Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

S ettling his mind, he entered the station. The noise levels immediately changed from the city to the sun-drenched rail station that had beautiful stained-glass windows. It wasn’t his first time here, but he always enjoyed the beauty of this station.

Removing his ticket and identity booklet from the satchel, he followed the masses to the ticketing area. After checking which railway he was using, he chose the correct extended queue.

A few moments later, he exchanged the paper itinerary for the actual ticket and confirmation of his passage. The ticketing agent confirmed the location of his gate and platform after he went through security.

Passing the ticketing area, avoiding the one for baggage, he queued up for security. Another check of his ticket and identity booklet. The agent stamped his identity booklet and waved him through to the massive area behind that would separate into the various gates.

Moving along with the masses, Solomon reached the gate that opened to a distinct set of platforms, taking a moment to exhale. Checking the status of his mag-train on a nearby board that constantly updated, he selected a small café and queued up to satisfy a craving. He purchased a cup of Ruby Angelica tea and a nutmeg, honey and cranberry scone.

Savoring the treat, he proceeded through the gate that granted access to a section dedicated to the Sunlander Limited Railway. Four different platforms where mag-trains would load and unload passengers, luggage, and cargo. Locating his platform, he chose a comfortable seat to polish off his treat and the ruby red tea that perked him up with much needed energy.

While waiting, he set up the list of names and contact information and sent it via a secure link to Layton. Because he couldn’t get Layton’s warning out of his mind, he sent a warning message to Bella. Then he added a specific detail that she needed to double protect the two stations in the mountain.

A mag-train flowed into the station and braked with a distinct snap of the powerful magnets connecting. Within moments, people of all ages and types exited the various cars. Workers unloaded luggage and cargo on the far end of the station platform. Others began the stacking and loading procedures.

Passengers stood, gathered their items, and went to create a queue by a certain area cordoned off with stands and cords.

“Announcement for the twenty-two-oh-four CrossRealm overnight service to Leeside, the mag-train station in Caelkirk for the Flintspire Checkpoint will depart from Platform four. There will be stops in Middlesborough, Ballater, Norwich, and Chester during our overnight service. Will passengers intending to travel the twenty-two-oh-four CrossRealm please queue in a designated area. Have your ticket and identity booklet out and available for scanning verification.”

Glancing at his ticket, Solomon realized this was his train. He gathered his trash and tossed it in the nearby bin. With his identity booklet and ticket out and ready, he moved to join the queue.

A conductor stepped out of the first car and onto the platform edge. He held a scanner in one hand. “Please have your booklet and ticket available for a scan. This queue is for the twenty-two-oh-four CrossRealm overnight service to Leeside, the mag-train station in Caelkirk for the Flintspire Checkpoint. For your information, the dining and lounge car is in Car five, with places to sit all night, but services stop at thirty-two-oh-four. Sleeper cars are Cars six through eight and your berth will be notated on your ticket. Coach Cars one through four have open seating. We will now begin the boarding process. Please step forward with your booklet on top.”

Solomon glanced at his ticket and saw he would be in one of the first four cars. Which would roll correctly for a librarian of a council library. No reason to spend additional funds for a sleeping berth. He could easily set up an alarm to keep him alert and safe.

Stepping up, he held out his ticket and smiled at the conductor. “Good evening.”

“Identity booklet first, please,” the conductor said.

“My mistake.” Solomon flipped around the items and opened the booklet to the main page with the built-in magical chip.

“Happens all the time.” The conductor scanned the booklet and followed up with the ticket. “Good evening, Professor Addington.” He double-checked the ticket. “It appears you’re with us for the entire trip to Leeside Station in Caelkirk. You can have any seat in the first four cars and can visit the dining car until services end.”

“I haven’t been on an overnight trip in a while. Do the seats recline?”

“Half recline unless you’re near a wall. I would recommend one in a corner. A little quieter and peaceful. The train will not be at full capacity,” the conductor said. “Be careful when you step up and travel between the cars while we’re in motion.”

“Thank you for the information,” Solomon said.

“Enjoy the trip, Professor,” the conductor said and waved to the next set of passengers.

Solomon climbed the three steps and turned right into the first car. Those corners were filled. He continued to the second car and found the first right corner empty. Selecting it, he dropped his coat on the outer chair. Removing his satchel, he set it down between the chairs to keep it close. Then he called in the lap blanket and pillow he sent into a separate portal. He set them on the seat next to him.

Stepping over to the window seat, he pulled off the suit jacket and draped it over the outer seat with his coat. Unbuttoning the vest, he settled into the window seat.

Glancing around, he saw a rolling screen on the wall with a message for passengers. Then a soft tone spoke from a hidden speaker near his corner.

“Please secure your belongings after choosing your seat. Keep seats upright until the mag-train reaches its full speed. Secure your lap belts and keep them buckled until the operator turns off the belt light. For all arrivals and departures, you will need to keep the belt secured. We will depart the Goldenleaf Station soon. Thank you for choosing the Sunlander Limited Railway for your mag-train journey.”

Solomon found the buckle parts and strapped it low on his waist. He leaned back and felt his heart racing at the thought of leaving the East realms.

Leaving.

Security gone.

Safety unknown.

But it was necessary for him to make this trip. Vital even.

“Good evening. Welcome aboard.”

Turning his head, Solomon noticed a young train attendant stopped by his corner. The young lady in her trimmed uniform and low-heeled shoes smiled.

“Good evening.”

“My name is Muriel and I’m here to assist the coach cars. If you need anything, please press this button.” Muriel pointed to a button set on a lower ridge in the ceiling. “This button will turn on and off your personal lights and additional air flow. We keep the running lights low on overnight trips unless we’re arriving or departing to assist the other passengers in locating their seats. Is there anything else I can provide to make your journey comfortable?”

Solomon double checked something and realized he forgot something simple. “I forgot to pack a bottle of water in my satchel. Do I need to go to the lounge car?”

“I can order one for you and collect it. We also sell reusable bottles if you require additional bottles. I can have it refilled during the trip,” she said and named a price.

“That would be perfect. Do I pay you now?”

“Once we reach our cruising speed, I will return with a ticket for the purchase. You can pay at that time. I’ll collect the bottle for you.” Muriel pulled out a small notebook, pen, and made a note of his seat. “Name?”

“Addington. Professor Max Addington.”

“Thank you, Professor. I will return with your water once we reach cruising speed.”

“Appreciate the help. Thank you.”

With a smile, the lovely lady moved on to the next seats and continued her greeting and assisting with luggage or seats.

Solomon rubbed his hands together, kept his mind calm, and slowed down his heart. There was a long train ride ahead. He was still in the East. Anonymous under the new name. He had time.

Pulling some paperwork out of his satchel and his magic pocket, he began reading the background information Andre and Lennox set up for him. As they explained, he needed to memorize this information to pass through security. Then he would work on pushing down his magic and cover it with so many layers that he would only test as an air/lightning mage.