[ WP ] The most powerful spell ever forged .

Simon was not a sorceror. He did n't bend the universe to his will or conjure anything more than the occasional falsehood in the name of good jest. He was a clever youth, though, and that would soon change the fate of all mankind. 
 
 At the start of manhood, Simon's village required of him a test, the same given to those wishing to join the elder ranks. The caves of Mount Terene hosted many a foul creature. The type of beast slain would decide the path of those that returned. Not all did. TWo years prior, Simon's friend Liana had returned with a bumblescrap; she now learned to inherit the apiary. When Thomas Kindrel came back bearing a lumpus, he ascended to become a tanner. 
 
 Simon was limited in skills as a hunter. When he ventured to the mountain caves, he was armed with a mind sharper than his dagger. His wits were the only remarkable thing about him. Perhaps he could take down a pittlewart, a harmless enough creature. Of course, that would mean training as a midwife, hardly a enviable position. As he balanced the outcomes against his presumed ability, he knew he was fated for menial service. Regardless, he constructed a crude trap out of some vines near the mouth of one cave and began his wait. Night fell in time with his eyelids. 
 
 The scream woke Simon. Suspended above the rocky path was a creature unlike he had ever seen. Harecat mixed with Procalops, perhaps. Then it spoke. 
 
 `` You! Boy! Get me down this instant.'' 
 
 `` Y-y-you talk,'' stammered the frightened youth. 
 
 `` Aye,'' it replied in a deep, resonating voice. `` And I am talking to you, when I say cut me down.'' **NOW. ** 
 
 The final word was not spoken, but Simon could hear it reverberate all the same. 
 
 `` But I'm here from from Sanonia on my rite; I have to kill you. Not sure what job you'll fetch me, but I do n't want to shovel after the pigs.'' 
 
 `` Boyo, you could n't kill me if it meant saving yer own worthless hide. Pity. Your trapping's first rate. Speaking of, I'm still hanging.'' 
 
 `` B-b-but...'' 
 
 `` I tell you what, boy. You cut me down and I'll help you.'' 
 
 `` Help me? How?'' 
 
 `` Yuo've never heard of Djinpag before, have ya? We're a magical lot, mostly keep to ourselves. I was out here... for reasons a bit beyond yer understanding, when I stumbled into yer rope. You let me free, I give you a Service.'' 
 
 `` What's a Service?'' 
 
 ``'What's a Service'? Boyo, you need to get out more. We can change the rules for you. Whatever you want, it's yours.'' 
 
 Simon hesitated for a moment, but cut the line, dropping the creature to the ground. 
 
 `` So I can ask for anything?'' 
 
 `` Of course, within reason. Should n't be a matter.'' 
 
 `` Gee, I wish I could go back knowing what I know now so I could have something in mind. Tha-'' 
 
 `` Done.'' 
 
 -- -- -- -- -- - 
 
 Simon stood in the village square, armed with a small dagger. 
 
 `` Where is he,'' he asked the puzzled townsfolk. 
 
 `` Who, Simon?'' 
 
 `` The Djinpag. He was just here.'' 
 
 `` Djinpag, dear. That's just a silly legend. Magic tales. You should focus on what you'll bring back. Manhood awaits.'' 
 
 The Djinpag had granted the wish. He was there, and he had already been there. He started his trek when an idea popped into his brain. 
 
 -- -- -- -- -- - 
 
 Simon stood a few steps outside the village. He remembered thinking about going back. And he had. As he let the idea sink in, he ventured back to the caves and set his trap in the same place as before. This time, though, he stayed awake. Right on cue, the little Djinpag stepped out onto the path and hopped over the snare. 
 
 `` Do n't think I do n't remember you, boyo, just because it never happened. Cause it has.'' 
 
 `` You remember?'' 
 
 `` Aye, well, premember if I had to term it. Ca n't very well let you get the jump on me again.'' 
 
 `` So I can go back anywhere with the knowledge I've accumulated?'' 
 
 `` Indeed. An odd wish, I thought at the time, but now that I've had a few extra hours to think about it, it might be one of the better ones.'' 
 
 `` Better ones?'' 
 
 `` Most folk just want wealth or strength. Knowledge, now there's a weapon. Only knowledge gets sharper with use.'' 
 
 `` I never thought about it like that. I didn-'' 
 
 `` I know it was an accident. A little Djinpag trick. You made the most of it, though, I'll give you that. Look I'd like to stay and chat, but this is the third time I've come out here today and I'd really like to head home.'' 
 
 `` One last question.'' 
 
 `` Fine, what?'' 
 
 `` Can I go forward, or to where I've never been?'' 
 
 `` Sorry, boyo. One way travel. You go back, the only way forward is to wait. Cheers, lad.'' 
 
 And he was gone. Simon stared off into the distance as the horn of a spearlogger burst through his chest. 
 
 -- -- -- -- -- -- - 
 
 As the Djinpag vanished, Simon took a couple of steps to the right as the spearlogger stepped into the snare. The possibilities swelled through his head, an endless array of what he could do with his newfound power. But his immediate attention was hanging just above the path. 
 
 With a quick thrust from the dagger, Simon ended the beast's life and returned to his own as a man.
