[quote=The Composer]The range of the spell the wand gives you should have a longer range than the shriekers to hit you. Upon equipping the wand you get a new spell. You need to use that spell on the shrieker, not auto-attack the shrieker with the wand. [/quote]
Thanks for the replies but I think I'm still missing something. I was able to get within range with my Purging Wand but the attacks had no effect. I used the spell "Purge" which I get when I equip the wand, then attacked with the wand and it still had no effect on them.