The 75th Magic Show 5/8

Once they were inside the hall, Jennifer Jane was amazed by the amount of magical goods and apparatus on display. Many of the stands were showing a variety of crystal balls, which came not only in all shapes and sizes, but also with many different features. At the very least they were all capable of showing the view in three dimensions.

“The crystal at the Wish Warehouse can only show the view from one side,” said Abigail, “although it is rather special, because the viewer can become really involved and actually get right into the scene.”

They passed on to the next row of stands which were displaying cloaks and hats ‘for the most discerning of those practising the craft of magic.’ The range of shapes and sizes was remarkable.

Collapsible hats that would fold into a pocket in the cloak, which in turn would fold into a comfortable cushion to strap onto a flying broom to make it more comfortable for the user. The whole contraption guaranteed to unfold without any creases at all.

“Don’t believe in all that stuff, our group have their Sunday best outfit waterproofed and that’s that!”

Self-cleaning badges for all the major groups and guilds of witchcraft throughout the known parallel worlds, were next on display.

“Bad for discipline, pride in your possessions should be encouraged.”

However, the next stand was offering a variety of books about magic. Abigail thought this was a good idea, to encourage a wider knowledge of the art.

Jennifer Jane was quite relieved. She had begun to think that Abigail wasn’t really enjoying the show at all. They stopped at the bookstand for quite a while. There were books on the history of magic, books about the theory of magic and to Jennifer Jane’s delight she spotted a book titled, ‘The Complete Spells of the Magician R.T.25.’

She picked up a copy and quickly turned the pages until she reached spell number two thousand. The page was completely blank except for a large red warning printed right in the middle.

‘THIS SPELL HAS BEEN BANNED FROM USE, AS IT HAS THE EFFECT OF CANCELLING ALL MAGIC.’

The salesman on the stand noticed her interest and came over to speak to her. “You won’t be able to find out what was involved, the whole spell has been put under lock and key in the Witches’ Home of that particular world.” He looked more closely at Jennifer Jane’s badge. “Oh I see you come from there!”

“I was actually there when he tried it out for the first time,” said Jennifer Jane.

“Now there’s a coincidence,” said the salesman, “the witch who helped clear up the mess was called Jennifer Jane as well. Of course she’s nine feet tall and is followed everywhere she goes, by a pet dragon she keeps on a golden chain. It must be quite an embarrassing coincidence having the same name. Still I don’t expect many people get confused between you, because of the difference in size!”

Jennifer Jane sighed; Abigail was standing beside her laughing her head off. “You never know,” she said, “one day you might really grow up to be nine feet tall! You shouldn’t believe every rumour you hear,” she said to the man behind the counter, “she’s the one and only Jennifer Jane and she really did help restore magic to our world!”

The man stood still in amazement for a moment, then he reached under the counter and brought out a large book.

“Would you mind signing our visitors book please miss, the chaps at the office will be really jealous, when they hear that I’ve been talking to the real Jennifer Jane. The publisher’s would also be very pleased if you would accept this copy of R.T.25’s book with our compliments.”

Jennifer Jane signed the visitor’s book where she was shown. “What does he mean ‘with our compliments,” she whispered to Abigail, as she picked up the book.

“He means you can keep it without having to pay,” replied Abigail, “come along now, it seems you’re famous in lots of the worlds of magic and it won’t do for you to get a swelled head!”