The Necromancer's Wand: Rise of the Phoenix
Chapter 5: Uniting the Dark Houses, Part 1: Madam Manticore

After letting things calm back down for a few days, I sent a follower out. He dressed in some of my father’s common clothes as a disguise. He went back to East Wich Valley to keep an ear to ground for news of our debut. Upon his return, he handed me a newspaper with a surprising headline.

“William Griffin dubbed the new High Inquisitor,” I read the article aloud, crinkling the paper in frustration. “The Council of Magic granted William J. Griffin the title of High Inquisitor. He has received his first orders from the Council, to apprehend Corvin Phoenix, who is referring to himself as the ‘Dark Lord.’ The newly appointed High Inquisitor has begun assembling a task force as he prepares for his wizardhunt...”

I stopped reading, for I knew enough. How fitting that William was the Council’s chosen savior. “There is something else,” spoke the follower, getting my attention.

“Well, do tell...”

“The wizard that we left behind was captured and taken to Spellbound.”

“The Council wishes to interrogate him...to learn all the names of who are involved with me. They will want to know our whereabouts also.”

“They will pry that information from him, by any means,” Damien chimed in concernedly. “When they replace that we are here, we will swarming with inquisitors.”

“You are half right my brother. But they will not send them, not this soon. They have learned too that I possess the necromancer’s wand. This will put them on edge, keeping them at bay until they have a solid plan to approach us.

However, I do believe it to be wise that our base of operations stays on the move...for now. So, let us go recruit the other royal houses and perhaps replace us a new sanctuary.”

“Who will we ask first?”

“You said Micah was a guarantee gain. Therefore, we go to Manticore Estate first. Gather the others...”

Damien nodded, acknowledging my orders. He left the living room and gathered the rest. They met me by the front door, upon which we stepped outside together. We all stood in a circle in the front yard.

We teleported from the Phoenix manor, invoking Manticore Estate as our destination. Reappearing in front of a different mansion, I noticed a stone statue out in front of the house. It depicted a beast with the head of man, body of a lion, and had the tail of a scorpion. It was safe to assume that we had arrived at the Manticore Estate.

The mansion’s color scheme here was brown, the house being Mahogany with chestnut colored shutters on the windows. “Let us see if anyone is home,” I commanded. I led the others to the front door. As I tapped my wand on the door, three loud knocks were produced.

A young, stunning, witch answered the door. She wore a medium length, silk, chocolate dress. She had long, wavy, caramel hair. Her eyes had a copper tint to them, like two shiny pennies. And she had the cutest little beauty mark, next to the left side of her lips. “You are Madam Manticore, I presume?” I asked charmingly.

She looked over at Damien, immediately recognizing him. “Damien?” she asked, placing her hands on her hips in confusion and sassiness. “What are you doing here? And who are all these people?”

“Micah, this is Corvin Phoenix,” he started. “He is referred to as the Dark Lord...”

“You are the wizard I read about in the paper this morning?” she cut Damien off. “What brings someone like you to my front porch?” Even knowing who I am, she still remained sassy and annoyed. Those were qualities that I found valuable, for she had unflinching nerve even as she stared death, himself, in the face.

“Micah, it would be wise not to speak to the Dark Lord...”

I raised my hand, signaling Damien that I could speak for myself. “Madam Manticore,” I spoke calmly. “I was led to believe that we shared similar views...the rise of magic, with the fall of man. Is this not true?”

“It is not...”

“Then what do you believe in?”

“I believe that there is disorder in order. That true freedom is chaos...but none of us will experience that because people like the Council of Magic exist. They rule over us all, dictating how we live our sad, pathetic, mundane lives...”

“You are fascinating...What if I can promise you freedom? What if I can promise you chaos and disorder? I am not going to just stop with our world Micah. My plans are much bigger than that...for after I seize control of our world from the council, we, united under my reign, will go to war with the humans.”

“You seek to take on the council, boy?” chuckled a man in the hallway behind Micah. He walked up, revealing himself. He was a middle-aged wizard. His hair was long, wavy like Micah’s. He had a fully grown beard and his eyes were dark, cold.

“Master Manticore?” I questioned.

“I am,” he smiled.

“There is something you should know about me...that even though I am of a youthful age, my intellect is far superior than someone of your generation.” I flashed him my wand. “In other words...if you call me ‘boy’ again, I’ll show you what this ‘boy’ can do in a duel to the death. Have I made myself clear, Master Melvin?”

“You have...Dark Lord,” he spoke softly. His smile turned into a fearful grin. “I meant no disrespect. I asked because I am merely interested myself.”

“Why?”

“Well, if you don’t know, I am the head of one of the biggest wizard mob families...or I was, until the Council of Magic forced me, and the others, to disband.”

“The threat of Inquisitors?”

“You know it. So, we complied...up to a certain degree. The mob houses ‘laid off’ a lot of people, making it seem like we disbanded for good. However, we kept a few people around to run smaller crime rings, illegal gambling halls and speakeasies in the back’s of little shops.”

“Who are the other mob houses?”

“Hydra and Basilisk...why? Planning to recruit them as well?”

“Yes, and you gave me a means to do it. It would seem we all have a common enemy, the council.”

“Indeed, which is why I wanted to offer my services at a later time. I cannot help you right now. With the council still in power, I must protect my business and other family. However, I hope my daughter decides to go in my stead now.

Micah is very gifted. Maybe she can help you take out the council. Afterward, I know you seek war with the humans...upon which I can join you then. A favor owed if you succeed in ending the Council of Magic.”

“They will be dealt with in due time, you have my word.”

“Thank you, Dark Lord. I must say, it is rather odd...a Phoenix turned bad.”

“How so?”

“You mean you don’t know about your father? Carson was High Inquisitor in his age of prime. He served the Council of Magic directly. He was the one the council threatened me with. And now you, his son, seeks to destroy them.”

“I guess the ‘apple’ did fall far from the tree...”

Master Manticore left us with a smile. As I faced Micah for her answer, I noticed she had a look of shock and surprise. “I’m in...” she finally spoke. “I have never seen anyone stand up to my dad. In fact, most people cower from him. You though, you had him scared!” She chuckled lightly.

“I am glad to hear you are joining us. Shall we take our leave?”

“Where we going from here?”

“House Basilisk...to try to gain Benjamin as a follower as well.”

“Alright, well what are we doing still standing around here?”

I stepped aside and put my arm out. “After you...” She brushed past us, walking into the front yard. I glanced over at Damien. “I can tell you two were close...lovers at one point.”

“We were...I did not wish to disclose it because I thought it would effect your decision.”

“On the contrary my friend, I think Micah is a unique witch...strong-hearted and fearless. If anything is left there, you should try to mend it.”

“Dark Lord...”

“Damien, our goal is not of one that walks the path of light. Many will come to either fear or hate us...However, you have someone right now who may love you. You should cherish that...especially if we aren’t victorious in the end.”

“I-I understand.”

“Good. Now, we have a serpent to go recruit...shall we?”

“Of course Dark Lord.”

I started walking over to Micah, who was standing in the front yard. Damien stood there, by himself for a moment. He was thinking on my words. I know he was asking himself whether or not he should try to make things right with Micah? I hope he does for love is precious, regardless if we are seen as evil. Love is the reason behind everything I’ve done so far...