The Stray Dogs: Treadwell Supernatural Directive by Orlando A. Sanchez

Author:Orlando A. Sanchez [Sanchez, Orlando A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Bitten Peaches Publishing
Published: 2023-09-16T16:00:00+00:00

TWENTY

“How much would I need to risk to prevent being siphoned?”

“A substantial amount,” she said. “Have you ever heard of the theory of Vanko’s Vortex?”

“Yes. The theoretical method of capturing a void vortex and maintaining it in a form of stasis,” I said. “But that’s only a thought exercise. No one has been able to successfully execute that cast. It always fell apart due to instability.”

“Correct; it always fell apart because the vortex would prove too powerful for any form of containment,” Ivory said. “That was, until recently.”

“Recently? How recently?”

“Several decades now.”

“Several decades?” I asked, surprised. “How is it that this hasn’t become common knowledge in the magical community?”

“You are aware what a void vortex is?” Ivory asked, giving me an incredulous look. “You realize how dangerous a vortex can be?

“Of course, I’m aware,” I said. “However, this is a significant breakthrough. Why has it been kept secret?”

“Weaponizing the power of a void vortex…” Ivory started slowly, “you really think this information should be common knowledge?”

“Like I said, brain damage,” Tiger chimed in. “Why not throw in a pair of runic nuclear bombs to go with the vortex? It would be used as a weapon. Can you stop a void vortex?”

“I’ve never had the necessity to attempt it,” I said. “But what does a void vortex have to do with stopping a siphon?”

“Not stopping, redirecting,” Ivory said and gestured, opening a portal next to her. She looked into the portal and thrust an arm into it. “One moment.”

She rummaged through the portal for close to a minute before removing a small violet pendant attached to a silver chain. The pendant was shaped in the form of a whirlpool and exuded an enormous energy signature.

“What is that?” I said, eyeing the pendant warily. “It possesses an intense energy signature.”

“It should,” she said. “It’s a vortex isolator.”

“A what?” I asked in disbelief. “Are you saying that thing can contain a void vortex?”

“Yes, for a short time,” Ivory said. “Remember when I asked you how much of your life you are willing to risk?”

“I do, yes.”

“The gauntlet works on contact, if I remember the details correctly,” she said. “In order to disable the siphon, you would cast a void vortex and isolate it, capturing it in this pendant, which is closer to a pocket dimension.”

“And then what?”

“When the mage tries to siphon you—”

“It begins to siphon the vortex instead.”

Ivory nodded.

“You are both insane,” Tiger said. “Do you know how much damage an uncontrolled void vortex can do?”

“I am aware,” Ivory said. “This is, however, one of the best ways to counter a siphon.”

“Not exactly safe,” Tiger said.

“I didn’t say one of the safest, I said one of the best.”

“How long can the isolator hold the vortex?” I asked. “How much time am I working with?”

“That I don’t know,” Ivory said. “I do know the isolator works though, since I tested it when I first discovered it. For obvious reasons, I didn’t test the outer limits of its containment.”

“Obvious reasons,” Tiger repeated while looking at me.

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