“Damn,” then “Elizabeth!” Raul shouted.
“Raul?” she whispered, trying to bend her focus toward him.
“It’s a decoy! The German’s planted a false path with a mess of emotional overtones. Are you with me, girl? Look for the true path. Help Gregory accept his father’s frequency no matter what it feels like.”
Elizabeth’s head dropped down. Her shoulders hunched with effort. A low, guttural sound began building within her. Then, when it reached a desperate groan of effort, she reached forward into the space between them until she found the heart of the blocking wall. Grasping it, she wrenched it free. The exertion sent a blast of lightheadedness throughout her consciousness.
Gasping, Elizabeth held on to the table as the false path shattered sending a cascade of a million bright pieces tumbling before her vision. Quickly, the witch shifted her focus and found the path. It was no longer a vague, elusive maze. Gregory was now able to see a defined passageway in their shared space.
‘This is going to be easy!’ Elizabeth smiled with relief.
With gentle, soothing nudges that were almost like caresses, Elizabeth moved Gregory’s hindering blocks off the path, clearing their way. Faster and faster they moved toward Gregory’s father, the crystal in Gregory’s hand almost a blur.
Elizabeth felt as if she was walking on a cloud. She felt cradled in softness and surety, and she knew they were there.
“No … it can’t be!” Gregory cried as the crystal slammed to a halt above a point on the map. Quickly, Raul marked the spot just before the witch’s pendulum and Gregory’s head crashed onto the table.
“What did you do to him?” the magician asked. To which, the startled witchling had no answer.
CHAPTER 11
Gregory’s collapse was as inexplicable as it was sudden. All he could tell them was that, one moment he had found his father, and the next he felt a horrid difference in his father’s vibration slam into his consciousness. The next thing he knew, he was explaining to his friends and the staff of the restaurant that he was perfectly fine.
Once she was assured of his well-being, she let the delicious side effects of the experience of their bonding wash over her. Elizabeth reached out for Gregory’s hand.
They wandered along a canal surrounded by a light fog that wound its way through the city streets. When they came to a large park, Elizabeth slipped off her shoes and felt soothed by the cool grass beneath her feet. They drifted down the slope to a picturesque lake. Gregory laid his coat on the grass, and they sat, enjoying the peace and each other’s closeness.
“Oh look!” Elizabeth pointed to a high bridge at the other end of the lake. “Let’s climb up there. We could see the whole city from there.”
“Umm.” Gregory cocked his head to the side as he looked at the bridge. “Why don’t we just stay here. It feels good here.”
“Hmm, am I sensing a little fear of heights?” Elizabeth teased him.
“Actually, if I’m correct, this is the Parc des Buttes Chaumont and that bridge is commonly called Suicide Bridge.” Gregory looked down at her. “I’m really enjoying tonight, and that,” he nodded at the bridge, “doesn’t fit the mood I’m in.”
Elizabeth reached up and touched his cheek. “And what mood would that be?”
Gregory’s lips met hers softly at first, but with that touch, the sensual moments of the dousing returned. They walked hand-in-hand to their hotel and allowed the wonder of the dousing to extend into the wee hours of the morning.
***
When Elizabeth awoke, she took a moment to tuck those memories safely away, then she and Gregory went to join Raul at the Packard.
Raul was ready and waiting in the car by the time they joined him. He had been impatient to get going since the moment he had discovered the name of the village where Urik was.
It had been a lucky thing that he had kept his focus on the witch’s pendulum last night. The time between the crystal’s sudden stop and its leaving Gregory’s hand had been but a second. Even so, Raul had been quick enough to spot the name on the map where the crystal had pointed. The name he wrote was a small town just west of Nurnberg, Germany.
“Why Zirndorf?” Gregory wondered aloud from the back seat of the Packard.
“I think it has something to do with the Spotlight and Anti-Aircraft Barracks,” Raul answered.
“Spotlight Barracks … in Zirndorf?” the witch questioned.
“It’s the air force installation they started building just north of the town a year ago. All I know is that it isn’t finished and that it will be heavily fortified,” Raul said from his place behind the wheel of the flying car.
Knowing she had heard of it before, Elizabeth searched her memory for what she knew of the place. She was able to resurrect a few historical details including a different name. “Oh, you mean Pinder Barracks.”
Puzzled, Raul said, “I don’t know that name.”
“That’s the name it will eventually be called.”
“Pinder Barracks? I can go with that. Much easier,” Raul said.
“But if it isn’t operational—” Gregory started to argue.
“I said not finished. That doesn’t mean they haven’t started using it,” Raul corrected.
“If they are using it for magic, it’ll be guarded by more than guns,” Elizabeth cautioned. “I think we should plan on finding a road before we get to Zirndorf. Better we sneak up on whatever they have there than to go flying into some sort of magical hornet’s nest. We should keep a low profile until we know the situation,” Elizabeth volunteered. “That’s my vote.”
“You mean we get to vote?” Gregory laughed.
“The witch and I do. I’m not sure about half-breeds.”
“Be nice, Uncle Raul. I might come in handy if there is a battle.”
“Counting on it, lad,” Raul quietly admitted. “Counting on it. So, what say you?”
“I agree with Elizabeth.”
“I should have seen that coming,” Raul mumbled. “Being more the John Wayne type, I would have voted for doing whatever it takes.”
“John Wayne?” Elizabeth asked.
“Some macho, American cowboy, movie star,” Gregory answered. “Uncle likes the movies.”
“You scoff now. Just wait fifty years. I bet there’ll come a time when people will spend more time watching that stuff than getting out into the world and living,” Raul predicted.
“That is a horrible thought, isn’t it?” Elizabeth grimaced, thinking of how right the Lantian’s prediction was going to be.
“Time will tell. But then I guess that applies to our decision as well. You two sure about this?”
“Sure enough to give it a shot. Look, if we run into problems, we can always do it your way,” Elizabeth answered.
“All right, I’ll put John Wayne on hold. Meanwhile, why not get some rest. I’ll wake you when we're close.”
“I’m good,” Gregory argued, smiling affectionately at Elizabeth.
“Somehow, I think I was the only one who got a good night’s sleep,” the magician countered.
“The night was good for all of us, magician,” Elizabeth casually confirmed, closing her eyes and leaning back in the seat.
***
When they awoke, they noticed that dust had adhered to the Packard’s black finish.
“The art of blending in,” Raul said expansively when asked by his nephew why the car was so filthy. “With its impeccable German plates. I bet even the natives have accepted us as one of their own.”
“Let’s hope so,” Gregory said, sitting back into the seat cushions. “We’re a little too far south for our size.”
“Nonsense. The Nazis are making a determined effort to disseminate their idea of the Aryan race throughout the country. You and I are as Nordic as they’re going to get. Besides, have you taken a look at your new gal recently?”
“Pardon?”
“Thought I’d dress for the occasion,” Elizabeth said. Tucking a strand o
f hair behind her ear, she turned to Gregory.
Gregory’s jaw dropped as he beheld the sight before him. The witch’s long, straight, black hair had been transformed into waves and tinted a beautiful blond shade. As for Elizabeth’s olive skin, her now bleached-out complexion could only be from Northern Germany.
“When?”
“Actually, I’ve been experimenting for the past few minutes. Do you like?”
“I only pray I have the chance to show you how much,” Gregory smiled.
Elizabeth’s laugh set the tone for the rest of the trip.
***
A short time later, Gregory asked, “How far out do you suppose we are?”
“We’re close enough to land. As a matter of fact, how about we take that one down there,” Raul answered, pointing to a dirt road off to the car’s right. The car banked right, angled down, and glided smoothly onto the dirt.
“If my calculations are accurate, the town is just over that hill,” Raul said as he punched down on the gas pedal, throwing his passengers back against their seats.
“Now I know why cars eventually will have head rests,” Elizabeth said, holding onto her neck.
“What’s wrong?” Raul asked as he asked for even more speed from the racing car.
Elizabeth just rolled her eyes and turned her attention to the countryside blasting past them.
They soon arrived at the town that looked like any small city with its narrow cobblestone streets and jammed together buildings. The thing that set it apart was that this little town had a large military complex just to the north of it. In minutes, the cityscape gave way to a more rural setting, which abruptly ended as the road took a right turn.
Before them was a massive brick wall with a two-story tower over an arched passage that appeared unguarded.
“The gate looks as sturdy as the wall,” Raul commented. “As far as magic goes, I’m getting nothing.”
Wards and warnings were a witch’s specialty. Even so, Elizabeth initially found herself agreeing with the magician.
Up ahead of them the road split; part going left along the high brick wall, and the other half leading to and through the wall’s arched opening.
“Maybe if I drive along the wall, we’ll get a better feel for the place,” Raul offered as the Packard continued on toward the fork in the road.
“Uh, Uncle … could you slow down just a little more?”
“Will this do?” Raul asked, easing his foot off the gas pedal a tad more.
“Not too much,” Elizabeth cautioned. “That man at the gate is watching us.”
The Lantian’s eyes searched and found the sentry Elizabeth was referring to. The man was tall, but his bulkiness made him look shorter from a distance. There was something unsettling about the man.
At first, Raul thought his uneasiness was because of the shortage of guards. For a military base, Pinder Barracks was conspicuously undermanned. One person at the gate! No soldiers, no pill boxes and no road blocks—just the one man with his square jaw and bulging shirt …
“No—” Raul tried to deny what he was seeing.
Before he could go on, Gregory exclaimed, “This is weird!”
“What?” Elizabeth questioned.
“I’m certain I’m sensing my father, only …” he hesitated, shaking his head before saying, “It can’t be.”
“What is it?” Elizabeth demanded.
“The feeling is far too primitive to be my father.”
Gregory’s words registered at the same instant the rest of the witch’s twelve senses activated. The information hit like a brick sending her brain into hyper-speed.
Behind the steering wheel, the Lantian, too, was sensing something. The impact of which called for an immediate response.
Raul slammed down on the accelerator and turned the steering wheel hard right. The Packard whipped around in a spinning slide.
Caught off guard, Elizabeth and Gregory bounced off the Packard’s interior, protesting with grunts and exclamations. As the car sped away from the Barracks, Elizabeth was the first to find her voice.
“What the hell was that?” she demanded, looking across at the driver.
Holding the wheel tight, sweating profusely, and as white as a Piretian, the magician managed but one word, “Impossible,” as the Packard sped back toward the town.
CHAPTER 12
Three Weeks Earlier
Answering the knock on his door, Urik was surprised to find a well-dressed German man standing there. It wasn’t that he didn’t recognize the man—one of Steiner’s crop if his memory served him. But, as they had never been introduced or had anything to do with one another, the man’s visit struck Urik as peculiar.
“Yes,” he greeted him curtly and then waited for an explanation.
“Sir, perhaps you remember me? My name is Karl Haushofer. I was a student of Rudolf Steiner’s.”
The Lantian, feeling no reason to be hospitable, merely gave the man a quick nod.
“I’m here today because, frankly, I have nowhere else to turn,” the man said without hesitation. “Recently, I came across some information that suggests that Mr. Steiner did not die of natural causes.”
Urik was interested but still saw no reason as to why the man had come to him. There was also another reason to be suspicious of the man—one he wanted an answer to.
“How did you find me?” he asked brusquely.
“Sir,” Haushofer smoothly answered. “My master provided me with two emergency contacts.”
“He did, did he?” Urik’s eyes narrowed in irritation. ‘And why would Rudolph hand that out without informing me?’ he wondered.
“To be used only if we ran into a problem involving magic beyond our reach,” Haushofer said hurriedly.
“And that problem is?” the Lantian asked, continuing to block his doorway.
“I am sure Steiner was killed by poison enhanced with magic.”
“That was almost … fifteen years ago, was it not? Why are you bothering me about this now?”
“Yes, sir. And I wouldn’t have come to speak to you about it if I hadn’t also found out that the person responsible might be the same person involved in the theft of some Lantian manuscripts.”
Urik was startled. “Do you know who this person is?”
“No, sir, but I believe he has turned his sights on my master’s mentor, Raul Günter.”
“Raul?” Urik blurted, dropping his guard completely.
“That’s why I’m here. I have been unable to warn Raul simply because I cannot find him. Do you, by chance, know how I can contact him?”
“You’ve tried his usual places?”
“To no avail.”
“Well then … come inside. I might have something,” Urik invited him as he turned down the hallway.
Haushofer crossed the Lantian’s threshold mumbling to himself and made sure he left the door ajar.
“What was that?” Urik asked, aware he had heard something he couldn’t quite make out.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I have this horrible habit of mumbling when I’m upset. Uh, as a matter of fact … oh, I hate to ask,” the young man apologized.
“What is it, Herr Haushofer?” Urik automatically responded.
“Would it be possible to get a cup of tea,” Haushofer smiled. “Black tea always does the trick—calms my nerves right down.”
Having lived among humans for as long as he had, Urik knew to not trust strangers knocking at his door. But the man had been a student of Steiner’s and Raul had taught Steiner. If Steiner was poisoned, then surely Raul should be told.
With his caution disarmed, Urik even thought to offer Haushofer a seat in the study as they passed by the entrance. After all, the study was where the Lantian did most of his entertaining. But then, there was something about the man; he seemed somewhat volatile.
‘Likely he’s just upset about the message he needs to deliver,’ Urik rationalized, turning to the man, “Would you like to wait here while I brew that cup o
f tea for you?”
“I can help,” Haushofer volunteered. “How about I get the water?” he added, rushing ahead in what appeared to be an effort to make himself useful.
Haushofer was already at the sink when Urik entered his kitchen.
“Use the fountain for the water,” Urik advised. “I’ll fetch the tea ball.”
“I can’t thank you enough for this, sir,” Haushofer said as he filled the kettle.
“Tell you what,” Urik volunteered. “If you will finish up here, I’ll go get Raul’s more private contact information.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be finished directly.”
Uncharacteristically, Urik left the man alone while he retrieved the information. Only when he returned did Urik again sense the same feeling he experienced as he walked by the study. And once again he passed it off as a result of the news the man was bringing him.
“These numbers should work. Would you like to call from here?”
“That would be great,” Haushofer said eagerly. “But first, I would like some of that tea. Will you join me, sir?”
“Oh yes, the tea. Not very good when it is cold, is it?”
Karl Haushofer smiled, raised his cup, and offered a toast, “To all things coming out as we wish.”
Urik took a sip, found the temperature just right, and emptied his cup. He was anxious to reach his friend.
Haushofer, on the other hand, set his cup down with not so much as a sip.
Urik noticed the man’s action and was about to comment when three muscular thugs ran into the room.
“Feran!” Urik tried to yell, but his tongue merely slurred the word into an unfamiliar sound. Still, he was on the defense, ready with a spell that would take care of the creatures.
Stumbling forward, he raised his hand, aimed, and fell. He was unconscious before his head hit the kitchen tile.
***
The Lantian felt the chains before he opened his eyes. Made of an alloy, they had the feel of being mostly steel. Too sturdy to break manually, but child’s play with but a modicum of magic.
Deciding not to act before knowing his situation, he gave a groan, a minimal tug with his wrists, and feigned a slow, drug-filled awakening.
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