1
The stone blurred. The hole expanded to twice its previous size. Unable to believe she’d actually changed its shape, Jane threw all her weight into the next effort. An opening the size of a refrigerator formed and stabilized. Jane blinked in surprise. She looked over to Muttle. He smiled, delight dancing across his face.“ Well, bless my buttons, ” she exclaimed. “Come on, Scarecrow, we’re off to see the Wizard.” Taking her rescuer’s hand, she walked through the gap.Cheryl Sterling
2
Charlie touched her face gently with long, tanned fingers. “Sometimes I don’t know half of what you say, but I’m damn glad I get to hear it.”“ I bet you say that to all the mortals, ” she joked, then winced as the pain shot through her again.“ You’ve been hurt, ” he said, as if noticing for the first time all the blood and gore and exposed body goo.“ Yeah, but it only hurts when I laugh.”“ Then don’t laugh, ” he murmured, finishing the old routine as if he’d been born into Vaudeville. His hands gently probed the edges of the gash.Cheryl Sterling
3
Charlie tipped her head up. “Are you sure? We’re a simple people. No automobiles or fancy gadgets.”“ Simple?” She chuckled. “Ha! Worlds that think and kings that plot? Sandobbles and goblins, portals and two moons? You are sadly mistaken. Besides, ” she said, tracing the edge of his forewing with the tip of her finger. He shuddered against her. “There’s magic here.Cheryl Sterling