Adventurers Wanted 2) The Horn of Moran

by M. L. Forman

  “Why would that be important?” Alex asked, puzzled.

  “So other adventurers will know that they are your witnesses, of course,” said Whalen as if that explained everything.

  “Witnesses for a wizard are often given greater preference for adventures,” Sindar explained. “Your honor will shine on us because we have ridden with you.”

  After all of Alex’s friends agreed to witness for him, Whalen turned to Bregnest. “I suppose it’s time for our evening meal. I’ll need to speak with Alex again once we are done.”

  The company and Whalen enjoyed a long and somewhat rowdy meal. Later, Whalen led Alex to the back room of the Swan. Once they were seated, Whalen told Alex more about the wizard laws and about the responsibilities that went with being a wizard. They talked late into the night, and Alex learned a great many new things.

  At one point when Whalen had paused in his explanation, Alex asked him a question that had been on his mind for some time. “Do you remember the ring I recovered on my first adventure?”

  “Yes, you’ve told me about it,” said Whalen.

  “Iownan said she couldn’t tell me what the ring was. When I asked if she didn’t know what the ring was or if she just couldn’t tell me, she said she couldn’t tell me.”

  “That is common with oracles,” replied Whalen. “They always know more than they are willing to say.”

  “Can you tell me what the ring is?”

  “I’m sorry, Alex, I have no idea what it might be. However, if Iownan advised you to keep the ring safe, but not use it, I would heed her instruction. She has her reasons.”

  “I’m not in any rush,” said Alex. “I’ve wondered about it and thought that you might know something about it.”

  “I understand completely. Perhaps someday Iownan or some other oracle will tell you what the ring is. When that happens, you might let me know as well.”

  Alex felt that Whalen was the only person he’d ever met who truly understood him. It seemed strange in a way, as the two of them had only really met that day.

  “Oh, yes,” said Whalen suddenly. “You’ll want to keep your staff in your bag while in Telous, and of course when you’re at home.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, in Telous, you really have no need of the staff and carrying it around is considered a bit showy, if you know what I mean.”

  “And at home?”

  “Well, I think you’d look very odd walking around your stepfather’s tavern with a staff,” Whalen laughed. “And your stepfather might faint if you came home carrying one. You’ve only been on two adventures, after all.”

  That night, Alex thought about what Whalen had told him about wizard law and being a wizard. Whalen had also given him a lot of advice on how to choose his adventures in the future. Whalen had also worked the Rel O’Gash spell, and Alex could already feel it working. His mind seemed more organized than it had been, and he could recall the things Whalen had said with ease.

  The next morning after breakfast, Whalen once again took Alex to the back room to talk. Whalen taught Alex several more things, including the spell he had been unable to share with Alex during his journey down the Mountains of the Moon. By midday Whalen was finishing giving Alex instructions and advice.

  “You should spend the afternoon thinking,” said Whalen as they left the small room together. “You need to consider what the oath means and be sure that you’re ready to accept it.”

  Alex nodded. Whalen was right, of course; he had a lot to think about. Whalen had explained so many things in such a short amount of time that Alex wanted some time to sort them all out. He needed some time alone, time to think about what he was and where that might lead him.

  After eating the midday meal with his friends, Alex returned to the small room alone. He considered what it meant to be a true wizard, wondering if he was really ready for the burden. He had only been on two short adventures. Wizards were revered; they were expected to know things and to be wise. In the end, he decided that all wizards had to start somewhere.

  Alex was surprised when Whalen knocked on the door to tell him it was time for the company’s final feast. The afternoon had slipped away, but Alex had made up his mind. He would take the oath, and do everything he could to keep it, whatever his future held.

  As Alex entered the dining room with Whalen, his friends stood and bowed to both of them. Alex felt slightly embarrassed by the attention, but he didn’t say anything. Whalen led him to the head of the table and indicated that he should remain standing.

  “Alexander Taylor,” said Whalen, turning to face him. “You have taken your staff and agreed to take the wizard’s oath. Do you do this of your own free will?”

  “I do,” Alex answered.

  “Will all those gathered here as witnesses acknowledge that he takes this oath of his own free will?” Whalen asked, turning to the company.

  “We will,” Alex’s friends all replied.

  “Present your staff,” Whalen commanded.

  Alex took his new staff from his magic bag and held it out toward Whalen. Whalen did not touch the staff, but looked at it closely.

  “Alexander Taylor, do you swear by your staff that you will obey the wizard laws?”

  “I swear by my staff,” answered Alex, a tingling sensation running through him as he spoke.

  “Will the witness testify?” Whalen asked, continuing to look Alex in the eye.

  “We will,” his friends answered

  “As a member of the council of wizards, I, Whalen Vankin, accept the oath of Alexander Taylor,” said Whalen, his eyes shining with happiness. “I name you a true wizard and a friend of the council of wizards.”

  Alex smiled and bowed to Whalen. Whalen returned his bow, and the company all cheered. Alex was now as much a wizard as any wizard could ever be.

  “A fitting end to this adventure,” said Bregnest as Whalen and Alex took their seats. “If there are no questions or disputes, I will call our agreement fulfilled.”

  None of the company spoke so Bregnest went on.

  “Our agreement is complete, and another first-class adventure is over.”

  “And a new adventure begins for our wizard friend,” said Sindar.

  Alex and his friends laughed, and Bregnest rang the bell to call the servants. Their final feast was long and full of conversation and storytelling. Alex knew he would soon be leaving his friends once more, but he hoped he would see them all again soon.

  As they were finishing their meal, Alex learned that most of his friends would be leaving for home the next morning. Halfdan, Andy, and Sindar would all be riding to the great arch together. Bregnest would be going to Mr. Clutter’s shop with Alex. Whalen said he would wait at the Swan for Bregnest’s return, before traveling to Alusia.

  “You know,” said Whalen looking at Alex. “You might want to start thinking about moving to one of the known lands.”

  “Moving?” Alex questioned.

  “You won’t be staying with your stepfather forever,” said Whalen in a kindly tone.

  “But I’ve only visited three of the known lands, and then only for a short time.”

  “It’s only a thought. You don’t have to move right now, or even decide on a land this minute. And you can always move again, if and when you feel like it.”

  “I did rather like Alusia.”

  “As do I,” Whalen replied. “It would be nice having you close as well. If you like, I’ll keep an eye out for a suitable place for you. You know, a small farm or something.”

  “Would you?” Alex thought the idea sounded wonderful. Of course, he would have to talk to Mr. Roberts about it, but he felt sure that his stepfather would accept whatever decision he made.

  “I’d be happy to,” Whalen said. “As I said, it would be nice having you close.”

  They finished their feast but none of them wanted to say goodnight or good-bye. They remained at the table for a long time, talking about what they would do next, and eventually their good-b
yes were put off until the following morning.

  “Thrang will be pleased when I tell him you’ve taken your staff,” said Halfdan the next morning at breakfast. “Though he’ll be disappointed that he wasn’t here to see it.”

  “It’s his own fault for trying to retire,” Alex answered. “Though I’d guess he’s not completely retired yet.”

  “He’s got an adventure or two left in him,” said Halfdan with a wink.

  “Skeld and Tayo will be green with envy,” said Andy. “This might put an itch in them to go on another adventure.”

  “Tell them they’d better get permission from Lilly and Indigo first,” said Alex. “Give my best to your family, will you, Andy?”

  “I will,” Andy promised. “And Michael will be pleased to hear about your staff, I’m sure.”

  “And you, Sindar,” said Alex. “Are you returning to the dark forest?”

  “I am. And I’m sure Calysto will be pleased with all I have to tell her.”

  “Give her my best,” said Alex. “And greetings to Iownan and Osrik if you happen to see them.”

  “I’m sure I will,” Sindar replied. “Take care, my friend. May we ride together again one day.”

  “As long as there aren’t so many goblins next time,” Alex laughed.

  Sindar smiled, and then leaned close so that only Alex could hear what he said. “I’ve been thinking about our discussion—the one about the pendant I wear. If you like, I can try to find out what your father did for the order.”

  “Would you?”

  “I can try,” Sindar answered. “Such questions are not often asked, and even less often answered, but I can try.”

  “Please do,” said Alex. “And let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

  “Until we meet again, my friends, be well,” said Sindar, winking at Alex.

  With those final words, Halfdan, Andy, and Sindar climbed onto their saddles and rode away from the Golden Swan. Alex waved to them as they went, and then turned to look at Bregnest.

  “How are we getting to Mr. Clutter’s?” he asked.

  “Through the wardrobe,” Bregnest sighed.

  Alex said good-bye to Whalen, promising to keep in touch with him as often as he could. He felt sad at the parting, sadder even than leaving his friends behind. He had only been face to face with Whalen for two days, but he felt like he’d known him all his life.

  Whalen smiled and promised to keep an eye out in Alusia for Alex’s new home. As he took Alex’s hand to say good-bye, he spoke in a lowered voice. “We will meet again, my friend. And perhaps we will even share an adventure some day.”

  Alex bowed to Whalen, and then followed Bregnest back into the main lobby of the Golden Swan.

  Bregnest sat down and said, “Clutter’s adventure shop.” He vanished.

  Alex followed Bregnest’s example and as soon as he had repeated, “Clutter’s adventure shop,” everything went dark around him. For a minute he felt confused, and then he saw the open door of the wardrobe in front of him.

  “Back again,” said Mr. Clutter as Alex stepped out of the wardrobe. “And another successful adventure, if I do say so myself.”

  “Very successful,” replied Bregnest. “We’ve completed our quest, and Master Taylor has taken his staff.”

  “How wonderful,” said Mr. Clutter, beaming at Alex. “I knew he would one day, but after only two adventures, that is outstanding.”

  “You are most kind,” said Alex.

  “Not at all,” Mr. Clutter went on. “This is truly amazing. I’m sure you’ll be in great demand for future adventures.”

  “Perhaps,” Alex allowed.

  “I suppose you’ll want to change, then,” said Mr. Clutter. “I’ll just let you get on with it. And I’ll collect the files for you, Master Bregnest.”

  Alex watched as Mr. Clutter hurried from the room, just as he always seemed to do. Alex changed back into his old clothes and looked at himself in the mirror. He had to laugh at his strange appearance. He had gotten so used to being in his adventurer’s clothes that his reflection looked odd to him.

  “Heading back to your stepfather’s tavern?” Bregnest asked as Alex emerged from the changing room.

  “For now. Though Whalen did suggest I think about moving to a known land.”

  “Did he suggest which land?” Bregnest questioned with interest.

  “I rather liked Alusia,” answered Alex.

  “You would be most welcome there. And it would put you closer to Whalen.”

  “It would, if he stays home,” said Alex. “But he did say he’d keep an eye open for me.”

  “Then I will also keep an eye open,” said Bregnest. “I would like to thank you for all you did on this adventure, Alex.”

  “You have thanked me enough already. You’ve thanked me so many times that I’m starting to think I did something extraordinary.”

  “You did several extraordinary things on this adventure, just as you did on your last adventure.”

  “I did have some help. I was lucky enough to have some good friends along with me.”

  “I hope that we will ride together again someday,” said Bregnest, looking a little sad.

  “As do I, my friend. And I hope that day is not too far off.”

  “Well then,” said Bregnest awkwardly, “I suppose you’d best be off.”

  “Yes,” said Alex, shaking Bregnest’s hand. “And if Whalen finds me a new home, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

  “You had better,” Bregnest laughed.

  Alex said a final good-bye to Bregnest and left the shop before Mr. Clutter could return. He had a great deal to think about, and Mr. Clutter’s fast talking would only confuse his mind right now.

  Alex wandered back up Sildon Lane, wondering how Mr. Roberts would react to everything he had to tell him. He knew his stepfather would be pleased with the story of his adventure. Alex hoped that Mr. Roberts wouldn’t be too upset about his plans to move to Alusia, but there was no rush to discuss that.

  Alex turned the corner that led back to the Happy Dragon and laughed out loud. He had all day to decide what to tell Mr. Roberts; he had returned on the same morning he had left. For now, he was happy to simply go home and take some time to think about his future.

  Reading Guide

  1. At the beginning of the story, Mr. Roberts talks to Alex about teamwork and the importance of being part of a team. He reminds Alex that he doesn’t have to do everything, and that other people on the team need to help out as well. How important is teamwork in your life? How important is it to include everyone on your team?

  2. Early in the adventure Alex runs into a bully named Otho. Have you ever had problems with a bully? Later in the story, Alex turns Otho into an ox, but we can’t do that to bullies in our world. How can we deal with bullies in our own lives? How can we help other people who are being bullied?

  3. Alex sometimes has a hard time controlling his emotions. He almost loses his temper several times even though he knows something terrible could happen if he does. Do you ever have trouble controlling your emotions? Have you ever lost your temper and then later regretted what happened?

  4. Alex is given a list of things to do that will help him control his emotions, including his temper. What kind of things can you do to control your emotions? Are there other emotions besides anger that need to be controlled?

  5. Sedric Valenteen tells the others that he has a hard time trusting people because he was once betrayed. Have you ever been betrayed by someone you trusted? Does a bad experience like being betrayed make it harder for you to trust other people now?

  6. Bregnest tells Val that honor is saying you will do something and then doing it. What do you think Bregnest means? What other ways are there to be honorable? What do you think honor really means?

  7. The brownies in the enchanted woods refuse to accept any kind of payment for their help. They say that because Alex and Sindar let them help they have already been repaid. What do you thi
nk they mean? Have you ever helped someone and felt that being able to help was the best payment you could ever get?

  8. Bregnest feels that his honor has been damaged because of the choices Val made. Have you ever felt that your honor or reputation was damaged by something other people have done? How do the actions of your friends and family affect you? How do your actions affect your friends and family?

  9. Alex is willing to fight a war for what he believes is right. What would you be willing to do for something you believe is right?

  10. Pride is mentioned several times in the story. Alex fears that his growing pride about being a wizard might be considered evil. The bully Otho thinks he is better than others because of his father’s position in the town. Varson’s pride makes him believe that he is the true king. How can pride help us? How can pride hurt us? Are there different kinds of pride?

  11. Whalen Vankin tells Alex that he is responsible for him to some degree, because he is the one asking Alex to become a true wizard. Are there people who are responsible for you and the things you do? Are you sometimes responsible for other people and what they do?

  Table of Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Wizard in Training

  The Adventure Begins

  Norsland

  Oslansk

  Two Weddings

  The Second Bag

  Goblins and Elf Blades

  Hostages

  Rescue

  Centaurs’ Woods

  The First Gate

  The Tower of the Moon

  Brownies

  Awakening

  Otho’s Wish

  Alusia

  Back to the Wall

  The Horn of Moran

  A Wizard’s Staff

  A New Beginning

  Reading Guide