Book 3: “Death On Mt. Undenkhark!” Page 59
OF BAFFLED BLOOD-SUCKERS, POCKET-PICKING WIZARDS, AND FREE ARTIFACTS
or
VICTORY!—AT LAST?
Cognescentii greetings, most honored reader! And welcome again to the Saga of the Terrific Trio!
It appears that at long last, despite the adversities they’ve faced, our friends may have finally won. Even the vampire, despite all of her power, has been dealt a significant setback.
Like the walls of your ancient Jericho, the walls and ceiling of the Coliseum have collapsed, pretty much wiping out nearly everyone in the arena beneath—except for our heroes!—thanks to a little assist from yours truly.
As you may recall (as seen HERE), while visiting the swamp witch Baba Yaga, the kids and I made a short detour into the old hag’s treasure room where I tried to convince Bryan of the virtues of investing in gold over precious gemstones. While chatting it up (and pocketing as much as I could) I also spotted something even more valuable than gold and gemstones as I hurried about: the legendary Shard of Force!
This ancient artifact, crafted by the most powerful masters of magic the First People Nations had to offer, was a powerful tool/weapon to be used during the wars against the Titans (and later the Demagogue himself!). Somehow, it became lost, and Baba-Yaga, the old trash collector and hoarder she is, no doubt sensed its powerful magic but never quite got around to properly analyzing its properties.
Now we know one of its powers: the ability to project a powerful shield of force. But how come the Old Hag was never able to use it? Could it be that it can only be activated by members of the First Peoples (read: Elves)? Though Nikki is now an Elf through her Reincarnation, can it be said that she is truly 100% Elf? It is also said that the First Peoples jealously guarded this ancient artifact, yet Darya seems not only unconcerned that Nikki now has it, but even seems to give the new owner her blessings? What does Darya know about all this?
And what do we make of the Thinker, that most mysterious of wizards? For some reason, known only to himself, he’s decided to keep the property of the kids after their reincarnations (Nikki had a amulet). He certainly could have given it back when he recently saw them. Now what’s he up to?
Perhaps they will one day find out the answer to these questions, but they may very well be one member short of a trio now—without Seth? After all, he was the one responsible for lighting the Thinker’s New Magic. Was his mission a one-way trip? Let us find out when we meet again, dear reader. Until then,
May the blessings of the Holy Cognescentii fall gently about you!
~The Traveller