The Winter Wizard
Page 6
“WHAT!?”
“Yes. I had to enchant your body to be magical so that her magic wouldn't dissolve you. Instead, you absorbed it...well some of it. You don't have all of the queens magic, only part. The rest evaporated with her spirit. But, between my enchantment and her magic, you're now magical.”
“I'm...a wizard?” Brian's face was a mixture of excitement and shock.
Sherri was equally shocked, “I didn't know you did that. What does this mean?”
“Not much yet. I put a seal on your magic for now. You don't need to be causing problems with unexpected magic. But, your magic will come through that eventually, so I guess I will teach you how to use it. It is ice magic, my specialty. It'll also help if any of the ice fairies come to get revenge, which they might considering how angry they are at what you did to their queen.”
Brian's excitement faded and the shock was now mixed with horror, “You mean those little fairies might come after me?”
“Probably. But, they're nowhere near as powerful as the queen. And, since you have magic and allies, they won't pose much of a problem.”
“Allies?” Brian noticed the plural there.
“Brian, the world was about to be thrown into another ice age. The other seasonal creatures would have all died out. The other magical, non seasonal creatures would also face great problems. They know you saved them, you're a hero to all of the magical world...outside of the ice fairies. Don't be surprised if you encounter them in time, coming to pay homage to your great deed. I stopped her and spent a thousand years being visited by those thanking me.”
“Really? Amazing,” Brian paused and then said, “So, if you're going to teach me, will I have to stay here?”
“No. I'll come to you. You should go back to your life and live it normally. In time, I'll pay you visits and begin your training.”
Brian started to say something but it turned into a yawn, “Man, I'm getting tired.”
“Perfectly normal. You need your rest. We'll leave you.” Dan directed Sherri out of the room.
Two more days passed and Brian recovered. He had a million questions about magic now, but was finally ready to head home. All three stood outside near a brand new van.
“Are you sure this is for us?” Sherri looked at the shiny new car.
“Absolutely. It's the least I can do. You lost yours ramming the castle.”
Brian asked, “How did you get it? Conjure it up with magic?”
“Not at all. And, that's something magic really shouldn't be doing, but I'll explain that at another time. As for this, I have loads of money. I've been around for a long time. You amass quite a bit of money after a while, especially when you don't need it.”
“I was kinda wishing we could fly home, on brooms.” Sherri eagerly said.
“Trust me, training to fly a broom is a lot of work. I'm not overly fond of it myself.”
“I'm glad to be driving home.” Brian said, “Right now I wish I could just go back to my normal life.”
“Then go.” Dan said, “Head back to your home and go on with your life. When I'm not doing my winter wizard duties, I write books and do book signings, I've worked at department stores and even taken classes at the local college. Being magical doesn't mean you aren't living your life.”
“Sounds good.” Brian said. “I just hope I don't run across any of those ice fairies.”
“They're in disarray right now. Don't worry too much about them. Also, I have a few friends up there in your area that I'll send your way. They aren't winter wizards, but they are magical and very friendly.”
“Really? There are magical beings up in New England?”
“Sure, some have been there since the discovery of this country. They live in Featherville, nice little town.” Dan smiled at Brian, “I also left you a surprise, look inside.”
Brian peered into the driver side window. The seat was piled high with various colors of marshmallow treats. “MEEPS! I'm in heaven.”
“Thought you might enjoy those on the way home. Now, it's time to go. I have a lot of snow to melt and power to help turn back on.”
With a few more farewells and assuring words, Brian and Sherri hit the road once again for home.
A cloaked man walked through the ruins of an ancient castle. In his hand he carried a large, opaque glass chalice.
“Finally, after all these eons.” He muttered as he ascended a tall, spiral stair case.
Entering a room at the top of this tower, he approached a special stone table that had strange markings written on it. The chalice was placed in the center of the markings. The man reached into a bag and pulled out a large, perfectly clear cut ruby. Placing it inside the chalice, a fire instantly filled the cup.
As it flickered in his greedy eyes, he smiled. “Soon, the power of the seasons will be mine again, starting with you, winter wizard.”