Zoran Chronicles Volume 1 A Dragon in Our Town Read Online Free PDF Page A

times.”
                 Bernard chuckled, “Ah, Zdenka, you are slipping!” She grinned. “I’m called
Bernard Dragan, Dog Master. She’s Zdenka Lavos, Archer. I’m heading into Brn for the
Picking.”
                 “You too?” Zdenka commented curiously.
                 “Aye, but I don’t suppose that Archmage Oldrich will choose me,” he said rather
bored. “This will be my third try. I’m not sure why I keep coming to the Picking, but I
seem to find myself walking this way. She’ll probably not pick me this year either, but I
reckon it don’t hurt to try.”
                 “Well, if you want to learn magic, Bernard, you just have to keep on trying. I’m
going to the Picking this year too. I’m fed up with my life. Magic may be what I am
seeking. Guess I will see. What’s your business in these parts, Zoran?” she asked politely.
Bernard was also eyeing the stranger.
                 “I’ve come to see Archmage Oldrich myself. I want to see if she will accept me as a
student. What’s this Picking thing all about?” he asked, hoping to get some information.
                 It was Bernard who replied. “Each spring, about now in fact, Archmage comes to
the Stodgy Inn to interview all those who wish to become magic apprentices. Been doing
it as long as I can recall,” he explained in a monotone voice. “Some she chooses, some
she don’t. She didn’t pick me twice before, and I don’t know why she might pick me this
year, though, but it gives the dogs a nice outing if nothing else.”
                 “How does she choose the new apprentices?” Zoran asked, though he saw that
Zdenka also was very curious as well.
                 “Oh, she asks you funny questions,” he replied, bored.
                 “Like what,” Zdenka asked, curiously.
                 “Dunno. Cain’t remember them. Funny thing, been asked them twice now, and I
can’t remember what her questions were! Isn’t that just the strangest thing?” Bernard
replied, himself suddenly becoming curious for a moment, before slipping back into his
usual boredom.
                 “Probably cast a Forget spell on you,” Zoran suggested. “That would account for
your not being able to recall her questions. Maybe you’ll get them right this time.”
                 “Maybe so, maybe not,” he replied. “Least the dogs like the long walk, especially
Amos, there. He’s the oldest. Right smart dog.” Zoran noticed that, when talking about
his dogs, Bernard was anything but bored.
                 As they approached the gates, Zdenka said, “Say, you two follow me to the
sheriff’s office. Part of the reward money belongs to both of you as well. Please, I insist.”
                 “Thanks, Zdenka, but you did most of the kill’n. I only rounded up the strays,”
Bernard replied.
                 “Yes, but that means those five won’t be robbing and hurting others for a long
time, Bernard. Zoran, you got some yourself. Please, I insist. Then, Bernard, you can
lead us to the Stodgy Inn. I don’t know exactly where that’s at — Brn is rather large.”
                 “Okay, if you insist. Maybe it will pay for my room and board,” Bernard replied.
                 “Thank you, Zdenka. I’ve my own funds, but if you insist. Thanks,” Zoran replied.
“I have no idea where this inn is located. Never been to Brn. I can see it’s quite large,
isn’t it?”
                 “Aye, that she is,” Bernard replied. “Stranger, best watch your money pouch.
There’s pickpockets hangin’ round these streets. Unsavory types too, but I reckon that
you can deal with them with your fancy swords. Me, I depend upon my dogs. They can
smell a foul beast a mile away. Now this one time. . .” Bernard began relating a story of
how his dogs helped