As we were on our way to the Manticore's Tavern, Ian was trying a levitation spell from the Enchanter's Guide Book, on an empty can of Mountain Doom. The only problem is he hasn't gotten it to work yet.
Ian: Aloft Elevar. Aloft Elevar. I can't get this levitation spell to work. Maybe I could try something else like Arcane Lighting.
Barley laughed at what he just said.
Barley: Yeah. Like a level one mage could bust out the hardest spell in the Enchanter's Guide Book. Maybe we'll stick with the easy ones.
Wilbur: Plus, it's never good to skip ahead, remember? You gotta take it, one step at a time.
Ian: Well, it's not working. Am I saying it wrong?
Barley: Well, mmm, you said it right. It's just for any spell to work, you have to speak from your heart's fire.
Ian: My what?
Wilbur: Barley, you're gonna have to be more specific with this kid.
Barley: Your heart's fire. You must speak with with passion. Don't hold back.
He said as he kept driving the van.
Ian: Aloft Elevar!
Barley: No, like (adventurous voice) Aloft Elevar!
Ian: Aloft Elevar!
Barley: No, from your heart's fire!
Ian: Aloft Elevar!
Barley: Don't hold back!
Ian: Aloft Elevar!
Barley: Heart's fire!
Wilbur: Uh, Barley?
Ian: Stop saying "heart's fire"! This clearly just isn't working.
He said as he went to the back of the van in defeat.
I took shotgun.
Barley: (to Ian) Hey, it was a good start.
Wilbur: (Whispering to Barley) I don't if he's got this, Barley. I mean, I feel like you're pushing him too hard.
Barley: I'm just trying to help him, because I know he's got this. Trust me. He needs this.
I looked at Barley, unsure of what he meant, until the road began to get bumpy.
Barley: Oh. Gather your courage, men. We've arrived. The Manticore's Tavern.
Ian: Huh. It is still here.
Barley: Yeah. I told you.
Wilbur: Brace yourself for anything. You never know what's gonna happen.
We got out of the van and went up to the place. I noticed that Ian attached a leash to Dad.
Ian: Come on, Dad. That's good.
Wilbur: Why'd you attach a leash on him?
Ian: Because, how's he supposed to tell where he is without a head? I don't want him to wander off.
Wilbur: That seems demeaning, coming from me.
Barley: Guys, cool it. Alright, listen. First, let me do the talking. Secondly, it's crucial we show the Manticore the respect she deserves or she will, thirdly, not give us a map to the Phoenix Gem.
Ian: Wait, wait, wait. The map? I thought she had a Phoenix Gem.
Wilbur: We said she knows where to find it, we didn't say she had it. Did that part elude you?
Barley: You're so cute. Hear that, guys? He's a smart kid, he just doesn't know how quests work.
Ian: Well, is there anything else you guys are forgetting to tell me?
YOU ARE READING
Onward: Wilbur
PetualanganWilbur Lightfoot is a Werewolf who was adopted by Wilden, Laurel, and Barley before Ian was born. When he's a teenager, he goes on an adventure with Barley and Ian to get his dad back.
