Only as a man slowly grew old did he realize how swiftly time passed. Only then did he feel how small a life was, and how precious time could be.
Clad in mage robes, he slowly passed through the enormous curtain of light before him. Beside that green curtain stood two towering statues, like ancient demons stationed there for one year, two years, three years-forever and ever!
Young, unseasoned faces surrounded him. They wore the robes of the Violet Mages, and they were so youthful, so full of vigor. The hope for the future shining in their eyes made him feel old.
Before, even though his long, snow-white hair drifted in the breeze and wrinkles covered his face, his heart had remained young and vibrant. Now all of that had faded. He truly was old.
He was no longer young, even though he had only just reached the age of forty or so.
He waved a hand, and the mages followed his gesture forward. Excitement lit their faces, longing filled their eyes, and not one of them ever wondered whether they would return after crossing the Portal into another world.
The sight was so familiar to him.
More than ten years ago, he too had led a group of spirited young men into that world.
"Good to see you again, my friend." Just as he sank into memories of the past, a fierce embrace startled him out of his thoughts.
A burly man clad in heavy plate armor spread his thick arms and hugged him tightly.
"Danath, you're as uncouth as ever." He reached out to push the newcomer away, but all his efforts were futile. Those arms held him fast like bands of steel.
"You haven't changed either, Khadgar. More than a year apart, and you're still just as