Forged Immortals - A Prequel

by A. C. Nicholls

  “Oh, no you don’t,” he said, standing up. He took my hand in his, and slipped a business card between my fingers. “There will be no more baking cakes for you. Come to this address tomorrow at midday. Your future awaits.”

  “What the…” I studied the card, reading nothing more than the details for a VHS store. Was this some kind of joke? By the time I looked up to ask him, he’d disappeared. Only my slowly closing apartment door stood to prove that he had really been here to begin with. Proof I wasn’t going crazy.

  I looked again at the business card, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Somehow, I had met a stranger at my own home who’d tried to convince me that he was a magician, and that I was ‘worthy’ of being his successor. Was that supposed to make me feel okay with the fact that he’d been practically stalking me?

  Sighing, I tossed the card to the side and tried my best to continue with my evening as if nothing had happened. I supposed it hadn’t, really – I was still the same person I’d been for the past thirty years, and nothing was about to change.

  At least, that was what I thought.

  Chapter 3

  The bell jingled as I entered the dusty old VHS store. A stale scent hit me immediately and I cringed in disgust. It was so putrid that I probably wouldn’t have stayed, had Francis not been there waiting for me.

  “You’re late,” he said without a smile. He pushed himself away from the counter and stalked toward the back of the room, where he raised a curtain that went through to the rear of the building. “Come, we have much to do.”

  And it would be done a lot faster if you’d tell me what I’m doing here.

  I shook off my frustration and followed him through to the back. When I passed through the curtain, he held a robe out toward me. It looked similar to his, only there was no sash to bind the waist.

  “What’s that for?” I asked.

  “For you to wear,”

  “I’m not wearing that.”

  “Why on earth not?”

  I looked at it and tried to think of a reason. Truth was, I had a feeling that this was all some sort of enormous joke at my expense. If I gave in and took part, I would look even more ridiculous when the punch line hit.

  “It wouldn’t suit me,” I said.

  Francis gave a not-so-subtle tsk, and pushed the robe into my chest. “It’s a requirement when entering the Vault. A sign of respect. Without it, you’re not to be taken seriously. Now please, put on the robe and follow me.”

  With very little choice, I decided to play his game. As I fed my arms into the sleeves, I glanced around the room and noticed something: there was no door. “Hey, I thought you said we were going to a vault.”

  “Patience,” said Francis, as he raised his fingers into the open space.

  “What are you doing?”

  He didn’t answer. No more words were exchanged while he concentrated, circling his fingers as if to hypnotize someone. I was so close to giving up – to slipping off the robe and storming out of the VHS store – when a burning red light scorched the air, lighting up the room.

  “What the…” The words fell from my parted lips, and I continued to watch in silence.

  The light extended to a circle, and in the center, the scenery began to change. A tower loomed in the distance, filling the spacious room in the back of this filthy shop. A dark and rocky path led to a tower, meandering through a range of craggy mountains that appeared equally ominous.

  “That’s a neat trick,” I said, looking around for some sign of a camera. I almost expected to be on live TV, or for someone to leap out at me, laughing and mocking my gullibility.

  “It is no trick. Come.”

  Before I could refuse, Francis stepped inside the ring and appeared within the image on the other side. Unbelieving, I leaned over and examined the back of the ring, but all I could see was the door. It was like a one-way mirror, granting a view of another place.

  “Quickly!” Francis called, fingers still raised.

  I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Although I didn’t trust it, I had at least seen him go through and emerge in one piece. If it was dangerous, surely he would show signs of distress? With limited options, I held my breath and took my chances, stepping through and into the cold space between the mountains. My robe flapped around in the forceful winds.

  “Good,” said Francis.

  Finally, he dropped his hands to his sides and the burning ring disappeared.

  “Where did it go?”

  “I’ll conjure it again when we’re done.”

  “Done? Done with what?”

  “You’ll see.”

  I covered my chest with my arms, rubbing furiously at my shoulders. Wherever we were, it was freezing. And while I didn’t know how he had performed this illusion, I followed Francis up the winding dirt path to the enormous tower in the distance. Along the way, I wanted to ask questions, but I couldn’t speak around my chattering teeth. I needed to save my energy.

  We arrived at the door. The tower blocked out the wind, leaving only a whistling sound to pierce the silence. Francis put his hand on the doorknob, gave it a twist and popped it open. “All will be explained soon enough.”

  I followed him inside, through the maze of hallways and staircases. We stopped at a set of open double-doors, large enough to look as though they were made for giants. This entire experience was beginning to feel like a dream. Stepping through some sort of portal was one thing, but there was no way that tower could host such a large castle within its confines. Not a chance.

  “Welcome to the Grand Hall,” Francis said, leading me inside.

  Grand seemed like an understatement. Amid the expanse, enormous pillars propped up a decorated ceiling. Gold lined the marble, and the room went back as far as the eye could see. Before me, a pit of fire burned, lighting up the faces of five people. The first thing I noticed was that they were also wearing robes, though only three of them had their hoods up. I wondered if it held any significance, but bit my tongue instead of asking.

  “Lady Keira,” said Francis, walking around the fire and stopping at the two hoodless men. “Allow me to introduce Jasper Jones, and Victor Kronin.”

  The two men stood side by side, gazing at me as if they had never seen a woman before. The short one, who’d responded when Jasper had been said, began to smile crookedly. His face was bearded and his hair was matted to his forehead with sweat. He didn’t seem like the kind of person I could trust, but was well-mannered enough to shake my hand and say hello, even if he did hold it for too long.

  The second man, Victor, stood out more. Similar in age to me, he was already losing his hair. Fierce blue eyes blazed intensely, scanning me up and down. He had a strong jaw and smooth skin. He didn’t pack much muscle, but what little he did was carried well. I could imagine women throwing themselves at his feet.

  “Victor?” I said, taking his hand reluctantly.

  “Charmed, I’m sure.”

  I tried to ignore his uppity demeanor and turned to the other three men. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder, with the tallest in the middle. Hoods covered their faces, and they all stood in silence with their heads tilted downward. I didn’t know who they were, but they were starting to creep me out.

  Francis finally smiled, rubbing his hands together as he stepped around the fire and cleared his throat. “Thank you all for coming,” he said, as if we’d had a choice. “I’m pleased that you could all make it, as are Dalton and the Elders, your leaders.”

  “Leaders?” I said, offended. “I’m self-employed and single. I have no leader.”

  Francis snorted. “Very good, Lady Keira.” He gestured at the three hooded men, who each wore a black sash. “Dalton and the Elders have come to oversee your commitment to our cause. From this day forth, you will all be trained as Cardkeepers.”

  I could sense the confusion in the room, and when I opened my mouth to ask a range of questions, Jasper Jones beat me to the punch.

  “What on earth is a Card
keeper?”

  “Perfect question, Sir Jasper.” Francis spread out his hand, and three cards – the size of tarot cards but with far more detail and color – left his fingers. They hovered in the air, circling each other as they levitated above the fire. “Before you are three magicards. Within each card is the soul of an ancient mage who harnessed certain abilities. In this case, the power of transfifidence – a mild telekinesis.”

  “You don’t honestly expect me to believe this garbage?” Victor scoffed.

  Francis ignored his rude statement, and continued his explanation. “These cards, and all others like it, belong here in the Vault. There are many other versions of this Vault; one in each city, and each standing as a pillar to the Sacred Temple of R’hen.”

  I was getting confused. “Wait. What’s R’hen?”

  “R’hen is – for lack of a better phrase – the palace of the gods. Without them, there would be no earth. Without earth, there would be no life. Therefore, as well as guarding these magicards from other mages, you will also be charged with protecting this pillar from any and all potential threats. Is that understood?”

  While the men both mumbled their agreement, I began to think that this wasn’t a prank. Whatever was truly going on here, I was beginning to entertain that it was real. The heat of the fire caressing my face spoke volumes, but I knew that my own mind wasn’t creative enough to imagine such a detailed fantasy.

  I was many things, but creative was not one of them.

  “Good. The time has come. To become a mage, and to remain young for the duration of your duties, you must make the leap of faith. It is our way of an oath – a promise of your commitment and loyalty. Without it, you will simply be returned home with no recollection of today’s events.” Francis waved his hand, and the fire grew larger, hotter. “Step inside and take a magicard. You will not be harmed, I promise you that much.”

  All three of us gasped in unison.

  “Nu-uh! No way!” Jasper complained, looking around at the rest of us. Who could blame him? “I’m not walking on fire. No way, Jose!”

  I opened my mouth to agree with him, but stopped short when I saw Victor march into the fire. My breath caught in my lungs as I expected to hear him wail, his cries haunting me for the remainder of my days. I reared back in surprise as I drank in the amazing sight before me. He simply reached for a card and returned to my side.

  “What the…” I studied his robe, only to see it intact, no black singe marks anywhere. “Didn’t that hurt?”

  Victor shook his head and smiled thinly. “I’ve been watching people fly, Francis creating light from the palm of his hand, and magical cards floating in the air. If I’m told that fire won’t burn, I’m likely to believe anything is possible at this stage.”

  I turned my head to see Jasper do the same, only he hopped through the flames like they were burning him alive. I wanted to help him, to dive in and tackle him, then put the fire out, but then he began to laugh. Jasper took his card and returned.

  “Will you do it, Lady Keira?” Francis asked.

  Sure, I wanted to, but was it really that easy? I didn’t consider myself a coward, but I liked to think that walking through fire was one scary proposition. What the hell, I thought. If these two blowhards can do it, then why can’t I?

  Slowly, I stepped forward. My foot touched the hot grate, but my boots remained intact. My robe rejected the heat. My skin denied the pain. Standing amid the flames, I reached for the magicard and took it in my hand, smiling all the while. Scary, yes it was, but it was also very awe inspiring.

  I brought the card to my chest and returned to where I’d been standing. A small dizziness struck me, and I wavered. Jasper’s arm shot out and propped me up, then I turned back toward the fire, where Francis stood clapping.

  “You’ve all succeeded, I am pleased to say.”

  “I feel… odd,” I said, straining my eyes.

  “Yes. That is the soul of the card’s mage. One must be careful when using the magic, less the soul will interfere with your own.”

  “How exactly do they ‘interfere’ with us? It sounds perverse,” said Victor.

  “Expose a depressant to an optimist for so long, and it will begin to alter its thoughts. It is much the same with the magicards, only the influence is somewhat stronger. Each time you use the mage’s power, it will begin to fuse with your own. Don’t worry, it’s not permanent. When you begin to feel too… attached, simply gain some distance from the card. After that, your soul should simply reset.”

  Jasper stepped forward, staring down at his card. “Are you saying we can use magic?”

  “Indeed, but not just yet. It takes some time for the magicard to adjust to each individual. It will differ for all, but we should all be ready by the morning. Please, follow me and I will show you to your sleeping quarters.”

  We all began to walk, except for Dalton and the Elders. They stood motionless as we passed, not the smallest sign of life from any one of them. I hurried to keep up with the others, shooting back one last look to see if they’d moved. They hadn’t.

  We walked onward to the sleeping quarters, but I expected little comfort. I half-expected to wake up in my own bed, the oven ablaze and Miss Ford’s cake burning inside. None of this seemed real, save for the dizziness swirling through my head.

  I had no idea that my life – my real life – was just beginning.

  Chapter 4

  I awoke that night to the sound of scratching, as if someone was ramming a hunk of metal into wood, shaving it of its outer bark. My eyes shot open.

  In the dark, I could just make out the figure of a man by the door. Our sleeping quarters were shared – something I hadn’t been too happy about, but who was I to complain? – and Jasper snored loud enough to give away his position. That confirmed my suspicions: Victor was trying to get out.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, sitting up and rubbing my eyes.

  Victor spoke as if he’d known I was awake. As if he hadn’t been caught trying to leave. “I need to get some air.”

  “In the mountains?”

  “Anywhere. I just can’t stay in this room much longer.”

  I stared at his working hands. “Where did you get the key?”

  “Found it in the drawer.”

  The lock clicked and the door fell open. Victor passed through, leaving me behind. There was no way I was being left alone with the snoozer. Grateful that I’d decided to sleep in my jeans and shirt, I climbed out of the horrendously uncomfortable bed, slipped on my boots, and followed Victor. If he was entitled to a late-night stroll, surely I was, too.

  We walked for an hour around the Vault, exploring unlocked rooms and breezy balconies. We chewed the fat, going from locked door to open door, open door to unlocked door. I learned of Victor’s past, how he had grown up with rich parents who died in an accident when he was young. I felt a little sorry for him, but not enough to let it show. I knew how men could get if you gave them too much – they learned your biggest weaknesses and used them against you. That wasn’t to say that Victor was a bad guy. I was just cautious.

  Our one-on-one drew to an end as we reached a spiraling staircase. Stone walls curled around, forming a sort of tower. Not unlike the one we had seen from outside the Vault, long before we realized it was only an illusion.

  “What do you think is up there?” Victor asked.

  “A kitchen, hopefully. I’m starved.”

  He ignored that. “We should take a look.”

  “Be my guest.”

  I watched him take the first couple of steps, before stopping and looking back at me. Even in the dimly candlelit stairwell, I could see the surprise in his eyes. “Aren’t you coming?”

  “Is it safe, do you think?”

  “Safer than the fire we stood in earlier, I’m sure.”

  He made a pretty good point. I shrugged and followed him up the long, winding stairs. By the time we reached the top, I was sweating and gasping for breath. Suddenly, I was regre
tting being so out of shape.

  At the top of the stairs was another large, wooden door. Victor and I worked together to push it open, leaning all our weight into it, and were amazed at what we saw on the other side.

  Across from us in the circular room, six glyphs shone like neon lights from the wall, forming a semi-circle. I glanced at Victor, who seemed lost in thought. Perhaps he was just thinking about whether we should head back. I knew I was.

  But then he moved further into the room, arm outstretched. “It’s incredible,” he said. “To think, we’ve gone our whole lives thinking that magic was a thing of fairytales and bedtime stories. Even when we were children, we didn’t really believe such things could exist. But this… this is beautiful.” He touched the wall, where a bright purple light sat in the shape of a wave.

  “Should you really be touching that?” I said, feeling a chill creep up my arms.

  A brick dislodged, startling me. Victor quickly withdrew his hand, turned back to me and laughed. He looked embarrassed. “Something’s happening.”

  I watched quietly as the bricks drew back, as if they were unfolding. The corners slid back into a dark hollow, creating an open black space. From that space, something small and white began to emerge. At first I thought it was an animal of some kind, but when it came nearer, suspended in mid-air in the wall’s hollow, I could see more clearly.

  “It’s a magicard,” Victor said, awed.

  “So this is where they’re kept.”

  “I don’t think so.” He gasped for breath, like a pubescent teen getting to second base for the first time. “Francis said there were dozens of magicards kept in the main vault. There are only six here. This must be a separate collection.”

  Something didn’t seem right. It occurred to me that there must have been a reason these cards were kept apart from the others. I sensed that Victor was thinking the same thing, but we kept those thoughts to ourselves.

  “We should go,” I said.

  “Just a moment.”