Chapter 3

Kitty

A week ago, nine magicians in minor government positions were reported missing, probably dead. Since, the CPA (commoner police association), who is working on the case, has made a major breakthrough. On the same night the magicians disappeared, an old storehouse for exported products was found burned. Close examination reveals that there are strong magic residues that must have been left by more powerful a demon than ever seen by English magicians. On the floor of the storehouse, there are traces of chalks that form eleven summoning circles. Magician spokesperson from the CPA reports these to be used to bring demons from the dimension where they reside. One is needed for the demon itself, and the others are for the magicians bringing him here. It is assumed that the remaining circle belongs to a traitor magician, who set up the others to make an illegitimate summoning and then had them killed. This means that we have a rogue magician, probably planning revolt. Any leads on the identity of the missing magicians are welcome...

The doorbell ringed. Kitty tossed aside the morning newspaper. She was disgusted. After only five years of peace and stability, some magician had to think up of another crackpot scheme to topple it all. Maybe the commoners had been right to suggest to get rid of magic. But the empire had lost enough land as it was. They needed protection. And anyway, their only chance had passed. They should have done it when all the important magicians were possessed and London was in chaos. Back then, everyone would have obeyed and burned all the demonology books. But the shock had passed. Magicians weren't scared of their own power any more.

Kitty stomped down the rickety stairwell of her new home. She hadn't been keeping up with her rental while she was away, so she asked Mr Button, who had moved closer to Whitwell, to lend her his house until she could find alternative arrangements. She walked down the hall that led to the front door. The place was still littered with books; on the shelves and on the floor, in tottering piles that threatened to collapse with even the faintest of breezes. She opened the door. Ms Piper was standing in the doorway, smiling sheepishly.

"A little birdie told me you were back from Jerusalem," she said, still smiling.

"Mr Button, I imagine. I didn't know you two were that close. How's running the council going?" responded Kitty, unable to hide her grin.

"Commoners will be commoners; we can't do anything about them. They keep making outrageous demands. You know it's not too late to help us. And anyways, I'm glad you're back, but there's another reason for my visit." She opened a leather bag she had been carrying and took out that morning's newspaper. "Someone's done an illegal summoning. You know what this could mean. Even worst is the fact that they found eleven pentacles. A conspiracy like this would usually be kept very quiet. They would only use the absolute minimum of magicians. This is a very powerful demon we're dealing with."

"Don't call them demons. They don't like it," said Kitty. She couldn't help it.

"Yes, well, anyways, we have a very limited amount of able magicians, and since you're back… Would you mind giving a hand? We need as many demons summoned-"

"Spirits," interrupted Kitty.

"Fine. Spirits. This is very important, could you stop interrupting!" she looked at her with a small smile. "Look, I know you respect the de—I mean spirits, but we need their help unless we want to find ourselves in the middle of another magician and spirit revolt."

Kitty took a deep breath. "If you really need it, I'll help."

"Good. We need a de—I mean spirit who is trustworthy. I hope you have some experience choosing de— spirits. Tell it—I mean him to meet up with the other spirits we summon and to search London for any unusual demon activity. Understood?" Kitty nodded. "See you soon then." Ms Piper left in a hurry, giving Kitty a small wave.

Kitty closed the door. She went to the library and sat down in Mr. Button's favorite armchair. She was sure that in all these books there would be plenty of spirits that could help her purpose, but she didn't have time to search through them. And anyway, it wouldn't be fair for the spirit. The only one she knew from firsthand experience had probably died in the fire of crystal fire. Bartimaeus. But, what if… A fire had lit in Kitty's mind. It would not go out. Nathaniel had been developing a conscience at the time he—he died. It would be just like him… Just like Ptolemy had done…Bartimaeus would be the only one that would understand. Yes. It had to be true. He had to be alive.

Kitty got up from the old armchair. She looked through the shelves for the book she was looking for. She had to get her incantations straight before she did it. She also had to go down to the market to buy chalk. There would probably be candles and herbs stored upstairs. There were so many things to do and so little time…

So, another chapter. Sorry I haven't been updating lately. I wasn't sure I could do Kitty or Ms Piper right, so I just let it rest there for a while. Please review and tell me if you liked it. I hope I can update more from now on. I'm planning on doing Bart next.