Hamilton Swoop, Wizard of Green Ridge by L. Stewart Hearl Page B

Thermite. That is the reason I was summoned, right?"
    Again there was agreement.
    "Well, fellow wizards, that is not the problem, but a symptom of it. If I snapped my fingers and Thermite disappeared, it would solve nothing."
    Jade jumped to his feet. “What are you talking about? It would solve everything!"
    In his calmest voice, Hamilton replied, “No, Master Jade and please, resume your seat. And here is why. The bug is not the problem. It is not a wanton beast, killing people at random and laying waste to the land. It is a tool, a weapon. Our challenge is not so much to kill this beast. The real problem, brother wizards, is to eliminate the Beastmaster."
    Diamond looked up. “Just how do you expect to do that?"
    Hamilton rubbed his beard drawing his hand down to its tip. “I don't know ... yet. First, I suppose, I'll have to figure out who he is, where he is and, with some luck, why he is doing this. In the mean time, I ask that you members of the Guild think about ways of killing this bug. Surely someone here knows how to kill a bug."
    "Er, step on it?” offered Whimper and received an elbow stab in the arm from the wizard seated next to him.
    Hamilton gave a cold stare to the wizard who elbowed Whimper. “Unless, you can come up with something better, I would be a bit less judgmental, if I were you. But, shy of constructing a two hundred foot long foot, the suggestion is a bit impractical, Acolyte Whimper. Still, it is a good start. As a dragon, this beast was imbued with mythical powers. As a bug, it's just a nuisance, albeit a large one.
    But, as I said, I will leave finding a way to exterminate this bug to you for now. I, on the other hand, will try to find out first, where this Topaz can be found, and second, how I can stop him.
    Are there any further questions?” The room was silent. “Good, then we will all meet back here the same time next week. In the mean time, I trust that the Runemaster and the Alchemist may be able to provide us all with additional information. Please have your records keeper send me any information they might have on Topaz. Where he lived, where he's from, and what kind of magic he specializes in. Anything, no matter how insignificant it might be.
    Also, Master Diamond, I wish you to get out the word that should anyone find one of those cylinders, they should notify the Guild immediately."
    "Meow!” shouted Whiskers.
* * * *
    Back at the inn, Whiskers got her voice back, but it came in stages. That was most “ meow...” Damn. Listen, Old Man. Whatever else you do, I want you to make sure that that “ meow” stuff, damn, never sees the light of day again. You have no idea how it feels to lose your ability to talk.
    Thalia, who was sitting on the couch, scratched Whiskers behind the ears. “Poor little kitty. I'm sure Hamilton will come up with something."
    Whiskers produced a weak purr, but her tail continued to flick back and forth. Think so? What about it, wizard? Got something up your sleeve besides old spotty skin?
    Hamilton looked up from the chair and frowned at the cat. “I don't know. I kind of liked it when I didn't have to listen to your snide remarks. Maybe I'll collect a jar of the stuff to keep around here when I need some silence."
    You wouldn't dare, you “ meow."
    "Relax, cat. I was just kidding. I value your comments ... most of the time, but as to what I intend to do about Topaz ... I don't know, yet. Hopefully, the Guild can help. There're too many unanswered questions right now. Why is he getting this Thermite to terrorize the people around here? How is he doing it? That white stuff must affect his magic as well so how can he control the beast without magic?” Hamilton shook his head. “Too many questions right now."
    He stood up and stretched. Then he sat down at the small table in the room and extracted paper and a pen from the drawer.
    What are you writing? Your last will and “meow" , damn, testament?
    "Cute. No. I'm writing up the danger of finding