Free Zoran Chronicles Volume 1 A Dragon in Our Town by Vic Broquard Page A

hunt in packs, which is when they are most dangerous indeed. They
fear light and fire, so any spell that creates bright lights or fires will drive them off.”
                 “Very good, Bernard. Now then, how about the slithers?”
                 Emil chose to answer this one, reciting mostly what the book had said about
them. From his description, he’d never actually seen one. “These are snake creatures,
whose fangs deliver venom that paralyzes a person. Unlike normal snakes, these grow to
be three feet in diameter and can reach thirty feet in length. Because of their girth, they
can easily eat a human, which makes them dangerous. They are most easily slain by
swords and by spells that do cutting type damage.”
                 “Good, Emil. Finally, how about paleowasps?”
                 “I’ll answer this one, because my hawks and I frequently run into these nasty
flying creatures,” Karel growled. “They are a giant sized wasp, really, the adults reaching
three feet in length. Their stinger delivers a nerve agent that first paralyzes the victim
and slowly shuts down all bodily functions. If possible, the females then lay their eggs in
the carcass so that their hatchlings will have a good supply of food upon hatching. Earth
based spells and anything that cancels their flying makes a good defense against them.
Also, my hawks are excellent at catching them while they are in flight.”
                 “Excellent. Now that you have an appreciation for the lands in which we live, it is
time that we begin learning the spells necessary to protect ourselves and others,” she
replied, knowing from all the smiles that her students were very ready to begin learning
spells.
     
                 In early June, Zoran’s sister made telepathic contact with him for the first time. Zoran, can you talk? It was Rayna! At once from that gentle mental touch, Zoran
realized just how much that he had missed his sisters all these months!
                 I’m here. Yes, please! I miss you and Lida loads. How is everything? Are you
two okay?
                 Yes, we are fine, really we are. How about you? Lida and I really miss you too!
                 I’m doing great. I’m studying under a terrific Archmage, but I best not tell you
who right now. I’ve made some new friends and am learning spells like never before.
                 I am so glad that you found a way to continue! Magic is so important. Well, dad
was furious when he finally figured out that you ran away. He sent out messages to all
the other barons inquiring if they had seen you. Of course, none had. He called on
Milos to attempt to track you, but you did a good job of covering your trail. He even
went so far as to ask the priests to track your Shadow Walk. He was fuming when they
couldn’t pick up your trail! I’ve never seen him so mad. Radek isn’t of the same mind
though. He keeps saying good riddance and all that. I think he really does dislike you,
Zoran. Perhaps he was behind the three assassination attempts. Lida and I are keeping
an eye on him.
                 Any news from the Court?
                 Well, dad held a secret conference with some other barons. He is now planning
a big summer offensive against the Sholov Province and warlord Mikolas. He thinks
that he can take that whole province this summer. I hope he loses big time. Oh! Mom’s
coming. I best stop for now. More later when I know something. Love you, Zoran.
                 Love you too, Rayna. Tell Lida I love her too. The connection was suddenly
broken. Zoran sighed, “I sure do miss my sisters.” He pulled his covers up and drifted
into sleep.
     
                 Having finished their study of basic background information, the group began to
work on learning actual spells. Archmage Nadia followed the same pattern as had
Zoran’s previous