The Phoenix Chronicles: Alone in the Light (Book ONE)

by M. K. Williams

  Leceth turned his attention to his close ally and smiled intently. “My friend, I do not trust those at the Order at all. However, I have been given assurances from Karnel. He has given me his word that I will be unharmed and free to leave once the meeting is over.”

  Môn’ark slammed his fist against the table, but it was so grand and thick that it did not move. “You cannot take the word of that traitor. He is worse than a human.” His disdain for Karnel covered his face.

  “My friend, I do not trust him. But he has given his word on this one thing and I’m sure, like with all Vinji, his word counts for something doesn’t it?”

  Môn’ark looked like someone had stabbed a long blade through his chest. “Yes, it means something. However, that rat may have the body of a Vinji but he has the soul of a man. His honour is only just above that of a human.”

  “His word is enough for me, for now,” Leceth said as Môn’ark raked his memories for instances where a Vinji had broken their bond.

  Leceth waited a few moments before he stood up. “As much as I would love to continue this wonderful discussion, I have a meeting to prepare for. I will be taking Isobel to accompany me, she knows more than anyone about the affairs and workings of the Order.” As soon as he had finished talking, he exited the room and the members broke out in conversation again. Isobel was the only one not to enter the debate that followed: Leceth, hero or fool?

  …

  Kieran paced after Roman whose determined walk was often hard to keep up with. Running late, he was still feeling a little fragile from the excessive drinks from two nights gone. Kieran’s mind was pondering on what he was about to witness. The two wizards were nearing the end of a long corridor deep within the bowels of the Cardinal Office. The passage that they had found themselves in was empty of people and access to it could only be obtained via a guarded door off the central level. There were no other doors apart from the one they entered through, now behind them and almost out of sight.

  Roman came to a sudden halt as he reached the end of the corridor. Kieran was soon at his side, panting a little from his mini power-walk.

  “Well, it’s a little narrower than I imagined,” Kieran said as he stared at his reflection in the mirror that lay directly in front of him.

  Roman turned his head and threw a disapproving expression at his younger companion. The mirror that covered the wall before them was seven foot high and three foot wide, more than large enough, Roman thought, to allow anyone to pass through. Roman as well as Kieran knew exactly where the doorway led and before activating it he quickly gave a flick of his hands and cast a spell. Out of the thin air around them, artic weather clothing materialised on him. His footwear became black winter boots, his jacket changed into a thick brown down-filled jacket. Kieran looked on with mild surprise at the speed; in addition to the outerwear he knew that Roman would have changed his base layers too, it was cold where they were going. Kieran quickly followed suit and cast his own spells, changing his clothing into more appropriate thermal wear although of brighter colours than Roman’s.

  Next to the mirror there were two podiums, each with a clear football-sized crystal resting on top. Roman waved his hands at the rocks and they instantly began to glow red. At the same time the reflections of the two wizards melted as the mirror itself seemed to turn to water. The puddle on the wall remained vertical, not spilling to the ground; it rippled as Roman turned to Kieran,

  “Are you ready?” Roman asked, knowing that Kieran had never visited Carceran before. The portal in front of them was the only way to access the secure, remote prison that had been located in the middle of the Antarctic for nearly three hundred years.

  “This part is the easy bit,” Kieran replied, knowing full well that the trip there was a lot easier than the trip back. The portal itself was one-way, it only allowed travel to Carceran, those who needed to travel back had to make a very unpleasant trek to get far enough away from the prison’s spell boundaries to be able to teleport away. Both Kieran and Roman knew that they could punch through the barriers and teleport themselves back from within the prison, but that would shatter many charms and leave Carceran’s location detectable as well as its walls vulnerable; so a hostile trek was unavoidable.

  The two men walked through the rippling portal; as soon as they passed the threshold the liquid hardened and the gleaming mirror surface returned; the two crystals’ red glow faded. Roman and Kieran appeared in another corridor, the doorway that they had stepped out of was in the centre. There were two further doors at either end of the passageway, one led to the harsh outside, whilst the other opened into the main prison. As the two men approached the great entrance door to Carceran it opened before them; two tall wizards were standing guard, their hands raised with colourful energies flitting about them, spells ready to be discharged if needed.

  “Sali Candicus,” Roman uttered in greeting; the two guards stood to one side and let the two Trinity wizards enter.

  The inside was as cold and harsh as the climate outside; it was all dark grey brick, one long corridor after another. Prison cells came off in every direction and Kieran was surprised to see so many wizards, crystals and symbols adorning the walls throughout the complex. After a few more minutes of Kieran awkwardly power-walking to keep up with Roman, the pair finally reached their destination. Roman traced his hand along some white symbols on the side of a door; they shone as the door’s locks clicked into life. As the door slowly began to open Kieran wondered what he was about to see; he hadn’t seen the Jakyll since the day it was captured nearly a month ago. Roman, on the other hand, had visited him several times. Ever since joining the Trinity, and therefore being forbidden from participating in the world wizard-duelling championships, Roman focused his time on researching mystical creatures and dark entities; he was first to volunteer to assist with the Jakyll’s incarceration.

  The door opened and to Kieran’s surprise no monster lay within; there, sitting on a bed, was a frail-looking middle-aged man. His skin was gaunt and pale, his eyes were sunken deep into the sockets. Kieran clocked an IV drip that was running into his arm and a plate of jelly-like cubes on a table next to the bed. The man’s face lit up as he recognised Roman.

  “Roman,” the man jubilantly exclaimed.

  Roman entered the room and signalled for him not to get off the bed.

  “Don’t get up, save your strength.”

  Kieran entered the room and noted, just behind the door, a male nurse sitting on a chair reading notes off a clipboard.

  “Sir, I didn’t realise you were coming today,” the nurse said standing up at Roman’s presence.

  “Unplanned visit. Just wanted to check in on Mr. Mallory,” Roman said as he turned to face the host of the Jakyll.

  “Call me Thomas, please. I owe you so much.”

  “You don’t owe me anything, Thomas. I’m just helping you realise your own potential,” Roman replied to Mr. Mallory as Kieran cleared the threshold and the door closed behind him.

  “Oh, but I do. You have helped so much, more than I ever thought possible. More than I could’ve dreamed,” Thomas said; his face looked joyful, an expression that had for many years never been seen on it.

  “Well, you’re more than welcome. I’m glad you’re making progress. Are you okay for us to talk through how things are going? This is my companion, Kieran, he is like me, a wizard. Would it be okay if we go through your notes together?” Roman signalled to Kieran who smiled towards the stranger at the mention of his name; Thomas acknowledged Kieran’s expression with a similar one.

  “Of course. Ask me anything. I never imagined I’d feel as good as I do,” Thomas replied.

  Roman signalled to the nurse for the file who readily handed it over. Roman began to look through it for a minute before passing it over to Kieran who eagerly examined the pages.

  “So what rate are we on? And are we using the latest concoction?” Roman asked.

  “Yes, it’s the concentration I got sent this morning a
nd it’s running through at about half a mil a minute,” the nurse replied.

  “And how’s that for you, Thomas?” Roman asked.

  “It’s good, better than the last. I don’t hear the voices anymore with it. I don’t feel the change stirring,” Thomas said, sounding genuinely surprised.

  “That’s good to hear. And these gelatin-based supplements; are they working better?” Roman directed his question to the nurse.

  “We’re getting there, aren’t we, Tom? They don’t have the same physical effect. There’s no hardening of the tongue or any dental change when consumed, though Tom experiences some psychological changes,” the nurse replied.

  “Yeah, they do work better. My mouth doesn’t burn when I eat them. But I hear his voice; I feel his rage, his thirst. It doesn’t seem as strong as it used to be, but it’s there,” Thomas said, his expression now laced with fear.

  “Well, I’ll revisit the potion we are using to make up the supplement when I get back. There’s still room to tweak with mead wort and the solanaceae that we are using to dull the connection between the Jakyll and yourself,” Roman explained.

  “Thank you again. I still can’t believe how much progress I’ve made these last weeks. Ever since this all started, when the vampires took me, my life’s been hell; but in just a few short weeks you here have really helped me. Made me feel like I have a life again, like I don’t have to kill myself,” Thomas said gratefully.

  “So, how much fluid are you able to take?” Kieran asked aloud, not directed at anyone.

  “Including supplements and the IV, it’s about nine hundred mils a day. That’s not including food intake either. So we are nearly where we wanted to be at the start,” the nurse answered.

  “That’s excellent. You’re making fantastic progress. Dr. Gambon will be really pleased,” Roman exclaimed.

  “Yes, thank her as well. She’s a little… direct, at times. But she’s been great,” Thomas said as Kieran stifled a laugh on hearing his words.

  The four men chatted for another half-hour, reviewing every aspect of Thomas’s intake. They assessed the potions that were used in the IV fluid and the supplements, the strict diet that he was on and even started to examine the accounts of how Thomas felt when he ate. Kieran and Roman didn’t have much time, as Jonathon had wanted them back at Headquarters for the afternoon. Soon the two Trinity wizards were trekking through the snow and harsh winds. After nearly fifteen minutes of walking against a blizzard they arrived at a small plateau with glowing crystals in each corner, keeping the area clear of snow and ice. As the two wizards stepped onto the stony surface they both quickly cast their spells and teleported away, both were eager to return to the comforts of the Order.

  …

  Leceth’s car pulled up outside the Order of Light Headquarters and pulled up alongside a tall, stocky but well-built man wearing an expensive-looking suit who was standing outside. Stepping out of the passenger seat, a similarly stocky but slightly shorter man moved to the rear of the car and opened the door for Leceth.

  Leceth pompously stepped out of the car and gave a slight tilt of the head to his security guard who had assisted him. He then smiled coldly at the smartly dressed man who was still standing in the same spot. “Karnel,” Leceth greeted.

  “Leceth” replied Karnel. “I just wanted to be here to reassure you that you have my word that you will not be harmed and will be free to leave following the meeting,” Karnel towered over Leceth as he gazed into the vampire’s eyes; they glowed, reflecting the street light.

  “You’re looking very human and I must tell you, friend, it does not suit you.” As Leceth was speaking he had turned back to the vehicle and was aiding Isobel out of it.

  “Well, I cannot simply stand outside in my usual appearance, can I?” said a defensive Karnel who then changed his tone, turning to Isobel, “Good evening, my lady.”

  Isobel took a step to Leceth’s side and smiled gently at Karnel. The three then walked up the grand steps towards the large oak doors. They were closely followed by four very intimidating security guards. Karnel helped open the doors as the six Council guests entered the building.

  In the entrance lobby, Stanley stood at his desk; alongside him were Brendan and Roman. These three, who were among the most experienced Order members, watched as Leceth and his fellow Council companions entered and made their way towards them. Stanley moved and directed the guests towards the large open door that was located just behind and slightly to one side of his desk. As Leceth and Isobel entered the gallery conference room their eyes met with no one: the room was empty. Karnel paused at the entrance and did not follow them in.

  “I shall be outside with the security guards if you require anything. Please take a seat, Jonathon will be with you shortly,” Karnel said as he closed the doors.

  Leceth and Isobel took seats close to where they had entered, which was at the far end of the conference table. Moments later Jonathon confidently entered the room, closely followed by Andrew. The two men acknowledged the two vampires as they made their way down to the opposite side of the large desk. Jonathon took the head seat, which was directly opposite Leceth. As Jonathon stared at Leceth’s skeletal face, he was surprised by how classically attractive Leceth appeared, his skin pale but not sallow, his eyes and hair blacker than night. Leceth had an aged face, but somehow retained a handsome appearance. His dark hair was thick and was swept across his forehead, from left to right, almost rakishly.

  “Leceth, Isobel,” Jonathon acknowledged, a tentative beginning to the meeting. “I have asked Andrew to sit in on our meeting today, I believe it wise, Andrew has had a long career of representing the Order in such matters,” Jonathon continued as he fidgeted slightly in his chair, trying to ease his tension.

  “Whatever you wish,” Leceth said, pausing for a moment before, “To business then!”

  “Well, I am pleased that you decided to accept my invitation and to come tonight,” said Jonathon. “I did wonder if you would be able to make it, on such short notice,” he flipped open his folder as he finished talking.

  Leceth let the comments slip. Andrew slid two copies of the report he had typed up regarding Zhing’s findings across the table, one to Leceth and the other to Isobel. The two vampires opened the reports and began to read; they sat there for ten minutes digesting the contents. Isobel’s expression was changing slightly the further into it she read; it was clear that she was surprised by what she was reading.

  Leceth, however, flicked through the papers slowly and nonchalantly, not once did his expression show any hint of emotion. On finishing he simply closed the file and looked up. “So, please tell me why you have called me here today.” Leceth’s tone showed his revulsion for Jonathon and for the Order.

  “What do you mean?” exclaimed Jonathon. “You don’t have anything to say about the findings in the report?”

  “What in particular should I have a problem with?” Leceth leered. Isobel looked over to Leceth, and gave a curt nod indicating that, having completed the dossier, she was in agreement with his sentiments.

  “Well,” Jonathon uttered. “Let’s start with the two who we known to be on your payroll. Cable, Canola; they both appear in this document,” as Jonathon spoke, he lifted up the original and waved it high above his head.

  “Again, I don’t see why I would have a problem with that. What should I have to say about it? I employed them, yes. As security guards for a warehouse I own… I own many properties that require security.” He paused briefly before, “Well, they were employees, before they were brutally killed obviously.” Calm tones and a hint of a smile from Leceth.

  “So, you admit that you employed two known assassins?” Jonathon’s tone showed signs of slight agitation.

  “To call them assassins would be, in my book, a form of propaganda. They were in fact some of the finest security guards that I had ever employed, they will be hard to replace,” said Leceth, again he remained calm.

  “Security guards?” Andrew
quizzed.

  “Yes. Security guards. They were protecting a family heirloom of mine, which I believe a member of your Order may have stolen,” Leceth replied, grinning sinisterly.

  Jonathon could not believe what he was hearing, the arrogance of Leceth was sickening.

  “Okay, so what about your flight to Berlin the night of the killings, the night that Kristian Wallace was held captive by your so-called security guards?” Jonathon asked.

  “Captive?” purred Leceth. “Again, I was merely on my way to collect my family heirloom. It means a lot to me and I personally wanted to bring it to my home in Bath, to Passel Manor. The fact that the boy was in Berlin at the same time is completely coincidental.” Leceth had prepared himself well for the inquisition; he had predicted correctly what they would accuse him of having done; of course it helped that he knew exactly what they had on him before he arrived.

  “You cannot honestly expect me to believe this?” Jonathon smarted.

  “Well, I don’t care how you look upon it, your opinion is irrelevant to me. You have brought me here today to show me this meaningless evidence and expecting me to confess to some secret desire to kill this boy, this Kristian. It’s absurd! As a matter of undisputed fact, he is the only person who has killed anyone. Recently,” Leceth was bold.

  Jonathon turned his attention to Isobel, hoping for some backup. “What are your views?” he asked her.

  “Mine?” she looked up “Well, I agree with Leceth. I can’t see that you have proved anything that would breach any of the clauses of the treaty. And I’m certain the Arbitrators would come to the same conclusion,” she folded her arms elegantly and turned her head in Leceth’s direction.

  Leceth was sitting smugly, tapping a long black fingernail on the wooden table impatiently. Looking down at Leceth’s fingers, Andrew noticed three rings. One had a bright blue stone set in it, which was half covered with a silver slot. Another had a strange symbol etched on it, which he could not make out from where he was sitting. The third was large and bulky and looked as though it held something within.