by JM Guillen
“It wasn’t Knucklebones then,” Alicia said. “At the time it was simply an abandoned storefront to which Rufus had made several alterations.”
“Simon didn’t seem to… be the same.”
“He is an emotionally complex person.” Alicia nodded. “After the loss of his D.C. family, he sought to protect himself. Simon is a man who exercises control in every situation he can. He believes that this is wise for preparation against sudden, catastrophic events.”
“I see.”
“He is not a man of straight lines. He can be deceitful when it suits him.” She paused. “Yet overall, he is a man who wants to be ‘good’. He wants to protect others from the kind of pain he has experienced. He considers this protection to be difficult, and to require difficult choices.”
“I didn’t meet him until sometime later. He already had all manner of mystical doodads by then.”
“He didn’t truly begin to gain lore for himself until after Washington fell. Once here, he devoured the Lesser Key of Dudael and learned a great many Names.”
“Names like ‘Abriel’ and ‘Tarahiel’?” I still couldn’t say them right, somehow.
“Yes. Currently Simon possesses the Names of over thirty Watchers. From them, he has learned all manner of forgotten things. He has crafted secret items of power and gathered allies about himself. His body is tattooed with the Seals of those whose Names he knows.”
“I’ve never seen any tattoos.” I said.
“They’re hidden beneath his clothing. If Simon learned anything from his teacher, it was the importance of secrecy. He learned it even more thoroughly when his teacher failed.”
“When you say he has gathered allies about himself, you mean people like Mr. Serin?”
“Yes. There are others as well, however. Several of Simon’s associates had been born with Grace, just as you were.”
Grace. I rather liked the sound of that. Much more than having a ‘knack.’
“Many of these people,” she continued, “live and work locally in New York. Through them he has amassed quite a bit of influence and wealth.”
“I noticed that,” I sighed. “Mr. Serin practically gave me a heart attack when he told me how much my dad was worth.”
“Mr. Serin deals with many of the legal situations the organization finds itself in. There are also financial advisors, real estate agents, and other professionals. Each of these individuals has their own unique kind of Grace, and works with Simon when problems arise.”
“Organization?” That intrigued me. “What organization are you talking about?”
“I can show you.” Alicia smiled and leaned forward.
Again, she caressed the side of my face with her fingertips, and again her brilliant silvery white and silver eyes swallowed the world.
I fell.
5
“Abriel. Come on, now, girl.”
Every time he said my name, my entire being rippled. It was the sound of the first bird of morning, the laughter of children. It cascaded across creation, and every place it touched, life was born anew.
Simon stood in the middle of the room, shirtless. His long, graying hair hung around his shoulders. His torso had been covered with various black, intertwined tattoos. In his right hand he held his cane.
After what happened in Washington, he would rely upon it for the rest of his life.
yes, simon. i am here.
“I chose me a name.” He regarded the floor and gazed at the Aegis inset there. “I called you here because I reckon I’d like your word ‘pon it.”
ARAMIEL is the keeper of names, as you certainly know. I felt confused. why would you seek my guidance on this matter.
“I’ve spoken with Aramiel.” He smiled at me. “Also Queriel, Kamiel and Hiersidel. Each ’a them felt my choice a good one.”
i see. I still felt confused.
“Abriel,” he sighed. “I didn’t call you for that kind of assistance.”
whatever you would wish of me, simon.
“When the Washington Lodge fell down around my ears, I was terrified. I watched my friends die at the hands ’a the Silent Gentlemen.” He took a few steps to the left and glanced away from me thoughtfully. “As I learned the Empyrean tongue—the language ’a creation itself—you were my guide. I never bound you to me, never engaged you in any kind ’a pact or oath.”
that’s true. I wondered where this line of thought went.
“During all ’a this, my goal has been simple. I want to strike out against the Silent Gentlemen and the authority they represent. I also want to be able to do the job they’re supposed to do: protect humanity from the things in the darkness.”
so you have ever said. I paused. but not alone.
“No.” He smiled. “I want to call together those fortunate enough to be born with… with Grace, and teach them we can stand as one.”
i have ever thought your purpose to be noble, simon. I truly believed that. It’d taken some time, but Simon had truly grasped his pain and crafted from it something wonderful. Over the course of years he had learned so much I was certain he had outstripped his once mentor.
“These are the reagents in the construction ’a my little cabal,” he continued and ticked off his fingers. “I seek to strike down the Powers That Be, while wielding lore granted to me by the Empyrean tongue.” He smiled toward me. “I’ve even created alliances with beings who fancy themselves to be fallen angels.”
true enough. Simon often enjoyed his showmanship, a trait that I did not appreciate in the same way he did.
“I didn’t call you here to ask for your opinion on the name. You were there with me when this whole thing started. You ain’t my bound creature—you chose to stand by me and you taught me to be who I am.” He paused again and seemed almost nervous. “I called you here because I wanted to share it with you. Because you made me who I am. Who we are.”
who are we, simon.
He paused. I couldn’t tell if he gathered himself or if he felt nervous.
“Only one name fits.” He glanced at me, and his gaze flitted away and then back. “I thought, the, erm,” He paused. “The Scions of Babel.”
He did not meet my gaze.
oh…
“I thought it apt, you know?” He shuffled his feet.
it is. you honor those who sought to build a tower to heaven. those who sought to do all things through the power of the tongue they spoke. I could not help it; I practically sang with elation.
It was a wonderful name.
A perfect name.
***
“Abriel, it’s time.”
The sound, the softest sibilant song of my Name trickled through me, trilling and singing pure pleasure. It was a note of harmony in a universe of discord, a spark of light that kept away the stygian darkness.
I had heard it spoken a thousand thousand times before. Yet always it fell from the lips of one who had mastered me, one who had bound my will to theirs.
Only with Simon did it come from the lips of one I knew to be a friend.
i am here. I stared about, stunned at the wild cacophony of people around me. Hundreds of them milled about; some dressed as knights or soldiers with rifles. I saw still others with the mien of horrific creatures, the likes of which I had never seen before.
what… is this place. I whirled about in an attempt to take everything in. The entire world buzzed, filled with people all around us.
“It’s a convention, a kinda human gathering. I’ve been chasin’ down a very interesting prospect. Rusiel has guided me to another special individual.” He paused. “He says she’s far more talented than most ’a the Scions.”
excellent. I paused a moment in confusion. how can I help you, simon. do you need some lore you have forgotten or guidance on an empyrean sigil.
“Nothing like that,” he assured me. “This is a very special situation. I need you here ‘cause I may wish to use this memory later.”
of course I am at your disposal. I still di
dn’t quite understand what he wanted.
“Just look at me and remember. You don’t have t’ do anything special.”
Simon glanced around us, as if concerned about observers. None but he could detect my presence, which meant as far as others might be concerned, when he spoke to me, he appeared to speak to nothing but empty air.
At times, he had told me he worried that strangers might think him a crazy person.
When he spoke next, he did not address me.
“Your name is Elizabeth Shepherd. If you’re watching this, you might have known me for years. I’ve made the decision that I should be able to share certain memories with you, something which might help your education.”
He stopped abruptly as a young group of men walked by, each of them dressed as some kind of space soldier.
Simon nodded at them before he continued, “You must understand, this is a strange thing for me. As far as I’m concerned, it may be years before I introduce who I truly am to you. And then there may be even more years of education before it’s time to introduce you to my friend Abriel.” Simon started to walk, obviously intending me to follow him.
is that the memory. is that all.
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m just thinkin’.” He walked for a few more steps before he spoke again. “Elizabeth, I’ve been building somethin’ for most of my adult life. I don’t know right now if, as you experience this, I’ve talked with you about it yet or not. Therefore it’s difficult for me to figure out whether or not I’m wasting time talkin’ about certain subjects here.” He gave a little half shrug. “Therefore, right now I’ll just give you the barest overview. Later on, when I figger out which of Abriel’s memories to share with you, I may be able to be more specific.”
you intend to introduce me to the girl.
“Not today.” He stepped past a group of kids giggling over a comic book booth.
“So here’s the bare-bones. There’re awful things in this world ’a ours, things that don’t make much sense to normal folk. I’ve put all I have on the table tryin’ to build something that’ll stand against all that awfulness. I’ve traveled all across the eastern United States in my search for special people who could help make my goal a reality.”
He stepped around a corner and into an area of the convention composed of a series of stalls. Dozens of tables lined the sides of the island and each sold different, wonderful things. Some of them were the purview of artists who drew heroes, horrors, and gods. Others were manned by booksellers and merchants who sold all manner of wearable trinkets.
“The people who help me do all manner of things. Some of them help me watch out for danger, while others help me learn new, secret lore. One ’a them, however, is particularly skilled at one thing.” Simon turned and gazed directly at me. “Finding people. Finding special people who have special capabilities. I’ve come here today because I’m about to meet one of those special people for the very first time.”
Simon didn’t speak to me again. He wove his way through the crowd, pushed past interested consumers and individuals costumed in all manner of dress. Once he had finally worked his way to the end of the aisle, he stopped at a small booth manned by a fellow who wore round spectacles, his black hair pulled back into a tail.
“Knucklebones,” Simon mused as he read the sign on the front of the man’s table. “What’s all this?” Simon gestured to a rack of books, at one which read, Tentacled Horrors of the Outer Planes.
“I run a small gaming store, over in Brooklyn,” the bespectacled man said. “It’s not much yet, but I’m passionate about the hobby.”
“Gaming?” Simon wrinkled his nose as he picked up a small rectangular cube that held several enumerated polyhedrons. “Like Risk?”
“Hardly.” The man smiled. “These are role-playing games. They’re all the rage right now.”
“I’ve heard that,” Simon mused. He set the cube down. “It really seems like an emerging market.”
“These games have been around for more than twenty years now.” The man stood and offered his hand. “My name’s Aiden. Are you interested in learning how to play?”
“Simon Girard. And I might be.” Simon took a step back and let his eyes drink in the titles and fantasy art that covered the books. “More importantly, however, I’ve been pondering on per’aps getting into the business myself.”
“Tough business to be in if you don’t know anything about it.” Aiden’s tone grew a touch chilly, offended that someone who did not share his passion might seek to compete in his business. “Just because it’s a popular market right now doesn’t make it easy.”
“What kind ’a challenges do you face?” Simon seemed truly earnest.
“These aren’t exactly big ticket items, and the target demographic isn’t exactly wealthy. I do a fairly brisk trade, but there are some months where it’s still pretty tight.”
“Here’s the thing, Aiden. I’m a man who has a little bit too much time and a little bit too much money on his hands. I’ve been considering investing in some small businesses here locally. Is Knucklebones in a position where you might be interested in discussing a partnership with the right person?”
“With the right person,” Aiden caged. “Knucklebones is my baby, and I wouldn’t be interested in allowing someone to be a decision making partner unless they had some understanding of the industry.”
“I have a storefront just a few minutes’ walk from downtown.” Simon behaved as if Aiden expressed eagerness. “Do you think it would benefit your business if you were located a short hop from Midtown Manhattan?”
“No.” Aiden scratched his chin. “I mean, unless the place was rent-free.”
“What if it was rent-free?” Simon gave the man a smile. “After all, you would bring years of experience and understanding of the industry to the partnership. You have thousands of dollars of stock here, and you’re the one who would work the store, make the day-to-day business calls.” The tiniest shrug graced Simon’s shoulders. “It’d only be fair if I paid some of the bills.”
“Manhattan?” Aiden’s eyes went wide. “If I had a store space in Midtown and didn’t have to pay rent, you can bet your ass it would make a difference!”
The conversation was interrupted by a child who ran up in front of Simon, and eagerly waved something in Aiden’s face.
“Dad!” the little dark-haired girl screeched. “Do you see this?” She waved what looked to be a felt, stuffed spaceship in her father’s face.
“I do.” Aiden gave the girl a smile. “But Daddy is talking business with this gentleman right now.”
“Oh.” The girl turned around, and stared up at Simon. Respectfully, almost comically, she extended hand. “Hello, my name is Elizabeth Shepherd.” She spoke primly, like a proper little princess.
“Why hello there, Elizabeth. My name is Simon.” He took her hand and shook it.
“You should call me Liz.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t care for my full name.”
“Well, then, that is what I will call you.” He gave her a smile. “Liz, I cannot possibly tell you how pleased I am to meet you today.”
***
“Abriel, I need you.”
He spoke my Name as if it were a caress, as if he intoned something precious to him. Hearing him sound out the sweetness of those syllables felt like an ocean breeze held in my heart.
It rang through me. It rang through everything I could ever have been, everything I would ever be.
simon, i am here. how can i assist you.
“Aiden and Elizabeth will be here any moment.” He stood in the front of the abandoned store and stared out through the glass. He wore his long coat and his hair had been pulled neatly back. “I need you to be here so you can remember this meeting. It is possible I will want you to share this with Elizabeth someday.”
yes, of course. I paused, uncertain if I should say what came to mind. she prefers to be named liz.
“Yes, I remember.” He smiled at me. “I’m
sure she’ll outgrow that. Children always take on odd little affectations.”
is that them.
Simon turned just after I spoke and gazed out through the glass again. “Yes. Quiet now.”
“Hello?” Aiden pushed open the glass door like he expected it to be locked.
“Hellooo?” his daughter echoed as she bounced in behind him.
“Why, hello there!” Simon smiled grandly, turned, and gestured with a gracious arm sweep. “Looks like you found it.”
“I thought I must be mistaken.” Aiden glanced around the front foyer, his eyes just a little wide. “This front area is almost as large as my entire shop back in Brooklyn.”
“Is it now?” Simon smiled. “Well, it sounds like we might need to put in some more stock.”
“We might,” Aiden laughed.
“It stretches back a little bit here.” Simon turned. “Why don’t you let me give you the grand tour?”
The men walked back through the hallway as the young, dark-haired girl shadowed behind them. Her bright blue eyes took in everything, yet it seemed as if she weren’t quite as impressed with the place as her father.
“Daddy?” She wrinkled her nose. “It’s dirty in here.”
“It certainly is!” Simon laughed, and crouched down in front of the girl. “This place sat empty for a very long time. That’s part of the reason I want your Daddy to use it for his store. It’s not good for a place to sit empty for a long time.”
“No it’s not,” the girl asserted. “It gets all dusty.” She turned back toward the front, and skipped toward the windows.
“There’s more space, isn’t there?” Aiden stepped back down the hallway a bit.
“Yes, there is more space in this building. I’ve considered renting the rest of it, if business warranted.”
“No, I meant that.” Aiden pointed up at an attic trap door in the middle of the hallway. “There’s an entire second floor.”
A heartbeat passed. A quick, pained expression crossed Simon’s face.
I knew what choice he had made. I knew what would be done.