The world slows down; every moment stretches into an hour. The tip of the lattice pierces my skin first. It's so sharp, so bright and yet so cold. I grit my teeth to keep from screaming as a gang of rebel tears break free from the corners of my eyes.
The memories of that night fill the space of slowed down time. Memories of the man I knew as my real father: The one who would phase me off to Milan, Budapest, Tokyo and a dozen other amazing places; the man who told me weird and wonderful stories of totally improbable adventures.
He would never appear to Mom, but he was around for me. He made every single birthday, both his and mine.
On the night of my tenth birthday he gave me a packet of white powder and told me it was his "medicine" to cure his "tiredness of this world" and give the world something better. I was to mix it for him.
I remember being so proud, daddy's little girl. Not paying attention to details like the letter he had brought for Mom nor the look in his eyes. I relive the memory of his final moments: his eyes rolling up into his skull; hearing his final, relieved gasp; and then watching his body shatter into fine dust. Bits of pieces have leaked out from behind the barrier before, but today I see it all.
"I guess this is the price for patricide."
My eyes flutter open briefly. As if in slow motion, I dimly see that the doctor has somehow broken free and is shaking Simon like a rag doll. The world spins as my weary eyes shut again. The pain burns so cold. So very cold
***
I slowly come to. My senses return one by one. The first thing I think of is how thirsty I am. The next thing I get to is trying to figure out how I'm alive. My head is cradled in a lap and the person to whom it belongs is hissing venomously at another.
"How dare you! She's still a child. Have you no heart? Conducting an impromptu Spanish inquisition and skewering her in my office!"
My mind sluggishly places the voice as that of Dr. Adegbite. For such a slim woman, her lap is surprisingly comfy.
A wary voice responds; Simon, "I was led to believe she might have been one of Gray's children. I had to act quickly before he noticed. Issues between Magi can be rather... blunt" The Simon Magus who so calmly bound and skewered me doesn't seem like such a scary 'true, indestructible, immortal' now.
I keep my breathing slow so they don't notice I'm awake, like I said, deception is in my nature.
"When I last saw him," Simon continues to ramble, "he asked what I would do if he were killed. I replied with the obvious: 'Seek vengeance'. The bastard then made me promise that above all else that I would keep his child safe. I didn't think said child was a Nigerian girl! He continues to play tricks from beyond the grave."
The doctor strokes my hair gently. It's comforting, and to be honest, perhaps I need it after my failed death.
Simon continues his monologue. "I don't trust Gray, he's young, impulsive and without honor. This could put her into his camp and throw a wrench into my plans. I suppose this proves that after all those years of life I can still make terrible mistakes."
"I suppose it does, now go, before you distress her further."
When he leaves she gives a loud sigh. "These Magi, so much strength so little sense." She grumbles, before she whispers - a true conspirator, "You can stop pretending now Temi. He's gone."
I slowly sit up and then feel the part of my chest where the lance should have passed through. A gauze patch is all that's there.
"How am I alive?" I ask.
"The Alchemysts of the Second Society have been making wonders for centuries. Lucky I keep a few emergency medical wonders handy hm?"
Her look softens, and she says, "The guilt you feel over your father's death, is something you have to try and let go of. He lived a long time and was tired. Perhaps he thought he was at the end of the road, but he clearly believed you'd be a better Spider than he was. Your memories in the last few moments of pain were broadcast like a beacon. It's what broke Simon. "
The rebel tears start their mutiny again.
"I don't know much about the Talisman Magi called the Spider, your father. But he lived for over two centuries and most thought he was more the leader of the Magi than Cross was, regardless of the gap in their strengths. If he thought you are a gift, then you are."
I break down into her arms and finally let go of the baggage I have been carrying for seven years.
***
I plop onto the lounge settee for a session. It's been three weeks since the Simon Magus incident and I still can't bear to sit in the very chair in which I was skewered. The past two weeks have mostly been spent in getting me up to date with the weird world of the Six Societies. "Hi Temi, How are we today" Doctor Adegbite starts. I'm about to reply when my mind starts to hum.
A shimmering space on the carpet between us slowly solidifies into a stooped old mongoloid man in a saffron robe. A slender woman in a stark plain oriental style dress and a severe, lean face holds onto his arm. A dream walker with a passenger.
The woman glances at me curiously, she must not know who or what I am. Societans generally don't like Magi, and if she knew, her look would be a very different one. With a little bow towards the Doctor and the old man, she shimmers out. Her phasing, (or dream shifting as the societies call it) is far slower than mine.
The Doctor stands and glides over to help the old man into a seat whilst I look on puzzled. Finally she gives a slight bow and introduces him. "Temi, this is Monk Tenzin, Thought Father of the Third Society, Oracle and our Seat on the council of Six".
He's really old and gnarled, but very solid, like one of those very bonsai trees I read about when I was younger. He has a kindly smile, a shaved head and long, wispy, snow-white beard. His milky eyes don't seem like they can see me that clearly.
I have no idea of the appropriate response to the presence of the grand mugwump of the Third Society's path, so of course my mouth takes the lead. "It is an honour to meet you. I am so awed by your presence that I don't know whether to bow or curtsy. I guess I'll do both".
He chuckles as I proceed to do exactly that. "I like this one, so unlike other Magi. She reminds me of her father." His voice speaks directly into my mind. The Societies aren't really slowed down by language barriers.
The doctor remains silent; I can tell she's actually pretty awed by him. Unlike myself, she probably appreciates his import more. Few Societans will ever meet a Leader in person over the course of their whole lives. At least I understand why he's called the Thought Father. He has such a calming influence, it's as if the presence of the bald old man makes your brain de-fog.
"I don't have much time." He continues, "The dream walker left to give us a bit of privacy. She will be back in a few minutes. What we say must not leave this room."
"I give my vow" Dr. Adegbite sends, "As do I." I add. Society vows are binding, like you can literally die from breaking them. Magi can't make binding vows; doesn't exactly raise our popularity amongst the Six Societies.
"It has taken much discussion and debate but finally, we of the Council of the Six would like to ask you a favor. Not just for our sakes, but for the sake of the world. We would like to provide our unanimous support behind you as a candidate to lead the Seventh Society."
My mouth turns dry and my mind goes blank. My heart feels like it's been sprayed with kerosene, lit on fire and then suddenly quenched with ice-cold water.
There is no Seventh society: Talisman Magi appeared after all other Societies had been founded. Magi are proud, individualistic and generally badly behaved. They've never had a cause to band together.
"A lot of us hoped that it would be your father who'd unite the Magi. But his friendship with Simon Magus, complicated the matter."
I glance at the Doctor but her expression is unreadable.
"Some Magi, especially Talisman holders, will not be overjoyed, so you understand why we must keep this secret. If you agree we will stand with you and support your decisions. No strings, only advice."
He thinks he's telling the truth on that point. I doubt all the other Society Leaders feel the same way.
He continues sedately, "This is a process, so there'll be a little training period whilst we put things into place".
Now I'm intrigued "How will your people train Magi?".
I don't trust that the dons of the societies are being honest about the risks and what they stand to gain on my back. A tiny part of my mind is warming up to the idea though; I hear the seventh society was a dream of my dad, it would be cool if I could carry it on.
"You already instinctively know what to do, unlike most of us who take the paths. All we hope to do is hone your skills." He sends calmly, his sendings are like crystal ponds of calm.
"Magi skills extend to all paths. We just have to give you exposure to masters from each Society."
"And what about my parents? I can't tell them about this. They barely even trust me as it is".
"Temi dear, don't underestimate what the Societies can do when we put our mind to it" The doctor sends – finally speaking up, figuratively.
After a long minute of silence I give my answer. "I've never been much of a leader. Can't tell how good I could be at it, so no promises. But I would like to take you up on the training thing. Is that ok?"
"Of course Spider" the Monk replies, all smiles.
"We'll start you off with a deeper understanding of the psychic path. The best Master to teach you that is unfortunately neither myself nor your dear doctor."
My heart drops a little. "Who, then?" "A former acolyte of mine, you'll find no better teacher of our Path. Her name is Denise Cho."
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