“He’s right”, Ben said. “Especially knowing how Oscar makes it, that’ll help burn out the paralysis curse. How do you feel?”
“I feel a little light headed, other than that I feel alright. Where are my clothes?”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get them back”, Ben told her. “We knew you needed rest, but in order for the curse to run its course we had to loosen your clothing in order to quicken the process. The Devil’s Eye spell does not play around. I promise you our motives were purely innocent.”
“I guess I should be thanking you both, you saved my life”, She said.
“It is I who should be thanking you”, I said. “Drexel really did put up a fight, I was grateful for the extra wand.” She smiled, and took a sip of her hot chocolate.
“And Drexel, is he?”
“Don’t worry”, Ben said. “He’s not going to hurt anyone anymore.”
“I do want to ask you a few questions though”, Tiger told her. “Ben and Jim told me your story, you said Drexel killed a friend of yours. Do you know why?”
“They were trying to trump up a charge against us both. Jonathan knew they didn’t have any evidence, but Drexel had him killed. I managed to get away, but I had to fight my way between Drexel and his apprentice Crix Tyrell.”
“Painted Face Tyrell”, Ben asked.
“You know him”, I asked.
“Mike and I chased him around a few times, but never got lucky. I’m surprised he sought apprenticeship with the Legion of Chaos.”
“Why is he called Painted Face”, Cleo asked.
“It’s his trademark”, Tiger said. “Of course now his usual look painted over by the orange black and blue that the Legion of Chaos seems to favor.”
“Can you remember anything else prior to the death of your friend Jonathan Two Feathers”, I asked.
“Anything that could be of the greatest importance”, Ben said. “I’m afraid this isn’t an open and shut case. When word gets out Drexel is dead, I’m sure Tyrell is going to be looking to hunt Jim and I down. And he’s not going to care about the true story.”
“The only thing I remember Jonathan saying was something about the ranch known as Crow’s Nest, and that the Iron Warlock is interested in the property.”
“Crow’s Nest, that wouldn’t by chance be Telly Crow’s place would it”, Tiger asked.
“Telly Crow”, I asked.
“Travis’s uncle”, Tiger said. “He breeds hippogriffs and unicorns out there. The land is considered one of the most valuable in El Draco Texas, at least in the wizard community. I’m just curious as to why the mysterious Iron Warlock might be interested in it.”
“I believe his real name is Theodore Crow, but I know Jonathan even referred to him as Telly”, Crystal told us. Tiger looked from her to us.
“You get some rest now my dear I want to talk to these two gentleman.” We joined Tiger outside the room and began to talk about what to do. “I just wonder if the treasure is out there.”
“That’s jumping the wand isn’t it”, Ben said. “It could be out there, but at the same time this Warlock might have it already.”
“The only way to find out is to go out there to El Draco. I can’t go; because, I would attract too much attention.”
“You want us to act as your operatives”, I asked.
“You both know I’ll take care of your consultant rates. As always send me due reports. Plus If Tyrell is going to look for revenge it might be best to bring the fight to him.”
“You got a point there Tiger”, Ben said. “Especially since his master nearly made a mess of my house.”
“Maybe we can find out who the Iron Warlock is as well”, I said.
“If you both do let me know, I want to be there for the unmasking.”
“If you’re going to El Draco I’m going with you”, Crystal said. “Sorry, but I heard you talking.”
“Oh no you’re not”, Ben said in a very over protective tone, similar to the way he tried to talk Molly Ford out of coming with us in aiding her grandfather two years ago.
“Why, I’m good in a fight.”
“Yea, we noticed”, Ben said.
“Well I would’ve been better had Drexel’s eye not caught me.”
“But it did”, Ben said. “It’s not that I doubt your skills, but you came to us. Let us do our job. I know you’re the type that laughs in the face of danger and I respect that, but my experience and better judgment tells me...”
“My eye”, Crystal said. “I managed to muster enough will to let your friend obtain my wand while he was dueling Drexel.” I had to admit it that was impressive despite her being paralyzed by the curse of Drexel Draco’s Devil’s eye. “And another thing, you both need a guide out in El Draco. You’ll need someone who can help you figure out who’s a friend and not an enemy. I can help, plus I want to pick up the potion trade show wagon, its all I have left of Jonathan. I want to try to carry on the business, it was bound to be mine anyway.”
“We can wait until she’s strong enough to travel”, I said. Ben just shook his head.
“I’m against the idea, but I will admit she makes some valid points. Very well, you’ll be better by morning. We’ll leave after breakfast. Maybe we’ll swing by brother’s place on the way. I do owe Michael a long overdue visit, and I’m sure he might want to help us out.”
Chapter V:
Reunion of the Alatar Brothers:
After breakfast, we got ready for our trip. Ben would stop in the library a few times just to grab a few items, plus get his crystal ball case file. He tried to command it to help him learn about the Iron Warlock, but it would only show him a few random images and then fade to black. He shrunk it down and put it inside his jacket pocket.
“The last thing I saw in it was a question mark, this is going to be one where we might have to learn as we go.”
“I don’t doubt it”, I said. “I take it we’re going to fly.”
“Right”, he said. “I got Bistro, you take Talon. He’s been wanting to break in to the team for a while and I think he’s ready. He may still be young, but he’s got some size, plus the only way he’s going to learn is if he experiences the field himself.”
“What about Crystal”, I asked.
“She’s already got that taken care off”, Ben said. “In fact she’s waiting for us broomstick in hand.”
“You really don’t want her to come a long with us do you”, I said. “You said so yourself that she made some valid points.”
“She escaped El Draco to hire us, and knowing some of who’s at play it is going to be dangerous. Again I don’t doubt her capabilities, I just don’t want her getting hurt or killed. It will reflect badly on us if anything happens to her; believe me I know. We need to plan our strategy wisely, and with a great deal of stealth.”
“You’re sure you’re not having flash backs to when you lost Monica”, I asked. I could tell I struck a nerve. “I’m sorry Ben, I meant nothing by it. I may not have known her, but I’m sure she’d want you got to stop blaming yourself for her death.”
“I keep telling myself that everyday”, Ben said. “In away I’ve been cowardly toward her. I never told her straight out about how I really felt. At the very least I should’ve been there where she was to keep her from being killed. You see, the problem with her was that she spent half her life as a scam artist. Hard to believe that I was in love with a witch who could’ve been considered as wicked as they come, but yet she would be considered as a good thief in many ways then one. She wound up being hired by Professor Salazar and was hired to shadow me in one of my cases. She had worked for him for a little while after that, but she was going to leave him and join up with me. Then came my first meeting with Professor Salazar, aside from threatening to do harm to my brother and his wife after they were married, he couldn’t resist letting me know that Monica had d
ied, and by his fangs; however, he also had her heart ripped out and put in a box to give to me in order to warn me not to get in his way. He figured that even as a vampire, she would be compelled to reveal his plans to me, and he didn’t want that.”
“Another good reason that old bat is in the mighty Hudson”, I said.
“I don’t think even he would stay at the bottom for two years”, He said. “At least we won’t hear from him for a while unless if he is the Iron Warlock.”
“Wouldn’t that be something?” He nodded as we went up to the attic. “Just give Crystal a chance Ben, the three of us going to El Draco to find all this out is at least better odds. Tyrell wouldn’t even suspect that. Strength in numbers do help.”
“Yes, but your overlooking one little thing. Tyrell knows her; otherwise, Drexel wouldn’t have found her.”
“We’ll just have to see what we can see, at least the bright side is I’ll finally get to meet your brother.”
“Don’t be surprised if you see double”, Ben laughed. “Michael is two years older than me, but he and I look so much alike that people mistake us as twins. Regardless if Mike had lost an eye and a hand during one of our chance meetings with Tyrell.”
Ben led the way as soon as we took to the sky, before we knew it we were in Texas. I could tell by watching the clouds part as we made our approach. According to Ben his brother lived off one of the main highways, pretty much in the desert, but not far from our destination in El Draco.
“We’ll land as soon as it starts getting dark”, Ben told us. “I’d land sooner, but Bistro doesn’t have a good reaction to the hot desert sand.”
“And you’re supposed to be from Australia”, Talon laughed as the dragon hung his head.
“My species is from Australia”, Bistro told the young griffin. “I was hatched in New York. I’d like to see you land and let me know how the hot desert sand feels to you.”
“That a challenge big brother”, Talon said, “I’ll make a bet, not only will I be the first to land, but the sand won’t be hot enough to keep me off the ground.” The griffin got ready to swoop down.
“No Talon, no”, I protested. “Now’s not the time, let’s do as Ben suggested.”
“Don’t be a baby Professor, it’s all in fun”, Talon insisted.
“Talon, just consider it as part of our stealth approach”, Crystal said. “There will be time to play, but you might be thankful for when the desert sand is cool.” We circled in the air a few times and as soon as Ben felt the time was right, we landed. Ben dismounted off of Bistro’s back, looked around and then walked over to a big rock. He tapped it three times with his staff.
“We were sent by Joe”, he said in a low voice. We felt the earth shake a bit as the rock began to rise. The next thing we were looking at was something that looked like an outhouse with a half moon on it. The door opened and standing in front of us was a tall wizard who almost looked like Ben, only with an eye patch, and a wand for a left hand.
“Long time no see little brother”, he said. Ben shook his other hand and they both gave each other a hug. “Who your friends?”
“This is our client Ms. Crystal Swansong, and this is my new partner Professor James Pallando.” I tipped my hat to the other, and he nodded back. Crystal likewise nodded to him.
“Welcome to the Alatar Dugout”, he said. Before he could say anything else we heard a woman speak.
“Michael, who’s up there.”
“It’s the brother come to supper”, he said. He looked to the rest of us. “Come on in. Your pets though, they won’t be able to stay here.”
“Where’s a good place”, Bistro asked as if representing the pair. Michael raised his left arm and pointed toward a specific direction.
“That ridge, there’s an old abandoned mine up there, the two of you can stay there tonight. Be like having your own cave.” The dragon and the griffin flew off without another word. Michael turned to us. “Come on in, watch your step on the way down. I’ve been meaning to fix these stairs, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.”
“I can fix that easy”, Ben said. “He tapped each step with his staff as we followed Michael into his home and the stairs began to repair themselves.
“Thanks Ben, but try not to use too much magic here”, Michael told him. “I’m trying to keep a low profile on the wizard side of our occupation.”
“You don’t need to fear Professor Salazar coming after you if that’s what you mean”, Ben told him.
“I never was afraid of him”, Michael said. “There is a monster out there that I do fear. Let’s just say I finally think I found out who murdered our father.”
“Who”, Ben asked. Michael took a moment before saying the name.
“He calls himself Shearfire.” Just as we came over the threshold into a well structured living area he whispered to Ben. “I’ll fill you in more about what I know later on.”
“Good to see you Ben”, a tall splendor woman with dark hair said as we entered the room. “It’s about time you paid us a visit.”
“You know me Kate”, Ben said. “Got a business to run.” “Jim, Crystal, this is my sister-in-law Kate.”
“Always a pleasure to meet friends of Ben”, she said holding out her hand to each of us. “What brings you out this way?”
“It’s obvious, they got a case”, Michael told her. “I figured Tiger would’ve sent them out here.”
“I hope you also considered helping us out”, Ben said. “Or have you retired from the detective business completely?”
“I have my moments where I take on an occasional case here and there. Sometimes a case finds me.”
“And sometimes I kind of push him into it”, Kate teased. “Please make your selves comfortable.” We each took a chair. We told Mike of the events that led us here.
“Painted Face Tyrell will come after you in his own good time”, he said. “I always wanted to settle a score with that two chaotic staff wielding punk. Ever since he took out my eye and cut off my hand.”
“I remember”, Ben said with a nod. “I saved your life that day as I recall. That’s why I thought you’d like to help us out. Be just like old times.”
“Might be fun”, Kate said.
“That’s an understatement considering El Draco has to put up with the combined team of the Iron Warlock, Painted Face Tyrell, and Archie Wolfgang howling around. We can hear the motors and the howls from here. The only way to find out if the treasure is there is to get Telly’s permission to search the property. Now I know that old hermit, he’s as stubborn as the cackling bird he shares the name with, but he and Travis do have a friend in town.”
“The dentist, Chester Cats”, Kate cut in. “He might be willing to help share some information, but you’d have to go in disguise and come up with a real convincing story.”
“I think I might have an idea as to how to go about that. You still have Dad’s old clown costume.”
“It’s in the basement, speaking of which I have an old potion trade show wagon stored down there that recently came into my possession.” He looked to Crystal. “I have a feeling it belongs to you.”
“How did you know”, she asked. I kind of gave her a nudge.
“It probably didn’t take much magic, I’ve learned not to question that when I first met Ben.”
“I can see why my brother and you work well together”, Mike said. “I figured though he would’ve taken an apprentice under his wing.”
“In a way he kind of is my apprentice”, Ben said. “At the same time he isn’t. He’s had a few flaws, but I got him stepping the in the right direction.”
“Don’t forget that I saved your life two years ago”, I reminded him. Ben laughed.
“Since you are going up against Tyrell, you can count me in. Just to keep you out of trouble of course.”
“Just remember Mik
e, my case my lead.”
“No offense little brother, but your in my neck of the woods, and since your needing my help. I’ll take the lead.” Now I could see why Ben tried not to involve Mike into his cases unless if he had to. Obviously only one of them was going to take the lead on this case. Kate motioned for us to leave the room.
“Nothing but a little playful sibling rivalry”, Kate told us as she escorted Crystal and me out of the room. “I’m sure they’ll be over it before dinner. I kind of learned how to put up with it. I just wish Ben would visit more often. I know Mike worries about him being on his own.”
“Mike mentioned someone named Shearfire being responsible for their father’s murder”, I asked. She nodded. “Who is he?”
“Someone very dangerous”, Kate said. I could almost sense a hint of fear in her tone. “Before I married Mike I worked for an organization known as the Sorcerers of M. A. C. S.” Before I could ask, Cleo told me what M. A. C. S. stood for.
“Magic Anti-Crime Squad. Jonathan told me about them. I thought the old agency died out.”
“I wouldn’t say died out, they’re still a few from the old agency that are still around. The numbers unfortunately are very small”, Kate said, “I’m surprised you are not aware of this Professor, Mike and Ben’s grandfather as well as your father were the founding members. After a few years, Nicholas Pallando became head of the organization while Anthony Alatar went into business with his son Joe. Being married to Mike, I’ve entered into quite the family tree, but like with the original squad and Blue Wizard Detectives we still keep our eyes open for threats like the Warlock and Shearfire. Mike is probably sharing what he knows with Ben as we speak. Apparently according to sources that I’ve spoken to, Shearfire and the Alatar’s have a history. How is the big mystery? Something the boys are going to have to find out on their own.”
“No wonder Ben decided to take me on as his partner two years ago. My father had told me about the legendary Sorcerers of M. A. C. S, but he never mentioned anyone named Alatar. I guess there were reasons for that. I’m sure Ben might fill me in on that later. You still didn’t tell us who Shearfire is”, I said to Kate. “I’m curious, it be nice if Ben where to find the wizard who murdered his father.”
Wrath of the Iron Warlock Page 3