Chronos and the Rogue Hunters

by Edward Eck

  Gollnick felt the concern, too. This couldn’t be a coincidence. “Have you been able to find out any more about what the dark sorcerers are up to?” He didn’t like being in the dark, yet that was exactly how he was feeling right now.

  “No. All of my New York City contacts have gone underground. No one is talking. It’s like someone placed a stranglehold on the entire city.”

  “Keep trying to see what you can find out, and especially if they know about any other prisons. We need to figure out how to stop them.” Gollnick glanced at his blank notepad. “And it would also be nice to know where they’re getting their information.”

  “I’ll stay in touch.” Elisa waved her hand across her mirror and it went dark, the connection gone.

  And be careful, Gollnick mentally finished. He was about to contact Vincent next when the image in the mirror went fuzzy followed by Malcolm’s face staring directly at him.

  “Gollnick,” Malcolm said with a surprised smile, “I hadn’t expected you to be waiting by the mirror like this. I take it you’ve heard about Fenrir and sent one of your little teams off in search of him.”

  The grin on Malcolm’s face almost made Gollnick sick. “What do you want? Calling to gloat?” he said with disgust.

  Malcolm pursed his lips. “It seems I have a little problem of my own and I’m in need of your assistance.”

  Gollnick’s eyes opened wide. He couldn’t believe his ears. Malcolm, the leader of the dark sorcerers was asking him for help?

  “You see, there are these two upstart young sorcerers here in New York who seem to think they can take over the city and destroy me.” Malcolm almost chuckled at the thought.

  “Best news I’ve heard all day.” Gollnick grinned widely, though he couldn’t help wonder why Malcolm was telling him this. “So, what’s the catch?”

  Malcolm’s smile disappeared. “Actually, I thought you might be inclined to help me out.”

  Gollnick’s eyes widened. “Why would I do something crazy like that?”

  “Well you see, each of these two sorcerers have a considerable number of followers,” started Malcolm. “Emboldened by the fact I failed to release Cerberus from the underworld, thanks to your apprentices, they are gaining support. Enough to actually challenge me. If this turns into a sorcerer civil war, who knows how many innocent people might be caught in the crossfire?”

  Gollnick’s face drained of emotion at the thought. He had experienced a sorcerer’s duel in Philadelphia a little over a week ago, and that was only a single battle between two sorcerers. Others had joined in to make it look like a severe storm, but in this case it could be hundreds battling in the Big Apple with no one trying to cover it up.

  “What exactly do you think I can do to stop this? I don’t have hundreds of sorcerers at my disposal like you.” Gollnick didn’t really want to hear the answer. Malcolm was going to somehow manipulate the situation and force him to get involved.

  “If for some reason the Circle chooses to take out these two upstarts, the war will fade before it even begins. Of course, everyone’s attention would be on you then, but at least no innocent people would get hurt.”

  “Instead, everyone would rally behind you and solidify your position as leader of all dark sorcerers in New York.”

  Malcolm’s face brightened. “Perhaps, but wouldn’t it be better to deal with just me rather than multiple factions of dark sorcerers? It would make Elisa’s spying so much easier.”

  As expected, Malcolm had manipulated the situation like the snake he was. A full-scale sorcerer’s war could devastate the city. As Gollnick had discovered the week before, the rules were changing—dark sorcerers were no longer concerned about hiding their presence. Regular people were not ready to accept magic still existed in the world… especially when many leaders of business and industry were among those who possessed such magical powers. It could devastate economies and political relations the world over.

  “Who are these troublemakers? And how do I find them?” asked Gollnick reluctantly.

  “Excellent, then you’ll help me?” Malcolm’s grin widened.

  “I didn’t say that,” replied Gollnick. “I want to know who they are before I make any kind of move. I’m not going to do your dirty work only to find out I would’ve been better off supporting them instead.”

  “I see.” Malcolm’s expression darkened as he pursed his lips. He let out a sigh. “Their names are Francois LeRain and Duestoff Von Woonst.”

  Gollnick sat up a little straighter in his chair. “Von Woonst?”

  “Yes, Frederick’s younger brother. Duestoff is located in the Bronx and Francois is somewhere in Manhattan. I’m sure Elisa will be all too happy to feed you whatever information you feel you need to deal with these wannabes. I—”

  “I’ll be in touch,” Gollnick interrupted, then waved his hand over the mirror to end the conversation.

  Gollnick sat back in his chair. He knew Malcolm was up to something else, something he wasn’t saying. He would have to proceed with caution. This was very likely a trap, but if Malcolm was telling the truth, then it was his responsibility to do something to protect the innocent.

  10 Local Troubles

  Inside the Desert Windstorm restaurant, Qaletaqa had gathered spare clothing from others among their group and put together a decent looking outfit large enough for Radimir. The white t-shirt fit very snug under a denim vest. A cowboy hat protected his bald head from the hot sun.

  Radimir sat at a round table with Taryn, Vincent, Sheelin, Qaletaqa and Alex, devouring food and drink like he hadn’t eaten in years. Tensions had calmed slightly, but no one was ready to embrace the others in friendship quite yet… and no one knew what to make of Radimir. Was he a friend, a foe, or something else?

  “How is it ye were trapped in the shape of a cat?”

  Taryn didn’t know much about Native American culture, but she did know that the spirits would occasionally take animal form, though she was fairly certain he was not a spirit.

  “Sorcerer named Malcolm captured me in Russia,” replied Radimir in his thick Russian accent. “He said I do as he say or else. I refuse. I escape by becoming cat, but he cast spell prevent me from changing back. I stuck in cat shape.” The broken English along with his accent made him difficult to understand, but everyone seemed to get the idea of his story.

  “How did ye get into Ravenicon in Baltimore?” questioned Taryn. “The castle is protected by many powerful spells. You couldn’t have just walked in the front door.” This represented a major security breach.

  “I wander around clothing store at Inner Harbor. One day I notice Gollnick exit mirror,” said Radimir thickly. “I follow him to hospital where he find Max. I was very fast, very quiet. After battle, they escape through mirror in bathroom. I follow back to castle. They more concerned about Max and never notice me. I stay hidden in books until it safe to explore. I hoped someone realize I was trapped in cat form and help, but instead they thought I was bad sorcerer. Not until I help with problems around castle that Taryn start trusting me. That reason I stow away in you backpack when you come here for Max.” He gave Taryn a timid smile.

  Just realizing all the implications, Taryn recoiled. “Ye curled up on my chest out in the desert earlier today,” she said in an accusatory tone.

  “Sorry.” Radimir looked wide eyed at Taryn. Even with his bulky frame, he shrunk into his chair. “Seemed good at time, but now back to human form, maybe not best idea I had.”

  Taryn said nothing more. She didn’t know what to do with Radimir quite yet and they still had the issue of Max and the Rogue Hunters to deal with. She could only handle one crisis at a time and right now stabilizing their relationship with Qaletaqa was the more pressing issue.

  “We’ll figure this out later.” She turned her attention to the leader of the Rogue Hunters. “Qaletaqa, ye said there were other matters demandin’ your attention. Our offer to help still stands. What kind of problem are ye havin’?”

  Qaletaqa
didn’t answer immediately. He looked from Radimir to Vincent and finally to Taryn. She could see he was still unsure if they were trustworthy.

  “There is an old Algonquian legend of a creature who stalks my people,” he began. “My son and a few others have seen it with their own eyes, but it is a powerful and dangerous creature. The Wendigo is an emaciated beast that feeds on human flesh. It is too strong to fight hand-to-hand, and being bitten by a Wendigo will cause its victim to become a Wendigo as well. I fear only magic can capture or destroy such a creature.”

  “Can it even be destroyed?” questioned Taryn.

  “I know what you are thinking, young one,” replied Qaletaqa. “While the creatures from the Nightmare Realm cannot be eradicated while in our world, creatures brought forth by this world such as a Wendigo can be. The monsters you and the dark sorcerers seek can only be imprisoned until the day when a way is discovered to send them back to their place of origin.”

  “How is that possible?” asked Vincent now speaking up for the first time in a while.

  “According to one of your ancient legends,” replied Qaletaqa, “there are three immortals in this world, and only they know how to open the portal through which these monsters came. Only they can send them back.”

  “And who are these three immortals?” questioned Vincent.

  Taryn looked to Max, hoping the discussion might jog his memory. The Circle was under the belief that he was really Chronos of Greek mythology, and one of the three immortals, but now was not the time or place to discuss such things.

  “I do not know. I may be a Shaman of a Navajo tribe, but I study other legends in case I must deal with such creatures to protect my people,” replied Qaletaqa. “What I have told you was told to me by one of the elf people living in the woods of Yellowstone National Park.”

  “I see,” said Taryn. “So, how can we help against this Wendigo?” Even though the information Qaletaqa had just provided confirmed what they already knew, it could still be invaluable in the coming battles with the dark sorcerers. Still, she hadn’t forgotten why they had come—to retrieve Max. For now that meant helping the Rogue Hunters deal with this Wendigo. Hopefully it would also provide the opportunity for them to talk with Max and get him to return with them to Baltimore.

  “We could use your assistance in capturing this creature,” begged Qaletaqa. “I do not wish to kill any living being unless absolutely necessary, but I fear in this case we may have few options as there is no way to undo the curse of the Wendigo.”

  “Hello? Anyone there?” came a voice from Taryn’s backpack once again. She and Vincent exchanged an unhappy look as she pulled out the tiny mirror. Vincent took it and exited the restaurant to have a private conversation.

  * * *

  “Nick, this is not really a good time,” said Vincent impatiently. “We’ve found Max, but there’s a complication. He doesn’t remember any of us. He joined a motorcycle gang called the Rogue Hunters. Oh, and we also seem to have a stowaway—turns out your black cat is a shape-shifter named Radimir Rasputin.”

  Gollnick looked back with a dull stare, his mouth hanging open. “Well, that would explain what I found in the New Circle room,” he said. “I checked on the crystal to make sure everyone was alright, but to my surprise, there are new symbols there now. Seems we’ve found two new members for the Circle, somewhere.”

  “What are their signs?” inquired Vincent. They had met many young people in the past hour, but only two who were sorcerers.

  “Sagittarius and Virgo,” replied Gollnick happily. “The other three have already left for Norway, but I doubt they’ve met anyone yet. Which means the new members of the Circle would have to be in Arizona. Have you met anyone?”

  “I know of two possibilities—your black cat and the daughter of the leader of the Rogue Hunters. I’ll see what I can find out,” he replied, still in a hurry to get back to the discussion with Qaletaqa and Taryn.

  “In addition,” continued Gollnick to Vincent’s dismay, “we have a couple of situations here ourselves. Seems while we were trying to prevent the release of Cerberus and Tiamat, another sorcerer succeeded in freeing Fenrir, the wolf of Norse mythology. But that’s not the best part; Malcolm called. He’s being overrun by two competing dark sorcerers and wants our help. I need you to return to Baltimore as soon as possible.”

  “What?” replied Vincent in utter shock. “Why would we help that monster? I say let them have him.” The mere thought of helping the man who had manipulated his every move up until a few days ago when the control amulet was destroyed in Babylon, just turned Vincent’s stomach.

  “It’s complicated,” Gollnick replied. “I know you don’t like this idea, but I’m going to need your help. I also need you to check the Tablets of Destiny to see if there is anything about re-imprisoning Fenrir. Can Taryn handle things on her own for a bit?”

  Vincent pursed his lips and exhaled. “She seems to be up to the task more than I am. Let me discuss this with her and I’ll be back in touch.”

  “Please do what you can to expedite things. I don’t know how much time we have.”

  Vincent made no further comment and just waved his hand over the mirror to sever the connection. He paced back and forth in front of the restaurant as he considered Gollnick’s request. Why should he help Malcolm? He knew the scoundrel was up to something and he was sure Gollnick could sense the same thing. It was most likely a trap, but why now?

  11 The Cold North

  After a good night’s sleep at a local motel, Taryn met Vincent and Radimir at the Desert Windstorm restaurant for breakfast. They were still wary about the Russian, but didn’t really know what else to do with him for the moment. Taryn had proven resourceful and able to handle herself in a battle, and now with Radimir’s added strength and powers, she almost pitied the Wendigo. Almost.

  Vincent informed her privately about the two new signs in the crystal at Ravenicon—the Virgo and the Sagittarius—and said he needed to return to Baltimore briefly. After breakfast, he opened a portal in the bathroom mirror, but left Taryn the keys to the Jeep.

  About an hour later, Taryn and Radimir were joined by Qaletaqa, Sheelin, Alex Desert Walker and five other members of the Rogue Hunters, ready to begin their search for the Wendigo. The others brought along backpacks of camping gear.

  Qaletaqa turned to Taryn. “Our search for the creature begins near the last known point of attack. We must travel to where the Wendigo is terrorizing our Algonquian brothers and sisters. They have a mirror prepared for us and are awaiting our arrival.”

  “I thought the Wendigo was around here.” The change in location without warning bothered Taryn. Vincent had just left and now he would have no idea where to meet them. She did have Radimir with her, but she wasn’t even sure she could trust him. She would have to use the little mirror in her pack to contact Vincent later.

  “No,” replied Qaletaqa. “A friend of mine was killed by the creature in Canada, near Manitoba. That is where we are headed. I trust you still plan to accompany us on this quest?”

  “Yes, but it would’ve been nice to know about the location change.”

  “You never asked.”

  Taryn knew Qaletaqa had wanted to keep Alex away from the dark sorcerers as well as the Circle, but this did little to improve her trust in the Rogue Hunters’ leader.

  They entered the restroom to use the mirror for their trek. Even Alex, who stood wide eyed near the entrance, seemed surprised by the unexpected deviation. As Qaletaqa cast the transportation spell, Alex stepped aside to speak with Taryn. “Sorry about the change in plans. I didn’t realize we were going to Canada either. I guess you must be a little apprehensive… being a fire elemental sorceress.”

  Her eyes widened beneath a raised brow. “I never said I was a fire elemental sorceress.” Taryn was both pleased and surprised that Max… or Alex… remembered her natural abilities.

  “Sorry, my mistake.” Alex’s brow furrowed as he turned away.

  “Don�
��t apologize.” Taryn placed a hand on his arm, pleased by his recollection. “Ye’re correct. It’s just that I haven’t told anyone yet. Are ye rememberin’ somethin’?” She was hopeful, but didn’t want to alienate him. He was still a member of the Rogue Hunters and until he willingly decided to join her, she had to be careful.

  Before he could answer, the spell was finished and everyone started passing through the mirror. Qaletaqa ushered Alex to join the others. Before Taryn could follow, he pulled her aside. “I know you have offered, and I do appreciate any help we can get at the moment, but be aware that I will protect my own. And that includes Alex. There is great power in him and I will protect that power from any who would seek to abuse it.”

  “I mean him no harm. He’s my friend. I only wish to help him remember that. He saved my life once, though I’ve never admitted it to anyone. I owe him and I intend to repay that debt.” She couldn’t help but think back to the attack on Vincent’s office in Miami when Max had knocked her out with a blast of water from two huge aquariums. The office was on fire, but Max refused to leave her unconscious in a burning room. She may be a fire elemental, but while unconscious, she could have burned to death.

  Qaletaqa straightened his posture. “I can tell by your determination you mean what you say, and you have every intention of repaying your debt. That is something I can understand and respect. The coming days will prove your intentions.” Qaletaqa then stepped aside, allowing Taryn to pass through the mirror. He followed close behind.

  When they arrived in Canada, Taryn stepped out into a small campsite. Others were already gathered around a fire, warming themselves from the long winter chill. Snow on the ground indicated spring had not yet arrived in this part of the world. There were tents pitched in a circle around the fire where at least twenty members of other groups stood talking and telling stories. It seemed more like a reunion—except for the camouflage jackets and hunting rifles.

  Taryn stayed near the edge of camp, keeping to herself, trying her best not to reveal her distress in dealing with the cold.