is highly probable that I will not return from this undertaking (should I decide to undertake it) or if I do, it will be an altered state. If it
should occur that I meet my demise upon this quest, then I give you leave to publish the true account of my early life, including that
which has always been kept most secret, my Test in theTowerofHigh Sorcery. I do this in response to the many wild tales and
untruths being circulated regarding me and my family. I grant you permission on the condition that Caramon also agrees with my
decision....
I did not forget about Raistlin's charge to me, as some have implied. Neither Caramon nor I deemed the time right
for publication of his book. Now that his nephew Palin has grown to manhood and has taken his own Test in the
Tower, Caramon has given his permission for the book to be published.
This is the true account of Raistlin's early life. Astute readers will note discrepancies between this account and
others which have come before. I trust those readers will take into consideration the fact that the name of Raistlin
Majere had become legend over the years. A great deal that has been written, told, and sung about the great mage is
either false or a distortion of the truth.
I am guilty of some of this myself, for I deliberately misled people in regard to certain aspects of Raistlin's life. The
Test in theTowerofHighSorcery-the Test that proved to have such a devastating and fateful influence on him-is one
of the most important. Other accounts exist of his Test, but this is the first time the true account has been written.
The Conclave of Wizards has long decreed that the nature of the Test be kept secret. Following Raistlin's "death,"
certain wild and destructive rumors began to circulate regarding him. Caramon asked for permission from Par-Salian
to lay these rumors to rest. Since the rumors appeared likely to damage the reputations of all magic-users on Krynn,
the Conclave granted permission for the story to be told, but only if certain of the facts were altered.
Thus Caramon caused to be written an abbreviated story of Raistlin's Test, which came to be known as theTest of
the Twins.In essence, the story is true, though you will see that the actual events are a great deal different form those
earlier portrayed.
I finish with the conclusion of Raistlin's letter.
...I break the silence now because I want the facts known. If I am
to be judged by those who come after me, let me be judged for the truth. I dedicate this book to the one who gave melife.
Raistlin Majere
'The enterprise to which he refers is his attempt to enter the Abyss and overthrow Takhisis. Those interested may find this
tale in the Great Library, in the books marked "Dragonlance Legends."