Wage Mage

This illustrated edition includes original interior artwork that brings the characters, creatures, and magic of Calvin Vaxx's adventure vividly to life.

Two weeks from freedom, the streetwise human, Calvin Vaxx with his magical “knack" still owes psychotic Dwarf loan shark Rory Rockcrusher a small fortune after his brilliant horse-fixing scheme ended with a heart-attack finish. Needing quick cash for a disappearing act, Vaxx, against all common sense, takes a job from a spoiled, rich youngling Elf, Ellen.

Ellen claims the White Tree in Saint Paedrig's Cathedral has chosen her to save the world from a Goblin horde. Vaxx doesn't care about the prophecy (or Elves in general), but he sure cares about her money and a combat-class mage named Geddon trying to kill them. He recruits his friend, a hibernating Troll named Tom Butterflywing, who nearly uses Vaxx as a floor nail.

The reluctant crew gets chased through Dwarf Wrestling Night at Madison Square Garden, dodging Goblins, Rory's goons, all the while creating general chaos. After multiple double-crosses and several near-death experiences Vaxx and his oddball group storm the cathedral for the final showdown.

Ellen is ritually murdered by Geddon, who reveals himself as an ancient Dragon, and the Goblin horde is unleashed. Just when everything seems lost, a dying Ellen offers Vaxx a gift of immense power. Having nothing to lose, Vaxx accepts. In a blaze of light, he traps the Goblins, destroys the Geddon the Dragon. A new, vibrant White Tree grows where Ellen was crucified.

The next morning, the Tree speaks with Ellen's voice and the Cardinal declares Vaxx its first apostle. As the crowd chants "Chosen!" and Vaxx realizes he's now stuck saving the world. He's unbelievably screwed now. And he's never been happier.