by Matt Gross
Codex said something about men from Chicago that were here to question her about Juan. Hmm...What the hell is going on?
Khayin got up and brushed himself off. He grabbed his kukri from the ground and returned them to their respective sheathes. Kira came up next to him and nudged the dead mage with her foot.
“Nice shot,” Khayin said. “And thank you.”
She ignored what he said. “What was it?”
“There're some other types of wizards out there, more specialized. I think this one is what they call a Battlemage. They specialize in the obvious--battle.” He took out his cigarette tin, pulled out one previously rolled and lit it. “Seems the origin of that first poster is Chicago and I think I may be on their target list now as well.” He took a long deep drag. “It has been following us since we left Codex's. It must have reported us.” He started to walk again. “Shit. We need to get to this Merlin and get you home.”
“Are we just going to leave the body?” She was still standing next to the dead Battlemage.
“Yes. No one will know it was us and even if they did I doubt they'd care. Chicago has no jurisdiction here.” He continued to walk. “You coming?”
Kira started to walk, leaving her eyes transfixed on the corpse for a few more moments before turning completely away. “Yeah, gorjcha. I'm coming.”
Chapter 8 The Collar
The walk to Paradise was uneventful, but Kira couldn't help but notice the drastic difference in the scenery. She definitely knew when she left Las Vegas. The City of Lights was all shiny and busy and the outskirts was everything but. The buildings were abandoned and rundown and what people she did see weren't living the lifestyle of the people of Vegas. They were dirty and wore clothes that were ill-fitting and torn.
“Welcome to Paradise,” Khayin said a little too enthusiastically when they entered the city limits.
The town (city, settlement, Kira still wasn't entirely clear on the differences) was slightly more alive than the towns they had walked through. Not all the buildings were occupied, but most were. Kira could surmise that if Las Vegas wasn't so close, Paradise would probably not survive.
Khayin walked through the small town with purpose, Kira at his side. She didn't like the feeling of walking behind him. It felt too much like he were leading and she wasn't OK with that, even though she had no idea where to go or what to do next.
“Do you know this Merlin?” she asked without making eye contact.
“Not at all.” He stopped in front of a building that looked abandoned. The windows were boarded up and the walls were covered in art--giant letters and pictures of male and female genitalia. It was things like this that made her long for home. “We're here.”
“In there?” She gestured at the door to the rundown building. A slight shiver ran up her spine.
“Yep.” Khayin looked at the door then faced Kira. Kira realized that even though Khayin was a male, she liked his face. It reminded her of an old friend. She shook that thought away. “If there's anything you want to ask, ask now. Once we're in there I think it's best if I do the talking.” She scowled slightly, but nodded, then shook her head to signify she had no questions.
Khayin opened the door and the two walked through. They stepped into a lush forest. Kira quickly turned to see from where they had just come and saw the town as she remembered it before they walked through the door. She smiled. Khayin pulled a dagger from his belt and drove it into the door before he closed it. When the door shut Kira saw it disappear and a dagger hilt floating in mid-air.
“So we can find the way out,” Khayin explained. She just nodded, still in awe of the level of magic that surrounded them.
They followed what seemed to be a path. The forest around them was well kept and the temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees. There was no sun in the sky, but everything was illuminated as if it were shining brightly at midday. They had only walked for a few minutes when they saw it, in the middle of a clearing stood a log house. Smoke could be seen coming from the top of the structure. Kira just absorbed it all, her heart skipping a beat or two in the excitement. Powerful magic. All around me. I can feel it.
As they approached the house the front door opened as if beckoning them to enter. Khayin stepped in without hesitation, and after pausing for just a second, Kira followed.
“Welcome, welcome. Please come in, come in.” An old man stood a few feet from the entrance. He wore blue robes and a tall pointy blue hat. He had a long white beard and mustache. “It has been such a long time without visitors.” He gestured to a large bench-like seat by a fire. “Please, please take a seat. Can I get you some tea?” Both Kira and Khayin nodded. “Excellent, excellent.” He scurried off into another room.
The room in which they sat was large and meant for lounging and entertaining people, Kira guessed. Nothing looked extraordinary. In fact everything looked tame, like a normal home. Slight movement caught her eye and she turned to see a large owl on a perch in the corner of the room. She elbowed Khayin and pointed toward the bird. Khayin nodded.
“Familiar,” Khayin said pointedly. “He's probably watching us through its eyes.”
“Like your falcon,” Kira said.
“Yep.” He smiled.
A couple of moments later Merlin walked back into the room. “So, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
Khayin wasted no time. “My friend here has a collar issue.” He touched the collar around her neck and to her own surprise she didn't flinch. Friend? He considers me a friend?
The old wizard looked at Kira and then the collar. “Could you come closer, young lady? My eyes are not what they used to be.” Kira got up and moved closer to Merlin, who donned a pair of glasses and inspected the collar. “Anti-magic neckband,” he said plainly.
“Yeah, we figured out that much. We need it off.” Khayin was blunt and to the point. Kira wasn't sure if that was because of their present company or because of the matter of the collar.
“Did you try cutting it off?” The old wizard asked with a big smile.
“Yep, first with a butter knife, then I tried a nail file like I saw in a movie once. No good.” Khayin shook his head like he was distraught. We didn't do any of that--why is he lying? Kira's head bounced between Merlin and Khayin and back again.
Merlin chuckled.
“Codex said you could help us.” Khayin said.
The old wizard stopped his inspection and let his gaze wonder off. “Codex,” he whispered. “Ah yes, that little spitfire. Well if Codex sent you then I must help.” He stood up faster than a man his age should have been able to. “Wait here. I'll be right back.” When he left the room, Kira looked at Khayin, who just shrugged his shoulders. A few moments later the wizard returned holding a metal container about as big as a large man's palm. It had a small spout on top with a screw-on cap.
“What are you going to do with spirits, Merlin?” Khayin asked. Kira could tell Khayin didn't like calling him that.
Merlin laughed. “Oh no, dear boy. This is not alcohol. It's an oil. These old flasks make perfect containers.”
“I thought you were a spellcaster?” Khayin sounded confused.
“Oh, but I am. That was how I was able to identify the enchantment on the collar. You could have brought the collar to the Artificer that created it and he or she would have had no problem removing it, but I'm guessing you don't know who that is. Hence your visit to me. I keep some oils on hand in case of emergencies.” He opened the flask and covered the spout with his index finger before turning it upside down. He then spread the oil from his finger onto the collar. He repeated the process until all of the collar was covered with oil, dark and slick. He stood and waited, Kira and Khayin just watched each other with a look of doubt. When only a moment later, the collar detached and fell to the floor, Kira jumped up.
The dam broke. Magic flooded over and through her like rushing water. Her tattoos radiated. Kira's hands went immediately to her throat and felt the now naked flesh. She felt that old familiar
friend wash over her like warmth from the sun. Magic coursed through her veins once again. She could hear the heartbeat of the world. Her skin tingled and she felt alive for the first time in a long time. She smiled big, then quickly stifled the excitement. She bent down and picked up the neckband and without thinking she threw it into the fire. She was a slave no more.
She could barely contain herself. She looked around the room and reality struck her. Kira was still away from home. She was still lost and she still had to rely on a man to get her home. His company hasn't been that bad. Kind of entertaining, even if I don't understand half his jokes. She gave Merlin a slight grin.
“Oh, you are welcome, child.” He put the cap back on his flask. “You know, I seemed to have misplaced your names.”
“My name is Khayin,” he said with hand outstretched. “And this here is...”
“Kira'Tal.” She cut him off.
“Well, Kira'Tal. You are a long way from home now, are you not, hmm?” the old wizard asked.
“You know who I am?” Kira nearly knocked the old man over when she sprung toward him.
“Oh, I know of your people, yes.”
“I'm lost. And I'm trying to get back home.” Her hands fidgeted and her speech was rapid.
“I am sorry, Miss Kira'Tal. I do not know from where you came. I just know you’re not from anywhere around here. I think your home is south, further south than Mexico even. I wish I knew exactly. I could learn so much from your people I'm sure, but your sisters are very secretive.” He sounded very apologetic. She hung her head. “If you have time I would love to hear about your home and your sisters, hmm?”
“Maybe some other time,” Khayin interjected. “What do we owe you for this service?”
“This?” Merlin waved his hand. “For this, nothing. Your company was enough, but tell Codex she must come visit.” The old wizard sat down. “Oh, you didn’t need to put your dagger through my door; you would have found your way out.”
“Well, thanks.” Khayin said, he got a nod in response. “One question before we go.” The wizard raised an eyebrow. “That owl real?” Khayin pointed to the owl in the corner.
Merlin's face lit up. “Archimedes? Why of course he is real.” The owl turned his head toward them and opened his big eyes.
“Archimedes? You named your owl Archimedes.” Khayin's expression was wide.
“Yes, why? What is wrong with Archimedes?” Merlin seemed puzzled.
Khayin shook his head and started out the door. “Never mind.” Kira followed with one of her hands still touching her bare neck.
The wizard was right--they found their way out easily enough. Khayin retrieved his dagger and the two of them stood outside the rundown building. Khayin reached into an inner pocket of his vest and pulled out his cigarette tin. He sat on the curb of the street in front of Merlin's building and started to roll a cigarette. Kira watched him.
When he had finished, Kira asked, “May I have one?” She sat down next to him.
“Are you sure?” Khayin asked her, his eyes wide. She nodded.
He handed her the cigarette he had just rolled then produced a small rectangular piece of metal, flipping open the top and producing a flame. She waved off the portable flame, lighting the cigarette with her magic and putting it to her lips, smiling in joy at the return of her powers. She breathed in the smoke. He watched her for another moment then started to roll one for himself.
The two of them just sat and smoked. They didn't talk, just enjoying the early afternoon. The sky was clear and the sun was almost directly overhead. They watched a couple dogs fight in the street over a dead bird, only to see a cat sneak in and snatch the bird away.
“So, how's it feel?” Khayin asked.
“What?”
“Magic.” He was looking at her and his eyes went big and he feigned putting his hands up.
Kira rolled her eyes. “Wonderful. Fantastic. Marvelous. I feel...alive.” Her eyes were now closed, she could feel the world around her. She felt magic flow through the air, through every living thing. When she opened her eyes she saw Khayin looking to the sky.
“Good,” was all he said.
“Do you know magic? I mean, do you use it?”
“Ah, that question will cost ya.” He never looked away from the sky above and she knew she wouldn't get any more from him on the subject. She could respect that. They didn't know each other well enough.
“How are we going to get me home?” she asked, changing the topic.
“Unexpectedly, we got a lead from Merlin.” He took one last drag from his cigarette and flicked the butt away. “We'll head back to Mexico. Probably head to Panama. I know a water sprite down there that might know something.”
“You know a faerie?” She was genuinely surprised. The faerie folk she knew only talked to users of magic, and even that was rare.
“I know several actually, but only Tippy might know where your home is.”
“Tippy? Did that translate right?” She wanted to laugh, but choked it down.
“Yep, you heard it right.” Khayin stood and brushed off his butt of any dirt. “We need to get some horses, or a teleport, but the horses might be more in our price range.” He looked at her. “Whatcha think? We could get a port to Mexico City and ride from there, which'll be a little faster. Or, we can ride from here. It is a four thousand mile ride from here. We're looking at a,” he looked up and to the left, “three to four month hike.”
Is he really asking for my opinion? “If you have the money or the know-how, I'd rather take the quicker route.”
“I agree. You ready?”
She stood and flicked away the last of her cigarette. “Yeah, let's go.”
Chapter 9 The Port
They walked back to Vegas. Khayin thought that if they could get a teleport back to Mexico City they could get horses there. The idea of a 4000 mile ride on horseback wasn't appealing to either of them. Mexico City wasn't as populated as Las Vegas, but populated enough that a teleport there wouldn't be as costly, seeing as the trip was a little more common than a straight port to Panama. He just hoped Tippy could help and it wouldn't be a wasted trip.
They arrived back in Vegas mid-afternoon. The weather was nice and the skies were a brilliant blue. The Strip started to fill up as more tourists started to appear. Kira stayed at Khayin's side and tried not to make eye contact with anyone. The business he was looking for was an old Travel Agency amply named 'The Port Authority.' Khayin thought it was a pretty clever name.
The Agency's proprietor was a young wizard named Mistress Tao. She had taken over her mentor's business when he fell into some trouble with Codex. People learned after a while not to get on the Cybermage's bad side.
The Port Authority wasn't too far into town and they made good time. Kira seemed to have a bit more pep in her step. He figured not being shackled and her connection to magic being restored had a lot to do with her new found energy. He hoped that she might open up a little more.
“I still can't read this language,” Kira stated as she stared at the sign above the agency's door. “What language is it?”
“English,” Khayin said, not looking at her.
“I'm not familiar with written...English. Most slaves...people,” she corrected herself, “outside my village spoke Latin, or Spanish and some variations of Spanish. We never found much need to learn to write English, but the Crone made us learn to speak different languages, including English, to keep our minds sharp, she'd say.” She looked at Khayin.
The two of them stood outside the building. She's in a good mood and she is talking. Maybe… He decided to risk it. “You said slaves.”
“I did, by mistake,” she said, clearly trying to avoid the topic entirely.
Now he looked at her. “No. I heard right, and you tried to cover it up.”
“I did. Fine.” She paused a moment. “You dodged a question I had for you earlier. You answer that and I'll answer yours.”
“Fair enough, but not here. Let's get
that port and we'll talk over a meal around a fire.” A smile grew across his face. He may yet get in her head and figure out who this mystery woman was--and her people. “I'm going to try to get us to Mexico City, but I need to be sure we have enough chips for horses and traveling expenses, like food and lodging and stuff. I'm not sure if we will be hunted in the city because of the mayhem we caused at El Diablo's, so we'll have to stay clear of there. I know Maria wouldn't have reported it, but I'm not too sure of Jesus. Better safe than sorry, right?”
Kira just looked at him. She wore no expression. God, what is going on in that head? He wondered. Khayin turned and entered The Port Authority.
There was a desk directly across from the front entrance. To Khayin's right was a waiting area with a few chairs and a long red couch. In front of the couch was a short table with piles of magazines. Behind the desk sat an older woman; Khayin guessed she was in her sixties. She wore a business suit and had her gray hair pulled up into a bun. She stared at Kira.
After a moment she said, “Welcome to The Port Authority, where chips can get you anywhere.” Her voice was monotone and devoid of emotion. She clearly didn't want to be there. When she noticed Khayin a slight smirk crept onto her face, but she stifled it just as quickly as it appeared. “Khayin, welcome back. How may The Mistress serve you today?”
“Hi, Helen. My, don't you look ever so radiant,” Khayin said with a broad grin.