Paragon derives from the Old Italian word paragone, which literally means “touchstone.” A touchstone is a black stone that was formerly used to judge the purity of gold or silver. The metal was rubbed on the stone and the color of the streak it left indicated its quality.

The Great Eloah Rehm had descended from his fortress in the Malloric Mountains and made the pilgrimage to Iredale Keep, where Viscount Aymon, with the pomp and circumstance befitting the tribute, had presented the mage with the Touchstone.

Citizens from every shire in the kingdom had made the pilgrimage to pay their tithe. Parents brought their children, hoping they’d catch even a glimpse of Rehm, not daring to wish for a pat on the head or the ever-elusive blessing.

Rehm had not blessed a child since the benediction of the Viscount when he was just…