Following the Lead

Artifacts of the Arcane by Jake Kerr, season two, The Coat of Invincibility, episode seventeen. Following the lead. I awoke to the sound of a crash nearby. It was still dark out, but the staff lit the room as I grabbed it from its place next to me. I rolled out of bed and ran to the door to Arcady's room. As I opened it, I could see the door to the hall standing open. Arcadie holding his hand to his head. Blood was dripping through his fingers. Are you okay? I ran over to him. He nodded his head. I was watching him, but must have fallen asleep. He untied his hands, but he made some noise as he was tugging his legs out of the ropes. It woke me and I ran to stop him, but he hit me in the head. I'm afraid it knocked me backward, and then he ran out the door. I poked my head out of the door and looked down the hallway. The spy was long gone. I glanced back at Arkadie. Your head is still bleeding. It's okay, I've been here worse. He walked slowly back into the room and grabbed a sheet off the bed. Rolling it up. He held it against his head as he sat down. He looked at me. What are we to do? He'll warn the Germans and tell them where we are. Arkadie nodded. We should find a new hiding place and lay low. They'll hunt for us like they are hunting the Angel. I sat down next to Arkadie and rubbed my eyes. So what are our options. We can go directly after the angel before the Germans can find us. We can flee and hide somewhere distant, coming back when things quiet down. He paused and then looked at me. Or we can head back to England. That's not an option. Then we flee, or we fight. Naomi won't let us flee, No, she won't. Do you know where the angels people are? Yes? I asked the spy for details, so we can just go after her, grab the coat, and then leave. I waved my hands around as I talked, as if the movement of my hands could clear away any doubts. Don't think it will be that easy. When has any of this been easy? We wanted to give Naomi as much rest as we could, but in the end we needed to leave. The spy had probably already contacted the Nazis. I knocked on her door. She didn't answer, so I knocked louder. After knocking again, she finally opened the door, her eyes glazed over and her hair a mess around her face. We have a problem. At that, Naomi opened her eyes wide and waved me in. I walked over and fell into her reading chair. Our Katie is packing our supplies. We need to leave immediately. I dead outlined to her what happened while she was sleeping. She rubbed her eyes and slid her hair behind her ears. So we're going after the angel. Assuming we confine. Her good, we'll find her. Naomi stretched her arms above her head and then cracked her knuckles. What time is it almost dawn? Did you get enough rest? Yeah? Yeah, I'll be fine. I walked over and sat down next to her on the bed. You look so skinny and weak. What's wrong? Are you okay? Is the magic draining you? No? It doesn't steal my life energy or any of those old wives. Tales, but Naomi yawned. It takes enormous physical energy and concentration, so it does drain you. Did you ever take a close look at the Master's or cane? I nodded, but wasn't quite sure I was entirely truthful. Caine was a mess of ticks and muscle spasms. The masters look normal, if a bit gaunt, but they all hid behind suits that hid their actual bodies. Isn't there anything that can stop it? Naomi was doing a lot of magic, and I pictured her eventually collapsing in a pile of nothing more than skin and bones. She was already close to that. Food, rest, exercise, you know all those things that I ignore. I'm not exactly known for living smart. Didn't you have food in your castle? Ur Katie walked in with a couple of carpetbags. Oh, I had plenty of food. I just didn't have time to eat. She nodded toward Arkadie. Ask kim Arkadie, what did I do all day study in practice? So you didn't need enough? Naomi nodded, Well, that's just stupid. We must go. I was thankful that ur Katie interrupted my scolding. It wasn't gonna help. Naomi stood up. She looked fine, but for the first time I looked at her without being intimidated by her power and beauty. She was thin, some would say dangerously so I knew that Naomi would never let me take care of her, but I promised myself to nudge her toward taking care of herself. Our driver from the previous day was nowhere to be found, and the taxis refused to take us where we wanted to go, which was a small city called Toksovo. It was to the northeast and one step close to the Arctic cold. The look on their faces when we mentioned the city seemed to indicate that very bad things happened there. We tramped back into the hotel and ar Katie spoke with the clerk. Our Katy would say a few words and the clerk would shake his head. At one point, ar Katie pulled out his wallet and laid a long string of bills on the countertop. It looked like the remainder of our money. He tapped the money with his forefinger and then said some words in Russian. The clerk, who looked to be about the same age as Arkadie, nodded his head, grabbed the money, and then started walking around the counter to join us. As the clerk led us to a car, ur Katy explained what happened. He can drive, but doesn't have a car. He is borrowing the owner's car, which will certainly get him fired. So I had to give him an inducement to help us. I'm guessing that inducement was quite a bit of money. I paid him about six months wages for him. We turned the corner from the front of the hotel and there was a new black sedan parked next to the side entrance. It looks like we don't have much money, he left. Well, we don't have many more options after this. We either find the angel and leave with the coat, or we don't find her and leave without it. Either way, we are leaving. True enough, The clerk crawled into the driver's seat once again. Our Kittie sat in front, while Naomi and I sat in the back. Naomi had talked about attempting to disguise us again with an illusion, but I told her that we need her energy for the confrontation with the Angel's men. She nodded, and we were all quiet for what turned out to be a long drive into a wild but beautiful countryside. Along the way, I heard a shrill whistle and immediately knew what it was, A train powered by a freet or merrit. The howl of pain was unmistakable. It reminded me of my original mission to free the magical creatures in Europe like I did in England. The thought only hardened my resolve. I would retrieve the Coat of Invincibility, walk into Germany and free the slaves. But first I had to retrieve the artifact, and that was looking to be a difficult task. We were being knocked around as we bounced over rutted dirt roads, trying to get to some location where we could find someone who hopefully would lead us to the mysterious Angel of Saint Petersburg. What was that spell you threatened the spy with? I was thinking of the solid, deep red ball that she held in front of the spy's face, zay Hack's of rage. Almost absentmindedly, she created it in her hand as we talked. It penetrates whatever it hits, and it burns it or them up from the inside. The heat is so intense that all it usually leaves behind is a pile of ash. Woww no wonder it scared him. Naomi closed her hand and the spell snuffed out. She brushed her hair behind her ears and looked at me like she wanted to tell me something, but didn't quite know if she should. What is it? Nothing? Naomi turned away once again, staring out the window. After a bit, she sighed and then turned back to me. Zay Hack was the as great dragon that terrorized the world. Jem Sheet defeated him, and rumor has it that he created this horrible spell to both honor the battle and remind us all of the horror that was Zahak. Neat, Yeah, neat. Naomi didn't seem to be in the mood to talk, so I focused on the scenery outside the window. It was desolate and gorgeous. Wherever we were going was isolated and beautiful and dangerous. It seemed appropriate. We stopped for food at a farmer's stall outside of a tiny town. I had to practically force Naomi to eat, but she did. I asked Our Katie what we should expect? How much do we know? Crunching on a sweet onion, Our Katie replied between mouthfuls. There is a farmhouse in Toksovo. I have detailed directions. The farmer who owns it is the contact for the angel. We will need to convince him to take us to her. Nothing else. It seemed like minimal information to me. Our Katie shrugged. We have a name and a location. Hopefully that is enough. We piled back into the today and and closed in on Toksovo. The trip took much longer than it should have, as the roads were horrible, full of ruts and holes. Naomi was smiling over a particularly rough patch that tossed us all over the back seat. What's so funny? This is good practice for what casting a spell while moving? It's very difficult even when still, but when being tossed around like this. She squinted her eyes as she closed and opened her hand. It's practically impossible. Why don't I always think that when you hear impossible, your immediate thought is to see it as your next challenge. Naomi looked at me and smiled. Tommy, it's like you finally understand me. The driver said something and pulled to the side of the road. Ur Katie handed him a large wad of Russian money, which the driver kissed and then shoved in his pocket. We all climbed out. My door wasn't even completely shut before the car started to pull away. It turned sharply, passed us and began the trip back to liningrad Our Katie, we don't seem to have a way to return to the city. Don't focus so much on the negative. I glanced at Naomi and she was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. She seemed completely wired with nervous energy. Where's this guy who will lead us to the Angel? Our Katie pointed to a dirt road that was even smaller and more derelic than the one we were on. Twisting to the right, My gaze followed it to the horizon, where I thought I could see a group of buildings, although it was far enough away that I couldn't be sure. Let's get us a coat. Naomi started forward. Our Kittie carried our bags and I used the cane as a walking stick. We have to be careful. None of us are particularly good at seeing through illusions. Naomi nodded, but our Katie spoke up from behind. It should not be a concern. Tommy, the spy told me that they are solely an armed group. The Angel carries a machine gun and uses regular arms troops. She does not believe in the power of magic. Oh, I really want to take her down now. But she is an arch mage. She only uses the code for protection. It is just a tool, not an artifact. To her. The spy said this. Yes, he contrasted the goals of his country, which is to utilize the magical artifacts and magicians to help achieve their goal, with the goals of the Angel, which is to simply destroy the Soviet Union and bring back the Russian monarchy. Good luck with that, all the royals are dead. With each step, I could feel a change in the staff. It was almost as if it was buzzing with excitement from the inside. It wasn't a physical feeling of vibration so much as a psychic connection of excitement, as if the staff couldn't wait to get to our destination. I had never felt anything like it before, and I took it as a good sign. Perhaps I would be able to bend lighter stop time again. I see it went in and could just barely make out a farmstead in the distance. It isn't exactly a fortress, assuming they aren't hiding anything with an illusion. Yes, Tommy, but it's on a hilltop. No one could get within miles of there without being seen. First. Na only started moving her hands. Which reminds me, I'll cover us with a shield, but we should be ready for anything. No one had to reply. We all knew that this would be dangerous. It was eerily quiet. There was the normal sound of insects and birds and the wind blowing through grass and trees, but there are no sounds of human life, cars, voices, or doors banging open or shut. As we finally reached the house, I was tense and on edge. The staff was vibrating so hard I didn't know if I could retain my grip. Yet as I looked down, I saw that it wasn't moving at all. It was all in my head thanks to my connection to the staff. Scanning the surroundings, I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. There was a feel to the right with some cows, a barn straight ahead with big closed doors, and the farmhouse was to the left. To the right, beyond the barn was a smaller barn that looked like it held livestock. The farmhouse was surrounded by a ricktey fence and a broken gate opened to a path leading to the front door. I squinted as I looked at the house, but it was still and quiet. Is there even anyone here? We should knock on the front door. I looked at Arkadie, who shrugged. I opened the gate, and the three of us walked to the front door. With no other option, I reached out and knocked. There was no answer, so I knocked louder. I turned and looked at Naomi and Arkadie. Do you think we were misled by the spy? Before anyone could answer, the doors of the barn squealed open. A man in coveralls walked out, wiping his hands on a cloth. He was dirty and looked exactly like you would expect a farmer to look like after fixing a tractor. As he slid the cloth into his pants pocket, he closed the distance between us. Arcadie waved and greeted him in Russian. The man seemed and smiled as he talked. They exchanged a few words, with the man shaking his head after every question from Arkadie. He said he doesn't know anything about an angel of Saint Petersburg, or a coat or anything like that. For the barest of moments, my heart fell as I considered that we were misled, but that feeling was overwhelmed by a rush of insight from the staff itself. I gripped it tight and closed my eyes. I had never been so connected to it. It wasn't just a part of me, it was almost controlling me. For the first time since touching the staff, I felt frightened. Tommy. I opened my eyes to Naomi looking at me strangely, Are you okay? I ignored her question and turned toward the house, the Archmage's inside. She awaits with the coat. As soon as I said the words, the farmer squinted at me and then reached into his pocket. I ran forward and knocked him to the ground with my shoulder. Naomi and Arkady stared at me opened the door. I couldn't quite explain my urgency, but I had to get in and get the coat. As the farmer tried to get up, I reached into his pocket and found a pistol. I pulled it out. He raised his hands, even though I hadn't even aimed the gun at him. Stand back. Naomi faced the door and our Katie and I retreated a few steps behind her. With the barest of motions. A detonation flew from her hand and exploded against the house, leaving a large hole where the door used to be. She looked over her shoulder and shrugged, a smile on her face. Maybe that was overkill. Without a care for her own personal safety, she walked right through the hole, which seemed big enough to weaken the structure of the house. Our Katie followed her in while I motioned with the pistol to the farmer. You seem to know what's up. We stood in the living room and looked around. So where is she? I don't know. She is close, though I didn't know it. The staff did. Maybe I should just blow up the house. She can't be harmed, so just dig her out of the rubble. I was about to object when the voice of a woman came from a hallway on the other side of the living room. That will not be necessary. Miss A woman entered wearing a thick velvet coat that flowed out behind her. It was almost impossibly black. Under the coat, she wore an elegant maroon dress. Her hair was up, but not in a ponytail. Rather, it was arranged in an elegant formal style. It took me a moment before I realized that she had spoken English, although with a Russian accent. The Angel of Saint Petersburg. I fear I haven't done much to protect my beloved city lately, so the title is perhaps undeserved. At this point, her Katie appeared to be in shock, while Naomi stared at the woman, a spell poised at the ready in her palm. The woman seemed completely unconcerned as she walked around Naomi. A young woman shooting detonations. Have we sunk so far that women are all that's left to defend our friends? As if illustrating the angel's calm, the farmer inched over to her side. She turned to me and crossed her arms. I've heard of you. They call you the arch mate. I stared at her, but didn't say anything. She looked middle aged or older and had a roundish face. She didn't look cruel, but she didn't appear kind either. More than anything, she seemed serious and determined. I leaned on the cane. It is a title that was given to my family ages ago. She looked at my cane and then back at my face. I know something of titles. She spun around. But let us talk over tea. Enough of destroying things. Perhaps we can work together on rebuilding lost legacies. She walked into a room to the right that looked like a rustic but comfortable dining room. Naomi looked at me and I shrugged. Our Katie had already started to follow her. The angel snapped her fingers and the farmer hurried into the kitchen to retreat a teapot. Naomi sat at the table and I sat next to her, across from r Katie. I placed the pistol on the table. With the angel wearing the coat, I knew I couldn't hurt her. The farmer returned with the pot, handing it to the angel. She walked around the table and poured tea into a cup that she placed in front of me. How much do you know about me, Archmage? Nothing? Really? She moved on to Naomi. How much do you know of the artifacts of jam she? I looked at Arkatie, but he couldn't seem to stop staring at the angel. His brows furrowed as if he was concentrating on something. I wondered if she had used some kind of magic to affect his mind. That there are three and two of them are in this room. The angel moved on to her cup and filled it nothing more. I looked at Naomi and she gave a slight shake to her head. She wanted me to play ignorant, which wasn't too hard, as I really didn't know much more anyway. I'm afraid not up until recently, I didn't even know there were three artifacts. She sat down. Oh my, I have been rude asking you questions without even introducing myself. She nodded her head toward me. My name is Anna. I bear the coat of Barbari Bayan. I am Tommy Black. I paused, not even knowing which artifact I held in my hand. It was embarrassing. I bear the staff. She nodded the stuff of Darius, the most powerful of the artifacts. I motioned to Naomi. This is Naomi, a legendary magician. Legendary, you say. Anna looked at Naomi and then turned away dismissively. I have not heard of you before. Naomi lost her temper. I waved a hand toward Arkady, and this is Arkady, a master illusionist. Anna said something to him in Russian. He shook his head. She then clearly said the word to Anastasia, and Arkady's eyes went wide. She smiled kindly and nodded her head. Ar Katy stood up so quickly that his chair fell backward. He bowed, your majesty. I was confused, Majesty as she spoke again to Arcadian Russian, I remembered something from my incomplete education. Wait, your Princess Anastasia, just as she did. Dark Katie Anna nodded to me, but she was assassinated with her family on a rubbed the fabric of her coat between her fingers. Before he died, Resputin passed the coat on to me. Someone who cannot be harmed cannot be assassinated. 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