Cloak & Dagger: Book II of The Dragon Mage Trilogy Read Online Free PDF Page B

his pouch and was about to complete his task when he heard a cook coming up behind him. The thief had to shape his body to the contours of the room as an overweight cook arrived at the pantry shelf.
    “It’s on the top shelf,” said a nearby cook.
    The fat one looked up. “Got it.” He reached up and picked up a jar of spice. Turning around, he called out, “You’d better order some more spice. This won’t be enough for tomorrow’s gathering.”
    “Most of the master and arch mages will be here,” said the nearby cook. “We should double our usual order.”
    “Will do,” said a third cook from up front. “I’ll write it down right away.”
    The fat cook by the pantry chuckled. “We’ll be working in crowded quarters when we’re on full staff tomorrow.”
    “Not if you take the day off,” jibed another cook.
    The fat one laughed. “You can’t handle the pressure without me and you know it!”
    “Very funny,” said the other cook.
    The fat cook continued to chuckle as he finally left the pantry to continue his discussion in the kitchen, much to the relief of Alric.
    Fearful the fat cook would return again soon, Alric withdrew the jar he had been given and placed it on the pantry shelf. The instructions he had been given told him to do just that. The black liquid in the jar seemed out of place amongst the lighter coloured ingredients beside it, but as Alric watched, the liquid changed colour to match its counterparts. The jar itself changed in appearance as well, shaping itself to be identical to the others on the shelf. They all looked alike. He marveled at the magic that had happened before his eyes. Only a powerful mage could create such complex magic. The mage who had sent him on this errand had him curious before. Now he was impressed.
    Eager to get out of the tower, Alric rubbed his ring. He wanted to meet the mysterious mage again. He needed some answers.
    The sunlight was almost blinding as Alric reappeared in the Square. He was off to one side of the tower, away from the busier areas. Across from him sat the mysterious mage. On the mage’s lap was an open book. Beside him on the bench was a small leather pouch. The mage appeared to be reading the book, unaware of the thief’s presence.
    Alric decided to remain invisible a while longer. This way he might learn something he would otherwise not. Approaching cautiously, he examined what the mage was reading. It was a magic book. The ingredients and incantations for a lightning bolt spell were displayed, but to Alric’s surprise, he couldn’t read the writing. What language was the mage reading? It was not elven, and he didn’t recognize any of the symbols as being common to the human’s language. What was it?
    The thief had his answer a moment later when the mage reached out to turn the page. Extending from the dark robe’s sleeve was a scaled green, three-fingered hand. It was a lizardmage!
    Alric tried unsuccessfully to stifle a gasp.
    In one motion, the lizardmage snapped his book shut and rose to his feet. “So!” he hissed. “I see you have discovered my identity! No matter. Our business is almost concluded. Have you completed your task?”
    “Yes,” growled Alric, “but had I known who you were, I would not have done it.”
    “That is why I didn’t tell you,” sneered the lizardmage. “But all that is too late now. The task is complete. It is time for me to return to my realm in the mountains to the north. Give me back the ring I lent you and you will be paid for your efforts.” He indicated the leather pouch on the bench.
    Alric glanced at the pouch. “What was in the jar you had me deliver?”
    The lizardmage hissed. “You’ll find out eventually. Your Dark Magic Society will thank you!”
    “You dirty lizard!” growled Alric. He raised his invisible arm and cast a fireball at the lizardmage. But the fireball struck an invisible barrier and deflected harmlessly aside.
    The lizardmage grinned evilly and calmly stashed