Warren the Wizard Ch. 05

CHAPTER 5

RETIREMENT

BY SW MO HERMIT

As they had planned, on their way back to Tommy's Crossing, Warren and his party looked for the alleged wizard's tomb. They finally found it, more by luck than the directions Mort gave them. It was upstream from Tommy's Crossing just inside a small canyon, from which a tributary stream ran. The tomb was dug into a cliff above the high water mark by several feet and extremely difficult to access. They couldn't imagine how Mortimer and Kincaid managed to even find it, it was so well hidden. They had to have stumbled onto it by accident.

There was a barely discernible wildlife trail leading away from the larger stream up the bank of the smaller tributary into the canyon. Just inside the canyon, the trail split, the more well defined branch continued upstream and the more dimly visible trail headed toward a crevice leading up the cliff. The trail curled around a couple of large boulders, climbing up the steep ridge as it went. They soon came out into a small valley or glen several feet above the larger valley through which the tributary stream ran. There was a small spring fed waterfall just inside the upper valley. The runoff from it ran past the tomb before falling once again into the lower valley and joining the larger stream.

The entrance to the tomb was just inside the upper valley and overlooked the junction of the two streams. They had to be well near the edge of the drop off to the lower level before they could see the streams which is why they couldn't see the tomb entrance from below. The upper valley was no more than an acre, about half the size of the land area of Wizard's Island, their home.

Both women stopped just after they crested the rise into the valley and looked in awe. Gloria said, "This is beautiful. I can see why the wizard wanted to be laid to rest here. It's so beautiful and peaceful I could live here."

Warren stood between the women and, without thinking, wrapped his arms around each of them. He smiled and said, "Yeah. This seems so peaceful compared, even, to our island and definitely its better than Tommy's Crossing. Now, shall we see what we can find if those two miscreants left anything."

The group slowly moved toward and into the tomb. As they wandered around they were surprised at the amount of "stuff" remaining inside. There were vials of various liquids and powders, tools and utensils of all types, furniture and bedding as well as a small library. Warren stood in the middle of the room and said, "I don't think this is a tomb. I don't see anywhere I would expect a coffin or body to be laid to rest and I've never heard of a tomb with windows. I think this was a wizard's home or retreat."

Brenda said, "Yeah. It looks more like a house than anything else. I suppose it could be what passed for a laboratory considering the small amount of furniture but it's certainly not a tomb. She walked to the door and looked outside then continued, "It's getting late. Are we going to try to get home today or are we staying here or someplace along the trail closer to home?"

Warren followed her to the door and stood looking over the small glen. He moved outside and sat on a nearby rock that looked as if it had been used for that very purpose many times before. He said, "I think we'll stay here tonight. I want to spend more time looking over the things inside, maybe find some books to take back and I'm tired enough I don't want to walk or ride any more today."

Having heard that, most of the group returned to the lower valley, where they had to leave the wagon and horses, to get items needed for the camp. The various individuals quickly began opening packs and getting out bed rolls, food and utensils to set up the camp. Most of them decided to stay at the foot of the trail with the livestock and wagon. Warren and the two women decided they'd sleep inside so they could work on the books and other items of interest for a while before they called it a night so they had to bring some of their belongings into the valley. Warren's teleportation helped immensely with that task.

A couple of the men took off to see if they could find some game for fresh meat. Two more went to the lower river to see if they could catch some fish and the ladies went into the valley looking for edible plants. This left Warren and Jr free to return to their studies inside the house.

The next morning Warren filled his coffee cup and wandered away from the women. He found a quiet spot near the small waterfall and sat on a mossy log. He leaned back against a tree growing up beside it and sipped his coffee as he looked out over the small glen toward the larger valley. After his coffee was gone, he reluctantly stood and returned to the fire for more. While he was there, Gloria handed him his breakfast.

Warren stood holding his coffee and breakfast trying to decide where to sit. He didn't see anyplace that looked very comfortable so he returned to the mossy log he sat on before. After he had eaten his breakfast he just leaned back listening to the birds and the tree leaves rustling in the light breeze. He was drifting off to sleep when Gloria walked up to him. She watched him for a moment before saying, "Husband are you going to sleep the day away or should we finish packing so we can leave? 'Tis getting late and we know not how long it will take us to get back to our home. The men down below are getting restless."

Warren looked out over the glenn a moment longer before he stood and started toward the front of the cave and small cabin. Truthfully, it was more cabin than cave because whoever had built it had just rocked in a rectangular area underneath a large rock overhang turning it into the tomb or home or whatever.

When he got back to the cabin, Warren stopped, leaned forward, and picked up his pack, settling it onto his shoulders. He looked around once more and started walking toward the trail into the lower valley. As he began moving, he said, "Well, I suppose we need to move on. It's so peaceful here, I hate to leave."

When the men saw Warren and the women moving down the trail from the upper valley they completed departure preparations and were ready to go by the time they got to the lower camp. After a few words of greeting Warren mounted his horse and said, "Well, lets get on the road. I'd like to be home before dark if we can.

When they arrived at the larger river (which was less than a half mile from the cabin/tomb), they turned downstream and headed back toward Tommy's Crossing. They weren't moving very fast because everyone was still tired even with the rest they got during their stay at what Warren decided to call the cabin. Their travels and the short fight they had with the Wizards and their gang had tired them physically and mentally. It was a beautiful day to just be alive, and they all were enjoying it as they traveled.

As they traveled, they kept alert for danger of the two and four legged variety. They didn't expect trouble but the prudent traveler paid attention to his or her surroundings because it wasn't unheard of. It had been several years since there was serious trouble with bandits in the area but it was possible they could stumble onto some, mostly from gangs that had recently moved into the area. In general, wild animals didn't bother humans but if they crossed the path of a predator, at the very least, the horses might spook.

Warren's policy probably had more to do with the peacefulness of the local citizens than did the supposed law enforcement officials. He made his services available to any who had need if they were sick or injured and sold his enchanted items indiscriminately as well. Of course, no one sought trouble with a Wizard but they might attack, not knowing one was with the group if bandits were around.

Warren was hell on wheels bad to deal with if you committed a crime, especially a violent one. He and Brenda, the ex FBI agent, hunted down violent criminals like a pair of bloodhounds. When they caught them their ending wasn't pleasant but it was normally humanely fast. They never punished an innocent person either. Warren had discovered a spell that could force someone to tell the truth so when they caught a suspect, he questioned them and they damned or cleared themselves.

Occasionally, he caught the wrong person and discovered a heinous crime in their past so he punished them for that crime then continued hunting his original quarry. It became known far and wide that you didn't harm anyone near Tommy's Crossing either personally or by proxy. Serious thievery from time to time also caused Warren to hunt you down although some did get by with petty thievery merely because it wasn't worth his time and effort to find them. Of course, non violent crimes Warren punished with less severe punishments but each criminal they caught knew they would be punished. From time to time, if a criminal discovered Warren or Brenda was after them, they gave themselves up (especially if they had only committed a minor crime) because they knew they couldn't escape the wizards. Violent criminals, the few there were, got as far away as they could, hoping Warren either wouldn't find them or would give up because they left the area.

The group was anxious to get home so didn't stop and cook a noon meal. They did stop to eat and rest for a while at lunch. By noon, they were traveling through country some of the men recognized so they were confident they could make it back home by nightfall. Everyone was exceedingly happy when they could finally see Tommy's Crossing ahead of them. When they got to the ferry landing they split up. Those who lived in town went home. Warren and his small group of island dwellers had to get the boat and paddle back to the island. Warren wanted to just teleport home but since he could only take one person with him at a time, he opted to ride the boat with the rest of them.

Those who went on the trip spent the next two days after getting home resting except for absolutely necessary tasks. Warren or one of the other wizards did go to the Inn daily in case there were medical emergencies that required their attention. Thankfully, there were none. The less powerful Wizards in training, the healers and hedge witches had taken care of all the minor illnesses and injuries while they were gone.

As they settled back into the normal routine, Warren found himself strangely unhappy. He was restless and wandered around the island more than usual. He had trouble concentrating on his research and didn't feel as comfortable teaching the few apprentices they had. After the third day of him wandering around or sitting staring into space Brenda asked, "Warren, what's bothering you? You've been as restless as a cat on a hot tin roof since we got back."

"I don't know for sure Brenda. I'm having trouble concentrating, I'm not interested in teaching and I'm sick of the greedy customers wanting some magical something that they think will allow them to get over on or take advantage of someone. I just want to chuck it all sometimes."

"Well, why don't you? We can handle things here, just take some time off and chill. If we run into something we can't handle, we can find you and either get your advice or, if worst comes to worst, you can step in."

"You know, you're right. I think I'll do just that. I'm going back to the cabin." Warren stood and, to her surprise, gave Brenda a tight hug before, with a loud "pop" he disappeared and instantly reappeared in the yard of what he now considered his cabin.

It was just after dark when Warren popped back into his house on the island. Gloria and Tanya quickly surrounded him, if it's possible for two people to surround one, and gave him hell for just taking off on them. He said, "I'm sorry ladies. I just had to get away and Brenda suggested I go to the cabin. I did tell her where I was going."

Tanya said, "And it never occurred to you, Husband, that WE might like to go to the cabin also? Or that we might worry about you? And what did you do for food my dear?"

"I said I was sorry. I caught some fish and had them for lunch and supper along with some vegetables I found. I think I'll go back tomorrow as well. If you want to go with me I'll take one or both of you."

Gloria said, "You'd better. Now, come to bed. We have needs Husband."

Early the next morning, Warren prepared a large pack of things he thought he'd need at the cabin, gave Jr. and Brenda some instructions then he and Gloria popped out of sight. They popped back into sight, had anyone been there to see them, in the yard of the little cabin. After they unpacked they went back into the yard and just sat relaxing. Soon, Gloria was leaning against Warren, cuddling, her head and one hand on his chest.

Warren used his hand to gently raise her head and turn it toward him. He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss. He pulled back and they looked deeply into each other's eyes before Gloria leaned toward him once again. This time the kiss was more urgent and lasted longer. When they broke this kiss Gloria moaned. Her nipples were hard little nubs visible through the material of her dress. Her neck and upper chest were deep red and she was breathing hard. Warren reached down and adjusted his cock to a more comfortable position. He then gently lay Gloria down on the soft moss and leaves near his favorite log.

Warren laid beside her and began kissing her once again as he reached down and pulled her skirt up, baring her crotch. She spread her legs and moaned when she felt his fingers gently caressing her already wet pussy.

After several more kisses, Warren moved until he was kneeling between her spread legs. He leaned forward and gently blew on her wet cunt then ran his tongue up from her taint to her clit. When he hit her clit she gasped and her hips jerked.

Warren began to gently lick, nibble and, occasionally use his teeth to gently pull her pussy lips while he ran his fingers inside her. Slowly at first, then more rapidly, her pelvis began to writhe and thrust against his fingers as she rose to her orgasm. Finally with a screech, she came, her hips thrusting wildly as the pleasure surged through her core.

Warren continued licking and caressing her pussy until she grabbed his head and pulled him away. She pulled him upward until she could kiss him. While they were kissing, she fumbled with his pants until she freed his cock then pulled it toward her leaking pussy. When she felt the first nudge of his cock at her opening she moaned and thrust her hips upward, seating a little over an inch inside her.

Warren and she then began that age old motion, going faster and faster as they rose to the ultimate plateau. Her back arced and her pussy fluttered, squeezing his cock. As she was coming down from her second larger orgasm, Warren went over the edge. He slammed tightly into her grasping pussy and unloaded a torrent of cum. When the first surge of pleasure roared through him he yelled, "UHHHHH," and almost collapsed onto her.

He gave Gloria a gentle kiss and carefully rolled to the side where he lay with her, both breathing hard while they recovered from their afternoon delight. After he somewhat recovered, Warren stood and said, "I'd better go get Tanya. She said she'd be done with her work in town by noon. I don't want her to be more pissed at me than she was yesterday.

Warren was quickly back with Tanya and more supplies. Soon the women were preparing the evening meal and talking in low tones. Warren just sat looking out over the valley and enjoying the solitude as he listened to the faint hum of insects and the noise of other wildlife flitting about.

After supper, they sat outside and watched the sunset together. After it was full dark, they returned to the house and their bed. Another gentle bout of lovemaking, this time with Tanya, eased them into a deep restful sleep. Warren woke the next morning to the smell of coffee. When he sat on the edge of the bed, Gloria handed him his first cup with a smile.

Warren took a couple swallows then stood and headed outside to take his morning piss. He saw Tanya already sitting on their log watching the world awaken. When he didn't come back inside, Gloria followed him. She found him sitting on a rock near the cliff and Tanya, looking out over the lower valley also. He smiled and pulled her to him then said, "I love it here. I think I'm going to stay a while and study some. It's so peaceful I think I can get a lot accomplished and I don't think they need me back at the island."

For the next three weeks Warren, Tanya, and Gloria stayed at the cabin. Every couple of days he "popped" back to the island to check on things and see if they needed help. While they were at the cabin, he, Gloria, and Tanya studied, rested, made love, studied, made love, wandered around, made love, and so on. One day Gloria decided to return to the island with Warren. He wrapped her in his arms while he teleported them back. She was watching his eyes as he did the move, trying to follow his thought processes as she thought of the spell for teleportation she had been studying.

She could almost see and feel what he did to move them. She felt a small twisting or tugging in her mind she hadn't felt before and remembered Warren saying something about that same feeling when he teleported. After they arrived at the island, they each went their separate ways, each checking on things they normally would have done if they had been there. They were mostly checking to be sure those who had done their normal work hadn't had problems and didn't need their help. After Gloria was almost done with the most important things, she found a request she come to town to see an old patient. The old woman who sent it refused to let one of the healers check on a patient Gloria had healed.

Gloria sat fuming, wishing she had gone with Warren so she wouldn't have to get him to take her back or have one of the men row her over in the boat. She did what Warren told her he had done long ago. She saw where she wanted so badly to be and felt a twist and a pull in her mind then, all at once, she was standing in the dimly lit room of the old woman's house.

When she popped into the house, the old woman screamed and turned toward Gloria with a knife she had been using to prepare some food. Gloria started to back up, trying to get away from the woman. Finally, the woman recognized her and stopped advancing. She said, "Oh, My Lady. Sorry, I am to come at ye with the knife. Ye startled me when ye jus' popped into me home like ye did. Thank ye for coming to see my little grand daughter. I need ye to look at 'er. She's a might bit under the weather, she is. Has a woman's problem we need your help with."

"Where is she? I'll see what I can do."

"She just went back to 'er bed. She's sick, she is. can't keep anything on her stomach after those men mistreated her. You done healed the broken bones and cuts and bruises but now she has other problems."

Gloria followed the old woman into a small room with a bed and nothing else in it. There was a young girl laying on the bed looking pale and pasty. Gloria moved to the bed and sat beside her. She lay her hand on the girl's forehead. After feeling her forehead, she rolled the girl gently onto her back and lay her hand on her belly then raised her dress to check her pussy.

Gloria looked into the distance for a moment then said, "Well, there's nothing wrong that a little time won't cure. There's no fever and there doesn't seem to be an infection in the pussy." She smiled, then the smile faded as she remembered why she had to treat the girl in the first place. She continued talking, "I'm sorry, but this isn't something I can treat at this time. You're not sick, you're pregnant honey. When your time comes, one of the Healers or a midwife can care for you at the birth. If there's any complications Warren or I will be here as soon as we can. We're staying upstream at a small cabin now but we check back here every day or two."