Music.
From the Army base, I sent a telegram to Kane.
From Thomas Black, Paris, T-53X7 Base, to Kane, Fort Delvedere.
Followed artifact to Paris, stop.
Need supplies and money, stop.
Kane replied quickly. From Kane, Fort Delvedere, to Black Thomas, Paris, T-53X7 Base.
I know, stop. You are supposed to destroy the German trains,
not the trains of our allies.
Stop. Sending a chaperone. Stop. He'll have money and supplies. Stop.
I read the telegram to Naomi for the third time.
She clenched her fist and the ever-present ball of light snuffed out. A chaperone?
She was getting angrier with each time I read it.
I swear I'll learn Ariadne's net just to tie up the chaperone and then ship him back to Cain.
I opened my mouth to say something, but Naomi held up her index finger with
a forcefulness that told me just to go with the flow. He's treating us like children.
A chaperone, not an escort. It's insulting. You're the archmage,
and I'm the most powerful magician in the world.
Yeah. I snuck the comment in before she continued her vent.
I mean, yes, he may be a better illusionist than me, but he's no match for me overall.
Naomi had never really compared herself to other magicians. Mr.
Ali had told me that she was a stronger illusionist than Kane,
but she appeared too humble to accept that.
So hearing her actually say it was kind of shocking.
My great-grandfather told me that illusionism wasn't real magic.
He good? I hadn't seen her smile so widely in a long time. I always liked him.
Ademai, is he okay? Still at Bomero? I lowered my head.
He's not doing well. He's retired and, well, just enjoying his garden.
I didn't say that there was every chance he was already dead,
and that I didn't have a chance to give him a real goodbye or attend his funeral.
There was so much that I wanted to say about him.
Naomi must have noticed my change in mood as she walked over and touched my
arm. He's very proud of you. You know that.
I nodded my head and then cleared my throat. So what do we do now?
I leaned back on a desk chair. The troops had taken over a local elementary
school, and we were in what must have been an office off the teacher's lounge.
I lived with the regular troops, which wasn't so bad, while Naomi was given
a cot in a small room in a far corner of the building.
We called it the closet, as that was probably what it was, with no windows,
one door, and shelves with stains on them.
She threw herself onto the sofa. I'm tired of waiting.
We had been at the base for two weeks. The colonel, a man named William Lexington,
was nice enough and left us alone.
I had originally talked to him about plans to look for Anna,
but he dismissed them all. He waved a telegram and said that we were just to
wait for the assistance.
I didn't know what he meant then, but he clearly meant Cain's chaperone.
What we really need are spies who can dig around the Russian community for information about Anna.
I worked on turning Kane's telegram into a paper airplane. I don't think she's
here yet, but that doesn't mean we should just sit on her hands.
Perhaps we should think about how to get the coat first. I threw the paper airplane
at her, but it flew nose first to the floor about three feet from my hand.
We had discussed plans over and over again, and they all ended with Naomi angry
that she couldn't just blow Anna up, and me wondering why the staff,
which seemed to increase in power near the coat, had no effect on her,
who was actually wearing it.
You seemed powerless against her, and that just left us both irritable.
Rather than answer Naomi, I used the staff to create a light show on the wall next to her.
She loved my little shows, and I was getting more and more proficient at them.
The key was the manipulation of color.
Light contained all colors, and as I worked through what I wanted to see,
the staff filled in all of the detail on its own.
Thinking of Zahak, I created a scene on the wall of a giant dragon swirling
around in the air and then landing on rocky ground in front of a robed Persian man.
The man held up his hand and I made the dragon melt into a cup, a staff, and a coat.
Ooh, do that again. Naomi stood up and moved closer to the wall. What?
When you made the cup, the light shimmered and it looked like I could actually
touch it. She turned and looked at me. It had depth.
Hmm, that was an accident. Let me try to do it on purpose.
I pictured what I wanted to do in my mind, but just like every other time I
used the staff, I didn't so much tell it what to do as think of what I wanted it to do.
My personal connection to the staff made it happen, but I wasn't sure how.
In this case, I thought about making the colorful images extend out like a model
train display or a diorama.
I didn't even really put much thought into the details. I just knew I wanted
to see a light image that looked like you could touch it, even if I didn't know
what it was that I actually wanted to see.
Wow! Naomi's voice shook me out of a kind of daze. I looked up,
and the image of Zahak had changed completely.
He was a mighty dragon that was swooping through the air of the room,
while the wall had somehow transformed into the mountainside I had pictured for Jamshed.
He looked so real!
Naomi stared at the dragon. The only time the dragon looked like he wasn't actually
real was when he flew in front of a light source, and I could see through him.
In dim light, he looked like a real dragon. Tiny, but real.
This is an illusion, Tommy. I mean, it's not like a cane illusion where you
can actually touch and experience it in your mind, but it looks as good as his illusions are.
Nah, you can see through it in bright light or if there's a light behind it.
I snuffed out the dragon. It's neat, though.
Naomi turned toward me, looking angry, which was something I was used to by
then. You know, you are maddening.
You listen to me. I couldn't help but smile, like I had a choice.
I love what you did over the past two years, but you've fallen into a very dangerous belief.
What is that? I had to admit that I was intrigued by her comment.
You think that you are powerful because you can do whatever you want when you
stop time. That's it. You think all your other powers are useless.
A light formed in her hand and she held it in place.
But even your ability to make light is extraordinary.
I guess as extraordinary as a street light. Naomi looked up with a start.
You know I just say that to tease you.
Your light saved us from shadows. Your absence of light saved the shadows. She held up two fingers.
Those are two things that no one in the history of the world has been able to
do. So don't tell me you're just a street light.
I sighed. I get it. I can do more than stop time, and I shouldn't be disappointed
that I can't stop time anymore.
But there's nothing I have left that will be able to stop Germans or Anna's
allies or—I wave my arms around—anything.
Shaking her head, Naomi looked at me. You're more powerful than you think.
Just remember that what you just did with a dragon is not something to take lightly.
That was powerful, and it may save our lives someday.
I tapped the cane on the floor while Naomi went back to casting her tiny balls
of light. We each had our own way of calming ourselves.
Didn't you hear? We don't have to worry about saving each other's lives anymore.
We have a chaperone coming.
Naomi rolled her eyes. Yeah, I give him one day before he runs screaming after
I'm done with him. Oh, I can't wait.
She switched her spell and cast one that looked like an ugly green,
black, and brown ball. When do you think he'll get here?
I don't know, but you're making me think that whenever he shows up, he'll regret it.
Naomi smiled. That's the idea. She snapped her fingers, and the nasty-looking
ball disappeared into a noxious smoke that drifted up to the ceiling,
and faded into nothingness.
Two weeks later, Naomi and I returned from lunch to a young man sitting on a
couch in our impromptu home base.
He wore an English military uniform with the rank of corporal,
yet he looked Indian, with black hair and dark skin.
As we walked in, he stood up with an exaggerated formality.
I glanced at Naomi, who rolled her eyes. We both had a good idea as to who this was.
He was about my height, thin, but not frail. He was just what I'd expect from
a cane lackey, not a soldier, but a desk jockey who was so formal and by the
book that his very movements seemed robotic.
As I got closer, I got a clear look at his face and was drawn to his eyes,
which were so blue that they appeared almost white.
The contrast with his dark hair and skin was striking.
He wasn't handsome, and he wasn't ugly, I guess he was average looking,
but his eyes gave him the kind of look that would draw attention from everyone in the room.
Hello? Can I help you?
My voice seemed to relax him as he smiled and replied, Nope, nope, not at all.
He didn't have an Indian accent, so I considered whether his ancestors had immigrated
to England generations earlier.
I waited, but he didn't add any more to his answer.
Naomi shook her head, marched over, and stood in front of him.
Her movements were so aggressive that they intimidated me, and she was my friend.
The stranger shrank a little bit as she eyed him up and down. Who are you?
Ignatius Lazarus. Ig, Iggy. I go by many names. You may pick one that you like the most and use that.
You're a strange one, Lazarus. I smiled. Of course Naomi used the one name that Iggy hadn't mentioned.
He didn't reply, so I repeated my earlier question. Can I help you?
No, not at all. You cannot help me.
I closed my eyes and took a breath. As maddening as Naomi could be,
this military formality was even worse.
Okay, let me rephrase the question. What are you doing here?
I'm here to protect the two of you.
He pointed at me and then Naomi. To keep you from harm, to make sure you don't
do anything foolish or risky.
There's no fun in that. Naomi turned to me. I think we've met our chaperone.
I figured as much. I looked at Iggy. I called him Iggy because I liked that
name the best, so I decided to use it.
He stared at me, which wasn't so much intimidating as it was disconcerting with his pale eyes.
I clanced away. Did Cain send you?
Iggy looked pained for a moment and then answered. Cain told me where to find
you. He gave me the supplies you need.
Iggy turned and pointed to a small duffel bag that was sitting on the couch that I hadn't noticed.
He gave me the direction to come here so I could help.
Great. Naomi threw herself on
the couch. Do you know any magic or are you just going to get in the way?
Oh, I will most definitely get in the way. Absolutely. No doubt.
Iggy smiled and Naomi and I laughed.
Well, at least you have the right attitude. I sat on a desk chair.
Iggy remained standing.
By the way, stick to that and not the formal language. It's much better.
I'm afraid I don't understand.
You know, just be honest and don't bother with the niceties.
None of this explaining every last detail as if you're organizing some kind of strategic plan.
Iggy seemed confused, so I turned to Naomi. This may be a lost cause.
Lazarus, what Tommy is saying is that you need to lighten up if you have any
hope of remaining with us.
Icky shrugged. I cannot get lighter. I'm afraid I'm stuck with this body.
Aren't we all? I looked at my own skinny arms.
Ugh, boys and their insecurities. Naomi looked at Iggy. Your sense of humor
is kind of weird. I like it.
There you have it, Iggy. Winning over Naomi was the biggest hurdle. You're part of the team.
Naomi slapped my arm. Actually, it was the only hurdle.
She hit me again. I turned to Iggy. So do you know what we're trying to do?
Sure do, yes. Do you always repeat your answers? Naomi walked over to a chair while casting a spell.
Iggy turned and looked at her. Not always, but it's good to be understood,
so mostly I clarify. So not always, but mostly?
You're an odd bird, Iggy. Why don't you sit down?
Iggy bowed his head and sat in the chair that was next to the sofa.
Did Cain have any intelligence on the Angel of St. Petersburg?
No, I'm afraid not. He was more interested in you two.
Of course he was. I thought you said you knew what we were trying to do.
Do you know where Anna is?
Yes. She has crossed into France. She's heading to the Russian community in
northern Paris. They are white Russians that consider her their monarch.
How do you know that? I was shocked at his detailed knowledge.
Did Cain have spies looking out to help us?
Friends, spies, that kind of thing. He stood up suddenly.
Well, I must be going. I'm staying down the hall. Please let me know when you
intend on confronting the bearer of the coat. I am to assist.
I stood up while Naomi focused on some spell. I'm not sure we'll need your help,
but thanks for bringing the supplies.
We can take it from here. I reached out to shake his hand.
Iggy stared at me for a moment, and it was the eeriest thing.
His eyes held my stare and didn't blink. As I got lost in the pools of icy blue,
it felt like he was reading my mind, so I turned away and looked at Naomi,
who was focused on casting the light spell.
There was the stomp of boots hitting the floor, and as I turned back,
I watched as Iggy left the room.
That's one strange guy. I turned my attention back to Naomi.
I think he's probably a student of canes. He moved like I would expect an illusionist to move.
Their more complex spells require very long casting time and movement repetition
that lead to moving awkwardly like he did.
I don't think he blinks his eyes. Well, I'm sure he blinks his eyes,
but holding his attention like that would indicate to me that he was perhaps
in the midst of casting an illusion.
Naomi sat up suddenly. Do you think he cast an illusion in our room?
She looked around and I did too.
I don't see anything out of place or different. Me neither. She stood up.
Maybe he was just practicing.
I shook my head. Not that I could see even a basic illusion.
I wish Mr. Ali was here. he'd know. I glanced at Naomi.
Ever since Mr. Ali had died saving her life, just mentioning his name created
what seemed like a mixture of deep pain and sadness.
Instead of clenching her fists, however, this time she just nodded her head.
Yeah, the old knucklehead was useful for that.
I loved that Naomi opened the door to talking about Mr. Ali.
I had wanted to share my feelings with her for days, but with her hurt and anger and my own confusion,
the time just never seemed right you know when i think back i wonder why he
was so important to me he gave me bad advice about the staff he was amazing
with his knife but ultimately had to rely on others to save him he knew just
enough magic history to help but not enough to really provide deeper insight,
he was just a nice man that always wanted to help others even if it hurt himself,
i choked up a bit or his relationship with others.
Maybe that's enough. Mayomi broke the silence that followed her comment by slapping
her hand on the duffel bag.
Should we just tell Lazarus to leave? I assume we have the stuff we need.
I don't know. You heard what he said about Ana. He seems to have knowledge that
we need. I don't trust him.
Even Kane called him our chaperone. Do we really want a Kane spy running around with us?
Well, we could probably use an illusionist now that Archaea is gone.
Glancing at Mayomi, I cursed myself. I had just talked about Mr.
Ali, who had died to save her, and I then mentioned the handsome young man that
may have been her boyfriend and had left her for the queen of his motherland. I was such an idiot.
To move off the topic, I quickly added, also, as I said, he had important information for us.
We now know Ana's in France and where she's heading.
He probably has some inside help from the government, so his intel would be useful.
Naomi opened her palm and started casting spells. Okay.
Assuming that he's not lying, and assuming he's an illusionist,
I agree. That would be really helpful.
Just because we can't harm Ana doesn't mean that a strong illusion couldn't
trick her into doing something rash.
Okay, good. So let's keep him around until he's more trouble than he's worth.
So what's next? We still don't have a plan. I think our next step is to relocate
to northern Paris and wait.
We now have the resources for a hotel room and a base of operations.
Naomi nodded and patted the duffel bag with our new supplies.
It will be nice to sleep on a real bed.
Well, we should probably enjoy
it. I have a feeling things won't be quite so easy once Anna shows up.
I clutched the staff, and as I thought about what Iggy had said about her being
in France, I realized I had missed a subtle change.
My connection to the staff was different. It was getting stronger.
Iggy wasn't lying. The coat was getting closer.
Music.