The Measure of an Archmage

From Sanctum of the Archmage: Dawn of Chaos, by Tony Andarian.

Gerard’s eyes lit up. “Of course!” he cried. “You said that Grandfather was a master of its power, and that he didn’t even need it to become Archmage. Imagine what he could do with it now! Would he not be like a demigod, were he to wield the full force of its might?”

“I have always thought so,” the King mused. “And though he never said as much, I believe that is why he eschewed using it, and bequeathed it to me as soon as he could.”

Gerard frowned. “I don’t understand,” he said.

“Your grandfather is the greatest wizard in all of Kalara, Gerard,” Danor explained. “And heir to its greatest throne. But he has always disliked the very idea of wielding power over others. That is why he was always such a reluctant king. It’s why he refused the crown until he had no choice — when his brother, King Victor, was killed, and he was the last of our line.”

“What does that have to do with the ring?” Gerard asked.

“It has an effect on the wearer. More so over time, and the more it is used. It … encourages the temperament to wield its power to rule. That, at least in part, is what it was made for. It takes wisdom and strength of will to keep that influence in check.”

“I see,” Gerard said. “Has it affected you, too, then, Father?”

“To an extent,” the King replied slowly. “But I spent many years under your grandfather’s tutelage, studying how to rule justly and wisely. And the unique bond I have with your mother has also helped to keep me grounded.”

He glanced at Elena, and she smiled at him.

“So that’s why he abdicated in your favor when you were old enough to take the throne,” Gerard said.

“And why he gave the ring to me when he did,” Danor added. “I can’t think of anyone with less of a taste for the role of ‘demigod’ than your grandfather.”