A Wizard Tale #microcosms #flashfiction

Posted on Dec 12, 2016 by TanGental

Microcosm gave us: Wizard, Refuge and Memoir. 

And what did you do in the war?

‘Type?’

‘Ob.’ I detected a sneer, I was sure of it. We Obs, or object wizards, have always been treated like riff-raff. Bods had a somewhat higher reputation; then there were the elite, the Minds and the ten Omni. Goddess all and I hated them.

‘Wand.’ The concierge held out a bony hand.  I knew they’d take it; even so, it hurt like hell.

‘Potions, spells, incantations extant?’

Not a shred of empathy. They’d won, we wizards were in hiding or had given up and herded into these ‘refuges’.

I shook my head and, as if to prove it opened my cloak. It was only when she saw how translucent I’d become that she softened. ‘Why don’t you sit in the sun? Firm up a bit. I’ll get nurse to check you over.’

I’d like to say I felt grateful but by then I’d been patronised from both sides by Norms and Elite. Just because I could only cast on objects, my own kind thought me feeble. Cannon fodder. I was lucky; I’d learnt a mindblock early on; they couldn’t manipulate me like the other Obs. I’d seen too many friends fade for no reason.

‘What’s wrong with you?’ The nurse made me start. She was a Bod and yet she had her wand. As she saw me looking she said, ‘It’s allowed when you recant.’ While I absorbed a restorative, she talked. I was lucky. They had plans for me. Obs and Bods were joining with Norms to restore the balance, overcome the Omni and the remaining Minds. If I joined they’d train me to become part of a new Elite.

The sun began to set through the window. A refuge or a prison? My choice. Why couldn’t I simply fade to dust like so many of my friends?

Rather kindly this got me an Honorable Mention in this week’s judging. 

 

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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17 Responses to A Wizard Tale #microcosms #flashfiction

  1. davidprosser says:
    Dec 12, 2016 at 4:14 pm

    What a lead in to a full length story (book) this was Geoff.
    Hugs

    Liked by 3 people

  2. inksian says:
    Dec 12, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    A well deserved honourable mention. Great story.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Ritu says:
    Dec 12, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    Great story again His Geoffleship!

    Like

  4. willowdot21 says:
    Dec 12, 2016 at 6:44 pm

    well deserve sir!!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Let's CUT the Crap! says:
    Dec 13, 2016 at 12:47 am

    Sniff. Sniff. I sense the whiff of a new story… I wonder if Geoff will take up the lead… o_O

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Norah says:
    Dec 13, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Congratulations, Geoff. No obs obviously!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Charli Mills says:
    Dec 13, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    It’s a fun read on the surface, yet lurking below I cannot help but see glimpses of our modern society.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Sarah Brentyn says:
    Dec 13, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    I know you probably have numerous books brewing in your head and can’t possibly…can you? But I agree with David and Allie. This could be a long short story or novella. Think on it.

    Liked by 1 person

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