The Red Wizard (book)

The Red Wizard is the prequel book to the Wizardlands series. It tells of the legendary quest that changed Eronor Darendlin's life forever. He, Sordin and Barthlin embark on a quest to slay a serpent that had been terrorizing the land for years. Along the way, they meet allies and villians, and uncover just the beginning of an incoming darkness.

Summary
The 12 wizards (Gonathor and Isinor had gone missing) arrive at a ruined Noril, a city once inhabited by Men. Suddenly, they are attacked by Murlon, a giant grey serpent. They are defeated and wizard Drapess is gravely injured. They witness the horrible Murlon destroy a Noril tower and steal the riches of gold, gems and a large sapphire jewl.

Fifty years later..... Eronor Darendlin had been training as a wizard for 20 years in the elven forest Baerwen. He is the son of Isinor, and was chosen to replace his father in the council of magical guardians. Sordin Govdon replaced Gonathor, and is the best friend of Eronor. The wizards and elves gather at Center House to discuss Eronor and Sordin's "graduation" as trained wizards. Barthlin announces their test will be today, even though it was planned to be four days later. Barthlin meets with Eronor and Sordin at the library, and tells them of Murlon, who had been stealing treasure and killing hundreds for 300 years. Barthlin tells them their test will be to slay Murlon. Eronor is crushed and doubtful of his quest, and takes it out on his friend Sordin. Mawror speaks to Eronor, and advises him to reconsider his test. At night, Eronor dreams of a flashback 20 years earlier, when he was living in Olesire. His human name was Schilen. Barthlin walks up to his mother, and says Schilen (Eronor) must come with him to the elf forest, thus beginning his time was a wizard. Eronor tells the council he will embark on the quest.

The three (Eronor, Sordin, Barthlin) cross the White Bridge, the end of the elf forest. The magic of the bridge and his inner conciousness forces Eronor to turn back. Barthlin stops him and they cross the bridge into the dangerous forest. The next night, Barthlin suddenly leaves, and Eronor and Sordin look for their elder wizard. But instead, they find a group of goblins camping in the forest. Sordin names them Metalchest, Lumpleg, Grumpbutt and Wartface. Metalchest then throws a slug that the 3 goblins had been fighting over into the bushes. The slug slithers down Sordin's mouth, and he has no choice but to spit it out. The goblins spot them and chase them. They fend them off, and Eronor uses his father's dagger, Arklish to kill Wartface, Grumpbutt and Lumpleg. Barthlin then comes and shows them the Misty Ponds, and take the water, which is sustaining and refreshing.