Chapter Eight
Two weeks have gone by since Victor spoke with Leo.
During this time, he has been lost in his thoughts.
He dropped two trips so he can be at home during this time.
His memories of his grandmother and mother feel fragmented, as though he is trying to remember his childhood the way he wants to remember it.
But could there have been more he overlooked?
Was there something about his past that was kept hidden from him?
As Victor turns the page, he sees something appear out of the corner of his eye.
He looks over to his dining table, and Akisha is sitting in one of the chairs.
She looks at him without saying a word. Victor doesn’t seem startled this time, mainly because he’s not naked like the other times.
He notices a hint of translucency, which tells him Akisha isn’t there.
“Can I help you with something?” Victor asks. She doesn’t respond. “I guess when you guys astral project, you’re unable to talk.”
“No, we can talk, as well as hear. With the right training,” Akisha responds, which surprises Victor. “I just wanted to see you for myself this time. I’m Akisha. Leo might have mentioned me.”
“Well, Akisha, you’ve got to look at me,” Victor comments.
She takes a moment and gazes at Victor. “You have your grandmother’s eyes.”
“I was told I had my mother’s,” Victor quickly replies.
Akisha scoffs with a smile. “And she had her mother’s, so in some retrospect, you have your grandmother’s.”
Victor stands up and walks to the dining table. “Did you know my grandmother?”
“I did. She was an amazing person. Kind and generous. I never worked alongside her, as we were both in different covens. But the times I did meet her, that’s what I got from her.”
Victor takes a seat across from Akisha. “What was her specialty?”
Akisha sits back as she reminisces. “She was very talented. She could melt metal and keep it cool to the touch while manipulating it into an elegant design. There’s a beautiful metalwork tapestry hanging over my coven’s fireplace that your grandmother gifted to a former superior.
It inspired my coven’s emblem that we use today. ”
Victor leans back and clasps his hands on the table. “I have a feeling you are wondering why I haven’t called Leo yet.”
“Empathic,” Akisha remarks. “Even with someone who’s astral projecting, it’s very impressive. You do seem to take after your grandmother. What else can you feel?”
Victor focuses on Akisha. He doesn’t know what to say, but instinct sets in to answer her. “You’re nervous, and you’re also expressing mixed emotions about me,” Victor asserts.
Akisha nods with approval. “Very good. I won’t lie to you, but you do make me nervous.”
Victor grows confused. “Why? What is it that makes you nervous about me?”
Akisha doesn’t hesitate to respond. “You don’t understand the great power that runs through your veins. It’s sad that your mother never got to experience it. Now, you have an opportunity to carry on your grandmother’s legacy.”
“I’m part of a legacy?” Victor questions.
“Yes. You have so many untapped magical abilities. I’m still amazed you’ve never known about any of this.” Akisha crosses her legs and places her hands in her lap. “It is a shame. You are old enough to teach young people to discover their magic.”
“So, is there a school I need to attend? Do I need to go find a wand or something like that?” Victor asks.
Akisha laughs, “No, you don’t need to wait for an owl to send you an invitation. We normally teach a group of children at the same time. But because of your advanced age, all your teachings will be one-on-one.”
“Advanced age?” Victor implies.
Akisha ignores Victor and continues talking. “And Leo will be your mentor as you learn. I must go now. Leo is still waiting for you to call him.” And with that, she vanishes as Victor blinks.
Victor sits at the table, curious about Akisha’s comment about his grandmother. After a moment of wondering, Victor looks for the maroon business card Leo gave him. He retrieves his phone just as he receives a notification.
“What the?” he says to himself. “Why is scheduling emailing me?”
Flight Attendant Russo,
Your request for a one-year academic leave has been approved.
Your travel privileges will be maintained during this period; however, please note that you’ll be responsible for any related charges (e.g.
, international taxes, extra luggage fees).
If you require additional time, please submit a request at least one month prior to your planned return date.
Best wishes for your education journey, Crew Planning
Victor chuckles, “Looks like they already knew my answer before I even called.” He dials the number, but there is no ring back tone. Curious, he looks at the screen, and it’s already been answered. “Hello? Is this Leo?”
“He’s not available right now, Mr. Russo, but he wanted me to inform you to meet him in New York City. The sooner you can get there, the better. Pack light.” The call hangs up.
Victor pulls the phone away from his ear and looks at the blank screen. “Well, I’d better pack and head to New York,” he says.
Victor arrives at the JFK airport the following day. As he heads to baggage claim, a woman wearing a black chauffeur’s suit and dark sunglasses holds a black sign with his name in white calligraphy letters. When he approaches her, she turns and walks away.
“Good morning to you too,” Victor says as she walks away.
Victor follows her out to the curb and sees a very shiny black Cadillac 300.
The trunk pops open as the woman gets into the driver’s seat.
“And it looks like I have to put my luggage in the trunk.” After he does just that, he takes a seat in the back, and they drive off.
Victor would like to ask her a few questions, but the privacy divider is up.
“Guess you’re not very talkative, are ya?
” Victor sits back and looks out the window as they leave the airport and head toward the city.
A short time later, they pull up to a tall building in the garment district of Manhattan. Outside the window, Leo walks up and opens the door for him. Leo is wearing the same blue suit he wore on the airplane, accompanied by a matching blue jacket.
“Welcome,” Leo smiles. “I hope the drive over wasn’t that bad.”
Victor glances over to the driver, still sitting in the town car. “I might have a few comments to post online later.” When Leo closes the door, the car drives off. “HEY! My stuff!”
“Don’t worry, she’s taking your things to the hotel,” Leo comments as he places a hand on Victor’s back. “First, we need to get you fitted.”
“Fitted?” Victor questions.
Leo leads Victor into a tailor shop outside the building. When they walk inside, Victor looks around, unimpressed. “This looks pretty ordinary,” Victor observes.
“Were you expecting something fancier?” Leo smirks.
“I was, actually,” Victor says with disappointment.
Leo giggles, “Then I don’t want to disappoint.”
He guides Victor further into the shop and leads him through a door at the back.
As they walk through, they enter a store that resembles a 1960s department store.
A giant crystal chandelier hangs in the center of the store.
Several racks of jackets, slacks, and shirts are in their designated sections.
Shelves along the walls are filled with shoes and rolled-up ties.
Glass cases throughout hold wristwatches, pocket watches, and small daggers.
The other side of the store houses more feminine attire.
Long evening gowns hanging on racks. A wide range of styles and colors of high-heeled shoes decorate several tall shelves.
Various glass cases display custom jewelry, ranging from bracelets to tiaras.
It’s a treasure trove for those who want to be a princess.
Victor looks around the store, mesmerized, letting out a low whistle. “This is very impressive. Are those daggers in that glass case?”
“As well as other little trinkets and weapons that can be used,” Leo mentions as he walks toward the center of the room.
Victor follows behind, mesmerized by the wide variety of items.
Leo stops in the center and spins around with his arms wide. “Welcome to our first stop of this long journey that you are starting. This is Magi Scriptor Sartor. A Magician’s Tailor. This is where all people of magic shop for their outfits.”
Leo tugs at the lapels of his jacket. “This is where I got my suit. And this is where we will have one tailored specifically for you. There are several tailor shops like this around the world, but I like coming here more. They always have the latest fabrics that help enhance our magic.” As Leo mentions magic, he flicks his wrist, and a ball of blue fire appears in his hand.
Victor stares in awe, mesmerized by the flicker of the blue flame. “So, is your specialty fire?”
Leo grins as he lightly spins the ball of flame.
“Yes, and I can also manipulate water. I’ve also done some dabbling in Air and Earth Magic.
I’m not fully versed in other avenues, but I keep trying.
” Leo flicks the fireball over to a rack of jackets, and the ball extinguishes once it hits the jackets.
“See? These fabrics help protect us from Fire Magic. Fire Magic is a very popular and powerful specialty. So, the elders and superiors of many covens wanted to ensure that what we wore could protect us from it.”
Victor examines some shirts next to him. “These feel as smooth as silk.”
Leo takes a sleeve and slowly feels along the length.
“And they breathe like Egyptian cotton,” Leo drops the sleeve and circles the rack.
“You could be in a full suit in the middle of the Sahara and not overheat. What’s also fascinating is that you can be stranded in the Arctic and not get frostbite. Our suits are fashionable and durable.”