Black Ark
Chapter 4

Rousing from his slumber at dawn, puzzled that Illistro had not come to wake him as he had every morning for the past six years. Welcoming the rising sun, Belgarad yawns and stretches his arms above his head. Sitting on the trunk at the foot of his bed, a white robe had been laid out for him. Arcane symbols, embroidered in gold, bordered the robe. Holding up the resplendent robe to the rising sun, the embroidery glinted with the familiar shine of precious metal, but also shimmered with the magik inherent in the strange language. Not even in his privileged youth, had he ever encountered a garment of such beauty. The cloth itself felt alive in his hands, as if the fabric possessed a life force of its own. While Belgarad is staring in astonishment at the uniform of the magi, Illistro appears at his bedroom door and says "Donning the white robe signifies to all you meet that you are a magi. Wearing the robe also brings with it great responsibility."

"This is for me?" The incredulous look on his face belying his growing excitement.

"M birthday gift to you. The stitching around the edge are the last known writings of the light elves. Come to me my son." Illistro beckoned him forward.

"Thank you father. Do you know what it says?" Belgarad asked.

"As you know, the light elves disappeared over a thousand years ago, so there hasn't been anyone alive to read these symbols for quite some time. I have worn a robe like yours for the past fifty years, so I can make a few educated guesses. Your robe will never get soiled or worn. It will forever remain as it is now. Over time, as the robe comes to know you, it will provide you with a whole host of impressive tricks." This last bit he said with a sly smile and a wink to Belgarad.

Bending down to pick up the robe, Illistro holds it open for Belgarad to slide both of his arms into. A brief surge of power tickles his senses as the robe, which had now taken on a life of its own, wrapped itself around the young magi. It happened so fast that Belgarad did not even have time to feel any trepidation about the cloth snake that perfectly conformed to his body. "Wow!" he exclaimed in amazement.

"I know you are excited my son, but never forget that you have been trained as a wielder of great power. Power that must always be used to aid the weak and helpless. If your power is ever used for dark intents, you will become as dark and twisted as the elves living in Delvani.

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