Adelfried

  Adelfried, Jim, and Federico had spent the last few days training when their visas finally got approved. Federico assured them that this was lightning fast compared to the normal process, especially considering the current state of the Cuāuhtli Empire being cut off from the topside world.

  Adelfried did his best to restrain his sniggering every time he saw Jim wearing his new earrings, but the sight always tickled him, probably because he knew how much Jim hated wearing them. But the effect was almost immediately noticeable. Within a few days, and to Federico’s surprise, Jim could fling rocks almost as fast and as accurate as small caliber gun. He even fashioned a small pouch with a wide mouth to carry stones. He slung it to his hip and practiced firing rocks from it until exhaustion took him.

  Jim’s determination to embrace magic impressed Adelfried, especially since he had been so against it from the start. But then again, even someone as stubborn as Jim had to adapt when entering a world where magic was as common as electricity.

  On the fourth day as they finished packing their bags, Federico’s doorbell rang. He came back with curiosity on his face. “I guess you live here now.” He handed Adelfried a small package with his name on it but no indication of where it had come from.

  Inside he found a small grey totem with a smooth texture and a familiar shape.

  “Oh,” said Federico. “That’s from the Warlock of Stonehenge. That shape is part of the iconography associated with the Sovereign Sect. It’s a symbol of their purpose or quest or some such nonsense. You can find it on some of their higher-ranking members.”

  Jim scoffed. “They have levels? I thought they’re all just a bunch of drones in a hive driven around by Harold like some god forsaken puppet.”

  “It’s more complicated than that.” Federico fished a note out of the box as Adelfried examined the totem. “I’m no expert, but I believe the way it works is while they all fall under the command of the Warlock, only the mages maintain some independent thought. So, a higher level Sov is like the normal person they were, whereas the lower levels they are truly drone like. My theory is the drones are controlled by the higher-level mages within the organization. I think it has to do with how the ESH is fed into the organization. Like, the mages and their ESH diamonds power the whole. The whole then uses that power to issue commands and make them do things. Honestly, Ying would be able to tell us. From what I heard she was able to be herself.”

  Jim nodded. “Yeah, and all those people at NASA that Harold used as human shields, those must have been drones.”

  “Interesting. You will have to share some time.”

  Federico handed Adelfried the note and put his hand out towards the totem. “May I?”

  Upon touching it, he immediately jerked his hand back. “Okay, that must be intended for you alone.” He rubbed his fingers gingerly. “Some kind of bioactive counter measure, or as they used to say, a curse.”

  Adelfried turned the token in his fingers. “Is it dangerous?”

  Federico shook his head. “Nah, hardly enough ESH in there to do more than give you a little shock. But I wouldn’t think it could actually do anything to you. I’m guessing the note will tell you.”

  Dearest Addy,

  I hope you and Minna are well. I assume by now you know that you have a grandson, Hugh. I have never had the privilege of meeting my great-nephew, but I hope to someday, even if it is a fool’s hope. You no doubt think me a fool for all that I have done over the years, but I stand with conviction for my actions and try to amend my errors of the past. I am not a perfect man, nor do I claim to be one. But my intentions remain the same as they were so many years ago, to help the people of this world by any means, including magic.

  The greatest conflict of our time is not the want of resources, but how we refuse to work together. Think of the countless lives lost to conflict and famine. If only we were to come together there would be no need for violence. But alas, I will hold my sermon for another day. Just know that my intentions have never wavered, but my methods have. I have learned over the years that forcing people to do as you wish is not a long term path to success. I only wished I had known that back on that faithful day that sent you into this future. But I will not dwell on regrets. I will instead endeavor to strive for a more perfect world. I can only hope that our visions align enough to become partners again in this brave new future.

  From my vast information network, I have become aware of the plight of Kae and Evan and wish to share some fortuitous news. Kae was injured in the fall and is recovering in a hospital in the Cuāuhtli Empire. Through my diplomatic relations with the Empire I have pleaded for her to be released as soon as she is well. Evan’s whereabouts are still unknown. But upon hearing of the horrible tragedy of the Harper’s house being dropped, I immediately dispatched members of my Sovereign family to the site. While the house was found in poor shape, there was no sign of Evan, or the family pet. To my mind this indicates that they survived the fall and are no doubt hiding or finding their way out now. I will keep my ear to the ground and if I get any news, I will immediately call you on the phone I gave you. I called you once already but since you did not respond, I am sending this message to you by letter. I can only assume you are still angry with me, and I can only hope that you will find your way to speak with me again with a cool head.

  So now I come to the enclosed talisman. Show this to any official in the Cuāuhtli Empire and it will grant you safe passage and immunity. As you will soon see, the Sovereign Sect is not looked so down upon by most in the magical world. And if it weren’t for the Wrecht Order’s constant propaganda to besmirch our name, we would be universally understood and welcomed. But again, I will not drag you into the mundane politics of this world. Just know that I am always here to support you should you need help in your quest to find the Harper children.

  With love and admiration, your brother and partner,

  Harold

  Adelfried almost crumpled the letter in his hand but instead handed it to Jim and Federico who took turns reading it. He twisted the totem in his fingers. Something about it stirred something deep inside.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  That was it.

  It’s shape. It was identical to the Root, only in miniature. He had seen it in on the cloak of the man who tried to kill him on the first day he arrived and was following Evan. And now this totem, was essentially a miniature mold of the Root. This whole time, after hundreds of years, Harold always hunted the Root. He no doubt used this imagery as a way to keep up the search for it, if it were to ever reappear. Adelfried smiled to himself. Harold was no doubt aware the Root was buried deep down in the underworld, but he probably didn’t realize that it was protected by a spell that only Minna could break.

  Jim handed the note back to Adelfried. “Harold’s a real piece of work. But hey, if he wants to help, I’ll take it. But I can’t say I trust that talisman. Anything that hurts you when you touch it can’t be that friendly.”

  Adelfried considered his words. “Agreed. But that is a chance I am willing to take if it means it will make it easier to find them. Too bad Minna destroyed the phone though.”

  Federico wore an expression of awe looking at the pair of them. “I don’t think I will ever get over the way you two casually call Mistress Kreeg, Minna and the Warlock of Stonehenge, Harold.”

  Jim patted Federico playfully on the shoulder. “Considering that both have tried to kill me and my family, they’re lucky I call them by their first name. Although, ‘That Bitch’ and ‘That Asshole’ both have a nice ring to it if I’m being honest.”

  Jim’s word stung a little, but what could he say. Jim had every right to call them both so much worse.

  After leaving Federico’s home in Barcelona, they travelled by taxi, then an airplane, which sent chills down Adelfried’s back. It was the most exhilarating experience he had had since arriving in this new world. Even though the trip only lasted a couple of hours, he couldn’t contain his excitement. Other than a few disapproving stares from Jim as Adelfried gushed on and on about how in his time he had never imagined such a mode of transportation, the trip was wonderful.

  They had lunch at a quaint café in the base of a hotel. Once they had eaten, instead of leaving through the door they had come in, they slipped through a door in the back with their bags in hand. Federico waved papers at a guard who called an elevator for them.

  Once inside Jim let out a derisive snort. “At least I can see this elevator.”

  Federico said, “Are there some you can’t?”

  “There are if you don’t have magic. Even with magic, you couldn’t pay me to take that elevator through the Nile again.”

  A minute later the door opened, and they entered the Independent State of Rochechouart. A large open lobby with towering stone walls covered in green vines greeted them. A few people waited in a line at a security check point. After a minute in line and the flash of some papers they were granted entry into a tunnel lit by recessed LEDs, not much different than an airport terminal, minus the expansive views of the tarmac. At the end of the tunnel an open plaza held shops and restaurants, and numerous passageways leading off in four directions, as if they were at the center of an airport. Centered in the plaza, a large marble statue of Blaise Pascal seated in a chair dominated the room. Signs indicating different continents pointed down hallways.

  Federico motioned to a North American passageway. “This way.”

  A slender woman in a golden yellow pantsuit with blonde hair tied up in a bun stepped in front of them. She had red sun stitched to the breast pocket of her jacket that glowed faintly. She crossed her arms over her stomach and bowed deeply to Adelfried.

  “Hello,” said Adelfried not sure what to make of her.

  “Greetings and salutations. Adelfried Brauer. My name is Zanzia Golshani. I am the faithful servant of Aruna, the Light of a Dim World. I bring a message of warm greetings from her to you. She wishes to welcome you to this time and cordially invites you to her home in Nepal for a visit of the utmost importance.”

  Adelfried tried not to react to overtly to hearing his last name. How would this person know it? Then again, Harold and Minna share the name and even if they didn’t use it, it wasn’t a great secret. But combining that with the fact that she knew he was not from this time made him uneasy.

  Adelfried smiled politely. “Uh, thank you for delivering this message. Please send my regards to Aruna and explain that I am unfortunately unable to visit at this time. I uh…have an task I must deal with.”

  Concern crossed Zanzia’s face as she glanced between Federico and Jim and back to Adelfried as if unsure if she was able to speak freely in front of them. “I understand your pressing concerns in the underworld and if I may be so bold I would like to suggest that meeting with Aruna is of the highest importance.”

  Jim raised his hands and spoke with a little exasperation behind his words. “If it’s so important they meet, why doesn’t Aruna come herself?”

  Zanzia nodded politely. “Unfortunately, Jim Harper, that is not possible.” She pulled a gold card almost out of air like a magic trick and handed it to Adelfried. “As soon as you are able to, please visit with Aruna.”

  The card sizzled with ESH to the touch, but was otherwise harmless as far as Adelfried could tell. “Thank you.”

  Zanzia bowed deeply again and walked without looking back.

  Federico’s mouth hung open. “You two are like Wizard magnets. I swear if I had known you, my life’s work would have taken a few weeks at most.” Federico shook his head. “Come on. We have a portal to catch.”

  Adelfried thought back, Federico and Chad were studying wizards. This was literally what they did. How odd to study a handful of people in the whole world. “Could you clear something up for me Federico?” Adelfried said as the three continued down the passage. “Why would you want to study wizards? What is the allure?”

  Federico coughed dramatically as if he had never heard something so ridiculous. “Why? Wizards are the most powerful beings we know of. They make the world run their way. Don’t forget, most wizards have pretty much been around forever. Knowing what makes them tick is knowing how the world works. Your daughter is responsible for keeping the magical world secret and in line. Your brother is constantly trying to impose his will in so many ways. Aruna, I’ll grant you, is still a bit of a mystery and what she is doing is still unknown. She is one of the newer wizards, present company not included. She is only about a hundred years old, which when we are talking wizards means she’s practically a baby. Her presence was first recorded during World War 1. From what I have been able to gather, she spends her time studying ESH and magic with a focus on the cosmos. But no one really knows to what end. Her followers tend to be a little on the eccentric side. You know, kind of cultish.”

  Jim shook his head. “She has followers? You mean like Sov followers?”

  “No, just your average run of the mill cult. No magical brainwashing that I know of.”

  “Great.” Jim laughed.

  A moment later they came to a line of around hundred people standing to the right of a row of stanchions connected by belts. At the very front they could just make out a metal doorframe mounted to a white wall leading nowhere. They took their place at the end of the line. Multiple signs in several languages had warnings to declare all ESH diamonds before entering the portal.

  Jim pointed at the sign. “Uh do I need to be worried about that?”

  Federico waved his hand dismissively. “I already declared the diamond earrings. Really, they are just making sure no one goes through with a massive bag or something. There’s a chance that it could, you know, throw the portal off or something. It’s just a silly warning like when they say don’t use your phone on a plan. It doesn’t really matter.”

  Adelfried put a hand on Federico’s shoulder. “Trust me, do not take portal interactions with magic diamonds lightly. That is how I arrived here as you may recall.”

  Federico nodded. “Fair point.” He checked his watch. “They’ll be opening any minute now.”

  They stood patiently as a ticket collector came by and stamped their tickets and a few minutes later a red light above the empty door started to flash. The door frame became a rectangle as black as space. The crowd surged through, orderly, but with purpose. As they followed Federico, he said, “I recommend closing your eyes the first time. It can be a little disorienting. You can put your hand on my shoulder if you like.”

  A moment later they passed through and into the Cuāuhtli Empire.