I Meet Naomi, Who Hates Me

[00:00:01] Artifacts of the Arcane, by Jake Kerr Season 1, The Staff of Light Episode 7, I Meet Naomi, Who Hates Me

[00:00:19] There is smoke in the distance, I stated, pointing over Mr. Ali's shoulder. He turned, and after a glance spun back to me.

[00:00:28] His grim visage replaced with a broad smile. Perhaps a fireplace or a stove. He turned and limped a few steps while waving me forward.

[00:00:39] Come, we must reach it as soon as possible. Mr. Ali sounded excited, but looked concerned.

[00:00:46] I wasn't sure, however. Between my bruised leg and the heat, I had little energy to do more than worry about walking without falling.

[00:00:54] The cane was helpful, but not in its magic. It was a much-needed support as I climbed the hill.

[00:01:01] In fact, ever since the attack, the cane seemed particularly normal in my hand.

[00:01:06] Granted, I didn't think much of using it for light or any other kind of assistance, but it still felt too normal.

[00:01:12] I decided to see if I could connect again with the cane while also helping myself.

[00:01:17] I lifted the cane as we climbed and focused my mind on a single thought.

[00:01:22] Heal, my hip and leg. I strained, but the staff remained silent.

[00:01:27] Mr. Ali glanced back at me and asked what was wrong.

[00:01:31] Nothing. I'm sorry, I was just trying to see if the staff could heal me.

[00:01:37] I lowered the cane to the ground and leaned on it.

[00:01:41] Mr. Ali nodded, walked back, and held my elbow as we continued up the hill.

[00:01:47] Alas, Tommy, that is a rare talent with the staff, indeed.

[00:01:50] There have been archmages who were mighty healers.

[00:01:54] Their skill at a level to bring someone from even the brink of death back to health.

[00:01:58] Mr. Ali shrugged.

[00:02:01] Perhaps someday.

[00:02:03] We reached the top of the hill and paused at the crest.

[00:02:06] I looked down, focusing on the source of the smoke.

[00:02:09] It floated up from the chimney of a building at the base of the hill.

[00:02:14] It appeared to be some kind of rail station as it stood alone next to a rail line.

[00:02:19] There weren't any other buildings, not even roads.

[00:02:23] In fact, it looked like this wasn't a town at all, but little more than a railroad maintenance stop.

[00:02:29] Mr. Ali stared at the building next to the rail line with a broad smile on his face.

[00:02:34] We have the luck of Aladdin, Tommy.

[00:02:37] I had no idea what Mr. Ali was talking about, and it must have shown as when Mr. Ali looked back at me, he quickly added,

[00:02:45] A train.

[00:02:46] It is the fastest magical transport we have.

[00:02:50] Mr. Ali started walking, a new jump in his step, brought on by enthusiasm.

[00:02:55] I will tell you more once we board the train.

[00:02:58] But this is great news.

[00:02:59] We will find shelter and safety soon.

[00:03:02] Despite his injuries, Mr. Ali set a vigorous pace down the other side of the hill.

[00:03:07] I had to stop a few times when the pain in my hip became too great.

[00:03:11] Mr. Ali would walk back to me, concern in his voice and face.

[00:03:15] But I could tell that he was nervous and wanted me to keep moving.

[00:03:20] Can we pause for a moment, Mr. Ali?

[00:03:22] I asked at one point.

[00:03:24] My leg and hip were hurting.

[00:03:25] By now, we were on flat ground.

[00:03:28] But the rugged descent and our pace was too much for me.

[00:03:32] Of course.

[00:03:33] Do you need to sit down?

[00:03:35] No, I just need to rest my leg a bit.

[00:03:38] I didn't dare sit down.

[00:03:40] I didn't think I would be able to get up again.

[00:03:42] And the thought of an old man like Mr. Ali carrying me was too embarrassing to bear.

[00:03:47] I still wanted to impress him.

[00:03:49] And I really wanted to grit my teeth and barrel through this short journey to the railhouse.

[00:03:55] So I leaned on the cane and did my best to stretch and massage my leg.

[00:03:59] Mr. Ali leaned back into a mighty stretch.

[00:04:03] He let out a loud grunt of,

[00:04:05] Ah!

[00:04:06] But it got cut short when he jerked himself back up to his full height.

[00:04:10] His sudden stop and the intent look in his eyes caught my attention.

[00:04:15] He was staring where the rail line disappeared into the hills in the distance.

[00:04:20] I turned to follow his gaze.

[00:04:23] Do you see that, Tommy?

[00:04:25] I squinted into the harsh light.

[00:04:27] And after a moment, I saw what I thought was a dark dot on the horizon.

[00:04:32] I'm not sure.

[00:04:33] There's a dark spot on the horizon.

[00:04:35] Is it smoke?

[00:04:37] It's not smoke.

[00:04:38] Mr. Ali continued to stare.

[00:04:40] I did my best to look.

[00:04:42] But all I could see was the dark spot.

[00:04:45] It was perhaps a bit more visible now, but still tiny.

[00:04:49] A zeppelin?

[00:04:50] Mr. Ali shook his head.

[00:04:53] A flock of birds?

[00:04:54] He continued to stare in the distance,

[00:04:57] but grabbed my arm and tugged me gently forward.

[00:05:01] Tommy, we need to get to the rail station as soon as possible.

[00:05:05] He started to walk briskly toward the house,

[00:05:09] half supporting me, half pulling me.

[00:05:11] I could tell something was worrying him,

[00:05:13] as he would glance over his shoulder,

[00:05:15] and then push the pace even more.

[00:05:17] By the time we got to the house,

[00:05:19] we were half running, half stumbling.

[00:05:22] He pounded on the door, which was locked,

[00:05:24] as he shouted,

[00:05:25] Waymaster!

[00:05:26] Unlock the door!

[00:05:27] Now!

[00:05:28] I was finally able to look back.

[00:05:30] The dot had turned into a dark cloud of black

[00:05:33] that spread across a large swath of the horizon.

[00:05:36] I had no idea what it could be,

[00:05:38] but it was clearly not good.

[00:05:39] A woman opened the door.

[00:05:42] She was dressed in khaki coveralls

[00:05:44] and had flowing dark hair with a white streak on one side.

[00:05:47] She looked unhappy.

[00:05:49] Who are you, and why are you here?

[00:05:52] Shut up, woman!

[00:05:53] I need to see the Waymaster!

[00:05:55] Mr. Ali replied.

[00:05:57] He started to push his way past the woman

[00:05:58] when she gave him a firm shove

[00:06:00] that sent him flying backward.

[00:06:03] I'm the Waymaster.

[00:06:05] She held up a pistol and pointed at Mr. Ali and me.

[00:06:08] And who are you?

[00:06:10] Mr. Ali looked shocked.

[00:06:13] As he regained his balance,

[00:06:15] he looked up at the Waymaster angrily.

[00:06:17] That's not important right now.

[00:06:19] Look!

[00:06:20] He pointed in the distance.

[00:06:22] The Waymaster glanced over,

[00:06:24] and her eyes went wide.

[00:06:25] What is that?

[00:06:26] I looked back to the direction that Mr. Ali indicated.

[00:06:30] The black cloud was clearly visible on the horizon.

[00:06:35] Jen!

[00:06:35] Mr. Ali's anger disappeared

[00:06:37] and was replaced with urgency.

[00:06:39] And it looks like dozens,

[00:06:41] perhaps even hundreds of them.

[00:06:43] He turned to me and put his hand on my shoulder.

[00:06:46] They are after the staff, Tommy.

[00:06:48] I'm afraid I did not have the opportunity

[00:06:51] to discuss this with you on Nur Maritam.

[00:06:53] But perhaps it is time to give the magical creatures the staff

[00:06:56] and return it from whence it came.

[00:06:59] I looked at Mr. Ali, aghast.

[00:07:02] No!

[00:07:03] Grandfather risked his life for me to keep the staff safe.

[00:07:07] Mr. Ali's face fell,

[00:07:09] and I immediately felt bad for dismissing his idea out of hand.

[00:07:13] But I was also confused.

[00:07:15] He and Grandfather had argued about this at the restaurant,

[00:07:18] and my grandfather strongly disagreed with Mr. Ali.

[00:07:22] Was he perhaps trying to use my ignorance and youth to get his way?

[00:07:26] I didn't want to feel that way.

[00:07:28] Mr. Ali was Grandfather's friend and was looking out for me.

[00:07:32] So I replied,

[00:07:33] I mean, I understand that it will put me in danger,

[00:07:36] and I understand that there is much that I don't know about magic.

[00:07:40] So perhaps this is foolish of me.

[00:07:42] But I can't.

[00:07:43] Mr. Ali nodded.

[00:07:45] Of course, Tommy.

[00:07:47] It was unfair of me to ask.

[00:07:49] He turned to the waymaster.

[00:07:51] We will have time to discuss this later,

[00:07:53] but I have no choice but to trust you and you to trust me.

[00:07:58] You see what we are facing?

[00:08:00] The woman nodded.

[00:08:01] There are no trains near, but I can summon one.

[00:08:05] She turned and strode into the building.

[00:08:07] I glanced back at what was now a black stain,

[00:08:11] spreading across the horizon,

[00:08:12] before following Mr. Ali and the waymaster in.

[00:08:16] I shut the door and almost ran into Mr. Ali.

[00:08:20] The waymaster was stabbing him in the chest with her finger.

[00:08:23] I heard you mention the staff.

[00:08:25] Is the archmage with you?

[00:08:27] I will not summon a train if the archmage is here.

[00:08:30] Are you playing some game?

[00:08:31] Mr. Ali kisai'd.

[00:08:33] Here is the new archmage.

[00:08:35] He moved out of the way and nodded toward me.

[00:08:38] I saw a dawning comprehension on the waymaster's face

[00:08:42] as she looked at me and then the cane and then back at me.

[00:08:46] There's a new archmage.

[00:08:48] Mr. Ali nodded as he adjusted his armor.

[00:08:51] His powers?

[00:08:53] He can make light.

[00:08:55] What?

[00:08:55] Was Mr. Ali's succinct reply.

[00:08:57] Now I ask you again, waymaster,

[00:08:59] as our lives are probably in the balance.

[00:09:01] Can you get a train here quickly?

[00:09:03] The question pushed the waymaster to action.

[00:09:07] Yes.

[00:09:08] Yes, of course.

[00:09:09] She ran over to a box that was on a work table in the corner and started tapping on it.

[00:09:14] It was a telegraph machine and as she tapped on the small metal arm,

[00:09:19] I heard her mutter,

[00:09:20] Light!

[00:09:21] Loudly under her breath, sounding disgusted.

[00:09:24] Mr. Ali didn't say anything else but sat in the middle of the floor and began chanting in Farsi.

[00:09:31] He would occasionally move his arms in precise movements.

[00:09:35] At one point he winced as his bruised arm acted up and a stream of curses came out of his mouth.

[00:09:41] He immediately began again, however, his face a mask of calm.

[00:09:46] We should reinforce the doors and windows while he casts his shield.

[00:09:50] It was the waymaster.

[00:09:52] She was standing beside me.

[00:09:54] Okay, I'll do whatever I can to help.

[00:09:57] I took in my surroundings.

[00:09:59] The station was long and thin and we were in the center.

[00:10:03] On the far end in front of us was a plain closed door.

[00:10:07] Behind me was an open area that contained a waist-high solid wood divider with a swinging door at the end.

[00:10:13] Beyond it was a large area that looked like it was a mess of random train-related materials.

[00:10:19] There were wooden boxes, some closed, some open.

[00:10:22] There was equipment of every size and shape.

[00:10:24] From a large wheel that must have weighed hundreds of pounds to a pile of railroad spikes that looked freshly cast.

[00:10:31] On the near side of the divider was a long wooden table with loose papers, folders, and mugs with pens and pencils in them.

[00:10:39] It also contained packages waiting to be delivered.

[00:10:42] Dominating the center of the room opposite the door we entered was a pair of huge metal doors that faced the rail line.

[00:10:49] They were latched closed and looked like the doors you see on a freight car.

[00:10:54] It was clearly the point where things were moved to and from the building and the trains.

[00:10:59] The waymaster pointed at the front door.

[00:11:02] We need to defend that.

[00:11:03] She then pointed to the double doors that led to the track.

[00:11:06] And we need to clear that.

[00:11:08] Our only hope is to get on the train and then get moving.

[00:11:13] That means we need to defend ourselves for a long time and then, when the train arrives, battle our way out to it.

[00:11:20] I am Waymaster Bergeron, the woman added, as we started to stack wooden crates and chairs in front of the door and windows.

[00:11:28] Tommy, I replied, grunting as I pulled a desk along the floor.

[00:11:33] And that is Mr. Ali, my teacher and protector.

[00:11:38] So the new archmage needs a protector.

[00:11:41] She snorted.

[00:11:42] She was about the age of my English teacher at Andover, and I knew I should treat her with respect.

[00:11:47] But her attitude bothered me.

[00:11:50] I am new, but you should not underestimate me.

[00:11:53] It is foolish to judge others on their size and age.

[00:11:56] The waymaster paused and looked at me.

[00:11:59] You, a child, are going to presume to tell me not to judge?

[00:12:03] I bound the marid prince afez, and my reward was this?

[00:12:07] She spat out the words.

[00:12:08] A shack that is barely a way station, and do you know why?

[00:12:12] I shook my head.

[00:12:13] Because I am a woman.

[00:12:15] I thought to Mr. Ali's comment at the door,

[00:12:17] asking the woman to take him to the waymaster.

[00:12:20] So please, archmage, tell me about judging others based on something other than ability.

[00:12:26] I was about to stammer a reply when Mr. Ali opened his eyes.

[00:12:31] Is a train coming?

[00:12:32] It is about 500 miles away.

[00:12:35] The waymaster returned to piling things in front of the windows.

[00:12:39] Mr. Ali stood up gingerly.

[00:12:42] 500 miles?

[00:12:43] How long will that take to arrive?

[00:12:46] An hour, give or take.

[00:12:48] My shields won't last a portion of that.

[00:12:50] What defenses do you have?

[00:12:53] Waymaster Bergeron shrugged.

[00:12:56] This is an outpost, barely a way station.

[00:12:59] There are elementary shield spells, but nothing intended to hold off jinn.

[00:13:04] She walked over and looked out the front window,

[00:13:07] which I was in the process of blocking with stools and chairs.

[00:13:11] They are maybe 20 minutes away at most.

[00:13:14] She then turned to me.

[00:13:16] What of you, archmage?

[00:13:17] Do you have any ideas?

[00:13:19] Mr. Ali and Waymaster Bergeron stared at me.

[00:13:23] Was it hope in their faces?

[00:13:25] Concern?

[00:13:26] Sadness?

[00:13:27] Perhaps it was all of those things.

[00:13:29] I'm afraid not, Waymaster Bergeron.

[00:13:33] I looked at the staff, which I held tightly in my right hand.

[00:13:37] I added apologetically, I still have a lot to learn.

[00:13:41] The waymaster sighed and turned,

[00:13:43] probably as disgusted with me as I was with myself.

[00:13:47] Bergeron.

[00:13:47] Mr. Ali stated,

[00:13:50] You are the daughter of Oliver.

[00:13:52] What of it?

[00:13:53] He oversaw the London trains during the Great War.

[00:13:56] I know.

[00:13:58] She kept stacking things.

[00:14:00] Is he here?

[00:14:01] Is he the waymaster?

[00:14:03] Mr. Ali sounded hopeful.

[00:14:05] Waymaster Bergeron spun around and marched over to Mr. Ali.

[00:14:10] He died, you old fool.

[00:14:12] I'm the waymaster of this dusty shed.

[00:14:14] Not King's Cross.

[00:14:15] Not Union Station.

[00:14:17] Not Grand Central.

[00:14:18] This pathetic station.

[00:14:19] A station so small, it doesn't even have a name.

[00:14:22] Just a number.

[00:14:23] Is that so hard to accept?

[00:14:25] She stood toe to toe with Mr. Ali.

[00:14:28] And how long will your shield last?

[00:14:31] Mr. Ali looked down.

[00:14:33] I'm not sure they can withstand this many jinn.

[00:14:36] The waymaster shook her head and then yelled out,

[00:14:39] Naomi!

[00:14:40] She turned, grabbed a chair, and walked toward a window,

[00:14:44] looking a combination of annoyed and concerned.

[00:14:46] She is young as well, but she at least knows some spells.

[00:14:51] The sound of disdain was clear in her voice.

[00:14:54] And I was about to object when all thoughts left my mind.

[00:14:58] The wooden door at the end of the room opened,

[00:15:00] and a blonde-haired girl my age entered.

[00:15:03] Her hair was long and fell across her face.

[00:15:07] She wore dusty dungarees with a rough-spun white shirt designed for heavy work.

[00:15:12] There was a distinct tap as she walked on the wood floor,

[00:15:15] coming from her brown leather boots,

[00:15:18] the kind cowboys wore in the movies.

[00:15:20] I couldn't take my eyes off her as she approached.

[00:15:24] She had the high cheekbones and arched eyebrows that,

[00:15:28] combined with her long, wavy hair,

[00:15:31] would have been at home on the screen at the Ziegfeld Theater.

[00:15:34] But she had a hard and serious look to her.

[00:15:37] She had none of the giggly shallowness of the schoolgirls I knew,

[00:15:42] and none of the austerity of those at our church,

[00:15:45] She looked practical, tough, and beautiful.

[00:15:49] She approached with steady and nonchalant steps,

[00:15:53] pointily ignoring me and Mr. Ali as she stopped near the waymaster.

[00:15:57] It was only then that she looked me up and down,

[00:16:00] as if assessing a horse on the auction block.

[00:16:04] Before I could say anything,

[00:16:05] she turned away to face waymaster Bergeron.

[00:16:08] Yes, mother.

[00:16:10] She was maddening.

[00:16:12] Did she like me?

[00:16:14] Was she dismissing me by turning away?

[00:16:16] I was worried more about her opinion

[00:16:19] than the approach of magical creatures on the wind.

[00:16:22] We are about to be attacked by scores of djinn.

[00:16:26] Naomi didn't flinch, but raised an eyebrow.

[00:16:30] We are?

[00:16:31] Why are they attacking us?

[00:16:33] We're barely a way station.

[00:16:35] They are after the archmage.

[00:16:38] At the mention of the archmage,

[00:16:40] Naomi's attitude shifted dramatically.

[00:16:42] The archmage is here?

[00:16:45] She looked at Mr. Ali and me.

[00:16:47] Where is he?

[00:16:48] It will be an honor to watch him in battle.

[00:16:51] It sounded like she could barely contain her excitement.

[00:16:55] Naomi?

[00:16:56] Her mother said with a sigh.

[00:16:58] That's the archmage.

[00:17:00] She pointed at me.

[00:17:02] She turned to face me,

[00:17:03] and the disappointment on her face was obvious.

[00:17:06] Him?

[00:17:07] Yes, and he can even make light.

[00:17:09] I caught the sarcasm in her voice

[00:17:11] and looked to Mr. Ali to defend me,

[00:17:13] but Mr. Ali looked shocked at the presence of Naomi.

[00:17:17] Now enough dawdling.

[00:17:19] What level of shield spell have you mastered

[00:17:21] that can cover this room?

[00:17:23] Naomi shrugged and replied breezily,

[00:17:26] I could summon the mantle of Anadis.

[00:17:29] Waymaster Bergeron was about to speak

[00:17:32] when Mr. Ali interrupted her.

[00:17:35] Ridiculous.

[00:17:36] That's a master level spell,

[00:17:38] and you expect me to believe this girl can cast it?

[00:17:40] We don't have time for schoolyard exaggeration,

[00:17:43] Miss Bergeron.

[00:17:44] Naomi didn't look at Mr. Ali,

[00:17:46] nor did she flinch.

[00:17:47] In fact, she didn't even register his presence.

[00:17:50] She looked at her mother and stood quietly.

[00:17:54] Waymaster Bergeron glanced at Mr. Ali quickly,

[00:17:57] but didn't respond.

[00:17:59] She knelt down in front of Naomi and took her hands.

[00:18:02] How long can you sustain it?

[00:18:04] 30 minutes at most.

[00:18:06] It is a difficult spell.

[00:18:07] Well, the waymaster nodded as Naomi added,

[00:18:11] Is help coming?

[00:18:13] How much time do we have?

[00:18:15] The djinn are 20 minutes away,

[00:18:18] and a train will arrive in an hour.

[00:18:19] She replied flatly.

[00:18:22] If Naomi waited to start the shield

[00:18:23] until the last possible moment,

[00:18:25] it still left 10 minutes of unremitting djinn attacks,

[00:18:29] which didn't sound like it would turn out well for us.

[00:18:32] I'll do my best, mother.

[00:18:34] Naomi knelt and spread her arms out straight at her side.

[00:18:38] She then proceeded to embark on a beautifully fluid

[00:18:42] and complex number of body movements,

[00:18:44] focusing on minute changes in the positions of her fingers and hands.

[00:18:49] Some of the movements she made with her fingers appeared impossible.

[00:18:53] I looked at Mr. Ali, who stared in shock.

[00:18:57] I wandered over and whispered to him,

[00:19:00] Is she doing it?

[00:19:01] He nodded, but didn't say anything.

[00:19:03] It's waymaster, she said to Mr. Ali.

[00:19:07] You called me Miss, she added.

[00:19:10] Yes, yes, I understand.

[00:19:13] Mr. Ali muttered.

[00:19:14] He was staring at Naomi.

[00:19:17] Where has she trained?

[00:19:19] She is self-taught.

[00:19:21] The pride in her voice was obvious.

[00:19:24] She has the standard texts and the trains deliver

[00:19:27] and take away new ones as fast as she can devour them.

[00:19:31] I looked at the waymaster who was smiling.

[00:19:34] Which is fast.

[00:19:35] I looked at Naomi, spellbound,

[00:19:37] at the fluidity of her movements.

[00:19:40] Mr. Ali turned and picked up a box.

[00:19:44] You were foolish to support this.

[00:19:47] Magic is too difficult and too dangerous for girls.

[00:19:50] He walked the box over and stacked it near the front door.

[00:19:54] I looked at the waymaster.

[00:19:56] I could see her jaw clenching.

[00:19:58] But she didn't say anything.

[00:20:00] After a moment, she turned and went back to the telegraph machine.

[00:20:04] The silence was difficult for me.

[00:20:06] I owed so much to Mr. Ali,

[00:20:09] but I felt that it was unfair of him to dismiss Naomi's efforts.

[00:20:12] I glanced at her.

[00:20:14] I didn't know what she was doing,

[00:20:15] but I was certain it would be helpful.

[00:20:17] Why couldn't Mr. Ali see that?

[00:20:20] Naomi was still casting her spell when the djinn arrived.

[00:20:24] The slight light that could be seen from the windows darkened,

[00:20:27] and you could hear the dull thud of pounding from outside.

[00:20:31] There were no explosions,

[00:20:32] just the sound of arms,

[00:20:34] legs, and bodies pounding against Mr. Ali's shield.

[00:20:37] Your shield is holding, Ali,

[00:20:39] the waymaster said.

[00:20:41] I'm afraid it won't last long,

[00:20:43] he replied.

[00:20:44] I was glad they were talking at least.

[00:20:47] Moments later,

[00:20:48] a glow started in Naomi's hands

[00:20:50] and slowly spread out across the room.

[00:20:53] As it passed through me,

[00:20:54] I noticed that it only glowed outward.

[00:20:57] Once it was past me,

[00:20:58] I could barely see it.

[00:21:00] As it penetrated the walls,

[00:21:02] the sounds from outside grew muffled.

[00:21:05] We have thirty minutes,

[00:21:07] Naomi stated.

[00:21:08] She then stretched out on the floor,

[00:21:10] her hands behind her head.

[00:21:12] We stacked a few more things,

[00:21:14] but by then,

[00:21:15] pretty much anything that could block a door or window

[00:21:17] was pressed against them.

[00:21:20] Perhaps you should thank the girl,

[00:21:22] waymaster Bergeron stated,

[00:21:24] her voice full of bitterness.

[00:21:26] She did well,

[00:21:27] Mr. Ali replied,

[00:21:28] but there wasn't much enthusiasm in his voice.

[00:21:32] We waited,

[00:21:33] the only noise the muffled sounds

[00:21:35] coming from beyond Naomi's shield.

[00:21:37] After a few minutes,

[00:21:39] Mr. Ali flexed his fingers

[00:21:41] and pulled the vicious knife out

[00:21:43] from its sheath on his thigh.

[00:21:45] Naomi continued to rest on the floor,

[00:21:48] her blonde hair spread around her head like a halo,

[00:21:51] her hands folded on her chest.

[00:21:53] She may even have been asleep.

[00:21:56] Suddenly,

[00:21:57] Naomi's eyes shot open

[00:21:59] and she said in a clear, calm voice,

[00:22:01] the shield is weakening.

[00:22:03] I heard the sound of screaming,

[00:22:05] although it remained muffled.

[00:22:07] The sound was awful,

[00:22:08] like a mixture of shrieks and high winds.

[00:22:11] It reminded me of the attack on the restaurant.

[00:22:14] I must have looked scared

[00:22:16] as Mr. Ali put his hand on my shoulder.

[00:22:19] Just stay behind me.

[00:22:21] He smiled at me

[00:22:22] and then turned toward the door.

[00:22:24] Just then,

[00:22:25] several things happened in short order,

[00:22:28] one after the other.

[00:22:29] Naomi stated,

[00:22:30] the shield is gone.

[00:22:32] The screaming increased to a painful intensity.

[00:22:35] The front door blew in with an explosion of air,

[00:22:38] barely missing Mr. Ali

[00:22:39] and bouncing off the double doors behind us.

[00:22:42] Naomi leapt to her feet

[00:22:43] and finally,

[00:22:45] the djinn were upon us.

[00:22:46] Mr. Ali crouched in front of the door,

[00:22:49] launching himself against djinn

[00:22:50] as they entered.

[00:22:52] One after the other,

[00:22:53] they approached only to be struck down

[00:22:55] by a slash

[00:22:56] from Mr. Ali's knife.

[00:22:58] As they were mortally struck,

[00:23:00] the djinn would completely disappear

[00:23:02] into a puff of air.

[00:23:04] The door was small

[00:23:05] and Mr. Ali was relentless,

[00:23:08] but there were just too many.

[00:23:10] Soon, Mr. Ali was fighting two djinn

[00:23:12] while barely holding more off at the door.

[00:23:14] It was at that point

[00:23:15] when the window blasted open.

[00:23:17] The chairs protected us from the glass

[00:23:19] and delayed the entry of any djinn,

[00:23:22] but the barricade immediately began to fall

[00:23:24] to the strength of the creatures.

[00:23:26] At the first appearance of a clear opening,

[00:23:29] a bright ball of fire

[00:23:30] flew toward it from my right.

[00:23:32] The djinn in the frame of the window

[00:23:34] burst into nothingness.

[00:23:36] I looked over to see Naomi

[00:23:38] on the balls of her feet,

[00:23:39] her hands and fingers moving in a blur.

[00:23:42] After a few seconds of movement,

[00:23:44] she would throw her hands forward

[00:23:46] and a ball of flame would shoot from them.

[00:23:49] She glanced at me and smiled wickedly.

[00:23:52] They're detonations!

[00:23:54] She turned back to face the window,

[00:23:56] but added in an amused voice.

[00:23:59] I'm not allowed to do them.

[00:24:01] She launched another one toward the window,

[00:24:03] but she couldn't perform the spell fast enough

[00:24:06] and djinn were slowly making their way along the wall,

[00:24:09] using our own barricade as a shield.

[00:24:12] We have five minutes!

[00:24:14] It was the waymaster who was at the telegraph,

[00:24:17] tapping away.

[00:24:18] I looked at one of the djinn.

[00:24:20] They were the color of a dark stone

[00:24:22] with a tinge of green.

[00:24:24] They were heavily muscled

[00:24:26] and about the size of a large man,

[00:24:28] with long arms and sharp claws.

[00:24:31] Massive wings were folded tightly against their backs,

[00:24:34] allowing them to move easily,

[00:24:36] if clumsily,

[00:24:37] in the tight spaces amidst the barricade.

[00:24:39] Their faces were human

[00:24:41] only in that they had eyes,

[00:24:43] nose,

[00:24:43] and a mouth.

[00:24:44] They didn't appear to have hair

[00:24:46] and there were folds to their face

[00:24:48] that gave the appearance of melting

[00:24:49] or having been windblown.

[00:24:51] As one turned to squeeze behind a large cabinet,

[00:24:54] I saw a glimpse of long, sharp teeth as well.

[00:24:57] They didn't have any clothes or weapons,

[00:25:00] just those claws and teeth.

[00:25:02] I gripped the staff,

[00:25:03] wanting to do something.

[00:25:05] Mr. Ali held off three djinn.

[00:25:07] At least four others

[00:25:09] were pushing through the barricade of the window.

[00:25:11] I backed against the double doors

[00:25:13] and held the staff up with my hand,

[00:25:15] preparing to help either Mr. Ali or Naomi.

[00:25:18] For the first time,

[00:25:20] I heard the noise from the double iron doors,

[00:25:23] which had been drowned out by the screams of djinn.

[00:25:26] It was a pounding and scraping,

[00:25:28] and I realized that

[00:25:29] even if the train did come in time,

[00:25:31] we would have to fight through the djinn

[00:25:33] waiting on the other side of those mighty doors.

[00:25:36] A claw struck Mr. Ali's shoulder

[00:25:39] and he staggered back.

[00:25:40] I ran up holding the staff in front of me.

[00:25:43] I remembered how the staff

[00:25:44] had destroyed the golems

[00:25:46] by barely touching them,

[00:25:47] and I hoped that would work here.

[00:25:49] I thrust the staff

[00:25:51] into the side of a djinn

[00:25:52] on Mr. Ali's left.

[00:25:54] It turned to me,

[00:25:55] but before it could strike,

[00:25:57] Mr. Ali stabbed it

[00:25:58] and it disappeared into a puff of air.

[00:26:01] Get back, Tommy!

[00:26:02] I can hold them!

[00:26:03] Mr. Ali yelled.

[00:26:05] He was bleeding from his shoulder,

[00:26:07] yet swinging his knife

[00:26:08] and spinning like a dervish.

[00:26:11] I ignored his words

[00:26:12] and went up

[00:26:13] and swung the staff like a cudgel,

[00:26:15] bringing it down

[00:26:16] on the shoulder of a djinn.

[00:26:18] The djinn grunted in pain

[00:26:20] and I felt the vibration of the impact

[00:26:22] through my arms,

[00:26:23] but the djinn wasn't slowed.

[00:26:25] I backed up

[00:26:26] as Mr. Ali spun

[00:26:28] and sliced through another djinn.

[00:26:30] I looked over at Naomi.

[00:26:32] Two djinn approached her

[00:26:33] with leering smiles,

[00:26:35] sharp teeth clearly visible.

[00:26:37] She gave up any pretension

[00:26:38] of casting another spell

[00:26:40] and started to backpedal.

[00:26:41] She had moments

[00:26:42] before she would be cut to ribbons,

[00:26:44] and I turned around

[00:26:45] looking if someone could help,

[00:26:47] but Mr. Ali was in a mortal fight,

[00:26:49] and Waymaster Bergeron

[00:26:51] was furiously tapping

[00:26:53] on the telegraph.

[00:26:54] One of the djinn

[00:26:55] raised his arm

[00:26:56] for a slicing blow to Naomi.

[00:26:58] I clenched the cane,

[00:26:59] thinking of nothing other

[00:27:01] than my desperate need

[00:27:02] to stop the djinn

[00:27:03] and help Naomi.

[00:27:04] A brilliant light burst forth,

[00:27:06] filling the room

[00:27:07] with such brightness

[00:27:08] that everything looked pale

[00:27:10] and colorless.

[00:27:11] The effect was so astounding

[00:27:13] that I imagined

[00:27:14] that everyone was moving

[00:27:15] in slow motion.

[00:27:16] I blinked

[00:27:18] and opened my eyes

[00:27:19] to screams of pain

[00:27:20] from the djinn,

[00:27:21] rather than their piercing shrieks.

[00:27:23] The two in front of Naomi

[00:27:25] were clutching at their eyes.

[00:27:27] Naomi quickly shot off

[00:27:28] her detonations,

[00:27:30] destroying them.

[00:27:31] Mr. Ali easily dispatched

[00:27:33] his blinded opponents.

[00:27:34] Naomi looked at me,

[00:27:36] her eyes wide.

[00:27:37] She smiled

[00:27:38] and then crouched again,

[00:27:40] preparing to cast

[00:27:41] detonations at the djinn,

[00:27:43] still pushing in the doorway

[00:27:44] and the window.

[00:27:46] The djinn continued,

[00:27:47] relentless in their attack.

[00:27:49] But I was full of joy.

[00:27:51] I had stopped them.

[00:27:52] Me,

[00:27:53] the incompetent archmage,

[00:27:55] had stopped them.

[00:27:56] I was thinking of ways

[00:27:57] of getting from the building

[00:27:58] to the train

[00:27:59] with dozens of djinn

[00:28:00] between the two

[00:28:01] when the pounding

[00:28:02] on the iron doors stopped.

[00:28:05] They were replaced

[00:28:06] by a distant sound

[00:28:07] that I knew well

[00:28:08] from the newsreels

[00:28:09] I watched

[00:28:10] in the Ziegfeld Theater.

[00:28:12] Machine guns.

[00:28:13] The rat-a-tat-tat

[00:28:15] grew louder

[00:28:16] and Waymaster Bergeron

[00:28:17] slid her seat back,

[00:28:19] stood,

[00:28:19] and yelled out

[00:28:20] over the persistent

[00:28:21] shrieking noise.

[00:28:22] The train is here!

[00:28:24] She ran right past me

[00:28:26] and up to the doors

[00:28:27] and started to unlatch them.

[00:28:29] I was about to warn her

[00:28:31] about the scores

[00:28:32] of djinn outside

[00:28:33] when,

[00:28:34] with a grunt,

[00:28:35] she pulled the door open.

[00:28:37] There was a gap

[00:28:38] of about ten yards

[00:28:39] between the building

[00:28:40] and the train engine,

[00:28:41] which filled my vision.

[00:28:43] The sky was dark

[00:28:44] with countless djinn,

[00:28:46] but they were being held off

[00:28:47] by furious machine gun fire

[00:28:49] by two men

[00:28:50] standing on the ground

[00:28:51] next to the engine.

[00:28:52] The scene was remarkable.

[00:28:54] Magical creatures

[00:28:56] held at bay

[00:28:56] by Tommy guns.

[00:28:58] A few djinn

[00:28:59] made it close

[00:29:00] through the hail of bullets,

[00:29:01] but they eventually

[00:29:02] fell to the deadly weapons.

[00:29:04] The opening of the doors

[00:29:06] caught the djinn's attention,

[00:29:07] and they turned

[00:29:08] and immediately set themselves

[00:29:10] on Waymaster Bergeron and me.

[00:29:13] I thought I was dead for sure.

[00:29:15] A huge djinn

[00:29:16] let out an unearthly wail

[00:29:18] and spread its wings

[00:29:19] as it leapt toward me.

[00:29:21] I instinctively brought up

[00:29:22] the staff

[00:29:23] to defend myself.

[00:29:24] All I could see

[00:29:25] was a claw

[00:29:26] swinging through the air

[00:29:27] and a sneering mouth

[00:29:29] full of vicious teeth.

[00:29:30] The claw hit the staff

[00:29:32] and the force

[00:29:32] threw me to the ground.

[00:29:34] At the same time,

[00:29:35] the staff sent some kind

[00:29:36] of force

[00:29:37] up the djinn's arm.

[00:29:38] It disintegrated.

[00:29:39] An arm grabbed me

[00:29:40] by the shoulder

[00:29:41] and dragged me

[00:29:42] to my feet.

[00:29:43] Get to the train, Tommy.

[00:29:44] It was Mr. Ali,

[00:29:46] and he practically

[00:29:47] threw me

[00:29:47] toward the two men

[00:29:48] guarding the engine.

[00:29:49] As I stumbled

[00:29:50] toward the train,

[00:29:51] I watched the bizarre scene

[00:29:53] of deadly hails of bullets

[00:29:54] erasing entire portions

[00:29:56] of the dark sky.

[00:29:58] One of the men

[00:29:59] pointed into the engine

[00:30:00] and yelled,

[00:30:01] Up there!

[00:30:02] Now!

[00:30:03] There must have been

[00:30:04] a powerful shield spell

[00:30:05] around the train itself,

[00:30:06] because djinn hovered

[00:30:08] around it,

[00:30:09] rage in their faces,

[00:30:10] but unable to get close.

[00:30:12] I watched as their claws

[00:30:14] slashed at air,

[00:30:15] bouncing off

[00:30:15] an invisible barrier.

[00:30:17] I scrambled into a room

[00:30:19] at the front of the train,

[00:30:20] which was open,

[00:30:21] but small.

[00:30:22] There was a window

[00:30:23] facing the track ahead

[00:30:24] and plenty of gauges

[00:30:25] and levers.

[00:30:26] I leaned against

[00:30:28] the rear wall

[00:30:28] and held my hand

[00:30:30] against my chest,

[00:30:31] breathing deeply.

[00:30:32] A few moments later,

[00:30:34] Mr. Ali limped in.

[00:30:36] He had a bad gash

[00:30:37] on his shoulder

[00:30:38] and countless scrapes

[00:30:40] and cuts elsewhere.

[00:30:41] His colorful armor

[00:30:43] was shorn away

[00:30:44] at points,

[00:30:45] and he was covered

[00:30:46] in sweat and dirt.

[00:30:47] When he saw me,

[00:30:49] he smiled weakly,

[00:30:50] but didn't say anything.

[00:30:51] He patted me

[00:30:52] on the shoulder,

[00:30:53] but I noticed him

[00:30:54] wince when he did so.

[00:30:56] I was about to ask

[00:30:57] how he was

[00:30:58] when one of the men

[00:30:59] from the train arrived.

[00:31:00] He was half supporting,

[00:31:02] half dragging Naomi

[00:31:03] into the compartment.

[00:31:04] She was screaming

[00:31:06] and using all her force

[00:31:07] to break free

[00:31:08] and head back outside.

[00:31:10] The man's grip

[00:31:11] was like a vice,

[00:31:12] but his face

[00:31:13] was full of sadness

[00:31:15] and sympathy.

[00:31:16] It is too late, miss.

[00:31:18] The best thing

[00:31:18] you can do for her

[00:31:19] is save yourself.

[00:31:21] She fell to the floor

[00:31:23] and sat with her back

[00:31:24] against a wall.

[00:31:26] She pulled her knees

[00:31:27] up tight to her chest

[00:31:28] and sobbed.

[00:31:30] The other man

[00:31:31] with the machine gun

[00:31:32] climbed up

[00:31:32] into the compartment.

[00:31:34] We are safe

[00:31:35] on the train for now,

[00:31:36] but we need to get going.

[00:31:37] It would be bad

[00:31:38] if a marriage showed up.

[00:31:39] Really bad.

[00:31:41] Mr. Ollie walked past me

[00:31:42] to the rear of the compartment,

[00:31:44] grabbed a handle,

[00:31:45] and slid open a door

[00:31:47] that revealed

[00:31:47] a large and comfortable room.

[00:31:50] Come,

[00:31:50] let us rest

[00:31:51] and allow the engineer

[00:31:52] to do his job.

[00:31:53] We all moved

[00:31:54] into the room,

[00:31:55] which looked like

[00:31:56] a combination

[00:31:57] of a living room

[00:31:58] and study.

[00:31:59] It was paneled

[00:32:00] in dark wood.

[00:32:01] I walked over

[00:32:02] to a plush reading chair

[00:32:03] and sat down

[00:32:05] for the first time

[00:32:06] since we had entered

[00:32:06] the mine.

[00:32:07] I set the cane

[00:32:08] across my lap

[00:32:09] and watched

[00:32:10] as Mr. Ollie

[00:32:11] walked in with Naomi.

[00:32:13] She shot me

[00:32:14] a murderous glance.

[00:32:16] This is your fault!

[00:32:18] She screamed at me.

[00:32:19] Mr. Ollie

[00:32:20] whispered something

[00:32:21] in her ear

[00:32:22] and turned her away,

[00:32:23] leading her to a sofa.

[00:32:25] He touched his hand

[00:32:26] to her forehead

[00:32:27] and she closed her eyes,

[00:32:29] her head slowly falling

[00:32:30] onto the plush arm.

[00:32:32] Mr. Ollie

[00:32:32] approached me,

[00:32:34] leaned down,

[00:32:35] put his hand

[00:32:35] on my forehead

[00:32:36] and whispered,

[00:32:37] I owe you many answers,

[00:32:39] Tommy,

[00:32:39] even though you are

[00:32:40] too modest

[00:32:40] or respectful

[00:32:41] to ask the questions.

[00:32:43] You will have them,

[00:32:44] but right now

[00:32:45] you must rest.

[00:32:47] At that moment,

[00:32:48] the pain in my body

[00:32:49] suddenly hit me.

[00:32:50] My leg hurt,

[00:32:51] but not as bad

[00:32:52] as my hip,

[00:32:53] which took the initial

[00:32:54] rock throw

[00:32:55] from the golems

[00:32:56] in what felt like

[00:32:57] something that happened

[00:32:58] ages before.

[00:32:59] But actually had occurred

[00:33:01] less than two hours

[00:33:02] previously.

[00:33:04] I leaned back

[00:33:05] and I could vaguely

[00:33:06] hear Mr. Ollie

[00:33:07] saying something in Farsi,

[00:33:09] but it quickly got lost

[00:33:11] in a haze.

[00:33:12] Somewhere in the distance,

[00:33:14] I heard a train whistle.

[00:33:16] The wail of the whistle

[00:33:17] was worse than that

[00:33:19] of the djinn.

[00:33:20] It was otherworldly

[00:33:21] and painful

[00:33:22] in a way I couldn't describe.

[00:33:24] But it stopped

[00:33:25] as suddenly

[00:33:26] as it started,

[00:33:27] and I felt

[00:33:28] Mr. Ollie's hand

[00:33:29] on my shoulder.

[00:33:31] We will heal you

[00:33:33] when you wake.

[00:33:34] Then,

[00:33:35] all was dark

[00:33:36] and blessedly quiet.

[00:33:37] It.