Allakhazam!

Suddenly, the forest came to an abrupt end as a circular row of trees towered high into the clouds, blocking any and all who attempted to travel further. It was as if the forest itself constructed a wall to keep the unwanted out.

"I am no enemy of the woods!" I cried. "I am here to see the great Allakhazam!"
But the only reply in return was the endless echo of my voice, and a soft whispering of the breeze.

Frustrated, defeated, I turned away to make the long journey back to camp. But before I could take my first step, I was halted by a creaking sound behind me, like hard leather being stretched in a vice. Turning, I looked to find a small gap between two of the giant trees who had parted slightly in answer to my cries. With a small prayer of thanks to Tunare, I entered.

A brief moment of darkness while passing between the trees lead me to the most magnificent sight. Before me stood a tower taller than the tallest Vallenwoods of Surefall Glade, which even in the dim light of the setting sun, sparkled in a chorus of color and luster. The tower, although made of stone, glimmered with an aura of power and magic that would make even the most campaigned wizard bow in humble reverence.

For before me stood the Tower of Allakhazam.

After a brief pause to revel in the tower's beauty, I proceeded towards the ivory doors that marked the entrance. Suddenly, a booming laugh from above shook the foundations of the tower and the earth beneath me. Daunted, I hesitated, wondering if the laugh was intended for ridicule or for sheer madness.

"ENTER MY FRIEND! ENTER AND BE NOT AFRAID!" cried a deep voice from above, followed by the same ominous laugh.

The voice, although alarming at first, welcomed the soul, as if its very sound carried with it the life and essence of its owner. I felt immediately at ease, and walked towards the great doors with confidence and inspiration. The voice of Allakhazam. The name of the legendary wizard which I have heard uttered countless times since my childhood, now spoke to me and called me "friend". Bowing my head in humble disbelief, I continued on through the great doors.

I made my way up a spiraling staircase that rose far beyond my eyes could see. But after only a few steps, the walls around me spun in a ripple of color and light, and before I knew it I had been teleported to the tower roof. It took me a moment to regain my balance and senses, and when I did, I realized that here, before me, stood the most renowned wizard that has ever walked upon Norrath. And the grin upon his face was as large as his legend.

Allakhazam's image was a dazzling display of black and gold, which made a game of my eyes by dancing about in bewildering motion. He stood in one place one moment, and the very next he was somewhere else, yet he had not moved an inch. His robes seemed to be made by the magic of he Gods, for it swirled in a maelstrom of splendor and light, capturing images of Norrath past and present.

He sensed my confusion and laughed playfully, commanding me to relax and be at ease.

"Well met at last dear artist! Be merry, for you are now in the home of Allakhazam! Have a seat, there is a chair behind you. HA! Fooled you! Made you look!"

Then with a snap of his finger, a chair DID appear behind me. It appeared with a loud crackle and startled me that I practically fell into it, to which Allakhazam found extremely amusing. Another snap of his fingers and a magnificent easel made of fine ivory appeared before me!

"A gift for you, my friend. An easel crafted by the finest craftsman in all the lands... ME!" His laughter continued on, pouring his life and energy all about the tower.

I reached out to touch the easel, which was carved with intricate images of Norrath's most magical creatures. Treants, dragons and frogloks were among those I noticed. Honored yet unworthy, I thanked Allakhazam gratefully.

"Well then," said Allakhazam with raised eyebrows. "Are we ready?"

I placed a canvas upon my new easel, took my brushes and paints from my pack, and after a brief moment to set up, I gave Allakhazam a nod telling him I was ready.

"Very well, master artist." Looking left and right at an imaginary crowd, Allakhazam raised his hand to call for silence. I tried with all my might to suppress a giggle. "Ladies and gentlemen. Before me is the artist of great renown. You may have heard of him. He is Windfork, and he has come to paint ME, Allakhazam!"

"Umm... my name is WyndFORGE," I said, but he ignored me.

"And for this most fine painting, I shall create a lightshow unlike any other in Norrath. Musicians! My dramatic intro please!"

Suddenly a drumroll drummed loudly around us, while flutes, harps and other instruments began to play softly, growing steadily louder in anticipation of Allakhazam's command.

"And now, the moment you have all been waiting for." The steady music grew louder, drawing closer to its magical crescendo. Then as the final drumbeat boomed, Allakhazam paused in the silence, the motion of his arms halting briefly in the air.

"ALLAKHAZAM!"

The skies about the tower ignited in an aweful display of light and magic, as the music began again in a deafening chorus of song. Allakhazam was laughing all the way through, WOOing and HOOing with every wave of his arms, engulfing the tower in a rain of arcane wonder.

The lightshow continued as I captured the moment onto my canvas. With ceaseless energy, Allakhazam commanded the magical lights and music until after nearly an hour, I had deemed it enough. He ran quickly to my side to see the initial sketch, and showed his glee with a hard pat on my back.

I remained in his tower over the next week as I completed the painting, all the while sharing tales and songs with the master of the tower. Never before have I met someone as cheerful and powerful as Allakhazam. More so than the painting, the memories of his light and magic shall forever hold a special place in my mind, there to brighten the darkest day.

Allakhazam, master of the sparkly spells
Greater than his name so tells,
His Legend forever in Norrath dwells,
His Legend forever in Norrath dwells.

Allakhazam is a legendary wizard whose name is echoed beyond Norrath and its moons.
He plays on a server that will remain a mystery to all but the wisest  :)