Charlotte was frustrated. She had been watching the idiots do the summoning. She had read the same documents they had, but they ignored the warnings. There were warnings about calling things into the world indiscriminately. There were also warnings about long term damage to the barriers between universes. Possible permanent damage was also mentioned.

Just as the wheels came off of the ritual, HE was escorted into the room. Dr. Lyons was a stupid old man most of the time, but he had come up with the idea of bringing the great Robert Housen in to help. Technically, it was her idea; however, she could live without the credit if she just got to meet him.

Robert Housen had blown her twelve year old mind from the first time she saw one of his illusions. When she joined the ‘Society’, at the age of twenty, she had been even more amazed to realize that he did it all with no powers at all. When he stopped doing live shows, after his wife died, the twenty-two year old Charlotte missed them bitterly. She wept for the heartbreak he must have gone through. He had come through the pain stronger. His new career of exposing fakes and frauds who preyed on the heartbroken and the foolish was an inspiration. To think, she might get to work with him if she played her cards right!

When the strange, silver haired man came through the portal instead of the powerful creature the summoning team wanted, she was sure that Dr. Lyons would take control of the situation. He didn’t, though. This strange being stared him down and made demands. Even more shocking, his demands were met! He was unusual looking. The slender build and angular face were beautiful in a cold way. The tops of his ears came to sharp, but delicate points. There was no doubt he wasn’t merely human.

At that moment, those piercing purple eyes looked directly at Charlotte. The vertical slits of his pupils seemed to penetrate her soul. “I want that young lady to be our liaison with your group of idiots. I get the feeling she has more sense than the lot of you combined,” he said as he nodded at her. “She can also bind me as his familiar”

Dr. Lyons sputtered, “B-but she is not as talented as our more senior members. Add to that the things you said about Mr Housen here. If he can’t have or use any powers, how would he be useful to him as a master?”

“The simple fact that she was not involved in that fiasco of a ritual speaks to her greater wisdom. I’d wager that she warned you not to do it as well.” He looked down his nose at the perspiring academic. “I have my own reasons for choosing to work with these two people.”

Robert’s voice rang out in sonorous and deep tones meant to reach the cheap seats in any venue. “And why am I drafted into this situation? I’m not sure how I would even be useful.”

Alontheus gave him a predatory smile, “Not to worry. You have the tools to defeat this ‘Herald’. Just work with me. If you need to request help with the details, ask Charlotte. If all else fails, I am open to reasonable requests.”

Walking quickly up to the cluster of men with trepidation, Charlotte spoke up, “I’m happy to help, if I can, but how do you know my name?”

“Simple, I know all of the important names.” Alontheus gave her a wink and a smile as he said this. “I hope you don’t mind being asked to help Mr. Housen with his task. He will probably learn to rely heavily on you.”

The young lady blushed as she looked over at Robert. “I am at your disposal, Sir!”

Robert was now embarrassed himself. The auburn hared girl hid her figure in a big sweatshirt and baggy pants, but he could tell there was a wonderful shape to her 5’8” body. He knew his late wife would have teased him about the obvious laser focus the woman had when she looked at him.

His wife had been mocha skinned with striking blond hair. She had been 6’ tall (heels made her even taller). She had never been the jealous type. In fact, she had threatened to haunt him to his grave if he did not date after her passing. The funny part was, she dated more women than he did before they got together. Charlotte just happened to be her type, but he could see the appeal. If he were just 15 to 25 years younger, he would take his late wife’s instructions right away.

Dr. Lyons grumbled and complained randomly about being pushed around by the people asked to assist him in the background as Robert extended his hand to greet the young woman. “Nice to meet you, miss. My name is Robert Housen. You probably never heard of me…”

Charlotte blushed even harder as she took his hand in hers. “I have several posters from your live performances and recordings of all of your film and TV appearances! I am Charlotte Long. I actually told Dr. Lyons about you. I’m sorry he was so rude in how he contacted you.”

Robert was taken aback. This girl had to be only in her twenties. How was she such a big fan? He covered his confusion with a mild shake of the head. “It’s not your fault. You, obviously, have better manners than he does.” This last was delivered with a dark glance at the academic.

Alontheus chuckled. “If you two are done flirting, we should go compare notes. Charlotte here, should be able to bring us up to speed. Is there a pub or tavern nearby?”

Robert and the girl were both embarrassed, but she spoke up before he could voice the denial that was in his mind. “I know a good bar in the area. They have private booths and are good at keeping secrets.”