The Obsidian Crown, page 21
“What about my parents? They were taken by Xanas.”
“Yes, the way they were taken used magic, but the way they are being held is not. They are bound in a cave in this realm, with ties from this world; they are even feeding them regular food from, well, Burger Prince and Pizza House from what we can see. They are just as much a hostage as if a bank robber is holding them at gunpoint. The Sorceress is far too smart to make that mistake.”
“What about Blaise? The Doctor?”
“Blaise was enchanted, poisoned by magic. The curse is a continuing spell; that means his illness is being powered by the same person who cursed him. It will go away only once the power supporting it is cut off.”
“How do I fix him? My friend Taylor is devastated and it was my fault,” I said while chewing my food, which I noticed was from the café.
“It can only be done under one of two conditions, 1) the person who cursed cuts off the support to the spell willingly or 2) the person who cursed him is killed or weakened to the point where the curse can no longer be sustained. Since it is magic, we can get involved but as you can see, if we did, it would mean the possible death of a Xana. We think it’s best we find another way.”
I nodded while thinking, I still didn’t see how they were of any help to me.
“But why not just kill the Xana if he or she is cursing someone?” I asked, puzzled.
“Killing a Xana outside of open battle is considered a crime in our realm. It would have to be proven in court that the Xana is cursing someone and that we are acting in defense of another but by the time you get the bad Xana to court, the spell would have worn off and then…long story short, we don’t do it because we could be put in jail or put to death by the court,” said Raphael.
“However, the Doctor suffered from the hands of a human being. She will need to heal on her own.” Diwatha said.
“I see. Of course. So what you’re saying is, you can’t help me,” I cut her short without thinking.
I controlled myself, but it didn’t escape my notice that my annoyance and impatience were beginning to creep back into my demeanor. If it bothered the Brotherhood, they certainly did not show it. I shifted my weight on the chair and faced the other way.
“Abigail, we revealed ourselves to you against the code of the Brotherhood because you are in terrible danger. You were not trained in the ways of the Fae. I must warn you: do not make a deal with the Sorceress because we will be bound by your bargain. We will be powerless to help you. If, however, one breaks her oath, we are free to act as we see fit. A deal is a deal. You are in grave danger,” she repeated for emphasis.
I thought this comment a bit ironic considering the situation, but I remembered my uncle’s admonition to exercise patience. “Abigail, he who angers you, conquers you.” I need to learn more. I need allies. I can’t afford to alienate anyone offering even a modicum of support.
“You mean more so than I already am? Look, I don’t care about me; the Sorceress said she will kill my parents in two days if I don’t tell them how the crown works,” I said with some attitude adjustment.
Then something in my head just snapped back into place.
“Wait, what day is this? I lost track of time!”
“It is Friday morning.”
“Oh no, I only have twenty-four hours left. I stayed way too long in the Sanctuary!” I jumped up from my chair, ready to leave.
“Abigail, I think you are missing the big picture,” Diwatha said, pulling me back down to my chair.
“What other picture is there other than my parents are going to die?” I said, this time without holding back the anger in my voice.
“The one where everyone is going to die,” Raphael said in a low, calm voice despite the gravity of the words.
CHAPTER 26
The King Maker
I sat back down on the chair. I stared at Raphael, not knowing what to say. “I don’t understand.”
Raphael got up and stood behind his chair. He leaned forward as he explained, “You see, Abigail; you are the “King Maker”. The box was always meant for you. You are the rightful bearer of the Obsidian Crown, the Destroyer of Kings.”
“I am the bearer of the Destroyer of Kings?” I repeated, trying to get my brain around the meaning of the words.
“Yes. Your parents were supposed to tutor you in the ways of the Fae but like I said, some of those who are here to serve would rather forget and leave that life behind.” When I didn’t say anything, Raphael continued,
“When you put your blood on the Kerberian Box, it recognized you for who you are. It opened the box and released the crown. Yes, it is magic and it is hugely powerful. But the awesome power of the crown cannot be activated just by opening the box. It might as well be a child’s toy without the right key.”
Elmwood cleared his throat. “The second precaution for the misuse of the crown is that it must be given freely by the rightful owner. When you gave it to the Sorceress in exchange for the Doctor’s life, you unwittingly triggered the second key.”
“You mean to say that the crown is now active in the hands of the Sorceress because of my stupidity!”
“No, not stupidity; humanity! There is a reason why the Destroyer of Kings must be a human but must be well versed with the ways of the Fae. In Nether Kabal or Faerieland, if I may call it that for ease of discussion, they would have known the power of the crown and would have weighed it against one life of a human. They would have found the death of a human life, even hundreds to thousands of humans to be of no consequence compared to the risk that the crown will fall into the wrong hands. Besides, it is not yet active as you put it.” Diwatha paused, looked at Raphael, and then continued,
“As you read in the book, the last time the crown was used was to create the New Dominion. Haven’t you wondered why the crown, after so many eons has resurfaced now? It only comes when it is needed. That means a great and encompassing evil is approaching and the crown will be needed to contain that wickedness. And you and your friends have been called and were chosen to destroy this enemy.”
Diwatha paused again and sipped her tea as if she could be discussing the latest Kardashian media ploy. She replaced her teacup on the table and said in a soft voice, “By now, you must know the third key and why we need to protect you. Even from yourself. Even from the decision you may wrongly make.”
I looked at her squarely in the face. “The choice is to sacrifice me in exchange for my mother and my father! There is no other choice.”
In a more pressing and urgent voice, Raphael spoke, “We understand your love and loyalty to your parents but they are—”
Diwatha placed her hand on Raphael’s arm. He looked at her, and she shook her head. “No, Raphael, it’s too much, too soon.” Raphael backed down.
Diwatha looked at me and renewed her explanation. “You have a lot to think about, child, but at least now you know the right things to think about. To ensure your complete safety, we implore that you take sanctuary at the Black Rose. The one you are using is compromised. There is a listening spell around the place. By now, they would already know what we know, which is everything you learned last night. But not what we discussed here at the Black Rose. They are already looking for you, but they cannot penetrate this sanctuary. As always, the decision is yours and it must be done by your own free will.”
“But if I stay here, my parents will die. And how long will I be in hiding? How long can I live with the knowledge that I deserted my family, and gave up on my friends? I would rather die, than live where every day is a constant reminder of what a traitor I’ve been to those who matter to me the most.”
“I do not begrudge you your choices, child,” Elmwood said, “but remember that dying for those who you love is a far easier sacrifice than dying for those who you have never known. The choices reach far beyond you, your parents, friends, and school. In fact, it goes beyond your world...”
“And ours. You have seen the power of the crown. To place it in the hands of the Sorceress will mean death to tens of thousands,” added Raphael.
If there ever was a time when I need my friends the most, this is it.
“I will take what you said into consideration and I will be careful but I will not stay here and hide from my problems. I will not cower to their will,” I exclaimed a bit more indignantly than I had the courage for.
“As you wish. Take this with you. It’s a transavite. It is an element that can transcend both realms. Call us if and when you need our help.” She took a blue ball from her belt and handed one to me.
I took it and examined the ball more closely. It was a gem that seemed to be made of crystal and metal. The ball changed hues from blue to purple to metallic grey.
“Let me see the Codex Vox Incantatus.”
“The what?” I asked.
Elmwood said, “The big old book you have.”
“Oh, oh yes! The book of …of lines?” I murmured, hoping they didn’t hear that last part. My face reddened from embarrassment as I pulled the book from my backpack and handed it over.
“The book of what? These kids have no respect for—” said Raphael sternly, but Diwatha crinkled her eyes into a smile that completely disarmed him.
Diwatha took the book from my hands with such care and reverence that I felt like sinking into the ground and disappearing. She held it up to show the other two. Both bowed their heads solemnly out of respect for the book.
She got up and clicked her finger. A podium appeared facing us. She searched for a specific part of the book which was still locked, swung the gem protecting the tack and pierced her hand. The book opened with a hiss. Then she placed the book on top of the podium.
CHAPTER 27
The Nature of Magic
Diwatha bowed her head while reciting words of incantation. But none of the words sounded like Latin to me or any language I’d heard before. Soon, forms of what looked like the writings on the Kerberian Box floated in the air in wisps of golden smoke.
Diwatha looked at me and said, “I know you are out of time. I am doing this incantation to help you gain the essence of magic quickly. The Codex Vox Incantatus is a compilation of historical figures, events, incantations, and materials collected by the Brotherhood for over a millennium; All in the pursuit of protecting, guiding, and preparing the Knights of the Crown. Do you know why it is called the Vox instead of Sermo, which is the Latin word for “word”?
I drew a blank and shook my head.
“Because, Abi, it is not the word that is magic but the sound it makes creates magic. You see, we are “Separated Realms in One Reality”. This means, yes there are demarcation lines that separate the realms, however, through those realms, crossing the boundaries and within each firmament, there are strings that bind us all. That, which we call reality, as a whole, is fastened together by these strings. Magic is the power, that course through these strings. There is magic all around us and through us. There are some places where magic is in abundance and there are some places where it is extremely rare. The strumming, plucking, twanging of these strings to create vibrations is the essence of thaumaturgy. When you are just starting out, you use words but it is only there to guide you in creating the sound that makes the vibration. If you can make the sound without the word, then you have mastered the art of wonder-making. Remember this always, because this is the very essence of magic.”
“I understand. Yes, I understand,” I said even though I only heard every other sentence. I tried to take the edge of my voice so they don’t hear the urgency.
I need to get out of here. These are all very interesting but I am truly running out of time.
Diwatha closed her eyes and started to chant again. Despite my curiosity, I was beginning to fidget in my seat thinking this is no time for a magic lesson. Then it happened. The signs and symbols in the air flew towards me. I nearly jumped up on my chair, but there was no avoiding the onslaught of the magical sigils. They embedded themselves to my skin, and for a minute or so, I was covered in a full-body golden tattoo.
I didn’t notice anything change in me. I didn’t feel any different.
Diwatha opened her eyes and said, “You have the best tools and protection we can give you but for now, we will say goodbye.”
They all stood. Elmwood approached me and pulled up my hand that had the transavite. “Take a look.”
I did and was drawn to the purple and blue hue of the ball. When I looked, I was sitting alone at a table in the Solomon Triangle with the Codex on top of my lap.
I gathered my things as fast as I could and ran out of the library.
“No running in the hallways, Ms. Montserratt!” Professor Andrews’ voice rang out as I passed him in the hallway.
In some strange way, hearing his voice even as he admonished me made me feel like there was hope to getting back to normal.
“Sorry, Professor Andrews. Late for class!” I lied again and dashed out of the Triangle. My cell beeped. Several texts from my uncle showed up on the screen. I cringed. I forgot to check in. I started typing a quick response to assure him everything is fine at school. My mind was still into the message I was about to send when I heard,
“Hey! Wait up!” It was Hailey’s voice. I didn’t have time to finish my message. I stuck the phone back into my pocket.
“Hey, sorry you got caught last night. I really didn’t know what I could have done to save you. I hope you can forgive me,” I said as I stopped running to wait for her.
“It’s fine, it all worked out. Don’t worry about it. We can talk about that later. For now, we need to figure out the crown.”
“Yes, you’re right. I have a lot to tell you,” I said.
“Yes, I know. I know about the third key,” Hailey said.
I pulled her away from the students in the hall. “Wait how did you know?” I asked in a hushed tone.
“The incantation to hijack your dreams was from Doctor McGrath’s journal. I memorized it in case I needed to do exactly that,” she said proudly. “Although you were really acting weird like you were in a trance or something,” she added.
“I was. I don’t know how it happened but I can’t think of that right now. We have bigger issues. Wait, did you sleep in jail? I’m so sorry.”
“No, no. My mom picked me up right away. I got released under her care but she’s to bring me here super early this morning so Detective Dimwitt and Detective Murky-at-best could show my mom and Professor Andrews that I was lying about the phone. The joke’s on them because I wasn’t lying…about my phone. It was really in my locker. Besides, Professor Andrews was so mad when he saw all those pumpkin seeds spit on the floor that not only did he not file any charges against me, he gave them hell for disrespecting school property. I’m off the hook.”
“Oh, that’s great news. I was worried sick,” I said and gave her a big hug.
Then something occurred to me. “So, were you at the Sanctuary the whole time?”
“Yeah, but I wasn’t the only one. I could feel there was another presence there but I don’t really know for sure.”
“I don’t get it. I’m sure I did the protection spell before I started. Maybe I did it wrong.”
“I don’t know but when I saw you get in the fireplace to go to the Black Rose, I figured it was time to bounce too. Just as well because my phone alarm went off and it was time for me to wake up,” Hailey said.
“So you didn’t hear what the Brotherhood said?” I asked.
“‘fraid not, sista. I was busy showing off my phone, hehe” she responded, smiling.
She stopped walking and nearly yelled, “Wait, what? What Brotherhood? What did they say?”
“Not here. We need to get to the hospital quickly. I need to see Blaise,” I said.
“Ohhhkay. I didn’t see that coming,” Hailey said but followed me past the student lockers.
“C’mon, quickly!” I whispered as we rushed through the front door of the school. “We’re going to hide behind some of the cars leaving the grounds. That way the guards won’t see us.”
I heard Hailey right behind me.
I was about to run down the steps to the driveway when my phone chimed. I read the message.
[Jake: Where are you? I’ve been texting you, and the phone company tells me your phone was not in the area last night. Where are you now?
Abigail: I’m at school. I just forgot to charge the phone last night.
Jake: The police were out here this morning. They are claiming you are missing, again!
Abigail: Uncle Jake, I’m at school. You can call Prof. Andrews. I’m here, really.
Jake: Don’t go anywhere. I will go there and pick you up.
Abigail: But Uncle Jake. I’m okay. You don’t have to get me.
Jake: Just stay there. I will be there in a couple of hours. This is not a negotiation. Don’t you understand what’s at stake here?
Abigail: Okay. I will wait for you at school.]
I slowed down my pace and told Hailey what my uncle’s instructions were.
I stopped walking. I knew I was supposed to follow my uncle. But I was torn between that and doing what I thought was right. I kicked one of the dandelions on the side of the driveway in frustration. “I don’t know what to do. I can’t let Blaise and Doctor McGrath suffer any longer. I need to get to the hospital.”
“Well whatever you decide to do, you need to do it soon. If you’re going to wait, then we need to get back inside the building. If you want to go to the hospital, then we need to get past the gate while there are still a lot of cars leaving,” Hailey said, looking very suspicious as she kept looking back at the school doors and back at the gates.
“C’mon, we’re going,” I said, and we headed for the gates. We ran for the bushes by the fence so we wouldn’t be seen from the school building. We inched our way closer to the exit, choosing a long black limousine as our camouflage to get outside. I nodded at Hailey to get ready. The black car started to get closer.
