When life-long friends Hanson and Graber learn there may be a great wizard on the far side of the woods behind their village, they decide to seek him out. The source of the information may be suspect, but the lure proves too strong. In hopes of learning magic to rise above their current status as Hanson the Pigs and Graber the Firewood, they set out on this quest.<br><br>When they meet wizard Holzy, they’re both intrigued and intimidated. He makes them labor and suffer, but eventually begins to teach them the practice he calls “the feat of the wand,” which turns out to impart much energy and knowledge as well as unsuspected pleasures to both men.<br><br>A submerged attraction between them comes to the fore as Holzy awakens urges and desires they hardly even dreamed existed. But he keeps them entranced and bound to him. When Holzy makes a mistake, can Hanson and Graber apply their new powers to gain freedom from his spell and be acknowledged as his equals? Will they go home in triumph or be consigned to the salt mines?

Hansen and Graber

Although Holzy looked strong and clear muscles rippled under his sleek tawny skin, Hanson figured he could take the wizard in a fair fight. When magic was involved, nothing could be less fair. He felt the compulsion laid on him, sensed the controlling energies maneuvering his body like a puppet on its strings, still a part of his mind remained clear and free. He could not disobey—at least now—but he observed and filed away everything he sensed.


Like the pigs, he might appear a bit slow and dull. Also like them, a keen native intelligence lurked behind his mud-brown eyes. He’d always watched and listened more than talked, and it had served him well thus far. He didn’t doubt that would continue.


Holzy put both hands on Hanson’s shoulders and pushed down until Hanson sank obediently to his knees again. He didn’t need to stoop to place his face level with Holzy’s huge wand. It was right there—almost brushing Hanson’s mouth as it twitched.


Chapter 8