The Wizard and the Green Dragon (Part 2)

This is the second part of the story. To find the first part click here.

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“A diviner?”

“That’s what the boy said that man called himself, Galen. But there shouldn’t be such a capable diviner in this world. And even if there was one, I wouldn’t have missed him.”

“But he pinpointed the time and place you were to appear, so he can’t be a charlatan.”

“Exactly.”

“Then?”

“Worse case scenario, a demon worshipper, or a demon. After all, this person came to stop me from seizing the Green Dragon. He can’t be anything good.”

“You think the demons know?”

“They shouldn’t. And I hope they really don’t know. Otherwise, the Green Dragon might not even appear. Anyway… If the Green Dragon appears, I’ll sense its manifestation. It will be for a moment, but I’ll sense it. Our best bet is that the demons really don’t know, and they won’t take any precautions and, thus, the Green Dragon will manifest on this land, when it should. We can’t get it, right then and there, as things stand now, but once it’s here, I’ll find a way to force it to reveal itself.”

“And what’s the odds?”

“I don’t know. All this is wrong, after all. A diviner who shouldn’t exist exists, and things that nobody should know are known. This world is simply wrong, and I can’t figure out why.”

“To whom are you talking, Sir Wizard? I’m sorry! Forget I asked, please. It’s not my business.”

“Relax, boy. Wizards talk to fairies and ghosts. You don’t need to pay attention. Did you do what I said?”

“Yes, Sir. To the letter. And brought you what you asked for.”

“Good boy, good boy. Was the said diviner, there?”

“Yes, Sir. I sought him before going to the King.”

“And? What about my execution? Did they decide?”

“Yes, Sir. The King said it should be done tomorrow morning, at ten, as per usual, but the diviner insisted it should happen earlier, or later. Finally, His Majesty commanded the execution for half past nine.”

“The diviner insisted?”

“Yes, Sir?”

“Why? What excuse did he give?”

“Nothing in particular, Sir. Just that, if it’s done at ten, you’d trick them to escape.”

“He said that? He really said that?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I see. Boy, you did well. I promised you some useful advice. So, hear me. Take whatever might be valuable to you and whomever you love and cherish, and leave this city before the sun rises. Surely, before my execution time. Say this to the wrong people, and you’ll die.” Then, in his mind, “Dagwood, follow him and kill him, if you must.”

“Sir… how far should I go?”

“Were I you, to a faraway country. And by nine thirty tomorrow morning, far enough so you can’t even see this city, at the very least.”

“Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.”

And the boy left.

“Will there be a city by nine thirty-one?”

The Wizard laughed.

“There will be, Galen. I need this city as is until, at least, three minutes past ten. I’m curious, my dear, I only thought of how I’d trick these stupid people and escape after I heard the time of my execution. So, how did this bloody diviner know already and insisted to change the time?”

“Beats me. How?”

“I don’t know! And I always know more than anyone else. That’s what is so irritating.”

“And what are your plans for tonight?”

“Nothing much. Eat, drink and sleep.”

By the time the Wizard was finishing his dinner, Dagwood returned.

“You came back sooner than expected. What happened with the boy? Did you kill him?”

“No. There was no need. He ran to his home, only to take some money. Then went to get a girl and, without even explaining to her why, he took her out of the city, and they left towards the north.”

“Oh, sweet! A clever boy, I must say. Good for him. He’ll live a good life. Now, my boys, please keep this poor wizard safe, on his last night. I’ll try to overcome my fear and sleep.”

Even the usually expressionless Dagwood couldn’t but laugh.

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To read the third part click here.