Fans of the Dragonlance saga can get a firsthand look at the upcoming novel, 'Dragonlance: War Wizard,' with an exclusive excerpt from authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. The provided text plunges readers into a tense confrontation involving a doppelganger, a creature capable of assuming the form of any living being.
The excerpt details a perilous situation where the character Huma is impersonated by a doppelganger, leading to confusion and a desperate magical intervention by Magius. The creature’s ability to perfectly mimic Huma, down to his voice, appearance, and combat skills, poses a significant threat to those around him, including Huma's parents. Magius identifies the monster as a doppelganger, a formidable foe known for its deceptive nature and suitability for assassination.
As Magius prepares to cast a spell to neutralize the threat, he grapples with the moral implications of attacking a creature that looks and acts exactly like his friend. The narrative builds tension as Magius attempts to protect Huma and Greta from the disguised monster. The fight escalates when Magius's initial spell, a bolt of lightning, fails to kill the doppelganger, forcing Huma to directly confront his apparent double. The doppelganger's mastery of Huma's own fighting style further complicates the struggle, leaving onlookers bewildered about the true identities of the combatants.