Dugan read the golden plaque, upon the ornate wooden door. The words “Fairborn’s Antiques – Established 1225 B.D.” were inscribed upon it in the common tongue. The dwarf smiled with relief. For he had found his destination, but a part of him was still anxious as he opened the door and entered.
The interior of the shop smelled of fine oiled wood. Amber light spilled throughout the shop from abundant candle flame. Dugan smirked. It was obvious that the owner did not care for the emerald iridescent glow of manalights. Dugan could almost understand the owner’s choice of lighting.
Manfluxin, the wonder of the magical industrial age. Should not be present among the artifacts of ages past. There was something almost sacrilegious about mixing the two. The dwarf’s eyes surveyed the rows of glass display cases, which contained all manner of strange artifacts for sale and display.
Dugan then noticed. The tip of a tall, pointed hat the color of midnight blue, as it moved above the shop’s glass display cases. Dugan adjusted his fine coat, it appeared he was about to meet someone.
The lean man towered over the dwarf, in his dark pinstriped suit, whose shade matched the tall hat upon his head. He moved with a refined grace and purpose as he strode up to the dwarf. Black ankle high boots silenced as he stopped. His face was shaped by a long white beard groomed to perfection, which tumbled below his waist.
“Salutations, master dwarf. Magus Mendel at your service and welcome to this humble shop.” The man bowed and whisked off his tall hat with long pale fingers and revealed his bald head. Dugan noticed the wizard’s deep azure eyes, which sized him up, when he returned to his full height. Magus Mendel was tall even by what the dwarf considered “human” standards. His thin frame seemed to elongate his features even more. Dugan dealt with wizards all the time. Since he was a large supplier of pyrite. The mineral essential for Manfluxin production. Yet, he did not expect to find one in an antique shop, nor dressed in such attire.
“So, whom do I have the honor of meeting this fine day?” Mendel asked his new patron.
“Dugan Burrow-Vann, and I am looking for Robin Fairborn.” Dugan responded with hopes to avoid further useless banter. Dwarves always believed that one should be direct, in all matters especially business.
“Master Robin is not in now. I can take your name down along with your current place of stay and see that he contacts you upon his return." A smile drew upon the wizard’s face, its sincerity diminished by his raised bushy eyebrows, which hinted of annoyance.
Dugan adjusted his coat once more and stroked his raven-colored beard. His hazel eyes observed the wizard as he considered his response. It was not wise to anger a wizard, especially one that did not adorn the robes of the Wizard Conglomerate. An independent Magus was a formidable ally or opponent. Dugan chose his response with careful consideration.
“Magus Mendel, with all due respect,” the words came out, but tasted bitter, Dugan hated to grovel. “I am under a strict timeline. I need to speak with Robin Fairborn. The matter requires his personal touch, and I would like to meet with him the moment he returns. I will wait in his office."
A large ornate wooden staff shimmered into view as the wizard’s hands closed upon it. Dugan gasped, as the wizard spoke strange words, a pale blue light filled the room. Dugan half expected to die, but puffed out his chest in sudden defiance, with a fresh inhale of air.
“Calm yourself dwarf, this is only a truth light. Had it changed to red. You would have been either asked to leave or,” the wizard paused. He smiled an odd grin, “It’s best not to discuss such possibilities.”
Dugan could not begin to imagine what “such possibilities” meant. but knowing that wizards were a strange lot he let the comment pass.
The dwarf regained his composure. He snorted in common dwarven fashion. To show he was growing impatient, but it did nothing to speed up the process. The wizard glared at Dugan, his cobalt eyes were cold and seemed to bore through him. Minutes passed and when Dugan could bear the wizard’s stare no longer, Mendel spoke.
"I tend, not to honor such a request. But I see your intentions are neither to buy anything within his shop nor cause Master Robin any harm. So with that said I will show you to his office.” Mendel stretched out a long arm and indicated the way to Robin’s office.
© Cathalson – 2008 / CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION.