I hesitated. Dare I hand it over to them? Especially since it was… mine? But was it really? Had my parents stolen the rumored items that filled this elusive Armory? I hadn’t yet been able to prove that it was even real, despite everyone else seeming to know so much about it. But, assuming it was everything that everyone feared, did I have any right to hoard it? Did the Academy have any right to take it? Thinking of their wrinkly, power-hungry hands caressing those items hidden away by my parents made me cringe deep down inside… like a dragon hoarding his gold. These men hadn’t been in St. Louis to help me with the dragons, but as soon as they heard about the booty to be gained, all of a sudden I was a liability, and they wasted no time in visiting my city to take the prize. But they hadn’t given a damn about the lives that could have been taken if I hadn’t stood up to fight back. And now they dared call the actions of my noble friends and myself a crime. Did the world need men like that with such potential weapons at their disposal? I decided right then that they didn’t.
Jafar continued. “I can see your dilemma. Do you die a martyr in a vain effort to thwart me out of some ill-conceived notion of honor for your parents’ murder? Get the last word in, so to speak? Or do you play it smart, and bow to your betters. The men who play the longer game. The Academy. The ones who make sure you can tuck your loved ones in at night?” His eyes twinkled as he watched me.
I looked from face to face, gathering strength, judging the Justices. Their silver faces were supposed to embody human emotion in an effort to prove their empathy for the greater good. But they weren’t good. They were just another breed of political animals. “Do you sleep well at night?” I asked softly into the still silence of the room.
“Pardon?” Jafar asked.
“Do you sleep well at night? You know, when you climb into your jammies, drink a glass of warm milk in your impregnable castle that’s guarded by hundreds of other wizards, before you close your eyes because you are tired from a long day of paperwork. Do you think about the people who were murdered here in my city a few months back before sleep takes you? The ones who had no idea what was happening, what they were dying for, the ones who were brutally murdered by creatures out of a nightmare, creatures that even I didn’t know existed. The innocents who lost their lives while you were safe in your ivory tower. The ones who died while you delayed coming to my aid. While you were playing the long game, as you put it, people were dying. You seemed to have no problem coming to St. Louis as soon as you heard about the Armory. So, where were you when my people needed someone to ‘tuck them in safely,’ someone to keep them safe from the monsters of the night?”
The other Justices fidgeted uncomfortably. Jafar sensed it. “That was your own doing. Without the Armory, your city would have been safe. If your parents had handed it over, as was their responsibility, none need have died. Which is why we are here now. To prevent further bloodshed.”
“Tell that to the slain. I didn’t know about the Armory. How could the Regulars have known? Regardless, people died, and it had nothing to do with the Armory. The dragons were after a book, not the Armory. And you can sit there with a straight face and tell me that my parents caused the mayhem? No one even knew why they were being attacked. Two of our own, my parents, were murdered and yet you did nothing. Who was there left to prove a point to when they were already dead? After that, you should have been here to help. That is your fucking job. To protect the innocent. Yet you failed. And now you kidnap me, accuse me of being a criminal for saving innocent lives, and dare have the audacity to critique how I saved those lives? Go sip your warm milk and get bent, Jafar. My city has no need for cowardly thugs.”
Jafar’s face purpled. “You dare speak to-”
“You’re still talking.” I said smoothly, tapping into the innate confidence of the Master Temple as my father had taught me. “What part of get bent did you not understand? I’ve never seen this Armory. I don’t know a thing about it, despite spending months trying to find the truth of it, but even if I did, I wouldn’t hand it over to the schoolyard bully.”
The Justices loomed around me. Some looked confused, not knowing whether to attack me, arrest me, or cheer in agreement. Jafar snarled back. “Your parents were criminals to deprive the Academy of these stolen items. We don’t tolerate vigilantes, especially ones who hoard stolen power. These things belong in the care of wiser, older wizards, who were appointed to be a collective think tank to keep all of us safe. Your parents had no right to take this into their own hands through thievery. The Hubris! And especially to pass on these stolen goods to an irresponsible wizard like you. Does this have anything to do with the Brimstone smell permeating your business? Have you perhaps already made a deal with a Demon to bring your sweet parents back in exchange for the Armory?”
Power exploded out of me. An explosion of pure force buffeted the Justices off their feet. One managed to cross his arms in some kind of warding spell and was merely knocked into a table rather than over it, but the rest were blown back into the wall none too peacefully. My outburst had been purely instinctual. “Say that again and I’ll have your head spiked to my front gate. Consequences be damned.” I hissed as Jafar struggled back to his feet. Several other Justices were also scrambling to their feet, gathering power to subdue me. “Enough!” I commanded, slashing all power from the room and tying it in a neat knot within a foot of my person. I didn’t exactly know how I did that, but no one was able to touch their power without getting into my bubble. They stared at me in what appeared to be blank shock, several masks having fallen askew. “That was in no way an intentional attack. Think how you would have responded to be accused of Demon-craft when your parents are not even six months in the grave.” I spoke softly, genuinely, letting them know I was not a loose cannon. “Your boss has a big fucking mouth to dare speak to me so callously, and he deserved much worse than getting his clothes a bit dusty from a fall. I mean no harm to anyone here.” With that, I released my hold on the loose energy of the room. I wasn’t sure I should have been able to do that, but it had apparently been effective.
“You will pay for that, Temple.” Jafar began.
“Shut it, old man. I’ve had enough of your wobbling dentures. It’s giving me a headache.”
Everyone stiffened at that. I had just mocked their boss. Probably not too smart. But after surviving an Angel, his title didn’t impress me much. One of the Justices spoke up, a female. “If what you say is true, how did you just manage to stall eight wizards while so obviously drunk? That is not usual. Despite your rumored strength, we are all battle trained and you just swatted us down like insects. How do you think that looks to us?” She asked politely.
“Probably like I’m a big fat liar.” I shrugged guiltily. She nodded, holding out a hand to show her point. “But I’m not. I noticed my power surge after my parents’ deaths. Are you implying that it’s not normal for parents to gift their strength to their offspring upon death?”
“That isn’t even possible.” The woman spluttered, turning to face Jafar with a curious brow. He nodded in agreement with her.
“Then I truly do not know.” I answered honestly. “Now, if you are demanding I turn over the Armory, go ahead and arrest me. I don’t know how to give you something I don’t have. Next, you are the second person to mention Brimstone. I was led to believe that the whole city reeks of it, but that I specifically smell of it. What would cause this? I have had absolutely no contact with Demons. To be honest, it never even crossed my mind. I never thought to seek out a Demon for an answer when no Demon was involved with my parents or the dragons. If you have any answers, please give them now. Otherwise, I cannot help you.” No one spoke for a long moment.
“Well, of course you would lie about consorting with Demons. It’s against the law.”
My gaze froze his scowl. “You told me I already broke a gazillion laws. If that’s true, what’s one more crime when you make it sound like I torture kittens in my spare time? And I already swore on my power that I didn’t co
nsort with Demons.” He merely glared back angrily. I could sense that in no way had I turned the tables. I was still the enemy, and they were eight. I had merely shuffled the deck a bit on a few points. It was a start. “Now, all I’ve been doing is investigating the same rumors you’ve apparently heard. I’ve never seen this Armory. I’ve just been following any leads I could dig up. As you well know, my parents were murdered the same night that a thief broke into Temple Industries. The thief was not the murderer. There was a third party. I saw the video of the attack. That is all I know. I’m simply investigating the why, how, and who. Like any responsible CEO and son would do.”
“Let’s assume you are telling the truth,” Jafar began. “It is now time for you to hand over any information you have amassed on this Armory, and come with us to the Academy to answer for your crimes. You are in our crosshairs, Temple. You have repeatedly risked our secret to the Regulars. You never requested our assistance with the were-dragons, you allegedly used black magic — even if in self-defense, and a long list of others crimes.” So they did know it was me using black magic, I cringed inwardly. “Your parents’ actions were also unsanctioned, and therefore must be reviewed by us. Pass on this information and it will go a long way into removing you from closer… scrutiny. Hand over your knowledge of the Armory.”
“I can’t do that. I don’t have anything to hand over, but even if I did, I’m not sure I disagree with my parents. You haven’t exactly shown much discretion or restraint in this encounter. Imagine if you had nuclear launch codes and I accidentally bumped into you. You threatened me after I told the truth a few seconds ago. How can you say this alleged Armory is safe in your hands?”
“How about we just sniff around for the source of the Brimstone then?” He asked with a hungry sneer.
“Please. Be my guests. I’m just as curious about it as you are. I’ll set up an appointment.”
Jafar smiled a dark smile. “No need for the appointment. Do you not recognize where we are?” His smile stretched wider.
I blinked, finally scanning the room we were in. It was a warehouse. No, a laboratory. Several orbs of light filled the room as one of the Justices cast them against the far walls to stick like giant lightning bugs. Then I saw the symbol on the wall. We were at Temple Industries.
Shit.
“We have sensed Demon-craft all over St. Louis, and think it might have something to do with you or possibly this Armory. The fact that you smell so strongly like Demons after admitting to researching this endeavor seals the deal. Now, show us the entrance to prove you are not consorting with Demons.”
“I can’t.” I answered softly.
“Can’t, or won’t?” Jafar asked with a disgusted snarl. Before I could reply, he continued. “No problem. We will just follow the scent of Brimstone.”
Huh. I hadn’t thought of that. But then again, I also hadn’t sensed the Brimstone in the first place. If it seemed to be centralized here, it made sense why I stunk of it so strongly. I had been here almost every day trying to get into the Armory. But why did my company smell like Demons? Were there Demons imprisoned in the Armory? I shivered. That was a sobering thought.
I had no choice but to follow them. The female Justice who had spoken earlier drifted out of the laboratory and down the hall like a dog on scent. Going straight for the room I had seen in the video footage. Could they be on to something? After a few minutes, we found ourselves in the fated hallway, staring at a blank wall. I bit back a smile. None of us could see anything unique about this section of hallway, as the room had apparently been spelled invisible by my parents. The first time I had realized anything was here was when I had seen the video footage of the attack, as the camera had shown through all magical energies, revealing the door behind the spell. The wizard waved a hand and a blast of hazy heat seared the protective spell from the air, revealing the giant Omega symbol above a worn, ancient door that hadn’t been there a moment ago.
She smiled back at my surprise, and then placed a dainty hand on the door handle. After a deep breath, she yanked the door open, and instantly let out a yelp of surprise as a broom handle struck her in the mask where her eyebrow would be. I laughed. I couldn’t help it.
Jafar strode forward, peering into the closet angrily. “This doesn’t make any sense. This is where the Brimstone smell is the strongest. A mighty being manifested near here and spent a great deal of time on this spot. Repeatedly, in order to be this pungent. This must have to do with the Armory.” I laughed even harder.
“I don’t know what you are talking about. I mean, that mop is kind of dangerous, but I doubt it’s been spelled. You can have it for ten bucks.” Even though we were standing directly in front of the alleged Armory’s entrance, it was nothing but a broom closet. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I had of course already tried this. The broom must have been spelled because I had been armed for bear and had still also been hit in they eye. I didn’t know how it was possible, but the room was guarded somehow. It hadn’t been when Peter had broken in, but perhaps the spells had been ignited upon my parents’ murder. Without warning, Jafar slammed me up against the wall. “Give me the Key to the Armory. It belongs to us.”
“I will tell you one time to let me go. Exactly once. Then I will knock those fucking dentures out of your ancient mouth.” I spoke softly. His grip tightened. “Don’t think I can’t. I’ve already shown you my strength. Do you really want to look a fool in front of your crew? If so, I’m your Huckleberry.”
Jafar’s arm quivered. He was strong for an old man, but he finally let go. He turned away and took a few deep breaths to calm down. Then he turned back to face me. “Hand over the Key to the Armory.” I had no idea what he meant by a Key. He must have noticed this from my blank stare. “Magical crossroads like the one required to keep something like this secret for so long require a Key. You must have it. Your power is double what it should be, what it was last time you and your parents stood before the Academy on your Name Day.” That brought back the terrifying memory of meeting the Academy for my first time. The Name Day was an initiation day for young inherent wizards to be accepted for training. I hadn’t gone to their school as the majority of wizards did, having instead been ‘home schooled’ by my parents. They hadn’t been too big of fans of the Academy and the politics that were indelibly imprinted on her students.
“Give us your information on the Armory and we will help you. Refuse and we will take it by force. It belongs in our hands where it is safe, not with one family. Until you see the errors of your ways, we are assigning you a caseworker. One of our best detectives. He will shadow you at all times. Gavin?” the Justice who had seemed to agree with me stepped forward. I merely stared at him, refusing to aid him. Jafar nodded after a few seconds. “You leave me no choice then. Akira?” I flinched, having anticipated an attack from Jafar or Gavin. They didn’t move. Instead, I suddenly found myself set upon by the entire ring of wizards simultaneously. I struggled for a moment but they were too quick for my drunken reflexes. A warm blanket of energy began to settle over my shoulders, and then it turned to a tingling, icy pain as it was yanked away. I roared, feeling as if the skin was being torn from my bones. Darkness and a swirl of sparks filled my vision as I crashed to my knees.
When I came to, I was still on the floor, heaving through a raspy throat. Jafar’s face appeared before me. “You brought this on yourself. You have been cursed. From this day forward, your power will no longer restore itself. As you use it up, it is gone… permanently. This curse will remain in place until you choose to comply. You have three days. Then we will be back to hear your answer. I’m interested to see what happens if you use up all your power between now and then. Logic leads me to believe that if you use up your magic, it will be gone for good, but of course we have yet to test it out. Regardless, the longer the curse rests on your shoulders, the higher the risk that the power loss will be permanent. This is fitting, as the extra magic you briefly wielded was not truly yours, and could have only b
een granted through black magic or Demon-craft.” His smile mocked my fear. Was this really happening? What was I without my magic? Who was I if not a wizard?
I was about to find out.
“The only way we will remove the spell is if you comply. Or beg Gavin’s aid. It most likely won’t replace what was already taken, but will halt the continuous of deterioration of your magic. Again, all we demand is your compliance — your pledge to serve the Academy, and access to the Armory. It’s past time for renegade wizards to do as they please unchecked. I think we are done here, unless you have something to add?” He asked with a leering grin. The other Justices looked troubled, but resolute. This was all they knew. They didn’t know me. They knew their indoctrination into the Academy, and wholeheartedly believed the creed enforced upon them from such a young age. This was why my parents hadn’t let me train at the Academy. At least Gavin looked uncomfortable. That was a plus, right?
One fear plagued my thoughts. “How am I supposed to rid my city of Demons if my power is waning and you aren’t helping? You told me I should have asked you for help a few months ago, well, now I’m asking.”
Jafar looked at me with the cold eyes of a bureaucrat. “Of course… right after you give us what does not belong to you. Or when you come crawling back to us in three days, powerless. It’s up to you. In the mean time, Gavin will be there to make sure you break no further laws. Despite his insolence earlier, he’s a firm believer in order and justice. He’s a tough task master.”
Blood Debts (The Temple Chronicles Book 2) Page 6
