He plugged in a few wires, crossed fingers, and threw the switch. The stage flashed briefly before lights warmed the park clearing. Jeremy clapped his hands for success then closed the junction box. It wasn’t perfect but the old stage would do for the performance. He walked towards his car and tossed the electrician’s belt into the back then grabbed a box of decorations. Jeremy was pleased with himself. He had thought the...

He flicked the wand again but the hat remained an empty hat. Jeremy groaned as he started twisting the top off the wand and dumped out the batteries. Giving them a quick glance, he then hesitantly licked the positive side. He twitched and jerked the battery away. Still a charge in there. He gave the wand another shake and there was only the slight noise of the ball bearing inside moving and clicking against the switch. The wand was working...

“Here again. Did it bring food, or is it food?” it hissed at Anselm. He tried to pick out what tree the serpent spoke from, but the myriad of swamp sounds distorted the source. The haruspex waded forward in the water, holding the offering pouch at arm’s length. “I have what you seek, serpent. Do you have what was promised?” As his words echoed through the murk and fog of the swamp, he dropped the pouch. It barely made a splash in...

Edwin flicked the wand again. The quills that burst from the seat next to Jeremy nearly impaled his head but he dived at just the right time to avoid punctures. “Stop ducking Jeremy! Make this easy on yourself!” Another flick and an anvil manifested just behind the magician, nearly crushing him. He tried to start running again and fell as his cape snapped him down while being held still by the anvil. Jeremy untied the mantel...

Jeremy screamed as the stone flew past him. The discus moved through the wood and drapery around him as if the material wasn’t there. Only after it passed, could the elliptical shaped holes where the material had been burned away. A sudden flash of light and Jeremy ducked just in time for the stone to skim his hair but otherwise leave him unharmed. That was, if you didn’t count the dozen ovals in his cape. The stone had arched...