The Blade Mage

by Phillip Drayer Duncan

  “Stop,” I said, putting up my hands. “Everyone pause. Something doesn’t make sense. When I first got to town, Director Allen told me that Kyle called him and said he had reason to believe you’d kidnapped a child, were some kind of child molesting serial killer, and he was afraid of you. Director Allen then sent people over to check on his son and that’s when they found you and arrested you.”

  Axel nodded.

  I glanced between them. “If Kyle was helping you, then he wouldn’t have made those statements. So…”

  “The Obayifo,” Axel said, eyes widening. “I already told you it can take different shapes. It must’ve taken Kyle’s form after it killed him. Then called his father.”

  “Fuck,” I said, glancing between them. “We have nothing.”

  “Not nothing,” Stone said. “We still know someone in the Cabal was involved.”

  “But who?” I asked.

  “You’re the Blade Mage,” Axel said. “Aren’t you supposed to know?”

  “I’m the worst Blade Mage in the history of the role, haven’t you heard?”

  “According to whom?” Axel asked, waving the notion away.

  “According to everyone we know, Axel. According to the entire Cabal.”

  Axel gave me a hard look and asked, “Do you like most of the people in the Cabal?”

  “What?”

  “Do you like most of the people in the Cabal? The Shamuses, the Special Force Team Leads, the accountants, the pencil pushers, the holier-than-thou assholes who always want to tell you how to behave. Do you like them?”

  “No,” I admitted. “Not particularly.”

  “Then why the hell do you care what they think?”

  I didn’t have a reply. It was a fair point.

  “Listen,” Axel said. “I’m your best friend… Unless you’ve made a new best friend since the last time I saw you, in which case I have someone I need to kill…” He droned off as he seemed to consider the necessity of killing any new best friends I might’ve made. Perhaps he was simply measuring the odds of whether I could make a new best friend as wonderful as he was. Finally, he continued, “At any rate, I’m your best friend and I think you’re pretty great at it… Well, you weren’t great this go round, but remember when we killed the Clown Goblin? That was pretty great.”

  “Crag kicked our asses all over the Halloween Festival, Axel.”

  “That’s not how I remember it.”

  “He nearly killed us both several times.”

  “Fine!” Axel threw up his arms in frustration. “My point is that I think you’re a pretty great Blade Mage and so does Stone. Right, Stone?”

  Stone didn’t respond immediately, which did nothing to bolster my confidence. He took another sip of his motel coffee and shrugged. “He’s got potential.”

  “Right,” Axel said, whirling back toward me. “You have potential, Wyatt. You just have to learn what the sword has to teach you.”

  “What the sword has to teach me?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. Hadn’t the Archmage said something to the same effect? “What do you know about it?”

  “Oh, right,” Axel said. “You’ve been living like a hermit and I haven’t had a chance to explain. After you left I snuck into the Cabal’s secret library where the Curator maintains and protects all the old texts. I thought they’d have some kind of Blade Mage instruction manual I could gank for you. They didn’t. But they did have a number of texts detailing the exploits of various Blade Mages over the years. Not a lot, but in some of the scribbles I found mentions of the sword ‘teaching’ them things. Like it gave them special abilities and stuff.”

  “Any specifics?”

  “Not really,” he said. “I can’t do everything for you, Wyatt.”

  “Look,” I said, shaking my head. “We all know my father was a wicked nasty mage and a badass warrior, but I don’t remember him having super powers. Other than the knowledge of my role as Blade Mage and a really sweet veil, the sword hasn’t imparted any knowledge to me. I mean, the Archmage told me he couldn’t pinpoint my location because the sword was hiding me. So, there’s that, but it hasn’t given me any other special abilities. I think it’s probably bullshit.”

  “No,” Stone said, shaking his head and watching me carefully. “There’s more. Your father told me a bit once. I don’t think he was supposed to.”

  “What did he say?”

  “That the sword taught him,” Stone said, shrugging. “It taught him how to do things other mages couldn’t do. He said it was like the sword was sentient.”

  “But what the hell does that mean?” I asked with a sigh. “It hasn’t taught me shit. Maybe even the sword is having second thoughts about having chosen me.”

  “Or, maybe you’re just a stubborn ass who doesn’t want to listen,” Axel said.

  I was about to reply when it occurred to me he might be right. As much as I didn’t want to admit it out loud, the Archmage had said almost the same thing. And it had veiled me without me even realizing it. And when I’d dropped it at the Patterson compound, I’d known exactly where it was. I thought I’d seen where it had fallen, but now I wasn’t so sure. In the years since it had chosen me, the sword hadn’t done much, but in just the last few days…

  It hit me like a brick between the eyes.

  I jumped to my feet, realizing just how stupid I’d been. “Axel, do you know anything about the Obayifo?”

  “Not much,” he admitted.

  Turning to Stone, I said, “Better Google it.”

  “Sure,” Stone said. “But why the sudden change of subject?”

  “I think I know where to find the witch. Let’s get ready to move.”

  Chapter 29

  “If I’m wrong about this, it could cost us our lives,” I said, glancing between the two of them.

  “It seems simple enough,” Axel replied with a shrug. “We just have to find the person with the glowing ass.”

  “Not that part, Axel,” I said.

  Based on the results of Stone’s Google search, all we found was that an Obayifo was a vampire and/or witch from African folklore whose armpits and anus were said to glow with a phosphorescent light at night. It also mentioned they were obsessed with food. Somehow, I doubted the last two parts were anywhere near the truth. We only learned what we already knew. We were up against a witch.

  But we were in Stone’s truck and en-route to our destination just the same.

  “So, run me through this one more time,” Stone said, glancing over as he drove. “I’m not sure I’m following the logic.”

  “Okay,” I said, taking a deep breath. “When I first got to the compound, I met with Director Allen and his family. The whole time I was there, my sword was vibrating against my back. I thought it was an itch at first.”

  “Right,” Stone said. “The itchy back theory. Concrete evidence, that is.”

  “I think it was trying to warn me.”

  “It’s thin,” Stone said.

  “And Director Allen’s security guard,” I said. “He had a strange gait.”

  “And here’s the goat man theory,” Stone said. “Also pretty thin.”

  “But when you put them together,” Axel said, holding up his hands and pushing them together “you get a meaty suspect sandwich.”

  “No, you get a very light suspect salad without any dressing,” Stone replied, then cursed. Under his breath he said, “How did I let the little prick pull me into his analogy?”

  “Which is why we have to be very careful about how we approach this,” I said.

  “So, what’s your plan?” Stone asked.

  “I’m still trying to work that out.”

  “What’s to work out?” Axel asked. “It’s dark out. We just need to get a look at grandma’s ass. If it glows, she’s the witch.”

  “Why does it have to be the grandma?” I asked. “It could be one of the security guards, another family member, or it could be posing as Director Allen himself.”

  “It’s always the
grandma,” Axel said. “You’ll see. Just need to get a look at that anus.”

  “Let’s try to think of something a little less evasive,” I said.

  Stone sighed. “This is a ballsy move you’re about to make just because your sword can double as a sex toy and one of Director Allen’s guards happens to walk like a popsicle. He could’ve sprained his ankle or something. You think of that?”

  “I know,” I replied. “But it’s like you guys said. I think the sword was trying to tell me something.”

  “To go look at your dead friend’s grandmother’s ass?” Stone asked. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s what it was trying to tell you.”

  “Don’t encourage him,” I replied before Axel could jump in. “Look, I get that we need a subtler plan. I’m working on it.”

  “Better hurry,” Stone said. “We’ll be there soon.”

  Chapter 30

  Of all the stupid plans I’ve ever come up with, this one could’ve won a gold medal. Or at least an honorable mention.

  My initial thought was to approach the Allen estate on my own. I’d tell whoever answered the door I had info about Kyle’s case. But then I figured I’d end up alone with Director Allen in an office or something. I needed to see his whole family, so I knew that wouldn’t work.

  So, despite knowing it was a terrible idea, I reluctantly agreed to bring Axel along with me. The idea was that we’d approach the house, tell whoever answered the door that Axel wished to visit with the family, then wait. There was virtually no way they’d turn us away. But, we’d be lucky if they didn’t attack us immediately.

  The first part of the plan completed, we waited in the foyer while a servant went to notify Director Allen of our arrival.

  Beside me, Axel leaned in close and whispered, “You know, if you’re wrong about this, you’re going to feel like a real asshole.”

  “No shit,” I said, scowling at him. As if I didn’t realize there was a good chance I was about to piss off a grieving family. The very thought made my stomach queasy. If I was wrong about this, I’d never forgive myself. I was committed now, though.

  Stone had shaken his head and called us both idiots. He’d reluctantly agreed to do his part, though.

  Finally, the servant returned. He was a middle-age prick with a thin mustache and an upturned nose. A proper posh asshole. He told us the family was entertaining guests and we were to follow him.

  Axel shrugged at me and we fell in line behind the servant and followed him through the mansion. The Allen estate was on par with every other mansion owned by one of the Cabal’s noble families. A bit too big and way too pretentious. Each piece of furniture probably cost more than my entire house.

  The servant led us through a maze of doorways and halls before finally stopping in front of two large double doors. He pulled them open to reveal a large reception type room full of rich dicks who were probably just there to pretend like they gave a shit about the Allen family.

  There were also a number of security guards around the perimeter of the room, no doubt armed beneath their expensive suits. Given the recent murder of his son, it was no wonder that Director Allen would up security. Still, it seemed a bit much.

  As the servant led us in, I leaned in close to Axel and whispered, “Just play it cool, all right?”

  “Of course,” Axel said, frowning at me as though I’d offended him. “I know how to be subtle. Now, which one is the grandma?”

  I nodded toward where the servant was leading us. “The only woman in black, just behind Director Allen.”

  “Got it,” Axel said, nodding.

  “Just let me do all the talking, please.”

  Conversations around the room shifted from low murmurs to an awkward silence as we entered the room. All eyes were on us. I wasn’t sure if it was because these people recognized us, or if it was just because we weren’t dressed for the occasion. I assumed it was the latter, as I didn’t recognize anyone other than the Allens.

  As we closed in on the family, it looked as though the servant intended to present us to his masters like a proper host. Unfortunately for him, and all of us, Axel spoke up first.

  Marching forward, he shouted at the top of his voice, “All right, grandma! Let’s get a look at that ass!”

  The silence shifted from awkward to stunned.

  Director Allen stepped forward, eyes blazing with fury. “What’s the meaning of this?!”

  “We need to see the junk in grandma’s trunk,” Axel said, as though it were the most innocent of requests. He motioned toward the elderly woman and continued, “Come on, Meemaw, lift your skirt.”

  As reluctant as I’d been to execute Axel before, I was definitely considering chopping off his head just then. If nothing else, it might save me a little face with the grieving family.

  The security guards began closing in, forming a circle around us.

  “Unbelievable,” Director Allen said, his face red. His whole body trembled with rage and I thought the vein on his forehead might burst. “This is unbelievable. First, you murder my son, then you have the gall to come here and speak like this to his grandmother!”

  His fury turned on me. “And you… What would your father think? Hmm? Blade Mage. Ha!” He spat the word as though it were poison in his mouth. Still trembling, he continued, “You’re no Blade Mage. You’re the goddamned laughing stock of the whole Cabal. You realize that, don’t you?”

  I didn’t reply. His words burned, but I knew when to take my lumps. Based on Axel’s outburst, we deserved the response. In fact, we probably deserved worse.

  “I don’t care what evidence you believe you’ve found, boy,” Director Allen said, crossing his arms. “I know that Axel Gunner murdered my son. And you just couldn’t do your duty, could you?” He paused to cough out a sharp laugh. “Do you know what we all call you, Wyatt?”

  “The Bastard Mage,” I said, meeting his gaze.

  “Oh, yes, I almost forgot that one,” he said, chuckling. “We also lovingly refer to you as the Blade Mage’s greatest mistake. Did you know that?”

  I felt my face flush with embarrassment and anger. His words struck the right chord. Still, I bit my tongue and took it, feeling like the biggest piece of shit in the world.

  Except that my theory had proven true. My sword tingled against my back like a vibrator with a fresh battery.

  “It’s clear you don’t want us here,” Axel said, unfazed by Director Allens insults. “But we can’t leave until we get a good look at the keister on that old bag of bones.”

  “Security!” Director Allen rasped, turning to look at his men. “I want these men off my property immediately.”

  “Yessir,” said the asshole guard I’d met before.

  “Don’t bother being gentle,” Director Allen said, turning his gaze back toward us. “And if they give you any trouble, shoot them.”

  “Yessir,” the man repeated, stepping toward us. “It’ll be my pleasure.”

  “Director Allen,” I said, taking a gentle step forward and speaking in a low voice. “I believe you may be in danger.”

  “I’m surrounded by my own security officers,” he replied. “If I am, then they’ll handle it. I certainly need no help from you.”

  “All right,” the head security guy said, stepping between us. “It’s time for you to go.”

  “Hi, Yoseph,” I said, looking into the dark lenses of his Oakleys. “Your family sends their regards.”

  “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” he said, a hand on the butt of his gun. “Now, are you going to come nicely? Or are we going to have to do this the hard way?”

  “It’s the gait that gives it away,” I said, still staring at him. “Your siblings sure would like to see you.”

  “Hard way, then,” he said, stepping forward.

  “Director Allen,” I said, turning back to the Director. “I know you’re furious, but I need you to listen. I have good reason to believe you’re in danger from your very own security force.” />
  “And good reason to believe that old sow is a witch,” Axel added, pointing at Kyle’s grandmother and sneering. “Don’t try to trick me with your sweet old lady act. I know a hag when I see one.”

  “You’re mad,” Director Allen said, shaking his head. “Both of you. Are you on drugs?”

  “Let’s go,” the security guard said, raising his voice as he reached for me.

  I let the veil drop off Drynwyn and allowed its bright light to blind the room. This time it appeared as a giant Claymore on my back, and the brilliance of the light forced all the security guards to take a generous step back.

  “Director Allen, I need you to listen to me,” I said.

  Having been a high-ranking member of the Cabal for as long as he had, he’d seen my father carrying Drynwyn enough he wasn’t impressed. Instead, his lips peeled back in a snarl and he said, “If you draw that sword in my home, I promise you tomorrow the Cabal will have a new Blade Mage. Understand?”

  “Calm down, dear,” Kyle’s grandma said, giving Director Allen a gentle pat on the shoulder. “There’s no reason to get so worked up. We’re among friends here.”

  Director Allen kept his icy glare fixed on me, but seemed to calm a little.

  “Besides,” grandma continued, turning back to face me. But now the whites of her eyes were gone, replaced with black orbs. “These boys have something of mine, and I want it back.”

  “Holy shit!” Axel said, glancing over at me. “She is the witch!”

  “Wait, you didn’t really think she was?”

  “Fuck no,” Axel said, shaking his head.

  “Then why did you march in here and say all that?”

  “I was just having fun with it,” he said, shrugging.

  “Gentlemen,” the witch said, regaining our attention. “Where is the child?”

  “Bend over and I’ll show you,” Axel replied, folding his arms across his chest. “Seriously, if you show me your butt I might tell you.”

  “What is your obsession with my ass, young man?” the witch asked.