Hamilton Swoop, Wizard of Green Ridge (26 page)

Diamond's face acquired a curious expression. “Of course. What would you like to know?"

"Well, first, I feel I should alert you to the fact that someone in the Guild is working against my efforts to eliminate the dragon."

"Yes, it seems that Master Topaz has gone rogue."

"No. Someone else. Please take a look at this. It was a letter I received while in Drayene.” Hamilton withdrew the letter from his coat and offered it to the Guildmaster.

Diamond unfolded and read it. “But this is ridiculous. Argus would never pen such as this."

"Nor you."

"Me? Why would I send you lies?” Diamond replied with anger rising in his voice.

Hamilton retrieved the letter. “I couldn't be sure, Guildmaster. The ink used in the letter is Terra Sangrum and, from what I understand, few, aside from you, use it anymore, but the handwriting isn't yours. Now I am stumped."

Diamond's irritation faded as he acknowledged, “Yes. I've always liked using that ink. An affectation, I suppose, but anyone could have sent the letter. What makes you think it came from someone here?"

"Two things. First, references to Thalia and the fact that they knew I would be in Drayene. Second was the Guild seal on the envelope."

"And that's what made you suspect that I was involved?"

"There were other things as well."

"For instance?"

"Well, for one thing, I was not aware that your abilities are considerably greater than they appear. I understand that you were one of the youngest Master Wizards on record."

Diamond smiled. “Actually I was the youngest. Where did you learn that?"

"At the Guild in Drayene. I also learned that you never sent the inquiry about Topaz that you mentioned."

"You're quite a sleuth. However, I believe I can explain both to your satisfaction.” Diamond smiled again and then rose and turned his back for a moment. When he turned back he was holding an opaque black bottle and two glasses. He filled the two glasses and then re-corked the bottle. “Fire wine from the Kifer Province.” He offered Hamilton a glass and then took a sip of his own.

"When I was young I was very good at it. Magic was simple for me and my talent was, well you know that making master wizard at that age isn't easy. However, about a year after I arrived here in Central City, the brown plague hit. It killed off some of the best talent in the Guild. I survived, probably because I was young and strong, but I was not left unaffected. My talent took a large blow. I can still do magic, even major spells, but each time I do, I am left drained of my abilities for days, or, in the case of major spells, weeks. You can understand that this is not something I would like shared.

As to my inquiries about Topaz. I did send a request, but not to Opal, is he the one you spoke to?"

Hamilton nodded.

"I contacted the Guildmaster's assistant, a wizard named Silicon. She was a friend of mine back when I lived in Cantia. She told me that Master Topaz, the real Master Topaz, has been dead for some time. You can imagine how I felt discovering that a Master Wizard that I admitted to the Guild was not what he claimed. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out anything else about him.” Diamond took a sip of wine and then placed his glass back on his desk. “When I checked, it turned out that all of his references were false. As far as the Guild Seal goes, every wizard and acolyte has one. You know that."

Hamilton took a sip. The wine seemed to have just the slightest hint of pepper in it. It was a combination that he wouldn't believe could work and yet, as he smelled its unique bouquet, he had to admit it did. He put his glass back on the desk and sighed after hearing his solid evidence collapse like a house of cards.

"It is apparent that I have misjudged you, Guildmaster. I apologize. I don't envy you your job. Trying to keep the Guild together with such a wide range of wizards must be taxing. You wouldn't happen to recognize the handwriting in this letter would you?” Hamilton offered the letter to Diamond for a second time.

Diamond took the letter and examined the handwriting. After a few moments, he shook his head and passed it back. “Sorry, but I don't. All I can suggest is that you check out Purdy's Supplies on Harken Way. It's the only source of Terra Sangrum in the city that I know of."

Hamilton rose. “Thanks. I'll do that."

Purdy's was run by an older woman with bright blue eyes. She introduced herself as Gertrude. Hamilton introduced himself as Master Citrine from the Wizards Guild.

"I'm looking for someone who wrote me a letter using Terra Sangrum ink. I understand you're the only source of it in Central City."

"Earth Blood, huh?” She scratched her nose. “I don't sell much of it anymore. Your Master Diamond at the Guild is my best customer, but I did sell a bottle about a week or so ago. Let me check my records."

While Gertrude went through a pile of papers behind her counter, Hamilton looked about the store. There were little bundles of paper, inks, quills and pens, and everything else one would expect in a stationary store. The store, itself, had a musty smell to it, reminiscent of ancient books. In the back there was a rack of paper bound books, but they all were of the more modern variety with suggestive art on their covers. Hamilton laughed to himself remembering when he had read such years ago.

Then he noticed, behind the books, a collection of maps. He flipped through them, but couldn't find what he needed. “Excuse me, Miss Gertrude,” he called from the rear of the store. “Do you have any maps the show latitude and longitude?"

She looked up from behind her counter and twisted her lip in thought. Then she replied. “Got one with Lassitude on it. That's near Kipley, but I never heard of Long Gatude. Where's that?"

Rather than trying to explain the division of the planet into northern and southern grids, Hamilton replied, “Do you have any maps of Central City?"

"What would be the point in that? You're here."

"It's to be a gift for a friend who lives in Green Ridge."

"Oh well now then, that's different. There should be one in the third bin down on the right.” She went back to looking through the papers behind the counter.

Hamilton located the bin and a map of Central City. It did have the appropriate lines scribed on it. The town was laid out with care. All of the streets were marked. He noted that even the outlying parts of Central City were included and he was quickly able to locate Norkon and the location of the inn. He wondered who made the map until he noticed his Guild's logo in the lower left hand corner.

"Here it is.” announced the proprietress. She held up a sheet of paper. “Yup. Exactly two weeks to the day. I remember now."

Hamilton walked back to the counter. “Would you know his name?"

"No. I never ask names, but I do remember the man now. Kinda spooky lookin'. Dressed all in black, skinny as a rail, with a most disturbing color to his skin."

"Would that color have been yellow?"

"You know him then?"

"That would be Master Topaz. He's a Guild Wizard. Thank you, Gertrude. You have been most helpful. How much do I owe you for this?” he asked placing the map on the counter.

She glanced at it and replied, “A half royal.” Hamilton paid her.

"Want a bag for it?"

"No thank you. That won't be necessary."

After collecting the map, he headed toward the door when Gertrude called after him, “Bag. That reminds me. Seeing as how you know this Master Topaz, perhaps you could do me a favor?"

Hamilton turned, “A favor?"

"Yes. When that Topaz fellow bought the ink, he left his bag behind. Could you return it to him?"

Sitting in the coach on the way to Norkon, Hamilton opened Topaz's bag half expecting a ham sandwich and an apple. Instead, there was a lump of something bound in waxed paper about the size of a peach. Removing the paper, he discovered a black rock, but unlike other rocks he had seen in the past this one had a sheen to it. The sheen came from a coating that made the rock look and feel greasy, like it had been soaked in fish oil. But it didn't smell anything like fish oil. He was tempted to return to the Guild, but he knew he had a busy night ahead of him and so continued his trip.

As he approached Norkon, he decided to try an experiment. He took out his wand and then, holding it with both hands, sent out a call to Thalia.

Hamilton?
came a response.
I thought your spell only worked with animals. Where are you?

The wand helps. I'll be there in twenty minutes. Were you able to contact our erstwhile diggers?

Yes. Boff and Dewie will start digging just after sunset. I had to offer each of them 5 royals which is way too much pay to dig a hole.

As long as they dig in exactly the same spot as last time, it's worth it.

Hamilton met Thalia at the inn and together they set out for the baker's shop.

Will Beaumont's face lit up as Thalia entered. His smile only sagged a trifle when Hamilton followed her into his shop. “You ready?” asked Hamilton.

"I will be.” He smiled at Thalia.

"Need any help in getting the bow to the site?"

"No. Somehow the town found out about what we were planning and half of them will be there. At least a dozen have offered their help with moving the bow. I guess they all want to be a part of history."

"Pune,” mumbled Hamilton. “I wanted this kept under wraps. If it doesn't work those wanting to be a part of history may become part of the landscape. Didn't you tell them about the danger involved?"

"Yes. I even told them that our likelihood of succeeding was not all that great. I told them that this was just a test of the weapon, but none seemed deterred."

Hamilton frowned. “Guess stealth is out when you have to drag that bow around."

The baker nodded. “Anyone want a bite? I've got some fresh apple planks, just out of the oven, and the coffee's hot as well."

"Yes, please,” replied Thalia. “I'd love to try one."

"Why not? Sounds good,” agreed Hamilton. The baker's eyes never left Thalia as he laid out the pastries on pieces of waxed paper on the counter.

"How many bolts did you make?” The baker's attention shifted back to Hamilton.

"I made four. I used two to test the bow. That leaves two, but it's unlikely I'll be able to launch them both. I figure if the first shot doesn't take the dragon down, we're all in trouble. Here's the coffee.” Will placed two cups on the counter and offered the third to Thalia. “Careful, it's hot,” he said to her. She took the cup with care and blew air across its surface before sipping.

This time Hamilton, after picking up a cup from the counter, heeded the warning remembering his past experience and took equal care. The coffee was hot and sweet and the apple plank was delicious.

Two men entered the shop and Will waited on them. Hamilton led Thalia to a small table and they sat down on the accompanying chairs.

One of the customers, after ordering, asked Will, “So, what time do you think the dragon will show?"

"Frankly, Peter, I don't even know if it will show up. Like I've been telling everyone who asks, this is just a test. Moreover, if the dragon does come, we might not be able to stop it. I'd advise you to stay home, for your own good."

"Are you really going to shoot it down with a big arrow?” asked the second customer.

"We're going to try to, but there aren't any guarantees."

"Well, we'll be there anyway. Wouldn't miss this for nothin'."

The customers left with their purchases. Will joined Hamilton and Thalia at the table and sat on the remaining chair. “See what I mean? Idiots."

Hamilton nodded. “I've seen it before. There are some people that would buy beach front seats to watch a tidal wave. Can't be helped, I guess. What I'm worried about though, with all this publicity, is that whoever is responsible for controlling the dragon might change the rules."

Will took a sip of coffee. “Let's hope they don't have a subscription to the paper either. I understand that we made page one.” Will pushed his chair back from the table. “There's another thing too."

"What's that?” asked Hamilton.

"Well, some of the people who are left believe that the dragon is being controlled by the Guild."

Thalia looked up from her pastry, “Why would anyone think that?"

Hamilton responded, “Makes sense. Obviously, the dragon owes its existence to magic and who has an exclusive on magic around here?"

"The Guild?” replied Thalia.

"'Fraid so.” Hamilton looked at Thalia. “It appears that William here will have plenty of help moving his weapon into position. That's what we came to check on.” Then he turned back to William. “I wish you luck, my friend. I'll meet you at the Shelly place two hours before dawn. I suggest that you close up shop and get some rest. It's going to be a long night.” Hamilton stood up and offered a hand to Thalia. “Time to go."

As they headed for the door, after saying good-bye to Will, he called after them, “You're sure that you can attract the dragon?"

Hamilton stopped and looked back. “No. And even if I can, I have no way of knowing when it will show up. Like I said, it's apt to be a long night."

Back in their room at the inn, Hamilton sent a summons to the messenger who arrived twenty minutes later.

"Are you sure that you can't teach me how to make those messages just appear out of nothing?” asked Quinn.

"Like I told you before, it requires the talent. Besides, if it was something that anyone could learn, you'd pretty much be out of business."

"Yes, I suppose there is that. What can I do for you?"

"This goes to the Master Alchemist at the Guild. It is imperative that that it goes to him and no one else. Wait and see if he wishes to send a response.” He handed the messenger a small package bound in brown paper.

Quinn accepted it, shook it slightly, and, hearing something rattle within, asked, “What is it?"

Hamilton shook his head. “You know better than to ask that."

Quinn smiled. “I wouldn't normally ask, but when it comes to magic stuff ... well, I've always been curious. At least you can tell me if it's dangerous."