Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

W ith all the plans organized and spread throughout the various groups and teams, they concentrated on the smaller elements before they were ready to leave for the Ibemar Realm. They would board different mag-trains.

Emrys went to the greenhouses to speak with Casper. They prepared the greenhouses and upcoming classes that Casper would take over if Emrys didn’t return in time.

Julian did the same for his graduate class; as well as selected a graduate student who returned at his request and prepared for his class. She would also care for the grove. He spent time within the heartwood of his beloved Scarlet Oak to strengthen for the extended trip abroad.

While one remained, either Andre or Lennox traveled in and out to deal with any logistics they couldn’t be managed by phone. The multiple ward openings aggravated Solomon. He created a basic arcane bracelet that allowed them full access.

Returning to the campus, Solomon went to his office and located his favorite graduate student, Marissa. They went over the upcoming curriculum. The classes weren’t difficult and easily managed.

On the last day before they scheduled to leave for Ibemar, he went to his small apartment. He needed to figure out clothes, pack his bags, and clean up the apartment. Stepping inside, he looked around.

Would this be the last time he stepped foot in here?

This simple place had been his home since he left the dormitories. He collected all the little bits and pieces from friends who traveled. The furniture wasn’t much, but a standard set for most of the professors’ apartments.

Shaking off his thoughts, Solomon pulled his suitcases out of a closet and opened them on the bed. Then he flung open his closet doors, the stand-up wardrobe, and the dressers. Laying out unique items, knowing the possibility of battles could happen anytime, he altered things. He separated out a traveling suitcase from his main trunk. Packing outfits starting from socks and underwear, he finished with tailored trousers, vests, and jackets. Then came the time to pare down his selections from the vast shoe and boot collection.

Moving to the bathroom, he indulged in a bath with his favorite bathing salts and bubbles. The warm, fragrant water relaxed him as he sunk deep. After a long soak, he scrubbed and washed himself. Then he stood and rinsed several times with the overhead rain-style showerhead. Rubbing lotion into his skin, he dried off and changed into a fresh outfit.

Then he packed the vast expanse of toiletries that kept him fresh, clean, and polished. He didn’t quite know what would happen on this unknown adventure. If one could call what they were about to do an adventure. After collecting his toiletries, he added them to a suitcase.

Cursing under his breath, he returned to the bathroom and collected the bottles and containers needed for his contacts. Dropping a pair of new contacts and a holding container, along with small vials of solutions in the travel bag, he placed the rest in the larger bag. Returning to the bedroom, he added the larger bag to the suitcase.

Closing and locking the different bags, he sent them into their space in his magical pocket. He added a spell to the pocket so it would open things up like a closet to assist with outfit changes. Pulling out a favorite fluffy lap blanket from the wardrobe, he shook it out and folded it again. He sent that to a separate pocket for the mag-train ride along with a pillow. He closed everything except the wardrobe. Fingering a sleeve on one of his professor's robes, he wondered if he would ever wear it again.

Sighing, he emptied his general day satchel and set aside anything that dealt with the academy. He filled it with personal items, the travel bag with his contacts, a couple of treasured books, and left room for paperwork.

Then he studied the entire apartment again.

“Can’t leave things a mess for someone else,” he muttered.

Moving through the apartment, he stripped the bed of linens, gathered all the towels, and gave everything a quick, but deep clean. Even the kitchenette sparkled. He sent a message to a couple of professors to take any fresh food from the small cooler. Leaving the linens in a bag, he sent a message to the laundresses for a no rush pick up.

By this time, Bella sent out a message to the academy employees’ to explain that Solomon chose to take a sabbatical. She sent out another message to alert everyone that Julian and Emrys were leaving to enjoy a holiday with family.

Finishing everything, Solomon gathered his satchel, peacoat, and locked up the apartment. Walking away, he felt a tug pulling him back, but he pushed forward. Returning to Julian’s home, he set his satchel and coat on the sofa.

“Professor Windham?”

Turning at his name, Solomon smiled when he saw Greggory walking toward him with a small bag in his hand. “Greetings, Greggory. How are you?”

“A little exhausted from the work, but enthralled by learning something new. Made you seven vials in total. Just in case something happens or things get dragged out longer than expected.” Greggory held out the bag.

“Anything else I should know?”

“Far as Professor Bordel knows, there aren’t any side effects. You’ll feel a tingling when the effect wears off.”

“Hide when I feel tingling and drink my next dose. Got it.” Solomon pulled out a small vial. He lifted it to the light to check the contents. “How much is a dose?”

“One vial. Shoot it straight back. No water to dilute it. She added a bit of mint for taste, but there is a bitterness from some components.”

“Did you try it?”

“Half a dose. There were different spell components for me. It was wild to watch it happen in the mirror. Also, that’s how I learned about the tingling. I mentioned it needed a mint or something to help it down.”

“Thanks for letting me know.”

“Don’t mind being a tester. This was a fun one to experience and learn. Good luck with whatever you are doing,” Greggory said.

“Thank you. Please give Professor Bordel and everyone on the team all my gratitude and thanks,” Solomon said.

Greggory waved to Andre and Emrys as they returned. Then he left.

“Got everything ready?” Andre asked.

“Yes, my suitcases are in a pocket realm. Left my apartment clean,” Solomon said.

Andre sniffed. “Smells like you took a bath.”

“Excuse me for wanting to relax and get clean. I wasn’t traveling covered in sweat and grime. Besides, who knows when I’ll have time to luxuriate in a soothing bath.” Solomon glanced out the window. “I need to speak with the Gloriosa before leaving.”

“First, we need to finish your identity booklet. Are those the potions?”

“Yes, the dosage is one vial. And I’ll need to change into my contacts after the potion changes my eyes,” Solomon said.

“Any adverse side effects?” Emrys asked.

“None to be expected.” Solomon popped open a vial and swallowed its contents. Even with the mint flavoring, the potion was bitter. He could feel his face twist up a bit.

“Delicious. Yum yum,” Emrys teased.

“Shut it.” Solomon corked the vial and set it down. He took out a second vial and called in one of his suitcases. After placing the bag in the suitcase, he sent it back into hiding. Then he pushed the extra vial into the satchel before pulling out the empty glasses case and travel contacts bag.

“My leaves, you’re already changing.” Emrys rushed out and returned with a mirror.

Lifting the mirror, Solomon gasped, “Dark flames.”

As promised by Cathrène, his coffee brown hair lightened and honey streaks appeared from his crown and down to the ends. His straight hair twisted into a slight curl. Even his golden skin lightened a touch. Then his deep blue eyes altered with a hazel mix.

“Oh, my leaves! Solomon?”

Solomon noticed Julian returning to the room. “It’s the potion from Cathrène’s group. Guess it works.”

“Yes it does.” Julian dropped his suitcase and travel bag down next to another luggage set.

Solomon set down the mirror. “I need to put in my contacts.”

“Then we’ll add the new picture and information,” Andre said.

“Can you do that here?” Emrys asked.

“Yes, Lennox and I have some equipment and knowledge. Lennox is on his way back. He left to pack up his bags and collect some additional items that we’ll need,” Andre said.

Grabbing the travel case and glasses case, Solomon went to the bathroom. He stared at his revised reflection. Perhaps this simple alteration would be enough to get him through any checkpoints. Within a few minutes, he cleansed, rinsed, and popped in the contacts. Closing his eyes and leaning his head back, he waited for the contacts to settle. It had been a while since he worn them. Glasses were his preference. Blinking, he checked his reflection to make sure everything was in place. Then he cleaned up and tucked his glasses into the case.

Releasing another long breath, Solomon used the other facilities, washed and dried his hands. Then he returned to the mirror and adjusted how his hair fell. He forced it into a distinct part and moved several locks. Then he gathered the cases, turned off the lights, and left the room.

Entering the main room, he watched the others take in his new appearance.

“What do you think?” Solomon asked.

“I believe there’s enough of a difference to fool busy checkpoints. Especially with the rearranged hair. Yes, it suits. Anyone who knows you, though, will recognize you after a couple of checks,” Julian said.

Andre and Lennox created a plain background and set up some equipment.

Solomon put his things away in his satchel. Then he stood in front of the background for photographs.

Andre muttered while he worked on adding the new details and photo on the new identity in the general database for uploading to all the security stations. While Lennox worked on the physical identity booklet.

“There we go. That should do it.” Lennox punched pages with an embossed stamp. “The identity booklet for one Maxwell Sydney Addington, resident of the Ibemar Realm, professor and curator of mythology and history for the Congregation of Harmony’s library.”

“The capital’s council. Are you sure about that?” Solomon asked.

“The council agreed when Andre and his superiors requested the connection. You are familiar with all the mythologies and histories of the East that would belong in a high council’s library. We added a degree in history and a master’s in museum studies,” Lennox said.

“Master’s degree? I don’t know?—”

“You’re smart enough to carry this background through security. It’s a requirement for your position. It’s a filler in the background checks. All from the same college,” Lennox said.

“Very well, I will figure out something,” Solomon said.

“Your birthday is altered by three annuals more than your current. Your home is in the capital city, Strafield. Memorize the birthdate and address during your trip until you can repeat them.” Lennox held out more papers. “This is your travel itinerary, generated under the section council’s letterhead and database. You are traveling to the North and Central to review material discovered by archeologists for potential acquisition. Here is your mag-train overnight ticket from Strafield to the border checkpoint, Flintspire, with a morning portal trip to Gledinium and Adenata. The material is being processed by licensed archivists in the laboratory. Do we have the guarantee that he is approved, Emrys?”

“Hold on a moment,” Emrys said. He messaged Grayson to update him on the name and travel times. Then his phone buzzed back with a reply. “Yes. Gray will send his name and confirmation to the checkpoint list.”

“Well done. Thank Gray for that.” Lennox studied Solomon again. “You should clear the checkpoint and portal. Gray will meet him.”

“Yes, he will,” Emrys said.

“Your travel plans from there are up to you. All we ask is that you keep us in the loop.”

“I know that part.” Solomon collected all the papers and opened the identity booklet to study the new identification.

“Where is your original identification?”

“In a magic pocket that only I can open,” Solomon said.

“There should not be any trouble. Give them your papers and identity booklet, answer a few questions about your travel plans, and mention that you have approval to enter Gledinium.”

“That’s the hope.” Solomon stuck the papers and identity booklet in a free pocket of his satchel.

Lennox checked his watch. “There are a few more things to go over.” He reached into a pouch he left on the table. Pulling out some more paperwork, he organized it before talking. “Julian and Emrys, this is your itinerary for the East. Short mag-train hops. Connect with the RASI teams when you can.” He handed some paperwork over to Julian.

“We’ll do that along with checking on others we know,” Emrys said.

“Don’t forget to use that device I took from the tracker. The one we sent to that tech team Grayson recommended to you. Thanks to the suggestions from that technical group, we should have altered it enough. It’ll buzz against your hand when it sniffs out someone with a Carmine tag or magic,” Solomon said.

“I have it packed. The group leader messaged me that they sent more devices with the same modifications to the different RASI offices that has the teams that will help with the gathering of agents. Did you hear anything about the sniffer devices arriving, Andre, Lennox?” Emrys asked.

“Let me check.” Andre tapped out a few messages. Then his phone buzzed multiple times. “That’s a fast answer.” He opened up the screen. “Yes. Received and dispersed to the teams.”

“That’s a quick turnaround,” Julian said.

“When it’s about something that could potentially save lives,” Andre said.

“They know how to use the devices?” Solomon asked.

After a few more messages, Andre nodded. “Yes. The tech team sent instructions and everything was tested.”

“Now we gotta hope the modifications work,” Solomon said. “Sorry, Lennox, back to whatever you wanted to say.”

“Not a problem. Happy to know that’s all sorted.” Lennox motioned toward Emrys and Julian to get their attention. “Here are some additional krepham marks to get you through the East. Switch over to the Crimson Silver when you cross to Central for hotel and restaurants. Currency is donated by RASI for your assistance.” He handed over two bound stacks of currency.

“Thank you for this, but we could have managed,” Emrys said.

“It’s on RASI. We couldn’t have gotten this far without all of you.” Lennox turned to Solomon after pulling out three more stacks of bound currency. “This is a stack of krepham marks for your initial trip. Then these are the Evora Bronze for the North. Finally, a stack of the Crimson Silver for Central. It’ll cover any altered plans.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Solomon stuffed the money deeper into the satchel. He’d rearrange things on the train.

“Andre, you get the stack of White Qrolla for the South. I keep the Black Inti for the West,” Lennox said after passing over the last stack to Andre.

“One of these days, the Consortium should demand and create a single currency. Would make everything so much easier,” Andre muttered.

“At least each one counts exactly the same. Imagine if there were currency fluctuations,” Emrys said with a visible shudder.

“That would be a new level of hell,” Lennox said. “That should be it on my end. Don’t forget to keep altering your watches when you shift realms.”

“Right. I made a note of how much to adjust my watch at various stops,” Solomon said while he tapped his fingers on his watch.

Lennox checked his watch again. “We have time to get to Strafield and the different stations. Is there anything else?”

“I need to speak with the Gloriosa,” Solomon said. “Could you give me a few more minutes?”

“Go ahead.”

Solomon left and walked through the grove to the meadow. It seemed right to have the conversation in the meadows. He leaned against the standing boulders. /Gloriosa. I am here./

::Greetings, arcane mage. You appear different.:: Several vines popped up. The ends trailed around him.

/Part of the disguise to get me through security./

::Strange things, but that is the way with humans. We have discovered many new things and information. Some that even we have forgotten.::

/How would you forget this information?/

::We are one of the oldest intact connection between gemstones and sentient plants.::

/The Central realms are the oldest./

::And the most damaged. Precious little gemstones remain. If all are gone…::

/Everything will collapse./

::Yes. But there is more that you need to know.::

/This is important./

::But not the first item for us to tell you. Do not fret. It will help you understand what must happen with the Central realms. First, you requested some knowledge regarding the Carnival of Mysteries.::

/Yes. Yes, I did./

::They will arrive in the North. A realm close to the central border. A vine sent us the image of a flyer. We can transfer the image to you.::

/How?/

The vines touched his arm and a soft brush against his consciousness. Then he opened his personal wards. A brightly colored flyer appeared in his mind with the dates and location.

/I received it. This is close to Cormac’s laboratory./

::Yes, the carnival is in a realm closer to Central. Your scientist’s realm is near the middle. Both realms have a powerful connection.::

/You mentioned that before when we spoke./

::You need to reach the local vines, offer your greetings, and a very special request for assistance.::

/Assistance?/

::Each traveling team or individual must connect to the realms with this precious connection. All the realms. North. South. West. East. Each realm they can enter and touch the vines.::

/Why? What about Central?/

::This is to help reconnect, recenter, and rebuild the Central realm's vital connection. To repair what was lost. There is a tip in the balance. What we forgot was the vital piece that the gemstone and vine connection added to this balance.::

/Because the connection broke, the Central realms became susceptible to the Carmine. They could spread their lies. How do we fix this?/

::Each team must reach out to the vines. Greet them. Place a Scarlet Crystalline Laumeldite on the ground. It’s a gift. The vines will use it to connect to us and the other vines. Each stone will act as a connection point. Please explain to the vines that they must travel to the Central realm, to Abbethan when you call for it.::

/Me?/

::You have the strongest arcane gift. Before your battle with the Carmine, you will need to send all the arcane power you can deep into the ground and restart the gemstones and vines. Give them a shock of power to awaken them. This shock will spread out. The vines will concentrate on rebuilding everything. You defeat the darkness. Both must be completed for the realms to survive.::

/How do I make connection or explain to the others?/

::Here is the list of realms each team must visit. Along with what they must do and speak of greetings to the vines.::

Another vine broke through the ground. The top curled around a leaf-wrapped package and dropped it in Solomon’s hand when he opened it.

/How did you learn to write?/

::That is not something to discuss for now.::

/Right. Of course. So everyone will get a copy of this list and instructions./

::Here is the bag of gems to divide between all the teams.::

Another vine appeared and held a bag created out of leaves and smaller vines to secure a wonderful woven pattern.

Solomon took hold of the bag, a touch surprised at the weight. Then he moved and set the bag and leaf package on the boulders. /I thought there were only three realms in each section./

::As did we. But during our exploration, we discovered many more connections. Some will require support, but with your shock of magic to the Central, the rebuilding will spread out and begin everywhere.::

/What else do I need?/

::Here is a larger gem that will be required for your visit to the carnival. It is a gift that will suit the needs of the carnival. This one is excellent for storing any type of magic and carefully released over time to either a machine or magic user.::

Several vines punched up together with a large laumeldite held between them. Solomon touched the gemstone and sent it into a magical pocket.

::We placed multiple sizes and cuts of laumeldites inside this pouch. They are for your use and distribution.::

Another vine pushed out the leaf-vine pouch. Solomon hid that pouch.

::This last pouch contains several gem vials. These are for those creative scientists from the fire attack. Inside the vials are elixirs produced by our spines. A gift for them to experiment and learn. Each vial is labeled.::

Another woven pouch climbed the vine for Solomon to collect and hide.

/That is a wonderful and generous gift. They will appreciate it./

::We enjoyed their visits and the knowledge they have and share. We wish to provide a bit of our knowledge and abilities to them.::

/Thank you, Gloriosa. For everything./

::One more piece of advice. At the end, someone will make a request. Reflect deeply on your response. Home is not just a place. It can be so much more when you need it. So much more than what you will expect.::

/Thank you./

::Good journey, arcane mage.:: The vines disappeared back into the ground. The last one curled and brushed his cheek.

Collecting the large pouch of gemstones and the leaf package of paperwork he set on the boulders, Solomon returned to the group.

“What is all that?” Julian asked when Solomon entered.

“Umm… A slight change in plans. For everyone,” Solomon said. “I know we need to leave, but this has to be done here. For security reasons.”

Lennox motioned for Solomon to continue.

“A request and order from the Gloriosa. If we don’t accomplish what they request, then we’ll never win this battle,” Solomon said.

“Explain,” Andre said.

Solomon explained everything the Gloriosa said about the vital connections and the gemstones. He opened the larger bag and passed out the smaller pouches to everyone. Then he handed out the instructions to everyone when he explained how they were to greet each realm’s vine or plant.

“Where are these realms?” Julian asked.

“I have a list for each section. I’ll handle the North,” Solomon said.

“We’ll take the rest of the East,” Emrys said. “We can alter our travel plans easier than others.”

Solomon handed over the East list to Emrys. “Andre. Lennox. South or West?”

“I’ll take the West since I have that currency,” Lennox said. “Can meet a couple of colleagues to create my cover story.” He accepted the list.

“Do you trust those colleagues? The West is compromised,” Emrys said.

“One of them is my brother and his best friend. Scanned multiple times, so yes, I trust them,” Lennox said.

“That should work then.”

“One can hope.”

“Do you mind taking the South realms?” Solomon asked as he turned to Andre.

“No. Since I have the currency for the South from Lennox, I’ll take the list,” Andre said. “I’m not familiar with the South.”

“I know someone who can be your guide. RASI agent well vetted and scanned. I’ll send you the information on how to reach him,” Lennox said. “Thanks to my work with the Consortium, I traveled all over to visit with the various RASI agencies.”

“You know the fella,” Andre said.

“Yes. You can trust him to follow your lead.”

“Then yes, I’ll go South, Solomon,” Andre said.

“Thank you.” Solomon handed over the last list.

“What about Central?” Julian asked.

“That’s what we’re going to rebuild. Starting in Abbethan. Sort of going to shock everything with my arcane magic. Somehow,” Solomon said.

“You’ll figure it out,” Julian said.

“When do all the gems need to be connected?” Lennox asked.

“Before we attempt to enter Abbethan and confront the Carmine, every realm needs to be connected. While connecting to the realm’s sentient plants, we can reveal the truth. Gather more allies and warriors.”

“That could work,” Emrys said.

“We need everyone’s support. At least anyone with magic or those that want to fight. We need to convince them how the Carmine is evil and that they should be removed from power.” Solomon tucked the bag into a magical pocket, but set his list and instructions inside the satchel. He slung the strap over a shoulder and collected his coat.

“While we have the RASI agents and security forces combined from East, North, and the Consortium, I don’t know if it will be enough. The earlier multi-prong assault on those locations from Layton will take a lot of personnel. Then to gather everyone outside of the Central’s outer borders will take time,” Andre said.

“In between doing these realm visits, we’ll have to be careful how we spread the information and knowledge about the Carmine and RASI. Either way, this has to be done,” Lennox said.

“A little more work ahead of us, but we’ll get there,” Emrys said.

“Have little choice in the matter. Not if we want to accomplish our goals and free the realms.” Andre looked at all of them. “Time to travel to Ibemar and begin our journeys.”

After everyone walked outside, Andre opened a portal to the RASI office in Ibemar as their landing area.

Before stepping into the portal, Solomon sent one last gaze around the realm that had been his home since he was six annuals old. Then he walked through the portal to begin the next path of his life.