04 - Rule of Magic

Series - The Leira Chronicles

Throughout this book there are quite a few minor characters that play unimportant roles in the story. Many of these characters are listed in the section “Groups”, so that their names will be recorded somewhere, for possible future reference.

THE STAKEOUT

Chapter 1

Leira, Hagan and Correk, on the trail of the necklace, had a tip from an old witch that there would be a meeting of the Rhazdon group. The three went on stake-out, hoping to identify and trace who was there, with what. At first, an invitation spell was put on the house (bright- it’s here!) and when a participant showed up, Leira made the mistake of trying to enter his mind to read his intentions. He slammed the Mustang, and all of its occupants, with an energy pulse that would have killed them if Correk had not managed to divert it around the car.

Chapter 3

I’m still going to go back and read the trail he left behind to see where they were headed. He will certainly have left traps in his wake specifically designed for someone with your power. The Light Elves (stuff in the gnome’s vaults) stored the power to be used for good. The intention was always different. The energy held in the necklace is different. with a similar ending. Positive energy. It’s the damned unintended consequences that bite you in the ass.” When Leira left, Correk opened a portal and went to Oriceran.

THE NEW MAGIC

Chapter2

Magic. You can call it whatever you want but most do call it magic. Bending the laws of physics from within the biology of the practitioner in new ways to alter the environment. The artifact Langston Rogers had brought to Charlie Monaghan demonstrated that perfectly, as Langston showed Charlie how a portal to Oriceran could be opened mechanically with the use of a Peruvian wheel he had found in his searches.

This is going to change everything we know about our lives but unlike past inventions or discoveries, at a much faster pace. Charlie vows to get ahead of his competition. 

Chapter 4

There are seven pages here, minutely detailing Charlie’s  meeting with all of the investors/world leaders. EXCELLENT reading, too long to put in here. Sets tone for all of Monaghan’s dealings throughout book. 

NEW CASE

Chapter 3

A murder. Basement in the upscale neighborhood of Travis Heights behind South Congress Avenue. The young man on the ground had been dead for days and was puffed up to almost twice his size from all the moisture in the basement. Third one we’ve found like this. Some kind of symbol cut into his neck. Other than that, the killer leaves no clues. I don’t believe we were meant to find the three bodies, either. Makes me wonder how many we haven’t noticed. The brass insisted we bring in the Feds and I thought of you two.” “That carving was done after the guy died. Just a signature. I’m betting this is human shenanigans. Not magical.” No magical trail. But here’s a weird twist . “He has to be two hundred pounds easy. We’d be talking about someone treading on a step with at least four hundred pounds. The wood would have cracked easily. Then there’s how neatly that kid is laid out. No bruising on him. Nothing’s broken. That would take a linebacker. He had help. They carried him down lengthwise distributing the weight. And he’s not from here. Look at those Timberland shoes. That’s expensive cold weather gear and they’re worn on the bottom. No one in Austin would invest in boots like that or get the chance to use them.” Leira pulled up energy from the wet ground, She watched the movement of the energy left behind, snaking back and forth and felt the thin thread of darkness woven through the stream. She shut her eyes and sent her energy out ahead of her, letting it follow the trail, feeling it in the center of her being as the two streams traveled across town to an old church that was turned into a restaurant. More streams appeared. “This dead guy definitely isn’t from Austin.” This was done as a ritual. Humans trying to play at being magical. That made up symbol is a sign of their cult. They think they’re creating zombies.” I think I have their meeting place. It’ll be the best chance to catch most of them.” Make your call. We need someone on that building pronto.”

Chapter 4

Leira called the general and told him everything she knew. A special ops team surrounded the restaurant in under an hour and took five people into custody with enough evidence on their laptops to charge them with several counts of murder.

THE PROPHETS

Chapter 5

All gathered in front of Book of Prophecies, in glass case. “It’s time. We can’t keep putting this off. The gates will start to open soon and the human beings are already racing each other to find the artifacts and relics we left behind. Our world will be ending and we will need to make Earth our new home. We need to prepare our people.” “The humans will never fully accept us.” We’ve already been over this.” “We need to find a way to get them on our side. We tried before, and failed miserably (Prince Rolim thing). What do you propose, Gnome? We’ll open a portal to Earth and stage an accident to someone they all notice, a celebrity. An accident that leaves her briefly at death’s door until one of us magically brings her back to complete health. Send a witch and the Wood Elf. I’m not sure how I feel about harming anyone, a pixie said. It’s a celebrity. Imagine the publicity this will get them. They’ll be set for life.” Always nice when a plan comes together. Not much longer and I can shed this skin, thought the Gnome, thought the Gnome.

Also, see The First Public Contact, Chapter 13

THE PDF

Chapter 5

Leira, Hagan, Patsy and Lois

Leira and Hagan watch Patsy and Lois, in the new office. Lois gives off a stronger pulse than she lets on. They are both hiding in plain sight. Flying Twinkies in, to snack on. Suddenly, alarms start ringing! Something as big as Chicago is happening, somewhere. TV screen lights up, as does Leira’s body, arms. Humans, witches, and local government- Necklace has disappeared again. Discovered that Leira can’t read the symbols. Translated for her- (May Sage wounded -etc.). They’re the energy talking to you, looking to guide you. You’re your own virtual screen. These will only appear when you summon them, giving you information about the magic you’re tuning into. Like a heads up.” You need a mentor who can teach you the basics.

Chapter 6

The Meeting - The New Race

Anderson in hush meeting with Black-Ops, discussing Latvia thing, and the necklace. Am I to understand that’s not the only artifact but in fact there are thousands of these things littering the world?” Correct as well and a poorly kept secret at this point. Different sites in older parts of the world are being ransacked as foreign governments search for artifacts they can stockpile. Some friendly to us, some not at all. An arms race but with magic! That is about the size of it. There are rumors that large corporations are getting into the business but they can’t be confirmed. So we can’t shut them down “Well, hell, I suppose we’re about to engage in some kind of new age battle in plain sight. Your request for funding is approved. You have your directive. See that we win this race and soon.

CORREK ON ORICERAN

Chapter 6

Talks with Perrom. Notices Louie, and powerful artifacts he has to sell. Asks about rumors or Rhazdon’s followers, and hears that there are rumors about the old Gnome. Whoever the leader is, they’re almost as powerful as Rhazdon was in his day. Correk asks Perrom if he thinks Rhazdon still lives. Do you think it’s possible? If Rhazdon survived that fire then yes, he could still be alive. Don’t let that be so.” Stay vigilant! Perrom promises to tell Correk if he hears anything, even if he has to open a portal to do so.

THE MOVES

Chapter 7

Eireka and Mara find a two-bedroom apartment, close by. Moving out. Will make everyone more comfortable, including Eireka!

Yumfuck can really talk whole sentences very well. Correk did not know. Most people on Oriceran manage to avoid bonding with them. Yumfuck has been an entirely new adventure for me. It’s like he has a plan and we’re all in it.”

Leira asks Correk about the symbols on her arm. How long have you known that the symbols on my arm read like a ticker tape? I knew it would come up but you weren’t ready to know all the information spilling out of the symbols. My symbols are more immediate. They tell me about danger directly to me. Normal and average for a Light Elf. Your symbols on the other hand tell about dangers near and far. They roll out onto your skin and change so fast I can’t read them. I want a mentor. If there’s anyone who knows about the reach of your magic it would be Turner Underwood. Do you know why they call him the Fixer? He doesn’t fix problems as much as he reconstitutes people. Magical people. Helps them master their magic to the point where they’re maximizing their potential. Seems to be able to feel how much more someone can do. How do I find him? Put the word out in the magical community. Call Toni. There is a very good chance he’s been waiting for your call.

Chapter 8

“Ramanna” opened a portal to Oriceran for her, and she stepped through into the Royal Gardens, then went into town.

Charlie and the Prophets The First Meeting

Charlie had been visited by the Crystal (Prophet) and one of the witches, wanting to make a deal with him, discus the oncoming portals, technology, etc., sets a meeting with his group, and they would be there. A portal opened, and a delegation of five prophets stepped through, all in their blue, earth-constellation robes. The Crystal, the Kilomea, the Light Elf, the Gnome, and the witch. Witch cast a disinterested spell at the door (others would stay away). There to make a deal. Will offer them knowledge about magic and how it works. Artifacts are good. As gates open magic and its use will increase. Will tell you the rules. In return, we want assistance helping Oricerans to migrate to this world. Knowledge will go a long way for your side, and a basket of muffins and a smile will help our people. Charlie requested a list of the areas in which they were interested, and the number of people expecting to migrate. Left them with a pile of papers on how to use artifacts without turning yourself into ashes, and a list of areas of interest. Also, a present – the co-ordinates of a gift from them to Charlie’s group. The PDF van had listened to it all, and decided to tell Leira before it grew much bigger.

PDF ACTIVITIES

Chapter 9

The Kids

Young wizards missing, fifteen so far, all involved in dark magic. In clusters, Phoenix (3), Santa Monica (2), Austin (2), Richmond, VA (3), Ohio (1). Areas of kemanas. All parent’s tracking trails missing. Alan and Mark to head to Ohio. Leira to get full set of kemanas in USA. Hagan, Gail Na Leira to monitor different groups looking for magical knickknacks. Leira puzzled. Kids have just vanished.

    The teenage Light Elf made his way up the rocky slope of Camelback mountain to the Dark Kemana. He repeated the whispers he was hearing. We need you. You belong with us. Follow us. Hurry now. You’re ready. Do it. He started the spell as the voices increased, gaining strength. …” A black mist crept up around his ankles as the whispering got louder, enveloping him in the darkness as he finished the spell. The black magic opening a rip in the veil between his world and the world in between. 

“It’s beautiful.” He looked inside the shimmering darkness as it sparked all around him, suddenly sucking him in with a whoosh, lifting him off his feet into the world in between.

Chapter 10

Lois and Patsy back in Arlington, talking about bug at meeting. Good job! Glamoured her way in. Watching destruction of old sites I the search for magical objects. Hannah Beecham sending call for help. What’s that about? No one knows, yet.

Silver Griffins

General Anderson visits Silver Griffins in Chicago,. Meets with Lacey Trader, and group of ordinary looking witches and warlocks. The problem? Charlie’s group, and others. “I’m going to speak plainly. I need magical allies in larger numbers who are already trained in calmly holding back a magical arms race. There are a lot of different players messing around with magic who have no background on how to contain or use it properly. That’s not including the decimation to some pretty important historical sites.” But, Feds want their share, as well. We want to work with you, as allies. Will you help us identify and protect as many sites around the world as possible? In exchange, we’ll negotiate with you fairly and openly to leave many of them untouched.” “Our witches and our wizards stay under our command. That is a non-starter. Silver Griffins will be coordinating with PDF.” Deal. Apparently the rules are changing.”

THE RODEO

Chapters 11, 12====

Correk, Leira and Yumfuck leave for the Austin Rodeo. Go through Estelle’s regulars as they go out, small-talk. Meet with Eireka, Donald and Mara at the Fairgrounds. Leira getting LOTS of attention from men now. You’re part Light Elf. We have a natural charisma and now that you’re learning how to work with your feelings it’s attracting the local male human population. You’re starting to blossom!” Turkey legs are good! Mutton Bustin’ contest, bull-riders and clowns next, Yumfuck, size increased, riding a bull. Made it 26 seconds – a new record! Ran back to Leira and Correk, sized down, hid. Leira thanks Correk for helping her to enjoy the night, as much worse times are coming. She’ll start with Underwood for info, then to Oriceran with Correk.

THE CELEBRITY

Chapter 13

Celebrity Penny Ryan, attacked, saved by beings from Oriceran, who risked all to show themselves to heal her, coming through the portal to do so. Dragon, Tinkerbell fairy also there. Katie Trader is told about the “rescue”. Others have started using “magic” to further their own ends – make a fence taller, steal a parking place, controlling their waiter with a wand – Griffins trying to control it, handing out fines. Magic breaking out all over! May and Lacey go to Lincoln Square, where a group of magical being had been showing off their talents. May begs Lacey to look for Hannah, but Lacey suggests that Patsy and Lois look for her, that she, Lacey, is better needed in other places. Dark magic collecting energy converts to the in between world Eight so far. Growing slowly,, but growing!

TURMOIL

Chapter 14

Anderson showed up, instructed all to DO NOTHING without his express instructions. Lacey calls Patsey and Lois, asks them to rescue Hannah. Lacey and Katie have words, Lacey accusing Katie if not doing well so far. Lacey and a cadre of witches and wizards at the Virginia Seminary, looking for Hannah and the necklace. Lacie attacks group digging for necklace, was attacked by strong wizard, immobilized. Patsy came to her rescue, weaving a mass of spiders that attacked the wizard. (He changed them to a mass of thick black ooze, running onto the floor.) Lacey and Patsey then attacked him with entangling vines, immobilizing him, but a witch across the room started to attack them. Hannah felled the witch. Lois created a twister, sending it around the room, ripping up the floor, sending debris all over, carrying the immobile wizard with it. He escaped, started sending fireballs at Lois and Patsy, but they were sent back, ruining the wizard’s wand. He pulled out another one, whereupon the girls caused as stream of light-filled chiggers to crawl up his leg, causing him to cry out in agony and run, vowing revenge. Hannah tried to protect Katie from the wizard, but he sent strong energy to destroy the building by shaking and fire. Leira and Hagan showed up, Leira stopping the wizard, saving the building and all inside. Hagan and Yumfuck take off after the teenage witches and wizards who were getting away. Need to catch them, as they know where the necklace is. Dark wizard starts again to attack Leira, but is enveloped by the Dark Mist, and disappears. There’s another problem, as some of the old families who deal in dark magic have taken over the necklace and are refusing to give it back to the new Rhazdon followers. A war is brewing among the different dark sides.”

CHARLIE MONAGHAN

Chapter 14

Charlie sees a farmer watching the wind-blown seeds starting to take root, in neat rows. Plants from Charlie’s fields, magic. Sue the bastard. Hell, maybe I can even keep the rest under wraps. Skip the damn FDA and all their red tape and delays. No one needed to know he had Langston open the portal a few times to let his team venture over into Oriceran on fact-finding missions. The prophets were all too eager to accommodate his request to receive larger supplies of a variety of seeds. It didn’t take Charlie long to realize there was a profit to be made if he moved fast. . Hell if I’m going to let some stubborn farmer take it away from me. Correk and Leira on a scouting expedition, visiting Axiom. General Anderson thinks someone has made a deal with the prophets and is growing food on Earth that came from Oriceran. I suspect the prophets made the deal to help ease the opening of the gates. If humans start to see Oricerans as positive then it’ll be easier for us to emigrate. Investigate, find a lab growing and dissecting plants who loved Beatles songs. Charlie and guards assault them, Leira leaves them pinned to walls like in a Gravitron, take pictures, leave. We need to find their source for the seeds. Will report Axiom to the Feds. Charlie will always be able to negotiate his way out of it, as not against the law to grow off-world seeds.

THE JERSEY WILLEN

Chapter 16

Leira and Yumfuck go to willen, Correk goes to Oriceran to talk to Perrom, see what he knows, maybe bring him back to Axiom.

Leira in Hilldale, Yumfuck on her shoulder, wearing his cowboy hat. Exchanges for pintas (Hilldale money), to sweeten the pot for the willen. Leira needed information. I need to know how a human corporation is getting seeds from Oriceran. I want you to be there the next time they get in a shipment and tell me exactly who does the delivery. Follow him back to the source. Trust no one.” More importantly, let no one see you, for your sake, just in case a dark force has something to do with all of this. I’ll meet you back here tomorrow for the information.”

Correk and Perrom

Perrom visits the The Gardener, a wood Elf, who lives in the Dark forest. Perrom confirmed that the Gnome visited the Forest often, barters with the Dark Market and oversees the large tent in the back. Lots of Dark Magic in the Forest, and the animals and birds are on edge. Haven’t been this upset since the time of …. Rhazdon.

THE GNOME

Chapter 17

As things will be known soon, the Gnome feels it is time for a pre-emptive strike, to take things from the Gnome’s vault before it would be too difficult. Using an ancient Atlantean spell, he opens all locks in the vault, sending out a search call to his old artifacts and books, commanding them to come to him. He pulled out a sack and held it open as everything clambered in. The Gnomes were just two floors behind him but as the prophet reached the edge of the woods he stopped suddenly and bellowed, “Mortimis linger”.

The Gnomes stopped where they were and waved to everyone nearby to get away from the edge of the woods. They knew the spell. The thief had released a death spell that would claim anyone who followed too closely. The Gnomes went back to the Library, to take an inventory of what was missing. Rhazdon hurried to her cabin, changed, and examined her artifacts, but realized that she would need an alibi, so changed back to Gnome, and hurried to the Dark Market. The Gnome bumped into Louie, upsetting him, so that he would remember he had been there. Perrom looked at some of Louie’s contraband artifacts, but needed to continue after the Gnome. Will be back to see Louie later.