Difference between revisions of "04 - Rule of Magic"
(→Chapter 16) |
|||
(28 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | + | {{Book|preseq=03|prev=Protection of Magic|nxtseq=05|next=Dealing in Magic|series=The Leira Chronicles|asin=B075ZHH45L|img=5198HplMVHL|blurb= | |
+ | Leira Berens knows how to hunt down criminals, but can she save the world from magic?
| ||
+ | The magical artifact is finally within Leira Beren's grasp, but not before an epic battle that pulls together every side in a fight to save two worlds. | ||
− | + | The mystery surrounding Rhazdon continues to unfold as Leira trains with Turner Underwood, a mysterious and ancient Light Elf who knows more than he admits. | |
+ | |||
+ | The secret is out and everyone knows magic is real! The Witches and Wizards of the Silver Griffins are doing their best to keep magic in check. Too bad there are some who have made other plans. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Welcome to The Revelations of Oriceran. | ||
+ | Because some believe you can't handle the truth. | ||
+ | }} | ||
− | + | 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==== | ====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. | 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==== | ====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. | 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==== | ====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, in the book. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===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 (See [[Order of the 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 beings 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 15==== | ||
+ | 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 willens, 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.” | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Chapter 20==== | ||
+ | Leira goes back to the willen’s house to get the information she sought and gets it. You were right, the humans got more seeds from Oriceran. A lot more. Alright, already. It was a prophet. Can you believe it? A prophet! Saw him clear as day! The Gnome prophet, yes, the Gnome. What did he get in return? All sorts of technology. Boxes and boxes of it.” “Things from Earth flying over to Oriceran, things from Oriceran flying over to Earth. Never seen anything like it, I tell you! But there’s something more.” He shook his finger at Leira. “Dark magic, the really strong stuff. Nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Not to be meddled with. Terrible, terrible. A prophet! | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Correk and Perrom=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 16==== | ||
+ | Perrom visits the The Gardener (See [[The Gardener of the Dark Forest]]), 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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===THE MENTOR=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 8==== | ||
+ | Leira and Turner meet the next day. He begins her instructions, Yumfuck helping. The idea of working with magic is to be a partner with it, to let it flow straight through you, go where it wants, and to become one with it. If you’re working at it, you’re doing it wrong. Let go of the steering wheel, do not try to control it. It will fail if you do that, as control limits the magic to the limits of your mind. (Good pages to read in full). | ||
+ | |||
+ | In this first session, Leira went to Oriceran, and saw the small cabin in the Dark Forest. Underwood pulled her back before she made contact, as she is not ready yet. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Chapter 18==== | ||
+ | Days Later | ||
+ | |||
+ | There is a way you could venture a little closer magically to the cabin. It would take an artifact from the time of the old king. Something that has the magic layered into it over time.” It will act as an amplifier for Leira’s magic and more importantly disguise her identity. The artifact will be full of so many different users’ magic it will be more difficult for whomever it is that you’re pursuing to quickly identify her. Correk remembers where to get one, from Louie, at the Dark Market. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===LEIRA ON ORICERAN=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 18==== | ||
+ | Leira and Correk go to Oriceran, to Dark Market for an artifact. Saw kids coming out to recess, a woman grieving (covered in purple bees, which feed on grief and anxiety. They will do wonders for your day!), a seven-foot tall white elk, with a rack five feet across (The Gardener must be near), who bowed to her, heralding her power. Correk and Leira go to see Louie, barter the armband in exchange for a recharge for his scepter. Louie also gave her a blue stone, in thanks. | ||
+ | Queen Saria upset that the Prophets have gotten ahead with the negotiations with Earth. She feels that both sides need protecting and wants to talk to Leira about it. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===YUMFUCK'S ADVENTURES=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 19==== | ||
+ | Yumfuck goes to visit Mara and Eireka in their new apartment, smells bacon on the way, in the building (long, red brick) whose sign said Ladybird Assisted Living wonders what he does on his adventures. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===THE PROPHETS=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 21==== | ||
+ | The prophets nervously awaited the old Gnome’s arrival into their chamber at the back of the meeting room. The vote had already taken place and the Gnome was out. “You’re relieved of your duty. As of today, you are no longer a prophet of any standing. Turn over your robe and you can go.” The prophets use the excuse of the Dark Bazaar to fire him. So the day is here, at last. I’ve waited centuries for this moment. Let it take as long as it needs t, thought the Gnome. | ||
+ | At this point, the Gnome removed his clothing, and changed, standing in front of them as a naked Atlantean woman, Rhazdon. Accused the Light Elf of trapping the King’s father in the in between during the last battle. | ||
+ | I have more than just Dark Magic now. I have all of your secrets (secrets from the vault). And she went back into the Dark Forest, casting a spell which abolished all trace of her, so that she could not be followed. | ||
+ | The Light elf ran to Queen Saria and told her the tale. Saria vows vengeance, and wants to ally herself with Leira, someone she can trust, to avenge her, and to kill Rhazdon. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===LEIRA'S PROMISE=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 22==== | ||
+ | Leira goes to Turner with the information the willen gave her, and the armband artifact. As Leira and Turner are talking, a blue finding ball from the Royal Family locates Correk, and pops. A portal opens, and Saria steps out. Tells all the Elf told her. Asks Leira for her help, and tells her of Rhazdon’s plan: The Oricerans are taught of her betrayal and will fight against her but the humans on Earth will get a dose of her ability to save the day, even if she’s the cause of the wreckage. Revenge and victory in one neat package. Wickedly twisted.” Leira plans to get the necklace before Rhazdon, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Queen Saria spoke. Leira, you are part Light Elf, which makes you part of this family. Will you stand with us? Will you fight alongside us and rid this world of this vile creature?” | ||
+ | “My home is in Austin, Texas in the United States of America on planet Earth.” “We will fight alongside each other. I will fight but I want this understood. I fight for my first home and I do it as an equal, a peer. I serve no other government, no monarchy and I will not stop till Rhazdon is put down. For good this time. The bitch has it coming and then some. You want honesty, that’s mine. Don’t question it again or we part ways and I find my own allies.” All agree, and the deal is struck with a tower oh hands pledging to fight alongside Oriceran, for Earth. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Chapter 23==== | ||
+ | Correk decides to go back with them, to try to track Rhazdon. He advises her to tell Yumfuck everything, as he’s really smarter than he has let on, and given all of the information, will be a worthy advisor. I’m bringing Hagan and the Feds into this. Not a discussion.” “Wasn’t going to argue. Earth has just as much at risk and without the knowledge of Rhazdon’s history with violence and war. They have a right to know everything and make their own decisions.” | ||
+ | |||
+ | Turner has a feeling that being able to disguise her magic so Rhazdon doesn’t see her coming may yet still prove to be very useful. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The prophets met one last time at a tavern by the Rodania sea to the north of the Light Elves kingdom, near the Land of Terran., to decide what they needed to do from now on. They decided to go home for a short while, to live in exile, then to fight for the best for both Oriceran and Earth. Some secrets will remain secret, perhaps not forever, but at least for the time being. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===THE GNOMES OF THE ORICERAN LIBRARY=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 24==== | ||
+ | King, Queen, and Correk all agree that they had been lax in their anticipations of the strength of magic. Gnomes were already busy devising a new vault. | ||
+ | Correk, Saria and the King go to the Library to settle the problem of Correk’s late book and are met with a surprise. | ||
+ | The Gnomes, in unison, all doffed their bowlers, holding them in one hand as they went down on one knee bowing their heads. An older Gnome lifted his head and put his bowler back on top. “We have a common enemy now. Rhazdon has killed at least two of our kind. That much we know. And he sullied our reputation breaking into the vault. We are one of the oldest magical beings on Oriceran dating back before anyone can remember. Light Elves were not around when we were great warriors and fought to protect our kind. We are ready to do so again. We will leave a skeleton crew to guard what’s left of the library. The rest of us are going with you to find Rhazdon and justice. The Gnome shook his head. “Queen Saria, we are of service to the Light Elves but we are not indentured or subjects of yours. We choose to be here. We choose to fight. We’re not asking for your blessing. We’re going.” Correk stepped forward and put out his fist for the Gnome to place on top in the Oriceran custom. Several of the Gnomes rushed forward and placed their hands on top, letting out a battle cry. “We fight with honor and to the end! | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===RHAZDON AND THE NECKLACE=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 25==== | ||
+ | Rhazdon had traced the necklace to a Wizard in Denver. Now she demands its return. . “You hand over the necklace your family took from me and fight by my side. Or you die here and now and I tear this house apart looking for it. Your choice, of course. I like to be fair. The Wizard asked, “All of them talk about how you wanted to form alliances. You were interested in building a new kind of world for magical people. You wanted us to have respect. Your followers mattered to you. Has all of that changed?” It’s all I ever wanted,” she said between clenched teeth. “We deserve at least that much. Recognition for who we are, what we can do! “But today’s a new day. There are new followers in the magical communities around Earth and some on Oriceran. We can let the past go and rebuild. Find some closure. Then why the battle? They are coming for me. No room at the table, again. | ||
+ | Rhazdon plans for her followers to meet with her at Lavender Rock, making sure to send Leira Berens an invitation so she doesn’t miss the "meeting". | ||
− | + | ===THE "MEETING"=== | |
+ | ====CHAPTER 26==== | ||
+ | Leira plans to go to Lavender Rock and, surprisingly (she knows nothing of it), her Magic Tribe wants to go with her, as does her Workforce from PDF, including Lois and Patsy, and her family including Yumfuck. Lois and Patsy will be sending out the alarm at Hilldale as well. | ||
+ | The fight starts and Leira’s magic began to flow, the symbols showing. Rhazdon tried to bait her, but her magic tribe started the fight. Yumfuck grew to giant size, fighting to defend the magic tribe. Alan, Mark and Gail from her PDF team were there. Leira saw Correk fall, and became disengaged – the Dark magic momentarily overcoming her, beating her down. Leira rallied, aided by Queen Saria and King Oriceran, Patsy and Lois, accompanied by an army of Kilomea, Light elves and Gnomes, as well as all of Hilldale. Turner Underwood, as well, came to her, told her she could do it, and she did. | ||
+ | With Queen Saria’s statement,“ Love trumps everything” , and with a broken leg, she fought on, connected by touch to every creature that was there with her. She stood in front of Rhazdon, snatched the necklace from her, and watched Rhazdon age and retreat. Leira gave the necklace back to Queen Saria. | ||
+ | Correk went back to Oriceran to heal. The doctors on Earth didn’t have the knowledge to deal with magical wounds. | ||
+ | ===AFTERWARDS=== | ||
+ | ====Chapter 27==== | ||
+ | Leira plans to go to Lavender Rock and, surprisingly (she knows nothing of it), her Magic Tribe wants to go with her, as does her Workforce from PDF, including Lois and Patsy, and her family including Yumfuck. Lois and Patsy will be sending out the alarm at Hilldale as well. | ||
+ | The fight starts and Leira’s magic began to flow, the symbols showing. Rhazdon tried to bait her, but her magic tribe started the fight. Yumfuck grew to giant size, fighting to defend the magic tribe. Alan, Mark and Gail from her PDF team were there. Leira saw Correk fall, and became disengaged – the Dark magic momentarily overcoming her, beating her down. Leira rallied, aided by Queen Saria and King Oriceran, Patsy and Lois, accompanied by an army of Kilomea, Light elves and Gnomes, as well as all of Hilldale. Turner Underwood, as well, came to her, told her she could do it, and she did. | ||
+ | With Queen Saria’s statement,“ Love trumps everything” , and with a broken leg, she fought on, connected by touch to every creature that was there with her. She stood in front of Rhazdon, snatched the necklace from her, and watched Rhazdon age and retreat. Leira gave the necklace back to Queen Saria. | ||
+ | Correk went back to Oriceran to heal. The doctors on Earth didn’t have the knowledge to deal with magical wounds. | ||
− | + | Leira still in hospital, lots of visitors, flowers from Cohen et al. Hagan stopped by, tells her Magic tribe news, was on way to 25th anniversary dinner with Rose. Bragged on his wife. As he left, Leira cast intentions his way. As he drove to dinner, Hagan wondered why every light was green, why he found a parking place right outside the front door of the restaurant, why they had the best table in the house, and why there was complimentary champagne, of their most favorite variety. They decided that “”It must be magic.” |
Latest revision as of 22:32, 9 August 2018
<< Protection of Magic | The Leira Chronicles | Dealing in Magic >> |
Contents
- 1 THE STAKEOUT
- 2 THE NEW MAGIC
- 3 NEW CASE
- 4 THE PROPHETS
- 5 THE PDF
- 6 CORREK ON ORICERAN
- 7 THE MOVES
- 8 PDF ACTIVITIES
- 9 THE RODEO
- 10 THE CELEBRITY
- 11 TURMOIL
- 12 CHARLIE MONAGHAN
- 13 THE JERSEY WILLEN
- 14 Correk and Perrom
- 15 THE GNOME
- 16 THE MENTOR
- 17 LEIRA ON ORICERAN
- 18 YUMFUCK'S ADVENTURES
- 19 THE PROPHETS
- 20 LEIRA'S PROMISE
- 21 THE GNOMES OF THE ORICERAN LIBRARY
- 22 RHAZDON AND THE NECKLACE
- 23 THE "MEETING"
- 24 AFTERWARDS
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, in the book.
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 (See Order of the 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 beings 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 15
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 willens, 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.”
Chapter 20
Leira goes back to the willen’s house to get the information she sought and gets it. You were right, the humans got more seeds from Oriceran. A lot more. Alright, already. It was a prophet. Can you believe it? A prophet! Saw him clear as day! The Gnome prophet, yes, the Gnome. What did he get in return? All sorts of technology. Boxes and boxes of it.” “Things from Earth flying over to Oriceran, things from Oriceran flying over to Earth. Never seen anything like it, I tell you! But there’s something more.” He shook his finger at Leira. “Dark magic, the really strong stuff. Nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Not to be meddled with. Terrible, terrible. A prophet!
Correk and Perrom
Chapter 16
Perrom visits the The Gardener (See The Gardener of the Dark Forest), 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.
THE MENTOR
Chapter 8
Leira and Turner meet the next day. He begins her instructions, Yumfuck helping. The idea of working with magic is to be a partner with it, to let it flow straight through you, go where it wants, and to become one with it. If you’re working at it, you’re doing it wrong. Let go of the steering wheel, do not try to control it. It will fail if you do that, as control limits the magic to the limits of your mind. (Good pages to read in full).
In this first session, Leira went to Oriceran, and saw the small cabin in the Dark Forest. Underwood pulled her back before she made contact, as she is not ready yet.
Chapter 18
Days Later
There is a way you could venture a little closer magically to the cabin. It would take an artifact from the time of the old king. Something that has the magic layered into it over time.” It will act as an amplifier for Leira’s magic and more importantly disguise her identity. The artifact will be full of so many different users’ magic it will be more difficult for whomever it is that you’re pursuing to quickly identify her. Correk remembers where to get one, from Louie, at the Dark Market.
LEIRA ON ORICERAN
Chapter 18
Leira and Correk go to Oriceran, to Dark Market for an artifact. Saw kids coming out to recess, a woman grieving (covered in purple bees, which feed on grief and anxiety. They will do wonders for your day!), a seven-foot tall white elk, with a rack five feet across (The Gardener must be near), who bowed to her, heralding her power. Correk and Leira go to see Louie, barter the armband in exchange for a recharge for his scepter. Louie also gave her a blue stone, in thanks. Queen Saria upset that the Prophets have gotten ahead with the negotiations with Earth. She feels that both sides need protecting and wants to talk to Leira about it.
YUMFUCK'S ADVENTURES
Chapter 19
Yumfuck goes to visit Mara and Eireka in their new apartment, smells bacon on the way, in the building (long, red brick) whose sign said Ladybird Assisted Living wonders what he does on his adventures.
THE PROPHETS
Chapter 21
The prophets nervously awaited the old Gnome’s arrival into their chamber at the back of the meeting room. The vote had already taken place and the Gnome was out. “You’re relieved of your duty. As of today, you are no longer a prophet of any standing. Turn over your robe and you can go.” The prophets use the excuse of the Dark Bazaar to fire him. So the day is here, at last. I’ve waited centuries for this moment. Let it take as long as it needs t, thought the Gnome. At this point, the Gnome removed his clothing, and changed, standing in front of them as a naked Atlantean woman, Rhazdon. Accused the Light Elf of trapping the King’s father in the in between during the last battle. I have more than just Dark Magic now. I have all of your secrets (secrets from the vault). And she went back into the Dark Forest, casting a spell which abolished all trace of her, so that she could not be followed. The Light elf ran to Queen Saria and told her the tale. Saria vows vengeance, and wants to ally herself with Leira, someone she can trust, to avenge her, and to kill Rhazdon.
LEIRA'S PROMISE
Chapter 22
Leira goes to Turner with the information the willen gave her, and the armband artifact. As Leira and Turner are talking, a blue finding ball from the Royal Family locates Correk, and pops. A portal opens, and Saria steps out. Tells all the Elf told her. Asks Leira for her help, and tells her of Rhazdon’s plan: The Oricerans are taught of her betrayal and will fight against her but the humans on Earth will get a dose of her ability to save the day, even if she’s the cause of the wreckage. Revenge and victory in one neat package. Wickedly twisted.” Leira plans to get the necklace before Rhazdon,
Queen Saria spoke. Leira, you are part Light Elf, which makes you part of this family. Will you stand with us? Will you fight alongside us and rid this world of this vile creature?” “My home is in Austin, Texas in the United States of America on planet Earth.” “We will fight alongside each other. I will fight but I want this understood. I fight for my first home and I do it as an equal, a peer. I serve no other government, no monarchy and I will not stop till Rhazdon is put down. For good this time. The bitch has it coming and then some. You want honesty, that’s mine. Don’t question it again or we part ways and I find my own allies.” All agree, and the deal is struck with a tower oh hands pledging to fight alongside Oriceran, for Earth.
Chapter 23
Correk decides to go back with them, to try to track Rhazdon. He advises her to tell Yumfuck everything, as he’s really smarter than he has let on, and given all of the information, will be a worthy advisor. I’m bringing Hagan and the Feds into this. Not a discussion.” “Wasn’t going to argue. Earth has just as much at risk and without the knowledge of Rhazdon’s history with violence and war. They have a right to know everything and make their own decisions.”
Turner has a feeling that being able to disguise her magic so Rhazdon doesn’t see her coming may yet still prove to be very useful.
The prophets met one last time at a tavern by the Rodania sea to the north of the Light Elves kingdom, near the Land of Terran., to decide what they needed to do from now on. They decided to go home for a short while, to live in exile, then to fight for the best for both Oriceran and Earth. Some secrets will remain secret, perhaps not forever, but at least for the time being.
THE GNOMES OF THE ORICERAN LIBRARY
Chapter 24
King, Queen, and Correk all agree that they had been lax in their anticipations of the strength of magic. Gnomes were already busy devising a new vault. Correk, Saria and the King go to the Library to settle the problem of Correk’s late book and are met with a surprise. The Gnomes, in unison, all doffed their bowlers, holding them in one hand as they went down on one knee bowing their heads. An older Gnome lifted his head and put his bowler back on top. “We have a common enemy now. Rhazdon has killed at least two of our kind. That much we know. And he sullied our reputation breaking into the vault. We are one of the oldest magical beings on Oriceran dating back before anyone can remember. Light Elves were not around when we were great warriors and fought to protect our kind. We are ready to do so again. We will leave a skeleton crew to guard what’s left of the library. The rest of us are going with you to find Rhazdon and justice. The Gnome shook his head. “Queen Saria, we are of service to the Light Elves but we are not indentured or subjects of yours. We choose to be here. We choose to fight. We’re not asking for your blessing. We’re going.” Correk stepped forward and put out his fist for the Gnome to place on top in the Oriceran custom. Several of the Gnomes rushed forward and placed their hands on top, letting out a battle cry. “We fight with honor and to the end!
RHAZDON AND THE NECKLACE
Chapter 25
Rhazdon had traced the necklace to a Wizard in Denver. Now she demands its return. . “You hand over the necklace your family took from me and fight by my side. Or you die here and now and I tear this house apart looking for it. Your choice, of course. I like to be fair. The Wizard asked, “All of them talk about how you wanted to form alliances. You were interested in building a new kind of world for magical people. You wanted us to have respect. Your followers mattered to you. Has all of that changed?” It’s all I ever wanted,” she said between clenched teeth. “We deserve at least that much. Recognition for who we are, what we can do! “But today’s a new day. There are new followers in the magical communities around Earth and some on Oriceran. We can let the past go and rebuild. Find some closure. Then why the battle? They are coming for me. No room at the table, again. Rhazdon plans for her followers to meet with her at Lavender Rock, making sure to send Leira Berens an invitation so she doesn’t miss the "meeting".
THE "MEETING"
CHAPTER 26
Leira plans to go to Lavender Rock and, surprisingly (she knows nothing of it), her Magic Tribe wants to go with her, as does her Workforce from PDF, including Lois and Patsy, and her family including Yumfuck. Lois and Patsy will be sending out the alarm at Hilldale as well. The fight starts and Leira’s magic began to flow, the symbols showing. Rhazdon tried to bait her, but her magic tribe started the fight. Yumfuck grew to giant size, fighting to defend the magic tribe. Alan, Mark and Gail from her PDF team were there. Leira saw Correk fall, and became disengaged – the Dark magic momentarily overcoming her, beating her down. Leira rallied, aided by Queen Saria and King Oriceran, Patsy and Lois, accompanied by an army of Kilomea, Light elves and Gnomes, as well as all of Hilldale. Turner Underwood, as well, came to her, told her she could do it, and she did.
With Queen Saria’s statement,“ Love trumps everything” , and with a broken leg, she fought on, connected by touch to every creature that was there with her. She stood in front of Rhazdon, snatched the necklace from her, and watched Rhazdon age and retreat. Leira gave the necklace back to Queen Saria. Correk went back to Oriceran to heal. The doctors on Earth didn’t have the knowledge to deal with magical wounds.
AFTERWARDS
Chapter 27
Leira plans to go to Lavender Rock and, surprisingly (she knows nothing of it), her Magic Tribe wants to go with her, as does her Workforce from PDF, including Lois and Patsy, and her family including Yumfuck. Lois and Patsy will be sending out the alarm at Hilldale as well. The fight starts and Leira’s magic began to flow, the symbols showing. Rhazdon tried to bait her, but her magic tribe started the fight. Yumfuck grew to giant size, fighting to defend the magic tribe. Alan, Mark and Gail from her PDF team were there. Leira saw Correk fall, and became disengaged – the Dark magic momentarily overcoming her, beating her down. Leira rallied, aided by Queen Saria and King Oriceran, Patsy and Lois, accompanied by an army of Kilomea, Light elves and Gnomes, as well as all of Hilldale. Turner Underwood, as well, came to her, told her she could do it, and she did. With Queen Saria’s statement,“ Love trumps everything” , and with a broken leg, she fought on, connected by touch to every creature that was there with her. She stood in front of Rhazdon, snatched the necklace from her, and watched Rhazdon age and retreat. Leira gave the necklace back to Queen Saria. Correk went back to Oriceran to heal. The doctors on Earth didn’t have the knowledge to deal with magical wounds.
Leira still in hospital, lots of visitors, flowers from Cohen et al. Hagan stopped by, tells her Magic tribe news, was on way to 25th anniversary dinner with Rose. Bragged on his wife. As he left, Leira cast intentions his way. As he drove to dinner, Hagan wondered why every light was green, why he found a parking place right outside the front door of the restaurant, why they had the best table in the house, and why there was complimentary champagne, of their most favorite variety. They decided that “”It must be magic.”