On Bated Breath We Wait

Chapter 9 (part 1)

I only remember hearing someone shout, “Nikos! Wake up you i***t!” I jolted awake from the shouting to see three people with masks in my room. They quickly held me down tying my hands behind my back. As they stood me up, one of them pulled out a potato sack and placed it over my head.

From there I felt them tie rope around my waist, and I heard one of them say, “Walk, we will let you know when to turn. Otherwise don’t speak.”

As we walked, I started keeping track of how many steps it took before they had me turn. Lefts, rights, up staircases, down staircases; they were taking me somewhere I had never been before. They informed me that we were only part way to where they were taking me.

I felt a headache start, it felt like the Training Link like Duran’s mother but different. It wasn’t until someone spoke through the connection that I understood why it felt different, “You are a fool to be captured like this. Let me…”

One of the people around me spoke up, “It‘s rare for someone to say nothing when like this. You better not be planning to do anything dumb under there.“

I felt them place something metal against my shoulder. If that was a threat, I should take it seriously; they were already k********g me who knows what else they would do. But I wonder how come no one noticed me walking the hallways tied up and with a bag over my head. I felt that weird connection again, “Dumb. How dare they call my ideas dumb.”

Carefully while the unknown voice ranted and complained about the people that were around me I found the time to ask, “Who are you?”

I could feel the malice coming from the voice as it spoke, “I am he who waits. I am what lurks where light and shadow do not tread. My name is Damian Edwardo Viktor Ibris Lucifuge, but you may call me. Sir Damian.”

I interrupted before Sir Damian could continue, “Wait, your name spells Devil?”

“Oh, how kind of you to notice. Yes, yes it does,” He replied before adding, “I will repeat what I asked the first time, before these idiots interrupted us. Do you want me to kill them?”

Without hesitation I answered, “No, what gives you the right to kill someone else.”

With a scoff, Sir Damian spoke, “Fine. But let me know if you change your mind. It’s been a long time since I felt blood on my hands.” With that Sir Damian fell silent and I began to wonder who he was; and how he was so easily able to form a Training Link with me, despite me not consenting.

We had arrived at our destination, wherever that was. I tried to think about the route we took only to come across a dead-end, the route we took was impossible. My captors opened a door and led me in, only for them to drag a chair right behind me. They untied my hands and told me to sit and to not take off my head covering. As instructed I sat down and instantly felt ropes pulling my hands behind the chair, and soon they were tied up again. But my captors did not stop there. My legs were tied to the chair, as well as my torso. I could barely move an inch.

I heard someone else come into the room, their foot steps sounded different compared to everyone else and then they spoke, “For the record state your name, age, and occupation.”

Confused but not wanting to anger them I answered, “Nikos Laury, twenty and researcher.”

They spoke again, “What do you research and why?”

I could only guess what they were trying to learn from me, “Everything my father did, and how he helped the Temple.” I felt a blade at the throat.

The person holding the blade spoke, it was a female voice, “You dare lie to us. Arrogant brat.”

I thought carefully and chose my next words carefully, “It’s the truth, ask the elders.”

The original person spoke, “He is telling the truth, and you better remove that blade from his neck or I’ll remove it for you.” I felt the blade leave my neck, followed by steps moving away from me.

I chimed in, “Thank you. It’s stressful enough talking with a sack over my head. Now can I have something to call you by so we can continue your questioning of me.”

“Tungsten,” the original voice spoke. I could heard someone of the people in the room attempt to hold back laughter.

Clearly they were playing with me and I decided to play too, “Six.“

Tungsten spoke, “Six, what?”

In the most arrogant tone I could muster I said, “Six. There are six people in this room other than me. Two ladies, four guys. Tungsten, you are one of the females. Out of the four guys one has a limp, another needs to eat less garlic and or onions, maybe both.”

Tungsten began to laugh, “This one is an arrogant little s**t, but I like him.”

“Maybe, I do like this one. They and I have the same taste in people,” Sir Damian chimed in.

It was at this point where between Tungsten and Sir Damian my patience for ego centered people was growing short. So I asked, “Any other questions for me?”

Tungsten cleared their throat, “Yes. What have you learned while researching what your father had done?”

With a sigh I informed them, “From beginning to now? Let’s see. My father likes to read both fiction and non-fiction. He wasn’t exactly organized. My father did a lot of the things to my room, things that include its kitchen and fireplace. He helped people and the Temple for income, but you already knew that. Um, Nathan Clearwater is my grandfather...” For a moment I heard several of the people in the room audibly curse under their breath. I continued, “My father’s handwriting is horrid. He also liked to take notes about changes in the Temple, about the people, the building, the weather, even the plant and animal life. He was good friends with the Kelts and the Saverem families; but I’m not surprised by that one. But that’s really it, was there something I missed?” The room fell silent.

Sir Damian spoke to me, “I think they are probing you for information. Whatever you say don’t mention anything about magic. If they try to do anything dangerous to you, I’ll stop them. You will not like it though.”

Tungsten stepped around my chair and stood behind me; with a tug they pulled my head back. “Do you know how easy it is to get information from someone with just a bit of water?” Tungsten said taunting me before added, “Would you like it all at once, or slowly? Answer quickly.”

I felt the connection between Sir Damian and I strengthen. It was as if I was a passenger in my own mind, “Sorry, kid. I don’t want you to have to go through what happens next.” I felt the world blur for a moment and I closed my eyes. When I opened my eyes I saw myself tied to the chair, each face of everyone around me remains a blur. Then I heard it, Sir Damian’s voice coming out of my mouth, “I’m feeling a bit thirsty, let’s do all at once.” I saw Tungsten reach their hand into their pocket and pull out a single glove. As they put it on I noticed that its palm was a blueish hue and symbols similar to that on my magic book. They waved a few of the others, two held my shoulders down and one held my head back. As Tungsten moved her gloved hand over my face I felt the cool sensation of water on my face before I started to hear Sir Damian laughing while struggling to breathe.

As Sir Damian mocked them Tungsten yelled, “We know what you are keeping from us Nikos. Tell us!”

Sir Damian paused from his laughter to say, “Well you are going to have to do better than this.” As I watched, I couldn’t help but wonder why was he protecting me; I didn’t even know him. Their back and forth continued for what felt like hours. At the end Sir Damian was still laughing and Tungsten was now panting and dripping with sweat.

Tungsten stepped back and said, “Your a monster.”

Only for Sir Damian to respond, “No, you are the monsters. This kid has nothing to do with you yet.” One of the people darted over to my body, a knife was at my throat.

“Who are you and where is Nikos?” Tungsten demanded.

“Little old me? I’m no one. But Nikos? Oh, he’s here. But I’m protecting him, I can’t have you breaking my newest toy.” Sir Damian smiled with glee. I watched as the ropes that held me tightly melted, as if they were butter on a hot day. Soon the knife at my throat began to melt, as it dripped onto me it burned through my shirt exposing my chest. I mentally braced for the pain, but nothing happened. I focused trying to figure out why my chest didn’t hurt but I heard Sir Damian speak once more, “Flee little lambs if you don’t want to die today.” In an instant, everyone fled from the room leaving me alone. My body stood up and took the bag off my face. It was surreal seeing my body act on its own but was it really? My head turned to look up to where I had been watching everything and Sir Damian spoke, “Nikos, I’m going to borrow your body for a bit. I’m going to make sure you get home without issues. I must have scared them pretty good, so I’m going put you to sleep so you don’t witness what comes next.” Before I could respond I felt myself falling sleep.

When I awoke I was back in bed, only my burned shirt as evidence that it wasn’t a dream. But as I continued to look around for anything else I noticed a single piece of paper of my desk. It read…

*Dear Sir Nikos Laury,*

*Thank you for that wonderful time last night. It has been ages since I had that much fun. As per the events of the night you will see that only your shirt is damaged and you suffered no injury. I do suggest you finish destroying that shirt, I suggest the fireplace. You need not worry about the people from last night, I dealt with them and you shouldn’t have to worry about them any time soon. But in the case that you do… I suggest you continue learning magic and do it as fast as possible. Become a hermit for a bit in this room, I will not be able to protect you for a bit; as last night took a lot out of me. Judging from events of last night, I would say you have maybe three or more days before they can try anything again. I will suggest two things before you lock yourself away in here. One is to restock on as much food as possible, consider foods that will last a long time dried meats and such. Don’t worry about getting too much water, page six hundred and twelve in your magic book will teach you how to conjure water. Lastly, inform the Saverem family of what happened last night. Only tell them about the k********g. DO NOT MENTION ME, the torture, or anything else that happened.*

*Sincerely, D.E.V.I.L.*

Rather than fight against Sir Damian’s wishes, I followed his instructions. I debated which to do first but end up deciding on telling Meryl’s family first. It was still around dawn so I thought I could catch them before anyone had left their home.

As I knocked on their door I was soon greeted by Meryl. It was clear to me that Meryl was just waking up; as she was rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and still in a long dress I had never seen before, “Nikos? What are you doing here so early in the morning? Don’t you know this is when all of the pretty girls get their rest?” I explained that I had to tell something to her parents and she waved me in, “Parents? Right, come on in.”

Stepping into their home I was quickly greeted by both her parents. Both sat at the family table. Her father, Valentine asked me about my visit. As I explained to them what happened last night their faces went from calm, to worried, to anger, back to calm.

Once I finished her mother chimed in, “Well it’s a good thing you were not hurt and it was smart of you to come to us. That didn’t sound like anything the envoy would do and I’ll see if anyone knows anything later today. What are your plans for the rest of today, you must be worried that someone is watching you?” I laid out my plans for staying in my room for a while, avoiding telling my reasoning and not mentioning what I was going to be doing in my room.

“If that is what you wish to do we cannot stop you. After all that experience must have been frighting for you. Meryl dear?”

Meryl’s mother called her back into the main room. Meryl now fully dressed for the day came back in, “Yes, mom?”

“Nikos, has had a troubling night and needs a bit of help today. Care to help him? Think of it like the times you use to help his father.” She asked of Meryl.

“Like his father? Oh, okay,” Meryl turned to me and asked what I needed help with. I reiterated what I was going to be getting and that I was going to be staying in my room for a while. Oddly, she didn’t ask why but just nodded along as I explained.

As Meryl followed me around the Temple, she remained quiet at first while only help me carry everything. At first I was only going to get dried meats and water like Sir Damian recommended, but as I talked with the cooks in the mess hall she stopped me and asked, “Is that really all you are getting Nikos?” She proceeded to suggest other things for me to get. From a cast iron skillet to a cauldron for cooking in, as well as various root vegetables. In her words, “Nothing lasts longer than what you can store and not have to worry about.” Once we brought everything back home she finally asked, “So what are you going to be doing in here all by yourself?” I wasn’t quite sure if should tell her. In the end I told I would be studying my father’s research and that Roxie Kelt had give me a book to read in my spare time. But at the mere mentioned of Roxie’s name made her begin to question everything we had done today. “Are you telling me the whole truth Nikos? We have friends for how long and clearly you trust my parent’s enough to tell them, why can’t you tell me?”

Guilt consumed me, “Sorry, I will but can we do it somewhere else? I’d like to check with Roxie about something too so we will do it there. Is that okay?”

In a huff she exclaimed, “Fine.”

I could tell she was pissed, and I knew the cause she didn’t think I trusted her. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust myself to keep the secret of magic. We found ourselves soon at the door of the Kelt’s as I knocked it was Roxie who answered, “Nikos, I didn’t expect you to see so soon? Can I help you with something?”

I spoke up, “Sorry to bother you. I need to talk to you about that book I borrowed. Is it okay if Meryl comes in to?”

She looked Meryl up and down for a second before saying, “Sure, sure. Come on in the both of you.” As we sat down at the table she said something I didn’t quite understand, “Meryl. I trust you and your parent’s but I’m going to need you to make a vow. I’m assuming you know how.”

“I understand.” Meryl paused and held two fingers up to her lips, within a second the tips began to glow a light blue. She lowered her hand and touched her heart and said, “I, Meryl Saverem vow to not speak a word of what is discussed here today. Nor shall I tell anyone of this meeting or the events that brought me here today.”

Roxie then turned to me, “Now Nikos what did you want to ask me?”

“Actually, you just answered my question,” I said embarrassed, “I knew I could trust you and Duran as well as Meryl’s parents. However I didn’t want to assume Meryl was also safe to trust, it hurt me to think that way but I had too.” I looked over to Meryl and apologized, “I’m sorry Meryl. I’m new to magic and I was told to keep several things a secret.”

Roxie smiled, “No, you were right too and I’m glad that it bothered you so much to keep it a secret from me.”

Roxie placed her elbows on the table and placed her chin in her hands, “Now that’s out of the way… Have you done any reading yet Nikos?”

Proudly I stated, “I have. I was able to review the information that you already taught me and I did the eye training; but that made me pass out.”

Meryl raised an eyebrow, “You passed out? Roxie what type of training is Nikos doing?”

“The one thats best suited for him, trust me.” Roxie began to smile.

The words, trust me clearly bother Meryl as she pressed the issue, “I’ve already taken a vow about this conversion. Why are you still keeping things from me?”

Roxie looked Meryl in the eyes, “Because it’s mine to say.”

Meryl’s head swiveled to me, and I knew what she was going to ask. I quickly pulled out the necklace from under my shirt. Her eyes told me everything. She knew what was around my neck and the power it held. A knot formed in her throat, and she struggled to swallow it. Only for her to ask, “Is that what I think it is?” Roxie nodded as I put it back under my shirt. “So his training is taking into count that?”

“Indeed,” Roxie confirmed.

I could hear the fear and worry in Meryl’s voice as she asked, “Isn’t that dangerous.”

Roxie looked down at the floor, “Extremely. But if anyone sees that crystal its best that Nikos can defend himself, the sooner the better. Now I think we talked about almost everything that needed to be talked about. Nikos can you step back into the hall for a second. If anyone tries to do anything to you out there shout and Meryl and I will come running.”

Confused I agreed and stepped outside. It was only much later, years in fact that I find out what was talked about between those two…

As the door closed behind me, Roxie turned to Meryl and said, “You better get moving. He isn’t going to stay that way forever.”

Stunned by Roxie’s comment Meryl admitted, “Is it that obvious?”

Roxie erupted into laughter, “Yes, child. But don’t worry, heed my advice and things might go your way. Will is the same way. They are like a puppy, they are happy and eager to tell anyone about what they learned. Become his person, be the person he wants to tell everything too. I did that with Will and won his heart.” Meryl thanked her for the advice and left to met me in the hallway.

On the journey back home it was quiet; anytime I tried to make a conversation with Meryl she either gave me a short answer or avoided the question. Something was bothering her and I didn’t want to anger her by pressing the issue, so I stayed quiet.

Once home and inside I thanked her for assistance, “Thanks for you help today.”

Meryl started to roll up her sleeves, “Oh, I’m not done yet. Do you have a knife I can borrow?”

As I searched for a knife she pulled out the cauldron. Once I was able to find a knife I handed it to her and she began cutting symbols into the rim of cauldon.

Curious I asked, “What are you doing to the cauldron?”

Focused on her work she explained, “I’m carving a spell into your cauldron. You won’t get to this type of magic for a while so I’ll explain it the best the I can. There are two ways to cast magic. Internally and externally. What you will learn in the beginning will all be internal, however once you get to external you will learn this.” She pointed to the edge of the cauldron, “This is the language of magic that I learned, there are several written forms however all of them require this,” she traced the edge of the cauldron. “A circle or rather a ring symbolizes the planet and allows mana to flow to activate the spell. What I’m doing here is making it so you don’t let any food you cook in this go to waste. The spell will prevent you from burning the food within but also prevent anything inside from spoiling. Think of it as my investment into your health while you stay in here.”

As she finished she looked up and said, “Actually, I think there is one more thing I can do for you here. But I going to need your help finding it first. You mentioned you had done the training for your eyes right?” I nodded and she continued, “Good, we are going to search everywhere in here, repeat what you did in your book so you can see magic. We are looking for something with a faint glow, I suspect its on the floor.” As instructed I began to focus my eyes and soon I felt the strain return. I looked over towards her to she something glowing in her pockets but also the rim of the cauldron glowing. We both began our search, whatever it was we were looking for was difficult. The entirety of the stone floor was without a speck of glowing, soon we found ourselves on the floor. Inch by Inch we searched until we were sure we had checked everything. Out of nowhere she asked, “Can you get on the bed really quickly? I’m going to try something else?“ Without hesitation I walked over to the bed and sat down. “No, get your feet off the ground,” she ordered. I could tell she was about to do something, she had pulled whatever it was out of her pocket. It was something metal and as she spilled it onto her fingers, her whole body was shining brightly. It was too much so I closed my eyes and held them shut, I felt the strain leave my eyes. I heard a large cracking sound followed by everything starting to shake for a moment. As I opened by eyes I saw Meryl getting up from one knee, “Found it!” I got off the bed and walked over her, beneath her feet the stone floor now had a deep c***k in it, it was easily about a foot wide.

As I marveled at the c***k she redirected me over to a corner of the room. There was now a wooden panel now on the floor. I exclaimed, “What? How? That wasn’t there before!”

Meryl walked over to the panel, “I think your father had many secrets. But I think he hinted at this one to me, he wasn’t a stranger to keeping to himself.” She reached down and lifted the panel. In the light of the room I could see a staircase that quickly descended into darkness.

Concerned I asked, “What’s down there?”

She walked over to one of my bookshelves and grabbed a candle and while walking back said, “If I’m right the most important thing you will need.”

As we walked down the stone stairs into the darkness I could feel the temperature drop. Soon it felt cold enough to see one’s owns breath. The bottom of the stairs opened up to a small room with a single door. As she pulled the door open she announced, “Your bathroom.”

I started laughing. She looked around the door inside to see. Pitch black darkness. “Well, I clearly didn’t think that through,” she said with embarrassment. She walked inside and fumbled around for a bit, until the room lit up like it was day. As I walked inside I saw countless circles with written similar to that of what she had written on the cauldron. With a smile she said, “Once again your bathroom.” As I looked around, I couldn’t help but to ask what each magical symbol meant or rather what it did. From duplicating the bathroom paper, to incinerating waste, even cleaning the whole room there was a symbol for everything.

“Isn’t this all a bit much?” I asked her.

“Maybe, maybe not. I don’t know how your father learned magic or from who. But it’s clear that he created this room then added these spells so he would never have to do anything else in here other than using the bathroom.” She ran her hand across the symbol that was carved into the wall, “These are beautiful. If your father did create these he knew magic at a very high level, I barely understand them. Your father was definitely a man of many mysteries.”

“So I clearly do my business in there but how do I use everything in here?” I inquired.

She pointed to a wooden lid that was behind the whole of the toilet, “Once you are done close it and the lid and the toilet rim will form a complete symbol destroying your waste. It’s rather ingenious.” She walked over to the large symbol carved into the wall, “This one activates when you close the door without you inside, its cleans the bathroom; I think.” She walked over to a small symbol by the roll of fabric, “This one duplicates the room of bathroom paper. Please study the material of the bathroom paper, because using it you need to understand the material before you can duplicate something. Otherwise the spell will handle the rest.”

We went back to the first room, shelves were carved into the stone. Out loud I asked, “What do you think this room was for?”

She walked closer to the wall and starting inspected the shelves, “I think its a root cellar. It would make sense with how much effort your father put into the bathroom. With how clean that your bathroom can stay, anything in this door would stay safe.”

With that in mind we proceeded in bringing all of the root vegetables down to the cellar. After that, we spent some time together before saying our goodbyes, but I didn’t expect her to hug me and say, “Nikos take care of yourself in here. Remember to pace yourself because you can easily exhaust yourself when using magic; and most importantly if you need anything all you have to do is leave something by your door and I’ll come see what you need.” As she began to walk to the door she pulled out a bit of chalk and started drawing something on the door. I tried to ask what it was but she only stopped to stay, “Protection,” before she left.