Tales From a Second Hand Wand Shop- Book 1: They Were the Best of Gnomes. They Were the Worst of Gnomes.
Page 27
Dummy flailed its arms wildly.
“It’s true,” assured Rat.
Just then Grimbledung came back into the room, arms full of lumber and nails. He was kicking along a hammer. “Success!” He said as he let it all fall to a pile at his feet. “Say, Dummy,” Grimbledung began. “Say- do you mind us calling you that? I know you are a dummy, but you, well, you also aren’t a dummy.”
Dummy shook his head and waved off the double entendre.
“Well you know, no one should be called a dummy, even if they are a Dummy.” Grimbledung looked confused. Finally, he brightened up “So I’m going to call you Larry from now on. How does that sound?”
Dummy gave him a thumbs up.
“Great, so Larry, what I need from you is a Mechanimator Wand.”
Larry pointed to where his legs should be.
Grimbledung shook his head. “That I can’t do. Since Drimblerod started the magic on you, he has to finish it. Bad things can happen when you mix magic like that.”
Larry shrugged then held up his hands questioningly.
“I need a Mechanimator Wand for my display” he said. “For just a dash of style that will lure adventurers in.”
Larry held mitten fingers close to his thumb
“Just a hint, nothing gaudy. That’s right,” assured Grimbledung, “let’s get to work Rat, while Larry digs up a wand.”
“Why don’t I get a name?” Asked Rat. “How come Dummy is now Larry, but I’m still Rat?”
“Because Rat isn’t as derogatory as Dummy, of course” replied Grimbledung. “Besides we can’t call you Larry as well. It would get really confusing around here with two Larrys. Really Rat,” scolded Grimbledung.
Larry nodded.
“But no, that’s not ...” Started Rat. “I wouldn’t want to ...” Rat looked between Grimbledung and Larry. “You know, Rat is fine,” he finally said.
“Then what’s the problem?” Asked Grimbledung as he picked up a wide board. “This is perfect!” He said appraising the board. “Let’s get this done and surprise Drimblerod.” He reached for a handsaw.