I froze and my sense of self preservation made me unfreeze immediately. Some things are better not reacted to in the presence of combat mages in full battle gear. I needed a distraction. „Will I get a weapon specific to my ability?“. Von Bülow turned and said: „You are a freaking whiner who surely does not deserve a tool of that potency. I am so happy that this job is finished.“. Marching towards the helicopter he mercifully obviated the need for an answer, which I wouldn’t have had.

So my ability was actually good? „I’ll go put the new stuff in my bags and check the board in the lobby“

--

We would mostly use our private cars. This time our orders did include reasons. Apparently nominally trained wizards deserved reasons. The country had run out of busses; evacuations were still going on. We would travel in convoys and with guards escorting us, though. I needed to distract myself and went to the parking lot early, gaining an opportunity to wave to the minority being bussed away. Marcus and Werner were among them. I showed them my shiny new gun to admire from the departing vehicle. It was bizarre. A double barreled muzzle loader. But with magical bullets, as I was assured. Three signatures this time. I had no reloads, so this was it. Not that I had any idea how to reload a magic weapon.

In fact I was really sure. It spoke to my racial ability. That thing was a real magic item. If I wanted you dead, you and your consort would be. And then I would be helpless.

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I had my phone back but the net was down. Just my luck. Unless of course the country, specifically the rural areas were far worse hit than we had noticed in our semi-resort. I would need to talk to people.

Johanna and Lisa arrived.

P: Which convoy are you on?

J: The first.

P: Second for me.

L: What is wrong with you?

She knew me after the week of training. Were they listening?

It broke out of me.

P: My grandfather. The way he died …

J: I am so sorry ..

L: No, Jo – she interrupted her

P: You connected the dots?

She nodded and bit her lip. Johanna looked confused.

L: von Bülow. His family served since Friedrich I. He died in 1713.

J: Well, he is from the minor nobility …

It dawned to her, too. Lisa stated it explicitely.

L: Yes they were immensely powerful wizards. All over the world, well Europe and North America at least. Let’s not jump to conclusions. They could have killed Hitler. They did nothing. On the assumption that he wasn’t one of them.

It felt like madness to hear it openly stated. And I was impressed. If pessimism were olympic, she would be in a league of her own. I had not thought of that option.

J: What have we gotten into?

P: That is nothing we should discuss while there is a chance we are being listened to.

Both immediately shut up. Smart women.