Mage Issue 7

As Issue #7 opens, Kevin's companions dig for information about Isis' sister, Magda. Kevin reveals that in one of Isis' recurring dreams, he is enchanted by her middle sister.

The trio make their way to a meeting of the assembled heroes, called together by Kim Song, The Monkey King. When the three arrive, the Ulster Hound is busy sharing tales of his exploits. As the meeting wears on, the heroes continue to be split:

Kevin contends there is some organization behind the concentration of Nasties in the area, but most of the heroes believe coincidence more to blame than conspiracy for current events. One notable exception is Garth, the Hornblower, who appears almost over-zealous in his support of the Pendragon.

After leaving the gathering, Kirby's sister Athena visits the three heroes to inform the Olympian of his newest labor: he is to defeat a Celestial Bull, with "horns of steel and eyes ablaze." However the new labor comes with a strict condition. Kirby is to receive no help from the other heroes. Kevin argues with him, but Kirby discounts the importance of the mountaintop the three spied during their visit to the Faerie Realms and reminds Kevin that his first loyalty has always been to his personal quest.

After some argument, Kirby get on a bus bound for points unknown. Almost immediately Kevin and Joe are blessed with the eccentric presence of Wally Ut!

The old man roundly chastises the Pendragon (whom he keeps calling Kevin Foxfire) for his arrogance but finally catches Kevin's attention by mentioning the Fisher King just a moment before he is nearly run over by a taxi.

Joe speeds Wally to safety as Kevin knocks the taxi off the road. Interestingly enough, the Pale Incanter loses track of Kevin when Wally joins the hero. The Incanter then sends a swarm of life-draining Wisp-wraiths to attack the hero directly.

Wally mentions some rather interesting things to Kevin and Joe -- enough to pique Kevin's interest, but not enough for him to take the old man seriously as the second Mage he is prophesied to meet. As Wally prepares to demonstrate his magical abilties (this time with his hat) -- the swarm of Wisp-wraiths attack.

Luckily, the Hornblower is nearby and Garth holds the Wisp-wraiths at bay as Kevin locates where the Nastys have emerged. With a well-placed throw of the bat, Kevin destroys their point of origin and ends the attack.

In the aftermath of the assalt, Kevin is certain that the Wisp-wraiths were sent purposefully to attack him specifically. This was no random encounter with a Nasty. Garth pledges hhis allegiance to the Pendragon as Kevin announces the Struggle has just "gotten personal!" With this last spark of rage, the Pale Incanter successfully draws the last drop of life into his creation -- directly from the the source!