A/N: And so I humbly offer my second chapter for your enjoyment. Unlike my stated intention of mostly one shots, this chapter serves as an introduction to a multiple part piece. A heartfelt thank you to both Eternal-Longing and Makuhari-Fan01 for their help in making this a better story.
The year is 1586 and the setting is Prague in the Kingdom of Bohemia. The Reformation has split Europe into Catholic and Protestant camps while Rudolph the Second, Holy Roman Emperor, sits in his castle and watches as forces beyond his control rend the Empire apart. Indulging his interests in all sorts of arcane knowledge, he has drawn many of the world's greatest scientific minds to his court as well as a large share of charlatans and frauds; all in hopes of securing the emperor's favor.
Ken Akamatsu owns 'Negima' and its characters.
The following conventions are used: "words", 'thoughts' and *telepathy*
Her Majesty's Vampire - Part I
After spending the morning dragging her exhausted teacher and classmates around on a sight-seeing tour of Kyoto, Evangeline allowed the little group to stop for that all important souvenir shopping. Boya still had an hour to kill before meeting Eishun and this was also an opportunity for her to purchase items not readily available at Mahora.
A thousand booths crowded around the shrine. It seemed that half of the city's inhabitants crammed into the narrow lanes between stalls. Food and antique vendors were the most popular, but Evangeline wasn't searching for common items. Sandwiched by rice cake vendor and a dealer of blown glass ornaments was a booth hung with dozens of paper strips.
Talismans promoting wealth fluttered in a slight breeze along with those for good luck and warding off evil spirits. Hidden among them was something that brought a smile to the little vampire's lips. As a tiny hand reached out, an annoyingly familiar voice asked, "Find a souvenir Eva-chan?"
She turned and glared at the mismatched eyes regarding her. "Hardly Kagurazaka-san," Evangeline answered. "And don't act so familiar. I'm not one of your airheaded friends."
Behind the worst student in the school stood two, dark-haired classmates. Konoka had on one of her everything-is-good-so-be-happy grins that set the little vampire's teeth on edge. Setsuna was at her ojou-sama's side with that ridiculously huge sword slung over her shoulder. The swordswoman at least avoided the vapid expressions of her fellow classmates.
"Charms from Mount Osore," Konoka said with a trace of religious awe. "You don't see those every day."
"Huh?" Asuna said as she snatched the talisman from Evangeline's reach. "What's so special about these?"
"Mount Osore is said to be an entrance to the land of the dead," Setsuna answered, her face set into its normal seriousness. "Some believe that anything from there is cursed."
"Oh, come on," Baka red scoffed. "Believing in curses is like believing in chupacapras."
"Or in magic," Evangeline remarked. "Or in vampires."
"I know ignorance is your strong point Kagurazaka-san," the undead mage commented. "But I wouldn't be in such a hurry to show it off for all to see."
"What's that supposed to mean, you shrimpy vampire?" Asuna bellowed.
"Not so loud," the little blonde cautioned. "I mean curses are as real as the rest of it."
"Sounds like you've had personal experience," Konoka said.
"Let's just say I know a couple of stories."
"Like what?" the healer asked.
Konoka's eyes glittered with interest and Evangeline realized her mistake. 'Maybe I can blow her off,' she thought to herself. An image of the girl's grandfather mechanically stamping permission slips every five seconds sprang to mind, prompting a muttered "Yeah, right."
--
Dusk had fallen on Prague as Evangeline emerged from her sanctuary near the city's butchery. Blood from hundreds of slaughtered animals filled the air, but the blonde-haired waif threaded her way between the crowds returning to their homes without giving it a second thought. While the living equated the stench with death, to her it was the scent of life.
Ever since that day, more than a century ago, she had been cursed with undeath, Evangeline had learned to savor the sweet liquid that prolonged her existence. Now, as night cast its long cloak about the imperial capital, was the time to hunt. A well practiced eye roamed over tired men and women, trudging back from their labors, inattentive and unwary. Who would slake her thirst this evening?
'There!' the vampire thought upon spying a gentleman walking unescorted. The man's clothes were well made but somewhat frayed at the edges and slightly behind the current fashion while an oddly shaped hat rested upon his head. Perhaps he was a merchant that had recently fallen on hard times. If he had no friends to lend him money, then chances were good that none but creditors would miss him. Her belly growled in anticipation as the little girl followed her victim. 'No pig's blood tonight,' she promised herself.
Fortune continued to smile as the friendless fellow turned down a deserted street. She picked up her pace to catch him before he disappeared into one of the darkened doorways. However, she stopped as two, armed men appeared from the shadows and confronted her quarry.
With drawn rapier, one of the bravos hailed the lone figure. "Hey now," the swordsman called, "I would have a word with you."
"What do you want?" the victim asked. From his accent, Evangeline identified the man as English.
"You are that Kelley fellow who fancies himself an alchemist," the armed man said.
"And if I am what of it?"
"You and that other warlock have overstayed your welcome here," the swordsman answered.
"We are here at the request of His Imperial Majesty," he replied.
"You're naught but a spy for that English bitch!" the armed man shouted. "And there's nothing lower than a spy!"
Understanding that he meant to dispatch her meal, Evangeline rushed forward, shouting "Papa! Papa!" at the top of her lungs.
Delicate, white arms flung around the surprised man's waist as a small head fiercely nuzzled his side. "Papa, where have you been?" a petulant voice asked. "I was so worried about you."
Red-faced with anger, the swordsman gaped at the young girl. He had just resolved to run them both through when a tiny fist slammed into his gut, doubling him over. A daintier knee smashed into his face, splitting his lips and loosening several teeth as the force sent him sprawling backwards. His companion gazed in shock as the girl scooped up the fallen man's sword and thrust. Blood bubbled from the wound as steel pierced his lung. In silence, the second man crumpled to the street.
Her victim stared at Evangeline in horror at the carnage she had wrought. A shudder shook him as he asked, "What manner of creature are you?"
--
Evangeline followed the so-called alchemist down dark and twisting streets towards the huge edifice known as Prague Castle. Though long accustomed to such architectural marvels, the little vampire couldn't help but be impressed by its sheer size. Massive stone walls loomed over them as whitewashed towers soared above the battlements. The Glasgow of childhood memories could have easily fit inside its confines. Truly it was a grand home, one fit for an emperor.
Her guide, one Edward Kelley, late of London by way of Krakow, roused her interest enough to spare him, but the assassin had proved an adequate replacement. Kelley had been accused of being a warlock, but the man's aura lacked any trace of magical energy. The tiny vampire knew that the transmutation of metals was possible; she had even witnessed such an event. Those who called themselves as alchemists were usually charlatans out to dupe greedy merchants and nobles. His being a spy struck her as far more likely.
Spies were commonly employed by the Italian Princes. Any foreigner possessing a full set of wits, and many with only half that compliment, would be suspected of espionage. Priests and ambassadors were notorious for it; fortunately many were so obvious that they should have worn a sign proclaiming their guilt.
Kelley turned towards a fine home abutting a park just outside one of the castle's gates. "Is that your house?" Evangeline asked as she revised her earlier estimate of the man's circumstances.
"No, it belongs to His Imperial Majesty's physician," he ruefully answered. "I, my associate and our families have been guests for the better part of two years while seeking an audience with the Emperor."
They entered through the front door and Kelley was warmly greeted by a rather plain looking woman who turned out to be his wife. Closely hugging the woman's skirts was a girl who appeared around five years old; this was their daughter Elizabeth.
"And who is this fine lass," Mistress Kelley asked while examining Evangeline. The woman's mouth partially twisted into a frown as she noted the girl's ragged frock and cloth-wrapped feet.
Before he could answer, Evangeline responded in her most frightened, little girl's voice. "I was set upon by two men not an hour ago," she blubbered. "I was so a feared for my life but this fine man, may the Lord bless him always, came to my rescue and chased those bad men away."
The woman's expression seemed to be caught somewhere between suspicion and pity. Suddenly, Evangeline grabbed the hem of Mistress Kelley's dress while her shoulders shook as if shuddering from the terror of the encounter. "I have no family and your husband took pity on me," she wailed. "Please. All I ask is for a warm place by the fire for tonight."
Hesitantly, a hand patted her on the head. "There, there child," the woman softly cooed. "I'll not turn you out into the night."
Evangeline glanced up to find a concerned face regarding her tear stained cheeks. "Rest easy dear child," Mistress Kelley said. "You shall have that tonight if not a bit more."
The woman's nose wrinkled from the smell of the butchery, and eyes scrutinized wide patches of grim. "I'll have the servants heat some water," she announced to the little girl's dismay. "There's enough time before supper to see you properly bathed."
"See to the arrangements Jane," the man said as he set a hand on Evangeline's shoulder and steered her down another hall. "I'm sure the good Doctor will want to meet you straight away."
Passing through the busy household, Evangeline was surprised by an unexpected pang of homesickness. Thoughts of distant lands she had seen paled in comparison to the beauty of her home in Scotland. Harsh and bleak it had been called, but only by those not able to see the beauty of the sun dipping below Cairnsmore peak, or a purple sea of heather ripple as a wind blew over the moors. Swift and sure, a sense of loss cut through her like a steel blade.
Without realizing it, Evangeline had been led upstairs and her guide had halted before an oak door comprised of eight panels. Seven panels had been elaborately carved with scenes of a couple, tracing a journey from first meeting through courtship, marriage and birth of their first born. The smooth surface of the eighth panel had been untouched, as if intentionally left blank. A magical barrier had been laid upon door. Though knowledgeable on some enchantments, its construction was beyond her meager skills. 'A true mage,' she thought as a man's deep voice bade them to enter.
Beyond the ornate door was a nearly bare room. Curtains of a heavy fabric covered the walls while four oil lamps provided illumination. A circular table surrounded by three, high-backed chairs stood in the center of the chamber. An iron bound chest, secured by a padlock, rested upon the table.
Seated in the chair facing the entrance was a man dressed in fine robes that were void of ornamentation. A collar of ruffled lace circled his throat and made his face seem pale. His snow white beard and hair along with the deep creases that furrowed cheeks and brow showed his age. However, his eyes were bright with an active intelligence. Although the man's aura wasn't as strong as some she had encountered, Evangeline recognized him as a powerful wizard.
"This is my associate and benefactor," Kelley announced. "May I introduce his most noble eminence, master astrologer and mathematician, royal cartographer, professor emeritus …"
With a wave of a hand, the man cut the introduction short. "You're not introducing me to a prospective patron Ned," he said. "I am Doctor John Dee."
"Welcome and be seated," the doctor told her. "How shall I call you?"
Kelley held the back of a chair for her, and she sat down upon the mage's right. "I am called Evangeline."
Eyes gazed at her with an intensity that caused a chill to run down her back. They may have held intelligence, but a hunger glowed within too. Hunger like a wolf that prowled just outside a camp fire's light.
"You see Ned," the wizard said, "the angels did speak truly."
Noting her puzzled expression, Doctor Dee explained that both men regularly communed with angels. "With these angels' assistance, we have been slowly unraveling the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone."
"Alchemy?" the vampire snorted. "Are you another of those hoping to turn lead into gold?"
"That we can already do," he said as a hand produced a lump of the precious metal. "My aims are loftier than a mere parlor trick. I seek the transmutation of all men from their brutish natures into a far nobler, enlightened form."
Evangeline had met many infected by the disease of fanaticism, but somehow she felt the man's devotion was not as blind as theirs. 'Was that a good thing,' the vampire wondered?
"And how did these 'angels' indicate I should aid your search."
"A few years ago my associate came to me and offered to sell a text written in an unknown language," he told her. "I am well known for my interest in books."
"Recognizing it for a powerful grimoire, I purchased it and immediately set forth to translate its strange letters," Doctor Dee continued. "With Ned's and the angels' help, I have deciphered enough to manufacture a powder that can produce gold, but the greater secrets are still locked inside."
"Open the chest," he instructed his companion before turning back to Evangeline. "I need someone familiar with this text."
Fear, strong and merciless as a winter storm, gripped her as he continued, "I am told you know this book."
From around his neck, Kelley took a key and fit it into the lock. It opened with a click. Magic flowed out of the box, magic and an evil older than man. Evangeline did not have to see its contents to know what lay inside. Quickly she slammed the lid back down as her fangs bared in a snarl. "Damn fool!" she yelled. "Destroy that vile thing before it destroys us all."
Instantly, she froze in place, gripped by a force that held her immobile. "So you do know this book," the mage said as his unincanted spell held her firmly.
"Know it?" her enraged voice screamed. "It changed me into that you now see!"
Anger and hatred boiled away her fear. "If you seek your own or others' salvation, you'll not find it within those pages."
"Burn it if you can," she urged. "Or fling it into a bottomless pit for surely it will destroy you both."
Dee's spell held her in an unbreakable grip as his associate carried the struggling girl outside the room. "Calmly girl, calmly," he kept saying as a surprisingly tender hand stroked her hair.
"Enough," she said with weary resignation. "I am no babe in need of a nurse's coddling."
Kelley set Evangeline down and looked into her eyes. A sheen of sweat glistened upon a now pale brow. "You've truly seen it then?"
"Once, long ago, while the houses of York and Lancaster still fought each other for the English throne," she answered. "How did you come to possess it?"
"I was leaving Kent in some haste and came upon a public house," Kelley told her. "Seeing me as a man of letters, the keeper tried to sell it to me. The man said soldiers, recently returned from the north, discovered it in a plundered, papist monastery. They bartered it for a round of drinks."
"I gave the story little credence, but I couldn't deny the disquiet looking at those odd letters stirred within my chest," he explained with a nervous chuckle. "I bought it and made straight to London and attempted to sell it to the doctor."
"Is it truly as dangerous as you say?"
"Like a viper curled upon you breast," Evangeline replied. "Mark my words well Edward Kelley, you'll know naught but grief from that cursed tome."
Once the holding spell had worn off, she was conducted to the promised bath. Dirt and odors accumulated during her stay in Prague were scrubbed away and a gown one of the children has outgrown, replaced her tattered rags. Doctor Dee's wife was a pretty woman, younger than half her husband's age. During supper, Kelley often glanced at her with undisguised desire, earning disproving glares from both wives. The good doctor seemed oblivious to their silent exchanges.
Evangeline had been surprised at the simple fare, but fell to the meal with the gusto of the half-starved child she appeared to be. Not needing any more than blood for sustenance, meant food wasn't a concern; however, blood did nothing to satisfy the other senses. Only when a yawn suddenly erupted did the girl stop.
"Your pardon," she apologized as eyelids began to droop.
"Tis well child," Mistress Kelley replied with an indulgent smile. "I think it time to fix you a pallet by the fire."
"I wish to speak with her still," the doctor said.
"The child is too tired for such," his wife remarked. "What discussion is so important that it cannot wait for the morning?"
Kelley's wife made to summon a servant when her husband stopped her. "Nay, I'll see to our young guest's comfort," he told them. "Come Evangeline."
Stifling another yawn, she rose and followed him out of the chamber. As they crossed the main hallway, someone pounded on the entry door. Quickly, Kelley grabbed Evangeline's wrist and pulled her into a darkened room. "Hush girl," he whispered into an ear. "This can mean no good."
Booted feet trampled into the hall as the doctor's indignant voice demanded, "Who are you, sir, and what is the meaning of this intrusion?"
"I am Count Rozmberk," a haughty voice answered. "His Imperial Majesty has sent me to find a Doctor Johannes Dee."
"Then your quest is complete for I am he," Dee responded.
"You have been charged with murder, conjuring demons, heresy and spying on His Imperial Majesty, Rudolph," the Count said. "Will you come peacefully Doctor?"
"Willingly," the accused man answered. "I will face these baseless charges and prove them false."
"And where is your henchman?" the count asked. "This Kelley fellow is wanted as well."
"In that you are to be disappointed," Dee answered. "He left hours ago for Breslau."
Drowsiness had departed from her long before the party arresting Dee marched out of the house. She felt the man next to her tremble as arms feel limply to his side. "He's done for," Kelley's lifeless voice proclaimed.
"If you want to save him, I can help" Evangeline offered as a grin spread across her face, "for a price."
--
Dee looked about the room hung with imperial banners and squirmed on the backless chair he'd been made to sit upon. Facing the three men who would decide his fate, the doctor studied each one in turn. Count Vilem Rozmberk was a close confident of the emperor and an avowed Catholic. Rumors about the castle said the count shared his liege's interest in esoteric knowledge, including alchemy. 'He could be friendly to me yet,' the doctor thought. He held less hope for the others.
Bishop Filippo Sega was the Vatican's envoy to Emperor Rudolph's court. At best, the priest saw him as a dangerous agent of the Reformation, seeking to convert the faithful to Protestant heresy. At worst, the man thought Dee the Antichrist in person. The previous Nuncio had sought to have both he and Ned sent to Rome for trial and he doubted not that this man argued for the same.
His final judge was the emperor's chamberlain, Jirev Popel. By all accounts, the chamberlain devoted himself purely to his lord's welfare and cared nothing for philosophy, alchemy or religion. Dee was certain that Popel's men had been closely watching these foreign magicians and may well have been the source for the accusations of espionage.
Realizing the situation's danger, the Englishman remained calm. He had been in similar straights before, during Queen Mary's reign. He had cast horoscopes for the queen, her husband, Phillip of Spain, and Princess Elisabeth. For this crime, the scholar had been hauled before the infamous Star Chamber and had to defend from charges of injurious sorcery against Their Majesties. That Dee sat here now testified to his previous success. Of course, then he had friends among Bloody Mary's councilors. But now …
Count Rozmberk cleared his throat and began the formal proceeding. "Doctor Johannes Dee of England, you sit before this tribunal accused of various crimes against His Imperial Majesty," the man declared. "Among them are the conjuring of evil spirits and communing with them to learn infernal magics, spying on behalf of the English Queen and her protestant allies, spreading falsehoods of the Holy Catholic Church and promoting superstitions in an attempt to lead her people astray, and the murder of two citizens this evening."
"Have you any words in your defense Doctor Dee?"
"I have many," the magus was going to answer when the chamber's door opened. Jakob Kurz, an imperial councilor, strode into the room. Behind him, several men carried in a table, chair and the doctor's prized scrying crystal he and Ned used for divinations.
"What is the meaning of this?" the count demanded.
Kurz smiled in response. Though a Jesuit priest, Jakob was a botanist with a keen interest in astronomy. Upon their first meeting, Dee had spent six hours conversing with the quick witted scientist. "Herr Edward Kelley wishes to offer his testimony," the official replied.
Bishop Sega stood, his outraged face turning a vivid scarlet. "Why do you bring such hellish devices into our presence?"
"Because, your Excellency," Kelley said as he entered through the chamber's door, "it is necessary to prove we are communing with angels and not diabolic spirits."
"Count Rozmberk, I must protest," the prelate cried. "This will most assuredly imperil all of our souls."
"Then we can trust in your prayers to protect us," Rozmberk replied as the noble's lips curled upwards. "Continue Herr Kelley."
As he looked on in utter disbelief, the magus couldn't imagine what madness had gripped his partner; he should have been racing towards the Bohemian border. In all of their times communing, no one but them had been able to perceive the angels. These men would not be impressed by what Ned claimed to see within the stone.
*Then we should provide them something to see,* a thought not his echoed in the doctor's mind.
'You're a mage too?' Dee asked in surprise.
*Not as strong as yourself,* Evangeline replied. *But I know enough to serve. *
'Are you nearby?'
*I'm in one of the castle's great towers and a damp and drafty place it is,* she answered. *Are any of the others with you an adept?*
'Jakob Kurz might be.'
*Then you must get rid of him.*
Rising, Doctor Dee addressed the tribunal. "Gentlemen, if may speak," he said. "It is well known that Herr Kurz and I have had many discussions on diverse subjects. I request that he and any others not required for this examination be removed to prevent any possible, undue influence upon this tribunal."
Gaining agreement from the fellow judges, Count Rozmberk ordered the chamber cleared. "What manner of device is this?" the noble asked as he gazed at the crystal sphere.
"I call it a shew stone," Dee answered. "It is used to view those things invisible to mortal eyes."
"A thing of the Devil," the bishop said and hurried crossed himself.
"And how does it work?" Rozmberk asked.
"My associate, who is more sensitive to the spiritual realm than most, must clear his mind and concentrate upon the stone," the doctor replied. "The angels appear within and he can speak with them."
"And will we be able to see and discourse with these 'angels' too?"
"If the Almighty in His boundless grace allows milord Count," Kelley answered. "I do ask for quiet so as to hear the celestial voices."
"Almighty God, omnipotent and merciful Lord, we beseech you to show us the wonders of Your creation," Kelley prayed. "Teach us the vastness of Your limitless power so that we may understand Your will and fulfill the purpose You have appointed."
"Blasphemy," the priest uttered, but was hushed to silence.
From within the crystal, a point of light glowed, faintly at first and then intensifying as Kelley's voice droned on. "Dear God, send Your ministers to reveal Your most holy mysteries to we who hunger for the light of Your truth."
A misty shape formed within the light and resolved into a face like that of a child. Blue eyes sparkled in a youthful face framed by flowing blonde hair. Despite her waif-like appearance, a weight of untold years seemed to rest upon slender shoulders. "Blessed be the Lord who lives forever and ever" a voice cried ecstatically. "I am Madimi."
"Most noble Madimi," Kelley replied, "with me are those who would speak with you if it can be allowed."
"Like the voice that issued from the burning bush, I speak to all who would listen," she replied. "What questions do you have?"
"What manner of creature are you?" the count asked.
"I am as you see; an immortal spirit, as all souls are, housed in a form of our Lord's choosing."
"How can we know you're not an emissary of the Devil, sent to mislead us," the bishop demanded in Latin.
"By opening your ears and using the discernment God has granted you," she replied likewise in Latin. "Those who seek to test the Lord shall assuredly share King Herod's fate upon the day of judgment."
"But what of the false teachings this man spreads?" the priest asked, pointing at Dee. "Surely a married man cannot intercede between God and man."
The girl's continence turned stern in response. "Did not our Lord speak unto Moses after he had taken the Midian shepherdess for wife?" she answered. "Did He not also speak to the patriarchs of Israel and instruct them on His will?"
Jirev finally spoke. "Are these men spies?"
"A better question would be do these men mean to do your master mischief," the voice responded. "A faithful servant will ascertain a foreign monarch's mood on diverse matters and pass this information along. Surely the good priest here does as much for his master in Rome."
Dee noted the chamberlain's glare at the bishop, who shifted uncomfortable in his seat. 'You're deadly fencing with both blade and speech,' he thought in admiration.
"If you wish to punish men for that, understand that this fate awaits any who crosses the boundaries of his home," she told them. "My allotted time is at an end."
Features began to turn misty as the light dimmed. "Be at peace and may our Lord's grace be with you."
--
A few days had passed since the tribunal delivered a sentence of banishment from Bohemia. Days spent in frantic packing as both families prepared to move to a nearby kingdom. With carts loaded and waiting, Doctor Dee lifted a young girl into a carriage that would take her farther away. "So did you burn it?" the youngster asked.
"No, but I am well and truly rid of it," the magus answered. "Can you remember all of my instructions?"
"I am to make my way to Reims and meet with a man named Morley," Evangeline recited. "I give him your packet of letters, or failing that I am to make my way to Calais and a find passage to England and give them to a Thomas Phelippes in London. So what did you do with the book?"
"Take this," Dee said as he handed her a folded scrap of parchment. "This is proof of who sent you."
"The book!" the vampire said in an exasperated voice.
"The book cannot be destroyed," Dee admitted. "My only choice was to hide it away so as not to be tempted to use it."
Evangeline gave him a mistrustful look, but nodded her head. "Have you found a new patron yet to fund your studies?"
"Count Rozmberk was very impressed by your performance," the man chuckled. "He has promised to have the banishment lifted after a few months so we can return to his castle at Krumlov."
Minutes later, the carriage rumbled over a heavily rutted road. It was the start to a journey that would take her across Europe and perhaps back to England. As her feet dangled over the edge of the bench, she could at least appreciate not having to walk the entire way. Serving as a courier to one of Queen Elisabeth's spies did have some rewards. Glancing down at the parchment, Evangeline opened the scrap and stared uncomprehendingly at the three numbers drawn upon it. Two zeros followed by a seven seemed such an odd thing to her.
--
"That curse didn't seem so bad," Asuna remarked.
"But that's not the end of it," Evangeline countered. "Dee and Kelley had a falling out and parted ways three years later. Dee went back to London and discovered that a mob, afraid of his sorcery, had broken into his home and burned much of his precious library. Friends at court deserted the 'infamous magician' and he died a pauper."
"Kelley enjoyed a few years as a highly sought alchemist, but was eventually imprisoned and fell to his death while trying to escape," she explained. "Neither are enviable fates."
"It's too bad that the book was lost," Konoka remarked.
The undead mage smiled to herself in response. Years later, Dee had confessed to selling the book to Emperor Rudolph for a huge sum of gold that was spent funding his research. Rudolph, in turn, had met a bad end, forced to abdicate to his brother Matthias and dying as a prisoner inside his own castle. Word was that the book had come into a private collector's possession. Once free of Nagi's curse, she'd pay said collector a visit one evening.
"Let's go find Negi," Asuna said as she walked away.
Evangeline watched them leave and then turned back to the stall. "Hey you!" she cried out to the salesman.
"May I help you miss?"
"How much is this?" she asked while grabbing a straw doll from Osorezon. As she paid for the doll, Evangeline had no fear of further harm; associating with Kagurazaka-san and those other bubble headed idiots was curse enough.
--
A/N: Before you jump all over me, 007 was John Dee's actual code name as an agent of Her Majesty's spy service. The zeros were meant to show he was the queen's eyes and seven, as a sacred number, was believed to impart protection.
All of the named characters, with the exception of those from 'Negima', are historical figures that could have been found in Prague at that time. I can't vouch for the accuracy of my portrayal of them.
The book is based on a real tome that Dee and Kelley sold to Rudolph for a purported 14,000 gold ducats. This is supposedly the Voynich Manuscript currently in a collection at Yale University. Maybe that's why they haven't won a football championship in such a long time.
Mount Osore and the straw doll appear in period 183 of volume 20. Asakura's comment that Eva brought it back didn't make a whole lot of sense if she was confined to Mahora. The only time she's been let out was during the Kyoto trip, hence the scene at the flea market.
