Pizza delivery, part XIV

If you ever decide to kill a dragon, make sure you have enough time free for the work you'll need to do afterword.

Thanks to Brend's magic, we didn't have to worry about the carcass decaying as quickly. Still, Callan's band worked quickly to separate and collect every part of the dragon.

Since I was the novice adventurer, I got to fetch whatever the others needed.

We worked constantly, pausing only to eat and sleep.

Speaking of eating, stay away from dragon meat. It is edible, but insanely hot. Like eating ten ghost peppers at once.

And that heat? It doesn't completely fade for a long time.

Even now, almost a week after we ate some, my mouth is on fire. Apparently it's a tradition amongst adventurers who manage to defeat a dragon to eat a little of it. My suggestion for a new tradition?

Order a pizza.

"Laddy!" Setting down the crate of bones, I turned. Standing next to Brend, Callan motion for me. When I got to them, Callan grinned. "Your armor arrived."

That was another convenient thing about having a wizard. Instead of needing to hull the harvested dragon to the nearest city, Brend could just bring up the wizard's haze. Add a few extra nonsense words to the initial chanting, and the wizard's haze could bring you in contact with a specialist.

Like an armorer.

Brend handed me a cloth parcel. Though bulky, it was surprisingly light. Loosening the cord, I unwrapped the cloth to reveal what lied within.

Daylight made the dark scales gain a multicolored sheen. Lifting the first piece, I found what looked to be a hood that extended to cover my shoulders.

"A coif." Callan said, taking it so I could looked at the next piece. A long sleeved shirt, which was long enough that it would cover my thighs. "And that's a haubergeon."

Next were two really long socks. "Those are chausses." Callan said. I smiled as I pulled out the final objects.

Gloves.

"When you suggested armor, I didn't expect a full suit."

"Might as well have a fireproof warrior for the next dragon." Callan grinned as he handed all of it back to me. I laughed, though part of me wasn't certain if he was joking. "Why don't you try it on?"

Nodding, I headed toward the main part of camp.

It took a bit of time, but I figured out how each piece was supposed to fit over my clothes. It was strange how light and flexible the armor felt, especially after having worn a leather vest for so long. I slung my delivery bag over my shoulder, then headed back toward the others.

When Callan saw me, he laughed.

"Just wait until we face whoever brought you here!" He shook his head and gave another laugh. "He'll not be expecting a wraith wielding dragonslayer."

I could see that confrontation going one of two ways.

Either it would convince the guy to send me home, or he'd laugh and strike me down with magic.

After all, Brend's magic had hurt the dragon, and whoever this guy was, he had magic.

Interesting crafts

1. Woodworking. Just imagine, taking a piece of wood and transforming it into something new. A carving, table, or even a boat. Being able to work with wood is cool.
2. Shoemaking. Once upon a time, skilled craftsmen made shoes to fit your feet. Not any feet, but yours. If you can get a pair of custom shoes made, your feet will thank you.
3. Hatmaking. Hats come in many styles, and can be very useful. Hats are amazing, and so are those who make them.
4. Bookbinding. There is so much knowledge in the world, but it would be difficult to share that knowledge if there wasn't a way to record and store it. Books are one way to do that, but someone has to transform a stack of papers into a book.
5. Glassblowing. Being able to take a blob of molten glass (called a gather), and shape it into something is awesome.
6. Watchmaking. Being able to make something that can accurately keep time is fantastic.
7. Spinning. Being able to take fibers and transform them into yarn that you can then use for other crafts is really cool.
8. Calligraphy. Writing is awesome, and with calligraphy, the words you write can become visually stunning. Calligraphy brings a nice personal touch to any letter.
9. Cake decorating. Cakes fresh from the oven can be a little bland to look at. But that cake can be transformed into so many different things. The only limit is the baker's skills and imagination.
10. Saddlemaking. There are a lot of different types of saddles. Being able to fit a saddle to a horse and its rider is not only useful to them, but shows the skill of the saddlemaker.

Pizza delivery, part XIII

I woke with a painful ache in my head. A groan escaped as I opened my eyes. The sky was dark, but a nearby light made it difficult to see stars.

Rubbing my eyes, I moved to sit up. The world spun, and I faltered.

"Careful, laddy." Callan's voice came from what I thought was my left. I took a breath, and managed to get upright.

I lifted a hand to my head, and felt cloth. "What happened?"

Callan chuckled. "From what I heard, your wraith killed the dragon. Then after you managed to get the creature back in your bag, you collapsed and hit your head."

I turned my head, wincing as it ached. Hearing what happened, the memories were becoming clearer. "The dragon bit you."

Callan smiled, lightly touching the bandages around his torso. "Goes to show how one mistake almost makes even a seasoned warrior into lunch." He shook his head, jaw tightening briefly. "If it wasn't for you, I'd be dead."

I frowned, and almost shook my head. "All I did was release a wraith. Smoky could have turned on us."

"But he didn't."

A reedy laugh filled my mind, and a shock nipped my fingertips. "Not this time, but he will." I tried to ignore the wraith's laughter, but it was hard. How do you ignore another's voice in your head?

Callan nodded, then looked toward the light. "Brend, Alex is awake!"

I heard movement, and then the wizard appeared. "Mister Alex, how are you feeling?"

"My head hurts, and the world spins when I move." I said, and Brend nodded.

"With your permission, I'll check that there is nothing more serious."

"Sure."

He lifted his staff, and I couldn't help but smile at his nonsense words. Perhaps it was because I hit my head, but this world was growing on me. Sure, all the creatures I've met have tried to kill me or my friends.

Friends? Yeah, I guess they have become my friends.

Brend spoke one last word, and his staff spewed a blue-green light.

And my headache faded.

"Neat trick." I said, and Brend shrugged.

"You'll be alright." Then he turned to Callan. "Have you asked him yet?"

Callan shook his head. "Not yet."

"What?" I asked, and they both turn to me.

"Because your wraith killed the dragon, you have first claim on any spoils." Callan said, his smile growing as he motioned into the dark. "Which in this case, is the fallen dragon."

I frowned. "What would I want with a dragon carcass?" Were dragons even edible?

"Dragons are magical creatures, and that magic remains even after death." Brend said, sitting down next to Callan. "A dragon bone staff is a powerful conduit for magic, for example."

"We can't do anything until you decide." Callan held my gaze. "So what do you want?"

Rubbing my neck, I looked away. What would I be able to use from a dragon? I wasn't a wizard, so I didn't need a magic staff.

"What would you suggest?" I asked, turning back to my friends.

"Armor. Dragon scales are extremely light and flexible, but can easily withstand attacks." Callan said, one hand lingering over the bandages around his torso.

"Yes." A reedy voice whispered in my mind, and I stiffened. Turning, I stared at the delivery bag lying nearby. Had I really just heard Smoky speak?

"That sounds fine." I said, turning away from the bag.

Armor probably wouldn't protect me from the wraith, but perhaps it could keep me from needing to let Smoky out again.

Besides, it could make a neat costume when I got home.

For yardwork

1. In preparation for a party.
2. So that untamed plants don't end up collecting a bunch of trash.
3. So you can walk under a tree without having to bend to avoid hitting your head on the low hanging branches.
4. As a way of exercising.
5. As a family activity.
6. So that your lawn looks nice.
7. So you can enjoy being outside without worrying about hidden anthills.
8. So your trees and other plant can grow unhindered by excess growth.
9. As a reason to spend time outside.
10. Because it is something that often needs to be done.

Pizza delivery, part XII

Dark smoke shot out of the delivery bag. It moved fast, covering the ground between us and the dragon in seconds.

The dragon's jaw was tightening around Callan's torso when the wraith reach it. Unlike in the forest, Smoky didn't await for the dragon to look away. Shifting from dark smoke into an inky goo, Smoky covered the dragon's eyes.

Dropping Callan, the dragon released a high pitched roar unlike any other I'd heard. Tossing its head back and forth, the dragon clawed at its face.

Lorcan moved in, ignoring the raging dragon as he reached Callan. A large man, Lorcan half dragged, half carried the band's leader away from the dragon. Brend and I hurried to over, while Seamus and Rafferty kept watch on the dragon.

Smoky's inky goo now covered most of the dragon's face. Any bit the dragon managed to claw off merely dissolved into smoke and returned to the main mass to become goo again.

We reached Lorcan, and I held back. His armor was dented, and I could see blood where the dragon's teeth had punctured the metal.

"Well, wizard?" Lorcan asked as he worked on removing the armor.

"Keep the dragon away." Brend said, holding his staff over Callan as he began chanting nonsense.

"Can you control the wraith?" Lorcan asked, finally getting the breastplate off.

Callan shirt was bloody.

"I don't know." I glanced toward the dragon, in time to see Smoky's goo cover the beast's nostrils.

"Then keep that bag open." Lorcan jerked his head to my delivery bag, then stood and moved back toward the battle.

My right fingers were frighteningly cold and trembling, so I guessed Smoky was happy. The dragon wasn't looking good.

It collapsed, a garbled noise escaped its throat, along with a weak sputtering of flame.

From the beast's throat, inky goo leaked out. The goo covering its face slid away, and once all the goo was gathered on the ground next to the dragon's head, it rippled and changed into smoke. The smoke rose, lazily drifting through the air.

I could pull my gaze away from Smoky as it drifted closer, passing Lorcan and the others as if they weren't there. The wraith seemed different, larger and more malicious.

I moved away from Callan and Brend, hoping Smoky wouldn't take interest in the unconscious leader.

Taking a step forward, I faced the cloud of smoke. "Alright, you've beaten the dragon." I held up the open delivery bag. "If you want another encounter like that, then killing me now is a bad idea."

Smoky's form shifted, becoming a dragon.

The wraith struck.

Fangs of smoke sank into my wrist, and pain coursed through my veins.

Thrusting my hand into the delivery bag, I shook it. "Get off!"

The pain lessened, and I pulled out my arm and shut the bag.

A static shock filled my fingers, and in the edge of my mind I heard an actual laugh.

A reedy laugh, that I somehow knew came from Smoky the wraith.

Then the pain in my wrist flared, and I fainted.

Snacks for watching a movie

1. Pretzels. Pretzels are delicious, and the small hard ones are great projectiles for quieting friends who have already seen the movie.
2. Gummy bears. Soft and chewy, these bears are useful stress relievers for those suspenseful movies, as they are easily decapitated.
3. Chocolate. Able to take many forms, chocolate is the perfect snack for any movie genre.
4. Dry cereal. It comes in many colors and flavors, and can help you keep track of how many times the bad guys should have died in a comedy.
5. Beef jerky. Want to make your friends laugh? Copy the dinosaur's rampage through town, with the jerky being your victims.
6. Vegetables. Just cut them into small pieces and provide a dip, and you've got a healthy snack for the movie.
7. Crackers. Whether on their own or with slices of meat and cheese, crackers make for a nice snack that may occasionally annoy your buddies.
8. Rock candy. It'll give you a sugar rush and can come in many different colors, so everyone can have their favorite.
9. Chips. Simple, yet often just right for whatever movie you're watching.
10. Popcorn chicken. These little pieces of chicken are great fuel for really exciting movies, the kind that keep you eagerly wondering what happens next.

Pizza delivery, part XI

Now I know what it's like to be the wick of a candle.

Flames flowed against the surface of Brend's protection spell. In some places, the dragon fire stuck unnaturally to the spell's greenish glass.

"How long will your spell hold?" Callan asked, a hand on the hilt of his sword. Brend shook his head as he muttered another nonsense word, blue-green magic leaking from his staff and moving to the protection spell.

"I don't know. I've never used it against a dragon before."

Callan turned to his band. "Alright, boys. If the dragon doesn't lose interest, we strike. Lorcan, take the left. Seamus, the right. Rafferty, aim for the eyes and wings. I'll take the front." As his men nodded, Callan turned to Brend. "Use whatever magic you think would help drive the beast away."

Then Callan turned to me.

"Alex, guard Brend."

Swallowing, I nodded and looked down at my quarterstaff. I didn't have the experience of Callan's band, so of course I'd be sidelined.

My right fingers itched, followed by a flash of heat. I frowned at my delivery bag. Why Smoky would disagree with Callan's plan?

Shaking my head, I looked up as the flames died.

The dragon rammed its horns against the protection spell, and I jumped.

"Easy, laddy." Callan said, drawing his sword. The dragon roared, another burst of fire splattering against the protection spell. My right fingers ached, and I tapped the delivery bag.

For fifteen minutes, the dragon circled the protection spell. Horns, teeth, claws, fire, the beast's attack never let up.

"Get ready, boys." Callan glanced at each member of his band, then lifted his sword as the dragon struck with its horns. "When it backs away, drop the spell."

Brend nodded, and we shifted into positions.

Smoky's signals rose again in my fingers. An ache that seemed to follow the dragon.

"Now!" Callan charged forward, and Brend barely got the protection spell down before the leader could hit it. The band followed, meeting the dragon's roar of challenge with weapons drawn.

Brend moved back, and I followed. Heat sank into my fingertips as we moved away from the dragon, the ache growing.

"Do wraiths have a thing against dragons?" I asked the wizard.

"Not that I know of." Brend said, lifting his staff and aiming it at the dragon. "Why?"

"I think Smoky wants me to fight it." I flinched as the dragon snapped at one of Rafferty's arrows. A shock bit my fingers, followed by heat. "Well, if you don't want me to fight, what do you want?" I glanced away from the battle to glare at my bag.

A quivering sensation filled my fingers, followed by an iciness in the fingertips that followed the dragon.

"The dragon?" I asked, and the chill flooded my fingers. "What would a wraith want with a dragon?"

The shock of Smoky's laugh, and my aching fingers pulled toward the dragon.

The dragon released a pained roar as a ball of magic smacked it in the jaw. Brend glanced at me. "What is the wraith saying?"

"I think he wants a shot at the dragon.” I nodded when iciness nipped my fingertips. "Yes, that's it. Could a wraith beat a dragon?"

"I don't know." Brend shook his head, sending another blast of magic at the dragon. "Would the wraith turn on you if it was released?"

My fingers went from cold to hot. "Maybe."

There was a shout, and I looked away from the wizard.

Callan was on the ground, with the dragon standing above him.

"Could you beat the dragon?" I asked, and my fingers went numb.

Scrambling at the delivery bag's flap, I got it open as the dragon bit Callan.