The Monsters of Stephen Enchanter (38 page)

Fiat justitia, ruat cœlum

Several months later, far to the eastern edge of the
Kingdom of Locklost in the shadow of the Waterfall mountains, a scarred and bearded stranger entered into the town of Epoch.  Behind him scuttled several dozen creatures that appeared to be made out of dirt.  The stranger rode a beautiful horse and wore the robes of an enchanter. 

“That’s because I
am
an enchanter,” said the stranger, in response to the mayor’s question.  “I’m a traveling enchanter.  I have ridden a long way today, and winter is approaching.  Have you any work for me?”

“Your story is a sad one,” said the mayor, “but I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to dismount and come with me.  You should know that it’s illegal for enchanters to ride horses.”

Stephen was a not criminal.  He worked hard at not being a criminal—or, at least, not being caught.  It wasn’t an easy thing, when one was born an enchanter in the Kingdom of Locklost, where no decent citizen would help any magic-user.  But he had learned a lot over the past few months, and so instead of allowing himself to be hauled off and cuffed, he leaned over the side of his horse and gazed deep into the mayor’s eyes.

“You’ve got it backwards,” he said, pushing magic and bedazzlement into his voice.  “It’s not illegal at all.”

“Terribly sorry about that,” said the mayor; “my mistake.  And now that you mention it, we could use a decent enchanter around here.  We’ve been having a bit of trouble with bears lately.  You wouldn’t be able to help us, would you?”

“I can help,” said Stephen, and smiled brilliantly.

If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review!

Deborah Jeanne Natelson is a freelance editor.  She has a Master of Theology from the University of St Andrews (Scotland).  At the moment, Deborah lives in Colorado.