The Necromancer's Wand: Rise of the Phoenix
Chapter 9: The Gathering at Goblin Goods

As we stood out front of the warehouse, everyone cheered and praised our successful robbery. Now, we had the funds to really strike fear in the Council of Magic. We were now in the “Final Preparations” phase.

As their cheers grew quiet, we looked upon Goblin Goods. The abandoned warehouse was in poor shape. Vegetation grew on the building, covering some of the worn brick it was constructed of. Its windows and entrances were boarded up with wooded planks.

“I know it has a little wear and tear...” started Hector.

“No, it will do just fine...” I cut off. I looked around, noticing that our surroundings where in the middle of the countryside. We are completely secluded. “In fact, we may be able to set up a long term residence. You have done well, in suggesting we come here.”

“Thank you, Dark Lord.”

“Well, let us show ourselves in,” I commanded, taking the first steps toward the main entrance. I aimed my wand at the boards blocking the door. “Dismantle,” I cast. The wooden planks creaked as they tore from the building. The planks hovered for a moment, neatly arranging themselves as the fell to the ground in a stack.

With the door now clear, we continued on inside. The warehouse was huge, empty, and poorly lit. Everyone cast Lumis as we all spread out. Aside from cobwebs and thickened dust, the inside was in decent shape. This place could clean up nicely and I had a few decorative enchantments up my sleeve.

“I will tend to our new safe house,” I started. “I have a task for the rest of you.” They all regrouped around me for orders. “We begin our final preparations, amassing our army...

You, all will return home. Take with you the bags of riches...Micah and Damien, you will share one. Present them to your parents. Instruct them to set aside a decent portion for themselves, to end their struggles. Then, they are to use the rest to recruit their old goons and any other criminal connections they may have.”

“My parents will be very appreciate, Dark Lord,” stated Benjamin.

“Thank you Dark Lord, my mother has struggled since my father’s imprisonment,” said Damien.

“It is I who am grateful for all of you...and assure your mother, Damien, that Master Devlin will not be incarcerated much longer. Now, go.” I handed my black bag to Benjamin as Micah gave hers to Hector, leaving Micah and Damien to share the last one. They, then, left and teleported away from the warehouse.

With them gone, I noticed how dark it really was in here. First thing we need, is lighting. I aimed my wand at the center of the ceiling. “Abros,” I started. The tip of my wand started to sparkle. I was using a Conjuration Spell, while envisioning a chandelier made of bones. “Shadlier...” I finished.

The chandelier I pictured appeared in a burst of green flames, hanging from the center of the ceiling. It had skulls as candle holders. Black candles, with green flames, sat on top of the skulls. It was perfect, however, it was not enough light.

“Abros, Lumen Toros,” I cast. Matching, bone, torches surfaced, in the same green flames, and lined the room. The warehouse was now properly lit. Now, there is but one last thing I need.

I aimed my wand at the back wall. “Abros, Chevas Reign,” I chanted. An obsidian metal throne appeared in a cloud of thick, black, smoke. I walked over, sitting upon my newly conjured throne. I waited for the others return.

The first to arrive back was Benjamin, followed by Hector, and then Micah and Damien. They all returned joyously with similar messages from their parents, that they appreciated the financial help and they needed a few days to reconnect with their old business associates.

“You, all, have done well,” I thanked. “You have earned yourselves a few days of rest.” I waved my wand from wall to wall. “Abros, Tin Tatalis.” Tents of blacked cloth appeared along the walls of the room, the faint glow of lanterns from within them. I also conjured one right next to my throne, for myself.

“Thank you, Dark Lord,” they all appreciated. They walked away, each claiming a tent as their own. I got up from my throne, entering mine as well. They were already enchanted with an Expansion Spell, increasing the inside to the size of a master bedroom.

The tent was already furnished too, having a queen sized bed with black silk and small dressers. I walked into the center of the room, sitting upon the floor. I meditated the rest of the night.

My meditation was finally broke, when sounds of intruders could be heard during the rise of the morning sun. I got up from the floor and made my way back out of the tent. To my surprise, I saw a rugged looking group of wizards, all dressed in brown clothing, coming through the main entrance.

We walked toward one another, meeting in the middle. “And you are?” I inquired immediately.

“We belonged to the Manticore Gang,” stated the biggest of the goons. “Master Melvin said you had work for us. I am Thrasher.”

“Is this all that is left of you? A little over a dozen...”

“Unfortunately, it is. Not only our gang suffered losses, the others have too. A lot of our men were incarcerated, having continued a life a crime after being ordered to disband.”

“Which prison are they being held?”

“Most are bound in chains in Black Water Hold.”

“The same prison Devlin Drake is kept...we will free them all. Once the other gangs arrive, we shall devise a plan to liberate our fellow brothers and sisters.”

“Are you sure? Black Water Hold is the second highest security prison, next to Scarlet Bay. It will be...”

“I am aware of the risk. But there can be no reward, without a little risk...”

“Do you know what it is we’re doing exactly?” asked Damien, who had been eavesdropping for the entire conversation. He came out of his tent, revealing himself. “We’re taking on the council...the four strongest witches and wizards of our time. A prison break is a walk in the park compared to what we will face later on.”

Thrasher seemed to ponder on Damien’s valid point. We were taking on the most powerful forces in the magical world. We shouldn’t stress over a petty prison break out. “So, will you stand by me?” I asked curiously.

“Well...we’ve already accepted your payment,” started Thrasher. “And we know from Master Manticore that you hold an...‘advantage’ over your enemies.” He was referring to my wand. “So, the answer to your question is yes. You have the Manticore Gang’s support in freeing the others and ending the Council of Magic.”

“Wonderful,” I grinned. “Then, I have a few small errands for some of your boys to run. We cannot show ourselves in public, not at this time anyway. We would draw too much attention...

I need someone to listen in on the chatter of the city, to gather intel on what is being said about us and our enemies. The others are to retrieve food and supplies.”

“I will send some men to Misty Grove.”

“Good, the rest of you can replace a tent and make yourselves at home.” I turned and walked away, returning to my tent. My meditation was interrupted again, by Hector this time.

“My lord?” he called as he entered my tent.

“What is it?” I questioned back.

“One of the men has returned from Misty Grove. He claims to have information that you need to hear.”

“Send him in...”

“As you wish.” Hector left, and shortly after the goon entered.

“Hello my lord,” he greeted.

“What have you learned?” I asked cutting straight to the chase.

“It is William Griffin sir...he has recruited a few of the noble house members.”

“Who else, aside from Peter Pegasus?”

“Penelope Pixie and Henry Hippogryph have also joined him.”

“Then, they too are marked for death. Return to the others, share with them what you have told me. They need to know the names of our enemies as well.”

“I shall inform them my lord.” The goon left me and I returned to my peaceful ponder, on our next plans to come.

“May I join you?” a familiar voice called from behind.

“You are always welcome to join me...Master Malice,” I claimed politely. I looked up as the necromancer walked into my line of sight. I watched as he sat down, mimicking my meditative position. We stayed there, in silence, together for the remainder of the night.