Magic's Return: A True Wizard

By Chip Gagne and Pat Gagne

THE DRAGON WORLD IS REAL...and Shen, Mark and Trouble now find themselves trapped on M'atoi after following Bitsy through the portal. Only Mei'lon, the dragon who secretly sent her to the Earth Realm, can get them home again, but first they have to reach him.

After a run-in with a silver dragon, they are befriended by a young wizard named Cynric who offers aid. Bitsy doesn't trust him, but Shen likes his fellow wizard. And in a world filled with magic, Shen's powers are growing quickly. He needs another wizard to help him learn control.

As the only one without magic, Mark feels left out until he's given items infused with magic. He needs that protection because someone is fostering dissent between the native elves and wizards.

Mei'lon believes a dragon named Ton'zi may be responsible, but with the dragon leader missing, Mei'lon is struggling to prevent the others from going to war. It's going to take a true wizard to get Shen and Mark home again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chip Gagne
• Release date: Aug 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310769986

Chip Gagne

Chip Gagne is a software engineer whose main hobbies included reading and writing (and Lego, but that is a different story). Born on the hottest day of the year, Chip was guided to reading at an early age. Some of his favorite memories include weekly trips to a used book store where he inevitably would find a new science fiction, horror, or fantasy novel to read.Over the years, Chip wrote several short stories and even an attempt at a script or two, but never attempted to do anything with them once they were written. Yet he always had the drive and desire to create.After discovering a real enjoyment of fantasy and anything with dragons, he decided to try and persuade his mother, Pat, who had previously published 25 books under the name Dani Sinclair, to write a fantasy novel. He had several ideas and suggestions for one, but it was only after he agreed to co-author the book with her that she agreed. The result is the Magic's Return series.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

A sudden cool breeze stirred the flames of the campfire, rousing the wizard from his thoughts. A soft whumpf followed as something large landed just outside the fire's light. Moments later, two large, red-gold eyes edged into view, followed closely by the sinewy head of a dragon.

Mei'lon. The wizard said softly by way of greeting. He rose from his perch near the fire to speak with his friend. Do you have word of my daughter?

I do. The large male dragon spoke in a booming yet compassionate voice. He had spent many years perfecting the language preferred by wizards. The language they had brought with them when they came from Earth.

Then she has returned? Where is she? Hope flared in the man's voice.

I sensed the key's return the moment it arrived. Unfortunately, I am unsure of her exact location. Wisely, she protected the key. I am trying to learn more, but for now I know only that she is alive and that for some reason she did not use the same portal she departed from.

Why would she use a different portal? Something must have gone seriously wrong.

The dragon could taste the man's renewed fear as if it was his own. Have faith in your daughter.

The wizard's legs no longer wanted to support him. He allowed himself to drop once again onto the rock next to the fire. You're right, of course. I'll scry for her in case she's in trouble. And I'll send Dilawa out to search the skies for her as well.

Mei'lon nodded acknowledgment to the wizard's large bird perched on a nearby rock. I would expect no less. Should either of you find her, bring her to me with all due haste. I fear there are those who would not want her to report what she has learned if they discover where she has been, and others may have sensed the key's return.

The dragon rose from his crouch and turned away from the fire. Without another word, mammoth wings spread out on either side. With a single thrust he propelled himself into the air.

The wizard followed the dragon with his eyes as it rose into the night sky and was surprised to discover a hint of color on the far horizon. Morning was approaching fast.

CHAPTER ONE

B'ietsu

B'ietsu stared at the seven sets of eyes shining at them from the dark just beyond the flashlight's reach. She knew they were going to die.

"What are those?" Mark demanded.

Rats, she managed to whisper past a throat gone dry.

No way. I know rats can be big, but those things are as big as German Shepherds.

They may be small rodents in your realm, Mark, but in M'atoi rats are large, deadly creatures that hunt in packs.

Get behind me, Sam'ital ordered. As the only adult magic user, he obviously felt it was his place to protect the three of them. He gathered magic, preparing to work a spell.

No, Sam'ital! Magic has little effect on them. B'ietsu had no idea where the portal had taken them, but she knew all about rats. As a young child she'd seen a rat attack once. The image was indelibly etched in her mind.

Magic may not work on them, but what about fire? Shen asked, his own voice higher than normal. "Mark, grab Trouble

Shen gathered magic and sent a long tongue of flame leaping across the cavern at the large shapes gathered across from them. The rats fell back with squeals of surprised fear and pain.

Whoa! That was awesome! Mark exclaimed, scooping up the struggling cat. I didn't know you could do that.

Neither did I, Shen said faintly, looking as stunned as B'ietsu felt.

A wizard, especially a human wizard from earth, should not have been able to perform dragon magic. Yet Shen had done so, twice now.

Here. Take your cat back. She scratched me. Mark complained handing Trouble back.

Use the key! Get us out of here, Sam'ital demanded.

B'ietsu shook her head. I put it away when I got out the light. Besides, it's of no use to us now. The spell doesn't reverse. The portal's locked.

Mark looked up at her with wide, frightened eyes. You mean we're stuck here?

Shen set Trouble on the ground behind him and told her to stay put. He gathered more magic and sent a second burst of flame toward the rats. More squeals followed. The rats backed up once more in confusion. In their experience, people were prey. They didn't throw fire. The rats didn't seem to know what to do, but B'ietsu didn't think that would hold them at bay for long. This was a hunting pack.

What can we do? Sam'ital asked.

I don't know. Her gaze swept the dark chamber. There was no exit other than the tunnel mouth blocked by the rats. Shen's fire won't hold them indefinitely. We need weapons.

Mark dug in the bottom of his backpack and produced the gun he'd taken from the wizard who'd attacked them in the street. Will this work?

Do you know how to use that, boy? Sam'ital asked.

Mark lifted his chin, his expression determined. Point and squeeze. Just like a video game.

Despite the bravado of his words, B'ietsu sensed his fear.

This isn't a game, boy. Take your time, Sam'ital told him. Don't rush the shot. Line it up slowly and make it count. Don't fire wildly.

Right.

The leader of the rat pack came to a decision. He charged straight at them with horrifying speed. The small beady eyes set too close together on that ugly broad head were a bright yellow-green and filled with malice. A row of sharp teeth dripped saliva from his open mouth. A pungent stench like rotting flesh rolled off him and made B'ietsu gag.

Mark pulled the trigger as the rat lunged. The sound was explosive, echoing off the walls of the cave and deafening all of them. The rat dropped, writhing and squealing in agony. The rest of his pack backed away, milling in confusion. Some even ran back down the passage. One of the braver ones darted forward and ripped a strip of flesh from the fallen rat.

Oh, gross! I'm gonna barf. Mark made gagging sounds.

A familiar sulfur scent reached B'ietsu at almost the same time it did the rats. They rats erupted into a flurry of screaming motion as fire swept up the tunnel from behind them.

There's a dragon in the cave! B'ietsu gasped in surprise.

I thought dragons were good! Mark yelled over the noise.

They are, she agreed. But this one is hunting.

You think it might not notice we aren't rats before cooking us?

B'ietsu didn't bother to answer. Several panicked rats streaked toward them. The stench was horrific. Their squeals rose as they plunged about, mindless in their fear.

One crazed rat ran straight at her. Before she could draw magic to try and repel it, Shen summoned another ball of fire and sent it at the animal. The rat burst into flames. Suddenly, a huge shape filled the tunnel opening behind the rats.

Smoke trickled from wide nostrils. The actual color of its reflective scales was hard to determine in the flashlight's weak beam, but silver faceted eyes stared at them as the dragon reached out a long taloned foreleg and swept up the nearest rat, biting it in half.

Blood sprayed the nearby rock wall. Mark gagged again. B'ietsu felt her own gorge rise as the dragon chewed and swallowed before slurping up the remains.

Shen had gathered magic to send another blast, but now he hesitated, staring in awe. It's real! That's a dragon.

Drop your magic, she whispered frantically. To her relief he obeyed, his eyes still locked on the creature that nearly filled the large room.

Can we talk to him? Shen asked.

She watched in fascinated horror as the dragon quickly dispatched two more of the large rodents. I'm not sure. I think he's just a baby.

The dragon scooped up yet another rat.

"That's a baby?" Mark gaped in awe.

What should we do? Sam'ital asked.

B'ietsu looked at them helplessly. I have no idea.

Will he attack us next?

I don't know, she answered honestly. I've never seen one this young before. I don't think anyone living has.

Sam'ital swore softly. Where are they vulnerable?

Aghast, she stared at him. You can't kill a dragon!

He could try.

The words came from nowhere and everywhere ringing with suppressed amusement.

Samuel didn't mean it, Shen said, staring raptly at the dragon. He's just scared.

As he should be, wizard. I may be young, but I am no baby.

This was impossible. Dragons rarely mindspoke with anyone except their peron'i and never with total strangers. This couldn't be happening.

Yet it was.

Are you talking to the dragon? Mark whispered frantically.

Yes. Be quiet, Shen told him. We don't mean you any harm, dragon.

Once more B'ietsu sensed the dragon was amused by the suggestion that they could hurt him.

How have you come here?

I don't really know, Shen responded.

You don't know what? Mark asked, puzzled.

Bitsy? Shen continued, ignoring his friend.

There was no point in lying. Even a young dragon would recognize a portal. He'd been nearby so he must have sensed the magic when it opened.

We were in the Earth Realm under attack, B'ietsu explained. We used this portal to bring us to safety, only I don't know where we are now.

Are they having some sort of conversation with the dragon? Mark whispered to Sam'ital.

So it would appear.

Forgotten, Trouble leaped down to stand in front of Shen as if to protect him. It would have been funny if B'ietsu hadn't been so nervous.

What have we here?

That's Trouble, Shen answered. She's my cat.

A cat is it? I have never seen a cat like this one before. Not much meat on her bones.

Trouble hissed and arched her back.

The dragon tilted its massive head for a better look, its long tail flicked back and forth. Trouble's eyes locked on the movement and her tail seemed to twitch in unison.

You can't eat her! She's my familiar. Tell him Bitsy.

There was a rumble of what was definitely laughter.

And what is a Bitsy?

Me. I'm Bitsy. It's what they called me on Earth. B'ietsu Owein Cmenieri au Ashdown. This is Shen Peterson, and our friends Mark and Sam'ital.

The dragon regarded them steadily, but returned his focus to Shen.

This one used dragon magic. How is that possible?

B'ietsu quailed. I don't know.

If you mean the fire, Shen interjected. It was sort-of an accident. I'm not really sure how I do it. I haven't had any training so I keep screwing up the magic.

Not trained? With such power?

I'm from Earth. My mother didn't believe in M'atoi and she didn't want me raised as a wizard like my Uncle Gan. I think it had something to do with her sister, but I don't really know the story. It's some sort of family secret or something.

Please, if you could just let us leave... B'ietsu began.

The portals are dragon sealed. Even a young half-breed such as you should know that.

He turned his focus on her.

You are not of the Earth Realm like these others.

No, she admitted reluctantly.

How could you have gone to the Earth Realm? It is forbidden.

I know. She didn't dare say more. If she told him Mei'lon had sent her there, she would be putting the older dragon in danger. Please. If you would just let us pass, I promise we won't trouble you any further.

Oh, crap. Mark said as Trouble sprang forward, jumping on the tip of the dragon's tail.

No, Trouble! Get back here! Shen dashed forward to snatch up the cat who hissed up at the dragon.

Again, B'ietsu sensed laughter.

Aptly named, that one.

Yeah. I'm really sorry about that, sir. I hope she didn't hurt you. I think she was only trying to play with your tail.

Heart of a dragon. She would be formidable if her size was of a match.

Uh, yeah. There isn't much she's afraid of. Here. Shen handed Trouble to Mark who shook his head at the small creature. Are you trying to get us killed, cat? That's a dragon you stupid furball. Didn't you see what it did to those big rats?

"Would you open the portal for us?" Shen asked.

I can not. The massive head swung back toward B'ietsu. It is forbidden.

We won't tell a soul. I promise.

Shen. He can't help us. He doesn't know how to open the portal. Do you? She didn't want to offend the dragon, but he'd admitted being young. It stood to reason he might not know how to open portals that had been sealed long before even he'd been born.

You mean we're stuck here? Mark asked frantically, releasing a struggling Trouble once more.

Who broke the edict?

I can't tell you that. She swallowed hard. She'd already told him enough to get them all killed.

Why was it broken?

She raised her chin and met the stare of those silvery faceted eyes. I went there to learn what had become of the elves that never returned to M'atoi.

The dragon tipped his head as if considering her words. And what did you learn?

Many things. So many things in fact, she hadn't figured out how she was going to tell it all to Mei'lon, let alone this strange young dragon.

And this one? His gaze focused on Sam'ital. He is an elf, but he does not smell of M'atoi. He was born in the Earth Realm?

Yes.

I must think on this. You will wait here.

But the rats, she protested.

They will not be back. I will.

The dragon turned and swept back down the tunnel.

Would one of you like to explain what just happened? Sam'ital demanded.

I screwed up, B'ietsu told him. We have to get out of here.

But he said we should stay, Shen admonished.

"I know what he said, but if we don't get out of here and find a way back to my portal, we're going to wish the rats had eaten us."

CHAPTER TWO

Shen

Bitsy's nervousness was contagious. Shen wasn't sure arguing with a dragon was a good idea, but he definitely didn't want to become rat fodder either.

If the portal can't take us anywhere, what're we going to do? he asked.

Follow the dragon to the exit, she told him. Once we get out maybe I'll know where we are. Come on. We don't want to be here when that dragon returns.

But if the dragon said to wait, Mark argued even as Bitsy started moving forward, he's not going to be happy if we leave. I don't think I want to see an unhappy dragon.

I don't know this dragon, she said without looking back at him. And dragons are extremely territorial.

Do you think he would hurt us? Samuel asked.

Probably not, but on the other hand, going through the portals is proscribed. I don't know what he'll do and I need to get to Mei'lon right away. Keep moving.

But what if we run into more of the R.O.U.S.'s? Mark asked as he rushed to keep up.

R.O.U.S.'s? Bitsy asked over her shoulder.

You know, rodents of unusual size? Oh, forget it. I keep forgetting you didn't grow up watching classic movies. I mean the rats.

She shrugged. Thanks to the dragon, they should keep their distance for a while.

"Do they know that?"

Bitsy kept walking.

Shen wondered how she could track the dragon's path through the dark tunnel. It split into secondary paths several times yet she walked on unerringly. He soon realized her trick. The dragon was a sloppy eater. Every few feet her weakening flashlight beam would discover a little leftover rodent. Shen decided right then he would never eat again.

Only two days ago he was living a quiet, normal life, his biggest worry being what his dad would say if got a C in Math again. Being the son of a celebrity stage magician meant his teachers bent over backward not to show him any favoritism, so he had to work twice as hard as someone like Mark who came from a regular family. His best friend didn't possess a trace of magic, but he'd already been a huge help to them.

So had Samuel, but Shen didn't completely trust the elf. Bitsy had agreed to bring him with her when she returned home, but he and Mark hadn't planned on going with them.

Shen hadn't known real magic existed forty-eight hours ago. Now he was an untrained wizard in a new dimension and his home was a war zone of feuding Earth-born elves and wizards, surrounded by cops and media.

His mother and uncle had bought them time to escape through a passage under their house that even they didn't know existed. Assuming they had survived the attack on his home, they would have no idea what had happened to them. He needed to get back somehow, and soon.

Shen was suddenly so homesick he felt physically ill. He nearly ran into Bitsy as she came to an abrupt halt at the mouth of the cave.

Whoa! Toto, we really aren't in Kansas anymore, Mark whispered. Even Trouble stopped moving as if taking in the view.

The cave had opened onto a very narrow ledge. Pale light shone down on them, cast by an unfamiliar moon. Stretched below was a dark canopy of treetops. A sun's pale reddish tinge was either rising or setting behind a mountain range off in the distance. The air was so pure and clean, Shen found himself inhaling deeply. There were strange scents, both odd and yet familiar in the air.

Shen stared in awe at the unfamiliar landscape. They were up high on the side of a mountain, and this was definitely not Maryland or anywhere else he had ever been.

Wow! Mark whispered again as he took in the view. Shen knew exactly how he felt.

It reminds me of pictures of Peru or someplace like that, he whispered back.

Yeah. Like that first Indiana Jones movie. Mark turned to Bitsy who was looking puzzled by all the references she clearly didn't understand. There aren't head hunters down there are there?

Head hunters?

Don't worry about it, Shen advised her. He watches way too many movies. He scanned the area for signs of the dragon, but it was nowhere to be seen. Is that a path off to the left?

Bitsy nodded. It appears well used, probably by the rats.

Let's go a different way, Mark suggested, looking nervous again.

It's not like we have a lot of options, Mark, Shen pointed out looking around.

The narrow path wound down the mountainside before disappearing into the dense forest below. Unfortunately, it was just breaking dawn so it was too dark to see much else. Shen glanced at Bitsy who was staring off in the distance with a frown.

What's up?

She pointed toward the mountains a long way off. See that tall mountain in the center? The one with the three points on top?

Shen nodded gazing in the direction she was pointing.

My village sits right below that.

No way. That has to be a hundred miles away. Shen felt his temper fray. They'd been up for almost two days straight. They were all exhausted and who knew what terrors awaited them in the forest below. How were they ever going to cover that distance?

It gets worse, Bitsy added. This forest is probably a couple of miles from the beach.

Beach? Mark echoed.

She nodded. There's a wide expanse of water between here and where we have to go.

Okay. Any chance we can do that teleporting thing like Shen's uncle? Mark asked hopefully.

No. I didn't bring any crystals that would tie me to my home or village. I thought I would be using the other portal.

Then we should get moving instead of standing here talking. Samuel said. I'll take the lead.

Without waiting, he began to follow the path down the side of the mountain. Bitsy fell into step behind him, but Shen noticed she kept glancing toward the sky as if watching for the dragon.

By the time they reached the bottom of the mountain, the sun had cleared the mountain tops. The sky turned a bright blue, not unlike their own sky. Only this one was crystal clear. The sounds of distant bird calls and the soft rustling of leaves were all they could hear.

As they approached the forest floor, Shen was surprised to discover how very different it looked close-up compared to the forests he'd seen back home. While some trees and plants looked familiar, many others did not. The most striking difference was the size of the trees. Their trunks were so massive the four of them could easily hide behind one with a small army and still not be seen. Some trees stretched several hundred feet in the air.

These trees remind me of the redwoods in California. Mark said echoing Shen's thoughts. Only bigger.

They are revered by the elves. Bitsy told them as she gazed upward at an imposing specimen.

Shen glimpsed a strange, brightly colored bird fly past. It reminded him of the colorful macaws that lived in the rain forests back on earth.

The trees are thousands of years old, Bitsy continued. The elves design villages in and around the trees.

A real Ewok village? Mark exclaimed. This I've got to see.

Ewok village? she parroted, looking to Shen for an explanation.

Another movie reference. Don't worry about it.

Are they friendly? Samuel asked.

Who? You mean the elves? Yes. Most elves are friendly. They're like people anywhere.

Except they can do magic, Mark added.

Magic is a way of life here, Mark. Like your electricity, we tend to take it for granted. As I told you, not everyone has magical abilities, but everyone can use objects infused with magic. You'll be able to do that as well.

Excellent!

Shen continued gazing around. He was astounded. He had never seen anything even remotely like this place in his life. And a sudden thought occurred to him. Uh, Bitsy, does anything unfriendly live in the forest?

You mean besides the rats? Mark quipped.

Samuel paused, waiting for her answer.

A number of animals live in our forests. Most hide from people, but some are dangerous. I haven't ever been here before so I'm not sure what we might encounter. I think we're on Rat Isle. No one comes here because of the rats. They're basically carnivorous. They'll eat anything that moves. The only thing they fear are dragons.

Mark looked at Shen. That certainly makes me want to go down there.

What choice do we have? We can't go back.

Mrrow!

Trouble had wandered away from them. She now paused near the edge of the forest and stood near a small gap in the undergrowth. Shen hurried over to her.

Trouble found another trail of some sort. It doesn't look as steep. This one was wider and more defined and led under the dense