Embracing the Magic: Town Magician, #1

By S.A. Schneider

Their hero is a fraud and only he knows it. When the truth comes knocking, can one boy conjure a way to save the day?

 

Young Samual longs to perform magic of his own. What's worse, he can't seem to convince anyone that their beloved Town Magician is a trickster without an enchanted bone in his body. When a wicked wizard challenges the pretender to a duel, Samual vows to keep his village safe by forcing the fraudster to rise to the challenge.

 

Determined to prevent disaster, he secretly shadows the phony protector during his training with the Grand Wizard. And when they barely escape an vicious attack, Samual realizes he must partner with his bitter rival. But keeping the truth hidden any longer may not help them outwit a powerful sorcerer.

 

With his town in grave danger, can Samual protect the ones he loves from the forces of evil?

 

Embracing the Magic is the enchanting first story in the Town Magician middle grade fantasy series. If you enjoy unlikely heroes, coming-of-age adventures, and spellbinding creatures, then you'll love S.A. Schneider's fantastical tale.

 

In the book, you also get:
- background information on Town Magicians
- Words to Know to learn new words
- Create your own adventure stories - suggestions to help kids create their own stories

 

Teachers and Parents: visit sa-schneider.com for educational resources and free short stories set within the Town Magician world. You can also get a copy of the study guide for teaching use.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mind Architecture Creative LLC
• Release date: Sep 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781734047646

S.A. Schneider

Don't you wish you could have a lightsaber? And force powers - definitely force powers. Someone cuts in front of you in line - force choke. Take that line-cutter. Oh, wait - how about spider powers? Shooting web lines and clinging to walls. What do you mean I can't get in here, just watch me. And, hey you, Mr. line-cutter - phwip, phwip - get out of the way. <sigh>OK, so we can't have those. At least to the best of my knowledge. What's the next best thing? Creating worlds and stories to do whatever you want. I guess I'll have to settle for that and hopefully you'd like to come along for the ride. I live and grew up in a rural area in Ohio. That left a lot of room for reading. I now live with my family and hope to enrich somebody's life with some of my stories. For now, I have to visit another world ... wish I could tell you which one at the moment. :)

Book preview

PREFACE

The peaceful era of the Town Magicians has stretched for generations. The warring and frightening times of old are only memories and the people rejoice.

The best Town Magicians lead a grand life in exchange for a town’s prosperity. Town Magicians channel their skills to provide performances rather than protecting against threats. The most prestigious shows attract new villagers, and the towns grow.

Life has become too languid. A magician with dark intentions takes advantage of the situation for their own benefit. There is one whose destiny may change the future.

CHAPTER 1

WIZARD BATTLE

The black-robed magician didn’t believe he had an evil smile, but hoped his green-robed opponent thought so. Morzul widened his grin to portray more menace. When the other man’s shoulders slumped and his breath blew out, Morzul knew it had the desired effect and he had defeated his opponent. He relaxed while continuing to hover, the minor effort to do so allowing him to recover. The draining battle was over, and once again, another Town Magician couldn’t handle actual conflict.

His opponent’s gasps blended with the crackling from the fires. Morzul ignored the cries and screams from the villagers as they looked for loved ones or tried to douse the burning. Like the other villages, this Town Magician thought they’d resist. Their protector! Morzul grinned wider at that joke.

Now, their community barn had collapsed in flames (the other guy dodged) and the meeting house looked ready to join it within moments. All so unnecessary. Morzul knew his superiority in magic, enhanced by multiple amulets, should have saved this village from its destruction with a prolonged battle. Some people need to learn the hard way. Morzul kept the grin while staring at the unworthy man on the ground. The final straw in this battle.

His opponent lifted a shaking hand and pointed toward Morzul. The man’s other hand grasped the pointing hand’s wrist as he prepared another spell.

What was he thinking? Pointless. He had no strength left to attack with or time to cast a spell. Morzul didn’t intend to give him time. He zipped to the ground, black robes snapping from the wind like a kite, and cast a wave of heat. The air shimmered as an almost invisible wall expanded outward. This power washed over the fallen Town Magician, who stumbled and wavered before collapsing to the ground like a marionette with cut strings. Morzul’s smile grew, and he levitated once again.

The anticipation of collecting another amulet swept through the hovering magician. No need to rush things. Savor it, like drinking a fine gwin chilled to perfection - letting the beads pop on the tongue before swallowing and feeling the icy burn. Nothing else approached this feeling.

The green-robed man blinked and shook his head, though he didn’t stand. There would be no more fight. Time to end this pitiful display of magic. Sparks flashed above Mozul’s outstretched hand until a ball of fire flickered, then grew in his palm. From the ground, the green-robed man’s eyes widened.

Stop! I yield.

The defeated Town Magician focused on the ball of fire. The tattered strips from his robe fluttered in the breeze, as if they couldn’t muster the strength to flap properly. Villagers stopped running around in a panic and gathered near the area of their Town Magician.

As they gathered, eyebrows lifted in shock, hands covered mouths. Youngsters gripped their parents’ coat or dress for support. Several women turned away, weeping into handkerchiefs. One open mouthed gentleman shook his head no, as if denying the outcome of events would change them. Stories of old told about Magician’s dueling. Those were old stories, not something they thought they’d ever see.

Morzul studied the gathered villagers. They paid little attention to him and focused their attention on this lesser magician, this defeated wanna-be. He wanted to lash out and show them all the power he commanded. But he didn’t need to draw the council’s attention. He would deal with them later.

Fine, Morzul stated. His gaze swept the surrounding crowd. Many averted meeting his eyes, and several whimpered when the leering man’s sight fell upon them. The flickering light from the burning buildings cast dancing shadows, which made Morzul appear to be surrounded by demons. Morzul eyed the defeated man. The amulet.

Though not spoken loudly, the green-robed man winced, then struggled to yank a chain from his neck. He thrust the pendant at the other man, arm trembling as it held the chain. The pendant dangled between them, twirling and glinting in the afternoon sun. Morzul’s black robed arm reached out, but paused before he grasped his prize. Savor it. The reaching man studied the crystal, as if entranced. Then his hand shot out to snatch it, like a cobra striking its victim. Morzul held the amulet above his head in triumph.

CHAPTER 2

NEXT

As Morzul held the amulet aloft, a bright light shone from the amulet’s center. The pinpoint of brightness pierced the daylight, drawing all eyes to gaze at it before it burst forth, bathing the onlookers in its overpowering brilliance. They shielded their eyes as they gasped and cried out.

He enhanced his next words with the magic that still flowed through him. Let all who hear my voice know that I, Morzul, am now the Town Magician of ... His booming voice stopped, his brow creased as he leaned toward the fallen man. What is this squalid little town’s name?

Wide eyed, the man replied, It’s Byen. It was more a question than a statement. Do you not know the place where you are now Town Magician?

Morzul smirked. I can’t keep track of them all. A sweeping hand gesture accompanied the answer. The magic push knocked the prone man backward, so his head bounced off the ground. He lay there, eyes closed, not moving, as the conquering magician leered at those around him.

The town of Byen. His voice once again boomed and echoed. I am now your Town Magician. I must attend other towns, but I will return in one week to honor you with a spectacle unlike any you have hitherto witnessed. He scanned the crowd. I insist on tribute enough to honor one as I. His face twisted in revulsion. Until then, clean up this mess. This place is disgusting. I insist on being honored with a new platform for my performance.

He had made sure a fireball hit the puny performance stage during the battle. With the chaos, no one could tell he targeted it instead of his magical opponent. They would have to build a new stage, and he deserved the best.

As he scrutinized the crowd, his smile widened. They appeared properly awed and humbled. He slipped the pendant’s chain around his neck where it joined several similar hanging in a cluster. He exaggerated every movement to keep their attention focused on what he was doing. A string of gasps raced around the crowd as they witnessed the collection of amulets.

Morzul watched the village burn and the people stare at him. Him. He soaked in their disbelief at his abilities. Then he spied a statue to Zardonis still standing, untouched from the battle. How had he missed it earlier? Excitement of the battle.

Morzul didn’t worship the ancient magician like most everyone else. The statue insulted one with power such as he. In an instant, he threw a fireball, and the statue exploded. The closest onlookers shrieked as the shards pelted them. The group pushed to get away from the carnage.

You will build a new statue. Bigger. And it will be to honor me, not an upstart with no real magic. He scanned the crowd, seeing most of them still gazed at his wonder, though many coughed from the smoke. Time to leave before he sneezed from the burning wood smell, which wouldn’t leave the impression he desired. Until then, I must attend to other towns. Murmurs. Coughs. He knew no one before him had been powerful enough to control multiple towns. Let them be in awe of their new Town Magician. Movement caught his attention as a young girl approached the fallen man.

You there? What are you doing? The fear on the peasant’s face pleased Morzul.

I, uh, I mean to help him. Then hastily the young girl added, Sir.

Well, someone had learned a bit of respect, at least. Help him? And why would you do this, my dear? I defeated him. I am the one you should honor. Again the grin.

Morzul clasped his hands behind his back and descended to the ground. The girl stumbled away from the imposing figure. His grin widened. Her ragged breathing caught as a whimper escaped her constricted throat. Fearful eyes flitted between the man lying before her and the menacing figure. Perfect. She respected him.

Well, her eyes darted everywhere except to meet his gaze, he’s my father, sir.

Oh, yes? Morzul studied the unconscious man and the girl standing over him. He could be gracious with his subjects. He was, after all, the finest magician in this time or any other. Fine, do with him what you will. I am your Town Magician and I have spoken.

He locked his sight on the young girl. If she had magic and would have inherited her father’s position, she could be a problem best dealt with now. Morzul leaned in further, which caused the girl to whimper. He lowered his voice so only she heard. I would advise you not to cause me problems. Understood?

A glint of fire flashed in his eyes. It would unsettle her. The trick had taken many days to perfect, but it had been worth it. The daughter stared back, lip quivering, before she dropped her gaze and nodded.

An older woman stepped up beside the adolescent. Her mother, Morzul presumed. She helped with the injured man, but her eyes never left the new Town Magician.

Good woman, something bothers you? Morzul stepped closer, and she averted her eyes. He wanted to smirk, but controlled himself.

Morzul watched as the two women, young and old, dragged his fallen opponent toward the surrounding crowd.

The council will hear about this. The words burst from the daughter as they continued struggling to drag the defeated man.

Mustn’t let them think they had achieved a victory. He remained in charge. If the council could stop me, they would have tried. Don’t depend so on that decrepit organization. I will bring about a new age of magic, one without those has-beens.

He pointed one hand at them and grasped the extended wrist with his other hand. A slight movement with his fingers and the girl rose in the air with a yelp. She tried to hang on to her father as the older woman attempted to grasp her. Morzul’s fingers twitched once again, and the woman flew back as if swatted.

You, girl, shut up. Her eyes snapped to stare at the dark-robed man. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Tell me. Where is the next closest town? He waited for an answer. Come, come, I haven’t all day.

The girl stammered, Tatroon. She pointed and Morzul turned his attention in that direction. A small group of people hurried away from Byen. Could be villagers on errands. Naw. Must be villagers attempting to escape and warn another town. Well, he would deal with them.

Thank you. Morzul lowered his arm. The youngster plummeted, crying out as she crashed into the dirt. The magician ignored her and floated into the air. Once he rested, he would pay a visit to Tatroon.

CHAPTER 3

THE PERFORMANCE

Ta da!

Samual cringed as Rory called out from the stage and whipped his cape so it wrapped around his legs. A pigeon flew from the performer’s outstretched hand - exposing the hidden pouch that once held the bird. No one else reacted to it like Samual.

Please let them realize how fake these tricks are.

His shoulders sagged when everyone around him erupted into applause. And more cheering.

Cheering?

This got worse with each performance. Rory performed simple tricks using sleight of hand. He did them well, but they were still fake magic. Why did everyone believe they watched real magic?

Samual didn’t cheer. He stood on tiptoes amongst the rest of the audience crowded in front of a raised platform. Purple material hung as skirting around the stage. Other magicians didn’t hide what was under the stage.

Onstage, Rory set the hat (the fake hat) on a small table and bowed once again. When a group of young ladies near the front sighed loud enough for those in the back to hear, Rory straightened and blew them a kiss. They giggled and pretended to catch it. Samual rolled his eyes. Girls. If he could do magic, he wouldn’t do it for the girls.

Rory dressed like a Town Magician, but his clothes weren’t as fancy as most. A few mended tears and worn patches on the knees made it clear Rory’s clothes had been used for several years. His cape, while clean, didn’t glitter like the more expensive Town Magicians who used the best hand woven material. Even his first outfit didn’t look as nice to Samual any longer.

The stage, the skirting, the hat, and the clothes Rory wore were all ok. Not as fancy or elaborate as some magicians. Why didn’t Rory spend his tribute on a better stage? Another indicator of a horrible Town Magician.

Oh, man. Why do I keep coming to these?

Coins clinked as they landed on the wooden performance stage accompanied by shouts of Huzzah and Another. He envied the money Rory made from his shows. Magic performance was better than trying to sell his vegetables at the market. Though his father wouldn’t agree. Samual stifled the thought as Rory (the fake magician) spoke.

You want more? Rory