Cory caught the young stranger before he hit the ground. A swift scan revealed he was exhausted and suffering from lack of food and water. Cory shook his head. Not wise, lad, not wise at all, but I will give you a big E for effort. You made it. Before he could get a shoulder under the other man to carry him indoors, the stranger opened his eyes and seemed to gather his will to rise and stand unaided.
“You’re the mage, the one who answered me. I can hardly believe I’m here.”
“So you are. Come in and rest. I’ve warm soup and fresh bread sent down from the manor house just this evening.”
“You—you’re younger than I expected. I never knew a real sorcerer who didn’t seem aged, graybeards and old crones, most of them.”
Cory laughed. “Oh, we’re not all ancient. I suppose some put on a guise of
