“Welcome, Wyatt,” The Archmage said, as though this were any old meeting. “Thank you for joining us. I apologize for the wait. There were matters which needed to be attended to before we visited with you.”
I sat at the end of a long conference table. The Archmage was on the other end, along with the other Arcane Guardians. Grand Curator Noah Begay and Grand Shaman Naomi Nguyen sat to his left. Grand Enchanter Marius Gunner sat to his right.
The Masters sat along the length of the table between us. They were all present.
They were all dressed in suits or formal wear, like they were executives of a Fortune 500 and this was just another Board meeting.
I hadn’t known I’d be addressing the whole Archcouncil. I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried to calm my nerves.
“Well, we’re here now,” I said, shrugging. “And it’s been a hell of a day. So, let’s get this over with it.”
A few seemed offended by my flippancy, but the Archmage just chuckled. “I suppose it has, Wyatt.”
“So, am I on trial?” I asked. “Is that what this?”
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “You’re here so we can understand the events that led up to the death of Director Allen, and the nature of the dark beings he was aligned with. Of magics we’ve not seen before. We’ve already gotten statements from Axel Gunner, Shain Stone, and the Pattersons.”
“Then you probably have a pretty good idea of what went down.”
“Perhaps, but as you know, Axel tends to be hard to understand at the best of times, Shain Stone isn’t a big talker, and the Pattersons like to keep to themselves. Yes, I believe we have a picture painted, but we haven’t heard the whole story. Not from you, anyway.”
I nodded slowly and started from the beginning. There was no point in lying, but I didn’t have to tell them absolutely everything. I stayed vague where I could and left out the parts about my personal relationship with Faith. When I had finished, there were several seconds of silence as my leaders seemed to consider my words.
“My son is an idiot,” Marius said, finally breaking the silence.
“Your son saved a little girl,” I said, meeting his hard gaze. “And if not for him, we would’ve never found out who murdered Kyle. We wouldn’t have been able to stop the Obayifo.”
“I don’t need a lecture,” Marius replied, his face tense with anger. I suppose that was reasonable. He had sentenced his son to death for a crime he didn’t commit. I imagine that has a weird effect on the ego.
But this was the only time I’d ever had the ear of the whole Archcouncil. It would likely be the last. It was time to go for broke.
“I think you do,” I replied, glancing around the table. “I think you all do. You may be the wisest among our order, certainly wiser than me, but in this, you’re dead wrong.”
“Is that so?” Master Shamus Abigail Yazzie asked. There was no vitriol in her voice. She said it with the quiet patience one might expect from the leader of the Shamuses. “You think Axel’s actions were warranted?”
“Do you not realize what Axel did?” I asked glancing around the table. “He offered his own life up so a child could be saved. He was prepared to sacrifice his life to protect Faith because he knew what would happen if she was discovered. He knew the witch had someone inside the Cabal, and he didn’t know who to trust. So, when you found him standing over Kyle’s dead body, he chose to take the blame to protect both of them. He was prepared to ride that lie to his grave. His reputation damned, his life taken, he still chose to protect them. And then in the end, when we faced down the witch, he stood against impossible odds, again risking his life for others. Don’t you see? He’s not an idiot… He’s a hero.”
No one spoke as they seemed to consider my words. Marius, in particular, didn’t so much as twitch. His eyes burned into mine, though. I liked to think I saw some realization. That maybe I caught a hint of a proud father, but that may’ve just been wishful thinking.
“Perhaps there is some merit in Axel’s actions,” Master Librarian Santiago Serrano said, as though trying to convince the others. Then he gave me a brief wink. He’d always been one of the most beloved among the Masters. There was a reason for that.
The Archmage smiled at me and said, “Axel acted admirably in his own way, but we’re not here to debate. We just want to get to the truth of the matter. I’m less concerned about whether it was handled correctly just yet.”
“Yet, I get the impression you don’t feel it was, or I wouldn’t be sitting here.”
“Are you so intent on fighting with us?” Master Spiritualist Matteo Gray asked. He was known for being friendly, but a bit wily, too. One of those people who rarely lost an intellectual boxing match, but who’d give you a chance to save yourself. He was doing that for me now. “Is it possible you came into this meeting expecting a fight? Are we so unsettling to you, Wyatt?”
I swallowed down my angry retort and took a calming breath.
The Archmage stepped in, driving the conversation back on course. “I do have concerns about Axel’s actions, and those of Shain Stone, and the Pattersons, and even our very own Parker Grimm in aiding you, but most of all, Wyatt Draven, I’m concerned with your actions. You put our entire order at risk.”
“I did my job, didn’t I?” I said, trying to keep the defensiveness out of my tone. “I solved the case and found the true culprits. If not for my actions, you would’ve had Axel executed and the real criminals would still be running amuck.”
“Perhaps,” the Archmage said, sitting back in his chair as he folded his arms across his chest. “And while we could debate many of your actions during this debacle, the one that sticks out is your decision to approach Director Allen alone without first notifying us of what you discovered. That, in my mind, Wyatt Draven, is your biggest crime.”
“Crime?” I asked, choking back a laugh. “Would any of you have believed me? Would any of you have taken action?”
“You laugh as though you already know the answer to that question,” Master Watcher Giovanni Jackson said. This one was a sly one. Had to be. The Watchers were basically the Cabal’s spies. “Do you know us so well, Blade Mage?”
“I know you don’t have much faith in me,” I said, shrugging. “So, it’s only reasonable for me to assume you wouldn’t believe me.”
“It sounds as if you’re the one who has little faith in us,” Master Battle Mage Zephyrine Castillo added, her voice little more than a growl. She was an imposing figure with a legendary temper. “Who are you to declare what we would or wouldn’t do?”
“I’m the Blade Mage. The sword chose me. And I did what the Blade Mage is supposed to do. I got to the bottom of the situation and resolved it.”
“And did you handle it how your father would have?” Master Abjurer Darshan Williams asked. I felt there was a hint of mockery in his voice. But I was probably just projecting.
“I am not my father,” I said, feeling the tension rise in my voice. “I certainly aspire to be, but believe me, I’m not foolish enough to think I’m a grain of the man he was. On that, I’m sure we can all agree. Yet, I am the Blade Mage, and I did the best I could given the circumstances. I followed my gut and did what was right.”
I expected an outburst of some kind. Or at least for one of the other Masters to throw some random question at me or say something clever that would twist my words back on me. Instead, they were all silent.
The Archmage sighed and shook his head. “You just don’t get it, do you? You are still beholden to the Cabal, Wyatt. There’s much you don’t understand. You are ill-prepared to take on this burden, and instead of coming to us for guidance, you struck off on your own. The sword may have chosen you, but you’re not ready to wield it.”
“If that was for you to decide, then I wouldn’t be carrying it, would I?” I asked. By this point, I knew I was close to crossing the line, but I really didn’t care. I was angry. “And like I said, I didn’t want the sword. And I didn’t want to be a part of this. You guys came to me. I
didn’t ask for this mess.”
“True,” the Archmage said, glancing around at the others. “Which is why we feel it is best for you to return home, Wyatt. Go back to your cabin and continue to seek your inner peace, or whatever it is you do in your isolation. We all agree that’s for the best.”
“What?” I asked, more than a little surprised.
“That’s what you want, isn’t it?” His voice didn’t hold a trace of malice. It didn’t feel like a trap.
“Well, yeah, sure,” I replied, glancing between their faces for any sign of treachery. “But what about Axel? And Stone?”
Master Healer Cassandra Carter spoke up. “Our physicians are seeing to Stone’s wounds.”
“And then?” I asked.
The Archmage answered. “Once he’s healed, we’ll figure out what is to become of him. You need not worry over his safety, however. We intend him no harm, but we can’t have a one-man army out there killing every nasty supernatural being in a hail of gunfire. It attracts the wrong kind of attention.”
“So, you’ll imprison him?”
“No, I’m not saying that,” he said, then shrugged. “I’m not really sure yet, to tell you the truth. The man’s body heals fast, but I fear for his mind. I would like to get him some help. Perhaps some time around the Healers and Spiritualists would do him well.”
“And Axel?”
All eyes turned to Marius Gunner. Slowly, he turned toward me and said, “I intend to send him away.”
“Away?”
“To another order, to keep an eye on him. After these events, rumors about him are already spreading. It would be best for the Cabal if he were away for a time.”
“So, you’re just sweeping your own son under the rug?”
“It’s not your concern,” he replied, eyeing me coldly. “Stay out of my family’s business.”
“And what if he refuses to go?” I asked, chuckling. “He’s an adult, is he not? Nearly thirty now.”
“He is my son,” Marius replied. “He will do as I command him.”
“Yeah, he’s got a real good track record of that,” I said, shaking my head. I turned my attention back to the boss man. “And what about the other part?”
“Other part?” the Archmage asked.
“Director Allen’s warning about the darkness coming, or whatever? His strange party guests?”
“Yes, well, other than you and Axel, no one witnessed those exchanges. Stone saw the party guests, sure, but he couldn’t identify them or corroborate your story. And he wasn’t with you when Director Allen killed himself, was he?”
“So, you’re saying you don’t believe us?”
“No, I’m saying there isn’t much to follow up on, is there?” He paused, giving me a chance to rebut. When I didn’t he continued, “Additionally, when our people entered the area where this ‘party’ was to have occurred, we only found the corpses of a few of the security detail. Someone must have moved them, so we don’t have bodies to identify. Anyone who may have additional information is dead. You saw to that. So, tell me, Blade Mage, what would you have us do?”
I stared at them in disbelief, fighting back the urge to scream. But what would’ve been the point? They already thought me a fool. I stared at them a few moments longer, then realized he was right, I did just want to go home.
The Archmage continued, “Master Jackson has his Watchers digging into it and his Seekers searching. We’ll subtly see what the constables know. Master Yazzie also has the Shamuses investigating. There’s little more that can be done, for now. We’ll discover the truth in time. Don’t worry over it.”
I caught myself before the full weight of my frustration broke free.
Reading my expression, the Archmage’s voice softened. “You did kill the Obayifo, the Abasy, and the manananggal. And you removed a cancer from within our own order. For that, we are grateful, Wyatt. It just could’ve been handled better.”
I nodded slowly.
“And for what it’s worth,” the Archmage said, still holding my gaze, “I’m sorry about the losses you suffered during this venture.”
The sub-text wasn’t lost on me. Damn. I was really starting to wonder if he could read my mind. How could he have known I’d become close to Faith?
I sighed. My lonely cabin seemed to be calling me. I wanted nothing more than to put this all behind me, but there was still one piece to be resolved. “What about the girl?”
“Emily?” the Archmage asked. “She has the ability, doesn’t she? We’ll keep her within the Cabal. Find her a home and let her learn the craft, if she desires. I think that’s best. Do you agree?”
“Her name is Medusa,” I said. “But yeah, I agree.”
“Good,” he said, offering me a soft smile.
“Then I guess that’s it?” I asked.
The Archmage looked like he wanted to say something else, but instead, he offered me a tight smile and said, “Yes, Wyatt. That’s it.”
I nodded, feeling the full weight of the past few days wash over me. “I think I’ll be heading home now.”
The Archmage nodded back. “I think that’s a good idea, Wyatt Draven.”
***
I tried to find Stone before I left. Given the nature of their business, Cabal goons often couldn’t attend regular hospitals for their injuries. This was especially true of mages. Our magic tends to make heart monitors explode. So, each of the Cabal’s compounds had a medical wing where modern medicine met magic. Stone had been taken there to be treated.
Only when I stepped into the hospital room assigned to him, I found only an empty bed. There was no trace of Shain Stone.
I stepped back into the hall, knowing it was pointless to confirm with the nurse. There was no doubt Stone had decided to leave on his own. I just didn’t know how he’d managed it with his injuries. Even for someone who healed fast, he’d been in pretty rough shape.
As I started down the hall, a young boy approached me. Looking me up and down he asked, “Are you Wyatt?”
“I am,” I replied, not sure where this was going.
“This is for you,” he said, handing me a piece of paper. “The grumpy man said to call him at this number.”
“The grumpy man?” I asked. “If he was so grumpy, why’d you give me this message?”
“Because he gave me this,” the kid said, pulling a crumpled hundred dollar bill out of his pocket. “He said all I had to do was give you the note.”
Without another word, the boy wandered off. Probably the child of some rich dick in the Cabal. I’d been that kid once, I thought. Wandering the halls of the compounds while my father did business. No one had ever given me a hundred dollar bill, though.
Finding a quiet spot with a landline, I dialed the number.
Stone picked up on the second ring. “Hey, kid.”
“Hey,” I replied. “I see you’ve disappeared.”
“Yeah, I got the impression the Cabal might want to keep me around for a bit. Didn’t line up with my own plans.”
“A solid notion,” I replied. “They said as much in my meeting.”
“Pricks,” he replied.
“You doing all right?” I asked. “You were in bad shape.”
“I heal fast.”
“Still…” I said, letting the word linger. “You were hurt pretty bad.”
“I’ll be all right, Wyatt. Don’t worry about me.”
An awkward silence hung between us for a few moments before he finally said, “Look, kid, don’t listen to those ass-hats. You did all right. Your old man would be proud.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“Yeah, well, I am. I worked with your dad for a lot of years. I know what he’d say. Trust me.”
“Thanks, Stone. That means a lot,” I said, and realized it did.
“Yeah, you fuck around long enough, you might just end up making a Blade Mage out of yourself after all.”
“Doubtful,” I replied. “The Archmage wants me to go home. Wants me
to go back to my cabin and stay out of the way.”
“And what do you want, Wyatt? Eh? You ever considered that?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Listen, I’m not shit at giving advice, but it seems to me you put a burden on yourself. Seems like you’ve spent all this time thinking about being a disappointment to your old man, or pissing off the Cabal, or what the Archmage thinks about you, but I get the impression you haven’t spent a lot of time considering about what you think of you. Or what you want to do. Or who you want to be… Or some shit like that.”
“I think I get what you’re saying,” I said, nodding despite the fact he couldn’t see me.
“Yeah, well, it’s something to think about, isn’t it?”
“It is,” I said.
“Something else worth thinking about… That sword chose you for a reason. It saw something in you that you haven’t seen yourself. Something I know your dad saw in you, too. Even that whacko friend of yours. Don’t worry about the Archmage and his fucking cronies. All right?”
“Thanks, Stone,” I said. “For everything. If you hadn’t been there, I’d have been dead a few times over.”
“I could say the same to you, kid,” he said, then another awkward pause fell over the conversation. “Listen, take care of yourself.”
“You too, Stone.”
***
I tried to find Axel, but he’d pulled a disappearing act as well.
There was nothing left but to leave.
Parker Grimm gave me a ride back to the motel. He didn’t say a word as he drove, and that was fine with me. By that point, I was pretty over talking to anyone anyway. I was just glad to have the ride. I guessed the Archmage really did want me gone.
As I got out of the car, I turned and said, “For what it’s worth, I hope you didn’t get into too much trouble.”
“Not too much,” Parker said, shrugging. Then he said, “You know, Wyatt, if you ever decided to play by the rules, you’d make a hell of an addition to the team. The others might not say it, but we need a Blade Mage. You might not have been the one we wanted, but you’re the one we’ve got.”
The Blade Mage Page 27