"Magic" drabbles by Jeff Taylor
The Other Bar
Magic #10
The boy sipped his water, as Tellerick finished his pint. "I really should visit the pub more often."
"Father comes here a lot."
"Oh, does he now? I shan't ask how he can afford it. Come, boy. Let's find our new colleague. The rep said she was by the big fireplace." The boy looked around. "It's round the back boy. Come on!" Tellerick picked up his bag, as the boy hastily drank the rest of his water.
The tables and chairs, in the other bar, were much, bigger than where they had been sitting. And for very good reason too.
Prices These Days
Magic #9
Tellerick grudgingly paid the rep for two weeks, and signed the hiring document that also required additional payment should it take longer than usual. Then there was travel insurance on top of that, even though the rep thought whoever might attack would regret it.
His copy of the documents in hand, he walked over to the boy who was waiting patiently by a table.
Tellerick sat, and took a heavy swig of his ale. "This is proving to be an expensive trip. Prices have gone up so much since I last left the cottage." He lifted his tankard. "Even this!"
Payment In Full...
Magic #8
The adventurers guild rep looked up at Tellerick over the top of his half-moon glasses. "And what can I do for you today master Tellerick?"
"I need a guard to travel to see the Oracle." The rep sighed heavily. "Guild payment in full, up front."
"What?"
"Guild policy changed last week from payment-on-delivery." Tellerick sighed, and reached for his money pouch.
"How much?"
"The only guild member available at the moment is Madam Whitesnow. She's by the big fireplace. She's a gold a day." Tellerick glowered at him.
"Is she good?"
"Yes sir. Of course she is."
A Pint Of Gribbley's Please...
Magic #7
The tavern went quiet as master Tellerick strode imperiously in through the door. Followed by a shy boy, who quietly closed the door behind them.
"Get me a pint of Gribbley's boy. I need to talk to the guild rep." He pointed at the thin representative sitting quietly in one corner, holding a book and looking mildly bored.
The boy approached the bar, and clambered up a stool after propping his backpack against it. He pulled his hood back. "Master Tellerick would like a pint of Gribbley's please."
The barkeep looked at him. "I heard." He started pulling the pint.
A Guard... A Guide...
Magic #6
There was a hint of rain in the air as the two walked further into town.
"Where are we going now?" Asked the boy, as the hustle and bustle increased around them.
"First, to a tavern."
"You want to drink?"
"A swift pint won't go amiss, I will admit. But we have another purpose."
The boy looked up at the mage quizzically. "We do?"
"Aye boy. We need a guide, and a guard. We will do well if we get both in one."
"But I thought..."
"I told you boy. The mountains are a very, very, dangerous place to be."
Travelling Is Uncomfortable
Magic #5
The boy stood outside the shop as a newly minted traveller beneath a, shin length, waxed cape. Behind him, his backpack gave him the appearance of a hunchback, while the hood flopped down over his face so he could only see the floor from its dark recess.
"It's heavy" He grumbled.
The mage stood next to him. "It will get heavier boy. But also lighter. Travelling is never a comfortable business."
"Isn't there a train?"
"Not into the mountains boy! Good grief, it's dangerous up there! There is one to the foothills though, you will be glad to know of."
Shopping At The Travellers Store
Magic #4
"Ah, master Tellerick. What can we do for you today?"
"I need a new set of camping gear for this one. Boots, mat, tent..."
"Clothes..." Whispered the boy.
"Oh, and clothes. And a waterproof cape."
"Going on a long trip master Tellerick?" Asked the shop owner as he busied himself with gathering what was immediately to hand.
"Off to see the Oracle on the slopes of Milloran mountain. We'll be gone for some time."
"Oh? Will anyone be taking on your duties while you are away?"
"Master Omui will be in attendance. If you need anything please talk to him."
The Neutron Oracle
Magic #3
"It's been a while since I've had an apprentice boy. I'm not getting any younger, but even I need some guidance." The boy looked quizzically at him. "We need to go on a short journey, and consult the Oracle."
"Oracle?"
"The Neutron Oracle. It's two days journey into the mountains. I'd prefer to stay down here on the coast, but I think we need to go. The mountain air is not good on these old bones of mine, but it's far better on my lungs."
"I don't have any travel clothes."
"Then let's go shopping boy, and spend some money."
A Simple Wooden Toy
Magic #2
The boy sat before the old man, and presented him with a simple wooden toy. A dog. The old man took it, and peered closely at it.
"You took this?"
The boy shook his head. "Made it."
"Hmm..." Rumbled the old man. "There is a price that must be paid when using magic. Especially powerful creation magics. How long did you sleep?"
"Two days." The boy replied.
"I must admit to being impressed boy. Making something, even this small, would knock me out for the best part of a week. You do need training. You'll stay here with me now."
Magic
Magic #1
"Magic I hear you say? You do understand what it is don't you?"
The boy shook his head.
"Hmm... Magic is how the Universe works. It is, at its simplest, the manipulation of reality." The old man stood. "One moment there is no staff in my hand... the next?" The air pinched together, leaving behind a tall staff of white ash. "There is a staff. But you must already know some of this, even if you do not have the words to explain it. Otherwise you would not be before me. Your father sent you to me did he not?"
