Wistril Compleat Read Free

braying tongue would at
last have a proper body."
    Kern was careful not to slam the door.
     
     
    The Captain squinted and raised the spyglass.
"We'll be at his gates before dusk," he said. "and inside them an
hour after that."
    "Yes, sir," mumbled the Lieutenant, counting
dragons. "Twenty-seven," he whispered.
    "What did you say, soldier?"
    "Nothing," said the Lieutenant. "Nothing at
all." He forced his eyes from the sky, only to be confronted by the
darting mob of dragon-shadows on the ground.
    "Shadows and smoke, soldier," said the
Captain, smiling. "Nothing to fear. You'll see."
    Far above, a dragon screeched, and was
quickly answered. The Lieutenant spurred his horse and kept his
eyes on the road.
     
     
    "That's it? More dragons?" Kern mopped his
brow and collapsed into an oft-patched armchair. "Master, if one
big dragon didn't scare them, what makes you think twenty small
ones will?"
    Wistril lifted an eyebrow. "Your attention
wandered twice during the primary focal incantation." He snapped
his fingers. Two mugs of foaming Upland beer appeared on the
worktable. "Nevertheless, apprentice, you did well. I commend you.
You may drink."
    Kern stared, wide-eyed. He tapped the big
scrying glass that hung from chains above the table. "They're an
hour from the bridge, Master. They've got catapults, scaling
ladders, siege towers, and who knows what else. We've got a sky
full of pretend dragons and a pair of magic beer-mugs. You'll
forgive me if I find myself more frightened than thirsty."
    Wistril shrugged and reached for Kern's mug.
"As you wish, apprentice. It must be noted that this is Persimmon
Lambic, a rare treat indeed. But if you will not join me for
refreshment, please fetch my cloak, boots, and walking cane from
the study."
    Kern sat bolt upright. "Are we leaving?"
    "Not we. Me. You will remain here and tend
the tower while I have a word with this madman."
    Kern stood. "Master, that's a foolish --
"
    Wistril's fingers blurred. Kern was in the
study, a startled gargoyle open-mouthed before him. "Knock the dust
off of His Majesty's boots, will you?" said Kern with exaggerated
nonchalance. "And be quick. He's in a mood."
     
     
    The wizard's castle cast long shadows over
the narrow road. Above, flocks of dragons wheeled about the towers,
floating and circling like expectant vultures. The Lieutenant
barely noticed them, his attention devoted instead to the bridge
that spanned the wide, deep chasm at his feet.
    The bridge looked older than the mountain
around it but not nearly as sturdy. The bridge leaned. The bridge
twisted. It sagged as though exhausted. The timbers were black with
age and weather, the bolts mere lumps of rust, the planking rife
with buckles and gaps. Worse, a small army of axe-wielding
gargoyles was chopping frantically away at the supports, sending a
rain of wood chips spiraling down the chasm to vanish in the
shadows.
    "Bring the siege towers forward," barked the
Captain. "I want the ladders assembled and winch lines on the
gate-posts as soon as we're across."
    "That would be most imprudent, sir," said a
voice. "Most imprudent indeed." The air at the foot of the bridge
sparked and shimmered. "May we speak?" asked the voice. "Under flag
of truce?"
    "We may," said the Captain, waving archers
forward. "Your safety is guaranteed."
    A fat man stepped out of the troubled air. "I
am Wistril of Kauph, master of the castle you intend to besiege.
You are in grave danger, sir, and I implore you to turn back before
lives are lost."
    "Your life," said the Captain, "is the only
life I'm going to lose."
    "I see," said Wistril. "Have my visitations
failed to demonstrate the extent of my powers?"
    "Your visitations failed to scare us off,
wizard," said the Captain. "The men were afraid, at first. But now,
they do not fear you or your magics."
    "I wonder," said Wistril, gazing up and down
the ranks of men before him. "But no matter. You were correct in
surmising that illusion itself is incapable of inflicting harm.