by J. A. Areces
Chapter 17
The Stranger
In the months that followed Halloween, months since Jesse Alexander last saw or heard from the wizard Beifar Mahgo, Alivan’s Wizards and Witches Corner Store was busier than ever as if by magic. In the weeks that followed his adventure with Beifar, Jesse struck up a deal with the Disney Store, supplying Stealth brooms to their retail outlets. Unexpectedly, their buyer contacted Jesse shortly after the wizard left. The brooms used in the Sorcerer’s Apprentice ride were an identical copy of the Stealth. Jesse, in turn, reached out to the manufacturers of the Stealth brooms, the Windsur Manufacturing Broom Company, established by the Wizardry Windsur family more than two hundred years ago. Thankfully, it wasn’t a difficult request for the Windsur Manufacturing Broom Corporation, and in no time Jesse was raking in the money.
The Windsur family taught Jesse the mastery of flying brooms. Jesse learned the intricate aerodynamic relationship between the different enchanted flight essences and the broom rider. He learned how certain magical creatures’ feathers interacted better with different brooms, depending on the wood. He also learned the importance of purchasing the finest quality wood from Elven Oak Farms, and how only first grade corn stalk resulted in unparalleled, superior brooms unsurpassed by the competition.
Jesse also sold actual flying brooms to Wizardry, and his competitive prices spread throughout the Wizardry community almost over night. Oddly enough, since he was a Folk, Jesse soon gained the reputation of being an expert in flying brooms within certain wizard and witch circles. Jesse was selling magic flying brooms like hot cakes. Alivan’s Wizards and Witches Corner Store became a very profitable business. His adventure with Beifar was just the start of his dealings with the Wizardry world
Jesse finalized more contracts with other purchasers and eventually supplied flying brooms to Wizardry schools, all the while developing a blog for his customers on maintaining and caring for their brooms. The steady popping in and out of Wizardry customers at Alivan’s Wizards and Witches Corner Store inevitably made the small store the gossip of Mount Dora.
Jesse never told anyone about the Wizardry world he stumbled upon, not even Cindy. He felt that no one was ever going to believe him unless they themselves experienced the divulging process with a wizard.
Jesse faithfully found the time to fly on his broom no matter how busy his workdays. Whenever the city of Mount Dora was quiet, and the night clear of storms, Jesse would dress up in his wizard’s cloak; grab his staff, which still glowed with its enchanted light, and escape. The cool night breeze was intoxicating and bewitching to Jesse. It called to him almost like a quiet song that only he could hear. With staff in hand, he would mount his broom, lean forward, kick his feet up, and soar out and over the nearby buildings only to return just before sunrise. On many rides he would come upon Wizardry and together silently glide over hills and open country. Flying on a broom undoubtedly became Jesse’s favorite thing to do.
On the last day of the month, the bell rang, menacing, as the door slowly opened. Jesse looked up from his laptop. A strange man stepped in and paused before closing the door behind him. He was shrouded in a dark cloak and hood. It was difficult for Jesse to make out his features as the man stared intently at the crystal ball. The stranger slowly approached the front desk and pulled the hood back over his head revealing himself. He was an ugly man. Actually, “ugly” was an understatement. His face was disfigured, almost mutilated. A long scar ran down his forehead. Jesse’s body involuntarily shuttered as he sat back in his chair.
The stranger leaned closer and glared at Jesse. He studied Jesse thoroughly as his nose moved up and down taking in whiffs of air, apparently smelling Jesse - - much like an animal would.
“You are Jesse Alexander?” he asked, his voice rough and deep.
Jesse hesitated answering. He slightly nodded yes.
“Figures, guys like you all look the same don’t you?” He closed one eye and glared with the other. “I don’t like heroes.”
Jesse wasn’t sure how to respond.
“And to think you’re nothing more than a Folk.”
Jesse’s mind warned him to run.
“My name is Nicholas Fidgewidge, and I believe you have something that belongs to my brother, Raven Claw.”
The End
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The Secret Society of Seven Sorcerers