Chapter 12

Two years ago, I found a monocle and a couple of books in my parent’s garage. Which led me step by step to this entirely new screwed up world with Mages, Warlocks, Wizards and Magic. I had gained friends, lost friends, and step by step felt my life changed from a book nerd kid to a powerhouse of Power. And now I have responsibility for over a dozen people and Fae. Fae creatures who were human (sometimes) in their behavior, but nothing like them in their appearance. And now I was greeting an entire clan who I didn’t even know existed until today, and they were to be my latest group of ... Slaves? Servants? Pets? You figure it out, I’m busy.

Greeting New Arrivals

“Ok, Guys, let’s go welcome our new friends.” I said to Ogrenaut and Peter. “The sooner we get them in and in place, the better our security will be.”

In the main foyer, I looked at the furniture that was scattered about. “Perhaps we should move this to the wall, and give some room in the middle for arrivals?” I suggested.

We spent the next ten minutes moving furniture to the walls, except for the gas fireplace in the center, and waited for Paula, who arrived very quickly.

“What’s going on?” She asked.

“I’m getting ready to call Arno and tell him that his latest contribution has space to land.” I replied.

“Ok. What are we getting?”

“Gargoyles.” I said.

“Cool. Living or stone?” Paula asked.

“Living stone” Ogrenaut answered. “So, we have to be careful where we place them.”

I touched my watch, just over the stone at the six ‘o’clock position and thought aloud “Arno. We are in the Foyer awaiting our new guests. Tell them we are at the southern wall awaiting them beneath the large clock. Do they know what a clock is?”

“Yes they know. I’m sending Pae’le and the youngest child first.”

Suddenly, a large grey form began to materialize in the center of the foyer. Our ceiling was twelve feet, and this object was almost ten feet. Gradually it condensed into a form that was sort of a beast, but nothing I had ever seen before. The nearest thing I could think of was a drawing of a Pterodactyl but with a face like a lion. Upper arms with as well as wings, joined at the shoulders, with massive arms, elbows, forearms, and hands with extended claws but, oddly, opposable thumbs. Slowly, the creature condensed, gradually falling smaller and smaller until it was only slightly shorter than myself. Almost sitting on compressed legs, with a tail that wrapped around its feet, like a large cat. Large yellow eyes with vertical slits looked at me and gradually focused. I was struck with the likeness of a large lion, no. A Griffin. But with the head and face of a lion instead of an eagle. Suddenly, in front of it, another form began to coalesce, a smaller copy of the larger one. Momentarily, it too formed, and opened its eyes, looking around. It too saw us, and muttered something, which the larger one answered. The eyes and brows of the larger one condensed and looked toward us and suddenly, I heard in my mind “Are you my new Master?”

Before I could answer, Arno materialized between us. “Pae’le. Open your mind for the language I give you.” And the head of the beast was surrounded in golden light for a moment and then the light faded.

“Sorry Hank, forgot to give him English.”

“That’s ok Arno. He reached into my mind like you do.”

“Wow. He must already like you. Well, I’ll let you all get acquainted, and I’ll go back and prep the rest. Nice foyer you have here.”

And with that, Arno disappeared. Leaving me with two lion headed griffins in my foyer. I hope they use a litter box.

“No. We don’t need one. Not if we are able to feed on laylines. You have a strong one here. I can feel it. May I have some?” Pae’le asked. “May my child have some too? We’re both hungry.”

“Can you feed directly from there, or do you need an artifact to feed from?”

“We can sip from here, if that is OK?”

Suddenly I felt a small connection going past me and to the Fumeral. I could almost see it, like a small garden hose, stretched out in the air above me going through the air. I saw Paula’s eyes focus on it for a second and then her smile. Suddenly, the garden hose became a fire hose, like a three-inch line, only bright white, and I saw Pae’le rocked back and a startled look came onto his face.

“There, Isn’t that better?” Paula asked. “Why sip when you can drink deep.”

After a few moments, the line disconnected, and moved down and condensed to a smaller line as it connected to the smaller example at Pae’les feet. In a few short seconds, that too was disconnected, and the line seemed to fade away in the air.

“He was not nearly as hungry. I think the larger one was deliberately denying himself so that the others could survive. Hank we may have some hungry refugees here.” Paula said to me.

“Hank, are you ready for the others?” Arno spoke to my mind.

“Just a minute. Let me move the first two out of the way.”

Pae’le, can you come over here with your friend?” I asked.

Gracefully, both Pae’le and the smaller one moved forward to stand under the clock. I could not help but admire the grace and catlike precision of their movements. They spun around and like cats, sat as statues watching me and Paula as another trio of them came into focus. Whereupon the same request was uttered, to sip, and was granted, only with Paula creating multiple hoses to feed the trio at once. Satisfied, I asked that they come over and join Pae’le (and Pat’le his son) under the clock.

We repeated this until all twelve of the living grey stone creatures were safe in the Foyer. Sitting quietly on their haunches, looking at us for direction.

“Are you all fed and well?” I asked.

“I have to ask them, they have not been given English yet” Pae’le answered me for the group.

“Arno, you forgot to give language to the rest of them.”

“Sorry. Just a second, feed each of them one of these.”

And suddenly twelve pills appeared in my hand. One was gold, the others silver. I distributed them (gold to Pae’le) and went to get water. It wasn’t a wasted trip. I got back with twelve bottles of cold water and twisted caps to give to all the new residents, one of the smaller ones asked “Why is he waiting on us? Isn’t he supposed to be our new Master?”

All of them looked at me expectantly. “Any good master cares for those who come into his home, regardless of how they came to be in his or her care.” I said firmly and with emotion.

“Great answer, Hank” Paula said with a tear running down her cheek.

Just then Jeffery came around the corner. In retrospect, I can understand why he was shocked. Paula was standing next to me, crying, Peter was standing on her other side and twelve of the largest feline shaped Gargoyles he had ever seen were standing just in front of us. He started to reach for his gun (I should have realized that it was a part of him by now) when Peter said “Jeffery freeze!”

And he did. Only it wasn’t him freezing. He was frozen. Motionless.

“Pae’le, is he ok?” I asked.

“Yes. Just motionless.”

“Can he see me?”

“Now he can.”

“Can he hear me?”

“Now he can.”

“Ok. Jeffery, I am going to ask Pae’le to release you now. These are our new family members here and they are here to help Ogrenaut with defense of the household and the family. They are not enemies.”

Suddenly, Jeffery was in motion. Slowly he placed his firearm back in his holster. “Wow. Now that’s a good trick. Can you teach me that one?” Jeffery asked.

“It takes a lot of power. Oh. You have a lot of power. And the woman has a lot of power. You also have much power, Hank. You are like the ancients of long ago. This one has not so much power. Was he injured?” Pae’le said looking at Peter.

“Thanks for the evaluation. No, I just wasn’t blessed like these people were.” Peter said while glaring at me.

I laughed. Peter smacked the back of my head. And then we began to think how we were going to decorate the foyer and shops with our twelve new friends.

There were six adults and six younger persons in the Clan. Later I learned that after Mone killed Arkin, he set about killing the entire clan, believing that he could not trust them. When Mone died the clan (what was left of it) became owned by the last surviving elf. Who didn’t know what to do with them. Arno figured he knew how to handle that. He’d give them to me. There were only twelve. I already had ten slaves, so I obviously know how to deal with slaves.

Did I ever tell you that being a peacemaker is a pain in the ass?

So, now we got down to business. Where to place our Buckingham Palace guards. (I thought that one up. The men who became statues outside of Buckingham palace. Ever watchful and never moving unless there was an emergency. Yea, Cool)

It turns out that Gargoyles can do exactly that. Freeze in place, change to gray stone, and the only thing that works is their eyes and their ears. Always alert to danger, and able to absorb any magic attack, and repel it back to the attacker. And their field of vision was just over ninety degrees. So, sitting in a corner was perfect for them. For hours at a time. In fact, days at a time, with feeding only once a week. Like cats, they were the ultimate patience hunters.

So. Where to put our new friends? Well, two of the adults went into the Main Foyer at opposite corners. Pae’le and Par’ma got that first assignment. Both had clear vision to the full foyer and Pae’le had clear vision down the hall going out the back. Par’ma could clearly see the main entrances from the public areas after we opened up next week after the Conclave.

Their children, Pat’le and Pat’ma were in opposite corners of the jewelry store. Strong examples of the carvers art. And able to see everything above the counters. Their pedestals placed them above the heads of any of the shoppers.

Another couple’s children, Pet’le and Pet’ma were both placed in the furniture, furnishings store, on shelves that placed their eyes high above the everything else.

Pie’le and Pie’ma both wanted to work in the Lounge. Greatest suck up of pure power. Yea, we are going to have to rotate that duty.

Pit’le and Pit’ma were just next door in the Southern Diamond Exchange. Once again, opposite corners, able to cover each other’s backs and sit as silent as a camera.

Pao’le and Pao’ma were placed in the warehouse direct to Brazil. Just in case any or others tried to trespass through the fully open door.

This layout was almost all Peter’s planning. His idea was two-person coverage of each area where both could see the other’s back and anything in between. The only weakness for humans was the very narrow space where you might hit your partner if you missed the target. Pae’le assured me that Gargoyles don’t miss. We took his word for it.

So. Guards in position. All display cases finished. Scotch in the bar for honored guests. All counters manned by Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes, or humans. We were ready. Come on customers.

At six PM, I was sitting in the Foyer with Ogernaut when the elevator came down and Paula, Jeffery, Peter and Grace and Natalie and Carla came down, dressed in their finest, and looked at me.

“Hank, you aren’t you dressed?” Natalie asked.

“I’m uninvited to the Conclave. Evidently as a Wizard, my attendance is optional, and Reggie asked that I exercise the option to stay here. Please go on and enjoy yourselves. I hope that everyone wore their amulets.”

“When did this happen?” Natalie asked.

“Earlier this evening, just before we brought in the Gargoyles.”

“Did you know about this?” Grace asked, looking at Peter.

“Yes, but I never expected Hank to listen.” Peter said trying to defend himself.

“Grace. I understand the why. I understand the circumstances. It’s unfortunate, But it’s something that has to be, and Peter has tried to resolve it as best he could. However, Reggie feels that, after last year, he cannot afford to take any risks. And I am a reminder.”

“Hank. When were you going to tell us?” Paula asked.

“Paula, tonight is your opening. Your time of triumph with the man of your dreams on your arm. Go, be safe, and enjoy yourself. Jeffery, protect my ladies, please?” A grim smile and a nod of his head was his response.

“And the rest of you, Natalie, you should catch up with Victoria and Pat and talk with them, I am sure that there are a lot of things for you to catch up on. Carla, you should too. Let him know that you oversee helping his last people to settle in.” I said.

“All of you. I admit I am hurt a little, but that I am not alone here. Maggie and Carrie are both here, and we are Ok. Celebrate the new year. Get ready for a great one coming ahead.

I was able to keep a smile on my face right up to when they tripped through the arch to New Orleans.

Then I cried.

Did you know that a Mage cannot get drunk? And that a Wizard’s appreciation of scotch is limited to the sensation of taste, warmth in the stomach and peace with the knowledge that you are five years away from being twenty-one and legal, and still able to drink in your own home?

Ogernaut relented his no drinking rule and broke out a bottle of scotch while we sat and ruminated about the things that had happened this week, and the people we were going to see and meet. And of course, our new friends, human and Fae.

“I never expected to ever see Gargoyles again. They are terrifying to any other Fae. And before this clan came about, they were terrible predators.” Ogernaut said.

“What do you think now?” I asked.

“I think we are safer here now than ever before. I am grateful that we are alive to see this day. And I am grateful that you are the person you are, Master Hank”.

“Ogernaut, I am no man’s master. I admit that I am a Friend of Fae, as you and everyone else puts it. Because you have explained to me by your actions what that really means. It’s quite a singular honor, isn’t it?”

“Hank, I have to explain something to you. I have always been Arno’s servant. I have always been under oath to him.

“I know. I didn’t really Know, know, but I knew. Part of your job here was to keep watch on me from the Fae’ perspective, and either help nudge me back on track or let Arno know of any massive discretions I was undertaking. I knew. And I didn’t resent it.” I replied.

“Just like Peter was here to keep an eye on me.” I continued. “That’s why I moved him down here from Philadelphia. He was retiring, and I wanted him here to be able to watch over me and watch me. Since my father was killed, both of you have stood up for me and with me. Both of you pay attention to me and listen and advise.”

“And you didn’t hate me?” Ogernaut said quietly.

“Not at all. I am Friend of Fae. And I now know what that means.”

“But you don’t fully know. When the slaves were transferred, they got a new last name.”

“Yes, but that was Paula and Carla’s doing.”

“Yes, but you accepted it. You accepted ten enslaved humans into the home. You allowed them to change and assume your name.” Ogernaut said earnestly.

“I can see how that might look.” I replied.

“When you accepted the clan (*### into your home, you welcomed them, you honored them, and you fed them. Not just a sip, but a full meal. And worked to make sure that they were to eat and be comfortable while doing that which they have been taught to do for centuries. You promised to circulate them through the room with the greatest fountain of power that exists to that all could partake of it.”

“Yes. But that comes with how I feel how any guest in my house should be treated.” I said.

“Yes, but. These are no longer your guests. Arno transferred them to me as their supervisor and transferred me to YOU as my owner and Master. That is what happened today.”

I was in shock. “That can’t be right.”

“Hank. The clock has struck. It’s a new year. And you are Master Hank. I will not embarrass you by calling you that. But in my mind, and the mind of everyone still in this house, you are the Master.”

Lots of heavy thoughts. Lots and Lots of heavy thoughts and thinking. I had the responsibility for all twenty plus people in my home as a master. That’s heavy. I laid down on the couch in the foyer and thought about that. And fell asleep.

There’s’ got to be a morning after.

That’s how the song goes. My Dad used to play it a lot at home. He said it reminded him of the best things after bad days. I always thought it was kind of funky. Unit I needed it to be for me.

I opened my eyes and looked at the comforter that was over top of me and recognized it as one of the throws we kept in the Lounge. I didn’t even have a bad taste in my mouth.

I walked to the elevator and looked toward Par’ma and asked, “Everyone get home last night?”

“Yes Master Hank. Everyone got home. Some were a little giddy. But all were heathy and in good spirits.”

“Thank you. And it’s just Hank.”

“Ok Master Hank.”

Some habits are going to be hard to break.

When I got upstairs to my apartment, I saw Maggie and Carrie both on different couches in the living room. The television was turned down low and I walked past them and turned the set off. I went into the master suite and started a shower. It felt great. Twenty minutes later, in clean clothes, I went out to greet sleeping beauties. Only they were gone. I heard water running in the other two bathrooms and so I started breakfast.

“Happy new year, Hank.” Maggie said as she came up behind me and hugged me.

“Happy new year to you, Mags”

“Hank, I’m worried about money. The Police haven’t released the house from investigation, and everything is in a spin. College wants to know about tuition guarantees, and I worried about insurance payments and stuff.”

“Don’t sweat it. Let Natalie know what you need, and Paula will cut a check or hand you cash. If there is one thing we have, its financial coverage.” I said while flipping eggs.

“What about Carrie?” I asked after a few moments. “Is she short of money?”

“No, but I am worried about her. She was hit as hard as I was with Lynn dying, and she didn’t have you to hold onto anymore.” Maggie said.

“Well, she can if she needs. You and I can’t have three legged kids, but She and I could. If she needs.”

“That would make me feel much better. Are you growing a harem yet?”

“Mags, I never tell.”

“I know, you leave it to the girls.”

“Anything else is stupid, don’t you agree?”

“Eggs are burning.”

So, I cleaned up the pan, made French toast instead of just eggs, and waited for Carrie to come out for some breakfast. She wanted an omelet, so I practiced egg yoke separation techniques. And got laughs from both.

We got dressed, and I went down to the Foyer to see what I could see.

It was almost ten o’clock when I went in, and there were a few people looking around. I noticed a very cute redhead standing next to Par’ma in the corner next to a tall older woman. Suddenly, I realized it was Wendy Peters. And her Mentor, Melissa Gordon.

“WENDY!” I said a bit louder than norm.

Slowly, this young woman gracefully turned around toward me and said with a sensual smile “Hello Hank. How are you?”

Wow. That set me back. Last year this cuddly little thing was as outgoing and energetic as a hopping flea. This year she was suddenly a mature and elegant woman. “Sir David did this to you?” I said quietly.

“Now, Hank, whatever do you mean?” She said with a growing smile.

“Ok. So, you are not the little girl anymore.” I said.

“Don’t let her fool you, Hank. At heart she’s still a kid. A kid with nuclear arms, compliments of a Mad Power Wizard, but underneath, she’s still a kid. She’s doing very well with Sir David. He sends regards. And apologies.” Melissa said quietly.

“Yeah, Hank. What did you step on this time? Tell me so I can put my foot on it too.” Wendy said with an evil grin.

“Nothing you want to imitate. A minor disagreement among friends.”

“Zipped lip again. That’s our Hank. So. Where did you get the Gargoyle statues. They are gorgeous.” Melissa said.

“Can I tell you both a secret?” I asked, looking around to make sure no one else was close.

“Ok. What is it?” Wendy asked.

“Her name is Par’ma. Her Mate is over in the other corner, Pae’le.”

Melissa’s eyes grew wide. “Tell me this is a geas”.

“I cannot tell a lie. They don’t have a Geas when in this form.” I said.

“Hank, you keep coming up with surprises. But this tops them all. We’ve heard a few wild stories last night, but this actually beats them all.”

“What surprises?”

“There’s a Belgian Mage from some Over council and a couple of French Mages who are angling to get a invite to visit you. But they want to make sure you won’t outright throw them into the ocean. They are petrified of you. I mean seriously scared. Something about Tomato paste.” Wendy said.

“Well, you don’t want to believe everything you hear without context.” I said.

“Do we want to know the context?”

“It’s a long story.”

“So give me the cliff notes version” Wendy said.

“Cliff notes? You studying for college?”

“Yes. Marine Biology and ecosystems at Washington State. Early admission. Now, Cliff notes, sir.”

“They came, They threw a spell. It backfired. We stripped them naked, took all their power, had Peter take them to the Mage Council and send them back to wherever they came from. Cliff notes.”

“And the tomato paste?”

“That was a different break in. Those guys weren’t interested in capture, they tried to kill. They got the Mike Newell treatment. Without the shield. It was a mess to clean up.”

“Hence the tomato paste.” Wendy said with an evil grin. “I always knew that you were a great friend. And a terrible enemy.”

“No. That’s Jeffery. He’s the former Marine.”

“We met him and Paula. Wow, she’s a really different woman than from what Bernie told us.”

Suddenly, Wendy’s face shifted. “Hank, I’m so sorry about your parents and Bernie and Lynn. I never met Cindy, so I don’t know. But I did know the others a little and I can feel the ache I would have.”

I felt two things. First I felt my emotions welling up in a painful geyser. Second I felt Par’ma’s eyes moving and focusing on Wendy and Melissa’s bodies. “NO. they meant no harm.” I muttered.

Par’ma’s eyes faded back to grey. “Thank you. I’ll explain later” I said to all of them.

Wendy’s eyes and Melissa’s eyes both looked at me with questions. “New security team. Still getting the bugs worked out.” I said.

The foyer was getting crowded with people coming in and entering the stores. Everyone was commenting about the statuary and the warmth of the fire. And a few older men wandered into the Lounge to sample the wares and sit by the fire.

Emily LaFountaine walked out of her studio and waved me over to her door. “Hank, I need your help.”

“Ladies, Duty calls. Enjoy our small space.”

“Emily how can I help you?”

“These two women are Seers. Like me, their visions cripple them for several days. I explained what you did for me, and I offered to ask you what you could do to help them?”

‘Well, we need to understand first what their needs are. The quartz I gifted you with is a fairly entry level stone. You have had several months experience with it, do you feel its’ adequate for your needs?”

“Actually I don’t know. The few times I have had visions since you gave it to me, I had no effects at all. And I come here occasionally, and it seems that it has never lost power.”

“Ok So a four-joule stone has been more then sufficient for you. So now we have these ladies go over to the Jewelers and ask to see either CZ or sapphire in a simple necklace, have it charged and adjusted to them. A small quarter carat clean CZ is sufficient. Make sure they pick out a setting that they feel they can wear every day all day. That way when visions strike, they are not crippled or weakened.”

“That’s all this stone is. Four Joule?” Emily asked.

“Pretty much. The problem is that Mages have so little reserves. This allows a much longer draw, but your current level is seldom decreased to becoming uncomfortable. That’s the advantage that we are trying to get to people. Artifacts that prolonged their abilities.”

The three older women hustled over to the Jewelry store, to be attended by former Slaves and Gnomes. Yea, it is great when something comes together.

Looking back at Melissa and Wendy, I saw that someone else was talking with them. So, I took the free time to wander around. And look at the effect our finished work had on me.

Ever take a step back from yourself and just see what you have accomplished? Sometimes it’s depressing, sometimes it’s satisfying. But it should always be enlightening. My dad used to say that.

Looking toward the arch, I saw Pat and Victoria coming through. I waved and they started walking toward me. I lead them to one of the table and couch sets we had, remembering that Pat still had some weakness in his legs.

Once we were seated, Pat started the discussion. “Boy, Paula and Jeffery sure set a swath last night. She was almost magical in her attractiveness, and Jeffery got everyone else’s attention. The two of them made a great presentation.”

“Great. I wanted her to enjoy her first Conclave. Anything happen that worried Reggie?”

“Hank, I’m sorry about Reggie’s behavior. And I am in admiration about how you took it. Those guys from the Over Council were here too. They pinged me with a lot of questions about how you were classified a Wizard while being so young and such a short time since you emerged. Wanted all the deep details about your abilities and strengths. I told them to ask Sir David if they were so curious, and of course, they could always come to you. The two French guys seemed reluctant to do that.”

“Gee, I don’t know why. We didn’t hurt them.” I said. “Maybe embarrassed them but that was appropriate.”

“I think they are worried about a rematch.” Pat said.

“Well tell them no hard feelings, and if they want to come here for a discrete and polite conversation, I am not opposed. I’ll even show them the Lounge. Maybe even buy them a drink.” I said.

“Well, we’re going to check out the furnishings. I can’t afford to go to your Jewelers. “Pat said with a laugh.

So, Pat departed to the Fae furnishings store, Wendy and Melissa wandered into the Jewelers, and I wandered back to the Lounge. It really was my favorite place.

So, opening day was good. Lots of lookers, lots of price checkers, lots of “Oh my Gosh, is that all” for almost everything in the store. But not a lot of money exchanged. I think the shock of availability was slow sinking in. Mages and Wizards were not used to having artifacts available at any price.

It was too good to be true.

Reaction. Iceland.

Now. Understand this. I had no idea of what the Icelandic economic situation was. I had no idea of the costs of recharging depleted artifacts was other then the price that Pat and I had settled on. I had no real idea of how long it took to recharge a depleted artifact, because my abilities were off the chart. And so were Paula’s and to some extent Jeffery. So, three days after New Years, I was advised (by a letter delivered by a hand messenger from Reggie) that a Icelandic delegation, with the company of the Over Council of Mages (headed by Cecile Chandler) wanted to visit for the purpose of “Inspection of the safety and provenance of the station operating in violation of the Icelandic Agreement with the Senior Mage Over Council”

I read it and gave it to Natalie with the note “Work on this.”

An hour later, I got a letter, from me to Reggie and Sir David that said among other things. 1. I was acknowledged as being a Wizard, not a Mage. 2. There was no agreement between the parties that the Icelandic delegation represented and the Council of Wizards, and 3. The Over Council had already understood that their charter did not include independent Wizards.

In the spirit of cordial relations, they could request a visit to Observe our operations, and publish comments regarding their observations. Which we then would consider in light of the different methods used by the Icelandic parties currently in the business of converting lava flows to Leyline energy.

Please schedule an appointment via telephone Number is ###-###-#### from 9 to 5 Monday thru Friday.

Signed, Hank Lambert.

The post it note said “Sign this where the X is. NAT.”

So, I signed it, put it in the envelope and gave it to William (one of the slaves attached to do run around duty for Natalie) and forgot about it.