Magician Reborn (Book 2) Page 5

  However, things changed over time.

  Those bygone days were now barely remembered and relegated to the history books. Today magicians, while still adhering to the moral principles laid down long ago, took a somewhat less conservative view of the ancient laws. That didn’t grant them licence to drink excessively or partake of mind-altering drugs, but it slowly became more acceptable on occasion to enjoy certain facets of life. So the Laws evolved over time to reflect the modernising society of magic users.

  For final year students however, this meant for their schooling years they were prohibited to drink alcohol or use recreational drugs including smoking tobacco. Sex was frowned upon, but many of the teachers would often remain silent on the subject except in special circumstances – mostly when it involved unexpected pregnancies.

  But the one Law that hadn’t changed over time was the application of testing by use of the Tower. Every school had one, of equal size and height, and each final year student would have to ascend the stairs and stand upon the platform and face their hardest challenge.

  Over the remaining weeks, final year students would be given a random time and day to take their last test. While it was uncommon for a student to fail it was usually this part that was their undoing. Years’ worth of study wasted if the student didn’t have the mental acuity to go the final step, but ask them afterwards what had been the hardest part and most would say the climb to the top.

  The Tower held many mysteries, known to only a handful of teachers who had been around long enough, but even they could not tell a student what they will face for certainty. Some students were confronted with their own personal fear, others said it was like looking into the future and seeing what could happen, but quite often you would get no answer. Perhaps it was beyond explaining.

  Slowly, silently, the Towers trapdoor opened.

  From the darkened stairway a lone figure climbed up and onto the platform, and although dressed in black flowing robes the first rays of morning light did nothing to illuminate the person. A glint of gold flashed momentarily as a small item was taken from an inner pocket and placed in the middle of the platform. The item briefly glowed purple as the lone figure finished incanting a lengthy spell, and when finished the item slowly turned transparent until it completely disappeared.

  Chapter Five

  Xander awoke to a steady pounding.

  He wasn’t sure if the noise really existed or if his head was actually going to explode. But the pounding continued. Unceremoniously brought out of his deep - somewhat intoxicated sleep - Xander realised someone was actually knocking on his door.

  Stifling the urge to curse whoever disturbed his much-needed sleep he clambered out of bed and answered the door. Much to his chagrin, he was still mostly dressed from the previous night’s festivities and managed to open the door without looking completely dishevelled.

  Simon stood patiently waiting outside, and despite having shared half a decanter of wine he seemed perfectly composed. Bleary-eyed, Xander contemplated the good fortunes bestowed upon his long-time friend and wondered if there were a magical cure for a hangover. As if reading his thoughts Simon placed a cool hand on Xander’ temple and the dull ache rapidly receded. Feeling much better the School Champion regarded his friend and wondered at the necessity for waking him so early.

  “It isn’t that early, you’ve slept most of the morning and it’s nearly midday.”

  “What’s so important that I miss sleeping the rest of the day away?” Xander said while stifling a yawn.

  “There’s someone here to see you.”

  The mentioning of visitors had Xander’s complete attention.

  It was uncommon for students to receive visitors at the Academy, unless they were relatives, but had it been anyone Xander knew Simon would have mentioned it. Intrigued at who it could possibly be, Xander wondered if it had anything to do with his recent victory in the tournament. Sure his popularity had soared since escaping almost certain death, but as his mind turned to yesterday’s events he remembered his opponent had cast a spell requiring a considerable amount of dark energy. Perhaps this was the beginning of Headmaster Bishop’s investigation.

  With haste Xander dressed and prepared himself for the forthcoming meeting. Following Simon through the near-empty hallways of the Academy they took a shortcut through a small gallery. Beautifully painted portraits started down at the two as though they were trespassing on hallowed ground. Most were older men in full royal regalia; Kings, past and present, along with their immediate family.

  Xander mentally reviewed what he knew of the Royal Family, some of which had been present at yesterday’s final match. Like most nobility they could retrace a lineage back through the ages, but the only difference with magicians is the extended lifespan – meaning they could trace back several millennia rather than a few measly centuries.

  The present Royal line stretched back almost seven thousand years, starting at the Age of Darkness – a period of time spanning almost a thousand years which ended in the famous First Mage-war. Out of the chaos came a desperate need for order, and looking towards a hero of the wars the survivors declaring him the first King. Known as Dragonslayer, he had single-handedly charged the assaulting forces and, breaking through the front lines, managed to get within reach of killing the enemy commander.

  Throughout the ages, the Line of the Dragonslayer was sustained as a reminder of those who stood against the darkness long ago. However, now it was more of an honorary title than anything else. While most magicians respected the Royals it was more for traditions sake. They held little real power, other than their influence gained through association with that long-ago hero. While the Royal Family ruled in name only, the High Council governed the world of magicians, creating policy and amending often archaic laws. This governing body was comprised exclusively of the most powerful magicians; most of whom losing count of their age once passing a thousand years. However, great age and power did not always equate to sound judgment, especially when it concerned to matters falling within the recent century. The High Council, steeped in ancient Lore and knowledge, was regulated by an elected Lesser Council of magicians more in tune with the rapidly advancing modern-age.

  Up a long flight of stairs Simon stopped at the Headmasters office and indicated he would wait there. Hesitating for a moment, Xander knocked on the large wooden door. Despite looking rather old and ponderous the door swung easily open silently. Entering the room, he became acutely aware of the three people standing around the Headmaster’s table. Mixed emotions welled up inside, but very quickly these were pushed aside and replaced with only joy and happiness.

  The first person to turn around wore a long patterned green dress that clung a bit too snug to her curves, revealing a lithe youthful figure beneath. Rushing forward to grab him in an embrace Xander was peripherally aware of the young man a step behind her. “Aunty. Uncle. I’m so glad to see you again,” he said as he was nearly crushed from a rather unlady-like embrace.

  “It’s good to see you boy,” the man addressed as Uncle said.

  “Xander,” Aunty said between hugs and kisses, “you were wonderful yesterday! Your uncle and I are so proud.”

  “Please, Archer, let the boy down and give him some air, you’re practically smothering him.”

  “As always, Xander, your uncle Silver knows best.”

  “I have missed you two so much, why didn’t you find me yesterday after the fight?” Xander asked. He shook hands with the young man before him, dressed as usual in his customary black clothes, looking like they belonged in the Victorian era.

  Xander knew Silver and Archer weren’t as young as they appeared. As magicians, despite the hundred or so years they had lived, they were still deemed to be ‘adolescents’, barely out of childhood. Looking to be in their early twenties, Archer and Silver could easily pass as his older brother and sister, rather than uncle and aunt.

  “We would have, but something came up at the last moment. Come, sit down, we
have much to discuss.”

  This was only the third time Xander had been in the Headmasters office, and although it didn’t appear to have changed much in the past several years it was still amazing to be in this circular room. Besides the beautifully carved mahogany desk there were several tall bookcases, each overflowing with what appeared to be ancient manuscripts, tomes and large leather-bound books.

  Behind the desk was a multi-paned stained-glass window which could be opened up, allowing access to a private balcony winding around the outside of the tower. The view of the Academy from this height was amazing. Careful not to be so easily distracted, Xander quickly directed his attention back the three master magicians around him.

  “No doubt you are curious as to why you have been summoned here today,” the Head Master asked, almost as if he could read Xander’ thoughts.

  “It has something to do with the Tournament, in particular the last match yesterday.”

  “Yes, it does. You performed quite admirably in the Arena young Xander, showing great courage and fortitude despite the dangerous risks involved. May I ask your thoughts on the final contest?”

  Hesitating briefly, Xander weighed up his responses. “I won’t lie to you, for a moment, towards the end, I was terrified. But as I looked into the eyes of the shade I somehow knew what it was feeling, and I was no longer afraid. At first it was compelled to kill me, but then it changed its mind, as though I was no longer the intended target. I thought someone had intervened on my behalf, taking control of the creature and, as a twisted joke, sent it to kill Uri instead. But afterwards, I realised a counter-control spell should have been easily detected given my proximity to the shade. I felt no outside influence, magical or otherwise.”

  “That, amongst other things, has us very concerned,” said Headmaster Bishop gravely. “Thank you for your honesty Xander, hopefully we can resolve this issue without too much disruption to your final days here at the Academy. Undoubtedly the final test should prove no difficulty for you, and afterwards, tremendous opportunities abound. Although, from what I have heard, you wish to follow in the footsteps of your uncle and aunt? The Order will certainly benefit from your admission.”

  Silver smiled, and in an uncharacteristic display of affection placed an arm around Xander’s shoulders, giving him a slight hug. Even Archer, who rarely showed such open emotions, couldn’t help but smile and hastily blink away a little moisture in her eyes.

  “Ever since you were a young boy,” she began, “you have always been eager to learn and improve beyond what is necessary, which is why you sit here today as Champion of the Meridian Academy. Your performance in the Arena will be talked about for years. Your uncle and I are so proud of you Xander.”

  “Thanks. I can’t wait to get back home…not that I didn’t enjoy my stay here at the Academy, Head Master.”

  “We understand Xander,” the old mage said with chuckle, “However…”

  “You won’t be going home straight away,” interjected Silver, “we’ve got a situation that requires the full attention of the Order, and unfortunately that leaves no time for your apprenticeship. We know you’re far from helpless, as we saw yesterday, but this problem could turn from bad to worse in a blink of an eye.

  “So, for a short time you’ll be staying in Vegas, as a way for us to say congratulations. Just don’t get into too much trouble. We’ve arranged for you to be picked you up from Las Vegas after a few days, so spend the time wisely, and stay away from the casinos. You’re a magician, which means you’re not allowed to gamble. Your plane tickets and accommodation have been taken care of, please stick to the schedule and I promise, once this situation back home has been dealt with we’ll come and visit you.”

  “Awesome! Vegas for a day or two on my own, checking out the sights and shows, I couldn’t have asked for a better present.” Xander couldn’t quite mask the youthful exuberance and potential mischief flooding his thoughts.

  “Don’t push your luck,” Silver warned half-heartedly, “besides, you won’t be going alone. We’ve arranged for Simon to accompany you.”

  “He’s been accepted into the Order too?”

  “Not officially. Someone of his talent would prove an invaluable asset to the team, it’s just that we can’t be seen favouring certain students. There are a few other candidates to consider. But we’re sure the two of you together can only get into so much trouble by yourselves, so when you do we’ll only have to look in one place. Go and tell him the good news, that’s if he hasn’t already heard. We’ll meet you afterwards; we’ve still got a little business to attend to here.”

  Xander practically jumped out of his chair, nearly knocking it over in his haste to tell his best friend the great news. Once the great wooden door had finally closed the three magicians silently regarded each other. Eventually Headmaster Bishop spoke up. “I hope you know what you’re doing. There is definitely something there, buried beyond our means of detecting, and without proper testing there’s no way to identify it.”

  “We’re fully aware of his situation,” said Archer, “and we sincerely want to thank you for the help you’ve provided all these years. All we can do is wait and see what will happen, and hope for the best.”

  “Watch out for him. Xander has great potential, and should he turn out to be something other than we expect, it could bode ill for us all.” Archer and Silver nodded solemnly. They understood his meaning.

  Together, the two master magicians rose and bade the Headmaster goodbye. Walking down the circular stone stairwell neither magician spoke. Years of careful planning and manipulation would end either in success or catastrophe.

  Chapter Six

  Detective Carlyle of the Special Investigations Unit, otherwise known by other officers as the Spooky Investigations Unit, waited patiently behind the wheel of the black sedan. Glancing down at the dashboard for what must have been the hundredth time this hour he checked the small illuminated clock, barely suppressing a sigh. Time was dragging. The stakeout was taking far too long, and what should have been a simple sneak and peek operation had turned into the world’s longest cat and mouse game. Officially they had no reason for the stakeout of Roach’s bar, tucked away between tall dilapidated office buildings in the worst run-down part of the city.

  Devil’s Playground was more like a graveyard these past few weeks, even the street walkers were absent as lonely vehicles slowly meandered the streets in search of depravity. Even Jim’s bar couldn’t pull the usual low-life scum out from under their rocks. Whatever was going on certainly had an effect on the locals, and both Carlyle and Moore sensed something brewing on the proverbial psychic horizon.

  A tap on the passenger-side window caused Carlyle to start. Embarrassed that he had been caught off guard he turned and opened the door with a scowl.

  “I hope you have good news.”

  “Not really,” said Detective Moore, “Lab results were not conclusive; however, I sent one of the pills to an old alchemist friend who was able to shed some light on what we’re dealing with. It’s the Creeping Doom.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding. Someone has managed to incorporate that filth into a drug that mortals have been consuming. No wonder they call it the Walking Death, they’ve practically been turned into zombies.”

  “But unlike those that have been reanimated using dark magic, this new breed of zombies shows none of the usual magical characteristics we’ve come to associate with the ‘undead’. We cannot undo the spell and we cannot destroy the body because they’re still considered to be alive. It’s the Creeping Doom that needs to be eradicated from the host.”

  “Easier said than done,” said Carlyle, “the only way to destroy it was with magic. No one has managed to find a mundane cure for those unfortunately afflicted by the scourge.”

  “I suppose,” replied Moore thoughtfully, “the only thing we can do is stop the drugs production. Find who is responsible for its creation, and make sure they don’t make any more of the stuff.”

&nb
sp; “Any luck finding Slim Jim?”

  “There’s hardly any traffic these days, no one has gone in or out of Roach’s Bar in the past several hours. Besides, we stick out like a sore thumb here, invisible or not. If the lab is somehow connected to the bar it’s certainly cleverly concealed.”

  “Well, we’re not getting any answers just sitting here. Want to see what happens if we kick the hornets’ nest?”

  “About bloody time, thought you’d never ask.”

  Crossing the deserted street, the two magicians felt exposed and vulnerable approaching the bar, whose dirty single neon sign buzzed loudly and flickered fitfully. Years of dirt and grime blackened the windows making it impossible to tell who or how many were inside, but despite this the two detectives felt compelled to enter the dilapidated building and get some answers.

  The door of the bar was studded metal plates welded together, and judging from the various scratches and dents it had seen a lot of hard use over the years, most likely from being kicked in by cops.

  About to push open the door, Carlyle suddenly stopped.

  The faint tingle of magic could now be felt beneath his hand, which he quickly withdrew before setting off any magical defences. Obviously the door had been spelled. Mentally kicking himself for such a rookie mistake, Carlyle quickly scanned the door to determine what kind of magic was being employed.

  After a minute the mage opened his eyes and shook his head.

  “I can definitely feel dark magic within the door, but I can’t tell what kind of spell, or spells, they’ve conjured up. If this were my bar I would want something to keep people like us out. Something nasty, in case we were powerful enough to bypass the first layer of spells and then maybe one final enchantment that won’t activate until we’re inside.”