Welcome to Monday=)

This story is our fourth adventure with Wizard Whittlestrom. You can read it as its own story if you like, however, there are a lot of references in this one back to Wizard’s Coffee (part one and two), Wizard’s Baker (part one and two), and Wizard’s Move (Part one and two).

You can read the previous stories by clicking on the links above or here’s the Cliff Notes version. If you’ve already read the others, skip to the title below and enjoy=)

Wizard’s Coffee: Wizard Whittlestrom shows up in Dorsa looking for a new drink for the Missis and only the six year old, Pete, is able to help him.

Wizard’s Baker: Whittlestrom arrives home to find himself out of fashion. He employs the help of the Baker, Master Gus, to help him figure out new fashion and poor Master Gus gets the backlash from Whittlestrom’s magic but figures Whittlestrom isn’t nearly as bad as the others who tend to burn things down or turn people into frogs.

Wizard’s Move: The Capital decides to move the wizards. Whittlestrom gets out of moving by saying he’s helping to remodel the bakery but utterly messes up when he ruins the bakery with magic. Master Gus sends him away only to realize the next morning that Zorban, the fire wizard, is now his new neighbor and wizard. Zorban attempts to help remodel and Master Gus begs Whittlestrom to come back before Zorban burns down the bakery.

Wizard’s Justice

He’d never been to the capital! Home was brown and stone buildings and muddy streets.

All very sensi…sensible, Papa always said.

Pete clutched his bag to his small chest and glanced at Papa.

Papa’s face looked funny, like he was sucking on a lemon. It was his thinking face.

It probably took a lot of thinking to not get lost in the Capital. It had flattened rocks instead of muddy streets and the buildings! Pete craned his neck to see where they stopped. They were so tall. Papa said they were several floors. Dorsa didn’t have any buildings with several floors. Pete tried to picture being on the second floor and a shiver ran his spine.

How’d the people keep from falling through?

Papa headed toward a building with a horseshoe hanging out front. That’s why Papa made the trip, cause he needed a new workhorse and there weren’t any good ones to buy in Dorsa. Everyone knew if you wanted a horse that would last, you bought him from Master Kemmerling in the Capital.

Pete begged for a week to come along. He hugged his bag tighter. He hadn’t come to see Master Kemmerling or some horse, he’d come to see a friend.

Papa laughed and told him he was crazy but he still let Pete come along.

Papa didn’t understand. Pete wanted to give the wizard a smile like Mr. McCowen said he had before. Mr. McCowen was so surprised that day but Pete just knew he loved the way the wizard’s dark eyes sparkled.

They promised secrets and fun like no other adult.

Papa spoke to the tall Master Kemmerling while Pete stared at the things hanging on the wall. Leather straps and metal buckles, saddles and bits. All sorts of horsie items but he couldn’t name them all. He was learning. Papa was teaching him but he wasn’t strong enough or tall enough yet to really help out.

He flexed his arm, checking the muscles. Nope, not yet.

The door swung open and a stocky man strode in.

Pete’s mouth gaped open. Another wizard! Bushy brows and long robe, the whole spiel!

“Morning, Wizard Zorban,” Master Kemmerling greeted the new comer.

“My horse?” demanded the wizard.

“Stall two, ready to go. Just watch…”

Zorban flicked his fingers and Master Kemmerling shut his mouth and swallowed. Wizard fingers could always throw sparks.

“I don’t need your advice, just bring my horse.”

Master Kemmerling bowed and excused himself.

Wizards always take first in line, so Pete and Papa waited.

Wizard Zorban eyed them. Pete grinned back. Maybe he could make a new friend.

“Have you ever…” he took several steps toward the stocky man as he spoke, which placed him between Zorban and the door.

The door opened, admitting Master Kemmerling. Pete yelped and jumped as the door clipped his heels and he landed at Wizard Zorban’s feet.

The wizard scowled at him.

“Outa my way, boy!” He shoved Pete back and his bag flew from his hands as he fell on his rump.

“My bag!” Pete scurried from under Zorban’s feet but not before something smacked his forehead.

Zorban had stepped over him and an object, like a black stick hanging from a string, swung under the wizard’s robe near his feet.

Pete rubbed his face. What would a wizard carry under his robe? He had no clue but whatever it was welted his forehead.

Wizards were weird. Papa always said so and Pete was starting to think he was right.

Papa gave him a hand up and handed his bag to him. Pete clutched it tight as tears pricked his eyes.

Sniffling, he tried to hold it in. I’m a big boy! And big boys don’t cry. Every one said so.

Several tears still escaped and Pete turned away as Papa finished his dealings with Master Kemmerling.

By the time Papa was done and they left the shop, he had himself under control and was excited again.

Who cared about Zorban! Pete was here to see Whittlestrom.

And tomorrow was the day! Pete gapped again as they walked the streets, barely able to believe his eyes at the arches and statues, vendors and buyers…so many people. Pete bounced, barely able to contain himself. He wanted to point at everything!

…To Be Continued on Wednesday.

Blessings,

Jennifer

(If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions to make the story or my writing better, please let me know. I love feedback whether you love the story, hate it, are confused by it or whatever. Please be constructive and professional. That’s all I ask.)