Zedd, Thaddicus, pre-series
The Good Student
"Zeh-edd," whined Thaddicus. "Want to play the Finding Game?"
"No," Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander, teenage Wizard, said shortly, staring at the thick book open in front of him.
"Oh, come on," Thaddicus begged. "Please?"
"Can't," Zedd said, trying to focus on the words in front of him. "Leave me alone."
"Fine," Thaddicus said angrily. "You're no fun, anyway!"
As he stomped off, Zedd put his head in his hands. The words swam before his eyes, but his father's orders rang in his ears: "I expect you to finish this chapter on Elemental Summoning Rituals by the time I return. Stop slacking off, Zeddicus. It's time to get serious."
Zedd blinked away angry tears—he would never be good enough for his father.
Still—the books held a certain fascination. There was so much to learn.