Hamilton Swoop, Wizard of Green Ridge Read Online Free PDF Page B

the East.
* * * *
    Late in the afternoon, the travelers entered the farthest outskirts of Center City. Ordinarily, this would have normally made Hamilton feel better, but the homes he had expected to see either appeared vacant, were smashed or were cinder piles with charred beams jutting up through the snow. He snapped the reins and urged Bethesda to a faster clip, wishing to get away from the desolation. Little changed as they approached the city.
    It wasn't until sunset had turned the snow into gold that he saw a sign of life. They entered the town of Norkon, which comprised the western portion of Center City. He noticed a pub up ahead. The sign above the door declared it to be Scrawny's Libations. He stopped and tied Bethesda to a post outside. Whiskers jumped up on his shoulder.
    The pub was only marginally warmer than the outdoors and smelled of wood smoke. Two customers stood at the bar. The four small tables that covered the floor were empty. Hamilton looked at himself in the large mirror behind the bar. He looked tired. The barkeep came over to him. He was tall and boney with skin the color of alabaster. Even his hair was pale. Hamilton almost asked, “You Scrawny?” but at the last moment changed it to, “You the owner?"
    "Yeah. Scrawny Jix.” The barkeep extended his hand.
    Hamilton shook the proffered hand, grasping the man's wrist as the barkeep grasped Hamilton's.
    "Don't get many strangers lately. Actually, we haven't had any save for you. Not since Thermite started coming by. What'll it be?"
    "Got any hot cider?"
    "No."
    How about a bowl of milk? Whiskers stood on Hamilton's shoulder.
    "Then ale, I suppose. Make it a dark one.” He winced as the cat's claws bit through his coat.
    "Only comes in one color, mister.” The man drew a mug of ale and placed it before Hamilton. “Half a Royal."
    "Got any milk around ... for the cat,” Hamilton pointed at Whiskers.
    "'Fraid not. Got some chicken soup though. Still pretty fresh."
    Chicken soup? Hot chicken soup? I'll force myself.
    "How much extra—for the soup?"
    "Nothing. Food's free long as you're drinkin'.” Scrawny placed the bowl of soup on the bar. Whiskers jumped down from Hamilton's shoulder and sampled the soup. Satisfied with the taste, she bore down on the warm soup with gusto.
    "Thanks.” Hamilton fished in his purse, came up with a Royal and dropped the coin on the bar. The barkeep went to get change, but Hamilton waved it aside. “Keep it. Who's Thermite?"
    "You are a stranger if you haven't heard of Thermite, mister! Thermite's a crystal-wing dragon. Biggest and meanest one ever, from what I hear. The peacekeepers don't have anything that can touch it. Been burnin’ and smashin’ homes west of here for two months now."
    "So just who is going to stop it?"
    "The Guild of Magic Users and Wizards say that they've got it under control. They say that they've summoned a wizard who can deal with the dragon."
    Hamilton winced. Damn! So that's why Obsidian summoned me. Goddamn his eyes!
    The barman caught his expression. “Don't you think the Guild can handle it?"
    Regaining his composure, Hamilton replied, “The Guild? Maybe. I hear that they've got some powerful wizards."
    "Not what I heard. I heard that since their big shot Guildmaster croaked, what was his name? Sapphire? Yeah, Sapphire. Anyway, after he croaked, the Guild went downhill. From what people tell me, the new Guildmaster isn't worth a tin royal."
    "Sapphire's dead?"
    "Yeah. Died about eight years ago. That's when this Diamond guy took over."
    "Diamond? Never heard of him.” He finished his ale and put the empty mug down on the bar.
    "Want another? On the house?"
    Hamilton shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I've got a lot to do. Where's the nearest decent inn?"
    "That'd be the King's Arms. They'll treat you right, but they charge quite a bit. Two blocks down to your left. Hang a right on King's Way, then it's about three more blocks. You can't miss it."
    "Thanks."
    "I