A SPELL FOR CHAMELEON
Though he would as soon eat you as talk to you, a manticore can be an excellent conversationalist. Cover art for the book of the same name by Piers Anthony.
A Spell For a Chameleon
Piers Anthony (Del Rey)
Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled--where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. That is, except for Bink of North Village. He was sure he possessed no magic, and knew that if he didn't find some soon, he would be exiled. According to the Good Magician Humfrey, the charts said that Bink was as powerful as the King or even the Evil Magician Trent. Unfortunately, no one could determine its form. Meanwhile, Bink was in despair. If he didn't find his magic soon, he would be forced to leave...
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