Free The Book of Magic by T. A. Barron Page B

farming productively led to the construction of the village of Prosperity in Woodroot , a bountiful settlement that is walled off from the surrounding forest. But Belamir's teachings have extended far beyond agriculture. His belief in humanity's "special role" as Nature's "benevolent guardians" has led him to develop theories about humanity's rightful "dominion" over other creatures. Those theories, in turn, have spawned the Humanity First movement, which has grown increasingly self-righteous and aggressive. The movement has led to outright scorn for the Society of the Whole 's fundamental principle of harmony and mutual respect among all living creatures—just as it has led to violent attacks by humans against other beings.
    Although Belamir is reviled by the elves and others, his following among humans continues to grow. Some, in fact, have taken to calling him Olo Belamir, adding the ancient term of honor to his name. No one since Merlin himself, who won the name Olo Eopia, has been so revered. Yet Belamir himself scoffs at such attention, preferring to call himself simply "a humble gardener."
    Hargol
    Hargol, highlord of the water dragons, always wears a bejeweled crown of golden coral on his brow, along with immense earrings made from thousands of black pearls strung on braids of sea kelp. The earrings clink and clatter whenever he moves his head. Barnacles studded with jewels also decorate his enormous snout. Hargol's fiery green eyes are very watchful, and he has ears as large as the sails of elven ships. As is common with water dragons, his massive body is covered with scales that range in color from glacial blue to dark purple. He is, indeed, very large, at least four times the size of his guards, with a head the size of a fortress. When Hargol speaks within the central cavern of his lair, his words rumble like a crashing waterfall. So loud is his voice that the sea stars decorating the ceiling of his cavern often break loose from the vibrations and rain down on his guards.
    Hargol's lair is deep in Brynchilla , amid the Rainbow Seas. As a direct descendant of Bendegeit, the brave highlord of the water dragons who rallied for peace in the War of Storms, he has a peaceful side. He is also deeply learned, and fluent in many languages; he is given to quoting adages from Avalon 's diverse peoples. But he can also be very dangerous (as Elli learns). Like all water dragons, when enraged, he breathes ice—vast torrents of blue-tinted ice. And like other dragons—with very few exceptions, such as Merlin 's friend Basilgarrad —he hungers for jewels and crystals of beauty and power. In fact, Hargol possesses a special ability: He can sense the location of crystals, even very far away, and he can also sense their magical powers.
    Harlech
    This hulking warrior carries an assortment of weapons on his belt: a broadsword, a rapier, two daggers, and occasionally an ax. He fears only one thing—the wrath of his master, the sorcerer Kulwych . On his jaw is a deep scar from an attack by deadly ghoulacas . And he harbors a particular hatred for the only person who ever bested him in battle, the mighty eagleman Scree .
    Harshna
    Harshna, ancient warrior-king of the gobsken , is remembered for two outstanding qualities. The first of those was his unrelenting viciousness and brutality in battle. The second was his incredibly potent bad breath, said to be strong enough to curl the swords of his foes. Even today, gobsken warriors invoke his name to bring them victory. And young gobsken are threatened with Harshna's ghost, who will gnaw away the brain of any child who shows unworthy traits such as kindness, honesty, or compassion.
    Hawkeen
    This golden-eyed eagleboy was one of the few survivors of an attack on his village, home of the Iye Kalakya clan of Stoneroot . When the attackers descended on his people's nests, built on a remote flank of Hallia 's Peak, young Hawkeen tried to fight back. But the battle swiftly ended, leaving many