They'd all but forgotten me and had forgotten that I could learn by watching, same as they could. I'd watched the instruction of scores of young lady wizards-to-be, and I was sure that I knew a better way. I believed that there was a way that would be much faster and easier than the clunky spell words that they were required to learn. Being right in my belief was a hinge on which my plan swung. These soft people, with their soft ideals and titles, their cozy castles and cute families, needed to be put in their place. Forgetting me was a mistake. I am Conner Prescote, and they would remember me.