The Magician's Dream

By LeAnn Mathis

There were sit-ins, bus boycotts, and laws demanding equality, but Franklin wasn't surprised when people still shoved him into lockers and refused to socialize with him because of the color of the skin. It was the way things were.
In his dreams, things were different. He had respect, friendship, and POWER!
When he starts a new school and meets Maddie, he realizes that not all dreams are fantasy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hearth Publications
• Release date: Nov 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781370688258

LeAnn Mathis

The world itself is an inspiration. My Dad was in the army so my family got to see quite a bit of it growing up. I've taken that variety into my writing and I create stories based on whatever inspires me at the moment. Questions about my lunch meal, a Hawaiian Place of Refuge, and things my kids do have all been transformed, and I hope you enjoy what they grew into. Happy Reading. -LeAnn Mathis (The pen name for Stephanie Neilan when the books are just for fun.)

Book preview

Franklin

RED ROVER, RED ROVER, send Franklin on over.

Franklin rotated his shoulders as he stared at his opponent. Normally red rover required many players, but not the way he played it with Maddie. He took a couple steps back then ran. All he had to do was get past her, and he would win. His legs tingled as he moved faster. He concentrated on the movement of putting one leg in front of the other. As quick as thought. As quick as light. As quick as...

Bam.

He fell onto his back and closed his eyes against the cloudless blue sky. He tentatively touched his nose and grimaced. When he pulled his hand back, there was blood on it.

Great.

Maddie stood over him with a raised eyebrow. Lightning steps? I thought you had given up on that tactic.

That’s what I wanted you to think. He sighed. How did you know?

You always squint your right eye before that maneuver.

Franklin groaned.

The right side of her mouth quirked up. At least you changed direction at the end. If I hadn’t thrown a wide enough wall, you would have gotten past me. She extended a hand. Do you want to go again?

One minute. I think you broke it. He put a hand back over his nose and pushed healing energy into his nostrils until the magic popped. Ow.

Franklin sat up and twisted his nose. After a long sniff, he said, It’s good now. He took her hand and stood up. Your shield spell is getting stronger.

She smiled. Thank you. Although I almost didn’t have time to raise it. I’m going to have to get faster.

Franklin massaged the sides of his nose. So will I.

As they headed back to the castle, Franklin watched other students dueling in the courtyard. One of them threw a fireball at their opponent’s head, almost incinerating them. He glanced at Maddie. She was paying attention, too. Franklin gulped. His shield spell was not as strong as Maddie’s.

Madam Carsom, their instructor, had paired them up almost a year ago because they were about the same age and skill level. She taught them one new skill at a time, never advancing them until they had proved their competence. He was sure she had watched their last match. She was always watching. Had they been good enough?

Once inside, Franklin headed to the boy’s wing of the castle while Maddie went the other direction. As he walked, the lines on the stone walls blurred. The grays got lighter as the ground shook underneath him. He closed his eyes to blink, and when he opened them again, his mother’s face filled his vision.

Come on, Franklin. Wake up. Don’t want to be late.

Franklin groaned and rolled over onto his side. Five more minutes. Please!

I don’t think so. I let you sleep in as long as possible. Now get a move on. She patted his leg. This is your first day at your new school. Good first impressions do wonders.

From the door, she added. Breakfast is waiting downstairs. Eggs and bacon.

His mouth started to salivate. His mom made the best eggs. I’ll be down in a minute.

After she left, Franklin shoved the covers aside and stood up. He walked over to his dresser and pulled out a button up T-shirt and his nicest slacks. He then touched two fingers to the picture of his dad holding him as a baby. I miss you.

Since his dad disappeared 12 years ago, his mom had pulled double-shifts cleaning. She was usually gone before he woke up and returned after dinner. Refusing to take the bus and only buying the food that was on sale, she scrimped and saved their way out of the ghetto.

She told him several times that his father, did not join the 761st Tank Battalion and fight his way through France, Belgium, and Germany to see ya waste your life in the streets. You need to be with people whose vision of the future spans years ‘stead of days.

His father was a brave, fierce warrior, and his mother still held out hope that he would return, but Franklin suspected he had been lynched, and they just never found the body. If you wanted to stay alive, then it was safer to keep your head down, and not stir up trouble.

His mother wasn’t as loud or as vocal as his father had been. How could she be? She was too busy working. But he had gone with her to a few sit-ins.

He couldn’t take a shower anymore without remembering the hose they turned on him. He shuddered. The only place he knew how to fight and stand up for himself was in his dreams. He’d take fire over water any day. And hot grits over cold grits, too.

There you are. His mom slid over a plate of food. I worried you’d gone back to sleep. You ready?

He nodded.

She smiled. Don’t worry. You’ll be just fine.

What are you going to do while I’m gone?

She shrugged. "This will be my