Three Wishes: Cairo by Jeff Klinedinst Read Free Book Online

they came to their senses and saw what they had done, it became clear to them that a world ruled by supreme power and magic was not going to last very long.
    The High Council of Wizards was formed at this time. Once fierce combatants now huddled together in caves and bore witness to the destruction they had wrought on this young planet. These creatures came to their senses and realized that their power was derived from the energy within the planet they were fighting over. This power source had grown unstable and was perched on the brink of catastrophic destruction. The remaining survivors arrived at the same sobering conclusion at almost exactly the same time: adapt and cooperate, or perish. Almost as if an invisible switch had been thrown, these former enemies began work on The Writ of Subservience. This document became the foundation on which the New Earth was built. It was determined that it was better to live and thrive on a healthy planet than battle on the road to complete and utter destruction. Plus, in the capacity of advisors, they could still help shape the future of the Earth and have a modicum of control over the events that took place without giving in to their own bloodlust.
    As the ice thawed and a second wave of life started on earth, mortal men became the new caretakers and the few remaining wizards served as advisors by their sides. As the years went on, the wizards settled nicely into that role and never even questioned the Writ. Certainly they now practiced a much more neutered brand of magic. There was far less fire and brimstone and a more practical brand of magic, but most felt that even this type of magic was passing and on a quiet road to extinction. Young wizards were no longer finding tutelage and were blending and raising families with mortals. They were simply watering down the gene pool and mating their way out of existence.
    Alchemy himself was a perfect example of this cross pollination. But this young wizard would not shuffle off into his predetermined role. He felt the blood of those primal wizards coursing through his veins. He would correct the mistakes of the past and lead a new generation of wizards back to their rightful place at the top of the food chain.
    Alchemy thought without hesitation. “I am the lion.”
    Nature would be corrected. And if there was no other being that would or could do it, Alchemy would. It was his destiny and it was a long time coming. He had seen up close the penalty for inaction.
    Wizards were a rare and blessed breed. They came into life much like their mortal counterparts; not really showing their magical prowess until puberty. Most were treated as mortal so that empathetic understanding developed from an early age. Young wizards were not even indoctrinated until their magical gifts were undeniable and overwhelming. At that point, their heritage was revealed and, in most cases, whatever mortal life they’d established was left behind for the higher moral call of servitude. A wizard’s powers start subtly by design. This not only protects the young magi, but also those around them.
    Alchemy’s grandfather, Caidon was one of the most powerful wizards in history. He had served several successful realms over roughly one hundred years. If Caidon stood by your side, you were quite simply invincible. Even at almost one hundred and fifty years, his name still struck fear into the hearts of the mortal leaders and lesser wizards who went up against him. When it was learned that an heir to Caidon was soon to be born, kingdoms throughout the land clamored for the chance to secure his talents. Though wizards rarely showed much bravado in the years since the Writ, Caidon enjoyed the spoils of being in demand; probably more than he should have.
    He finally agreed to assign the rights of his young son, Andreus, to Khayri’s father, King Alam of Transjordan. This was no small feat as Alam’s kingdom was not large and powerful. But Caidon appreciated the honesty and