by C C Sommerly
“What do you have to say?”
“Not a single thing.”
He shot up from his seat. “You will not speak to me that way. And, since you want to be difficult, the Guild Master will be informed of this.”
“Do what you have to do.”
“This isn’t going anywhere. Might as well start another training session, which is probably not going anywhere either.”
He didn’t have to be a jerk about it. And, what did he expect after several days of training? He wasn’t exactly easy to learn from and he believed in trial and error training. It was more error than anything to both of our frustration.
We’d been trying for an hour to get me to damage his shield without destroying it. It was supposed to teach me better control and so far I’d failed miserably. And even with my slightly improved control, it didn’t help.
“Just a little bit this time. Even children learn to use small amount of magic to damage shields. Concentrate this time,” said Miles.
My magic easily ate through the defense in his shield. Miles threw down his sword, swearing. I bit back laughter. It was only fair that he experienced some of the frustration I felt during these sessions.
“Are you even trying? Or is this just a game for you?”
“Of course I’m trying.”
“Look, I told the Guild Master that I’d do thirty days of training. At the rate you’re going, we won’t make it. You don’t have enough control to be out on your own.”
“Oh Miles, how sweet. I’m touched that you’re worried about me.”
“While I said I’d give thirty days, that long isn’t needed. You won’t make enough progress to make it worth me spending thirty days on you.”
“So get someone else to train me.”
“No one else wants to. You’ve got thirty days and already are down almost a week.”
“This is total crap. I deserve the full thirty days. I can do this.”
“No you can’t. And, our training is over for the day.”
I left the Enforcers Training Academy feeling dejected. It was time to pay the piper. I’d avoided talking with Sterling about the vampires, but sadly, I couldn’t put it off any longer.
I stopped by the house to freshen up and change. It also gave me a chance to get Muffin for my trip to the Wolf Agency. I needed to talk with Sterling even if I didn’t want to.
Walking into our temporary agency, I saw that my favorite receptionist was manning the desk. Just once I’d like to time it so I arrived when she wasn’t around. Once she saw us, she just barely grimaced before pasting a fake smile on her face. I think she’s warming up to me. I didn’t even get a scowl this time, so I’d consider that progress. Besides, you never piss off the person that greets your clients and got you coffee. Not that I took her for the “spitting in your coffee” type, but you never know.
“Hey Margie, any visitors or messages?” I asked.
“Yes, you had a visit from the Jamisons.” Agnes pulled out an envelope. “They dropped this off and told me that the case is closed and appreciate your help with their daughter.”
What?! That can’t be right. I never solved the case. Why were they saying it was solved?
I opened the envelope and our final payment was in there along with a thank you note. When I opened up the note, a stack of one hundred dollar bills lay tucked in it. I read through the note and it explained that this money was a “tip” for a quality job.
Envelope and note in hand, I walked into our makeshift office.
“Good to see that you rushed back here,” said Sterling. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to keep your boss waiting.”
“Who me? I’d never want my boss thinking I’m slacking.”
“Sure you wouldn’t.”
“Especially when I’m such a good investigator that I get cases to close on their own.”
“Which case is that?” asked Sterling. “I wasn’t aware that you finished a case.”
“I saw Margie and she handed me this.” I passed the envelope to Sterling. “This is from the Jamisons.”
“The missing child case?”
“The very same one.”
“When were you going to tell me that you found the girl?”
“I found her and lost her.”
“Explain.”
I told Sterling about the meeting with the believers of The True One.
“Why are you just now telling me about this meeting with the cult?” he asked. “And it was the same place that you were held?”
“Yes.”
“And Leia told you that the only way to access that location was by being granted permission?”
“That’s what she said.”
“So whoever kidnaped you is obviously tied to this religious group and the missing girl?”
“That’s the connection I made as well.”
“And you had no opportunity to talk to her?”
“No, and the weird thing is that I never told her parents that I found her.”
Remembering my visit with them, they were shocked that their daughter was gone. “And, they were genuinely distraught about their daughter’s disappearance. Why would they close the case if I hadn’t said anything to them?”
“As much as I like wrapping up a case and getting paid, this feels wrong. You need to visit the Jamisons and see what is going on.”
As if I needed him to tell me something was off.
“Well, I’ll be on my way.”
I hurried out with Muffin before I got caught up explaining about my lovely visit to the vampire coven.
Lucky for me the Jamisons were home evidenced by a car in the driveway. I knocked and waited. I gave it a couple of minutes before I knocked again. No one was answering despite the car in the driveway. I tried the door and it was unlocked. As I turned the knob, the door partially opened. Since it was open, I technically wasn’t breaking and entering – at least that’s what I kept telling myself.
I didn’t see, hear, or smell anything out of the ordinary. The immediate impression I got was one of vacancy. The house had that empty feeling that they get when they’re unoccupied for long periods of time, which couldn’t be the case. I was just here not all that long ago.
I carefully and quietly shut the door behind Muffin and me. I paused to see if either of the Jamisons came – hoping they were just slow to open the door and not that something was wrong. When there was still no sign of them, I pulled my sword free. Muffin didn’t leave my side, but he wasn’t acting protective or aggressive, which he’d do if someone was here. Hmmm ….
The foyer lead straight to the living room, which is where I would start my grid pattern. In searches where I suspected foul play, I did my best to conduct a thorough search in the event that I needed to turn it over to the enforcers. As I ventured into the house, I saw no sign of a struggle. I also didn’t smell death or decay, which would have been obvious if they’d been killed.
The living room had drop cloths covering all of the furniture. The tv was off and everything was neat and orderly. The place was spotless, not that it’d been messy the time I visited, but this was like the immaculate kind of clean.
From there, I moved into the kitchen. A visual scan showed nothing out-of-the-ordinary. The countertop was empty except for some canisters and kitchen appliances. I checked the fridge and it was empty, not the poor kind of empty, but in the way that a new fridge is bare. There was a faint lemony scent from whatever cleaner was used on it. I checked the cupboards and the pantry – all were empty. No dishes in the sink and nothing out anywhere in the kitchen.
This wasn’t right and as I continued through the house, my unease increased and my instincts were warning me that something was wrong. I found no signs of the Jamisons. Their closets were empty and all the furniture was covered. All signs pointed to them up and leaving suddenly. Could Emma Lynn have come back on her own? I somehow doubted it. She was pretty happy on her own and I didn’t see her just coming back home after she’d changed her a
ppearance and covered her tracks so well, but I’d been wrong before. Maybe Leia could get me to another meeting. She was pretty enthusiastic about her religion, so it wouldn’t be odd if I asked her to teach me more about it.
23
Large wooden double doors painted black blocked the entrance. The beast of a door was at least ten feet tall, but maybe even taller. There was no knocker or bell to summon the residents. So, I used the hilt of my sword to pound against it. I quickly tucked the sword back in its sheath and waited.
If I was lucky, one of the members from the art session would answer or be near to ease my entry into this virtual fortress. What kind of church needed security like this?
The woman who opened the door began to greet me, but when she took one look at Muffin, she ran away screaming. I hope they aren’t all this dramatic here. If so, it would make for a long visit. This was not the best way to get started, but I’d had worse first impressions.
I tugged on Muffin’s leash and he followed me into the Institute of Reawakening’s gate. We were barely through the door when a magic shield appeared, preventing us from going any further.
Past the courtyard and near the building, a small group was gathered watching me. They were out of my reach, but stared and pointed at me
“With such a warm welcome, it’s no wonder you all don’t get many visitors,” I said.
They startled at my words, but no one came forward to chat. What were they waiting for? It’s not like I could do any harm to them. Both Muffin and I were held back by the shield.
They had no way of knowing that my magic could easily break through this, but I was nervous and the tiniest bit scared to let it loose. My control was tenuous at best. And, if I didn’t keep it under control, then Miles became my permanent sidekick. I wanted to avoid that even more than I wanted to avoid Julia Huntington or Jasper – both of them made solving their cases a real pain.
A robed, a prematurely balding man rushed forward. He stopped just on the edge of the shield. What was it with robes? As he stepped forward, I instantly knew that he was the mage. Even without being dressed as a mage, it was obvious. I sensed his power crashing into me in an obvious intimidation tactic.
Strong magic users and other supernaturals have a certain aura or vibe based on the type and strength of their magic. The only reason why he wouldn’t find much of a magical signature on me was because I was blocking it.
Blocking magic is something all magic users, especially mages learn to do. It prevented others from detecting your magic, but still made it available to use. This was unlike the kind of block, I had before that Varnoc cleared. That one completely prevented a person from using their magic.
He was testing me and trying to get me to respond magically. I’d hold off on any magical displays as long as possible. His invasive probing meant he was trying to detect what kind of magic I had and of what strength. My magic desperately wanted release to counter the threat. And, I wasn’t sure if I would win in a magic fight against him. His magic was very near the strength of my own, which was a first for me.
“Why do you intrude on our temple?” he asked
“I knocked and the girl opened the door. I assumed that was invitation enough.”
“Do all of your hosts answer the door and run away screaming?”
“It’s happened before.”
He looked surprised and opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. He is going to be fun to mess with.
“Although, my favorite ones are when I get to maim or kill them upon arrival.”
The mage paled and took a step back. He grasped a pouch hanging from around his waist. If I had to guess, there was some sort of spell hidden in it based on his death grip.
I laughed and he relaxed, letting go of the pouch. The others watched us intently, eyes fixed on him and I. He wasn’t the only one with magic. I detected several magic users and supernaturals among the group still hovering near the building.
“I see, you are joking. We don’t allow animals on the premises. Your pet has to leave,” said the mage.
“He’s not a pet. This is my comfort animal.”
“Indeed. I’ll make an accommodation. If he behaves, he can stay. The moment that changes, you and your animal must leave, never to return.”
What dramatics. Who uses the phrase ‘never to return’? It wasn’t like they had some massive following. No one had heard of them, so they weren’t exactly a mainstream religion.
“He will behave,” I assured him as much as I was reassuring myself. Muffin only acted up if he sensed a threat against me.
“Very well. You are here for a reason. Child tell me that which you seek, so I may better know how to assist you with your journey,” he said.
“It’s kinda hard to seek anything when I’m being held captive.”
“Very well.” He made a complicated movement with his hands. It was some sort of sigil, but not one I was familiar with.
“This way, please.”
The inside décor borrowed heavily from Japanese design. I saw the screen doors common in their design. Bamboo and other live plants were placed in the foyer.
“Devon, who do you have there?” asked Jarl.
“It’s a seeker. She comes with her,” he coughed, “support animal.”
Jarl locked eyes on me and smiled. I felt myself automatically smiling back.
“Yes, I see that she does. I can take it from here.”
“But your esteemed highness, it’s a task that should fall on me. You are far too important to do this.”
“Devon, what have I told you about seekers?” asked Jarl.
“That they are drawn here by the will of The True One.”
“There is no greater task than serving his will, which means this task is not beneath me nor anyone here,” said Jarl.
“Most humblest of apologies. I did not think and will meditate to seek forgiveness for my lapse.”
“That is for the best. We must at all times strive to live in the ways The True One would have us live. To act as his emissaries on this realm and honor his teachings. You may leave us now as may the rest of you.”
Once we were alone, he smiled at me. Darn me for finding it charming and appealing. I took the time to really look at him. His strong features included a chiseled jaw line and high cheek bones. He looked more like an athlete than a preacher. This guy gave Lochlan a run in the looks department. And, he was completely unfazed by my staring. Dang it, pay attention Marty.
“I see you’ve decided to learn more about The True One and our beliefs. I remember you from the art session,” said Jarl.
“That’s a part of what I’d like to ask you about.”
I didn’t finish speaking because at that moment, one of the members walked by and I caught a whiff of a familiar scent. The pain hit me fast and sudden. It felt like a creature clawing its way out of my stomach. Sweat droplets broke out on my temples and my hands shook slightly. I clenched them tightly to stop the movement. Something of what I was feeling must have shown on my face.
“We can help with that. Follow me in.”
I sweated from the effort to hold in my scream. What is happening to me?
Jarl watched me and I realized I’d missed whatever he just said.
“What did you say?”
“You’re out of the herbs, aren’t you?”
“How did you know?”
“There’s much that I know. It’s my mission in this life and the next to open up closed hearts and minds. Give sight to those that are blind to the wonders of The True One.”
“That’s quite the promise.”
Jarl led me to a chamber. Braziers were lit and placed around the room, while others were suspended from the ceiling. It was similar to the set up at this group’s art lesson.
“We can talk in here. I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable. And it’ll take the edge off.”
“Now, what brings you here besides the herbs?”
“I’m not sure how to answer tha
t.”
“What is it you seek?”
More weird answers. Who talks like that? Asking if I seek something like I’m on some quest. Weird.
“I just wanted to see about —”
I hesitated. If I told him I was a PI, then he’d kick me out and I hadn’t seen Emma Lynn. I wouldn’t get a second chance here at the Institute of Reawakening. I could always tell the enforcers, but I had nothing to give them. I didn’t know that Emma Lynn was here or that she was being held against her will.
“There is something we all seek. Perhaps you aren’t aware of what you are searching for?”
“That could very well be it.”
“But you aren’t sure, are you? Everyone who makes their way here does so with intent whether they realize it or not. Here is a place of compassion and understanding – free of the judgement that oppresses our true self. It is only in an environment like this, that a person can attain their true potential.”
“Since you mention potential, is that the same tactic as the art session?”
“That is just one of the many methods we employ. The art sessions are a new and well-liked addition.”
“So Emma Lynn teaches all of them?”
“I wasn’t aware that you were friends with Emma Lynn. Please tell me you didn’t come all this way for an art lesson. You’ll be disappointed if that is the case.”
“Oh? Am I not allowed to ask after her? I really think she is inspiring and could help me.”
I’d offer a kidney if it confirmed whether she was here or had really returned home to her parents.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss my members. You have my attention and time, which is in short supply, but I am always pleased to meet new members.”
“I’m not a member yet.”
“No, but I have faith and hope that we can change that. We are a new religion that follows The True One. He is all that is good and teaches us that nothing is what it seems. We are open to possibilities, we see that truth that other gods want hidden. We are the only true religion. We gather the lost and blind to us – giving them shelter. We protect our own. They can start fresh and walk the path of truth.”
