"Thank you," said Udo. "That spell is definitely worth something." After a moment,
he picked up the case and opened it. He pushed himself to read quickly, skimming the spell and
returning it to its case. He looked at the old human.
"I don't suppose you have any more spells you're willing to part with?"
"No," said the wizard, his tone turning hard again. "Now pay me and leave, before I
change my mind."
Udo nodded without a word. He put down his pack and opened it. He handed over
the prince's ingots, and put the scroll case in their place.
"Thank you again," Udo said. "Best of luck with your move." The old human grunted
a response as Udo passed the curtain on his way out of the chamber.
Outside the wizard's cave, the sun was dipping below the horizon. Udo began picking
his way down the mountain. When he reached its base, he'd unfurl his bed roll and make camp.
The stale trail rations in his pack would make an unsatisfying dinner, but Udo wouldn't care. For
the first time months he was dreaming about the future. UJ