Fountain Pen Related

: Written by: Liz McGuire; Category: Fountain Pen Related; Published: 09 June 2021; Hits: 625

Part 1: Quintus, the Fifth Wizard

56 Montblanc Leo Tolstoy Sky Blue
Long after the other four wizards went home, Quintus’ patience finally paid off. On the right foot of the sphinx of black quartz, the largest toe showed a slight abnormality. That toe had to be the way inside, and in time, Quintus would unlock its secret.

57 Robert Oster Astorquiza Rot
Quintus stood before his wardrobe staring at a virtual sea of black robes. With a sudden grin, he whispered a secret spell, then pulled out a single blood-red robe.

: Written by: Liz McGuire; Category: Fountain Pen Related; Published: 09 June 2021; Hits: 595

< back to Part 1: Quintus, the Fifth Wizard

Part 2: The Oily Adventure

87 Platinum Blue Black (cartridge)
As they left the keep, Makhabesh snarling at anyone who stared, Quintus said, "I'll need a new name." "Why?" "Quintus is for the fifth wizard. That's not me anymore." "What's your real name?" "A wizard never reveals his true name - too dangerous." "All righty then. Quint it is!" Makhabesh announced. "Unless you prefer Percival? Bertram? Horace...?"

88 Colorverse Warped Passages
"You should ditch the robe," Makhabesh said as they left the city. "Wizards always wear robes." "That's why you should ditch it." Quint - without the "us" - hmm'ed for a while before saying, "Quin." Makhabesh glanced at him sideways. "What?" "I think I like Quin better than Quint." "Uh-huh. Well, Quin, I'm thinking you should ditch the robe."

: Written by: Liz McGuire; Category: Fountain Pen Related; Published: 09 June 2021; Hits: 502

< back to Part 2: The Oily Adventure

Part 3: The Old Goat Adventure

126 Pelikan 4001 Violet
Makhabesh grabbed an ordinary sack and started stuffing food inside. "Why not--" A knock at the door froze Quin and Makhabesh in place. Quin heaved a sigh and went to the door. Outside, an old man with a stringy little beard hunched over his cane. Makhabesh thought he looked very much like an old goat.

127 Diamine Blue-Black
"Sir!" Quin said, straightening his spine. The old man cleared his throat. "Wizard Quin, sphinx Makhabesh, you are summoned to Mount Ferovere, to the Wizards' Palace. You are to appear before the High Wizard himself. You are to leave at once! Primus awaits at the keep to open a portal to Norvelt." Quin gaped. "Who's the old goat?" Makhabesh whispered.

: Written by: Liz McGuire; Category: Fountain Pen Related; Published: 09 June 2021; Hits: 507

< back to Part 3: The Old Goat Adventure

Part 4: The Quest to Find Happy Silkworms

190 Waterman Tender Purple
"Sir," Quin asked while they waited, "what do you mean the world is falling apart?" The High Wizard stared at him a moment, glanced at Essri, then waved a hand. A transparent, rippley dome appeared over them, instantly blocking all sound from outside. "Our source of magic has been corrupted. Most of the world won't care, but wizards and wizardesses are already weakening. Stopping Marsell was a good start, but it's not enough." "I haven't noticed my power weakening," Quin mused. "You're barely above an apprentice. When we restore the Source, you'll feel it." "We?"

191 Herbin Bleu Nuit
Makhabesh returned just in time for dinner, with word of a silkworm colony in the forest. As the High Wizard explained the problem and solution, he cut small pieces of pizza and cheeseburger for Essri, who gulped them whole. "And so," the High Wizard concluded, "we need to visit the silkworms." After several worried glances were exchanged, Makhabesh declared, "We're going to need a bunch of cheeseburgers to go." And after a glance at Quin's Infini-pack, he added, "And a couple of pizzas. Folded up."

: Written by: Liz McGuire; Category: Fountain Pen Related; Published: 09 June 2021; Hits: 555

< back to Part 4: The Quest to Find Happy Silkworms

Part 5: The Quest to Heal the Source of Magic

218 Colorverse Ham #65 Glistening
The morning they were to go back through the Muirdoor, Quin woke to find the High Wizard gone. A note and four magically protected boxes lay on the table in their cabin. "He's gone," Quin said after scanning the note. He wasn't sure how to feel about that. "Where?" Makhabesh asked. "Back to the Wizards' Palace." "But what about the Source?" Essri whispered. "He says we have to go without him. That people will be watching for him when he returns and he would just put us in danger." Essri shivered. "Who needs him," Makhabesh said.

219 De Atramentis Archive Ink
"These are for your pack," Quin said, handing Makhabesh the two smallest boxes. "And these are for mine." Quin put the two larger boxes in his pack. "They all contain some of the happy tears from the silkworms." Essri slithered up Quin's arm to look at the letter - not that he could read. "Why divide them?" "In case we don't all make it," Quin answered. "Pfffff," Makhabesh said. "Clearly that old man wasn't paying attention. Not make it. Pfffff." "Yeah," Essri said. "Of course we'll make it." After a slight pause, he added, "Make it where?"

: Written by: Liz McGuire; Category: Fountain Pen Related; Published: 09 June 2021; Hits: 702

< back to Part 5: The Quest to Heal the Source of Magic

Part 6: The Voyage Home

268 Pilot Mixable Colour Green
After taking care of Marsell’s body, helping the Viscount bury his sons, and recovering their Infini-packs, Quin, Makhabesh, and Essri escaped the isle of Diaminnia as quickly as they could. Viscount E showed them a way around the orange field. The Earl of Grey, whose skin had taken on a slight purplish hue, stood on the beach waving good-bye. Once back on the continent, they bought passage on a ship down the coast to the port closest to Lamyton. The message paper from Quin’s mother had only one new message: “Hope you’re on the way and safe. Love, Mom.”

269 Private Reserve Infinity Violet
As they made their way through Port Pelican, Essri peered at the signs, amazed by the new world that had opened to him thanks to there being nothing else to do during the voyage. “Co-o, no, coo-per, cooper! What’th a cooper?” “Someone who makes barrels,” Quin said absently. “Oh,” Essri replied. “No cooperth in thnek villageth.” Makhabesh smacked the back of Quin’s head with a wing. “What’s wrong, wizard boy?” “Huh? Oh, nothing. It’s just, I haven’t been to Lamyton in years, and, well, Mom didn’t say if Dad’s alright. I guess I’m just worried, that’s all.”

: Written by: Liz McGuire; Category: Fountain Pen Related; Published: 09 June 2021; Hits: 382

< back to Part 6: The Voyage Home

Part 7: The Grey Spot Adventure

319 Nemosine Black
As they stepped out of the portal, six palace guardsmen jumped to their feet. “Wizard Quin, the High Wizard has ordered you to report for questioning,” one said. Quin heaved a sigh. … As they reached the palace, the lead guardsman said, “You wizardesses will have to wait—” “I am Wizardess Doctor Heilari, the Chief Healer of the College of Healing and Medicine at Inkabar University, and this is Wizardess Doctor Laikni, Doctor of the College Hospital and expert in magical illnesses. We have information the High Wizard will want to hear.” She marched into the palace, forcing everyone else to follow.

320 Jinhao Bluish Violet
“Please announce us, guardsman,” Heilari said when they arrived at the High Wizard’s office. The guardsman looked at her sideways, then entered the High Wizard’s suite. He returned shortly and escorted them in. “You have information for me, Wizardess Doctor?” “We assumed you would want to know we were in Lamyton when a grey spot appeared…” When Heilari and Makhabesh finished their parts of the story, the High Wizard glared at Quin. “How do you explain your presence at both instances?” Quin shrugged. “I can’t. I have no idea who’s doing this or why.” After more questions Quin couldn’t answer, the High Wizard dismissed them.

321 Jinhao Red
The doctors insisted on escorting Quin out of the city, just in case another grey spot appeared. After they’d parted ways, Vika said, You should tell Makhabesh and Essri the truth. The secret would just be a burden, Quin answered. It’s already a burden. To avoid answering. Quin said, “Essri, we promised to help you find a new village, where they wouldn’t make fun of you. There’s no reason to put it off now.” After a short pause, Essri said, “I already found a new village.” Makhabesh’s voice rose an octave. “What?” “Where?” Quin asked. When? Vika added.

322 Jinhao Blue
After Heilari finished her account, the Chief Librarian said, “Hmm,” and sat in silence. “Should we worry?” Laikni finally asked. Zenod looked up and said, “I don’t know. The book says Quin’s staff is from the oldest tree in the grove. It may well be the oldest tree on Earth.” “Surely that’s a good sign,” Heilari said. “Unless the Earth is upset with us,” Zenod said. “The book suggests a staff from this tree can command other staffs.” Heilari and Laikni inhaled sharply. “Whatever else is true, I think it better if Quin joins our efforts.” The doctors nodded vigorously.

323 Pelikan Edelstein Tanzanite
Essri grinned. “You guyth are my new village.” Quin let out an audible breath. That’s a relief, Vika said. “Warn a guy, next time.” “Heh heh heh.” Essri’s laugh sounded almost exactly like a snake shedding its skin. As they turned up the walk to Aiyana’s house, Quin said, “Are you sure, Essri? If the doctors are right, these grey spots may get me into trouble.” “Then you’ll need friendth to help.” “Yeah.” Makhabesh smacked the back of Quin’s head with a wing. “Hey! I guess I’ll do an inventory then. See what we need for another adventure.”

324 Rohrer & Klingner Document Black
Quin set his pack on the bed. He pulled out a simple wood box he had no memory of, then another, much larger box. He pried the top off the first and found waxed paper. Inside the paper, he found his mother’s honey-nut pastries. “Mom,” he whispered. He couldn’t quite manage a smile. He pried open the next box. It was too much. He slid to the floor, head in his hands, eyes burning. They love you. He heard a thump and looked up to see Essri and Makhabesh in the doorway. “Quin?” Essri said. “What’s wrong?” Makhabesh asked. Quin told them everything.

325 Lennon Tool Bar Sesame Oil
After some commiseration, and a few pastries, Makhabesh said, “So what’s in the coffin?” Quin couldn’t manage to laugh, though the description was accurate. The larger box was long, but narrow on two sides to fit in his pack. He removed the lid and named all the magical builders his father had included: walls, bridges, even a tower and a small safe room. They were worth a fortune and must have taken his father over a year to make. “We can help,” Essri announced as he slithered toward Quin’s pack. With Quin outside and Essri and Makhabesh inside, they finished the inventory.

326 Diamine Night Sky
The next morning, the green squirrel showed up at a window, followed shortly by the Chief Librarian at the door. He held up a sack. “I brought breakfast.” While they ate, Quin kept his agreement and told the full details of healing the Source. “Hmm.” The Librarian stared at his half-eaten breakfast for what seemed a long time before finally saying, “Quin, unless you intend to go into hiding in some obscure corner of the Wizardlands, there are things you need to know.” “I’m not going to hide.” Makhabesh smacked a paw against the table. “We’re not going to hide.” “Yeah,” Essri added.

327 KWZ Foggy Green
The Chief Librarian nodded. “Two generations ago, wizards began taking over the Council Magica. They gradually changed it to the Wizards’ Council you know today, pushing out the sorcerers...” The Librarian told a tale of political scheming that led to the less-educated workers of magic being pushed out of power until wizards ruled the land. “I believe the sorcerers have organized to try to take power. If we cannot arrange for a peaceful agreement, we may be facing assassinations, random acts of terror, even a war of magic. I want you to help prevent that.”

328 Stipula Ebony Black
Quin stared at the Chief Librarian, trying to think what to say. “Me? I’m not a diplomat or politician.” “Criminals, all,” Makhabesh whispered loudly enough for all to hear. “We don’t need more politicians,” the Librarian answered. “We need to find out who’s behind the grey spots and convince them to talk to us.” “Who’s us?” Makhabesh asked. “There are several of us who think that we should go back to the old Council Magica, with representatives for the sorcerers as well as the wizards. You wouldn’t have to negotiate, just find them and convince them to talk with us.”

329 KWZ Green #3
After the Librarian left, everyone went to the cellar to consider enchantments. Enchantments related to your natural abilities will be strongest, Vika told them. For Makhabesh: confusion, clarity, air, flying, and speed. For Essri: finding, hiding, silence, and venom or poison. For Quin, everything that doesn’t relate to you two. Complementary enchantments are best. Essri tilted his head to one side, then said, “So, I could get an enchantment to heal someone who got poisoned or envenomated?” Yes. Vika sounded pleased. “Envenomated?” Quin asked. “What? I’m a snek.” Makhabesh jumped to the workbench. “Open that book, Wizard Boy!”

330 Stipula Dark Blue
After picking potential enchantments, they began to plan. “I can’t find who made those grey spots without knowing something about them,” Essri said. Nor can I help without more. “What if we catch them in the act?” Makhabesh suggested. Quin thought a moment. “If they are trying to frame me, then maybe we should spend time in public. As soon as we hear of a grey spot, you can take Essri, and Vika and I can move toward it…” “So we can go back to Yaz’s Ink-pour-ium?” Essri asked. “I think we can afford a pen and a practice book.”

331 KWZ Azure #5
“Ooo, that looks new,” Essri said. “Please.” Yaz handed over the small, black pen. Quin started to uncap it when Vika cried, Put it down! It’s cursed! Quin nearly dropped it. “Just what are you up to, trying to sell us a cursed pen!” Makhabesh growled. “I never—” He may not know. Quin said, “Of course not. And we would never tell people you almost sold us a cursed pen…” After negotiating, they left with a nice ring-top pen, a practice book, and complimentary erasable ink and magical ink eraser.

332 Diamine Winter Miracle
“We can’t just keep wandering,” Quin said on their second day. “Let’s go to that park,” Makhabesh suggested. “We can help Essri practice writing.” Essri grinned. They sat under a tree in a small park near the city wall cheering Essri on as he tried to master controlling the pen held with his tail. “It’th harder than I thought.” You’re making great progress. After half an hour, Essri capped the pen and grabbed his ink eraser. With a grin, he pressed it to the paper and said, “Erase!” He chuckled when the ink vanished. In the distance, someone yelled, “Run!”

333 Tono & Lims Hiiragi
“Go!” Essri said. Makhabesh launched into the air without waiting for his buddy. He climbed above the trees, angling toward the shout. Two men running from a run-down building, He told Vika. Follow them, she answered. Makhabesh circled, then followed the men toward the city wall. A sudden rush of air and a loud boom came from behind Makhabesh. He glanced back and saw what seemed like grey confetti falling around the old building. He wanted to watch, but turned back to his prey, following them down streets and alleys until they turned into a tavern.

334 Rohrer & Klingner Alt-Bordeaux
Quin tossed Essri’s things into his pack while Essri slithered up to Vika’s sphere. “Fast!” Quin commanded. In a moment, he spotted guards in city uniforms run past. Makhabesh is following two men. An instant later Quin heard a loud boom from above him. He jerked to a stop. Grey confetti fell slowly. Wherever it landed, grey circles formed, spreading to various sizes, some overlapping. “Thhhh!” Essri hissed. Quin looked. Essri was grey! “Does it hurt?” “No, but let’th get out of here!” Quin commanded, “Fast!” and ran where Vika directed him. “You guys are grey!” Makhabesh said when they arrived.

335 Tintenlabor Gold / Black
“You guys can’t go in like that,” Makhabesh said. “How do we change back, Vika?” Quin asked. This magic was very powerful. We can’t undo it here. “I’ll take Essri,” Makhabesh said. “You watch the back.” “How do I recognize them?” Send me the memories, Makhabesh. “Whoa,” Essri and Quin said together. Inside, Makhabesh had barely jumped up to the bar when everyone turned to look. Talking turned to whispering. Makhabesh made a point of ignoring the room and keeping his eyes on the bartender. “You sell cheeseburgers?”

336 Tintenlabor Purple / Black
The bartender stared at Makhabesh, then slid his eyes down to where Essri was half poking out of Makhabesh’s Infini-pack. “Sphinx and snakes ain’t welcome here.” “I’m a thnek.” Essri grinned and the barkeep’s eyes went wide. “Them neither!" Makhabesh glanced slowly around the room. “Guess we’ll buy cheeseburgers elsewhere.” He made his way out the door. “They weren’t there!” “Let me try,” Essri said. He concentrated on Makhabesh’s memories. “That way.” He pointed back toward the city center. They collected Quin and Vika and headed back the way they’d come.

337 Tintenlabor Iron Gall Ink 1 Dark Green / Black
Essri led them to the square in front of the Wizards’ Palace. A crowd of mostly grey people milled about. Makhabesh spotted the men he’d seen. “They’re grey,” he whispered. “What better way to hide?” Quin answered. People in the crowd began shouting. “What good are the Wizards if they can’t stop this?” “What’s the High Wizard doing about this?” “Who’s going to turn us back to normal?” As the shouts grew louder, city and palace guards moved between the crowd and the palace. This was their plan, Vika said. “Thoon, nobody will trutht the withardth.”

338 Tintenlabor Iron Gall Ink 1 Violet Blue / Black
When the men who’d triggered the magical confetti left the square, Makhabesh followed. Once they’d entered a building, Makhabesh waited for Quin. I don’t like it, Vika said. “No telling how many there are.” “I’ll go,” Essri said. “No!” Makhabesh replied. “I can do it. I’m quietetht and leatht thuthpithiouth…” After some arguing, Essri headed in. He slithered up one story and down the hall, keeping to the edge where he’d be hard to see. At the door to the room where the men had gone, he listened, relaying what he heard to Vika.

...to be continued, every Tuesday.

The Adventures of Quin and Makhabesh: Introduction

The Adventures of Quin and Makhabesh: Part 1: Quintus, the Fifth Wizard

The Adventures of Quin and Makhabesh: Part 2: The Oily Adventure

The Adventures of Quin and Makhabesh: Part 3: The Old Goat Adventure

The Adventures of Quin and Makhabesh: Part 4: The Quest to Find Happy Silkworms

The Adventures of Quin and Makhabesh: Part 5: The Quest to Heal the Source of Magic

The Adventures of Quin and Makhabesh: Part 6: The Voyage Home

The Adventures of Quin and Makhabesh: Part 7: The Grey Spot Adventure