It didn’t have a mouth, but it didn’t need one.You have much power, it said in Connor’s mind. And for one so young, you envision an ambitious future for yourself. You have great plans.Connor knew he was supposed to keep his mind blank and open for the Pairing, but he couldn’t help the smug turn of his thoughts. Of course he had great plans—his father was Ivander Roth, greatest fire mage in the eleven kingdoms and a First Mage of the King’s Council, the second youngest to ever be granted the honor.Connor planned to follow in his father’s footsteps: He’d get himself Paired with Elisa, just as his father had been Paired with his mother, and together he and Elisa would best his parents’ display at the Senior Trial. Then he’d earn a seat on the King’s Council by the time he turned thirty and beat his father’s record.Great plans, indeed, the Oracle said, sounding amused. A pity that minds inclined toward greatness seldom comprehend simple truths.“Excuse me?” Connor said.
