OTHER WORLDS #6: SO SWEET AS MAGIC
We do not live in this world alone, but in a thousand other worlds...
"Although the principles of magic have been known since the dawn of history, until recently only kings and potentates could take advantage of it, since only they could afford the fees charged by the high-level adepts commonly called Wizards.
"Lacking magic, mankind attempted to achieve the same results by mechanical means, which led to the First Industrial Revolution. This was based on machinery powered by burning hydrocarbons, resulting in pollution and the destruction of the environment.
"It was Thomas Edison, the Wizard of Menlo Park, who invented the first Magic Transducer, which enabled machines to be run by magic, even when operated by persons without a trace of magical ability. This led to the Second Industrial Revolution - "
Allie yawned and looked out the window. She wished history class was over; it was so boring!
"Blah blah blah" the teacher droned on, "Blah blah William Gates, the Wizard of Silicon Valley blah blah."
****
Meanwhile, in Omaha, a rare book dealer named David Halliday received a shipment of books he had bought at an estate sale, sight unseen. It was a bit like playing the lottery; he always hoped that this time he would make that once-in-a-lifetime discovery of some unique treasure. He had made some finds in his time, but nothing really special - nothing that would make his name respected in the world of rare books. But he kept hoping.
These books amounted to a nice library, which he would be able to sell at a profit, but there was nothing special about them, except - except for one book that even his trace of magical ability told him had a certain - something about it.
David took it out of the wrappings: 'BEYOND IMAGINATION by Jordan Stark, London 1798'. Was it his imagination, or did his fingers tingle where they touched the binding?
He opened the book at random. "If you are reading this," he read, "then you are the one I have awaited for two hundred years."
There came a sudden burst of blue-white light, and he blacked out.
****
One Year later:
"The Lumina Foundation." said Rachel, looking at the invitation which had just been delivered, "They're some sort of Psychic Research outfit, aren't they?"
"A masquerade ball to celebrate the Perseid Meteor Shower," said Amanda, "It sounds like fun!"
"I think I'll pass." said Rachel, "I suppose I'd better write a note to this Jordan Stark, declining his invitation."
"Mother!" said Amanda, "You've hardly been out of the house since - "
"Since Carl died." said Rachel, "Do you hate him so much even now that you can't say his name?"
"It was Carl who died, not you." said Amanda, "It's time you started going out and seeing people again."
"Amanda's right, Mom." said Matthew, "You need to start enjoying yourself."
"I'm afraid that's something I don't know how to do." said Rachel.
"Going to this party will be a start." said Matthew.
"I hope you realise that once Jordan Stark has us there, he's going to ask for money." said Rachel.
"So what?" said Matthew, "At least you'll be out of the house for once."
"Maybe you'll meet somebody nice." said Amanda.
Rachel sighed. "You two aren't going to give me a minute's peace until I say yes, are you?"
"Nope!"
" Oh very well! I'll attend the Lumina Ball!"
"You won't be sorry, Mom."
"That remains to be seen." Rachel muttered.
****
Elsewhere in Bay City at that moment, a guest was checking into the Bayshore Hotel. He was a striking figure, with golden skin, long red hair, and almond-shaped eyes of a peculiar yellow-green, and was dressed in the ultrafashionable Neo-Samurai style.
"Enjoy your stay in Bay City, Mr Akageno." said the desk clerk.
"I intend to." he replied.
Note; This story was inspired by Simon Hawke's WIZARD OF FOURTH STREET series.
To be continued.