Mayard Klarje said, “Jethro. If someone looks different, it doesn’t mean they are less important and lack feelings. Magick is not to be used frivolously, young sorcerers. Think about the consequences of your actions. Always let your hearts guide your deeds.”
Jethro humbly said, “Yes, Teacher.”
Mayard Klarje reached into his tattered rucksack and removed a small jacket and handed it to Jethro. Jethro accepted the doll-sized garment but said, “Thank you, Teacher. But it’s too small for me. It should fit my sister’s doll. I’ll give it to her.”
Mayard smiled and answered, “Your education continues. Place your left hand in the sleeve.”
Jethro did not question the famed wizard and stuck his hand into the small sleeve. The fabric expanded and the coat slipped over his body and became a perfect fit.
Jethro marveled, “It feels wonderful. The fabric is warm and cool at the same time.”
Mayard smiled and said, “It’s made of Sagain silk. The fibers are produced by silkworms that live in the Semper Fi trees on Wombat Mountain. The coat is water resistant and will grow as you do. By the way… it’s also fire and cold resistant.”
Jethro beamed, “Thank you, Teacher. Receiving a gift from you is an honor! And you’ve given me two!”
Mayard again smiled and said, “Just remember what you’ve learned today.”
Jethro, Bo, and Dean left the amphitheater. Headmaster Lennard gave Mayard a quizzical glance and then left also. Rhiann helped his great uncle gather his materials and store them in the marvelous rucksack, which maintained its weight and outer dimensions. Rhiann mimicked the Headmaster’s quizzical look.
The youngster said, “Uncle Mayard, why did you reward Jethro? He’s been very mean to me. You witnessed it. Today was mild compared to other things he’s done. I can’t go near the merchant Elliott’s store. He thinks I’m a troublemaker.”
Mayard kept stuffing thinks in the rucksack and said, “Well, I could have changed him to a toad. I really have done it before. Or would you rather have had me place a barbed tail on his backside?”
Rhiann sighed and answered, “Not a bad idea. Uncle Mayard. I might have considered it.”
Mayard chuckled, “I thought about it, too. But, Rhiann, if we treat him like he has treated you, are we any better than him? Vengeance is not best served cold. It’s best not served at all. Two wrongs do not make a right. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I can recite many more adages if you like.”
benjamintowe 