Chapter 3
Rufus, Skulduggery and Valkyrie talked late into the night. Rufus told them of the grand city of Harmatia, about the magic of the Magi and the order itself. He could not explain it but these strangers imbued a trust with unsettling ease. He gave only the basic details on the royal family however, some information should not be risked and what he spoke of could be learnt from anyone willing to answer questions for a couple of coins.
"So you mean you can learn all forms of magic?" quizzed Valkyrie. "Skulduggery, how come you never told me this was a thing?"
"Because its not. Remember where we are, different universe, different rules, completely different source of magic. It could work very differently to our own. After all there is much that is different about this world, the land masses aren't the same so different magical pathways would have formed." replied Skulduggery. Valkyrie let out a sigh and nodded. She caught Rufus' eye and gave a confused shrug, before leaning in to his ear.
"If he says something and you don't understand just nod your head and look interested." Valkyrie whispered before sitting up again.
"But I do understand. You are utilising the abilities of one who can instantly travel to different places in order to maneuver between realms. What I do not understand though is how you arrived here? Fletcher's magic should be limited to a single plane of existence." Valkyrie's mouth fell open and once again Rufus felt uneasy with her staring at him.
"I hate being the only one who doesn't get it." she huffed and folded her arms.
"You should be used to it by now." Said Skulduggery and Valkyrie threw him a glare. "And to answer your question Rufus, are you familiar with the concept of an Isthmus anchor?"
"Not by that name but I assume you mean an item from one realm taken to another as means of a corridor between the two."
"Check out the brain on this one. You could learn a thing or two Valkyrie." Skulduggery straightened his tie. "A shunter, a mage who can hop between worlds, went on a little sightseeing tour and brought a little something with him."
Skulduggery paused for a moment and reached into his jacket pocket. Carefully he pulled out a pendant with a large gem set into it that pulsed between red, blue, green and white hues. "The channelling stone. An elemental can pour their magic into it to unleash a power to take down a god."
"I have read of this, the Magi called it Athea's tear. It was stolen centuries ago." Rufus reached out to examine the pendant but Skulduggery quickly returned it to the confines of his jacket.
"Once our task is complete you may have a look master Merle, not before." Rufus nodded in acknowledgement.
"So its my turn to ask a few questions. You have my trust but I need to know why I have given it to you so freely, a fact I am quite uncomfortable with. I know there are many things you must keep hidden, I'm no fool but I must know who you are, truly." Skulduggery played with his tie knot, pondering his response.
"Where we're from, we police the world of magic, making sure mortals are kept safe and unaware of the world beneath their noses. We also solve the odd crime and, from time to time, stop the end of existence but that is really a hobby more than anything." Rufus struggled to work out whether or not Skulduggery was joking or not.
"And what would this task of yours be here, if you don't mind me asking?" Skulduggery and Valkyrie looked at each other for a moment before Valkyrie turned to Rufus.
"This is where our hobby comes in handy. We're gonna save the world."
It was the early hours of the morning that they decided to call it a night and sleep; a sleep which never came to Rufus. The young Magi lay upon the floor, his guests on the bed, and Valkyrie's words swam about his head. What were they here to save the world from? The Magi were not aware of any impending dangers so what did these strangers know that they did not?
Rufus rolled over and gazed at Skulduggery. Valkyrie had her head upon his shoulder, her mouth open and a trail of drool snailing its way down her face. The skeleton sat motionless, the brim of his hat pulled down over his eye sockets and Rufus could not help but wonder if he was truly asleep. Surely the dead should be in a state of permanent sleep, he should not need more.
Rufus sat up and rubbed his face. Sleep would not come this night which was now turning into dawn as the sun's first rays burst across the horizon and began to illuminate the city. He got up, stretching his shoulders and strolled through to the kitchen. He waved a hand across the basin and water began to pool in it, filling the large brass vessel with an already heated liquid. Rufus could not abide the feel of the dirt that clung to him anymore and with his guests asleep now seemed like the perfect time to bathe.
He removed his clothing and climbed into the tub. The water lapped at his chin and Rufus breathed in the steam which seemed to clear the aches of the day gone by. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensation of the heat upon his skin.
There was a crackle and Rufus opened his eyes to see Fletcher stood before him, his face contorted, praying he had not been heard. Rufus gasped and threw his hands into the air. The water followed and steam wrapped itself around his body. Fletcher turned away, his face bright red.
"Erm, hi." Fletcher murmured. Skulduggery burst from Rufus' room, Valkyrie not far behind.
"Ah, Fletcher, there you are." Skulduggery said as nonchalantly as possible. Valkyrie peered over his shoulder, her eyes suddenly fixing on Rufus.
"Oh hell-o!" she panted, a smile spreading from one side of her face to the other. Skulduggery whipped a hand through the air and the door behind him slammed shut. "Aww that's not fair." came the voice from behind it. Silence hung in the air, none of them knowing what to say.
"So." It was Skulduggery who broke the silence. "There is more we need to discuss."