Chapter 8

It is evening again but black, inky clouds blot out the stars from the sky. Being summoned again, so soon, I know it could only be the young, black-haired girl that summoned me two nights ago and I sigh. Can't a djinni get a bit of well-deserved rest? I appear in the pentacle in Ptolemy's form with a frown. The girl stands opposite me with a hopeful look on her face.

"Again?"

The girl looks slightly confused and asks, "I thought you'd like me to summon you again."

"Well you thought wrong. Really, I'd much rather be in the Other place."

"Oh," she replies, looking crestfallen, "I was hoping you could tell me more about Kitty. I really didn't know a lot about her."

"Look, I really don't tend to socialize with magicians."

"Just because I'm a magician doesn't make me your enemy."

"Yes, but it doesn't make me your friend either."

"You talked to me on Thursday."

"Yes. But on Thursday I thought you were going to leave me in peace."

"Fine," she replied, "but I heard something today and I think you'd like to hear it."

"Really?" I reply with a yawn.

"Yes, something about a demon crystal and about summoning demons into other demons. Making foliots as powerful as afrits but as easy to control."

"What?" I answer, what is she on about?

"I heard it today, I overheard two men speaking. Do you know anything about it?"

"No, it sounds like a load of nonsense. How would you summon demons into other demons? It just can't be done."

"That's not what it sounded like, and you don't sound particularly sure. "

She's right. There's something niggling in the back of my mind.

"No, it can't be done," I insist, but there's not much conviction in my voice.

The girl, Kiera, looks apologetically towards me.

"What?"

"I'm summoning you again tomorrow."

"What!"

"Tomorrow, Saturday, I'm going to the National History Museum. I want to see what I can find out about this demon crystal. The men had heavy accents, and they were definitely foreign. They talked about a war and I think they're from Prague. The war's been at a stand-still for years. I think they're planning a way to end it. And when I say end I don't think they're going to surrender."

"And what do you need me for."

"You can go more places than I can, but you mustn't be caught. We're not allowed demons in our service. I promise that I'll release you as soon as I can, but you have to help me. It will affect you demons as well."

"I think you'll find my name is no longer in the records, I'm keeping out of this."

"How can you say that?! Don't you care?"

"Nope."

"But you have to! You can't hide away like a coward-"

"I'll think you'll find I'm quite brave when I need to be, but some situations require a tactical retreat."

"Fine, but for now you're helping – whether you like it not." Her happy demeanor from when she entered has been replaced with a slightly frustrated and confused expression. "I have to go. Maybe you can tell me about Kitty another time."

She dismisses me, leaving me to my troubled thoughts. A crystal that can summon demons into other demons? She's right; I can't do nothing, not that I know about it. The late evening fades away and I think.

On Saturday morning Kiera got up early. She'd beat the crowds and get to the museum when it opened. The boy, Joe, probably wouldn't go there until later and hopefully she'd miss him. She couldn't have him hanging around. She'd need to summon Bartimaeus as well but it would be difficult making sure he wasn't discovered.

She was the only one in the lunch hall and she got herself some toast and cereal, quickly eating it and then rushing off to the summoning rooms. Here was the tricky bit. She mustn't be discovered but teachers and students alike were waking up all over the school so she'd have to be quick. By the time she was standing in the center of the pentacle her stomach was humming with butterflies but she managed to keep her voice steady throughout the incantation.

"Why can't you be like every other human teenager and sleep in on a Saturday morning," Bartimaeus groaned as he appeared, "I really think you should, it looks like you need some beauty sleep."

"Stop being such a grouch and keep it down. If we're discovered we'll both be in trouble, don't you forget that."

"Yes boss," sighed Bartimaeus sarcastically, then he began pulling faces as Kiera explained what she wanted him to do.

"Have you got all that? Look, I realize you don't want to help me and I'm sorry but could you please keep quiet and follow me now. We can't do nothing."

"Wrong. I thought this over long and hard last night and I realized that YOU can't do nothing. I have nothing to do with it. If you don't summon me there's no way I can help and so I'm void of responsibility."

"Well, I have summoned you and so you have every responsibility. I mean what do you want me do to? What would Kitty do? Even Nathaniel, for the country."

Opposite her, Bartimaeus was struck silent. After a moment's concentration he nodded then disappeared, a fly taking his place. Kiera nodded in return; glad they had reached some form of understanding and led her way out of the room. Beside her Bartimaeus took the opportunity to look around the school Kiera had told him all about. Kiera signed out at the office, collected her weekly allowance and stepped out into London Town. Although Bartimaeus was almost invisible at her shoulder she was completely aware of his presence, a magician could spot him easily.

"Maybe we should split up. I'm not meant to have demons in my service, let alone a djinni. Look around, see what you can find. At the museum see if there's any mention of a demon crystal or anybody suspicious. Okay?"

"Right."

Kiera felt Bartimaeus leave and sighed with relief. At least one threat was gone but what if the policeman recognized her? What if they were looking her? She kept her head down, her mind spiraling in a never-ending stream of thought as every worry became one big headache. If she found the demon crystal, what would she do? Would anyone believe her? She'd have to own up to everything she'd done, including Bartimaeus. But she couldn't betray him like that! And what if she didn't find it? What then? Would she leave it, or would she have to tell someone anyway? What if she didn't and the men succeeded? What would happen to London? What would happen to the demons?

Questions launched themselves at her from all sides so that when she finally caught sight of the museum, it couldn't have been too soon. It wasn't until she got to the entrance that she realized who was waiting for her. Forget the rest of her worries, maybe she should turn back now.