‘We all know that Panmagica always promotes itself as thepremier city of knowledge in the known universe. However, we alsoknow that the fame of our city-state is more widely known for itsmagic shops. People come from everywhere to buy magic items andtrain to use magic. What is kept very quiet from most of itsvisitors is that probably three quarters of all magic items soldhere are not made here. They’re made at a place calledMentar.’
‘It seems that the Mentarin people can produce magic items atless than half the cost that we can make them. Hence all the majormagic items such as fountains, statues, constructs and the like aremade by them and resold by us. From what I can determine, theMentarin also make most of the healing potions sold by the templesthese days. All Mentarin items sold are highly taxed by theTemples, and this has been the main source of theirincome.’
‘The Treaty of Mentarin was set up about a hundred years ago.It sets up the trade rules between the Mentarin and Panmagica. Itstrictly specifies that the Mentarin wish absolute secrecy in alldealings. They also wish to have absolute privacy. In other wordsnobody alive has ever visited them as far as I am aware. We don’tknow exactly who they are or even where they live.’
‘In short the Treaty has been the mainstay of the Panmagicaneconomy and Unity of Wisdom power for decades and anything thatwould jeopardize that treaty would be dealt with extremely severelyby our illustrious leaders. It seems Rob must have accidentallyupset the Mentarin in some way or perhaps even discovered theirlocation and they have traced him back to us.’
‘What surprises me is why they have given me notice to come tothe meeting rather than just sending the guard to drag me beforethem. Perhaps they’re not sure that it was Rob. Perhaps they aregiving us advance warning to see if we make a run for it. Perhapsthey want to get me out in the open, as they know that we’d put upa fight if they tried to get us out of here. I’m notsure.’
‘Could you arrange a visit to one of the Temple hierarchy fora little mind reading session.’ asked Peter.
‘That might not be a good idea on this occasion.’ repliedHelix.
‘I’ve already tried that and most have taken unusualprecautions to ward themselves almost as if they knew that youmight try that.’
There was aknock on the door.
‘Excuse me Lord Theolaur, Arch Wizard Firestorm and HighPriest Kelnor among others are at the front gate requesting yourimmediate presence. They also have a large number of the City Guardwith them.’ said the Head Guard from outside the door.
Granddadimmediately waved his hand over a crystal ball sitting in themiddle of the planning room table and as it glowed into life allthe family leaned forward to get a closer view. There were at leasta hundred guards, two Wizards and High Priest Kelnor. Granddad thenchanged the view to his magic shop. A dozen city guards directed byone or two Wizards were breaking into the shop. The view at Peter’smagic shop was the same.
‘Well I think we can safely assume that the Unity of Wisdomhas decided to act quickly for a change. It sounds like Rob hasreally upset the Mentarin. I suspect the reason they’re after ourblood is because they can’t get at him. Good on you Rob. Go afterthem.’ said Granddad.
‘Hold on a bit.’ said Peter. ‘We’re the ones getting ourlife’s work ruined.’
‘Just a temporary setback.’ said Granddad. ‘I knew thingswould change when Rob came of age. He has the most powerful sourcethat I have ever seen in one so young. It must have something to dowith the Yith side of his spirit. When I discovered it was growingso fast, I capped it so that he would have to learn to be selectiveand conservative in his use of power. I suspect he now knows and isflexing his muscles a little. I only hope that we have taught himenough to use the power wisely.’
‘Now I have a contingency plan for this situation.’ he uttereda word of power and all the family were hypnotized. He unlockedmemories in their minds and they all instantly knew the details ofhis plan. He snapped his fingers and they were awake.
‘OK you all know the plan so let’s get it into action. Takesix guards with you in case you have any problems. I’ll go and talkto the people at the gate and try to buy us a littletime.’
‘Helix could I ask you a great favour? Could you go and findout what Rob has done?’
‘Of course Sol, do you need a hand here first?’ askedHelix.
‘No we should be able to handle it. You should be able to pickup his tracks in a world called Mudrun. Talk to High WizardFeatherdown he’s a friend of mine and should be able to give youthe latest information. He has a tower at the town called TwinTowers. It’s a lovely little place by the sea. It used to beperfect for a holiday. However they have problems there caused bythat prophesy I was telling you about recently.’
Helix left andGranddad teleported to his conjuring room unlocked his wand cabinetand took all six wands poking them in specially designed pockets inhis robe. He then called and enlarged Goth his toughest constructand loaded it with a chain lightning spell and an extra magicalprotection against physical damage. Finally he called his ArchWizard gown and staff of power to him and teleported to meet thegroup at the gate.
A bolt oflightning announced Granddad and Goth’s arrival and many of theguards moved back several paces at the sight. Granddad lookedgrandiose in his silver gown pulsing with magic. Goth the hugeblack metal construct built like an enormous armoured knight stoodominously behind Granddad holding a mighty glowing sword cracklingwith sparks.
‘I was informed that someone wished to see me?’
A wizardwearing the insignia if the Temple of Spiritual and FinancialHarmony stepped forward.
‘I am Archwizard Firestorm. I am the new High Enforcer of theUnity of Wisdom. I was also elected Chairman of the Wizard Guildthis afternoon.’
‘You and your family
