Description

A novella of magic, mischief, and the quiet war between page and pen.

Deep in the mage-tower of Silverwood, where scrolls hover in mid-air and wine occasionally hisses at the drinker, an old wizard faces his most relentless adversary: a blank page.

The Parchment That Waited is a standalone fantasy novella from the world of Illyndor — a comedic, heartfelt tale that blends arcane philosophy, dry wit, and a deeply human struggle. At its heart is Tarian the Mage, a brilliant and stubborn spellcaster with a history of explosive footnotes and magical insomnia. When he is finally coerced into recording his magical theories — for the sake of posterity and a certain very powerful child — he discovers that writing may be more dangerous than casting fireballs.

But Tarian is not alone in this battle. He is joined by Brother Aric, a priest with a love of structure and strong tea, and Brother Aediel, a painfully literal scribe whose spectacles never quite sit right. As philosophical debates give way to magical duels with furniture, cursed dreams, and a scroll that may or may not be sentient, Tarian must confront his own past, his responsibility to the future, and the one truth every writer fears: the page is never as blank as it seems.

🪶 Why You’ll Love It:

• A perfect entry point into the world of Aethlum, rich with lore and light on required reading

• Hilarious dialogue, unforgettable characters, and one very judgmental piece of parchment

• A wise, whimsical reflection on creativity, fear, and the price of power — whether magical or personal

For fans of Terry Pratchett, Ursula K. Le Guin, and those who have ever stared too long at a blinking cursor.

Would you like a shorter marketing hook version of this for product boxes or download links? Or a custom pull quote like:

“When the scroll begins to judge you, it’s time to pour the wine… or light a fire.”