Now, only few people remained on the clifftop.
Arthur walked away from the edge, distancing himself from the students who were looking around full of curiosity. His eyes, reflecting the distant fires, glimmered faintly in the darkness while he thought about something. I also moved around, observing the surroundings and trying to analyse the current situation.
The elf and gremlin were softly discussing something in the language I could not understand. Next to them, the spider woman crouched on the ground, looking to be somewhat lethargic in the chilly night.
Arthur approached me from behind while I was staring into the sky. I was fruitlessly trying to make sense of the stars that I could faintly detect even through the clouds that were shrouding the sky. I had no knowledge about the star maps, and those few charts I had seen before were not enough for practical use. But in any case, I was sure they were not supposed to be so big and bright as they were now.
He stopped at respectful distance and took a moment to take a deep breath.
“Esteemed Sir, let me introduce myself again. I am Arthur Wiseman, the fifth active Headmaster of Akadem, the principal facility of magic research and education in Britain.” - Arthur formally introduced himself.
I nodded and replied: “Victor. Unaffiliated. Had a short-term cooperation contract with the Ministry of Defence, as you may have noticed.”
He looked surprised: “Oh, a contract? Pardon me for the interest, sir…”
I shook my head: “Mutually beneficial interests. I am not local, you see.”
“Ah. That explains a lot, sir.” - he nodded: “Here, ever since Tudors, very few have been willing to work with mundane authorities. But that is not my place to tell you that. What I would like to do, sir, is to cordially invite you to Akadem.”
That was unexpected. But interesting, especially the possibilities hidden within.
I was silent for a moment, before replying: “To Akadem? Why?”
He looked around, confirming that students remained far enough: “Sir, let me be blunt. I saw you fighting. I also observed you interacting with an entity, whose looks fit the descriptions from some of the really obscure chronicles and grimoires. And you were capable of directly opposing a Being, whose spiritual contagiosity and erosive abilities were probably at the Divine level of power.”
“So?”
“I mean, sir. You are clearly aware that things are getting worse, and the world is going through unpredictable changes. We have little to offer you, but if you got any demands, we are ready to discuss the terms. Let me be honest - we desperately need help.” - Arthur dejectedly raised his hands, and told everything in one breath.
Oh, desparate need and free terms to discuss. Perfect conditions, if I dare say so.
I nodded: “I currently have no urgent business.”
“Then..!”
“But.” - I calmly interrupted him: “It does not mean I am free. Let me hear your offer.”
Arthur immediately replied: “We offer you the Whinstone Mansion, with personal permanent transit pool linking to multiple locations in Britain, including Akadem.”
“Sounds impressive, I like real estate, it does not lose its value.” - I nodded: “Anything else?”
Arthur hesitated: “We have no knowledge of the things that may interest you. Could you please inform me about your preferences?”
“Hmm, let me think…” - I acted as if I had to think to come up with something.
Negotiations were all about psychology and acting. Arthur was not very good with that. Or, perhaps, very good. From his point of view, he was currently trying to negotiate with a being that had cooperated with Death. However, I was not planning to make it too hard for him.
I narrowed my eyes: “I have heard that Akadem has an impressive collection of information?”
I had never heard about Akadem until s few hours before. But if it is a premier education facility, it was safe to assume that they had at least an impressive library.
Arthur’s face paled: “I am afraid, it is not in my capabilities to hand over our Depository.”
“Ah, I did not mean to say that. Free and unobstructed access would be interesting.” - I tried to act magnanimously. Then, to avoid suspicion, I added: “You see, Sir Wiseman, I have some interest in the inherent cultural and traditional varieties.”
“Oh, that is interesting.” - the eyes of the Headmaster shone: “Comparative symbolism? Numerical sequences in numerology? Ritualistic phonetic phasing?”
My mind churned. It seemed, I had shot myself in the foot. Thankfully, I could process my thoughts quickly, making me an efficient liar and an improviser extraordinaire.
I showed a reserved smile: “Why, Sir Wiseman, you are overestimating me. Just a casual interest in the influences caused by different approaches.”
“Oh, pardon me, I did not intend to pry.” - Arthur shook his head: “I, as a headmaster, also have a significant interest in the varieties of the Craft. You see, all that modern cultural exchange and so on.”
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I nodded: “Of course, of course. So, your… Depository?”
Arthur fell silent for a while, before admitting: “Due to the procedures and the limits of my authority, I can not simply grant a full access on a whim. It would take ages to make the Committee to agree. But…” - he hesitated to continue.
“...but?” - I encouraged him to continue.
“Well.” - he said: “We can arrange you a position. Of course, completely fictitious. As an official Mentor, you will be able to have full access to the facilities.”
I shrugged: “What is the catch?”
“Oh, if you have no issues with the position, it is fine, completely fine.” - Arthur looked relieved, so he continued: “We will simply need to come up with some suitable topic. You will be in papers, but no timetable or lectures.”
“Sure.” - I did not care much. I shifted my shoulder, and the scraping of my armor gave me an idea: “P.E.”
“Pee?” - he looked confused now.
“Physical Exercise.” - I could not resist chuckling: “But you are correct, does not sound very good. Physical Combat then, perhaps?”
Arthur scratched his chin: “Oh, I believe we had something like this long ago, before it was replaced because it did not fit into the study plans.”
“Really?” - I was somewhat surprised. The wizards before me were almost uniformly scrawny, except for the students.
Arthur quickly nodded: “Yes. Some say that it is unfortunate, but that is the current state of things.”
---
I agreed with Arthur to visit Akadem and confirm my new position there. The situation in the world was becoming restless, and I felt an urgent need to get a reliable source of information. Akadem felt perfect for that.
Elf, gremlin and spider-woman had a discussion with Arthur, and it was agreed that they also follow us to Akadem for now.
Albert and Philip created another portal at Arthur’s request. This one was created faster than the one to London, and also seemed to be a bit smaller,
When we passed through, we found ourselves quite high up in the mountains. We stood on a wide, sheltered outcrop that formed an elliptical plaza before the vertical face of the mountain. The sharp whistling of freezing winds and the distant snow-covered peaks showed that the local environment was far from hospitable. The mountain wall before us was smooth like mirror, shining under the light that came from the numerous narrow windows.
Several fur-cloaked figures emerged from the huge shadow that hid the giant double doors embedded deep into the rock.
“Headmaster.” - the cloaked doormen acknowledged Arthur’s presence..
He nodded to them, and pointed at the rescued students who were already shivering in the cold: “Take care of them. Wash, usual safety check-up, warm food and plenty of rest. Ensure the quarantine, for three days, but make it comfortable.”
Both nodded and herded the students in through a small door that was cut into the huge metallic gate.
Arthur gave us a small bow: “Welcome to Akadem, friends and allies.”, and proceeded to show us the way.
---
As we approached the main doors, Arthur fished out his pocket watch and slid his finger across the edge.
Responding to that, a series of metallic clicks sounded from the gate and the surrounding stone. Then with majestic slowness, the doors began to fold like a giant origami. The seemingly monolithic plates of grey metal shifted and overlapped while moving upwards, finally forming a huge owl’s head above the doorway. With a loud bang, the beak snapped shut and bright torchlike lights lit up within its empty eyes.
Passing below it, Arthur nodded towards the construct and the two lights above flashed in response. I did not feel anything, but the elf fidgeted as he walked beneath the gaze of the owl. And gremlin looked with interest at the details of the frame, not bothering to look up.
It was late night bordering on early morning, so we met no people. We passed through the hallways that at first were chilly stone but after we took the wide staircase up, gave way to warm wood paneling. Every intersection, branch and door was accompanied by alcoves that housed statues made from well-polished bronze.
“Nice work.” - huffed gremlin Fergus behind me.
“Sculptures?” - the elf nodded. Then he sighed softly: “But I like the solid feeling of security here. Reminds me of the old forts of Nemed.”
---
After several more stairs up, Arthur finally brought us before heavily decorated oak doors. He took hold of the handle and waited for a moment while something clicked within. Then he pulled the door open and let us in.
It was, quite obviously, an office. But it was huge, with enough space to hold a large-scale meeting or a smaller dance party. And as one would expect from British wizards, heavy, old conservative wood was everywhere. Soft light came from the round brass lanterns fitted into the walls, brightening the room to a comfortable level.
We sat down in the offered armchairs, while Arthur picked up a stack of papers and took a seat behind a wide desk. The armchairs were soft and comfortable, and shifted to offer the best support. As an extra function, the height was adjusted so everyone ended up at the same eye level.
“Elf-lord.” - Arthur turned towards the elf.
“Just call me Faol, wise man.” - elf shook his head.
“A wolf?” - Arthur could not help but to ask.
Faol dismissively waved his hand: “Names for communication with outsiders. To avoid misspellings and so on.”
After that came a prolonged exchange of pleasantries. Apparently, Arthur was quite capable in social interactions, and Faol seemed to be quite content by the time they agreed to help him to contact his people. Arthur looked satisfied, because he got a promise from Faol to provide a number of enchanted items to Akadem.
Similar greetings were also exchanged with Fergus. As it turned out, Fergus was seeking a sanctuary. Finally, Fergus received the permission to stay in Akadem in exchange for working in the metal workshop.
The spider woman, who introduced herself as Penelope, agreed to provide a certain amount of silk for an introduction to a group of druids somewhere in Wales.
First I was surprised why these talks were not confidential. But soon it became obvious that they had already discussed things beforehand and were now confirming the agreements.
Finally, the Victorian duo that had somehow began bickering again at some point, informed Arthur that they agreed to accept the offered positions as Mentors of Chanting and Ritualistic Coordination. They added, though, that they still intend to receive the previously agreed compensation for the rescue mission.
---
The first rays of sun lighted up the window behind Arthur’s seat. Gremlin was already yawning non-stop and Philip had long since stopped coughing, half-asleep in his armchair.
Arthur rubbed his eyelids and patted his desk. The door opened and several glowing orbs appeared in front of the others.
“Honoured guests, the guide simulacra will lead you to your rooms. If you need anything, please follow the instructions left on the desks.” - he said.
When the others finally left the room, it was time for us two to talk.