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I woke the next day and my hands shook a little as I lifted the staff.
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Anna was closing in on Paris. It was obvious to me.
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I had hoped that her getting closer would return my power to stop time,
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but after several attempts, I had to accept that she was still too far away.
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Either that, or the power of the staff had become completely unpredictable.
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I tried not to think of that. The compulsion to leave the hotel and head directly
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to grab the coat was strong enough that I had to force myself to relax and be patient.
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I could practically feel the roiling emotions of Zayak and the staff.
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He had been enslaved for centuries.
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At the same time, being cooped up in the hotel was not helping.
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It was nearing lunchtime, so I decided to see if Naomi would like to eat and perhaps go for a walk.
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I knocked on the door to her room, but there was no answer.
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Assuming she was already in the restaurant, I headed for the stairs.
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I scoured the restaurant and lobby of the hotel, but couldn't find her anywhere.
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Knowing that our encounter with Anna was coming soon, I changed plans and decided
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to find out more about how far we were from Park Monceau, which was where Iggy
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originally said the Russians had settled.
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After some confused words and waving of hands, the desk clerk called over a woman.
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May I help you? Finally, someone who spoke English.
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How far is Park Monceau?
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It is a 15 or 20-minute walk, but don't worry, there are taxis waiting.
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She motioned toward my hand. The comment confused me until I realized that I was holding the cane.
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Oh, no, that's okay. This isn't a cane. It's a walking stick.
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I spun the cane in my hand and then dropped the tip to the floor where it let out a loud tap.
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The other clerk glanced over and his eyes went wide. I ignored him as by then
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I was used to looks from strangers who didn't know I was the archmage.
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Which direction is the park?
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The woman gave me directions which were quite easy to follow.
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I figured I'd walk over, look around, and then come back with some information for Naomi and Iggy.
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Thank you, I said as I spun around and headed out to the street, my mood already better.
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A walk was exactly what I needed. I tapped the cane on the pavement,
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where the sound reminded me of the days when I could walk with my grandfather
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and he would do the same thing. I wondered how he was.
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He had retired to his apartment in Manhattan, and I had not seen him in months.
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I had visited him a few times, and each time he happily took me in and listened to my adventures.
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He was very proud of how I was freeing the Merids. He was a good man who,
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in his own reckless way, always looked out for those who needed help.
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Despite his obvious pride in me, I could sense some jealousy.
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After all, he was the hero during the Great War, and he had clearly loved the role of mighty warrior.
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But he was never bitter or angry.
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More than anything, I think he wished he could join me.
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I made a left on Boulevard de Courcel, and it hit me that this was the exact
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street that Iggy said Anna would be staying on.
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There were brownstone homes that reminded me of my grandfather's house and at
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street level, there were shops and cafes.
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More than anything, it felt familiar as I had been raised in a similar bustling city, New York.
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A line of trees started on the right and behind an iron fence, I could see a park.
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I walked across the street to the entrance which was a couple blocks further down the street.
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The sign said Park Monceau. I assumed the Russians lived in the brownstone houses to my left.
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Why did they settle there, I thought. Was the park somehow important?
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Did it remind them of Russia? The sun was bright and the weather was beautiful,
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so even if the park was just a distraction, I decided to walk through it.
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There was a rotunda at the entrance and ornate iron gates behind it that were
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wide enough for automobiles to pass through.
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Despite the war, there were a lot of people walking the well-manicured grounds,
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couples, families with children, and individuals out for a picnic.
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As I moved further along the path around the park, I couldn't help but feel it was wrong somehow.
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There was a wide array of miniature buildings and replicas of things like a
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Chinese fort and a Roman colonnade.
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The Roman colonnade was popular as it sat next to a lake full of ducks.
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I continued my walk past the lake, and the crowd started to thin the further along I went.
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The trees became more numerous, and the shade deepened.
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I eventually came across what looked like a miniature Egyptian pyramid.
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I stooped down to get a closer look at its base when something bowled into me
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and sent me flying through the air.
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It felt like a giant had just swept me off the path with a flick of his finger.
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Dazed, I looked up to see Iggy standing next to me. My shoulder was sore and
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my hip hurt. What the heck?
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Iggy knelt down. They were close to casting at you, Stathbearer.
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We must find cover. This was a very foolish place to visit.
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First of all, you know you can call me Tom. And secondly, what do you mean this is dangerous?
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Iggy looked in all directions, his head darting around. You were followed by
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termins. I looked around but couldn't see anyone.
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This park is full of illusions, and I fear the Germans can use them to harm
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you. He pointed toward a bush. We should hide behind that for now.
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He took my arm and tugged. The force nearly pulled my arm from my socket.
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Ow, are you trying to kill me? I stood up, rubbing my shoulder and hip.
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I followed Iggy toward the bush.
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Illusions? What do you mean?
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You are familiar with follies? We were in a space behind the bush and near a dense copse of trees.
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As he spoke about follies, my mind immediately went to Fort Belvedere in London,
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the citadel that was a folly, mansion designed to look like a pretend fortress,
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but actually hid a real fortress.
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Wait, do you mean to tell me that all the fake things in this park are real?
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I thought back to the Roman colonnade, the arch, the fort, and the pyramids
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standing not ten yards from me.
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Some are real. Some are physical replicas. Some are illusions.
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The magic in this park is very strong.
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Iggy must have noticed my confusion. Not all illusions are meant to harm or
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hide. Most of the illusions here are to entertain.
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But you should never underestimate how a magician could take an existing illusion
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and twist it to his own uses.
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I didn't even know you could do that. There is a lot you don't know.
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Gee, thanks. I peeked him around the bush. I don't see anyone.
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Should we try to sneak back to the hotel? Well, we should, but be prepared for a battle.
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I don't even know what I can do to fight. I can't stop time,
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and I don't want to blind everyone. There are children near the lake.
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I guess I could just create darkness, but without knowing where we are going,
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that will hurt us as much as them.
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I rub my shoulder again. It really hurt.
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I wish Naomi were here. Yes, she is much more powerful than you are.
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You're not exactly helping.
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So what do we do? The nearest exit is to the east, but we should navigate through
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the trees and exit through the south. Let us hope that the Germans can't guard all the exits.
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It was a well-maintained park, so walking through the trees was not all that difficult.
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Iggy would stop every so often, look left and right, and then continue.
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As we walked, I had to give Cain credit.
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His chaperone was actually helpful.
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We exited through some trees, and there to our left was a large gate.
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It was made of wrought iron, and like the gate to the north that I had passed
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through, was large enough for automobiles.
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It was also chained shut.
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That's not good. I glanced back into the park. It seemed oddly empty.
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Where did all the people go?
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What do you think? This is a trap.
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Well, for once you're not telling me anything I don't know. I walked toward
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the gate. Can we break through?
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I was a few steps down the path when there was the sound of scratching and growling.
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As I turned to see what the sound was, Iggy grabbed my arm to pull me back. Those are gin.
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Four huge djinn with massive claws and teeth were walking toward us. No, they are illusions.
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Well, I'm not good with illusions, so I'm not sure it matters.
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I remember Kane's lesson with the gun. They'd still kill me.
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Iggy nodded. Wait here. He walked over to the djinn who arranged themselves around him.
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I was sure he was about to get cut to shreds. He crouched down,
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and as they prepared to jump him, he spun around in a whirlwind of amazing speed.
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His arm reached out, and with a pop, pop, pop, he eviscerated the djinn,
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turning them into their elemental essence of air.
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He was so fast I couldn't see the knife in his hand or where he pulled it from.
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I started toward him. That was amazing.
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Iggy looked at me and held up his hand. Stay there, staff bearer.
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As he spoke, an explosion of light hit him in the back and knocked him a few feet in my direction.
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He lay sprawled on the ground. I ran toward him. It looked like he got hit with a detonation.
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I hadn't seen a djinn survive that, let alone a human. To my shock,
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he pulled himself up onto his hands and looked at me.
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He didn't seem like he was in pain. In fact, he didn't look hurt at all. Are you okay?
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I am injured, but it is not life-threatening.
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He scrambled to his feet and stumbled toward the tree line.
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We need to escape. There are many magicians. They are coming from the north,
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but we should expect them to enter from other directions soon.
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A loud voice with a German accent yelled out from the distance.
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Tommy Black, where are you, Archmage? I know you are there. The voice sounded
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friendly, as if he was calling an old friend.
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Come now, Tommy. You know the staff belongs with the other artifacts.
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Just hand it over to me and you may leave in peace. I didn't reply,
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and the voice added, Come now, Tommy.
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You know the staff belongs with the other artifacts.
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Just hand it over to me and you may leave in peace. Or you could join us. You love magic, no?
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I guess the Nazis found us. Can we defeat them?
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I don't know. If you cannot use the staff, then no. I can only do so much.
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I was going to ask Iggy how he could help at all. when the Germans shouted out
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again. He sounded closer.
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Now, now, Tommy. Don't be foolish. We know you are protected by an Efreet, but he will not save you.
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We have defeated greater creatures with fewer forces.
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Efreet? I looked at Iggy. He was looking out toward where the voice came from. Are you an Efreet?
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Iggy turned and looked at me. He attempted a smile, but it retained that comical
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formality I attributed to him being overly disciplined.
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I realized the truth. He just didn't know how to smile. It was one of many things that I had missed.
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I am a Shfrit, Aeneid.
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A Neyat. It was the honorific that I hadn't heard used in a long time.
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The magical creatures gave me the title when I provided a home to the shadows
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and started to free the merits from the trains.
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It was Persian for kindness.
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I had so many questions but no time to ask them. All I knew was that I felt
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my chances had just increased dramatically.
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The fleet were powerful. Tommy, I'm afraid my patience is running out.
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The voice was closer still.
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Can you transform into fire and destroy them all?
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Possibly. There are many of them in their mastery of magic strong.
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I was about to tell him to do his best when he added, But I can only do it if
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it is required to protect you.
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For heck's sake, Iggy. I think it's pretty darn required at this point.
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We're surrounded by Nazi magicians, and the only reason they aren't swarming
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us now is probably due to them being afraid of you.
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You should use the staff. I looked at the staff.
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He was right. My confidence had been shaken by the loss of my ability to stop
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time, but I could still make us invisible. Then we could just sneak out.
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Just as I was about to bend light around us, Iggy leapt in front of me,
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and a powerful blast knocked him
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into me and tossed us both back into the plants at the base of the trees.
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I was a bit dazed, but Iggy seemed badly hurt.
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His body was twisted, although he didn't moan or seem to be in pain.
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Iggy, are you okay? I stumbled over and knelt next to him. I can heal in my fire form, but.
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He paused and it looked like he was taking a deep breath. Although with him
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being in a freak, I wasn't exactly sure what he was doing.
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I am too weak to do that now. I need to rest a nayette.
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I'll find a way to stop them. No, you should escape. They are interested in you, not me.
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They'll kill you. Iggy didn't say anything. I'm not leaving you.
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Before Iggy could object, I added, I have an idea. I was going to try something
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I had never really done before, using two powers of the staff at the same time.
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The first thing I did was bend light around us. As I called upon the staff, I knew I had done it.
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In fact, as I became one with the power, I was filled with a rush of excitement.
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I was in my element, using the power of the staff to overcome my enemies.
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With both Icky and me invisible to the German magicians, I shaped the colors
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of light as I had done in the hotel room with Naomi.
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I created a massive fiery of Frit. I had confronted an ancient and powerful
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of Frit and Persepolis, and I made this one identical, burning with fire and impressive in size.
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My imaginary african cruised through the air toward the middle of the park.
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I left Iggy behind and walked along the tree line, knowing that I couldn't be seen.
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There were three Nazi magicians straight ahead and a large clearing that marked
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the intersection of the north-south and east-west paths of the park.
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One was off to the left, and to the right were two others moving slowly toward me along the tree line.
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In total, there were six Nazi magicians. A half dozen masters?
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I had never seen such magical might. I hoped I could scare them away,
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but seeing them all made me feel foolish.
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The appearance of an Efreet may have made them cautious, but it wouldn't make them flee.
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Still, I had to try. I sent the Efreet forward, expanding the fire along its
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arms so that it looked like an awesome elemental being.
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The three masters at the intersection of the path crouched down.
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I could tell that one was casting a shield, while the other two started hurling
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spells at my light illusion.
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I had the Afrit dodge the spells, but the Nazi magicians were so fast that a
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few flew straight through my illusion.
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If only I could add sound, I could perhaps convince them to flee by using the
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ominous voice that I had experienced in Persepolis.
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As it was, the masters were clearly alarmed, but my plan to have them flee wasn't working.
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In the distance, I heard machine guns and Denon explosion.
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The Germans were bringing reinforcements, and they were troops with machine guns.
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There was a shout from the left, and I watched a magician walk toward my Efreet.
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I had it expand in size, creating a fire so bright that it would burn their
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eyes if they looked at it.
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The masters in the middle continued to cast ineffective detonations,
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while the one to the left shielded his eyes while he continued to walk forward.
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Very impressive, Archmage.
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The magician covering his eyes yelled out, An illusion of light.
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You fooled even me. He turned back and shouted something in German.
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The master stopped casting. I worked my way over to the right in the path that led to the pyramid.
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I was getting dangerously close to the other two magicians. I had resigned myself
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to a plan that I had hoped not to need, leaving Iggy behind while I escaped
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and went to get help from Naomi.
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My fear was that even Naomi wouldn't be able to handle six master magicians.
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Even as powerful as she was.
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Where are you, Archmage? We have the park exits blocked.
00:16:10.186 --> 00:16:15.566
You cannot escape. Are you playing more games with light? That is your talent, is it not?
00:16:16.066 --> 00:16:21.846
I had a very clear view of the leader. He was in a Nazi uniform and had a lot of medals on his chest.
00:16:22.126 --> 00:16:24.426
He walked with a bit of an uneven gait.
00:16:25.006 --> 00:16:30.326
He's a master illusionist. I shook my head. Why are all the jerks illusionists.
00:16:30.706 --> 00:16:32.866
I decided that two could use illusion.
00:16:33.306 --> 00:16:37.246
I let the Efreet fade away, and then I created a light illusion on myself,
00:16:37.566 --> 00:16:40.666
running across the path on the opposite side of the intersection from me.
00:16:41.266 --> 00:16:44.886
Immediately, two masters cat destinations with deadly accuracy,
00:16:45.386 --> 00:16:47.486
blowing up the entire area where I would have been.
00:16:48.066 --> 00:16:51.246
So much for them letting me go without hurting me. Come now,
00:16:51.426 --> 00:16:53.446
Archmage. Don't make this difficult.
00:16:53.766 --> 00:16:58.366
If you don't run, we won't hurt you. The leader of the magicians glanced around.
00:16:59.226 --> 00:17:02.906
I retreated behind the pyramid, but the moment I stepped within a few feet of
00:17:02.906 --> 00:17:07.146
it, the blocks spread into the form of a mouth and a loud voice said, Footsteps approach.
00:17:08.026 --> 00:17:12.366
I hurried away from the pyramid as all six magicians focused their attention in my direction.
00:17:12.666 --> 00:17:16.746
At that moment, a muffled explosion came from the direction of the main entrance
00:17:16.746 --> 00:17:19.146
behind the three masters on the main path.
00:17:19.286 --> 00:17:24.846
It was so powerful that I felt the force wave push me back. The masters tumbled forward.
00:17:25.586 --> 00:17:28.966
My, my, that was a very nice shield. I'm impressed.
00:17:29.829 --> 00:17:34.569
Walking toward us was Naomi. She was in her black dress, and her blonde hair
00:17:34.569 --> 00:17:38.429
stood out against it as a slight wind blew tendrils of her hair around her face.
00:17:38.889 --> 00:17:42.989
The magicians looked shocked as they got to their feet. She motioned with her
00:17:42.989 --> 00:17:48.149
hand, and one of the masters was tossed backward as if he was made of paper, caught in a stiff wind.
00:17:48.929 --> 00:17:53.229
Naomi laughed. As I said, it was a very nice shield.
00:17:53.649 --> 00:17:57.689
One of the masters unleashed a series of detonations, but they thudded against
00:17:57.689 --> 00:17:59.229
a shield that Naomi had cast.
00:17:59.729 --> 00:18:02.949
With another wave of her hand, the second magician went flying,
00:18:03.229 --> 00:18:04.329
rolling across the lawn.
00:18:05.109 --> 00:18:09.609
Naomi, there are two magicians to your left. I was worried about her being attacked
00:18:09.609 --> 00:18:11.209
by the magicians she hadn't seen.
00:18:11.509 --> 00:18:13.769
I didn't even know what kind of magicians they were.
00:18:14.289 --> 00:18:18.129
I found out as one of them turned and cast a detonation right at me.
00:18:18.509 --> 00:18:21.409
He couldn't see me, but he must have aimed where he heard my voice.
00:18:21.649 --> 00:18:26.669
The detonation missed, but exploded about five feet to my left. I went flying.
00:18:27.249 --> 00:18:32.109
The only thing that saved me was my instinct in holding onto the cane. I remained invisible.
00:18:32.969 --> 00:18:36.369
Clutching the staff in my right hand, I reached down to lift myself up with
00:18:36.369 --> 00:18:38.989
my left when searing pain exploded from my shoulder.
00:18:39.369 --> 00:18:41.389
It was hanging lower than it should be.
00:18:41.789 --> 00:18:46.489
I could barely see through the pain, but what I could see was incredible.
00:18:47.229 --> 00:18:50.669
Naomi had knocked out four of the masters, and all four were confined on the
00:18:50.669 --> 00:18:52.569
ground by some sort of magical restraint.
00:18:53.049 --> 00:18:57.969
The leader had conjured an illusion of a wall of fire, which stood between him and Naomi.
00:18:58.369 --> 00:19:02.529
There was one last master slowly backing up as Naomi advanced on him.
00:19:02.849 --> 00:19:08.189
He appeared to be very powerful as he was maintaining a shield while he cast detonations at Naomi.
00:19:08.569 --> 00:19:13.449
As Mr. Ali had taught me, casting two spells at once was exceptionally difficult.
00:19:14.372 --> 00:19:20.392
Naomi didn't cast a spell. She just walked forward, her own shield easily absorbing the detonations.
00:19:20.712 --> 00:19:26.272
She looked completely unconcerned. The Nazi magician, however, looked terrified.
00:19:26.812 --> 00:19:28.132
It was extraordinary.
00:19:28.932 --> 00:19:33.512
Naomi was a vision in black, an angel of deathly beauty as she strode forward.
00:19:33.752 --> 00:19:36.992
The magician stopped retreating, staring at Naomi.
00:19:37.472 --> 00:19:42.092
A moment later, he conjured a spell I wasn't familiar with. Naomi stopped.
00:19:42.892 --> 00:19:46.712
Okay, so you know at least one good spell. Very nice.
00:19:47.232 --> 00:19:52.732
Naomi grinned. But the question for you is whether that spell is stronger than my shield.
00:19:53.052 --> 00:19:58.412
Here's a hint. It's not. The magician unleashed his spell, and a green ball
00:19:58.412 --> 00:19:59.772
of light flew toward Naomi.
00:20:00.112 --> 00:20:04.212
It stopped a few feet in front of her and then spread around her entire body.
00:20:04.472 --> 00:20:09.412
The green fire held steady like a shimmery green cocoon and then started to
00:20:09.412 --> 00:20:15.032
squeeze in toward her. As it tightened bit by bit, Naomi stood still and confident.
00:20:15.772 --> 00:20:19.932
I didn't know what the spell did, but I was getting nervous as it didn't stop moving.
00:20:20.272 --> 00:20:24.692
It was mere inches from Naomi's face when the green fire started to fade.
00:20:25.052 --> 00:20:27.512
After a few more seconds, it died out.
00:20:28.012 --> 00:20:31.652
Shaking her head while smiling, Naomi cast the red ball spell,
00:20:31.972 --> 00:20:36.812
the one that incinerated the target from the inside out. She held her hand toward the magician.
00:20:37.868 --> 00:20:41.728
Run. The magician turned and fled into the distance.
00:20:42.288 --> 00:20:48.288
You should join us, Grandmaster. Such power can only be appreciated by those who share your talent.
00:20:48.508 --> 00:20:53.408
We would provide you with an honored position. You could help lead us with the air of Jumsheed.
00:20:53.608 --> 00:20:58.048
While the illusionist spoke, his wall of flame had begun to expand to surround Naomi.
00:20:58.548 --> 00:21:01.968
The flames were hot enough that I could feel their heat from where I sat.
00:21:02.648 --> 00:21:06.288
Naomi was moving toward the flames. Naomi, no!
00:21:06.768 --> 00:21:10.588
Illusions can still hurt you. She ignored me and marched forward.
00:21:10.948 --> 00:21:15.688
She was waving her hands left and right, using a spell to move the flames aside with air.
00:21:15.888 --> 00:21:20.288
But for every swath of flame that was blown aside, new flames would fill the space.
00:21:20.828 --> 00:21:25.208
Changing strategies, Naomi started casting explosive spells through the flames.
00:21:25.608 --> 00:21:29.108
They exploded in the distance, but I couldn't tell if they were at all close
00:21:29.108 --> 00:21:31.608
to the master illusionist, and neither could Naomi.
00:21:31.968 --> 00:21:35.068
Naomi, run! The fire is going to surround you!
00:21:35.248 --> 00:21:39.748
The flames roared and spread toward Naomi, only to hold her position as the
00:21:39.748 --> 00:21:42.608
illusionist spoke. A pity to destroy such talent.
00:21:43.008 --> 00:21:47.448
Do not do this. You are not even appreciated by your own allies.
00:21:47.928 --> 00:21:53.008
Join us, Naomi. In response, Naomi cast a detonation toward the sound of the
00:21:53.008 --> 00:21:55.268
magician's voice on the other side of the wall of flame.
00:21:55.628 --> 00:21:58.868
She clearly missed as the flames marched forward again.
00:21:59.248 --> 00:22:03.028
I watched as Naomi fell to a knee. Naomi, run.
00:22:03.568 --> 00:22:07.728
She was casting another spell rather than run. At that moment,
00:22:07.928 --> 00:22:10.188
the flames closed and completely surrounded her.
00:22:10.468 --> 00:22:14.788
All that was left was the magician to tighten the fiery noose to incinerate Naomi.
00:22:15.388 --> 00:22:20.008
I lifted the staff and will timed to stop. I had witnessed Naomi nearly killed
00:22:20.008 --> 00:22:23.948
by the flame spell of an effete, and I wouldn't let her get that close to death again.
00:22:24.806 --> 00:22:28.166
But to my horror, time didn't stop. I was powerless.
00:22:28.566 --> 00:22:33.006
I was once again no more than a streetlight. I pulled myself up with a staff
00:22:33.006 --> 00:22:34.846
and desperately limped toward her.
00:22:35.166 --> 00:22:38.286
The flames were burning my face when I noticed movement to my left.
00:22:38.786 --> 00:22:42.346
A creature of flame was slowly moving toward the illusionary flames.
00:22:42.926 --> 00:22:47.706
Iggy! He held out a hand, and a ball of fire shot out, disappearing behind the
00:22:47.706 --> 00:22:49.726
huge wall of flames that the illusionist had created.
00:22:50.086 --> 00:22:53.386
There was a cry, and then Iggy cast another ball of fire.
00:22:54.106 --> 00:22:59.086
At that moment, the fiery wall disappeared, replaced by a pillar of fire standing
00:22:59.086 --> 00:23:00.286
on the lawn in the distance.
00:23:00.626 --> 00:23:02.466
It burned bright and intense.
00:23:02.846 --> 00:23:07.886
I limped toward Naomi, who was on the ground. She looked perfectly fine, but was unconscious.
00:23:08.386 --> 00:23:11.506
I touched her forehead. It wasn't hot at all.
00:23:11.986 --> 00:23:15.686
Her chest wasn't moving, so I leaned down and put my lips over her mouth,
00:23:15.886 --> 00:23:17.446
hoping to fill her lungs with air.
00:23:17.806 --> 00:23:22.286
The moment my lips touched hers, her eyes shot open and she pushed me hard with her hands.
00:23:22.866 --> 00:23:27.466
I fell back jarring my shoulder. I groaned and blinked tears of pain out of my eyes.
00:23:28.266 --> 00:23:31.986
Oh, Tommy, your shoulder is dislocated. I'm so sorry.
00:23:32.506 --> 00:23:36.586
Naomi looked unsteady, but scrambled over and put her arm around me as she pulled
00:23:36.586 --> 00:23:37.666
me to a sitting position.
00:23:38.306 --> 00:23:44.226
It's okay. It only hurts like crazy. She slapped my good shoulder with her hand. You idiot.
00:23:44.526 --> 00:23:45.746
I wouldn't have dislocated your
00:23:45.746 --> 00:23:48.486
shoulder if you hadn't decided to kiss me while I was burning to death.
00:23:48.806 --> 00:23:52.066
I couldn't help but laugh even though I was in searing pain.
00:23:52.566 --> 00:23:56.246
You didn't dislocate my shoulder, a detonation from a master did.
00:23:56.446 --> 00:23:58.946
And I wasn't trying to kiss you, I was trying to save you.
00:23:59.861 --> 00:24:04.901
We need to get you medical attention. Naomi stood and gently grabbed my good arm, pulling me up.
00:24:05.441 --> 00:24:09.061
I don't know if that's a good idea. We don't know how many Germans are around,
00:24:09.101 --> 00:24:10.241
and I need to get the coat.
00:24:10.801 --> 00:24:15.041
I can heal your shoulder. It was Iggy who had returned to his human form.
00:24:15.661 --> 00:24:19.581
Iggy, you saved us. I looked over to him. Are you okay?
00:24:20.041 --> 00:24:23.781
I am gravely injured, Neat. My life force is depleted.
00:24:24.061 --> 00:24:29.501
And by shifting into this form, I have used energy I should have used to heal. Why did you do that?
00:24:30.221 --> 00:24:35.101
My job is to keep you safe. I can't stay near you for very long in my natural form.
00:24:35.781 --> 00:24:40.501
Before I could reply, he moved toward me in an odd stutter step, stopping at my side.
00:24:40.941 --> 00:24:45.701
Are you ready to be healed? I guess so. I looked at him as he reached toward
00:24:45.701 --> 00:24:48.061
me. Will this hurt? Lots.
00:24:48.761 --> 00:24:53.461
Iggy's hands grabbed my arm and shoulder. With a yank, he pulled my arm into its socket.
00:24:53.941 --> 00:24:57.901
I am not too proud to admit that I screamed and tears streamed down my face.
00:24:58.481 --> 00:25:00.021
I thought you were going to heal me.
00:25:00.781 --> 00:25:06.621
You are healed now. I moved my arm, and while I clearly wasn't healed, it was at least usable.
00:25:07.541 --> 00:25:10.881
Aomi rubbed my shoulder, which actually made it hurt more, but I didn't want
00:25:10.881 --> 00:25:12.561
her to stop, so I didn't say anything.
00:25:13.681 --> 00:25:16.861
Lazarus, I think our definition of healing is different than yours.
00:25:17.561 --> 00:25:21.601
I looked around. There was a small pile of charred ashes in the distance.
00:25:22.081 --> 00:25:24.121
I didn't need to ask Iggy what it was.
00:25:24.701 --> 00:25:28.301
There were four magicians secure in some kind of invisible binding spread across
00:25:28.301 --> 00:25:31.161
the grass. Where do you think the other magician went?
00:25:32.101 --> 00:25:37.641
Back to school, I hope. He knew one good spell, and I had that mastered in my first month of study.
00:25:38.201 --> 00:25:42.141
I think your definition of good is probably different than most magicians.
00:25:42.681 --> 00:25:46.201
I nodded toward the restrained magicians. What do we do with them?
00:25:47.001 --> 00:25:51.761
Just leave them for the French. I need to get back to the hotel. We're a bit of a mess.
00:25:52.561 --> 00:25:57.261
Just to be safe, I made us invisible as we made our way out of the park and along the sidewalk.
00:25:57.801 --> 00:26:01.241
None of us could see each other, so I held Naomi's hand while Iggy placed his
00:26:01.241 --> 00:26:02.381
hand on my sore shoulder.
00:26:02.961 --> 00:26:05.421
We would have looked ridiculous if we weren't invisible.
00:26:06.221 --> 00:26:09.601
Shortly after we left the park, Iggy stumbled and I reached for him,
00:26:09.761 --> 00:26:11.321
but he slipped from my fingers.
00:26:11.901 --> 00:26:15.621
Beyond the pain of the jolt of my shoulder, I was shocked by the immense weight
00:26:15.621 --> 00:26:17.381
and bulk of Iggy and his human form.
00:26:17.741 --> 00:26:21.741
It felt like trying to hold back a tank. Iggy, are you okay?
00:26:22.721 --> 00:26:27.801
I will be fine when we return to the hotel, and I can rest. It's not far.
00:26:28.561 --> 00:26:33.101
I will go on my own. I will meet you in my room. His voice came from further
00:26:33.101 --> 00:26:36.461
ahead. I spoke in Naomi's direction. Are you okay?
00:26:37.061 --> 00:26:40.981
Just enjoying the two invisible stooges. I was going to object,
00:26:41.261 --> 00:26:43.041
but she squeezed my hand, and
00:26:43.041 --> 00:26:45.921
I decided I liked the feeling of holding her hand more than an argument.
00:26:46.781 --> 00:26:50.881
Things were quiet as we slowly made our way down the street. I was sore.
00:26:51.141 --> 00:26:54.441
I was nervous over the possibility of Russians or Germans finding us,
00:26:54.541 --> 00:26:56.641
and I still didn't know how I would get the coat.
00:26:57.746 --> 00:27:01.426
It was a Paris afternoon, and I was walking down the street holding Naomi's
00:27:01.426 --> 00:27:03.906
hand. I didn't want the afternoon to end.
00:27:04.586 --> 00:27:08.546
As we waited at an intersection, I heard Naomi's voice from my right.
00:27:08.786 --> 00:27:15.246
What a pair we are, the mighty magician and the archmage, beaten by a single illusionist.
00:27:15.826 --> 00:27:17.666
She sounded utterly defeated.
00:27:18.266 --> 00:27:23.926
When are we going to actually win a battle, Tommy? I studied so hard. I'm still useless.
00:27:24.586 --> 00:27:30.786
You are not useless. You defeated five master magicians. Five!
00:27:31.226 --> 00:27:35.106
No one else in the world could do such a thing. You are amazing.
00:27:36.586 --> 00:27:41.186
Naomi was quiet for a while, finally replying with deep bitterness in her voice.
00:27:42.006 --> 00:27:48.546
But I still failed. You could have won, Naomi. You're just too aggressive.
00:27:49.246 --> 00:27:53.346
I didn't know if Naomi would accept the criticism, but I was worried she'd hurt
00:27:53.346 --> 00:27:55.686
herself, so I threw caution to the wind.
00:27:56.026 --> 00:27:58.686
You need to learn how to retreat and then counterattack.
00:27:59.286 --> 00:28:02.046
You should have fled and then found a new angle of attack.
00:28:02.846 --> 00:28:06.766
Then he would have killed you, Tommy. Maybe that's our problem then.
00:28:07.186 --> 00:28:10.406
I was just unable to keep frustration from entering my own voice.
00:28:10.646 --> 00:28:12.166
We don't trust each other.
00:28:12.466 --> 00:28:16.526
I can protect myself with the staff. You can handle yourself with your magic.
00:28:17.286 --> 00:28:20.746
Maybe we would work better as a team by focusing on our strengths rather than
00:28:20.746 --> 00:28:22.886
trying to protect or impress each other.
00:28:23.466 --> 00:28:27.426
I never said you had to protect me. And you don't have to impress me.
00:28:28.206 --> 00:28:30.046
You're amazing as you are.
00:28:30.966 --> 00:28:35.186
Naomi didn't reply, and we finished our walk back to the hotel in silence.
00:28:36.080 --> 00:29:08.436
Music.
00:00:18.817 --> 00:00:22.837
I woke the next day and my hands shook a little as I lifted the staff.
00:00:23.357 --> 00:00:26.997
Anna was closing in on Paris. It was obvious to me.
00:00:27.517 --> 00:00:30.717
I had hoped that her getting closer would return my power to stop time,
00:00:30.877 --> 00:00:35.417
but after several attempts, I had to accept that she was still too far away.
00:00:35.857 --> 00:00:39.897
Either that, or the power of the staff had become completely unpredictable.
00:00:40.377 --> 00:00:44.897
I tried not to think of that. The compulsion to leave the hotel and head directly
00:00:44.897 --> 00:00:49.197
to grab the coat was strong enough that I had to force myself to relax and be patient.
00:00:49.677 --> 00:00:53.557
I could practically feel the roiling emotions of Zayak and the staff.
00:00:53.857 --> 00:00:56.017
He had been enslaved for centuries.
00:00:56.997 --> 00:00:59.917
At the same time, being cooped up in the hotel was not helping.
00:01:00.357 --> 00:01:05.497
It was nearing lunchtime, so I decided to see if Naomi would like to eat and perhaps go for a walk.
00:01:05.917 --> 00:01:08.937
I knocked on the door to her room, but there was no answer.
00:01:09.657 --> 00:01:12.717
Assuming she was already in the restaurant, I headed for the stairs.
00:01:13.417 --> 00:01:17.617
I scoured the restaurant and lobby of the hotel, but couldn't find her anywhere.
00:01:18.097 --> 00:01:22.777
Knowing that our encounter with Anna was coming soon, I changed plans and decided
00:01:22.777 --> 00:01:27.357
to find out more about how far we were from Park Monceau, which was where Iggy
00:01:27.357 --> 00:01:29.037
originally said the Russians had settled.
00:01:29.477 --> 00:01:34.717
After some confused words and waving of hands, the desk clerk called over a woman.
00:01:35.017 --> 00:01:38.217
May I help you? Finally, someone who spoke English.
00:01:38.657 --> 00:01:40.597
How far is Park Monceau?
00:01:41.057 --> 00:01:46.197
It is a 15 or 20-minute walk, but don't worry, there are taxis waiting.
00:01:46.517 --> 00:01:52.517
She motioned toward my hand. The comment confused me until I realized that I was holding the cane.
00:01:52.757 --> 00:01:56.917
Oh, no, that's okay. This isn't a cane. It's a walking stick.
00:01:57.297 --> 00:02:01.757
I spun the cane in my hand and then dropped the tip to the floor where it let out a loud tap.
00:02:02.297 --> 00:02:07.177
The other clerk glanced over and his eyes went wide. I ignored him as by then
00:02:07.177 --> 00:02:10.097
I was used to looks from strangers who didn't know I was the archmage.
00:02:10.677 --> 00:02:12.177
Which direction is the park?
00:02:12.777 --> 00:02:15.697
The woman gave me directions which were quite easy to follow.
00:02:16.017 --> 00:02:20.997
I figured I'd walk over, look around, and then come back with some information for Naomi and Iggy.
00:02:21.896 --> 00:02:27.556
Thank you, I said as I spun around and headed out to the street, my mood already better.
00:02:28.196 --> 00:02:32.076
A walk was exactly what I needed. I tapped the cane on the pavement,
00:02:32.316 --> 00:02:35.856
where the sound reminded me of the days when I could walk with my grandfather
00:02:35.856 --> 00:02:39.736
and he would do the same thing. I wondered how he was.
00:02:40.136 --> 00:02:44.436
He had retired to his apartment in Manhattan, and I had not seen him in months.
00:02:44.756 --> 00:02:50.076
I had visited him a few times, and each time he happily took me in and listened to my adventures.
00:02:50.796 --> 00:02:54.996
He was very proud of how I was freeing the Merids. He was a good man who,
00:02:55.176 --> 00:02:58.936
in his own reckless way, always looked out for those who needed help.
00:02:59.276 --> 00:03:03.156
Despite his obvious pride in me, I could sense some jealousy.
00:03:03.736 --> 00:03:09.216
After all, he was the hero during the Great War, and he had clearly loved the role of mighty warrior.
00:03:09.656 --> 00:03:11.776
But he was never bitter or angry.
00:03:12.316 --> 00:03:15.136
More than anything, I think he wished he could join me.
00:03:16.016 --> 00:03:20.316
I made a left on Boulevard de Courcel, and it hit me that this was the exact
00:03:20.316 --> 00:03:22.576
street that Iggy said Anna would be staying on.
00:03:22.796 --> 00:03:26.796
There were brownstone homes that reminded me of my grandfather's house and at
00:03:26.796 --> 00:03:29.096
street level, there were shops and cafes.
00:03:29.796 --> 00:03:36.036
More than anything, it felt familiar as I had been raised in a similar bustling city, New York.
00:03:36.456 --> 00:03:41.316
A line of trees started on the right and behind an iron fence, I could see a park.
00:03:41.696 --> 00:03:46.556
I walked across the street to the entrance which was a couple blocks further down the street.
00:03:47.236 --> 00:03:52.376
The sign said Park Monceau. I assumed the Russians lived in the brownstone houses to my left.
00:03:52.836 --> 00:03:56.836
Why did they settle there, I thought. Was the park somehow important?
00:03:57.336 --> 00:04:02.416
Did it remind them of Russia? The sun was bright and the weather was beautiful,
00:04:02.936 --> 00:04:06.636
so even if the park was just a distraction, I decided to walk through it.
00:04:07.412 --> 00:04:11.652
There was a rotunda at the entrance and ornate iron gates behind it that were
00:04:11.652 --> 00:04:13.752
wide enough for automobiles to pass through.
00:04:14.112 --> 00:04:18.232
Despite the war, there were a lot of people walking the well-manicured grounds,
00:04:18.572 --> 00:04:22.372
couples, families with children, and individuals out for a picnic.
00:04:22.952 --> 00:04:28.552
As I moved further along the path around the park, I couldn't help but feel it was wrong somehow.
00:04:29.032 --> 00:04:33.132
There was a wide array of miniature buildings and replicas of things like a
00:04:33.132 --> 00:04:35.532
Chinese fort and a Roman colonnade.
00:04:36.172 --> 00:04:40.012
The Roman colonnade was popular as it sat next to a lake full of ducks.
00:04:40.512 --> 00:04:45.372
I continued my walk past the lake, and the crowd started to thin the further along I went.
00:04:45.732 --> 00:04:48.992
The trees became more numerous, and the shade deepened.
00:04:49.572 --> 00:04:53.132
I eventually came across what looked like a miniature Egyptian pyramid.
00:04:53.452 --> 00:04:57.472
I stooped down to get a closer look at its base when something bowled into me
00:04:57.472 --> 00:04:59.112
and sent me flying through the air.
00:04:59.332 --> 00:05:03.072
It felt like a giant had just swept me off the path with a flick of his finger.
00:05:03.752 --> 00:05:08.452
Dazed, I looked up to see Iggy standing next to me. My shoulder was sore and
00:05:08.452 --> 00:05:10.412
my hip hurt. What the heck?
00:05:11.052 --> 00:05:15.072
Iggy knelt down. They were close to casting at you, Stathbearer.
00:05:15.352 --> 00:05:18.952
We must find cover. This was a very foolish place to visit.
00:05:19.452 --> 00:05:24.072
First of all, you know you can call me Tom. And secondly, what do you mean this is dangerous?
00:05:24.772 --> 00:05:29.472
Iggy looked in all directions, his head darting around. You were followed by
00:05:29.472 --> 00:05:32.072
termins. I looked around but couldn't see anyone.
00:05:32.732 --> 00:05:36.592
This park is full of illusions, and I fear the Germans can use them to harm
00:05:36.592 --> 00:05:40.552
you. He pointed toward a bush. We should hide behind that for now.
00:05:40.952 --> 00:05:44.992
He took my arm and tugged. The force nearly pulled my arm from my socket.
00:05:45.592 --> 00:05:49.732
Ow, are you trying to kill me? I stood up, rubbing my shoulder and hip.
00:05:50.092 --> 00:05:51.852
I followed Iggy toward the bush.
00:05:52.532 --> 00:05:53.992
Illusions? What do you mean?
00:05:54.712 --> 00:06:00.472
You are familiar with follies? We were in a space behind the bush and near a dense copse of trees.
00:06:00.472 --> 00:06:05.072
As he spoke about follies, my mind immediately went to Fort Belvedere in London,
00:06:05.432 --> 00:06:10.272
the citadel that was a folly, mansion designed to look like a pretend fortress,
00:06:10.592 --> 00:06:12.572
but actually hid a real fortress.
00:06:13.152 --> 00:06:17.212
Wait, do you mean to tell me that all the fake things in this park are real?
00:06:17.512 --> 00:06:22.152
I thought back to the Roman colonnade, the arch, the fort, and the pyramids
00:06:22.152 --> 00:06:23.612
standing not ten yards from me.
00:06:24.092 --> 00:06:28.392
Some are real. Some are physical replicas. Some are illusions.
00:06:29.112 --> 00:06:31.292
The magic in this park is very strong.
00:06:32.052 --> 00:06:36.112
Iggy must have noticed my confusion. Not all illusions are meant to harm or
00:06:36.112 --> 00:06:38.792
hide. Most of the illusions here are to entertain.
00:06:39.172 --> 00:06:42.712
But you should never underestimate how a magician could take an existing illusion
00:06:42.712 --> 00:06:44.732
and twist it to his own uses.
00:06:45.432 --> 00:06:49.492
I didn't even know you could do that. There is a lot you don't know.
00:06:50.112 --> 00:06:54.412
Gee, thanks. I peeked him around the bush. I don't see anyone.
00:06:54.772 --> 00:06:59.372
Should we try to sneak back to the hotel? Well, we should, but be prepared for a battle.
00:07:00.309 --> 00:07:03.669
I don't even know what I can do to fight. I can't stop time,
00:07:03.809 --> 00:07:06.929
and I don't want to blind everyone. There are children near the lake.
00:07:07.229 --> 00:07:10.749
I guess I could just create darkness, but without knowing where we are going,
00:07:10.809 --> 00:07:12.169
that will hurt us as much as them.
00:07:12.509 --> 00:07:15.129
I rub my shoulder again. It really hurt.
00:07:15.729 --> 00:07:20.049
I wish Naomi were here. Yes, she is much more powerful than you are.
00:07:20.569 --> 00:07:22.029
You're not exactly helping.
00:07:22.569 --> 00:07:27.529
So what do we do? The nearest exit is to the east, but we should navigate through
00:07:27.529 --> 00:07:32.009
the trees and exit through the south. Let us hope that the Germans can't guard all the exits.
00:07:32.689 --> 00:07:36.849
It was a well-maintained park, so walking through the trees was not all that difficult.
00:07:37.489 --> 00:07:40.949
Iggy would stop every so often, look left and right, and then continue.
00:07:41.389 --> 00:07:43.469
As we walked, I had to give Cain credit.
00:07:43.909 --> 00:07:45.829
His chaperone was actually helpful.
00:07:46.469 --> 00:07:50.149
We exited through some trees, and there to our left was a large gate.
00:07:50.369 --> 00:07:54.029
It was made of wrought iron, and like the gate to the north that I had passed
00:07:54.029 --> 00:07:56.049
through, was large enough for automobiles.
00:07:56.649 --> 00:07:58.589
It was also chained shut.
00:07:59.449 --> 00:08:04.409
That's not good. I glanced back into the park. It seemed oddly empty.
00:08:04.929 --> 00:08:06.329
Where did all the people go?
00:08:07.089 --> 00:08:10.309
What do you think? This is a trap.
00:08:11.109 --> 00:08:14.689
Well, for once you're not telling me anything I don't know. I walked toward
00:08:14.689 --> 00:08:16.409
the gate. Can we break through?
00:08:16.789 --> 00:08:21.249
I was a few steps down the path when there was the sound of scratching and growling.
00:08:21.509 --> 00:08:27.149
As I turned to see what the sound was, Iggy grabbed my arm to pull me back. Those are gin.
00:08:27.849 --> 00:08:33.889
Four huge djinn with massive claws and teeth were walking toward us. No, they are illusions.
00:08:34.649 --> 00:08:37.969
Well, I'm not good with illusions, so I'm not sure it matters.
00:08:38.349 --> 00:08:42.009
I remember Kane's lesson with the gun. They'd still kill me.
00:08:42.729 --> 00:08:48.109
Iggy nodded. Wait here. He walked over to the djinn who arranged themselves around him.
00:08:48.429 --> 00:08:52.129
I was sure he was about to get cut to shreds. He crouched down,
00:08:52.249 --> 00:08:56.769
and as they prepared to jump him, he spun around in a whirlwind of amazing speed.
00:08:57.149 --> 00:09:01.129
His arm reached out, and with a pop, pop, pop, he eviscerated the djinn,
00:09:01.549 --> 00:09:03.989
turning them into their elemental essence of air.
00:09:04.369 --> 00:09:08.249
He was so fast I couldn't see the knife in his hand or where he pulled it from.
00:09:08.829 --> 00:09:11.569
I started toward him. That was amazing.
00:09:12.189 --> 00:09:15.869
Iggy looked at me and held up his hand. Stay there, staff bearer.
00:09:16.269 --> 00:09:21.049
As he spoke, an explosion of light hit him in the back and knocked him a few feet in my direction.
00:09:21.669 --> 00:09:26.729
He lay sprawled on the ground. I ran toward him. It looked like he got hit with a detonation.
00:09:27.149 --> 00:09:31.329
I hadn't seen a djinn survive that, let alone a human. To my shock,
00:09:31.529 --> 00:09:34.009
he pulled himself up onto his hands and looked at me.
00:09:34.289 --> 00:09:39.669
He didn't seem like he was in pain. In fact, he didn't look hurt at all. Are you okay?
00:09:40.793 --> 00:09:43.233
I am injured, but it is not life-threatening.
00:09:43.593 --> 00:09:46.653
He scrambled to his feet and stumbled toward the tree line.
00:09:46.893 --> 00:09:50.893
We need to escape. There are many magicians. They are coming from the north,
00:09:51.033 --> 00:09:53.553
but we should expect them to enter from other directions soon.
00:09:54.153 --> 00:09:57.853
A loud voice with a German accent yelled out from the distance.
00:09:58.273 --> 00:10:03.153
Tommy Black, where are you, Archmage? I know you are there. The voice sounded
00:10:03.153 --> 00:10:05.533
friendly, as if he was calling an old friend.
00:10:05.853 --> 00:10:09.453
Come now, Tommy. You know the staff belongs with the other artifacts.
00:10:10.033 --> 00:10:14.113
Just hand it over to me and you may leave in peace. I didn't reply,
00:10:14.113 --> 00:10:16.293
and the voice added, Come now, Tommy.
00:10:16.573 --> 00:10:19.113
You know the staff belongs with the other artifacts.
00:10:19.693 --> 00:10:26.073
Just hand it over to me and you may leave in peace. Or you could join us. You love magic, no?
00:10:26.913 --> 00:10:30.593
I guess the Nazis found us. Can we defeat them?
00:10:30.953 --> 00:10:35.953
I don't know. If you cannot use the staff, then no. I can only do so much.
00:10:36.433 --> 00:10:40.433
I was going to ask Iggy how he could help at all. when the Germans shouted out
00:10:40.433 --> 00:10:42.253
again. He sounded closer.
00:10:42.813 --> 00:10:48.853
Now, now, Tommy. Don't be foolish. We know you are protected by an Efreet, but he will not save you.
00:10:49.133 --> 00:10:52.193
We have defeated greater creatures with fewer forces.
00:10:53.053 --> 00:10:59.513
Efreet? I looked at Iggy. He was looking out toward where the voice came from. Are you an Efreet?
00:11:00.073 --> 00:11:04.413
Iggy turned and looked at me. He attempted a smile, but it retained that comical
00:11:04.413 --> 00:11:06.933
formality I attributed to him being overly disciplined.
00:11:07.653 --> 00:11:13.893
I realized the truth. He just didn't know how to smile. It was one of many things that I had missed.
00:11:14.393 --> 00:11:16.113
I am a Shfrit, Aeneid.
00:11:17.063 --> 00:11:21.283
A Neyat. It was the honorific that I hadn't heard used in a long time.
00:11:21.603 --> 00:11:25.243
The magical creatures gave me the title when I provided a home to the shadows
00:11:25.243 --> 00:11:27.643
and started to free the merits from the trains.
00:11:28.003 --> 00:11:29.883
It was Persian for kindness.
00:11:30.403 --> 00:11:34.823
I had so many questions but no time to ask them. All I knew was that I felt
00:11:34.823 --> 00:11:36.863
my chances had just increased dramatically.
00:11:37.423 --> 00:11:41.923
The fleet were powerful. Tommy, I'm afraid my patience is running out.
00:11:41.923 --> 00:11:44.023
The voice was closer still.
00:11:44.643 --> 00:11:47.163
Can you transform into fire and destroy them all?
00:11:48.023 --> 00:11:51.363
Possibly. There are many of them in their mastery of magic strong.
00:11:51.883 --> 00:11:56.523
I was about to tell him to do his best when he added, But I can only do it if
00:11:56.523 --> 00:11:57.863
it is required to protect you.
00:11:58.143 --> 00:12:01.823
For heck's sake, Iggy. I think it's pretty darn required at this point.
00:12:02.043 --> 00:12:05.483
We're surrounded by Nazi magicians, and the only reason they aren't swarming
00:12:05.483 --> 00:12:07.503
us now is probably due to them being afraid of you.
00:12:08.303 --> 00:12:11.583
You should use the staff. I looked at the staff.
00:12:11.923 --> 00:12:16.303
He was right. My confidence had been shaken by the loss of my ability to stop
00:12:16.303 --> 00:12:20.383
time, but I could still make us invisible. Then we could just sneak out.
00:12:21.223 --> 00:12:24.903
Just as I was about to bend light around us, Iggy leapt in front of me,
00:12:25.003 --> 00:12:26.883
and a powerful blast knocked him
00:12:26.883 --> 00:12:29.903
into me and tossed us both back into the plants at the base of the trees.
00:12:30.263 --> 00:12:33.063
I was a bit dazed, but Iggy seemed badly hurt.
00:12:33.463 --> 00:12:37.283
His body was twisted, although he didn't moan or seem to be in pain.
00:12:37.843 --> 00:12:44.103
Iggy, are you okay? I stumbled over and knelt next to him. I can heal in my fire form, but.
00:12:44.543 --> 00:12:48.043
He paused and it looked like he was taking a deep breath. Although with him
00:12:48.043 --> 00:12:50.263
being in a freak, I wasn't exactly sure what he was doing.
00:12:50.703 --> 00:12:54.103
I am too weak to do that now. I need to rest a nayette.
00:12:54.683 --> 00:13:00.563
I'll find a way to stop them. No, you should escape. They are interested in you, not me.
00:13:01.223 --> 00:13:05.523
They'll kill you. Iggy didn't say anything. I'm not leaving you.
00:13:06.063 --> 00:13:11.243
Before Iggy could object, I added, I have an idea. I was going to try something
00:13:11.243 --> 00:13:16.163
I had never really done before, using two powers of the staff at the same time.
00:13:16.937 --> 00:13:22.557
The first thing I did was bend light around us. As I called upon the staff, I knew I had done it.
00:13:22.857 --> 00:13:27.557
In fact, as I became one with the power, I was filled with a rush of excitement.
00:13:27.757 --> 00:13:32.037
I was in my element, using the power of the staff to overcome my enemies.
00:13:32.337 --> 00:13:36.737
With both Icky and me invisible to the German magicians, I shaped the colors
00:13:36.737 --> 00:13:39.017
of light as I had done in the hotel room with Naomi.
00:13:39.537 --> 00:13:44.077
I created a massive fiery of Frit. I had confronted an ancient and powerful
00:13:44.077 --> 00:13:49.677
of Frit and Persepolis, and I made this one identical, burning with fire and impressive in size.
00:13:50.017 --> 00:13:53.757
My imaginary african cruised through the air toward the middle of the park.
00:13:54.257 --> 00:13:58.577
I left Iggy behind and walked along the tree line, knowing that I couldn't be seen.
00:13:58.917 --> 00:14:03.397
There were three Nazi magicians straight ahead and a large clearing that marked
00:14:03.397 --> 00:14:07.077
the intersection of the north-south and east-west paths of the park.
00:14:07.417 --> 00:14:12.997
One was off to the left, and to the right were two others moving slowly toward me along the tree line.
00:14:13.717 --> 00:14:18.417
In total, there were six Nazi magicians. A half dozen masters?
00:14:18.737 --> 00:14:22.617
I had never seen such magical might. I hoped I could scare them away,
00:14:22.777 --> 00:14:24.797
but seeing them all made me feel foolish.
00:14:25.177 --> 00:14:29.257
The appearance of an Efreet may have made them cautious, but it wouldn't make them flee.
00:14:29.857 --> 00:14:35.277
Still, I had to try. I sent the Efreet forward, expanding the fire along its
00:14:35.277 --> 00:14:37.617
arms so that it looked like an awesome elemental being.
00:14:38.057 --> 00:14:41.317
The three masters at the intersection of the path crouched down.
00:14:41.877 --> 00:14:45.717
I could tell that one was casting a shield, while the other two started hurling
00:14:45.717 --> 00:14:47.177
spells at my light illusion.
00:14:47.577 --> 00:14:52.337
I had the Afrit dodge the spells, but the Nazi magicians were so fast that a
00:14:52.337 --> 00:14:53.997
few flew straight through my illusion.
00:14:54.457 --> 00:14:58.137
If only I could add sound, I could perhaps convince them to flee by using the
00:14:58.137 --> 00:15:00.617
ominous voice that I had experienced in Persepolis.
00:15:01.017 --> 00:15:06.617
As it was, the masters were clearly alarmed, but my plan to have them flee wasn't working.
00:15:07.566 --> 00:15:11.006
In the distance, I heard machine guns and Denon explosion.
00:15:11.646 --> 00:15:15.766
The Germans were bringing reinforcements, and they were troops with machine guns.
00:15:16.126 --> 00:15:19.966
There was a shout from the left, and I watched a magician walk toward my Efreet.
00:15:20.446 --> 00:15:24.166
I had it expand in size, creating a fire so bright that it would burn their
00:15:24.166 --> 00:15:25.286
eyes if they looked at it.
00:15:25.766 --> 00:15:29.186
The masters in the middle continued to cast ineffective detonations,
00:15:29.366 --> 00:15:33.026
while the one to the left shielded his eyes while he continued to walk forward.
00:15:33.586 --> 00:15:35.346
Very impressive, Archmage.
00:15:36.046 --> 00:15:39.606
The magician covering his eyes yelled out, An illusion of light.
00:15:39.886 --> 00:15:43.726
You fooled even me. He turned back and shouted something in German.
00:15:44.066 --> 00:15:49.226
The master stopped casting. I worked my way over to the right in the path that led to the pyramid.
00:15:49.626 --> 00:15:54.206
I was getting dangerously close to the other two magicians. I had resigned myself
00:15:54.206 --> 00:15:58.226
to a plan that I had hoped not to need, leaving Iggy behind while I escaped
00:15:58.226 --> 00:15:59.546
and went to get help from Naomi.
00:16:00.066 --> 00:16:03.806
My fear was that even Naomi wouldn't be able to handle six master magicians.
00:16:03.806 --> 00:16:05.906
Even as powerful as she was.
00:16:06.286 --> 00:16:09.846
Where are you, Archmage? We have the park exits blocked.
00:16:10.186 --> 00:16:15.566
You cannot escape. Are you playing more games with light? That is your talent, is it not?
00:16:16.066 --> 00:16:21.846
I had a very clear view of the leader. He was in a Nazi uniform and had a lot of medals on his chest.
00:16:22.126 --> 00:16:24.426
He walked with a bit of an uneven gait.
00:16:25.006 --> 00:16:30.326
He's a master illusionist. I shook my head. Why are all the jerks illusionists.
00:16:30.706 --> 00:16:32.866
I decided that two could use illusion.
00:16:33.306 --> 00:16:37.246
I let the Efreet fade away, and then I created a light illusion on myself,
00:16:37.566 --> 00:16:40.666
running across the path on the opposite side of the intersection from me.
00:16:41.266 --> 00:16:44.886
Immediately, two masters cat destinations with deadly accuracy,
00:16:45.386 --> 00:16:47.486
blowing up the entire area where I would have been.
00:16:48.066 --> 00:16:51.246
So much for them letting me go without hurting me. Come now,
00:16:51.426 --> 00:16:53.446
Archmage. Don't make this difficult.
00:16:53.766 --> 00:16:58.366
If you don't run, we won't hurt you. The leader of the magicians glanced around.
00:16:59.226 --> 00:17:02.906
I retreated behind the pyramid, but the moment I stepped within a few feet of
00:17:02.906 --> 00:17:07.146
it, the blocks spread into the form of a mouth and a loud voice said, Footsteps approach.
00:17:08.026 --> 00:17:12.366
I hurried away from the pyramid as all six magicians focused their attention in my direction.
00:17:12.666 --> 00:17:16.746
At that moment, a muffled explosion came from the direction of the main entrance
00:17:16.746 --> 00:17:19.146
behind the three masters on the main path.
00:17:19.286 --> 00:17:24.846
It was so powerful that I felt the force wave push me back. The masters tumbled forward.
00:17:25.586 --> 00:17:28.966
My, my, that was a very nice shield. I'm impressed.
00:17:29.829 --> 00:17:34.569
Walking toward us was Naomi. She was in her black dress, and her blonde hair
00:17:34.569 --> 00:17:38.429
stood out against it as a slight wind blew tendrils of her hair around her face.
00:17:38.889 --> 00:17:42.989
The magicians looked shocked as they got to their feet. She motioned with her
00:17:42.989 --> 00:17:48.149
hand, and one of the masters was tossed backward as if he was made of paper, caught in a stiff wind.
00:17:48.929 --> 00:17:53.229
Naomi laughed. As I said, it was a very nice shield.
00:17:53.649 --> 00:17:57.689
One of the masters unleashed a series of detonations, but they thudded against
00:17:57.689 --> 00:17:59.229
a shield that Naomi had cast.
00:17:59.729 --> 00:18:02.949
With another wave of her hand, the second magician went flying,
00:18:03.229 --> 00:18:04.329
rolling across the lawn.
00:18:05.109 --> 00:18:09.609
Naomi, there are two magicians to your left. I was worried about her being attacked
00:18:09.609 --> 00:18:11.209
by the magicians she hadn't seen.
00:18:11.509 --> 00:18:13.769
I didn't even know what kind of magicians they were.
00:18:14.289 --> 00:18:18.129
I found out as one of them turned and cast a detonation right at me.
00:18:18.509 --> 00:18:21.409
He couldn't see me, but he must have aimed where he heard my voice.
00:18:21.649 --> 00:18:26.669
The detonation missed, but exploded about five feet to my left. I went flying.
00:18:27.249 --> 00:18:32.109
The only thing that saved me was my instinct in holding onto the cane. I remained invisible.
00:18:32.969 --> 00:18:36.369
Clutching the staff in my right hand, I reached down to lift myself up with
00:18:36.369 --> 00:18:38.989
my left when searing pain exploded from my shoulder.
00:18:39.369 --> 00:18:41.389
It was hanging lower than it should be.
00:18:41.789 --> 00:18:46.489
I could barely see through the pain, but what I could see was incredible.
00:18:47.229 --> 00:18:50.669
Naomi had knocked out four of the masters, and all four were confined on the
00:18:50.669 --> 00:18:52.569
ground by some sort of magical restraint.
00:18:53.049 --> 00:18:57.969
The leader had conjured an illusion of a wall of fire, which stood between him and Naomi.
00:18:58.369 --> 00:19:02.529
There was one last master slowly backing up as Naomi advanced on him.
00:19:02.849 --> 00:19:08.189
He appeared to be very powerful as he was maintaining a shield while he cast detonations at Naomi.
00:19:08.569 --> 00:19:13.449
As Mr. Ali had taught me, casting two spells at once was exceptionally difficult.
00:19:14.372 --> 00:19:20.392
Naomi didn't cast a spell. She just walked forward, her own shield easily absorbing the detonations.
00:19:20.712 --> 00:19:26.272
She looked completely unconcerned. The Nazi magician, however, looked terrified.
00:19:26.812 --> 00:19:28.132
It was extraordinary.
00:19:28.932 --> 00:19:33.512
Naomi was a vision in black, an angel of deathly beauty as she strode forward.
00:19:33.752 --> 00:19:36.992
The magician stopped retreating, staring at Naomi.
00:19:37.472 --> 00:19:42.092
A moment later, he conjured a spell I wasn't familiar with. Naomi stopped.
00:19:42.892 --> 00:19:46.712
Okay, so you know at least one good spell. Very nice.
00:19:47.232 --> 00:19:52.732
Naomi grinned. But the question for you is whether that spell is stronger than my shield.
00:19:53.052 --> 00:19:58.412
Here's a hint. It's not. The magician unleashed his spell, and a green ball
00:19:58.412 --> 00:19:59.772
of light flew toward Naomi.
00:20:00.112 --> 00:20:04.212
It stopped a few feet in front of her and then spread around her entire body.
00:20:04.472 --> 00:20:09.412
The green fire held steady like a shimmery green cocoon and then started to
00:20:09.412 --> 00:20:15.032
squeeze in toward her. As it tightened bit by bit, Naomi stood still and confident.
00:20:15.772 --> 00:20:19.932
I didn't know what the spell did, but I was getting nervous as it didn't stop moving.
00:20:20.272 --> 00:20:24.692
It was mere inches from Naomi's face when the green fire started to fade.
00:20:25.052 --> 00:20:27.512
After a few more seconds, it died out.
00:20:28.012 --> 00:20:31.652
Shaking her head while smiling, Naomi cast the red ball spell,
00:20:31.972 --> 00:20:36.812
the one that incinerated the target from the inside out. She held her hand toward the magician.
00:20:37.868 --> 00:20:41.728
Run. The magician turned and fled into the distance.
00:20:42.288 --> 00:20:48.288
You should join us, Grandmaster. Such power can only be appreciated by those who share your talent.
00:20:48.508 --> 00:20:53.408
We would provide you with an honored position. You could help lead us with the air of Jumsheed.
00:20:53.608 --> 00:20:58.048
While the illusionist spoke, his wall of flame had begun to expand to surround Naomi.
00:20:58.548 --> 00:21:01.968
The flames were hot enough that I could feel their heat from where I sat.
00:21:02.648 --> 00:21:06.288
Naomi was moving toward the flames. Naomi, no!
00:21:06.768 --> 00:21:10.588
Illusions can still hurt you. She ignored me and marched forward.
00:21:10.948 --> 00:21:15.688
She was waving her hands left and right, using a spell to move the flames aside with air.
00:21:15.888 --> 00:21:20.288
But for every swath of flame that was blown aside, new flames would fill the space.
00:21:20.828 --> 00:21:25.208
Changing strategies, Naomi started casting explosive spells through the flames.
00:21:25.608 --> 00:21:29.108
They exploded in the distance, but I couldn't tell if they were at all close
00:21:29.108 --> 00:21:31.608
to the master illusionist, and neither could Naomi.
00:21:31.968 --> 00:21:35.068
Naomi, run! The fire is going to surround you!
00:21:35.248 --> 00:21:39.748
The flames roared and spread toward Naomi, only to hold her position as the
00:21:39.748 --> 00:21:42.608
illusionist spoke. A pity to destroy such talent.
00:21:43.008 --> 00:21:47.448
Do not do this. You are not even appreciated by your own allies.
00:21:47.928 --> 00:21:53.008
Join us, Naomi. In response, Naomi cast a detonation toward the sound of the
00:21:53.008 --> 00:21:55.268
magician's voice on the other side of the wall of flame.
00:21:55.628 --> 00:21:58.868
She clearly missed as the flames marched forward again.
00:21:59.248 --> 00:22:03.028
I watched as Naomi fell to a knee. Naomi, run.
00:22:03.568 --> 00:22:07.728
She was casting another spell rather than run. At that moment,
00:22:07.928 --> 00:22:10.188
the flames closed and completely surrounded her.
00:22:10.468 --> 00:22:14.788
All that was left was the magician to tighten the fiery noose to incinerate Naomi.
00:22:15.388 --> 00:22:20.008
I lifted the staff and will timed to stop. I had witnessed Naomi nearly killed
00:22:20.008 --> 00:22:23.948
by the flame spell of an effete, and I wouldn't let her get that close to death again.
00:22:24.806 --> 00:22:28.166
But to my horror, time didn't stop. I was powerless.
00:22:28.566 --> 00:22:33.006
I was once again no more than a streetlight. I pulled myself up with a staff
00:22:33.006 --> 00:22:34.846
and desperately limped toward her.
00:22:35.166 --> 00:22:38.286
The flames were burning my face when I noticed movement to my left.
00:22:38.786 --> 00:22:42.346
A creature of flame was slowly moving toward the illusionary flames.
00:22:42.926 --> 00:22:47.706
Iggy! He held out a hand, and a ball of fire shot out, disappearing behind the
00:22:47.706 --> 00:22:49.726
huge wall of flames that the illusionist had created.
00:22:50.086 --> 00:22:53.386
There was a cry, and then Iggy cast another ball of fire.
00:22:54.106 --> 00:22:59.086
At that moment, the fiery wall disappeared, replaced by a pillar of fire standing
00:22:59.086 --> 00:23:00.286
on the lawn in the distance.
00:23:00.626 --> 00:23:02.466
It burned bright and intense.
00:23:02.846 --> 00:23:07.886
I limped toward Naomi, who was on the ground. She looked perfectly fine, but was unconscious.
00:23:08.386 --> 00:23:11.506
I touched her forehead. It wasn't hot at all.
00:23:11.986 --> 00:23:15.686
Her chest wasn't moving, so I leaned down and put my lips over her mouth,
00:23:15.886 --> 00:23:17.446
hoping to fill her lungs with air.
00:23:17.806 --> 00:23:22.286
The moment my lips touched hers, her eyes shot open and she pushed me hard with her hands.
00:23:22.866 --> 00:23:27.466
I fell back jarring my shoulder. I groaned and blinked tears of pain out of my eyes.
00:23:28.266 --> 00:23:31.986
Oh, Tommy, your shoulder is dislocated. I'm so sorry.
00:23:32.506 --> 00:23:36.586
Naomi looked unsteady, but scrambled over and put her arm around me as she pulled
00:23:36.586 --> 00:23:37.666
me to a sitting position.
00:23:38.306 --> 00:23:44.226
It's okay. It only hurts like crazy. She slapped my good shoulder with her hand. You idiot.
00:23:44.526 --> 00:23:45.746
I wouldn't have dislocated your
00:23:45.746 --> 00:23:48.486
shoulder if you hadn't decided to kiss me while I was burning to death.
00:23:48.806 --> 00:23:52.066
I couldn't help but laugh even though I was in searing pain.
00:23:52.566 --> 00:23:56.246
You didn't dislocate my shoulder, a detonation from a master did.
00:23:56.446 --> 00:23:58.946
And I wasn't trying to kiss you, I was trying to save you.
00:23:59.861 --> 00:24:04.901
We need to get you medical attention. Naomi stood and gently grabbed my good arm, pulling me up.
00:24:05.441 --> 00:24:09.061
I don't know if that's a good idea. We don't know how many Germans are around,
00:24:09.101 --> 00:24:10.241
and I need to get the coat.
00:24:10.801 --> 00:24:15.041
I can heal your shoulder. It was Iggy who had returned to his human form.
00:24:15.661 --> 00:24:19.581
Iggy, you saved us. I looked over to him. Are you okay?
00:24:20.041 --> 00:24:23.781
I am gravely injured, Neat. My life force is depleted.
00:24:24.061 --> 00:24:29.501
And by shifting into this form, I have used energy I should have used to heal. Why did you do that?
00:24:30.221 --> 00:24:35.101
My job is to keep you safe. I can't stay near you for very long in my natural form.
00:24:35.781 --> 00:24:40.501
Before I could reply, he moved toward me in an odd stutter step, stopping at my side.
00:24:40.941 --> 00:24:45.701
Are you ready to be healed? I guess so. I looked at him as he reached toward
00:24:45.701 --> 00:24:48.061
me. Will this hurt? Lots.
00:24:48.761 --> 00:24:53.461
Iggy's hands grabbed my arm and shoulder. With a yank, he pulled my arm into its socket.
00:24:53.941 --> 00:24:57.901
I am not too proud to admit that I screamed and tears streamed down my face.
00:24:58.481 --> 00:25:00.021
I thought you were going to heal me.
00:25:00.781 --> 00:25:06.621
You are healed now. I moved my arm, and while I clearly wasn't healed, it was at least usable.
00:25:07.541 --> 00:25:10.881
Aomi rubbed my shoulder, which actually made it hurt more, but I didn't want
00:25:10.881 --> 00:25:12.561
her to stop, so I didn't say anything.
00:25:13.681 --> 00:25:16.861
Lazarus, I think our definition of healing is different than yours.
00:25:17.561 --> 00:25:21.601
I looked around. There was a small pile of charred ashes in the distance.
00:25:22.081 --> 00:25:24.121
I didn't need to ask Iggy what it was.
00:25:24.701 --> 00:25:28.301
There were four magicians secure in some kind of invisible binding spread across
00:25:28.301 --> 00:25:31.161
the grass. Where do you think the other magician went?
00:25:32.101 --> 00:25:37.641
Back to school, I hope. He knew one good spell, and I had that mastered in my first month of study.
00:25:38.201 --> 00:25:42.141
I think your definition of good is probably different than most magicians.
00:25:42.681 --> 00:25:46.201
I nodded toward the restrained magicians. What do we do with them?
00:25:47.001 --> 00:25:51.761
Just leave them for the French. I need to get back to the hotel. We're a bit of a mess.
00:25:52.561 --> 00:25:57.261
Just to be safe, I made us invisible as we made our way out of the park and along the sidewalk.
00:25:57.801 --> 00:26:01.241
None of us could see each other, so I held Naomi's hand while Iggy placed his
00:26:01.241 --> 00:26:02.381
hand on my sore shoulder.
00:26:02.961 --> 00:26:05.421
We would have looked ridiculous if we weren't invisible.
00:26:06.221 --> 00:26:09.601
Shortly after we left the park, Iggy stumbled and I reached for him,
00:26:09.761 --> 00:26:11.321
but he slipped from my fingers.
00:26:11.901 --> 00:26:15.621
Beyond the pain of the jolt of my shoulder, I was shocked by the immense weight
00:26:15.621 --> 00:26:17.381
and bulk of Iggy and his human form.
00:26:17.741 --> 00:26:21.741
It felt like trying to hold back a tank. Iggy, are you okay?
00:26:22.721 --> 00:26:27.801
I will be fine when we return to the hotel, and I can rest. It's not far.
00:26:28.561 --> 00:26:33.101
I will go on my own. I will meet you in my room. His voice came from further
00:26:33.101 --> 00:26:36.461
ahead. I spoke in Naomi's direction. Are you okay?
00:26:37.061 --> 00:26:40.981
Just enjoying the two invisible stooges. I was going to object,
00:26:41.261 --> 00:26:43.041
but she squeezed my hand, and
00:26:43.041 --> 00:26:45.921
I decided I liked the feeling of holding her hand more than an argument.
00:26:46.781 --> 00:26:50.881
Things were quiet as we slowly made our way down the street. I was sore.
00:26:51.141 --> 00:26:54.441
I was nervous over the possibility of Russians or Germans finding us,
00:26:54.541 --> 00:26:56.641
and I still didn't know how I would get the coat.
00:26:57.746 --> 00:27:01.426
It was a Paris afternoon, and I was walking down the street holding Naomi's
00:27:01.426 --> 00:27:03.906
hand. I didn't want the afternoon to end.
00:27:04.586 --> 00:27:08.546
As we waited at an intersection, I heard Naomi's voice from my right.
00:27:08.786 --> 00:27:15.246
What a pair we are, the mighty magician and the archmage, beaten by a single illusionist.
00:27:15.826 --> 00:27:17.666
She sounded utterly defeated.
00:27:18.266 --> 00:27:23.926
When are we going to actually win a battle, Tommy? I studied so hard. I'm still useless.
00:27:24.586 --> 00:27:30.786
You are not useless. You defeated five master magicians. Five!
00:27:31.226 --> 00:27:35.106
No one else in the world could do such a thing. You are amazing.
00:27:36.586 --> 00:27:41.186
Naomi was quiet for a while, finally replying with deep bitterness in her voice.
00:27:42.006 --> 00:27:48.546
But I still failed. You could have won, Naomi. You're just too aggressive.
00:27:49.246 --> 00:27:53.346
I didn't know if Naomi would accept the criticism, but I was worried she'd hurt
00:27:53.346 --> 00:27:55.686
herself, so I threw caution to the wind.
00:27:56.026 --> 00:27:58.686
You need to learn how to retreat and then counterattack.
00:27:59.286 --> 00:28:02.046
You should have fled and then found a new angle of attack.
00:28:02.846 --> 00:28:06.766
Then he would have killed you, Tommy. Maybe that's our problem then.
00:28:07.186 --> 00:28:10.406
I was just unable to keep frustration from entering my own voice.
00:28:10.646 --> 00:28:12.166
We don't trust each other.
00:28:12.466 --> 00:28:16.526
I can protect myself with the staff. You can handle yourself with your magic.
00:28:17.286 --> 00:28:20.746
Maybe we would work better as a team by focusing on our strengths rather than
00:28:20.746 --> 00:28:22.886
trying to protect or impress each other.
00:28:23.466 --> 00:28:27.426
I never said you had to protect me. And you don't have to impress me.
00:28:28.206 --> 00:28:30.046
You're amazing as you are.
00:28:30.966 --> 00:28:35.186
Naomi didn't reply, and we finished our walk back to the hotel in silence.
00:28:36.080 --> 00:29:08.436
Music.
