FICTION FRIDAY: Making the Seen

     “Look, I have to climb the wall a then walk across a yard filled with gravel to get to Darkhaus the Dire’s dungeon door.”

     “Yes, sir.  And those Slippers of Silence will get you across the gravel without disturbing a single pebble which might alert a watchman or guard dog.”

     “I don’t care how silent the slippers are.  The soles are so thin that the second I drop down into that gravel, I’LL be making sounds.”

     “What else can I offer you, sir?  You’ve already turned down the amulet which ensures that the wizard’s legendary dogs won’t detect you by sniffing the air.”

     “Yes, by permanently making me smell like a dog.  And that ring you offered me that would help me just scare them away…..”

     “Being turned into a tiger would indeed make you rather conspicuous, sir.  But I did offer you the shield which would repel all of Darkhaus’s dire enchantments.”

     “And, at the same time, make every magic amulet I carry myself inert as well.  Are you sure you won’t sell me the invisibility cloak you mentioned in the first place?”

     “I’ll sell you whatever you please, sir.  But I don’t think….”

     “I’m starting to believe that’s true.  Let me try it on, at least.”

     “Here it is, sir.  But you should know….”

     “Ah, nice and warm.”

     “It is warded against all inclement…do come back, sir.  You haven’t paid yet.  And the door is barred.”

     “How did you know I was walking that direction?  If you can see me, then the Invisibility Cloak….”

     “Works a little differently than you expected, sir.  Look at your arms.”

     “Yes, I can see…but where’s the…I still feel it on my shoulders.”

     “That’s right, sir.  When you put on the Cloak of Invisibility, the cloak becomes invisible, not the wearer.”

     “What use is THAT?”

     “You asked about Invisibility Cloaks, sir; I didn’t claim I had one that was useful.  I believe the conjuress who crafted it said it would break the ice at parties.”

     “She sounds like a real charmer.  Maybe I should buy it, though.  If I break into Darkhaus’s place wearing this, maybe he’ll laugh himself to death.  No, I’ll buy the tiger ring instead.”

     “Indeed, sir?”

     “Indeed.  I’ll use it to discuss that joke with the sorceress.”

“Very well, sir. Thank you, sir.”

“Maybe if I scare her enough she’ll sell me something I CAN use. Does she live far from here?”

“Not very, sir. Just take the north road out of town, sir. She has a tall tower in the center….”

“Goodbye and good riddance!”

“…of a field of catnip.”