RS01. The Reluctant Sorcerer (21 page)

“Forever?” “Aye. That’s how long dragons live.” “Dragons live forever?” “Aye. Forever. And they love tales even more than they love to frolic in the autumn mist,” said Mick. He grinned and patted the chamberpot. “We may as well help our new friend get good and settled, Brian. It looks as if he might be stayin’ for a spell, no pun intended.” And so, as Brewster considers the fact that one of the disadvantages of a verbal agreement is that you can’t read the fine print, we take our leave of the reluctant sorcerer, but only for a short while, because strange and nefarious new developments are afoot. The plans for the production of the “many-bladed knife” are about to see fruition, and as soon as Mick is finished with the molds, the first Swiss Army knives will appear in the Land of Dam and find their way into the hands of itinerant traders, which will cause Brewster more trouble than he could ever imagine.

The innocent introduction of technology, however primitive, will bring about significant changes not only at the keep, but at Brigand’s Roost, as well. And despite Brewster’s efforts at keeping a low profile, his reputation will gradually spread and cause ripples of gossip that will eventually reach all the way to Pittsburgh.

And as the three brigands. Long Bill, Fifer Bob, and Silent Fred, nervously maintain their silence about the missing time machine, they remain unaware that they are being stalked by the fearsome Mac the Knife and his three apprentice henchmen, the brawling brothers Hugh, Dugh, and Lugh, who have been sent out on their mission by the most powerful sorcerer in all the twenty-seven kingdoms.

Will the bumbling brigands be able to protect Brewster? For that matter, will they be able to protect themselves? Will the beautiful Black Shannon finally meet her match in the handsome Sean MacGregor? Will Brewster find a way to help Prince Brian, or will the werepot prince be doomed to his enchantment for all time? Will Warrick Morgannan, the evil Grand Director of the Sorcerers and Adepts Guild, penetrate the mysteries of Brewster’s time machine, or will he continue to give the narrator a lot of grief? “I heard that,” said Warrick, looking up from his massive desk while he perused his ancient scrolls.

And what about poor, seductive Pamela? Join us again for our next exciting and bizarre adventure. The Inadequate Adept, or The Pittsburgh Stealers.