WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:18.480 Music. 00:00:19.970 --> 00:00:25.030 What Mr. Ali said was true, the greatest magician in history was Jamsheet. 00:00:25.270 --> 00:00:29.530 He was not just a great magician, though. He was a great emperor of Persia. 00:00:30.050 --> 00:00:34.110 While there are plenty of books about him, the contemporary magical accounts are rare. 00:00:34.610 --> 00:00:39.090 So with the exception of very few specific spells, the only things we know are 00:00:39.090 --> 00:00:40.950 the broadest accounts of his achievements. 00:00:42.130 --> 00:00:44.890 It almost sounds like he didn't want anyone to know his secrets. 00:00:45.510 --> 00:00:49.670 Naomi stopped her pacing and looked at me, a big smile on her face. 00:00:49.970 --> 00:00:55.210 Yes, he was arrogant and secretive, and while he was the greatest of magicians, 00:00:55.450 --> 00:00:57.270 he wanted even more power. 00:00:57.770 --> 00:01:01.130 So he bound an ancient Merid into the artifacts? 00:01:01.870 --> 00:01:05.670 No, he bound the great dragon Zahak. 00:01:06.010 --> 00:01:10.070 I almost dropped the staff. There's a dragon in here? 00:01:10.610 --> 00:01:12.850 I stared at it in my hand. 00:01:13.670 --> 00:01:20.490 Naomi nodded. Not just any dragon. Zahak, an exceptionally powerful dragon whose 00:01:20.490 --> 00:01:23.350 power with magic makes Merit look like schoolchildren. 00:01:23.730 --> 00:01:25.510 He was that powerful? 00:01:26.070 --> 00:01:31.650 Yes. He terrorized the world with his might, so Jamshed hunted down this horrible 00:01:31.650 --> 00:01:34.650 and majestic dragon and bound him with magic. 00:01:35.110 --> 00:01:39.910 Even then Zahak was too powerful, so Jamshed split him into three pieces so 00:01:39.910 --> 00:01:43.570 that he did not have the power to escape. The artifacts. 00:01:44.290 --> 00:01:48.790 Yes. Each artifact contains part of Zahak's enslaved essence. 00:01:49.210 --> 00:01:53.010 These artifacts were the pieces that made Jamshed's power absolute. 00:01:53.530 --> 00:01:58.910 No one could defeat him with the combined power of his own magic and the enslaved magic of Zahak. 00:01:59.310 --> 00:02:03.990 I nodded my head. It was all new to me, but it made so much sense. 00:02:04.470 --> 00:02:08.690 No wonder Mr. Elise said the staff had a mind of its own. It literally does 00:02:08.690 --> 00:02:11.230 have a mind of its own. The mind of Zahak. 00:02:12.190 --> 00:02:17.470 Naomi sat down beside me again. So the coat and cup are the other two artifacts? 00:02:18.230 --> 00:02:24.110 Yes. Of course, the artifacts are considered by nearly everyone as nothing more than fanciful tales. 00:02:24.610 --> 00:02:28.170 Zahak is a myth, Jamsheet is known more as an emperor than a magician, 00:02:28.390 --> 00:02:30.530 and the artifacts are mere legends. 00:02:31.030 --> 00:02:35.650 I could barely control my excitement. I finally knew the source of my family's 00:02:35.650 --> 00:02:39.530 legacy, even if it was one based on a vile act of enslavement. 00:02:40.130 --> 00:02:41.650 You know anything about them? 00:02:42.845 --> 00:02:46.805 Not much more than what Ana said. We know what the staff and coat do. 00:02:47.145 --> 00:02:50.605 The cup presumably allows the holder to see anything in the universe. 00:02:50.845 --> 00:02:53.945 You just think of what you want to see, and the cup shows it to you. 00:02:54.325 --> 00:02:58.405 There are some who believe it allows the bear to read minds and even see into the future. 00:02:59.345 --> 00:03:03.365 I'm going to see if I can communicate with Zahack. I clenched the staff in my 00:03:03.365 --> 00:03:05.645 hand. Will that be dangerous? 00:03:06.825 --> 00:03:11.145 Naomi's comment gave me pause. I hadn't told her that when I was close to the 00:03:11.145 --> 00:03:14.105 coat that the staff was exerting a strong influence on my behavior. 00:03:14.505 --> 00:03:16.905 It was dangerously close to controlling me. 00:03:17.345 --> 00:03:20.605 Did I want to let Zahak know I was aware of his presence in the staff? 00:03:22.045 --> 00:03:26.785 No, I don't think it will be dangerous. I actually didn't know the answer, 00:03:26.845 --> 00:03:30.565 but I couldn't live not knowing if I could talk to Zahak and perhaps work with 00:03:30.565 --> 00:03:33.965 him in new ways to help other enslaved creatures or even free himself. 00:03:34.685 --> 00:03:40.245 I closed my eyes and focused on the staff In a way that only I knew It wasn't 00:03:40.245 --> 00:03:46.385 really a staff or a cane It was part of myself I was Tommy, the staff was me. 00:03:47.985 --> 00:03:53.825 Zahak, I know you are there I will be the one to free you I felt the faintest 00:03:53.825 --> 00:03:56.865 stirring deep within the staff But nothing else, 00:03:58.158 --> 00:04:03.158 Zahak, I free you from your slavery. The moment I said the words, 00:04:03.298 --> 00:04:04.418 I knew they were a mistake. 00:04:04.718 --> 00:04:07.338 I couldn't just free a mighty dragon on a moving train. 00:04:07.678 --> 00:04:10.378 Plus, I didn't even know if the poor dragon would be grateful. 00:04:10.658 --> 00:04:12.778 Maybe it would blame us and kill Naomi and me. 00:04:13.618 --> 00:04:17.378 Luckily, nothing happened. I opened my eyes. 00:04:18.318 --> 00:04:21.298 Nothing, but I have a pretty good idea what we need to do. 00:04:21.958 --> 00:04:24.918 I thought over the flow of energy I felt when close to the cope. 00:04:25.258 --> 00:04:29.558 It was obvious what was happening now. As the artifacts were brought together, 00:04:29.858 --> 00:04:35.758 their power increased, but so did the consciousness and will of Zahack. What is that? 00:04:36.498 --> 00:04:39.958 I can't free Zahack until I'm wielding all three artifacts. 00:04:40.458 --> 00:04:45.758 It's like the train. I can't free the mayor unless I'm the engineer. So what do we do? 00:04:46.518 --> 00:04:49.698 I was sure she already knew and was excited about the prospect. 00:04:50.778 --> 00:04:54.718 We get the coat, and then we travel to Germany, and we get the cup. 00:04:55.338 --> 00:04:59.458 The knowledge of Zahak imprisoned in the staff Led me to act exactly the way 00:04:59.458 --> 00:05:03.398 Naomi had predicted I was committed to freeing the mighty creature From his 00:05:03.398 --> 00:05:04.618 enslavement in the artifacts, 00:05:05.358 --> 00:05:09.558 I know that the loss of the artifacts Concerned her on some level But it renewed 00:05:09.558 --> 00:05:13.418 my own sense of purpose And Naomi seemed to understand and support that, 00:05:14.118 --> 00:05:17.818 She had changed over the past two years She was more powerful, 00:05:18.018 --> 00:05:21.738 of course But she also seemed to have a better understanding Of the rule magical 00:05:21.738 --> 00:05:23.038 creatures played in the world, 00:05:23.498 --> 00:05:27.318 I think she agreed with me that it was wrong that a mighty magician was so thirsty 00:05:27.318 --> 00:05:29.598 for power that he would enslave an ancient dragon. 00:05:30.438 --> 00:05:34.798 The speeding train also made me angry. Even though I knew the mare was no longer 00:05:34.798 --> 00:05:36.578 a slave, its route made it clear 00:05:36.578 --> 00:05:40.378 that all it wanted was to be in Paris as quickly as possible and be free. 00:05:41.018 --> 00:05:44.578 At times I could see the train hovering over treetopses at Sped West. 00:05:45.058 --> 00:05:48.498 I had no doubt that we'd be in Paris in little more than a few hours. 00:05:49.698 --> 00:05:53.558 Knowing what I did of the history of magic and slavery, I found that the only 00:05:53.558 --> 00:05:59.478 magic I could appreciate anymore was that performed by skilled magicians like Naomi and even Kane. 00:06:00.038 --> 00:06:04.978 It was personal and pure. You could see it in Naomi's eyes as she focused on 00:06:04.978 --> 00:06:07.018 the light in her hand or cast a spell. 00:06:07.658 --> 00:06:12.898 It was art. It was beautiful in its own way and entirely different from the train. 00:06:13.198 --> 00:06:18.158 The train's joining of technology and magic wasn't an artistic collaborative 00:06:18.158 --> 00:06:22.118 thing, but rather magic being channeled by a creature forced into service. 00:06:22.738 --> 00:06:27.078 I couldn't wait for the trip to M in Paris and watched the merit explode from 00:06:27.078 --> 00:06:29.298 the rear of the engine in a violent leap to freedom. 00:06:30.629 --> 00:06:34.649 There was a screech and I was nearly thrown to the floor as the train ground to a quick halt. 00:06:35.369 --> 00:06:40.309 Naomi was thrown forward into the metal controls. As she rubbed her side, she looked outside. 00:06:41.129 --> 00:06:46.849 Well, we're somewhere. It's Paris. I knew the mayor did as I requested. 00:06:47.729 --> 00:06:49.289 This doesn't look like Paris. 00:06:50.249 --> 00:06:53.889 I looked outside and it was a small wooded area with a tiny station. 00:06:54.449 --> 00:06:56.169 In the distance was a village. 00:06:56.949 --> 00:06:58.929 It's probably just outside Paris. 00:06:59.749 --> 00:07:07.089 Before Naomi could say anything, a low growl gained in volume until an ear-piercing scream filled the air. 00:07:07.409 --> 00:07:09.889 I had heard that sound many times before. 00:07:10.309 --> 00:07:15.629 We need to get off this engine now. I slid the door open and climbed down the short ladder. 00:07:15.969 --> 00:07:19.089 As I hit the bottom rung, the engine lurched again. 00:07:19.529 --> 00:07:23.849 I jumped and rolled up to my feet. Naomi was barely clinging to the ladder as 00:07:23.849 --> 00:07:27.829 the horrific high-pitched sound of metal being ripped and torn filled the air. 00:07:28.369 --> 00:07:32.869 Naomi, just jump. The merit is freeing itself. You have to get off the train. 00:07:33.909 --> 00:07:38.249 Naomi leapt and landed awkwardly. I ran over and pulled her out of the way just 00:07:38.249 --> 00:07:40.949 when a slab of iron landed where she had been lying on the ground. 00:07:41.529 --> 00:07:45.129 She was limping as we ran along the train tracks, away from the engine. 00:07:45.769 --> 00:07:48.049 A resounding crash shook the ground. 00:07:48.869 --> 00:07:51.729 It just tossed the engine up in the air like it was a toy. 00:07:52.838 --> 00:07:56.638 I didn't look back. I had seen the same thing dozens of times. 00:07:56.978 --> 00:08:01.418 The magical creatures always completely destroyed the engines that had imprisoned them. 00:08:01.798 --> 00:08:04.458 The only thing I could do was make sure no one was nearby. 00:08:05.078 --> 00:08:06.998 Keep going, Naomi. It's dangerous. 00:08:07.918 --> 00:08:12.238 Another cry pierced the air. This one was pure triumph, however. 00:08:12.658 --> 00:08:17.558 I had also heard this cry many times before. I stopped and looked back. 00:08:18.258 --> 00:08:22.878 A swirling mass of flame and light coalesced into a creature of pure energy. 00:08:23.538 --> 00:08:27.358 As the Merig returned to its form, it launched itself into the air, 00:08:27.678 --> 00:08:31.258 leaving behind molten iron and twisted chunks of metal. 00:08:32.358 --> 00:08:37.198 Naomi looked awestruck as she watched the Merig shoot into the sky and then head south. 00:08:37.858 --> 00:08:41.158 It always headed south, and I had no idea why. 00:08:41.718 --> 00:08:46.258 What a magnificent being. I nodded. It was. 00:08:46.958 --> 00:08:52.578 The scene had never failed to move me. A creature that had been enslaved for years was finally free. 00:08:53.238 --> 00:08:57.018 A large group of people exited the passenger cars and looked at the wreckage, 00:08:57.278 --> 00:09:00.938 hands covering their mouths. A few of them looked around confused. 00:09:01.818 --> 00:09:04.998 I imagine the Russians are wondering why they aren't in Leningrad. 00:09:05.698 --> 00:09:10.278 I had to smile. While the mayor had taken us to Paris, he had also stranded 00:09:10.278 --> 00:09:12.538 a large group of Russians far from their home. 00:09:13.298 --> 00:09:16.278 A few looked in our direction, so I put my arm around Naomi's waist. 00:09:16.798 --> 00:09:20.958 She squinted at me. We need to get moving, and your leg is hurt. 00:09:21.938 --> 00:09:24.418 Actually, it's my ankle. Naomi 00:09:24.418 --> 00:09:28.358 put her arm on my shoulder and then to lung beside me. And my hip, too. 00:09:29.058 --> 00:09:31.398 Actually, I'm pretty much bruised all over. 00:09:32.378 --> 00:09:36.218 Well, I'm pretty much burned all over, so I hope we're in France as we really 00:09:36.218 --> 00:09:37.998 need to recover before Ana makes it here. 00:09:39.058 --> 00:09:44.598 Naomi pointed to a sign. It said, Shell. That certainly looks like French. 00:09:45.698 --> 00:09:49.798 Well, thank you, unnamed Merid. I'm going to assume that this is close enough. 00:09:50.278 --> 00:09:52.678 I looked up a road but couldn't see many buildings. 00:09:53.238 --> 00:09:56.038 We appeared to be in some distant suburb of Paris. 00:09:57.098 --> 00:10:01.638 We need to get to Paris, contact English military, get some new supplies and 00:10:01.638 --> 00:10:05.178 support, and then set up a base from where we can plan our attack on Anna. 00:10:06.018 --> 00:10:09.178 Naomi rattled off a plan even as I was considering our options. 00:10:10.118 --> 00:10:14.678 There's only one problem. we don't speak French we don't have a way to Paris 00:10:14.678 --> 00:10:18.998 we don't know where the English military bases are and we don't even know if 00:10:18.998 --> 00:10:20.458 the English military will help us. 00:10:22.014 --> 00:10:25.914 That's more than one problem. Thank you, Miss Optimism. 00:10:26.494 --> 00:10:29.454 I looked for signs of life on the street but couldn't find any. 00:10:29.914 --> 00:10:34.434 So let's tackle the second problem, since I doubt either of us will learn French anytime soon. 00:10:35.154 --> 00:10:40.394 We couldn't even hire a taxi as the remaining money we had was all Russian. Any ideas? 00:10:41.714 --> 00:10:45.294 You'd rather slowly made our way out to a road that ran alongside the rail line. 00:10:46.094 --> 00:10:49.474 Well, we could walk. You mean limp? 00:10:50.494 --> 00:10:52.234 I hope we're not too far from Paris. 00:10:53.394 --> 00:10:57.754 Naomi laughed and I turned to look at her. Well, we're farther than I had hoped. 00:10:58.614 --> 00:11:02.734 She was pointing to a sign that said, Paris, 18 kilometers. 00:11:04.134 --> 00:11:09.254 That doesn't sound good. How far is that in miles? I was horrible with the metric 00:11:09.254 --> 00:11:11.494 numbers. About 11 miles. 00:11:12.374 --> 00:11:14.614 Why would the mayor leave us so far from Paris? 00:11:15.634 --> 00:11:21.014 We turned down the road with the side and we had our answer. Is that a British flag? 00:11:22.214 --> 00:11:26.454 That is not only a British flag. That is an English army base. 00:11:27.274 --> 00:11:31.774 Well, that's convenient. I'm guessing you told the mayor that we were heading to a military base? 00:11:32.454 --> 00:11:35.754 I thought back to what I said to the mayor, and I couldn't think that I gave 00:11:35.754 --> 00:11:39.494 any guidance other than we needed to go to Paris. Maybe? 00:11:40.774 --> 00:11:45.014 Well, let's go get some help and then come up with a plan. I nodded. 00:11:45.474 --> 00:11:50.554 Could the mayor have helped us this much, taking us to the doorstep of where we needed to be? 00:11:50.894 --> 00:11:54.114 And how did it know? Did it read my mind? 00:11:54.834 --> 00:11:56.594 It seemed amazing if it did. 00:11:57.354 --> 00:12:00.374 That was just one of the many questions swirling in my head. 00:12:00.814 --> 00:12:06.434 The biggest one was how was I going to get the coat off the back of someone I couldn't harm? 00:12:07.120 --> 00:12:39.373 Music.