Decimus Fate and the Talisman of Dreams by Peter A Flannery

Author:Peter A Flannery [Flannery, Peter A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780957091962
Publisher: Blackheart Books
Published: 2020-04-02T04:00:00+00:00

16

The Snare of Temptation

Fate had kept his feelings hidden as he watched the monks and the Tutor leave the room. He got no pleasure from deceiving them, but he did not want them tarnished by what he was about to do. Staring at the door, he shook his head and gave a patronising little laugh.

‘Ordinary people have no idea of the commitment that real magic requires. Don’t you agree?’ He turned to Lord Cardini who seemed to be in a state of some confusion.

‘I do,’ he said at last. ‘Indeed I do.’

‘So tell me,’ said Fate. ‘The last time we met, you had some interesting ideas on how to overcome Larondo’s Uncertainty Principal with regard to transmutation. Have you made any progress in this respect?’

‘Yes I have,’ said Cardini. He was clearly pleased that Fate remembered a lecture he had given several years ago. He was also wary of sharing his secrets. Indecision played across his face and then the words came out in a rush.

‘The uncertainty principle cannot be overcome, but I have found a way to limit its effects.’ He smiled as his own cleverness. ‘I have designed a device that amplifies the alchemical resonance, a magical flux to prime the base material, and an incantation to initiate the chrysopoeian cascade.’

Fate raised his eyebrows as if he were impressed. Fighting hard to conceal his true intentions, he adopted an expression of wonder.

‘The incantation and the flux are clever,’ he said. ‘But a device to amplify the resonance… that is surely a work of genius.’

Lord Cardini positively swelled with pride.

‘I would be very interested to see such a device.’

Lord Cardini’s expression became guarded, but he could not resist the urge to share his accomplishments. ‘I’ve heard that Decimus Fate is a man of his word,’ he began. ‘I would be willing to show you… if you promise to keep my innovations a secret.’

‘But of course.’

Still Cardini seemed uncertain then… ‘Follow me,’ he said, and with that he led Fate back into the reception hall where his manservant was hovering beside the door. ‘You’re dismissed,’ said Cardini. ‘I am taking Lord Fate below, and we are not to be disturbed.’

‘Yes, my Lord,’ said the manservant as he disappeared down a passageway leading off from the hall.

Lord Cardini now walked up to the heavy oak door beside which stood the large metal statue of an armoured warrior. Producing a key from a pocket, he unlocked the door. However, as he went to open it Fate heard an ominous grating of metal and the slits in the statue’s helmet glowed as its head turned towards them.

This small motion was distinctly intimidating, but the light faded from the statue’s eyes as Cardini reached out to place his hand on the pommel of the massive sword. Deactivating one security measure, he now opened the door to reveal a wall of glazed green tiles set in a radiating pattern that created the illusion of looking down a tunnel.

‘A phase door,’ said Fate and Lord Cardini gave a conceited smile as he stood before the magical door.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.