Doctor Eve Sanders walked into the bedroom of the Alpha’s young daughter’s room. She followed closely behind by her brother Maxwell. Her pack’s alpha Charles St Paul stood in the room standing next to the Alpha of the Shadow Cats Adam Green.
Eve froze mid step at the sudden dominace becoming charged in the air. She felt his intense interest in her both sexually and suspicion. She felt a chill go up her spine. Her excitement rose as did a tingling of instant sexual need.
Maxwell grunted and jolted her out of her sexual buzz. She focused on the task set before her. She was a healer. The best. It was more then an act of kindness toward a rival pack. It was also a way of proving Frostfalls pack had no dealings in the cursed magic used on the girl to take her young life.
Eve stepped forward careful with her steps and focused mental state. She felt a different type of chill now as she neared the girl laying in the bed.
“What are you feeling Cher? Do you know what’s happened to my baby girl?” Adam asked in a purring seductive voice.
Eva’s arousal tingled at the deep purr in gis voice. She shook off the effect he was having on and took a breath in and out. She froze at the scent of the girl went into her body. The scent was off about the girl. Eva angled her head around searching for something until she found the source of the scent. It was coming under the bed. She took out her knife.
Eva felt Adam’s reaction and the danger from him. She held up a hand to Adam. There was a sudden stillness. She waited a breath of a second and put a finger to her lips before she used the same finger to point under the bed.
“I see.” Adam said. “So. Do you need it to find out who harmed my baby sister.” He asked.
“Yes. I do love. I’m sorry.” Eve said in a honey glazed sounding voice that even surprised Eva’s own ears. She hadn’t meant to seduce Adam. She just meant to tell him no.
Maxwell tried to push her back but she shoved off his hold away. She motioned to him to silently to close the door. Eva didn’t know why but she couldn’t leave.
They couldn’t let whatever the hell was under the bed get away. Charles chuckled and took off his suit jacket.
“Well. We best get to the business.” Charles said.
Adam took a position slightly in front of Eve. She crunched low next to him close to his side and focused on the scent of the enemy.
“Hey. You going to stay under the bed all night.” Adam said.
Eva felt her fangs extend out and her eyes glow with magic. She saw a shadow of a magical figure creep out from under the bed.
It was on our third day track toward the land of the Breakers as I woke up in my tent I felt some power pushing down on me. I had dressed quickly with this foreboding feeling still with me. I had just climbed out of my tent and looked up at the sky. I stared up. The morning sky seemed to have a strange magical shimmering appearance to it.
I stood and the men all came alert and at attention before I said anything. I frowned but I looked at Anders. My elder cousin and Crowley’s youngest brother. He stared at me with an expression of keen alertness that much in the same way others did now.
“The Elders. Where are they?” I asked.
“As Sum. They are awaiting your orders in their tent of meeting.” He said.
I sighed. I looked behind my tent toward the larger tent of meeting. “Elders. May I come in?” I said.
Rolle came out of the tent first followed by our four elders. The men all stood waiting.
I motioned with my hand to the sky. “They are blocking the sky with some sort spell.” I said.
Nolle nodded. “There is also the matter of the spell I cast on our people seems to be fading. They are hunting us and will find us soon.” He said.
I frowned shaking my head. “We are still a days journey or more from reaching the Breakers. How will we evade them moving as we are now?” I said.
Rolle stared at me. He said nothing. He waited. It was the same way he always did when he knew the answer would come to me.
They were going to catch up to us before we reached the Breakers. There was no avoiding it. We couldn’t make the dash run off world as well so what now?
“Rolle.” I said.
“Speak my Lord.” He said.
I ignored his my lord comment. “Rolle. Is it nessary that we reach the Breakers?” I asked.
“It is absolutely nessary for us to seek out the Breakers. They had the means for us leave this world and move on.” He said.
“Pack up what you can. We’re making the Dash for the Breakers domain. Right now.” I said snatching up my tent and putting them up in my traveling bag.
The others rushed doing as I did and with in moments every one of the hundred or so people were ready to go. It had been a month sense we had had to make a full run in to the Dash. We would have to chance it just to get close enough to reaching the Breakers before we were caught by the Dar.
This would be our first group Dash without Crowley setting the lead and guiding us as a group. I knew I would have to take lead to focus us. I set my gaze forward thinking of the Tree ships of the Breakers. Once I had the image in my head. I felt the Dash energy around me as the tribe gathered close.
“Keep close with me.. I’m leading the way to the Breakers.” I said and I knelt down into a running position and rushed foward pushing my body forward with the energy around us.
We ran as a group the full force of the rush and our connection being the generating force pushing us forward as one. Lands. Water. We traveled catching on glimpses of them. I kept my focus for several moments in the rush until I saw several Dar black flying ships blocking our ways in mid air. I felt one of my people being pulled out of the group by one of lost Krull slaved to the Dar Empire. I saw them dressed in black uniforms as they invaded the rush to slow our travel.
I had to bring the rush to a quick stop to keep the remaining ones of us together as we stopped a few feet away from the Dar ships and people. I looked around trying to find Rolle and realized he had been taken out of the group as well.
A small flying boat from one of the ships came down with two Dar guards in it and Lord Max. He waved to me in a friendly manner. I didn’t react to his expression of acting.
When he finally arrived in front of me. Max nodded to me. “We meet again.” He said.
“You block my way and have taken one of my elders. Who have you come to kill today? An old man or the remaining youth of my people?” I said.
Max shook his head. “Oh no. No. The queen is against any of your people being harmed toay. I came to do my job. To talk and negotate with your people about that peace pack and marriages to be joined.” He said.
I shook my head. “You play games. You always play games. Let me speak your in your lanuage. What’s in for me? What do I need to do to reclaim back my Elders and people?” I said.
Max shook his head holding up his hand like he was an innocent man. There was laughter in his eyes. I saw it now. He was always laughing at my people.
“You are heated today Lad. I just wanted to make a deal with you and then we’ll get out of your way. You can go visit the Breakers and their princess. But, first you have to make a deal with me and have a talk with the Dar Queen. Oh we didn’t take your elders. We just asked your people working part time for the Dar to have them sit down a bit from all that running. Not all your people have a dislike for The Dar.” He said with a comical grin.
I shook my head. “My people are the Krull. Anyone that chooses sides against us is not with us. They sold themselves to you and have no part with the Krull. Do with them as you see fit but I want back my stolen Elders. Begin your game of bargins what do you want for them?” I said calmly.
Max stared at me. “There’s no need for that kind energy lad. I just want to talk with you a bit after we come to some agreement then you can be on your way to see the Breakers. I promise.” He said in a honest voice. But the image of him standing over my Prince’s dead body haunted me still.
I shook my head. “Your word is meaningless to me. What else do you have to bargin with for me to entertain your foolish talk?” I asked.
Max chuckled but he nodded his head. “Alright. Alright. Please have a sit down talk with me. We come to some agreement and you can be on your way. As a show of good faith we won’t use your people against you again no games. the Queen wishes their to be friendship between our people. A quick end to conflict between us is my desire.” He said.
I shook my head. “The Krull give you the land, gold and everything you gave to us. We ask in exchange for these pointless talks that you give us all our people in exchange. Right now or there is nothing for us to discuss.” I said.
Max laughed but he clapped his hands. “You’ve made your point. Rolle and the others will be returned to you right now. We go have a talk under my tent and find some common ground on your planet. I believe we can reach an agreement to cool intensions down and return to a friendship.” He said.
I stared at him. “I want all my people back. I promise to talk with you and settle the issues between us.” I said.
I paused a moment as we faced the cave entrance. Drake’s Mouth was the right name for the entrance into the magical door way. I felt the heat from the mystic fires with in Drake’s mouth from our position on my face. I could see a little ruby like energy flame inside the cave flicking in the darkness. I wondered what type of weapon I would find inside the moutain or how I would call it forth out of the fires inside the mouth.
Zoom! Boom!
My head went up as my thoughts were jerked back to the Empire as I noticed their flying ships flying above the surface of the ground. They couldn’t see us though they searched desperately thanks to the spell Rolle had cast over our cloaks.
I knew the spell wouldn’t last though. My senses were still actively aware of time and the urgency I felt. I needed to get the tribe away from this planet and as far away and hidden from the politics of the galaxy. Rolle tapped me on the head with his grey staff.
I didn’t yell but I was brought back to the present. I looked at him to see his annoyed grimance on his face as he stared at me. “My apologies Rolle. My thoughts are on finishing the task so we can be on the road again.” I said.
Rolle sighed and leaned against his staff. “You are worried about the Empress’ hunter being on our heels. I told you we will not be found so easily.” He said.
“You are not worried though. I assume. You never seem to worry much about anything Rolle.” I said with a small smile.
Rolle grinned chucking quietly. He shook his head. “You are wondering why they are chasing after us still when we have given back to them all they have given us.” He said.
I shrugged. “It’s simple enough. We were useful slaves to them until they tried to handle us to roughly. Now their sore about it and want to recapture their slaves again.” I said.
Rolle shook his head. “They need us, Cre. Indeed you reminded them that we are much more then useful slaves as you put it. Yes. I believe the Empress will be vastly interested in claiming your favor on her side and most importantly for her future plans.” He said and turned and started walking up to the entrance of Drake’s mouth.
I followed him. “Me? I did nothing to warrent her attention or being special. If I did anything at all it was but try to keep everyone in check until that empirial devil from the Empress left us.” I said.
“One ponders these recent events though.” Rolle said in a thoughtful tone.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Rolle shrugged. “It is a mystery why that assassin took out Crowley as he did. In broad daylight and then he walked away as he did. He was a teacher of yours once, I believe.” He said.
I shook my head at that thought. “He is an Empiralist that his country sent to teach our youth their universal language, customs and philosophy. He used his position to look down on us and hold us to our word while he robbed us of our Prince. He was luckily that we are not the savages as he might have thought.” I said with raising pang of anger at the humiliation I had to endure for my people.
Rolle nodded his head. “Still though. It seemed like he was fishing for something else when he judged Crowley. I think he might have gotten what he got. Sadly. We should have hidden our secrets better. What do you plan to do when you meet the Empress?” He said and surprising me by his train of thoughts.
I shook my head. I had no notion how his mind arrived that idea. “Me? I have no intention on meeting her. I doubt The Empress even knows me or cares who I am Old One. No. I know she doesn’t know me. I plan to keep it that way once we leave this planet. Nothing but trouble has happened to us every sense we came here and first threw our hat into alliance with the Empire and Federation.” I said.
Rolle had a rye smile on his face. His gaze was staring straight ahead but his gaze was distant. He was quietly looking within himself pondering. He nodded his head though finally after a few minutes of silence. “You wish for us too become a hidden nation again. It would be a return to proper form of the old ways during the time I was a boy.” He said.
I frowned at his speech and address toward me like I was in charge of the Krull. “It was not a plan. But an idea I got from you. It is best we disappeared from the eyes of the federation and Empress’ spies. Our dealings with them have stabbed us in the front and lost us our Prince who died childless. I will leave it up to you and the elders to decide though.” I said.
Rolle shook his head stopping. “No. We will do as you say. We will disappear from the eyes of the universe but not before you claim the Lava Tooth inside the cave and the Princess of the Breakers. Go. We will wait for your return.” He said.
I was dancing with in the living waters of the core of the the living tree ship when I felt my father and mother arrive in the ship’s core room. I finished my dance and dove outside of living waters and rolled to my feet. My attendant and nurse passed me my towel first and then after I had dried off I slipped on my robe turned and bowed to my parents.
“A raise, Moon Dancer. We have news to report.” Father said in tired quiet voice.
I got to my feet glancing once at my mother to see her pale and guarded she was watchful of me and sad. Father was dressed in his offical white suit with a black sash across his chest and mother stood beside him bare foot dressed in glimmering white dress.
“Something bad has happened.” I said.
Father stared at me as he fixed his focus on my face. “It is reported to me by Empiral Herold that Crowley Krull was found guilty and sentenced to death. The Krull have also disappeared and abandoned their lands. The Empire is seeking them out to bring them back to their lands and barter a new peace agreement with them.” He said and he studied my face.
“That is bad news. Well we will have to wait see what happens next.” I said carefully. An uneasy quiet followed my words.
My father stared at me saying nothing. I could almost hear his mind turning and thinking on the meaning of my simple speech. He cleared his throat.
“I understand your not interested in his death whether or not you believe it was warranted.” He said and paused. “Was it warrented?” He asked me directly on what I knew happened to him.
I noticed father was looking at me differently again. He was looking at that other side of me. “I’ve met Crowley a few times and I’ve heard a bit of his dealings in business. I believe he possible got himself in trouble for his life to end. He lived dangerously and cost his tribe to be in a bad way with the empire.” I said carefully not investing in giving anything more of what I knew or what I had seen in Crowley and in what the living waters revealed to me.
Mother sighed and I saw she seemed to be more relaxed though still watchful of me. “What do you see…no what do you believe will happened next?” She asked and corrected herself half way.
I clasped my hands together and then I released then let them go. I combed my hands threw my blond hair twice behind my back. I took in a slow inward breath and exhaled out slowly to steady my nerves.
“I believe we should wait for the Prince of the Krull to arrive here.” I said. They stared at me shaken. I smiled to ease the tension in the room. “We made a promise to the Krull to agree on a marriage to join our houses so that we can grow stronger. The Krull keep their word.” I said.
My father straightened his back up and he nodded to me. “Thank you. We will leave you to your duties. When the Krull arrive we will let you know though I suppose you will know.” He said with a sigh but he smiled and he bowed to me.
He turned to leave but mother was still staring at me. “Moon Dancer. When did you know Crowley was going to die? Why didn’t you tell us? We could have saved the tribe more time and married you off to the one who you saw you were going to marry.” She said in rush of words and emotions.
“Mother please. I-I did not know Crowley would die so soon after we finalized the engagement plans.” I said honestly.
“You knew he would die though. You knew he wouldn’t be the one you would give the living waters to. What else aren’t you telling us?” Mother said and then paused. My mother smiled at me but she was still staring at me not seeing me but desiring to know things I couldn’t tell her. It would only lead to her destruction. “You can trust us. You don’t have to hide what you’ve seen from us. We can assist you better in knowing what you know and have seen. I command it of you.” She said holding out her hands.
My heart hammered inside my chest. I could feel where this conversation was going and I knew what I was about to lose her. But, I had to obey her. I opened my mouth.
My father held up his hand toward me and I froze at the sight of his Silver blues staring at me with intent. His gaze made me feel like his daughter again. “Do you feel uneasy continuing this conversation?” He asked.
“Yes.” I said.
Father nodded. “The conversation is over. You told us what we needed too know. You will speak no more of this to anyone. Am I understood?” He asked.
I bowed to the floor before him with my head lowering to the floor. “I obey.” I said.
“Hawks! We need to know. The Empire is against the match. You know they are planning. We need to know the future.” Mother said in a pleading voice.
“Era. No more talk. We leave. Now.” Father said to mother. I heard them leave the room and only got to my feet when I was sure I was alone with my nurse. She was dressed in a white dress with vail over her lower face and turban.
I turned to her and she had her head bowed. “Mai. What do you thinking about? Do you believe I was over reacting?” I asked.
Mai shook her head. “I live to serve you our blessed Princess Moon Dancer. I am not one to question your judgement.” She said in a quiet voice.
I sighed and looked into the living waters that flowed upward from the center of the room. Already I could see visions of Cre on his journey up the mountain. He was an interesting man. Tall. Dark. He had a coldness about him but a deep sense of loyalty and honor were woven in the fabric of his nature and tied closely to his soul.
I saw Cre dressed in leather pants and white shirt with only his Iron Fang knife strapped to his side. He wasn’t alone. Another Krull was traveling him as they worked their way up the mountain. Cre was quiet as usual with the elder of the Krull at his side telling him of the item he would need to seek out in the fires of mountain’s core. This wasn’t the first vision I had seen of him.
The first vision had been the day he had become the Twelveth prince of the Krull on the day of Crowley’s demise.
Storms raged above outside Cre’s tent while he slept a dreamless sleep. He was awaken from his slumber not by the storms. It was feeling of danger and a knowledge it was time for the challenge.
Cre rolled out of his sleeping bed coming to his feet with only a pair of rough pants on and nothing else. He reached down picking up his training knife. A Iron knife called the dawn of youth.
He walked out hearing the storms above raging in the desert skies. The Crack and boom of thunder and lightning sounded in the heavens. There was a stillness in the lands though. A crimson magical circle was a few feet from the entrance of his tent.
Crown Prince Crowley Krull stood to the side with his uncles and elders. His elder the prince of his people barely spared him a look.
“You better win, Crescent. I won’t accept anything else from you. I don’t give up my knives easy. You come of age today or you will be left behind.” He said still without looking.
Cre stepped into the crimson circle. The moment he did a phantom appeared. A creature of pure silver and black with a long knife in his hand. He mimicked Cre’s moments as they circled each other.
The world outside of the circle changed spinning in a circle taking them to many places all at once. The creature attacked Cre weaving his weapon around in wide archs. Cre dove and evaded the attacks and kept in the circle.
Cre dove and stabbed the creature in the knee making him pause. Cre kicked the phantom off his feet and stabbed the phantom in the chest.
The knife passed through the phantom and suddenly Cre was the one under attack. Cre was taking on hits and cuts falling to the ground breathing heavy.
The phantom speared Cre with the knife. Cre felt pain for a second until he looked into the face of the phantom and saw his mirror image.
Cre closed his eyes and focused on home. The only home he had ever known. His tribe. His people. The Krull. The storm stopped. He got to his feet but in a new place surrounded my his tribe.
Crowley shook his head at him. “Took you long enough to grab a hold of what you were fighting. So little cousin you seem ready for a run. Do you know how to travel the realms like a true Krull?” He said.
Cre smiled. “Yes sir.” He said. Crowley looked past him.
Cre started to look buy caught the knife that Crowley threw him in his hand. He turned back to his prince and bowed. “Thank you for bringing me this far. I will honor your gift.” He said.
Crowley reached out rubbing his head. “You’ll do. You’ll do fine. Keep up with us. We won’t be slowing down anymore. We have to find a new homeworld and time is never on our side.” He said as he turned and ran in quick speed his body moving fast into another space and realm up into the sky.
The others quickly followed after their prince up to the heavens.
Cre looked down at his knife in his hand. The knife seemed alive and it sparkled with magical light and glow with energy and then he started running chasing after his tribe to quickly catch up to them as they raced through the stars and heavens.
I was in my office when I felt my tattoo come alive. Angus. I called my broom to my hand and called the Owls to me as I arrived above Potter Ranch.
I felt the trouble as I sat on my broom and reached for my wand and blasted several wizards away that appeared. The court of Owls appeared then and the enemy was gone.
I felt power. I looked down at the ranch and saw James flying up from the ranch toward my fellow Owls. I appeared in front of him as he stopped and floated in the air with a magical mystical power that surrounded him.
This was the mist. The ancient magic lost to us. He had advanced far beyond my imagination. I realized what I was seeing. The future and the past in one being. James Potter. He stared at me as an enemy.
“Your father called for his associates to come assist him to protect you and your family. You should go-” I said.
“-Guard the skies do not come on my family land. You are my father’s associates not mean ” James said and disappeared in mist appearing on the ranch below.
Wells appeared before me. His eyes were wide. “When the fuck did he learn to fly. What was that mist around him? Holy shit.” He said.
I stared at him. “Stay away from him and do not go near him.” I said. I floated down to meet Angus who waved me down. I didn’t have time. James had to become a Owl but I knew the price would be he would hate me.
Angus spoke too his son and surprisingly James obeyed him easily. Angus turned to me with frustration on his face. “You didn’t tell me he could fly. We have to bring him Angus. I’m sorry.” I said.
Angus stared at me. “Are you? This is going to harder for you. What do you know about what is going on here?” He said.
I nodded. “Yeah. He’s doing something in there. I need to know what’s going on in your workshop and the court needs to records his works and guide him along.” I said.
Angus shook his head. He looked away from and froze. I followed his gaze and I stared at Wells standing in front of James talking to him but I couldn’t hear him.
James moved attacked Wells easily and then he had Wells in front of me. He stared at me. “This piece of shit sent the thief into our house. He confessed to me.” He said looking at Angus and ignoring me.
What followed was series of events that made me feel like I was every bit the monster James saw me as. I tried to maintain control. I was losing it. When I thought I had brought everything into sense of justice the laughter in James eyes made me feel like a joke.
Angus was barely holding on to his oath to me and then Wells had tried to kill James. Axe had removed him for me.
“Well that pretty much ends things doesn’t it.” James said turned to go. “I want to have a meeting with you and your father about some issues tomorrow. I would hope to see you there.” I said to him.
“I don’t work for you Cole. So you shouldn’t expect shit from me but indifference for what you want.” He said coldly.
I started to speak but Angus spoke convincing James that making an enemy out of me was the wrong move to go. After that I said nothing. Angus got his son to do what I wanted not because of trust in me but the reality he was trying to protect his son from me.
I left the Potter Ranch rising to the sky and then I apparition to my office. The court followed me. I sat behind my chair.
“Nick. What are you planning?” Axe asked me.
I heard doubt in his voice. “James will be inducted into the court tomorrow. I want you and the others to mentor him. We’ll get the information on what he’s doing in the workshop. He’ll be assigned his first mission tomorrow.” I said.
“I meant what’s the plan with how to treat him? Angus is the only one he’ll answer to. We’re his enemies.” Axe said.
I tapped my fingers on my arm rest. “Once he is an Owl member he will be our younger brother. We bring him up and grow close to him. All we have to do is show him loyalty. The only reason he would turn against us would be we became the monsters he expects us to be.” I said.
“I can’t being around him. Every time he looks at me I feel like shit head.” Axe said.
I nodded. “I know. But if we don’t bring him in and protect him then we will become the monsters we promised never to be.” I said.
I was nervous as I sat with my back to my brother’s at the restaurant table. I wished it could have been more private but I had out voted. Things were moving fast. I had gotten the watch reports from the back-sight on the sudden changes in James Potter’s path and the alliances he had forged quickly.
I had to move quickly.
Angus and his son appeared together. I smiled at them but I froze as I saw the look James gave me a second he saw me and then he quickly tried to hide it.
James hated me. No. The heir of Merlin looked at me as a monster. It hit me. I had failed. I knew what I was capable of now. I knew what my limits would be.
I would push forward. I would overcome. I shook Angus hand and I turned to James. He nodded to me. I took in his measure and sensed the power hidden behind his youthful face. His eyes. Yes. Angus was right. His eyes told the story of a young who knew what pain and death were. He had been closely associated with them as I had myself.
He sat and we made minor chit chat that was only a formality. I saw him work magic easily using it without speaking. He pushed it out from his body. The end of the conversation came quickly when he told me to myself that he had no intention of being my bitch.
I laughed it off noticing how quiet Angus was during all this. I finally allowed him to take his leave and he disappeared leaving behind a grey mist on the chair.
I turned to Angus. “He believes me to be an enemy of his. I promise to surprise him and become his friend.” I said.
Angus stared at me. “What do you want to know?”
“Did he tell you?” I asked.
Angus shook his head. “His wife told me what happened from her end. Yeah. He brought his wife back with her memories too. They did some wild things eighteen months from now.” He said.
“Two years! Two years.” I said twice.
Angus nodded. “Yep. Someone attacked the sky realm my boy made and killed my family.” He said.
I nodded. “Me. Your saying I ordered the death of your family in this sky realm that James made. What is a sky realm?” I said.
“James used a bit of my magic along with several other forms to craft another place like earth above my ranch where they made inventions that advanced magic by the months.” He said with more then a little pride in his voice about his son.
I couldn’t conceive of any reason I would try to stop that. “He’ll have his opportunity to bring back this sky realm and do more now.” I said.
Angus shook his head. “No. James isn’t interested in returning to that. My daughter in-law says she is going to try to attempt to get him back on to his true passion but she is afraid it is gone after what happened.” He said.
I shook my head. “That is nonsense. I have to know what happened Angus. I have to bring him into our circle. He’s our future. If he gets turned to the dark Lord’s side.”
“Leave him be.” Angus said. “He’ll come along at his own pace and time. He’s earned some peace.”
“He went to visit a female named River Song. Do you know why?” I asked.
Angus sighed. He stared at me. “What are you doing, Nick?” He said.
I stared at him. “He has a black rage in him. Such anger and power in a young man like himself can damage my peoples future. He already has one tribe of Magi under his protection. This is only the beginning. There is still hope to guide him back around to right side.” I said carefully.
Angus nodded leaning forward toward me. “Your the cause of his pain and loss, Nick. Your the reason he is the way he is. It’s what you become. Hell the only reason he came here was because of me. He is opposed too everything you are and will be. He still some how respects me though I can’t know why when I failed him. I didn’t have the strength to protect his dreams from being burned away by you and our friends.” He said.
I stared at him and and then laughed. I couldn’t help it. My hand was steady as I ran it through my hair once then twice. I sighed. “I hear you. But, I have done nothing to him or you. I have to know everything that happened. He was sent back. There has to be a way-” He said.
“I want you to leave my son alone, Nick.” Angus said. “Leave him out of this fucking war you have with the shit head. I’ll give you the information you need. Will you do me this favor?” He said.
I stared at him. “I can’t promise you none interference. We have to train him. We have to give him all our knowledge and experience so that he can do push our people forward to the next level. It is my duty to pure my knowledge into him. Angus. Your son will rise above all of us because what he lead our children into a new era.” I said.
Angus stared at me. “I know you believe what your saying. I know your a good man but your mortal. Let him be. His mother and I will help him heal but you and the fellas can’t be apart of it. Your the reason he became this way.” He said.
I stared at him. “Alright. I won’t go near him. None of us will go near him. However. He’s a powerhouse Angus. Not like you were on his age. His destiny means more for my children’ future. Our world will see him for it he is. They will come after him to make him choose a side. I will insist he become apart of the court. That insistence will not be up for refusal.” I said.
Angus sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. He looked at me. “Why won’t you let this shit go?” He asked in frustration.
“Angus. I have to change the course of events before I betray you brother. There is one event that has not happened to him. I’m asking you as a brother one last time. Allow me to redeem myself in your eyes and change my course. Owls do not betray each other. It is our oath.” I said.
Axe came to stand between us. “We all feel this way Angus. James is to powerful. Either he will swayed to the dark Lord or be on our side. Either way I know my sons will follow him when he comes into his full power decades from now. I want him on our side. I’m not going to up for fighting against him and my sons.” He said.
Angus nodded his head. “Fine. The day they come to force that choice I’ll bring him to the court to be inducted into our ranks. Just remember what I told you before. You know where I stand.” He said and disappeared.
I leaned back in my chair. My head hurt. I looked at Axe. He stared at me. “That kid scary but he’s also the kind of man we need in the court. Your riding a line though. He’s the last Deathly hollow and the heir to Merlin.” He said.
I nodded my head. “I know but we need to know what happened in his time-line. This is our only chance.” I said.
Angus Potter appeared in my board room on a Sunny day. This was wrong. I hadn’t called him to the court but he had shown up and I knew before he spoke it was bad. He was supposed to be on a mission.
Angus stared at me. “Call the Owls. We need to talk.” He said in a serious voice.
I touched my palm to my left forearm and summoned my brothers to take flight and return to our court. They appeared suddenly one by one until the room was filled with Mt brothers.
They all looked confused but then that confused turned to concern as they looked at Angus. He only stared at me.
“What happened. Is James fine?” I asked.
Angus shook his head. “No. A few hours ago after his graduation Neville gave me a box of crap and message from Sybill Trelawney for James. If the conditions were set for him to receive it.” He said.
The quiet in the room was uneasy. We all knew that name and what fate her messages held. I stood. “She gave your son a prophesy. Is he to slay the new Dark Lord?” I asked. This was all wrong. I had failed. He was only seventeen. Barely a man yet. How the hell did it come to this again.
Angus shook his head. “No. He is now the heir of Merlin.The man of the mist has returned to us.” He said in a cold voice.
My head hurt. This was beyond anything I thought to hear. I smiled feeling joy for first time in a long but my smile froze as I stared at him.
“This is a blessed gift for our people. A new era has begun. What’s wrong with you at last we have good news.” I said.
Angus stared at me. “To receive his appointment he had to go through life changing events. Be tried by the hells of fire and return from a distant future to our present.” He said.
I understood now. “You were given a message to as well. How far has he come from the future?” I asked. I couldn’t believe this. Distant time travel. It was forbidden and spell know was caste away.
“It’s impossible Nick.” Wells said from my right. “The boy wouldn’t know the art or spells to perform it.” He said.
“You such a dumb ass.” Angus said. I turned as I realized instantly what Angus had figured out. Of course.
“Angus. You can’t simply believe the boy or that old witch. She hasn’t told an Oracle in over fifty plus years. The boy wouldn’t have that kind of power yet even if he was the legend of the mist.” He said.
“No.” I said. “James wouldn’t need to do the damned spell. Angus. Me or one of the Owls would had to send him back because the war had gotten out of hand and we needed someone to go back far enough to warn us on the traps to avoid. It would mean we lost the war. Angus. How does he look?” I asked.
“He looks the same. His eyes. His eyes though are aged. He’s been through the shit. I know we must have to taught how to fight. He’s more powerful now and very angry. I think he might have something against you.” He said.
I turned back slowly to him. Angus stared at me searching me now. “I have to meet him. When he gets around me I’ll have an answer to your question.” I said.
“What question is that on my mind?” Angus said.
“Did I attempt to destroy the dawn of new era and harm the heir to our future. I will tell you the truth brother. I will not lie.” I said.
Angus nodded but his dark eyes stared at me with intent and purpose. I saw the dragon of the west now. “I keep my word Nick. To you and the court. You have my loyalty and I fight beside you forever. I can let go of Wells here running a thieving operation. He’s apart of the team. He’ll I can ignore a lot dirty shit anyone here is into. It is what it is. I want you to know the day you or anyone in this room comes at my son sideways for any reason I won’t give you any warning. I’ll burn you and your whole fucking court to ashes. That’s where I stand.” Angus said and disappeared.
“Nick-” Wells started but stopped when I looked at him.
“We don’t know anything yet. We have to gather as much information as we can on what James experienced and knowledge he gained of our enemies. We have a war to win. Remember. We lost in the time-line James came from. I have no intention on losing in my time-line. We are brothers. Angus has not turned on us so we must not do the same to him. The court of Owls fly united and together. We are brothers. Whatever dealings you have that may harm our unity end now.” I said and I looked at the rest of them. “You all sware not to harm our brother’s boy and family now or you may leave my court forever my enemy.” I said.
They held out their fist to me and nodded. I sighed. “Alright. We have to work fast to become closer to Angus and his family to gain the knowledge we need to win.” I said.
Logan couldn’t sleep and he was on edge about what was going to happen in a few hours. He waited until everyone in the sleeping courtiers had fallen asleep. When the time was right he crept out.
The guard at the door was sleep on his feet back leaning against the side of the door. He moved fast on quiet feet. He made his way by memory back the way into the castle up the flight of stairs they had come. He turned to the left and walked quickly toward the library. The castle was quiet. No one was around not that he expected servants to be up or a night watch guard. Logan knew the reason for this.
Logan finally found his way to the library. There seemed to be one man inside. The wizard sat behind a table of writing desk facing the door. A blue magical lamp illuminated his hand as he wrote in a book. Everywhere else was dark in the small library.
Logan noticed how quiet it was. Even when he walked inside he couldn’t hear his own foot steps. He felt eyes on him. Logan ignored the feeling and the possible pair of eyes watching him.
The wizard at the writing desk didn’t look up but Logan knew he noticed him. “I got a question and a favor to ask you?” He said.
The wizard shook his head. “No favors. What is your question?” He said.
“I need to become stronger. I need to read the books here so I can be ready after we leave to face the dark lord.” Logan said quietly.
The Wizard shook his head. “You have trainers. They are more then able too help you in your quest as a warrior. Besides the point the books here would be useless to you. You can’t read magic languages. I have not the months or years to teach you. Go.” He said.
“I can read magic just fine. I just need the means of time to study to improve on my technique. I just need an hour of study time here every night until I leave. That’s all I’m asking for.” Logan said.
The wizard looked up at him. “You can read magic?” He asked.
“Yes. I can.” Logan said.
“I am Weiss. You pick one book to study for tonight. You will not take any book or damage any books while you are here. Do you understand me?” He said.
“Yes Sir. I’ll follow your rules on it.” Logan said and started to move toward a bookshelf near him but Weiss held up a hand forestalling him. “What?! What is it?” He said.
“Wait. For a few moments please. I have to check something.” Weiss said but he didn’t move or rise up from his seat. He stared at Logan without blinking for several moments.
There was moment of silence. Logan felt something in that moment like a quiet magical energy pass through him and then nothing happened.
Weiss nodded his head and looked back down picking his writing pen and went back to his work. “Pick one book for tonight. An hour of reading is what you requested you will be granted nothing more. After you have finished the hour you will return back to your sleeping bed for the night.” He said not looking up and then he proceeded back into that strange silence totally ignoring Logan again.
Logan quietly proceeded to the bookshelf he had come to intentionally. He did make a show of brushing his fingers lightly over the books. He looked over the books shelved. Though he knew what book he wanted. He stopped his hand on that particular book and he pulled it out. An overhead magical lamp light turned on above his head. Logan made sure to keep the excitement from showing on his face.
”Get to your study. You must get your sleep for the busy night that is ahead of you.” Weiss said.
Logan nodded. “Yes. Sir.” He said and started to turn his body slightly away from Weiss’ vision. His heart hammered inside his chest. He looked again at the title of the book.
Introduction of magical weapon transmutation by Grand magi Edgar Hugo Styles.
Logan opened the book and a light emanated from it as Logan felt his skill activated. He flipped through the book’s pages until the end. He then turned back to first page and started reading slowly each page at a time. A smile played on his lips as he read through it for pleasure.
Weiss cleared his throat. Logan put the book back where he took it in the bookshelf. He turned back to Weiss who was up and looking at him.
“I’ll be heading back to the slave sleeping room.” He said.
Weiss held up a hand. “Did you finish reading the book?” He asked.
Logan smiled. “I need a little a couple of more nights until I can understand what I read.” He said with a sheepish grin.
Weiss nodded. “You are honest learner. Four weeks should be enough. I will send you back.” He said and waved his hand and suddenly Logan was facing his bed.
Logan took off his boots got into bed and fell sleep the moment his head fell on his pillow.
The grand dinner that had prepared was like Logan had remembered. A set of long tables were set single file one at a time lined up in a straight line down. Logan sat next to Darla with his hand in her lap and his hand closed around hers. They talked little Logan was busy practicing wind magic tricks at the table and his mind making schemes.
Sargent Jai called an end to the meeting and they were waved off to separate gender courtiers. A male and female slave lead the males off to their respective areas. Logan stopped the male slave Barko a tall man with a magical purple collar around his neck.
“Barko give me a bit of time here before you take me away. I want to try something for ten minutes.” He said.
Barko frowned at him looking toward Jai first. Jai nodded stiffly. Barko then turned back to Logan. “You may do what you desire but we must go soon Hero Logan Jones.” He said in a respectful voice but it was layered with annoyance and his regard for Logan.
Logan laughed in his face. “Thank you for the kindness. I’ll be sure to return it in the future to you.” He said with a grin.
Barko frowned at him in confusion while the others stared between them silently. There was something in Logan’s tone or wording that suggested he meant something else. Logan’s words sounded friendly enough to their ears but the Marksman was a strange one they were beginning to discover.
Logan waved away the female slave named Cin that was towering muscled barbarian. She tried to take Darla along with her to the female courtiers with the others. She frowned at him almost about to ignore him and took Darla’s arm but Darla calmly smacked Cin’s hand away.
Cin snarled but Logan lifted his hand at her pushing her away knocking her off her feet. The slave girl flew back and landed on her ass. She bounded to her feet but she stared as Logan smiled.
“Easy. Darla doesn’t like to be handle by anybody weaker then her. I just need ten minutes Miss Cin and then you can take her away. So relax beautiful.” Logan said in kind voice.
Cin bowed her head to him. “As you wish.” She said in submissive voice.
Logan came to his feet holding out his hand to Darla. She took his hand and then she gasped as she floated up on the air. Logan guided her up into the air.
They started to guide up into the sky hovering over the training area. Darla was wide as Logan stared at her.
Darla’s clothing glowed jade green as they enbraced and then a glow of magical wind shield surrounded them. They became hidden in the shield.
A few seconds later strange sounds and heat emitted from the magic shield. The sound of a female’s heavy breathing followed before a shout of pleasure came from inside the shield.
The minutes ticked by slowly. Until both Darla and Logan finally appeared. Darla’s cheeks were flush and her eyes half closed as a smile was on her lips. They floated down to the ground finally until they stood back on the ground.
Darla breathed a soft sigh of displeasure as Logan moved out of her reach. He smiled at her. “That was fun. Hopefully we can do that again some other time. I’ll see you later.” He said and headed toward the male sleeping courtiers.
Vince stared at Logan in shocked surprise along with everyone else. Logan took hold of his shoulder and guided him along as well to the sleeping courtiers. “Vince. Tell me my friend what was your life back where you came from?” He asked.
Logan knew he had a shorter window then he wanted. He had to move fast. No. He had to learn to do what he needed to know.
“Did you hear me?” Trigger asked again.
Logan shrugged. “Hmm. I had dream of coming to a place like your world once. Today is my first day being here though. What do you need me to do first?” He asked.
Trigger sighed. “I need you to focus on the magical scent coming from me. When I call wind magic, focus on the flow of the magic. Try to mimic it or catch a hold it. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right away. We have several months to get you to a decent level. This is as best as I can explain it. I’m not proper wizard. What was the dream like?” He said.
Logan shrugged. “It was dream. A short dream that left me with a bad after taste in my mouth. Thought plenty of lessons worth the trouble of it. When your ready let’s try it out.” He said.
Logan stood in the fighting area facing Trigger who stood facing off against him. All around him the other people were getting training demonstrations and going through practice runs. Dining tables were being set up to the side and mats placed down for sitting. Dinner was expected to be served in hour or two.
In Logan’s mind he had the timing of the events that would go down tomorrow. Though he knew that those events were still up in air if everything would happened again like it did. The first death would be tomorrow. Slowly the others would come to understand what they’re true purpose was in being kidnapped from their home worlds.
After that Logan would need to move fast to learn what he needed in the library. Harold. No telling what that man would do.
Trigger began to move in a flowing way though it was a set of fighting moves. Logan’s hyper enhanced senses activated. The world around him became out of focus as he began to follow Trigger’s moves in the fighting ring. He noticed Trigger’s breathing pattern and copied it. He began to see the wind magic being summoned from the elements to surround Trigger’s body. The wind magic wrapped around Trigger’s body like blanket. The end result was like a force field of energy around him.
Logan vaguely noticed when that same magical force was around him. He took in the scent of it. It reminded him of a scent of beautiful woman wrapping her body around him. Ready to be taken to pleasure and to the edge of sanity. There was no better place to be for a man. He smiled and felt light on his feet and little high from the feeling.
Trigger stopped suddenly and then he sprang into a back flip. Logan copied moved in time and then they both ended up doing a hand stand on the ground. Trigger dropped to the sand with Logan quickly fell to his side as he followed Trigger to the ground.
The fighting area was quiet for several seconds. Until Logan laughed loudly as he stared up at the sky and clapped his hand. He rolled to his feet facing Trigger who was on his feet as well. He nodded his head to him. “Thank you. I think I got it.” He said.
Trigger bowed to him formally. “It was my honor.” He said.
Logan smiled. “I owe you a favor. Name it.” He said.
Trigger smiled but he shook his head. “Later. Much later. When I will tell you my favor when the time is right. Will you perfect what I taught you?” He said.
Logan wasn’t sure if he needed to but then he thought about how much time he had left. He needed away to use wind magic to his advantage to get what he wanted. He looked down at the sand around him in the fighting ring. He breathed in the wind magic and moved his hand against the sand turning it around until it lifted up. A hand touched his shoulder and he lost focus and the sand fell away.
Logan turned toward Darla to see her staring at him. She stared at him in concern. “Are you well?” She asked in that sexy voice he had come to find enchanting. He reached for her hips and called wind magic around her and used it to lift her up. Darla’s eyes widened as he lifted her over his head.
Darla was in the air her feet barely touching the ground. Logan grin at her. “I’m fine now. You are going to enjoy my new trick tonight.” He said with a wink.
