by P. G. Thomas
“Remember, I’m the new kid. I don’t know if it’s worth anything, but it makes sense to me. Only you five and Gayne would know that, other than Mirtza. Anybody else might have tried the sequence from the letter, but that would indicate the last key should be first and be too obvious. If you’re looking for a secret combination, I think that’s the best you are going to find.”
“What if I’m wrong?”
“Have a bit of faith, Kid.”
John looked at the keys, whispered a silent prayer to Mother, and turned the first. Hearing the tumblers engage, he turned the next five, and with a heavy sigh, twisted the door handle, and it opened into a room, not the hall. “Gayne, you son of a bitch, you’re finally starting to understand magic.”
“The jury just entered the courtroom,” began Steve, “and they’ve found you not guilty of all charges. When you have a free minute, I really need to know what happened the last time.”
“It would probably take me two days, and that’s skipping half of it.” Picking up the enchanted lamp, they entered, and inside, a letter was sitting on a small table in the center of the room, which John retrieved.
John,
If you are reading this, I do not know if I should feel happy or sad. When you left, there was peace in Calicon, and in truth, there still is. What is happening, and what has gone wrong, I am unable to guess. From the letter I left Mirtza, (I hope I find him) you know the current affairs, and of the chaos that has invaded our lands. Twelve years ago, there was a break-in at the school, and when I went to investigate the next morning, I found the odd mechanism with the bag containing pictures of Earth Mother. I tried to activate the machine to see if I could find you, but its workings were a mystery to me. The school, like the rest of the Bright Coast, had fallen on hard times. Enrollment was down, and our expenses were high. It was the fourth year after the break-in when I lost possession of it. However, I had moved your machine to my house three years earlier and was in the process of moving other valuable items. That was when the Town Watch confiscated the school from me, or should I say the Darkpaye government. They took anything of value to pay for back taxes, including the mithril chains that you used to power your cloak. I had to surrender them, as they would have seized my house to pay the taxes. I had stored your second cloak in a locked room at the school, but with so many troubles on my mind, I thought it was safe. I am so sorry, but there was a hole in the ceiling. Elements, animals, and bugs found your cloak and destroyed it, but I was uncertain if there was some way you could rebirth it, so I brought it here. When we left Alron, we were never able to find your first cloak.
John looked at the wall where a large black cloak—or most of it—hung. The deterioration had continued, as the weight of the metal was too heavy for the light threads. The once magical contents had fallen to the ground, nothing more than a pile of tarnished mithril, and no longer the elaborate pattern that had both challenged Fodu and captured the sky. He turned his focus back to the letter.
Be cautious in the Bright Coast because much has changed. The back wall contains the few magic items that I had before I lost the school, and I should have moved more here, sooner. I did manage to save all of our experiment journals, but I doubt if they will be of any help to you. As it is my gift to you, take what you need. I can only wish that I was present to see you solve the riddles, and as well, to be at your side in this adventure. Give my best to Earth Mother, and I hope you find the young ones in the picture with her.
Good luck my friend.
Gayne
Setting it down, walking over to the cloak, John ran his hands across the tattered garment that had helped save the lands. It was nothing more than gaping holes and torn seams, the magic gone. On the floor, beside the cloak, where hundreds of leather-bound books, each two feet long, twelve inches wide, and several inches thick. The experiment journals. Then he walked up to the shelves covered with gold and platinum objects.
Shaking his head, Steve followed, “There’s a fortune in this room.”
A dozen different sized platinum rings were on the top shelf, and beside them, a tray with miniature gold and platinum animal figures. There were the regular items: oxen and horses, some with four legs, others with eight. Some were in a harness, others had saddles, and there were also six of the saddled, winged horses. Next to them was a collection of odd animal amulets, each one with a set of three; mountain lions, forest bears, wolves, guard dogs, and a bag with a dozen small bats laid on it. The next shelf down had two small wooden chests, eighteen inches long by six inches wide but only six inches deep. To the sides were four golden amulets; two were wagons, the others closed carriages. Opening the first box, it contained hundreds of small golden food icons. The second had similar, but they were camping icons: pots, dishes, pans, glasses, blankets, and more. There was also a jug filled with fresh water, and while John was uncertain of the magical properties, he knew it had significance if it was in this room. The next shelf had four of the golden portal bracelets, and a small box filled with paper envelopes, each one containing rocks with a handwritten destination. There was also a pair of platinum bracelets with another box, which contained envelopes holding engraved gold medallions. The first of which said Alron, and opening it, he saw one inscribed with the image of the statue, and on the left-hand side of the room were bags of gold.
“Is this what you were expecting?”
“More or less. I was hoping both of my cloaks would be here, but they only brought one, and it’s broken. The magic is gone. We have magical transportation, fast and slow, resources for traveling, and what I’m hoping are guard animals, but we still don’t have any weapons.” Then he added, “You’re not going to ask what that all means are you?”
“We’re standing in an extra-dimensional space, and you tell me I’m looking at magic items. To conjure the appropriate questions, I would need to be a magician with a hat to pull them out. So…no.”
Going to Gayne’s desk, John rummaged through it until he found some small cloth bags, which he took back to the room, and then started to collect the magical items. Tearing an arm from his old cloak, he wrapped the small bags together and put them under his arm. “Grab those two chests and a couple bags of gold. Danex will be here soon, and we need to get changed.” Steve, still amazed, did as asked, and then John closed the door and withdrew the keys. Thank you, Gayne. Waving the glasses, the door once again reverted to normal.
In the dining room, the rest waited for them, and none expressed any shock in seeing Steve walking. After quickly explaining the events from the morning, John advised about the trip into the Bright Coast, informing each if they wanted to go, they had to change clothes, as their current outfits would cause too many questions. Logan had collected an assortment of garments, which were displayed in the classroom, and everybody quickly picked through them. If unhappy with the selection, they went upstairs looking for something better.
Steve, selecting a set that included an overcoat with an enlarged collar, headed up to the front office that John directed him to. After entering, he pushed a chair up against the closed door, traded his pants for the new ones, and reached for his jacket. Pulling out the holster, he felt the cold iron of the gun in his warm hand, and making sure it was still in working order, he examined the simple six-shot snub nose revolver, which had the serial number filed off. After wrapping the holster around his right ankle, the extra weight provided a sense of comfort, he changed the rest of his clothes before returning to the dining room.
Handing Steve the translation ointment, John advised how to apply it, and that its application was mandatory, else he would remain behind.
“A couple of days ago, I would’ve thought this was part of the prank. Is this why Mirtza speaks perfect English?”
John nodded.
“How does it work?”
“Its magic,” replied Eric. “You might think that it's bullshit, but I asked Mirtza, and he told me there was no cow excrement in it, but I’m still have no idea of what th
at means.”
When Logan finally joined them, they heard a knock at the front door. Ryan went up, repeated the secret yet simple code, and Danex replied.
In the living room, she examined the group in their new clothes, “You look just fine. The coach is not due for another hour, but I came early. Mirtza, we need to introduce your friends to the wards, otherwise, they will be unable to enter the house.”
“Can you please do it, Lady Danex?”
“You know I cannot. While they will let me pass, I cannot command them, and they are forbidden to enter the house. Mirtza, you have to go outside.”
He was rubbing his face, “Is there anybody out there?”
“No, the street is quiet.”
Standing slowly, he headed to the front of the house.
As Danex followed, she looked back to Lauren, “I think this will be the first time he has stepped outside since he has returned.”
Standing at the open front door was Ryan, who watched as Mirtza approached slower than usual. Walking closer to the door, he raised one tired hand to shade his eyes from the bright suns. Shaking visibly in the open doorway, he stepped outside. “Let us do this quick,” and then headed to the end of the property. When all were beside the road, Mirtza turned to the group, “Somebody has to approach the house to activate the wards, as they will not react to Lady Danex or to me.”
Everybody looked to Steve.
“How bad can it be?” Walking onto the property, Steve heard Mirtza’s instructions to stop when they appeared. Taking only three steps, the bushes began to shake and growl. On the next, two fierce, huge black dogs moved out of the bushes, teeth exposed, the hair on their backs on end, and he froze.
Mirtza walked up the path, “Hoyle, Korg! Sit!” Both dogs did as commanded, and then he called to the group who approached him. He turned to the snarling beasts, “These are friends, and they are allowed access to the house and property, so you will follow their commands,” He turned to the group, “Let them sniff you. Once they know you, they will not bother you again.” The group stood motionless as the two massive dogs became accustomed to the new smells, and as the magical animals retreated, Mirtza quickly headed back to the house.
Steve’s face was still white with fear, “Those are the meanest dogs I’ve ever seen.”
“You should have met the pricks they were named after,” replied Lauren.
Thirty minutes later, a coach arrived, and all seven boarded it, but Mirtza stayed safely hidden in Gayne’s house.
“Danex, I would like to thank you for your help today,” began Lauren. “Gayne entrusted a letter for Mirtza, but we weren’t sure how long ago it was. Do you know when they both left?”
“Mirtza left over thirty years ago, give or take a little bit. As close as I can figure, he spent twenty-five years in that prison. Even though he has never talked about it, the story is evident on his face. Gayne departed about sixteen years ago in the middle of the rainy season, which ended seven years later. The rain is regular now, but for fourteen years, we almost forgot what the suns looked like. When we get to the edge of the Bright Coast, we will stop to pick up our guide, Meeovad. He is, well,—keep an eye on him. He is an old friend, who has fallen on hard times, and has joined the thieves’ guild. While he may try to help you barter to get a better price, he will actually be attempting to make you pay more, so he can collect a percentage later. I seldom get out, but I occasionally hire his services to pick up the few necessities I cannot grow. As we have paid for his services, he will honor his contract, but if you drop any coins while he is around, do not expect to pick them up, let alone hear them hit the ground. Keep your distance from him because he is a sanctioned pickpocket. Even though you might think he is a poor choice, from what I hear, the other options are worse.”
As they rode along, everybody was staring out the carriage windows. The scene, looking like a ghost town, was only missing the tumbleweeds, which had been replaced by distraught citizens wandering aimlessly in the streets. Like a scene from an old cowboy movie, breezes blowing through the unrepairable buildings would send waves of beggars tumbling towards their carriage, but their four-man armed escort was quick to chase them away, and back to the unsafe shelter of the collapsed buildings.
Looking out the windows, Steve finally accepted the truth. Even if he could conjure a plausible explanation for his miraculous healing or the extra-dimensional space, nobody would go to the expense of building a set so large and hiring so many extras.
At the desired location, the carriage stopped, and Meeovad, their guide, opened the door. He was in his fifties, having dark, short hair. Oversized and unwashed clothes were tattered and torn, smelling as if he had splashed on some vile cologne to mask the stench, which had failed to work. A gaunt face and bony hands told the story of his undernourishment. “Ello’ Danex, ‘ow are ewe today? It’s been a time since we’d seen you out.”
“Hello, Meeovad. I am fine. You know I dislike what has happened to this town, and I can ill afford the prices they charge for even the simple things.”
“True enough.” Meeovad, scanning the group in the carriage, thought that they were an odd collection of individuals, but when he saw the determined glare from Steve, a cold shiver ran down his back. However, when he saw the two bags of gold, he made sure his reaction was unseen. “So whatcha looking for dis day. Gaming and drinking ain’t your interest. Lookin’ for other pleasures?” He was eyeing Lauren, but Ryan leaned forward to block his stare. “What can old Meeovad help ye find?”
“We just arrived in the Bright Coast,” began John, “and we’re interested in seeing the city, but we’re also in search of medicine or healers. Other than that, we just wanted to see what other shops were in town.”
“New you be? Where ya from?”
“That’s right, we’re new in town.” However, Steve’s voice and gaze said something else, stop asking questions!
“Say no more.” Sticking his head out the window, he called to the driver, “West Mall.” He turned back to the group, “Shoppin’ you want. Well then, shoppin’ you git.”
One would have thought, the farther they went into the Bright Coast, the conditions would improve. However, for the next half-hour, all they saw was despair: buildings and people without purpose or hope. It was the last fifteen minutes of their trip when they finally saw buildings in better shape with the people on the streets looking less dejected. However, they also saw well-armed individuals patrolling the walkways, chasing away those dressed in rags. The guards lacked an appearance of an official Town Watch, being more like a hired security firm in a corrupt war-torn town.
Eventually, they arrived at a gate where an unkempt guard approached the wagon, checking the driver’s papers. He stuck his head into the carriage, “Ya needs a guide,” and pointed to a group of men that looked like they were waiting to rob a bank.
Meeovad leaned forward, “Got this one, boss.” Then the guard wrote something on the paper, handing it back to the driver, as he signaled the gates to open. The other side was a different world; each building well maintained, the people on the streets all well-groomed, and the contrast was like night and day.
Lauren looked at Meeovad, “I don’t understand. What has happened here?”
“Well me lady, crime be bad.”
Danex called out, reaching into her handbag, “Meeovad! This act tires me, so pretend you are back on stage and act like a gentleman. I have already warned my friends that you are a sanctioned pickpocket and not to trust you. This performance may work for others, but I know you to be civil.”
Chapter 6
Meeovad, distressed at the turn of events, looked at Danex, “Well, that is taking the sport out of it, and you warned them? I have a family to feed!”
Danex extended her hand, holding several gold coins, towards their guide, but John pushed it back. Reaching to one of the bags of gold, as he looked up, Steve was shaking his head.
Meeovad extended his open hand towards Steve, “I am no chari
ty, and I have no intentions of working for free!”
Leaning forward, Steve grasped the open hand and squeezed. “Meeovad, is that correct? We’ll talk about your payment after you provide the services, not before,” and then let go of the pickpocket’s hand.
Pulling it back quickly, he began to massage it, “If you brought him, what do you need me for? How is an honest thief supposed to make a living? It is not right. When we step out of this carriage, my other hat goes back on, but for now, I will grant your request.” He leaned out the window, “Driver once around, sight-sees they wants to.”
“What happened to this town?” asked Lauren.
“Do you mean when things got bad, or when they got worse, or when darkness gave birth to chaos? You may not remember the Darkpaye invasion, which was probably before your time, young one, because it was almost forty years ago. They own everything north of the Key. South of it, the thief guilds run everything else, but all of the food is imported from Darkpaye, and the pay on the docks is miserable. While the wet season seems to be over, nobody goes out to the Newlands to farm. Even though some tried, the guilds charged them import taxes, and then made them use their overpriced transportation. Stupid really, but those that tried just gave up. Now the guilds figure ninety percent of the crime is unsanctioned, but it is dumb crime. People are killing people but most are just dirt poor. When the suns set, the streets are so dangerous that the thieves go to bed at night. What happened here, nobody knows. Now, you were looking for medicine so there is only one shop to visit. His prices are expensive, but his cures are real. The others all sell colored water and sugar.” Meeovad leaned out the window, shouting Thaxsons to the driver.