The Flying Sorcerers

In all, the villagers did not redeem a large percentage of Purple’s tokens — not even when the sick and crippled began arriving from the other four villages by the boatload. People who were already healthy preferred to keep the tokens, partly because they might be needed for some very strong act of magic later, and partly because they were magic in and of themselves. They would bring good luck.

After they were cured many of the pilgrims decided to stay on. Intrigued by our flying boat and our electrissy generators, they formed an ever-present crowd of curious onlookers. They began trading for spell tokens so they could bet on the various pumping teams.

Others came in hopes of joining our growing Clothmakers’ Guild, or of joining a bicycle put-it-together line or a generator team. Still others came to trade, and they were followed by those who prey on those who trade. Others came out of curiosity. They had heard of our flying machine and wanted to see it for themselves.

Our combined Guild of Advisors had grown to a size almost unmanageable, and there were ominous mutterings from various elements who felt they had been slighted in its growth. Clearly we were going to need some reorganization.

And finally came the day that Purple announced his battery was charged. He would depart for the sky before the next dawning of the blue sun.

And this time he meant it; — this was no test flight. This would be Purple’s actual departure. Once the airboat lifted from its cradle, he would be gone from our village and our lives forever.

He spent almost all of his time on the Crag now, checking lists and counting supplies. Often he could be seen poking , carefully at the boat’s rigging or testing an airbag.

“Look how the boat strains at the ropes, Lant — isn’t it beautiful? We have food aboard for at least four hands of | men, we’ve got four or five manweights of ballast; we’ve got a few extra windbags in case we rip any. I say we’re ready, Lant. How about you?”

“Huh? I’d say you’re ready, too.”

“No — I mean, are you ready?”

“Huh?”

“Aren’t you coming with us ?”

“Me?!!” I squeaked. “I wouldn’t set foot in that — I mean, I have no intention — that is, I’m needed here. Business requires it! I’m a Speaker! I —”

“But-but-your sons said —”

“My sons?”

“Yes — they led me to believe that you were going to come too. We planned for you.”

“This is the first I have heard of it.”

“You do not want to come then?”

“Of course not; I can see no reason at all why I should.”

“Well, neither did I,” said Purple. “But Wilville and Orbur seemed to think it necessary.”

I shuddered. “No, thank you, Purple. I will forgo the honor.” I did not add that I would rather be in a village with no magicians, than in a flying machine with two mad ones.