Rebels (Wizard of New Town, #2) | eBook Sample

Exposition Time

Max had been walking for what seemed like hours. Finally, the wand let him take a break. Max already felt the air cooling as it got closer to nighttime. By now some of the creatures of the night were leaving their homes in search of food.

Max sighed as he rubbed his feet. "Where to next on this grand quest?"

"I...actually have no idea."

"What?!" Max said jumping into a standing position.

"We'll have to do as many other heroes have done. We will wander the land aiding those in need as we gather information. At some point, a grateful villager will give us that important clue."

Max groaned as he sat back down. "If all that is needed to save the world is to end the spell, why not just use..." Max then whispered, "magic?"

"No need to whisper, lad. Magic is not a dirty word here. And no, you can't just poof the curse over."

"Why not?"

"It's against the rules."

"What rules?"

"Magic is tied to your job or talent, as it were. If you were a teacher, you could use magic to turn your students into fish in order to educate them on fish. But, you could not turn a rock into a fish in order to eat."

"Sooo...no eating?"

"No, you can turn a rock into food in order to eat because you are a writer and a hero on a quest. It's one of those unmentionable details in storytelling. Kind of like why no one says 'good-bye' before hanging up the phone. It is unnecessary and slows down the flow of the story.

"As long as summoning food does not interfere with the plot of the story, you'll be able to do it to your heart's content. No one wants to keep reading about how you had to buy food or cook it every time you eat. Same with your clothes, you can use magic to clean or mend them as long as it doesn't interfere." The wand hovered lower. "No one likes exposition."

Max rested one hand on the elbow of his other arm. "So why did we buy all those supplies?"

"Because it moved the plot along. And provided details to the readers. But if you break the rules, there will be grave consequences."

"Like?"

"The universe would have to concoct some new conflict. Like a giant monster."

Max was still unsure if he understood but decided to drop it. "Then let's get a horse."

"Hmm, can't," said the wand. "The story isn't interesting if you just get a horse. Or for that matter, get to sleep inside tonight."

"Other story characters get to sleep inside." Max ran his hand through his hair. "I can't believe I just said that."

"We need to save our magic. Undoubtedly the forces of evil will try to thwart us at every turn."

Max let out a moan and rubbed his temples. "I'm definitely going insane." Max's head jerked back up. "Wait, how did us buying the supplies move the plot along?"

The wand stuttered for a moment then said, "Well...we needed to explain how the villain found out about you."

Again, Max shot straight as a board. "What?!"

"The merchant. He turned you in. Oh, wait, you probably shouldn't have known about that. Just forget that I said that."

"The bad guy knows who I am?!"

"Most likely. And by now, he's probably put a bounty on your head."

"And you want me to sleep outside!" Max began flapping his arms in frustration and pacing. "I don't believe this! All I wanted was an idea for my next novel! Not to be hunted down!!"