Chapter 1, Xanth Summary

Bink is a resident of the magical realm of Xanth, a place where all residents, common objects and plants have unexpected properties or abilities. As the chapter opens, he is observing a small chameleon change its appearance from stingray beetle to stench puffer, to fiery salamander to basilisk to protect itself from natural enemies. While trying to frighten Bink, the chameleon is killed and carried into the sky by a moth hawk.

Bink is one month away from his twenty-fifth birthday. Physically, Bink is strong, but the fact that he has no apparent magical ability is a terrible problem. If his magical talent does not emerge by his twenty-fifth birthday, he will be banished from Xanth. His lack of magical talent also makes him a target for local pranksters.

On a walk to Lookout Rock, Bink is accompanied by beautiful Sabrina...