by J. A. Areces
***
It was late again, and Jesse finally shut down his laptop. He glanced out his window just before he closed the blinds and saw another line forming across the street at the movie theater. Tonight three different scary movies were playing. It was two nights before Halloween, and they were banking on this to bring in the crowds.
Jesse closed the blinds, turned off some of the lights, and turned the sign to read CLOSED. It was the busiest day so far. There were customers coming in and out all day. Last minute orders were beeping on the computer, and it got to a point that Jesse thought he was about to lose his mind. Whenever he was able, he took a break, and practiced the Exercises. He found that it helped him relax.
Jesse was tidying up when he noticed a slight glow emanating from the crystal ball. He stopped and stepped back so as not to be noticed. Fog swirled within it and the image of seven interwoven dragons appeared. It slowly faded away as Jesse heard a voice coming from within.
“My Lords,” the image of a very well dressed man in a long, dark coat appeared in the distance. He was balding on the top and wore his hair very short. A well-trimmed goatee could not compete with his deformed nose. His nose was obviously broken and swollen. That must have hurt, thought Jesse. “My Lords, I have done your request.” He bowed.
“Indeed you have.” Spoke another man -- tall and very distinguished. He wore his grey hair rather long and greased back tight. He stood erect; his long, dark robe covered his feet. He seemed to float as he moved. “Excellent. If everything goes well and as planned, we’ll be able to get rid of two birds with one stone.”
Other men could be heard laughing in the background.
“My Lords,” spoke the well dressed man with the broken nose, “are you pleased with my task?”
There was a round of applause. The well-dressed man smiled, and then twitched from the pain in his nose. He bowed until the applause ceased. Then he straightened up and addressed the remaining members of the Secret Society of Seven Sorcerers.
“If it pleases the Circle, my Lords,” continued the man with the broken nose. “I would like to submit my application for an interview. I would like to be considered for the position of the Seventh Sorcerer. I present to you my deed.”
There was silence.
The tall, distinguished man slowly raised his arms and clapped. At first no one joined in, but he persisted, clapping louder until another followed, and then another, until eventually all six members of the Circle of Seven showed their approval.
The very well dressed man with the broken nose closed his eyes and bowed.
The crystal went blank and only dim lights from the store reflected off its glass.