Chapter 2: The Strange Wizard

Despite Veledar’s reservations of being in such a place, he was dragged by the wrist towards this diminutive structure. The stone jutted from the wall at an uneven angle, covered in the tiny cracks of magical creation. Atop it sat a roof with numerous shingles, several of them clearly stripped away. It hardly looked large enough to fit six people inside, and yet this kittybird wanted them all to fit in there? The dragon had to remind himself that his minions knew what they were doing, no matter how many loops his brain had to do.

The gryphon’s beak was rife with apologies, swiftly explaining that once the mage cast the spell and checked them over they would be free to go. The guard swiftly bowed his head and apologized for the inconvenience of delaying them further, especially after they’d waited so long. “Honestly, we haven’t the foggiest of what happened. One moment we had the enchantment and the next it was gone!” Up went his wings, almost mockingly. “Magic can be so finicky at times.”

“Appreciate the efforts gryphon, if that’s all you can do, it shall be the road we walk.” Arcturus sighed, twitching his hand to let the others know it was fine. “Don’t worry the feathers about it. What’s a few more minutes?”

“Exactly!”

Veledar tentatively approached his friends. Was this the best they could do? Surely the wizard would recognize an illusion when he saw one. His muscles tensed, if there was going to be a fight, he was to be ready. One thought and he could be back to his luxurious self; free to launch himself over the walls, hastily shift back to human form and find a place to hide. But a louder voice, more rational voice insisted his opponents would increase the protection on his brother’s book and his treasure, not to mention the swarms of king’s servants that would be dispatched on his tail, vigilant and determined to catch the dragon in their midst. His opponents, while physically weaker than he, were not entirely stupid. He tried to keep his breathing steady, not to think about how frail and useless this form was.

Trust in them. They will see you through.

He caught Arcturus’ smile, the confidence on display was most intoxicating. The promise they’d make it, that determination that set the dragon’s heart straight back on the path, casting away whatever weakness it possessed. Veledar recomposed himself, it wasn’t right to be all nervous around these mortals. Not when a certain knight could be watching, what would he think if he saw his leader jumping at these simpletons? He had to wear a brave snout as it were.

“That’s right, put on a brave face.” Lyndis whispered, nudging his side. “I won’t tell the one you wanna snog.”

“I’ll have you know I’m most at ease.” He held a hand to his chest, hoping she couldn’t feel how fast his heartbeat. “The…prime example of composure in the face of this unrelenting storm of bullshit we find ourselves in. Why, you humans could never be as calm as I.”

The gryphon guard’s ear flicked back in his direction. “Did he just say one of you humans?”

His heart skipped a beat, he’d said that aloud? Mind racing, he started to blurt out an excuse that would belay the gryphon’s interest, but before he could utter a word, Arcturus was swift to clasp his hand on the guard’s withers with a laugh.

“You heard right friend, quite the kidder that one. Should here his stories about this clumsy dragon back in Trost. Couldn’t keep his tail from fluttering about like a drunken gryphon dancer doing the winter solstice.”

Laughing with him, the guard’s fur and feathers bounced. “So, you know of those human. Not often do your kind hear of them, have you Whitedell I wonder?”

Arcturus’  hand found his neck, rubbing it. “Once or twice, have to say, it might not be as regal as Entis, but Whitedell has a rustic charm befitting gryphons all the same. Been out there with a few gryphon friends of mine.”

“Oh, really now?” The guard cooed. “Perhaps…we have seen each other- “

Their conversation soon kept the guard from growing more suspicious, Arcturus was able to talk circles around him. The man regaled him with stories of the eastern city of Whitedell, one to host many gryphons atop it’s many spires; Lyndis even got in a lewd joke, and all was well. It would appear as if his fears were unfounded, for Merlia leaned in to whisper the next part of her plan in his ear.

“Dun worry I gots a plan.” Merlia whispered to his other side, “If that wizard goes ta try anytin.” She gestured slyly to Asterion. “We makin sure he don’t.”

“Korde and Thor working together?” The minotaur rolled his eyes. “The mere thought is appalling to say the least, my god tries me even in my banishment.” He gave a solumn nod, his nostrils flaring, “Very well, I will endure whatever it takes to secure that scroll. This is the way.”

“Don’t think ya be the only one having to leap through hoops ta work with ya.” Merlia mimicked his chest bump, in mockery or salute Veledar didn’t know, but it drew a raised brow of interest from their cleric. “However, may victory be on the menu.”

“That goes without saying.” His gaze hardened.

“Hey over here!” Lyndis waved them to the door, “You lot done having a chin wag? We’re patiently waiting. Would you kindly join us then?”

“Fair warning, don’t be shocked at the oddness of the mage.” The gryphon sighed, ears splaying. “He doesn’t have the best of social skills.”

“What mage does am I right?” Lyndis nudged him with a nervous laugh.

Arcturus was the first to raise his brow. “It’s the old coot isn’t it.”

The gryphon perked up, dropping his voice to a whisper as he shielded them both from the entrance with a wing, “Old coot? How’d you know his nickname among the men?”

Arcturus’ eyes widened, realizing his mistake. “Oh, was just the first thing that popped to my mind. Quite standard if you think about it. He’s a wizard so probably old, and they’re all quite daft right?”

Accepting this answer, the gryphon planted his haunches upon the grass. “Fair enough, but in you go. Master Florimel will see you now.” With a hearty shove of his talon, the door slammed open with a thunderous bang, rattling the shingles, and dropping one to the ground.

“Smooth.” Lyndis whispered in the man’s ear, looking utterly relieved that had worked.

Veledar groaned at what was to come, this was to be his first meeting a proper wizard and it was going to be dreadful. The spellcaster was probably regal and proud, dragon like if you thought about it. He’d read stories with his brother and sister of the powers that they wielded, unable to have the natural magic of dragons so instead learning to bend the magical weave of the world with precision, mathematics, and lots of books. They’d brandish their power with pride, testing their skill with the weave among their number. This magical powerhouse would probably had a blue pointed hat, adorned with golden stars and half-moons. Perhaps he’d have a pair of spectacles placed carefully upon a wizened brow. He’d no doubt have a grey beard that threatened to grace the floor, resting upon flowing blue robes laced with golden stitching. The more he thought on the subject, the more tragic it was. If only his brother was here to see this, he would have been positively thrilled. To bad the entire affair was to be ruined, the magician was going to find him.

The enchanting picture of a perfect wizard was instantly shattered with the rays of light streaming into the too small shack. It was cluttered with loose papers and towers of thick tomes, burned out candles spilling their wax on anything they touched, vials of ink lay empty or had their content into darkened pools. Eyes began to water as they were bombarded with a overpowering haze of fragrances both mundane and exotic. It was a disorientating collection that blended together, unable to be separated and identified, it weakened legs, caused some to cough, others to shake their heads. As an uneasy silence fell upon them it was pierced with the longest, nasally snore that had ever-graced mortal ears.”

The gryphon held his talon to his beak, shaking his head with a heavy sigh. “Now presenting. His royal wizarding excellence. Florimel Thragnajar.”

“Thanac-Jhar actually.” Replied a sleepy voice, obscured by the mountain of books.

“Ah of course. Now…Get in.” With a brush of the guard’s wing, they were all pushed inside, except for Asterion who glared at the gryphon and simply strolled inside. The door shut against the minotaur’s tail with a tiny thump and an apology from a beak coming soon after.

Behind a stack of tomes that wobbled in the flickers of light, was not the pristine picture of wizardry that existed in Veledar’s thoughts. Instead, was a shriveled-up man in what appeared to be a burlap sack only fit to house potatoes and radishes. His face was pressed nose down into a folded-out book, a brown hood draped over his features. It wiggled and shifted with every snore filled breath. Atop his back were two beings of white fur; cats curled up into balls of cute and claws. Their tiny ears flicked, chests rising and falling almost in tandem with the wizard’s own.

“Um…Florimel?” Lyndis padded forward, a genuine look of concern shining in her eyes. “Is that you?”

“Thanac-Jhar actually.” Sleepily mumbled the mage into his book.

Veledar relaxed in an instant, almost laughing in the air like the dwarf. He’d been scared of this man, the one in a burlap sack and looked like he was homeless? This one looked like he’d have problems even getting out of that bag, let alone figuring out he was a dragon!

“Florimel sir!” Lyndis raised her voice, inching ever closer to him.

“Lyndis…” Arcturus whispered. “Do you know this man?”

“Do you?” Veledar shot back. “You seem to know his nick name.”

“How is that even important?”

“You could have betrayed me!”

“Really? You think that now? After our adventure thus far?”

Arcturus had him there, won this little contest of shout whispering, but he wasn’t going to let the human have the satisfaction. “Ask the rogue, she lied to us. How do I know you haven’t as well?”

“I took an oath to tell the truth!”

“And yet that’s what a liar would say.” He pocked Arcturus’ nose, getting his finger snatched up by the man.

“Oi.” Lyndis snapped her fingers, glaring daggers at them both. “Shut your focken mouths and let me work. Believe or not, I think I know this bloke, so stow it and let me work.”

 The wizard just let out a much louder snore than before but remained very much asleep.

“Should we wake him lass? Perhaps we can just wait a bit and come out? The guard was pretty friendly, I’m sure he’d believe this ancient toothpick wiggler cleared us to go.” Merlia shrugged.

“I say we knock the gryphon out.” Asterion eyed the door. “This waiting is making my tail itch.”

Lyndis sighed, rolling her eyes, and grabbed one of the larger tomes. “I want some answers at the very least, such as why he’s here.” The rouge responded before bashing the book on his desk. “FLORIMEL!”

The cats yelped and meowed in panic, dashing towards any safe place to hide.

The wizard bolted upwards, his hood falling across his face, blinding him. His chair screeched across the wood, toppling over with a clang. “HELLO?” he shouted, “IS ANYONE THERE? AND WHY IS IT SO DARK? Have I gone blind, oh gods, what am I going to do now? Woe is me!”         

“You have your hood on sir.” Lyndis sighed as everyone stared in amazement.

“Of course, how silly of me!” Florimel pulled off his hood, revealing his aged face and half pointed ears. His smile was spread from cheek to cheek, almost devoured by his beard. Hazel eyes flickered with kindness as he looked to them all as if treasured friends. His widened as he found Lyndis, clasping the princess on either side. “Lady Lyndis. How fortunate of you to have come!”

“How do you know Florimel?” Arcturus crossed his arms across his chest.

“Just what I was thinking!” Veledar proclaimed, sliding an arm around the knight. “Do tell us lady of mystery. Tell us your clever plot to trick a human such as I.”

“There was none of that.” Lyndis scoffed, shaking her head. “And even if I wanted to, it wouldn’t exactly be hard.”

His cheeks turned redder than his scales as Merlia just snickered away.

“Why sir, of course Lyndis knows me.” Florimel roughly shoved his books from the table with a series of thunderous thuds. “I taught her how to cast spells! Not as quite up for the art of wizardry as I was, too busy leaping around and stabbing with her toothpick.” Florimel sighed, diverting his attention to the floor below his desk. Suddenly his voice rose to near ear-splitting levels. “NO, YOU DIDN’T HELP HARRIC. YOU WERE NOT EVEN ALIVE AT THE TIME.” Shaking his head, he seemed to glide to Lyndis, wrapping the half elf in a vice like hug.

“Bloody good to see you again.” She returned the gesture. “Though why the capital of our hated foe? Why here? Why now?”

“Probably figuring where to do his finger wigglin.” Merlia wiggled her fingers to Asterion, who only grunted at the suggestion. “Pokin about and stikin his nose where it doesn’t belong.”

“Quite right actually my fine dwarf!” It was Merlia’s turn to get a clasp on the back and a hearty laugh.

“Though more of looking than poking. Lost my last wand that way.” His nose wrinkled as he started scanning back towards his collected things. “Speaking of, I think I lost the other one.”

“So, you decided the best way you could look through things was to be posted to the gate?” Arcturus shook his head with a sigh. “I fear to learn everyone is a secret agent sent here with ill intentions.”

“Not ill my boy, but ones for study!” Flormiel smacked Arcturus on the back. “Of those wonderful little stones they have. Quite the contraptions, can do anything. The nights I’ve spent pondering over them.” His smile returned, “Quite perplexing!”

“I have a better idea.” Veledar scoffed, “You’re not a great wizard and the king placed you here as a joke or punishment. Just look at that attire.” Judgmental fingertips traced the mage’s form up and down.

But Florimel had a counter, simply belting out another laugh. “All a ruse I assure you! Do you think their king would trust a well learned wizard as myself flaunting my abilities willy nilly?”

“Yes?”

The mage leaned in, gently tapping Veledar’s nose. “Of course, not my fine er...” His hand went to stroke his flowing beard. “Man!” Florimel snapped back to the cats as the others discussed the seemingly mad man before them. “SHUSH HARRIC I KNOW HE'D BE RIGHT!”

“Dats it! I’ve had enough o da mad man!” Merlia stomped her way to the mage, issuing her fingertip like a sword to his face. “Who be da ones ya talkin to?” Around the room her eyes searched. “Invisible whosits set to leap upon us?”

Asterion steeled his gaze, snorting harshly. “Who sit like cowards. Afraid to cross weapons with us.”

 “Why of course they’re not that.” He laughed nervously, eyeing the dwarf’s wavering finger. “They’re some of the most annoying beings in.....” Florimel turned to one of his cats. With large eyes it looked back, it’s tail swishing casually back and forth. Florimel rolled his eyes, “DON’T GO ACTING ALL INNOCENT HARRIC. Not a soul here is buying the charade!”

Harric the cat didn’t budge, simply raising a paw to its maw to be licked.

“Harric and Carric are…” Merlia stumbled through the words, tongue seemingly twisted. “Ye Cats?”

Florimel picked up the two cats in question and held them up next to his head. “That they are. Devilish little buggers.”

“And they talk to you? I thought only druids, bards and rangers can speak with animals?”

“You can't hear them?” Florimel looked at the cat in his left arm. “No, I don't think he looks like captain Arcturus, the man perished to a dragon. Why would you eve say that Harric?” Florimel looked to Arcturus with a sympathetic look, “Don't mind Harric, he has no idea what he is talking about.”

“Hear that?” Veledar leaned in, grinning ear to ear. “They think Arcturus is dead. Killed by the devilishly handsome dragon he was sent to hunt down.”

Arcturus hunched shoulders and crossed his arms. “Some say he wasn’t that handsome you know. No matter how much he boasts or claims it to be true.”

“I only repeat what I’ve heard of course.” He tapped the man’s shoulder, only causing the man to shift and avert his gaze. Why he think he saw the man blushing, he loved how the brave knight squirmed.

Yet Florimel was not distracted by the blushing paladin, nor the antics of the dragon, wishing to do it more. Instead, he was focused on Lyndis, practically shoving Harric and Carric in her face. “You simply must meet Harric and Carric! They’ve been begging to see you.”

Lyndis was handed the cats one by one. They calmed almost instantly, curling up in her arms with a rumbling purr. In tandem they started a nuzzling assault against her chest, seemingly lost to another world.

“So, what brings you to Entis? NO CARRIC I AM SURE SHE IS NOT HERE TO PURCHASE SOME NEW SHAMPOO....OR HELP YOU CHASE RATS!”

Veledar watched the bumbling fool start to fidget as Lyndis stood there unsure of what exactly to say. He scoffed and wondered how the mage had even the sense to teach anyone, least of all his skilled minion. All he seemed to do was sleep, shout, and rant about his two non-talking cats! The once dragon stared at the nuzzling affection, wondering if some sort of malevolence lurked within those bundles of fur. He was pulled from his thoughts as Lyndis explained their journey, and what Veledar wanted from inside; the dragon noted she cleverly didn’t say he was with them at the current time.

“And we must arrange a meeting with the king at some point. A friend of mine would like to have a little chat. Not to mention a wee bit of interest in a magical scroll.” Lyndis crouched, placing Harric and Carric to the ground. The cats just looked up at her gave a disappointed meow, “Nothing about shampoo I'm afraid Harric.”

“Well sadly princess I am stuck here on guard duty as it were.” Florimel sighed, “Figure if they brought you in here, they want me to sign you in.” He dug through the stacks upon stacks of paper, before snatching a manila parchment with a golden stamp on it and thrusting it into Lyndis' hand with a smile. “That should save you all the trouble! Hope you manage to complete this most wonderous quest.”

Veledar yet again was all smiles, at least one or two of them understood the importance of his book. He had to tell himself it wouldn’t be long until it graced his paws again.

Lyndis nodded, folding up the parchment. “Have you heard from my parents?” she asked, worry dripping from her words.

“None, I am afraid.” Florimel plopped himself onto his chair, a tiredness setting about his eyes. He shifted, and when he met Lyndis’ expression, instantly tried to perk up and appear brighter. “No need to worry I imagine. Just too busy to have the court wizard send a sending spell. Happens all the time!” He waved off her concern, pulling free an empty mug from one of his many drawers.

“Heard tale of my mother signing a pact of nonaggression with them.” The princess’ worried eyes fell to Arcturus and Veledar both. “I was just hoping something could be shed light on it. Father always told us to fight them. Never surrender and all that.”

“Wait, that can’t be right!” Florimel stroked a hand through his beard, curling the tip around his finger. “Now who shared this to you?”

“Gerald, of the pegasus knights.”

Florimel breathed in deeply, wiping his forehead. He flung away the sweat that began to cling there. The wizard then turned to him, and Veledar saw confusion fill his eyes. “Now princess, why are you here again?” the wizard raised an eyebrow.

“She just told you!” Veledar burst, his patience worn thin. “Stop wasting our time on foolishness. Some of us have quests to complete!” How he wished to lash around his tail, knock aside the table, bare his teeth. Instead, he was forced to cross his arms and scowl, and attempt to look as cross as a human could manage.

“Seriously lady Lyndis, why are you here? Also, on a different note. WHY IS THIS HANDOME, SHAPECHANGED MAN YELLING AT ME?” Florimel stood up, the color all but draining from his face as he searched Veledar up and down. “NO HARRIC THAT WAS NOT NICE OF HIM TO YELL.” Florimel turned to the other with a slight tilt of his head, “I'D PUT A SOCK IN IT CARRIC, YOU'VE MADE HIM MAD YOU KNOW.”

Veledar thrust his finger like a dagger. How dare this man talk to him in such a manner. Didn’t he know he addressed a dragon? “Listen here you blathering coot. You’re addressing a D-”

“So how did you know he was shape-changed?” Lyndis interrupted, placing her palm over Veledar’s mouth quickly to cut him off.

He protested, yet her hand was like iron. Defeated, he resorted to glaring daggers at both of them.

“Please dear.” Florimel dusted off his robes with a chuckle. “You can practically taste it in the air. If I had to guess....” Florimel stroked his beard, “You’re a novice at the whole act. Did a dragon teach him? He smells of dragon.”

“It matters not.” He ripped free the rogue’s palm. “We came here to retrieve my stolen book and treasure from this wretched kingdom.” His blood boiled as he described the exact scenario up until this point. “Does that help things better? Or need we go over it again?”

“Crimson Sky.” Arcturus was the first to speak as the room lingered in an uneasy silence. Asterion especially was giving him a hardened look. One that seemed to question everything he was doing.

“What?!” He snapped, “The man is clearly wasting our precious time. If I had to guess he’s calling back up this very moment with a hidden contingency spell.”

“AM I?” Florimel asked suddenly, holding up one of his fingers. “My mind hasn't been what it used to…well before the accident anyway. NO HARRIC IT WAS NOT THE ACCIDENT WHERE I FELL INTO A GIANT PIE!”

Again, there was silence, more out of the point if he was being serious or this was some elaborate prank. Merlia was the first to speak, her hands at her waist. “Ya must be pullin me leg wizard. Fell inta giant pie?” She scoffed with a sarcastic laugh. “How ya even manage dat?”

“Well, my dear it was actually a fine bit of spellmanship-”

“Florimel!” Lyndis grabbed him by the shoulders, “What kind of accident did you have?”

“Oh, right the accident...the not pie accident...” He shook his head, sliding back into his chair.

Veledar felt his irritation start to simmer slightly.  Perhaps the human was not playing with them after all. His shoulders slumped as a heavy sigh escaped him.

Florimel took a breath and looked at all of them quietly, then to Harric and Carric. Who were now batting a piece of paper across the floor. “WELL AFTER THE MANA CRYSTAL EXPLODED OF COURSE!” Florimel sprung up, thrusting a finger to the ceiling.

“It bloody exploded?” Lyndis gasped, “Why on this earth did it do that?”

“Well, I was experimenting!” Florimel clasped his hands together tightly. “I was trying to unlock its teeny tiny hidden secrets. Believe me, how they make them is a well-guarded secret.

Veledar hadn’t even thought of that before. The human’s crystals had just been a fact of life. Thoughts haunted him of all the times he never once questioned it. He turned to Arcturus' energy crossbow. He never imagined they made them, simply that they looted them from some ruin; like everything else they always did.

“Wait…You mean to tell me they’re still making them?” Lyndis’ brow rose. Veledar quickly looked at everyone else, seeing that they too had expressions of disbelief. “Arcturus? Did you know of this?”

“Know of what?” Up went the knight’s hands in defense. “They are tools we use. I don’t question how tons of things are made. I lack the craft to make armor for instance.”

“Of course, they still make them!” Florimel gestured to the city beyond his window. “That's how Lumara powers all its defenses! I imagine they are powerful ancient dragon magic...but alas...” the wizard then trailed off as if he were trying to remember something just beyond his grasp.

“PRINCESS!” Florimel shouted as he turned his head to Lyndis. He snatched her tightly and gave her yet another tight hug. “When did you get here? I did not even see you come in!”

Veledar stood in silence, as Lyndis once again explained their situation to the wizard. However, when she did, her voice would catch on certain words, a sadness twisting within. Every passing moment he thought the wizard would reset but this time Lyndis thanked him for paperwork and didn’t mention the crystals. She thanked him with misty eyes, securing one final lengthy hug.

“There!” Florimel finished and stood up. “NO HARRIC I DID NOT MAKE THEM THINK THEY WERE MICE!” He turned to the other cat, “YOU STAY OUT OF THIS CARRIC. I DO NOT CARE IF IT IS TWO AGAINST ONE.”

“Well regardless of what they end up thinking. Thank you, friend!” Lyndis smiled, giving Florimel yet another hug.

“Well, I wish you the best of luck princess, in whatever you are getting up to!” Florimel started to guide them out of his hut, “Now best luck to all of you, make sure Lyndis here doesn’t throw any wild parties. Her mother hated that you know. Whatever was that boys name again?”

“Gerald” Lyndis sighed.

“And tell your dragon friend his disguise is absolute rubbish!”

“Rubbish?” Veledar went to turn around but found himself secured by knightly arms. “Arcturus no, I want to see how he knew!” He struggled and squirmed as Asterion joined in on dragging him away. “How’d he do it? Was it a lucky guess? Tell me!”

Arcturus’ chuckled under his breath, “Enough excitement for now, I think. Let’s go.”

“Unhand me Arcturus, or so help me I’ll make you pay!” Veledar tried in vain to break free of the knight and cleric combo.

“Tink about it dis way!' Merlia suddenly shouted, “We can finally say were outta dat nasty line!”

“Well, I suppose that is the ONE good bit of news I have gotten all day.” Veledar frowned, as Arcturus let him go and grabbed stinky two by the reins.

“And you’re not dead.” Asterion snorted as he walked by dragging his horse along.

“Aren’t you a ray of sunshine? What next should we be thankful for? That the ground has yet to open under us?” Veledar fell in tandem with Arcturus' footsteps as they passed under the great gate.

** * * * * * * *

Thank you for reading along if you're new, welcome to the story, I appreciate your interest in this adventure! If you're an old reader seeing the new edits I'm making, welcome back. I hope that you like the changes I make to better get the story for publishing. As you're probably wondering what will happen to the lewd scenes, well they are being retooled and put into places that I can remove for the published book. Now there will still be a copy of the story I'll end up selling with the lewd scenes (and two more added) in the story.

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