Free Bumblestook: Book 1, The Accidental Wizard by Sheri McClure-Pitler Page B

out as they approached. The Bumblestooks had decided to go shopping for pet supplies right away. They were so excited about welcoming their new pet into their home, they plumb forgot the serious nature of their visit. As everyone headed back to the house, Harvey and Myrtle thanked Bartholeumous profusely for their son’s gift. Harvey even promised to put in a good word for him at Gaffington’s, should he find himself in need of a job. Finally, the Bumblestooks took their leave, their troubles temporarily forgotten and their spirits lifted; thanks to a wiggly pup and a good, strong, whiff of Euphoria!
    “I shall be off as well,” Bartholeumous announced. “I have done what I came to do, and have other things that need tending to.” Exchanging the voluminous cloak (folded into a handkerchief to fit into a pocket) for the conservative trench coat, he quickly made his way through the house and out the front door.
    “Will you come see us again, Uncle Bartholymouse?” Fiona asked, tugging at his sleeve as they stood on the front porch to say good-bye.
    Eyes twinkling, he bent down to speak to her. “I will come again when the time is right, but until then, if you need me you have but to look into your crystal and think of me.”
    He straightened, reaching into a pocket and withdrawing his hand, closed in a tight fist. Turning it palm up, he slowly uncurled his fingers to reveal a large piece of ancient amber. Its polished surface emitted a soft, golden glow. Entrapped within its fossilized depths were three tiny, winged creatures.
    “Time Flies!” Olivia gasped.
    “Indeed. Prehistoric insects trapped in time. When released with the proper spell, time itself is altered. The effect of the enchanted amber is reversed, solidifying the immediate surroundings in time, while the holder of the gem is left free to act—one full hour per insect. The spell is inscribed on the back. Take it. I suspect that in the future, you will have need of extra time.”
    Olivia took the rare, enchanted gem, handling it with care. Bartholeumous then reached into another pocket, withdrawing what appeared to be an ordinary tube of glue. He handed it to Lance.
    “What’s this?” Lance asked.
    “Super-Duper Glue,” Bartholeumous replied. “No doubt, it will come in handy with Bumblestook around. Just follow the directions and be careful not to glue your fingers together. That can be
most
annoying!”
    So saying, their mysterious guest took his leave on foot, walking down the block like any ordinary man. The Faires stood on their porch, watching as his figure dwindled away and disappeared. Finally, they returned to the house, where a cold breakfast awaited them.

CHAPTER 5
Hidden Talents
    Tom Foolery (disguised as the family cat) sat atop the eight-foot high stone wall, separating the Bumblestook’s back yard from the Faire’s. As he watched and waited, only the twitching tip of his overlong tail and the flick-flick-flick of his whiskers, betrayed his impatience. Finally, his persistence paid off as the Bumblestook’s back door opened and a small, furry white creature burst through. It ran energetically about the yard, eagerly sniffing every tree and bush. The animal approached the wall; slowing down while making wet, snuffling noises through its nose and mouth as it picked up an unusual scent. Stopping directly under the spot where the Bungaree sat, it looked straight up at Tom, wagging its thrice-coiled tail with frantic excitement.
    Tom gazed down, a curious expression on his furry face. His whiskers twitched and his nose wrinkled as he tried to get a whiff of the animal.
    “You don’t
smell
like a dog,” he said.
    The creature cocked its head to the right and regarded him steadily
    “You don’t exactly
look
like a dog either,” said Tom.
    The creature cocked its head to the left and continued to stare at him.
    “In fact, I don’t believe you
are
a dog!” Tom declared.
    The animal’s mouth opened wide, its lips curving upwards