Chapter 28

Ricky asked, “Why did the cuff come off?”

James replied, “Because the entity in the cuff couldn’t really fault you for not rescuing the people who had hurt you and many other innocents. We have been told that the cuffs are more inclined towards an eye-for-an-eye rather than forgiveness if they believe the person will not rehabilitate.”

Dusty added, “They can look into your inner thoughts. They will abide by a mage’s decision if the mage thinks at least one chance should be given. They were debating the fact that you pushed Jameson back into the quicksand.”

“Since viewing your own thoughts and feelings and the memories of the others, they determined that what the men had done to you was unforgivable by your code of ethics. If you had let him survive, he would not have changed, and he would have hurt more people.”

“From what we have heard from the other people here, we believe that you were correct in your summation of the men. So, the cuff freed you, and we brought you here to decide what to do with you.”

“So, I go to the island anyway but not cuffed, I understand. Can you just make sure that my wife is cared for? She really likes Manny and Gail so it may be best if she can stay with them. I hope they raise my kids together. I’m sorry I won’t see them, but it’s probably for the best,” Ricky replied, resigned.

Dusty looked at James and then grinned at Ricky. “Sorry, we can’t do that. It’s your job to look after them. That’s our punishment. We are going to saddle you with three pregnant, horny females.”

Ricky grinned and shook his head, “Oh, my God! You people are cruel. You offer the temptation of island solitude and then curse me with hormonal women and, eventually, crying babies. If that is what you want, then that is what I’ll have to do.”

James chuckled, “Yes, you look totally beaten down by the prospect. From what I understand, though, you may get castrated if you stray from your ladies.”

“You have got to be kidding; Tarsia was enough. Getting Manny and Gail in the bargain is going to keep me ragged. I won’t have time to look sideways at another woman,” Ricky informed the couple.

“In that case, this might help,” Dusty said and stood up. She motioned Ricky to stand and then she opened a low, square box that was on the coffee table between them.

She removed a chain with a medallion on it and placed it over Ricky’s head. She then took another item and strapped it to his wrist.

“Rookie Ricky, since you are an electrician then this medallion should suit you. It is for an Energy Rookie, and it also has Lore. The Mad has a spell book in it, and as you get better at wielding magic, more spells will appear in the book. You may find you can do some spells one way but not another. Always practice in a safe place.”

“This is not a full set of magical items, but the medallions are great for getting you started. As you come into your powers, you may be able to upgrade; time will tell. Also, if you use magic, you will find that sex is a great way to recharge, and you’re staying power is also enhanced. Having three wives may not be such a hardship for you.”

“Just remember that the medallion has an entity, and it will remind you to stay on the straight and narrow. If you misbehave, the medallion can zap you to remind you. Rookie items are a bit more lenient than mage items.”

“Fuck up too many times, and it will cost you your sanity, as the medallion will leave you. Do the right thing, and you two will be bosom buddies for a long time to come.”

She grinned at his thoughtful expression. “I believe if you report to Whitney, she has a job proposition for you. We will also come and get you when we erect a couple of buildings later that Whitney has asked us to help with. It will give you some insight into what we have bestowed on you. I think you will enjoy being a Rookie Energy Mage.”

“Ah, the carrot and the stick. I happen to like carrots,” Ricky replied and grinned at them.

The feeling of the entity in his head felt oddly reassuring and comfortable; he liked it. It was better than the madman that had been in his head when he was in the hole.

“I think you may wish to go find your wives and then go see Whitney. The best of luck to you, Ricky,” Dusty said.

She kissed him on the lips briefly before shoeing him out of the room. Ricky stopped to shake James’s hand briefly but firmly, and then he left.

“Oh! That poor man, he doesn’t know what he is in for,” James said as he watched the young man leave in a hurry to find his wives.

“Yes, such a terrible punishment,” Dusty agreed with a huge grin.