Realms of Magic - Brian Thomsen King [2]
Justin furrowed his brow. "That's fine, I guess," he replied hesitantly, "but I was sort of hoping for something we could publish a little sooner."
"But, of course," Volo replied, adding seductively, "that's why I've brought along another project."
"Good," the publisher agreed, " a little something to tide us over between guide books."
"No," the author contradicted adamantly. "Something that will outsell all the guides, combined. Volo's Guide to All Things Magical, the Revised, Authorized, Expanded Edition."
Before the author had even gotten out the word "magical", Justin was already shaking his head no.
"Sorry, old boy," the publisher insisted. "There's just no way. The Guide to All Things Magical almost put this company six feet under, for good. When Khelben and company ban a book, they ban a book. Every copy-poof!-disappeared without ever a mention of refund for production costs or lost sales revenues. I have no desire to play that game again."
"Neither do I," the author replied confidently. "That's why it's revised."
"How?"
"This time it is all based on interviews, stories, and legends that I have gathered from the far corners of Faerun. Nothing pilfered or stolen, which is not to say that there was anything improperly obtained the last time."
"But, of course," the publisher conceded absently, while trying to concentrate on coming up with a diplomatic reason why refusing this volume would not constitute the breaking of an option, thus allowing his star author to go elsewhere. He concluded that there wasn't a diplomatic alternative.
"Volo," the publisher said firmly, "I can't do it. Even a revised tome of secret spells and such would get us in trouble. The text would once again be suppressed, and who knows what Khelben would do to a repeat offender."
"I'm not scared of old Blackstaff," the cocky gazetteer replied. "He owes me one for saving his butt and all of Faerun during that doppleganger conspiracy1."
"I wasn't thinking of you," Justin replied. "I was referring to me."
"Afraid he still remembers that hatchet-job unauthorized biography by Kaeti Blye you published?"
"It was supposed to be a solid piece of investigative journalism," he justified. "How was I to know that that dwarf was more adept at turning out fiction than turning up facts?"
A wide smile crossed Volo's face.
"Well you don't have any such worries this time, I assure you," he stated in his still-cocky tone. This time, Volo's Guide to All Things Magical, the Revised, Authorized, etc., is no notorious expose of the arcane and dangerous, but a we 11-researched compilation of documented second-hand accounts of various magic subjects in all the Realms. After all if people told me these tales, they would have told anyone. Ergo, they're all accessible to the public, depending on one's travels, and contacts… and as you well know, no one travels better or has better contacts than Volothamp Geddann."
Justin leaned back in his chair and scratched his ear as if it had been tickled by the almost nonexistent fringe that remained of his once-full head of hair.
"Go on," the publisher pressed. "What type of accounts would be in it?"
"Basically anything magical from AioZ. Magic items, places, and spells, both the famous and the obscure. Enchanted artifacts from the past, spectral creatures, and famous feats. Personalities like Elminster and Khelben… nothing to offend, mind you… notorious mages and lowly apprentices… you know, stories about student wizards…"
"I see, " interrupted the publisher, "but…"
"I even have a few stories about 'smoke powder', the latest forbidden substance, which everyone is talking about."
The publisher was perplexed. Obviously a collection of stories on "all things magical" was a poor substitute for the wonderfully desirable toine that had been suppressed… but since no one had ever gotten to read the original, no one would have a basis for comparison. Who's to say it wasn't just another collection of stories?
"You'd be willing to call it Void's Guide to All Things Magical, etc., etc.," the publisher