Free Good Ogre by Platte F. Clark Page A

transformations had actually gone. Could Megan really be a priestess healer and Melvin an archer? There was no doubting Sydney was some kind of pixie with her new wings and all, but what could any of them really do?
    â€œWe’re not on some field trip here,” Dwight grumbled. “Stay focused.”
    â€œI don’t recommend anyone touch the water—or whatever it is,” Sarah added. Nobody looked inclined to disagree with her.
    â€œNever thought I’d see a river running through the middle of town,” Sydney added. Her voice had gone up in pitch with her diminished size.
    â€œLet’s keep going,” Dirk pressed. “We’re not getting experience points for just looking at stuff.”
    Wayne stepped forward. “I’ll scout the way ahead. A bridge makes for an easy ambush.”
    â€œThe warrior has spoken true,” Melvin added. “I think my elf senses are tingling with danger.”
    â€œMore like hay fever,” Dirk added.
    â€œWayne’s idea isn’t a bad one,” Puff added. “We don’tknow what’s out there, and being stuck on a bridge is a tactical disadvantage.”
    Max nodded. “Okay, Wayne, just be careful.”
    The big kid took off, carefully crossing the bridge. Max kept expecting a barrage of arrows and spears or something, but it never came. Sarah grabbed Max and gently led him away from the others. She spoke, keeping her voice low. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about Wayne. Have you considered the possibility that he was in on this from the beginning?”
    â€œI . . . ,” Max began, but he realized he’d been avoiding thinking about it. “I guess I don’t know.”
    â€œI’m just saying we don’t really know what’s going on, except everything happened after Wayne’s arrival.”
    â€œWell, if Wayne was involved, it doesn’t seem like he had a very good plan. Isn’t he stuck here like the rest of us?”
    Sarah thought it over. “Maybe. We don’t have enough facts yet. But we need to be careful.”
    Dirk noticed the two of them talking and hurried over. “What are you guys whispering about?” He looked over his shoulder to see Melvin practicing pulling his bow while Sydney clapped gleefully with each successful draw.
    â€œWayne,” Max answered.
    â€œI was just saying that we don’t really know him, so we should be careful,” Sarah said.
    â€œBut he’s got that amulet,” Dirk replied. “Dwight said Wayne couldn’t carry the portal unless he was good.”
    â€œMostly good,” Sarah corrected.
    â€œStill, purposefully dooming a world is pretty messed up.”
    â€œIt is,” Sarah agreed. She looked up to see Puff and Dwight moving to meet Wayne as he made his way back. “I’m not accusing him. Just keep an open mind.”
    â€œMy mind is like a steel trap,” Dirk said. “It doesn’t open unless you really push on it.”
    They rejoined the others as Wayne stepped off the narrow suspension bridge. “It’s clear,” he announced. “On the other side there’s a path that winds into some hills. Plenty of places for an ambush, but I didn’t see anyone.”
    â€œI say we advance, but keep our weapons at the ready,” Melvin suggested. “I will also call upon my elf ancestors to bless us with a magical buff.”
    â€œBuff . . . ?” Sarah asked. She vaguely remembered Dirk using the term before.
    â€œIt’s like a magical spell that helps you out,” Dirkanswered. “I bet our priestess could do it.” All eyes turned to Megan.
    â€œWhat we don’t need is a bunch of amateurs experimenting with magic,” Dwight interjected. “Let’s just keep things simple, okay?”
    Melvin looked disappointed. “I will assume our dwarf’s wisdom is as long and deep as his ancestors’ mines,” he