Hand Made Mage

by James Haddock

  There was more, I knew more. I knew all of Over-man business. All of his deals, all of his contacts, where monies were hidden, bank accounts kept. What businesses were owned, and where Top-man was. I knew guild codes, how to read, and write. My head hurt, that was a lot of information to absorb.

  I took nothing from their bodies. I wanted nothing of them found anywhere. Let their disappearance be a mystery, and no more loose ends. I did however take Over-man's gold and banknotes he had hidden in a safe room. Maybe someone would think after the Prince got away, he took the money and made his escape. More of a mystery for them to worry over.

  It had been a long trying day and my head was throbbing. I needed some sleep. I lay down on the bed in Over-man's safe room and slept. I woke after a few hours and got up. I needed to think about what my next move would be.

  I now have money, and few if any know me. Should I stay in the city or go to another one? I needed better clothes. I was in Upper-city now and would look very much out of place unless I was working as a laborer. Although I wanted a bath, I wasn't dirty. It seemed that no dirt stuck to me. Examining my body, my hand was completely healed, as well as all the other cuts and bruises.

  "Ok, first order of business, new clothes." As this was Upper-city there was a clothing and tailor shop nearby. I walked through the wall and drifted along under the building until I came to the tailor's shop. I looked up through the floors, making sure no one was in the shop. I raised up through the floor into the main room. This was easier than breaking in, and now I always had an escape route, straight down.

  I rummaged through the used clothes until I found what I needed. Pants, shirt, stockings, cloak and hat. They were of higher quality than I'd ever owned. Across the street was a leather worker and cobbler's shop. I was pleased to find a pair of little-used knee-high boots that fit me nicely. I also took a purse, a wallet, and a money belt.

  I sank through the floor and went back to Over-man's safe room. I filled my purses with gold, and the wallet and money belt with banknotes. In the wardrobe was a cane, a cane sword I suspected. There were also two swords and four knives. I picked up the cane. I was right; it was a cane sword. It was a fair blade not great but serviceable. My hand began to tingle. I felt there was more to the swords, or maybe more could be made from the swords. Metal was from the earth and it seemed I could now bend earth to my will.

  I didn't try to figure it out, I just did what felt right. I took the two swords and the cane sword and the cane scabbard in my left hand. My hand closed around them and began to pulse. Gold runes glowed through the skin of my hand. The three swords melded into one. I took silver and gold coins and added them to the melding. When my hand stopped pulsing, I laid the cane sword on the table. I took the knives and did the same thing to them. When my hand stop pulsing, I held only one knife. Both the knife and the cane sword blade and scabbard were covered in a thick black crust.

  As I looked at the knife, the crust turned to black dust and fell away. What was left was a perfect knife with runes along the blade with a beautiful ironwood handle. The cane sword blade and scabbard was now free of the black crust and dust. Its blade, like the knife's, was perfect with runes along its length. Its handle and scabbard was Ironwood with silver and gold inlay. It too was beautiful, just what a gentleman would carry. They were both incredibly sharp. I sheathed the cane sword back in it scabbard. One of the leather sheathes fit the knife, I would have a better one made later, "or make it myself."

  The sun was up, and I was hungry. There was a coffee house nearby that also served meals. I would go there to eat as a gentleman would. I needed to be away from here before I made my public appearance.

  I put the remaining bags of money down into the earth, "no one can get them, but me." I fasten the money belt on under my clothes. I put my knife in the waistband at the small of my back. I put my purse, and wallet away, picked up my cane, dawned my hat, and stepped through the wall.

  ✽✽✽

  I exited a blind alley and walked toward the coffeehouse just down the street. They greeted me as I entered the door. "Good morning M'lord."

  "Good morning, somewhere out of the way please, I don't wish to be disturbed."

  "Of course, sir, step this way." He took me to a booth in the back and to one side, well out of the way.

  He sat me where I could see anyone approaching this area, not that I expected anyone. "Coffee, eggs, potatoes, ham," I ordered. I felt like I was starving.

  "Yes, sir," he said and left to place my order. He returned with coffee. I'd only had coffee a few times, it had been cold leftovers from someone's cup. "I liked it better hot and fresh." I smiled. My food arrived, and I set to it. It was all good, "I could get used to eating like this."

  As I ate, I kept my eyes on the comings and goings at the entrance. The customers were all gentleman and merchants. All looked well to do, some more than others. I spotted one man who seemed to watch those around him, like a cat watching birds. He was probably someone's spotter, setting up for a pickpocket.

  My meal finished; I was enjoying another cup of coffee. I continued to watch the crowed as I weighed my options. I was starting with a clean slate, more or less. I had money. I had Over-man's memories, or at least some of them. I could stay or go as I pleased. I guess that was the real question, what did I really want to do, now that I was free to choose. There was no rush to decide, I'd think it over for a while before I decided.

  The waiter led another customer back to the area where I sat. He took a booth closer to the front door. The waiter nodded and left, returning momentarily with coffee. When the waiter left, the spotter brought his cup and joined the new man.

  They put their head together and began to talk. I slid my hand to the wall and pushed a few fingers into the wall. I could now hear everything they were saying.

  "They assured me this was a done deal. They assured me he would not leave that brothel alive. What happened?"

  "They promised you an outcome, and that outcome you shall have. He is being taken to a party tonight, we'll be waiting."

  The spotter got up and left. I withdrew my fingers from the wall. The New-man finished his coffee and left.

  "That was about Prince Kade I'm betting. My you are popular... Should I get involved? He means nothing to me one way or the other... Of course, having a Prince as a friend offers many possibilities... If I do this his enemies will be after me too... Should I go to the Party? Maybe a note warning of danger would be better. Watch from a distance... Yes, a note then..."

  I paid my bill, giving the waiter a nice tip. I left the coffeehouse and went in search of a scribe. When I found one, I paid for paper and use of pen and ink.

  I might as well try my new writing ability.

  I reached for the pen with my right hand, as I am right-handed. My left hand started tingling. I instead took the pen in my left hand.

  In a perfect hand I wrote:

  The wolves are going in for the kill tonight at a party you are to be invited to.

  -Sir Ghost.

  I folded the letter put it into an envelope under a wax seal. I left the scribes by carriage going to the fort. When the carriage stopped a soldier approached. I held the letter out to him with a coin.

  "To Prince Kade."

  The soldier took the letter and the coin saluting, "Yes, Sir, Thank you, sir."

  When the carriage was well away, "take me to the closest church."

  "Yes M'lord." Came the reply. As I suspected a few moments later found the carriage stopping in front of a small church. I paid the driver and went inside. I wasn't particularly religious; I wanted a quiet place to think. A church seemed like a good choice.

  I took a seat in the first pew on the far right. It was a small church of some saints or other, or some rich family built it trying to bribe their way into heaven.

  They all smell the same, at least the ones I've been in. Admittedly, that was few. The smell of burning candles and Holy oils. The priest probably made both.

 
; My hand started tingling. I tensed. Nothing happened. *Show me.* I saw through the floor into a crypt. It was a large one for this size church. Part of the skeleton was glowing. I wasn't sure why, but I wanted to know what was down there. One run-in with a mad skeleton a week was my limit.

  I looked around the church and through the walls, no one was watching me. I dropped through the floor and landed in the crypt, ready to run if anything came at me. Nothing happened.

  I looked through the casket at what my hand was tingling about. I reached through the casket and grasped the belt and pulled it out. It slid out, leaving everything else intact.

  It was a leather belt with a leather messengers type pouch, or about that size, attached to it.

  I opened the pouch, at the top was a small pocket with a small book in it. taking out the book I opened it and read:

  No matter how you came into possession of this pouch, I leave this that they may remember me in some small way. I created this blessed pouch of holding and gave it as a gift to be passed down. If you wish, add your name and add Items to the pouch to be passed down as well. The blessed pouch will hold as much four bushels baskets, and ten times that weight before you felt any pull against you carrying it.

  A word of caution don't put a live animal in it, it will live no longer than half an hour. Other than that, you may put anything in it that will fit through the opening. Whatever you drop in will be held securely. Food and drink will not spoil. When you want to retrieve it, think of what you want, reach your hand in, and the pouch will give it to you.

  - Blanchard, the Quiet.

  The next few pages had names listed and supplies left. The last name listed was Randolph, servant to the king. The item he listed was a folding backpack of carrying. Which, it said, was much the same as the blessed pouch only more so. Whatever that meant. I closed the book and put it back in its place.

  *Folding backpack.* I reached in the pouch. My hand closed around what felt like canvas. I pulled it out. It was indeed a backpack, a brown canvas backpack. I put it back in the pouch and released it. Looking inside I saw it stored to one side. I was shocked at how big the inside of the pouch was.

  I fastened the pouch belt around my waist; it lay flat against my left leg and did not move. I took my cane and put it in the pouch's opening and dropped it. The pouch swallowed it. *Cane,* and put my hand in and drew out my cane.

  "Magic... Thank you, Sir Randolph, servant to the King. Rest in Peace." I bowed, and left, walking through the wall.

  I moved through the earth like drifting with a river current. It was still early in the day, but I needed to go to the fort and find Prince Kade.

  "Now that I have this wondrous pouch maybe I should go back and get the money I have stashed. I wonder how fast I can get back to Over-man's safe room."

  The earth become a blur to my eyes, and I was outside of Over-man's safe room. Disoriented, it took me a moment to get my bearings, at least I didn't fall down. I took the money bags and dropped them into my pouch. The pouch swallowed them. It felt no different, no extra weight.

  I thought a moment. *to the Den.* The earth blurred past. It didn't bother me this time as I was expecting it. I was under the Den. I took the money and dropped it in my pouch. It still felt no different.

  "Well me Lad, welcome to your new life." I smiled. *To the Fort.* Again the blur, and I was outside the fort where the carriage had stopped. It seems I have to have been somewhere previously before I can travel back to it. Good to know.

  I moved under the fort looking for the Prince. I found him in the officers' quarters. He had his own room at least. He was shining his own boots. I thought a Prince would have someone to do that for him. Perhaps he has fallen out of favor with his family. That would support the fact that a Royal was trying to have him killed.

  Two men approached the door and knocked. "Come." The two men entered.

  "When are you going to get you a manservant to care for you, and your things?"

  "We aren't all third sons of the rich, oh that would be you two." They were all smiling.

  "But you're a Prince."

  "A Prince to be sure, but a fourth son, and one who has put his family in a bad light. Hence my serving in the Army of our King."

  "But even so, shinning your own boots?"

  "According to my old tutor it's supposed to build character." They all laughed. "What time do we leave?"

  "As soon as you are ready."

  "I'm ready as soon as I get these boots on."

  I stayed underground and followed along with the Prince and his two friends. This was easier, and far safer for me. I could see everyone, and no one could see me. We travelled further into Upper-city toward the Royal Castle. The houses became noticeably nicer, then turned into small walled estates. One of these walled estates was our destination.

  It seemed to be quite the event; a pick pockets dream come true. And his head if he were caught. There was lots of food and heady drink. I don't think I have ever seen so much food in one place in my life.

  There was also dancing. I tried to keep watch on the Prince, but it was hard. So I just stayed in the general area.

  I drifted from group to group listening. Deals being made, horses and cattle being bought and sold. Marriages being arranged. It was all becoming boring, which meant they would strike soon, either at the party or right after. A tussle broke out on the dance floor over a young lady and two seemingly drunk men.

  "There's the distraction." I looked behind the Prince. Two men who had been waiting against the wall made their move. They approach him blades low at their sides. "And here come the blades."

  As they converged on the Prince, I rose behind them slicing one's leg open and pushed the other on top of him. The hurt man screamed, the other appeared to be holding him.

  "Knife fight!" I yelled and moved away. As everyone turned to watch the new fight, I moved over behind the Prince. At his shoulder I spoke, "Time to go sire, while the wolves snap at each other in their confusion." I turned, he followed without a word.

  We went out the side doors, out a patio and headed around the side of the house. As we got to the corner I was bowled over by two attackers. I sank into the ground enough for them to continue rolling over and past me.

  I looked to the Prince who was holding his two at bay with his ceremonial sword.

  "You've gotten involved in something that wasn't any of your business, too bad for you," one said to me.

  I smile, "no, too bad for you." I pointed down, and the ground swallowed both of them.

  I reached into my pouch, *cane.* I pulled out my cane, drawing the sword I walked up behind one of the men attacking the Prince. I slashed across the back of his neck severing his spine. He dropped on the spot. His partner turned to me and the Prince ran him through.

  "The others?"

  "Dead," I said sheathing my sword back into my cane. I looked at the right arms of the two dead men. No tattoos.

  We walked around the end of the house heading for the front gate at a leisurely pace. Once outside the gate I flagged a carriage.

  "Where to M'lord?"

  I looked at the Prince. "18 Port circle." He answered. The Driver nodded. I got in and we were off. The Prince was looking at his left upper chest, where his shirt was bloody. On the off chance I reached my hand into my pouch, *bandage.* My hand closed on a bandage. "Bless you Randolph." I pulled it out and pressed it to the wound.

  "It seems I'm out of practice, he got inside my guard."

  "It's not too bad." I put my hand in my pouch. *flask of Rum.* I handed him the flask. Drink some of this, it should take the edge off. I would have to inventory my pouch and restock it.

  I sat back in my seat across from him. "Did you get my message?"

  "I did, and yes, I went anyway," he said smiling. "I thought no one would try anything at the home of a Duke. Well, his brother-in-law’s home, actually."

  "That says you have made enemies of powerful people. Only someone who thinks the law does not ap
ply to them would do something like this. Or you are caught up in something larger, and it's not really about you."

  The Prince took another swallow from my flask. "I don't like either of those options." The carriage slowed and came to a stop.

  We got out of the carriage; the Prince went to the gate. I gave the driver five golds. I gave him the guild hand sign. "You took two gentlemen to a nice bawdy house and were asked to wait for them. You ate and had a beer while you waited for two hours. They never showed back up, so you left." He never looked at my face.

  "Yes sir, took those two gents to ‘The Lily,’ and I waited and ate at the boarding house nearby. Those gents never showed. Nice gents they were, paid in advance they did."

  I nodded, and he drove off. I joined the Prince at the gate.

  "Problem?" I shook my head, "no, we're good." He nodded and pulled the bell rope.

  A small bared window opened in the gate. Someone looked at us then closed the window and opened the gate.

  We stepped inside and he closed the gate behind us. Never saying a word he ran ahead of us and opened the door to the house. Once we were inside and the door closed. He bowed.

  He took our cloaks, "Your Highness. I will tell the master you are here. If you would like to wait in here." he showed us to a sitting area. Where I gratefully sat. They brought food and wine in while we waited.

  An older gentleman came in. The Prince didn't rise, so neither did I. He took us both in with a glance, that I was sure missed little. They made no introductions.

  He walked over and looked at the Princes' wound. "Gotten lazy, let him get inside your guard." He went to a cabinet for fresh bandages and powders. As he returned, he looked at me, "What happened." I looked at the Prince, who nodded.

  "They attacked Prince Kade at a party he was attending."

  "How many?"

  "Eight. Two as a distraction, two attacking inside the house. Four outside. One attacker inside might not have survived. The ones outside did not survive. No one saw the Prince kill anyone."