by T S Paul
“Things change. Empires rise and fall. The reasons we do things are forgotten or subverted for political or personal reasons. My grandmother says that the last time Guardians existed as a power was during Roman times. Who knows if they survived that fall. As with human records, our own were destroyed or lost. Part of our duty now is to find and control them. Nothing in the intelligence we’ve received suggests there is a doorway in Charleston. But there could be,” I replied.
“Why do you think so?” Cat asked.
“History. What do you know about those behind the war-between-the-states? Human history claims it was States’ rights, slavery, and political infighting that caused the break. But there was another reason as well. Freedom. According to my grandmother, there were those who wanted a Paranormal country free of European politics, those who thought turning the humans against each other a good thing. All they did was touch off a war,” I explained.
Both Cat and Chuck nodded, but Blake looked horrified. I tried to explain. “You have to understand, Blake. History is written by the victors, and the Paranormals of that time were still hiding in the closet. If you look at other historical events in man’s past you can see the parallels. We’ve had a hand in all of it. The moral of my story here is to keep your eyes open and don’t trust that a doorway is just a doorway.”
“Excuse me?”
Turning I could see Cliff behind us. “Yes?”
“Captain Tom suggests you check the news. There’s been trouble in California,” Cliff explained.
I motioned and Cliff switched on the large flat screen television. It came up live with a shot from above of a Captain Demon using an M1 Tank as a club against fleeing soldiers. “... a devastating battle in Southern California. A new Demon Horde has broken out of the Conception base…”
The scene changed to a close up display of the base and a massive battle between Demons and the military. The cameraman must have been on board a helicopter because he jerked across the sky suddenly. A Demon Bat could be seen heading straight for him as the screen went dark. “The prayers of everyone here at the station go out to the crew of chopper five. On the ground near the Conception Point Lighthouse, reporter Ryland Thorne is standing by. Ryland?”
With a flash, the screen cut to a wind torn scene near what looked like a ruined lighthouse. The Pacific Ocean was in the background. “Charles, I’m not sure if you’re getting this but what looks to be a tornado has appeared inside the base and is tearing its way north.”
The camera jerked first to the right and then to the left. Swirling bits of debris and other material were flying around everywhere. “...we had to duck to avoid being hit with debris! We don’t see this sort of weather here and that has to be Demonic! It’s growing in size even as I speak. I’m not sure what an F5 tornado looks like but that thing out there could be one.” The camera showed a monstrous tornado sucking in everything in its path: Demons, soldiers, tanks, and buildings.
“Cliff, switch it off please,” I asked. Turning to the group I shook my head. “This is bad.”
“I didn’t know that Demons were Magickal?” Chuck asked.
“They aren’t exactly. If they possess a Magick user they can use that victim’s power but that thing was a Mage Storm. If I were closer I could tell you for sure, but it matches every single description I’ve ever read about what they look like. It’s growing because of the Ley lines. There’s one rule that every Witch must follow. Never, ever tamper with the weather. It’s one thing to use an existing storm but creating weather from nothing is a recipe for destruction,” I explained.
“Won’t it just fizzle out when it runs out of power?” Blake asked.
I shook my head. “No. You weren’t listening. Ley lines run through that point in California. They are the reason the Demons opened the Portal there in the first place. The Chumash people believed that it was the Western Gate. A place where, according to their beliefs, the souls of the dead could travel between worlds. In their own language they call it ‘where the Raven comes.’ It’s a place of great power. And now some idiot has created one of the most powerful Mage Storms anyone has seen in years. It will destroy everything in its path until it reaches the Rockies. Then it will either jump them or follow them. This is bad. In some ways it’s worse than the Demon threat. I need to make some calls.”
Sliding out of my seat I stood up and headed for the rear of the plane. Some things were supposed to be private. Behind me I heard the television switch back on.
The rear of the plane was still used as a cargo compartment, but I spotted a pair of passenger seats. For just a split second I wondered if this was where the FBI higher ups’ minions sat. None of my concern. Whipping out my cell phone I started to dial.
“Agatha, you forgot to do that thing,” Fergus’s voice came out of nowhere.
I patted my shirt pocket, but I could’ve sworn he was in his carry bag. “Where are you?”
“Over here,” he replied.
Looking left I was surprised to see him standing on the small window’s edge. “How did you get back here?”
“I was hungry and you all were busy. The last time we were on this thing there was a kitchen back here,” the tiny Unicorn explained.
“They switched it around. Do you want me to zap some hay in here?” I asked him.
“No. I’m ok. Don’t forget to shield the room,” Fergus commented.
I thought for a moment. My team was trustworthy, but there could be hidden things in here. “That I will do, buddy. Would you like me to teach you that spell?”
If Unicorns could smile, he was definitely making one. “Can you?”
I nodded. “You need a word and a certain amount of power. Do you remember what Grandmother said about words of power?”
Growing up I’d been homeschooled. One of the extra subjects was Witchcraft and how Covens work. Grandmother claimed that she’d taught me everything she knew. Fergus was along for the ride for much of it. Neither of us knew he was a Wizard at the time. The little stinker kept that to himself, but this spell was pretty easy.
“Spells are just thought forms to direct the Magick that is inside of you. It gives half your brain something to concentrate on while the other half does all the work,” Fergus recited.
“You little faker you. How much do you really remember?” I pointed at him.
“No idea what you’re saying right now. I’m just a simple Unicorn,” Fergus replied.
I shook my head. “Simple Unicorn my ass! This is the word you need and if you use it against me there will be consequences. I know how to break it.”
Fergus stood stock still as I repeated the old Norse word to him a couple of times. I explained that he should practice saying it as a mumble and to only shield his barn or bag for starters. I didn’t want him burning himself out. Saying the word myself, I shielded the room.
My first call was to Ana. “Anastasia? We have a huge problem in California!”
“You saw the news then. Yes, the Demons broke through the outer ring of defenders, but there are units moving in from all sides and with the Portal now closed they should be mopped up pretty quick,” the Vampire replied.
I froze in mid-thought. “Portal? I was calling about the tornado. How did the Portal get closed?”
“You didn’t know? Ok then. The Arcane team snuck in and dropped a nuke into the hole. It took out the Portal, the base, and about a full square mile of grassland. Most of the blast was centered underground,” Ana explained.
I felt my eyes widen. They used a nuke? “How… Forget that. Was it those Arcane people that formed the tornado?”
“I don’t know for sure. Team Theta were the only known Magick users in the area, but it could’ve been the Demons. I’ve spoken to the group and they’re putting their best people on stopping it. Most tornadoes fizzle out after a while anyway,” she explained.
I said a silent prayer to my Gods. Human idiots, these Arcane people. “It won’t. The first rule of Magick users is to never, ever tam
per with natural forces like the weather. Just about every great disaster in history was caused by some idiot ignoring that rule. If Arcane has a couple of Class five Magick users lying around, they might, might be able to slow it down. How strong is it now, do you know?”
There was silence on the line, but I could hear the click click of keys as she looked for information. “Weather Geeks says it’s an F8 and climbing. Just about every meteorologist on the planet is chiming in about this thing.”
“Magick started it and Magick has to stop it unless you know a couple of Gods. All the ones I’ve met would just let it go and cheer like little kids at a ball game. Has anyone called the Council yet?” I asked.
Anastasia was still reeling from my comment about Gods but quickly answered, “The American Witches Council? You know how they are.”
“Don’t treat me like a fool, Ana. You know I mean the Species Council. The room is warded. Only they have the power needed for this,” I barked at her. My temper was rising over this mess.
“Director Mills called Marcella when the Demons first appeared. She shot her down. Something like this? How would she react?” Anastasia asked.
I sighed. “Not very well. I apologize for being cross with you. Let me call and ask her. Please inform Arcane of what I told you. That thing is like a runaway train. Stopping it will be very hard.”
I ended the call on my phone and looked down at Fergus. He was still watching me. “Did you understand what we were saying?”
“I’m short, not deaf. You do plan to keep me away from that tornado thing, right? It could suck me up and I’d be gone,” Fergus replied.
“Crazy weather phenomenon isn’t my job. No way I can tackle that beast on my own. We’ve got Camilla to worry about anyway. Let me call Grams,” I said as I pressed her contact number.
After a moment the phone rang a couple of times. “Agatha? What’s wrong dear?”
“Demons. Don’t worry, I’m not in California or Italy. The FBI thinks the person who raised the Demon Lord is in Charleston, South Carolina,” I explained.
“That is an unusual place for a Magick user to go. Does the FBI know who did it?” Marcella asked.
“Since you’re asking me, you weren’t told. Aren’t you still in touch with Kassandra?” I asked.
“Interesting that you say her name. I was just talking about her with Minerva. What’s going on, child?” Marcella replied. She sounded concerned this time.
She couldn’t see it, but I shrugged my shoulders. Might as well get it out. “Camilla’s not dead and is in Charleston. They think she’s behind both incursions.”
“That is impossible. She died. We were both there! Both you and I scryed for her. If we couldn’t find her she had to be gone. It’s a mistake. The Strega are leading you down the path of destruction,” Marcella proclaimed.
“Not this time, Grams.” I quickly explained about the battle in Sicily and what was found in the monastery. “It gets much worse. Have you seen news from California?”
“We haven’t. You know the only television is in Minerva’s apartment. I spoke to your Director Mills already. I cannot intervene in any of the human battles. You know the rules, Agatha.” Grandmother was firm in her statement.
“Rules you and your council created. It’s not the Demons. The Portal was destroyed not an hour ago. In the course of the battle someone broke the first rule,” I explained.
“How? That Portal was beyond many of us. What has happened, Agatha?” Grandmother asked.
Checking my time, I quickly explained the situation to my grandmother.
“Arcane. That is a name that we have heard of, but didn’t know its meaning. Stupid humans. Disturbing the natural balance… That tornado won’t stop until it runs out of power. The Ley lines in California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska will assure it won’t be running out of power any time soon. As much as this disturbs me I cannot intervene. It’s still a human matter,” Marcella explained.
My anger returned. “You and your damn rules! This is going to kill thousands, millions, of innocent people. Some of our folk will be caught in it as well. There are Mer, Were, Witches, and Fae in those states. You cannot evacuate them all. My entire life you kept telling me I was special. That one day I would understand the balance and be the linchpin that would hold our alliance with humankind together. This is what I was put here for! We cannot stand by and watch that thing destroy their world.”
“It’s not that simple, but I will try. Agatha, I’ve protected you from certain… elements in our society by holding favors and boons over their heads. I will have to call many of those in to stop this. Please don’t hate me when they come due,” Marcella replied.
“Whatever it takes, Grams. How can I be this great leader if I don’t try?” I asked.
“Destiny is such an elusive goal. I will do as you ask. From now on, watch your back. There is evil in this world and the shadows move when you aren’t watching them. Safe travels.” Marcella disconnected the call.
I stared at my cell phone for a minute or so before putting it away. She sounded shocked by the news of Camilla, but it was like she already knew. There were facets to my grandmother that I might never understand. Looking skyward I released the silence spell and scooped up his majesty the Unicorn. Time to brief the team.
All three of them and the plane’s steward, Cliff, were glued to the television. The news channel was flipping between images of Demon battles and the now massive tornado.
“Anything new I need to know about?” I asked.
“Evacuations have started for those in the path of the tornado but it’s slow. Too many of the military and police units are being used to fight the Demons. What did your grandmother say?” Chuck asked.
“What makes you think I called her?” I replied.
Cat stepped away from the group and gave me a hug. “We know you, sweetie.”
“She’s bound by the law just as much as the others are. When I explained the problem with the Mage Storm she said she would try. The American Witches Council might be the ones she turns to,” I explained.
Cat shook her head. “And it just got worse.”
“Why worse?” Blake asked.
Chuck jumped in. “Because they hate Agatha and think humans are just above pond scum. They’re a bunch of puffed up, overblown, misogynistic, idiots. If they help, they will never let anyone forget it. Ever.”
“Well I can’t do it. Worry about the assignment at hand and let those above us make the hard decisions. How long till Charleston, Cliff?” I asked.
The flight steward perked up. “Twenty minutes, Agent Blackmore.”
“Good. Let’s go over logistics and map out that house again. We want this takedown to be as easy as possible just as soon as we touch down at Charleston International,” I ordered.
Chapter 3
“How many times do I have to listen to these people talk about the paint
and ironwork?” Agent Alicia Jones muttered.
“Try growing up here. It’s not all THAT bad, Jones. There are intervals of silence. Do you know how they pick the routes each carriage takes?” FBI Special Agent in Charge Anabelle Smith replied.
“I shudder to ask, but now you’ve got me wondering. How do they choose?” Jones asked.
“The city requires that the horses get a certain about of rest and water every couple of hours, so they have this passcode thing they do. There’s a station set up over near the City Market where drivers call out their number and horse’s name. An attendant inside presses a button and this machine selects the route,” Smith explained.
“A machine? You mean they have a randomizer attached to a phone or computer, right?” Jones asked her boss.
Agent Smith shook her head. “It’s an old-fashioned lottery machine. Small balls pop in and out of holes and randomly select the route. All four carriage companies use it.”
Jones let her face drop into her hands. “You let me fall into that one. Haven’t they ever heard of technology? It
would take like two seconds to upgrade that system. What sort of hell is this place you call Charleston?”
“One I’m trying to keep hell out of,” Smith replied somberly.
“Sorry, I forgot about that. How are you doing on that front anyway?” Jones asked.
“Not good,” Anabella replied.
Both Agents were part of a surveillance unit watching the Charleston, South Carolina house of Autumn Fredericks. Autumn was the younger daughter of Camilla Blackmore. FBI Director Madeline Mills had only informed the Special Agent less than twenty-four hours before that the woman they were tracking could be a Demonic terrorist. Information that the pretty blond woman may have either raised a Demon Lord or was one herself was sobering enough. But Mills had given the women an assignment to organize the local LEOs and prepare them for the worst. A third front in the Demon war.
“Can I help with it?” Jones asked.
“Only if you’re a Magick worker. My contact at CPD told me I was nuts. Both the state police and the Charleston County Sheriff hung up on me. With Demons tearing up the southwest and Sicily nobody wants to think about it happening here. Not even the military. I thought for sure that the MPs would listen. The Army’s fighting the Demon Horde after all. They actually asked which one I was, Moulder or Skully?” Agent Smith replied.
“Oh. We don’t actually have a unit like that do we? I mean there is the Magickal Division but they don’t search for… you know?” Jones whispered that last part and pointed skyward with her finger.
Agent Smith looked up at the van’s ceiling and shook her head. “Aliens don’t exist you know?”
“They might. I read that Arcane report. It never said where the base they have is, so I figure it has to be under the one in California. I did research. The people on the internet say that’s why Conception Base was so secretive. I mean all those supposed guns and security. People go in and never come out. It’s a conspiracy. I read somewhere they have a base up there and everything. You know they found real frozen Aliens during the last moon shot.” Agent Jones waved her hands around as she spoke.
