The Source of Magic (continuation of the Story)

When Bink stepped into his cottage, he took a look around, thinking how long ago it had seemed since he had last set foot in it, even though it had only been a week or so. He saw his wife, Chameleon, holding his newborn son, Dor. Knowing of his son's talent, having been told by Millie the ghost, Bink understood that Dor would never get lost, never be hungry, or even betrayed by others, because he would be able to ask anything inanimate for help, and the sources would tell him of any plots of betrayal. It was obvious that Bink was now the proud father of one of only four Magician-class citizens of Xanth. Bink himself, although having the special talent of protection against magical harm, was not considered a Magician.

King Trent had told Bink that Dor would be the most likely successor to the throne, being the youngest Magician of Xanth. Good Magician Humfrey was too old, and there was no other successor. The evening passed quickly for Bink, for he was so happy to be home again. Next morning, Bink left Millie with his family while he set out to visit some good friends. Along the way, he noticed a strange stone, which shined with the sun's light. He was awed by its beauty, so he picked it up and put it in his pocket, and carried on. He found Chester and Crombie sparring not far away.

"Is that all you've got, birdbeak?" Chester taunted "You fought better as a griffin than you do as a man!"

"So what, centaur?" Crombie sneered "I wouldn't call a sword a fair weapon against your bow and those hooves of yours!"

Crombie had taught Bink many sword techniques, so it was easy for Bink to see what Crombie would do. After about ten minutes, the duel ended in a draw, as they noticed Bink standing there.

"Why, if it isn't the hero of Xanth!" Chester said.

"How's the family Chester?" Bink asked.

"Doing well." Chester told him "So how about we go see how the King is this morning?"

The three friends agreed and set off toward the castle, wondering if the Queen was up to any mischief yet. Most of the time, she was always causing mischief somehow. When they got to the castle, they found that the grounds were covered in small mounds of dirt.

"Strange," Bink said "I thought we'd taken care of the Squiggle that made those mounds."

The friends found the King and told him of the mounds.

"I realize you don't know." Trent said "The magic moles we suspected before have started to dig tunnels beneath the ground, and have been using their tunnels to spy on us."

"Just like the Squiggle did." Bink growled "Yet why would they want to spy on us? We have nothing important to them at all."

"Perhaps they're after something beneath the castle, and are making sure we won't find it first." Chester said "It could be something we might want to find out about."

"That is the reason I need you three to do something for me." Trent told them "I need you to find a way down into their tunnels, and find out what it is they want. Bink, your talent will protect you from any magical harm down there. Chester, your talent may not be much use down there, but your fighting skill might be very useful. Crombie, your navigation talent will definitely help you all to find the moles, and what they're after."

"Won't we need to be able to see down there?" Bink asked

"Yes, you definitely will." the King said "I can turn you all into underground creatures, so you would be able to see."

And when the friends agreed to going, the King began to work his magic. Crombie turned into a badger, Chester into an aardvark, and Bink into an armadillo.

"Now you all will be able see underground and dig tunnels if you have to."