nervous.

“An excellent choice, young one, but…you are yet a seedling, barely sprouted. The path of an adventurer is fraught with peril. You require time to grow and to learn the skills you will need. Fear not however, your wish is granted.” He reached down and picked up the vessel from where Toby had dropped it and pressed it into the boy’s hands. “Take this and keep it safe. When I return to you, your adventure shall begin. Consider this a promise.”

And with that, Volothe disappeared in a puff of sparkly sand, leaving Toby standing alone holding the orb. Toby clutched the glowing sphere, a mixture of excitement and disappointment churning in his chest. He may be small now, but with Volothe’s promise and this strange orb, Toby knew he would have his grand adventure.

It was at this moment he remembered he was supposed to be home long ago. He set off up stream toward his parent’s cottage.

The Return Of The Djinn

As the years went on Toby grew up, as all boys do. For a while he held out hope that the Djinn would return and fulfill his promise. He spent countless hours just staring into the strange glowing sphere, willing it to do something. Sometimes he wondered if he’d dreamt the whole thing but with the orb as proof of their meeting he knew it had really happened. Eventually though, he lost interest in the perpetually swirling sand clouds.

One warm spring afternoon he’d just finished reading his latest book and so he came home to grab Escape from Everdark. He figured he’d just read from that until he could make it to the town’s library to get a new book. He opened the drawer in his bedside table and grabbed the book. Sitting next to it was the small glowing orb. He paused for a moment looking at the sand clouds slowly turning, then grabbed the orb as well and dashed back outside. He headed for his favorite reading spot under the old chestnut tree.

He walked along the little creek, passing the spot where he met the Djinn and continued on until reaching the tree. With no one around to see him acting childish he opened the book and began to act out a few of his favorite scenes.

He clutches the closed book in his right hand and raises the orb into the air with his left hand and says, “Though shadows may lengthen and light may dwindle, the heart that remembers home finds its way. For even in the deepest Everdark…”

He furls his brow, thinking about the line. “For even in the deepest Everdark…,” Toby sighs. “I can never remember that line.”

Another moment and his eyes light up with recognition. “Though shadows may lengthen and light may dwindle, the heart that remembers home finds its way. For even in the deepest Everdark, a flicker of hope, like a single ember, can ignite a path back to the hearth.” 

As he finishes the words, the sphere he was holding burns white hot and he instantly drops it, recoiling from the unexpected heat. Just as the orb hits the ground there’s a rush of air and a cloud of shimmering sand erupts from where it landed as Volothe appears before him.

Toby grunted in pain but the moment was fleeting. As suddenly as it began, the intense heat dissipated entirely as if nothing had happened. The tall Djinn smiled warmly at him.

“Ah, little mortal…,” Volothe pauses, remembering the young man before him is no longer the child he once met. “Maybe not so little anymore,” he said with a grin.

Toby, while trying to mask his excitement, bowed respectfully. “Greetings, mighty Volothe. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you again.”

Volothe chuckled, the sound like shifting stones. “Indeed. The time has come to fulfill your wish. The path of an adventurer awaits.”

Toby’s grip tightened on the leather cover of his book. “I’m ready,” he declared, his voice still shaking slightly despite his efforts to appear calm.

“That’s excellent, because you’ve already started the journey.” Volothe boomed. He motions toward Toby’s hand, “I have granted you a taste of the raw magical power that I possess which will aid you on your path.”

Toby looked at his hand, the memory of the intense burn he felt still fresh in his mind. He looked back at Volothe, intrigue flickering in his eyes. He stepped forward, meeting Volothe’s gaze with a newfound confidence.

Volothe pointed toward the glowing sphere resting in the grass near Toby’s feet. “I want you to pick up the vessel and hold it firmly in your hand. “This,” Volothe boomed, “is a conduit. A focus for the power I granted you.”

Toby reached down and retrieved the orb. The moment he touched it a jolt of energy surged through him, tingling like a thousand tiny sparks. He flinched expecting to be burned again but this time there was no heat. 

“Now,” Volothe rumbled, his voice echoing in the clearing, “turn it in your hand, feel the flow of magic.” A low rumble resonated, and a few paces away, a small, rocky mound materialized from the earth. Toby mirrored Volothe’s earlier hand movement, turning the orb slowly. The world seemed to shimmer around him, the air crackling with raw energy. Volothe’s voice, now a low whisper, reverberated in his mind, “Take the orb and throw it, letting its energy flow outward toward the mound I created, like a blast of raw energy.”

With a newfound confidence, Toby hurled the orb, a trail of glowing white energy launched from his hand and struck the rocky mound. The mound exploded in a shower of dust, leaving a smoking crater in its wake.

Smiling, Toby looked up at Volothe in awe. He couldn’t believe he had just done that, but the moment was short lived as he realized he just destroyed the crystal sphere along with the mound. Seeing the sudden confusion on the young man’s face Volothe said, “Fear not young one, it’s right there.”

Toby’s confusion grew but he looked down at his hand only to see the perfectly clear orb resting in his hand and glowing softly. “With focus and training, you will master this, and there is much more magical power yet to come. I want you to practice what I’ve taught you and one day very soon I will return to you.” With that, Volothe disappeared in a shower of sparkling dust once again.

An Adventurer’s Life For Me

Several weeks had passed and Toby was hard at work mastering the spell the Djinn taught him. At first he would become exhausted after throwing the orb just a few times but he was becoming more and more adept at not only controlling it but also building his spellcasting fortitude.

During that time he had also made it a point to go talk to Arlo Ricci, the town’s tailor, about getting some very simple robes made. He knew from his books that magic users tend to need a lot of pockets for all the components and items they carried and that robes were the most typical garment for that purpose. He had to take up odd jobs here and there around town to pay for it but within a week or so he was able to have the garment made. Arlo probably thought he was going mad and this was sure to start some wild rumors about him with the townsfolk but he hoped he’d be away from here very soon so he paid it no mind.

Summer was quickly approaching and the days were getting longer, meaning he could spend more time in the countryside surrounding his parent’s cottage practicing his spell work. He was on his way back home and decided to cut across old farmer Fergus’ corn field instead of taking the long walk around on the dirt road leading toward town. He hopped over the low stone wall that ran along the edge of the property and just as he crested the top of the hill he abruptly stopped and gazed upon a harrowing scene. 

He must have been daydreaming again because he hadn’t even heard the commotion. Just down the hill from where he stood he saw Nora Bennett holding a stick out in front of herself and surrounded by three large and very menacing wolves. They had their teeth bared and their backs arched ready to lunge at her. She looked like she was barely keeping them at bay with her shoddy improvised weapon.

Without even thinking, he puffed himself up trying to seem more intimidating than he was, then shouted and began jogging towards her. He knew he only had mere moments to intervene before she would be overwhelmed by the small pack. As he approached the scene he reached his hand inside his robes and tried to find the pocket where he kept the crystal sphere. After fumbling with the orb for what felt like an eternity he began rolling it back and forth between his hands and concentrating on collecting as much magical power within himself as he could.

As he was doing this the wolves were circling around Nora, preparing for their next attack. Toby could see the muscles in the wolf closest to him begin to tighten, like a spring being compressed. He knew he was out of time and immediately launched the orb at the wolf. The sphere connected just as the wolf began to pounce at the girl. The wolf died instantly and its body fell limply at Nora’s feet. The orb immediately appeared in Toby’s hand once more.

Sensing the danger they suddenly found themselves in, the other two wolves hastily retreated toward the edge of the woods nearby. Toby watched them flee, making certain he and Nora were both safe. He tucked the sphere back into his robe pocket and turned back to check on Nora. She was still trembling when she dropped the stick but it was only then that she realized who her savior was. 

“Nora…” His voice was a mere whisper, laced with disbelief. “You alright?”

“You… you have magic?” she breathed, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

Toby winced. “It’s a long story.”

“Well, whatever it is, thank you! You saved my life.” Nora said, her voice gaining strength. “Come on!” Her eyes flashing with a newfound determination. “We need to get back to town, and I’m going to tell my father all about this.”

Toby’s eyes widened in panic. “No, you can’t! This…” He stammered, his voice laced with desperation. “This needs to stay a secret.”

Nora didn’t seem to care and was already striding off with a newfound respect for the unassuming boy who turned into her magical protector.

They returned to town and by then the sun was starting to dip low on the horizon. Nora knew her father would still be at the town hall at this time of day. She found him in his office reviewing documents and despite Toby’s protests she recounted the story all about how brave he was for saving her, including his use of magic.

The Mayor snorted, a sound that ruffled the papers on his desk. “Magic, Nora? Don’t be ridiculous. Wolves, maybe. But magic?” He turned his gaze back to Toby, who shrank under his scrutiny. “Alright, son, what’s really going on here?”

Toby’s hands clenched at his sides. He stole a glance at Nora, pleading with his eyes. She offered him a small, sympathetic smile, but he knew there was no turning back now. He took a deep breath.

“It’s, uh…” Toby stammered, his voice barely a whisper. “It’s true, Mr. Mayor.” With a resigned sigh, Toby knew it was time to come clean. He opened his mouth, ready to share his unbelievable story.

He was careful not to mention the Djinn while telling the tale. Once he was finished recounting the story he took a deep breath, reached into the pocket in his robes and retrieved the crystal orb.

“This,” he began, his voice barely above a whisper, “is what I used.”

Toby hesitated. He was nervous about using magic in front of people, especially the Mayor, and his nerves sent a jolt of energy through him. Like before he rolled the orb back and forth just like the Djinn had taught him and collected the magical energy coursing through his body. As he did this he looked around the room and spotted an old worn chair in one corner. He turned to face the chair and then hurled the sphere at it. Then, with a deafening crack, the chair exploded into a shower of splinters.

Silence descended upon the room. Nora gaped, her hand flying to her mouth. The Mayor, however, erupted in a loud guffaw, clapping his hands together with glee. “One day the bards are going to be singing songs about you, my boy!”

Toby smiled, relieved that his worst fears about revealing his power turned out to be false. With the story and the display of power he immediately turned into something of a local celebrity and he had no doubt that everyone in the village would be talking about him come morning.

Later that night Toby returned home and quietly went to his room, trying to avoid prying questions from his parents. He was looking forward to seeing Volothe again and telling him all about his encounter with Nora and the wolves. As he laid down onto his bed he quickly drifted off to sleep, exhausted from the day’s events. That night he had several wild dreams about where his new found power and the elusive Djinn could take him next.