by J. A. Areces
***
The wizard Beifar appeared in an empty alley, somewhere in a busy city. The hustle and bustle of its dwellers coming and going filled the surrounding streets. Beifar came out to the crowded sidewalk wearing his usual attire. Nobody noticed. Across the street stood a tall corporate office building - - it was home to Lord Alex Distribution Inc. He dared not go inside fearing the Emunio Concutio. He still remembered the pain from his last confrontation with the violent security system. It was better to approach slowly and avoid the impact that would lead to unconsciousness and the prolonged, lingering after effects. Only large amounts of caffeine helped dilute its effects. However, being an agent did not protect the wizard from encountering an Emunio Concutio. Beifar took risks, that was his job, and materializing in secure spaces, setting off its fierce security system was many times not optional. It was one part of his job that he did not appreciate. This time, Beifar was going to avoid the Emunio Concutio if he could help it.
Beifar staked out the building as he waited for Lord Alex. He finally saw him drive up in a large, spotless, black Bentley, driven by his chauffeur. Once Lord Alex was let out, he hurried into the building wearing a long furry dark coat. The wizard was not impressed. He followed the car around the back, and into the parking garage. Lord Alex owned a special parking spot reserved for his car on the ground floor, close to the elevator. The chauffeur parked the car, locked the doors and set an alarm that sounded and echoed throughout the garage. The chauffeur waited a few minutes for the elevator, and finally disappeared as the door closed behind him. Beifar waited in the parking garage patiently. He positioned himself in a manner that gave him an unobstructed view of the elevators and the dark car.
A little before noon, the elevator bell rang announcing its arrival. The doors opened, and the chauffeur came out, walking towards the Bentley. The wizard paused for a moment. He’s huge, he thought. The driver was big, a muscle monster stuffed in a suit and tie with a small, funny chauffeur cap. The wizard reacted fast. He pointed his staff at the driver and shouted, “Repello!”
The driver was thrown against the car and fell to the floor. Beifar raced out of his hiding spot between two large SUVs and rushed toward the surprised man. The driver quickly got to his knees and withdrew a wand from his inside coat pocket. He held it out before him, and pointed it at the wizard. “Carpo!” he shouted, and Beifar felt his staff being pulled from his grasp. He held on tight, pulling back with all his strength.
“Carpo!” shouted Beifar, and the driver’s wand flew out of his hand.
The spell was broken, and Beifar regained control of his staff.
The large, heavyset driver jumped to his feet and rushed the wizard like a football player. With a loud yell, he tackled Beifar. Beifar’s left shoulder took the weight of the fall, his muscles cramping up as the pain traveled down his arm. Stay focused, he reminded himself. The driver quickly got to his feet, and ran to get his wand just a few feet away. Beifar rolled and swung his staff. It clipped the driver’s feet, and he fell hard on his face.
“Ligo!” shouted Beifar as he pointed his staff at the downed driver.
The fallen man struggled, but he couldn’t move. His arms and legs were magically bound behind his back.
Beifar ran to the wand and with the end of his staff, smashed it in two. A burst of light emanated from the wand as it broke in half.
The driver thrashed about as he tried to break free. The wizard bent down on one knee and grabbed him by the tie. “Where is Lord Alex?”
The driver grunted.
Beifar let go, and the driver banged his head hard on the pavement. Again he pulled him up close. “Lord Alex. Where is he?”
Another grunt and a look that could kill was the only reply.
The wizard swung the end of his staff, and struck the man on the head, and then let go of his tie. The sound of the driver’s head striking the pavement again caused Beifar to cringe. The angry man cursed out loud.
“One more time, where is he?” Beifar asked.
The unexpected flash of light blinded the wizard for a moment.
“I’m right behind you.”
Beifar turned; another flash and he was sent crashing against a parked car about ten feet away; every nerve ending in his back coming to life. The car alarm went off and its annoying noise echoed in the parking building.
Focus! Beifar reminded himself as he lifted his staff just in time to block another attack.
Stay focused! Beifar urged as a wave of blasts pounded against his staff. With every blow, Beifar felt his strength weakening. The following curse threw him back over the hood of another car. The alarm sounded from the impact. Beifar shook off the effects behind the wheels of a large SUV.
FLASH!
Beifar was gone.
Lord Alex spun searching frantically. WHACK! The blow came from behind. He rolled on the floor before staggering to his feet. Beifar swung his staff, the rod struck his adversary’s calves and Lord Alex tumbled to his knees. Beifar brought his staff down over his head…
FLASH! Lord Alex was gone!
FLASH! The wizard Beifar disappeared after him.
