A Scripta

Grim wasn’t quite a bibliophile, but he did like the smell of books. The Midnighter Club was full of that, and more.

He stopped at the desk. A man in a fedora looked up at him. “Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for two spells.”

The man assessed him, and Grim knew that he was using some sort of Sight on him to gauge his ability with magic. Grim also knew Raina’s statement was true: even though he was human, he reeked of magic. The man blinked and said, “What exactly are you looking for?”

“I need a lost-lover location spell. The lover may be dead, so I need to find his soul.”

He nodded. “And the other?”

“Protection against the magic of Dark Astoria, but something…simple.”

“You usually work with High Magic, I guess?”

“Yeah. But the lost-lover spell will take me a week to do, at least the one I found. I’m looking for something simpler.”

The man smiled slightly. “You might want to talk to Lynne Visconti. She’s a Strega witch.”

“Where can I find her?”

“Around.” He looked down at the desk, dismissing Grim. Grim grumbled and went up the stairs. He went directly into the back of the Club and was assaulted by the smells of different incense burning somewhere. How can Raina deal with this, he thought, going deeper into the warrens of the Club.

He asked around, and was finally directed to one of the side rooms. Another Midnighter escorted him in, and said to a woman seated at a desk, “Streghe, a man to see you.”

The woman was in black and looked like a typical gypsy witch, with long black hair, large earrings, and white porcelain skin. Grim knew he was very under-dressed for a mage, in just a t-shirt, leather pants and boots. She smiled at the man, then at Grim. “Greetings, mage.”

“Hi,” Grim said. He looked around for a chair, but didn’t see one handy. He put his hands behind his back and began, “I’m looking for two simple spells. One to find a lost love, and one for protection against the magic in Astoria.”

She nodded and got up, her black skirts billowing around her. “What have you found so far?”

“Sigils and talismans. It’s what I’m used to. The protection against magic I need to be simpler, because the person it’s for is already magical.”

“Why don’t we start with the first spell? I have a few in mind.”

“I’ll need an object of that person, won’t I?”

“Yes…”

“I don’t have access to that.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “Why don’t you explain everything to me.”

He nodded. “It’s a lost lover’s soul I’m actually looking for. I don’t know if it’s been reborn, or even if it remembers. It’s been over 2,000 years since their death.”

“It’s not for you, then.”

“No, it’s not.”

She frowned. “It will be harder without an object. Have you tried to go back in time to retrieve something?”

“The Menders are of no help. They don’t allow time travel to different parts of the world, only Paragon’s history.”

“We do have a portal here…”

“It’ll still be 200 years later. There might not be anything left, especially if they were buried without any kind of preparation.”

“They?”

“His lover is the one looking for him. His lover’s been reborn.”

“Ah,” she said, and looked thoughtful. “Do you have a name?”

“Dimitrius. I assume of Thebes.”

“Ah, the Sacred Band,” said a voice behind them. Grim turned to see a very handsome white-haired man standing casually at the door. “Pardon me for overhearing,” he said, “but I heard time-travel and came over.”

The Streghe nodded to the man. “Meet Mender Ardin. I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.”

“Grimaulkin,” Grim said.

“Grey cat,” said Mender Ardin, coming into the room. Grim looked closer at the man, and saw his eyes were grey like his hair. “So you’re looking for a spell to find a long-lost soul for a friend?”

“Pretty much.”

“You need an object?” He looked at the Streghe.

“The name is too common,” said the Streghe. “Besides, the soul may not know its name, especially if it’s been reborn over the years.”

Grim nodded. “That’s what I fear.” Or hope.

“Hm.” The Mender stroked his chin.

“Look, I’m already aware of the possibility that I’ll be working with bone dust, so I’m prepared for that. I just need a spell that doesn’t involve invoking gods and demons.”

“Candles and stones?”

He grimaced. “Low Magic.”

The Streghe again crossed her arms and glared at Grim. “It works.”

The Mender chuckled. “Of course it does. Do not insult a witch, Grimaulkin.”

“I wasn’t insulting her,” he said. “I don’t know how to use it very well.”

The Streghe continued, “You use High Magic, it’s not very much different. You’re using natural foci instead of complicated ritualistic drawings.”

Said the Mender, “How do you touch ley lines?”

“I have my own portable ley line,” he said. “He’s full of magic.”

Again, he chuckled. “You’re a lucky man.”

Grim turned to the Streghe, “So do you have anything that can help me?”

“I’m sure we have something. But you expect to have hardly anything of worth to use?”

The Mender said, “I think I can help there. I’ll have to ask permission, however.”

Grim snorted. “Silos? He’s a prick.”

“He is wrapped up in himself, but he’s not really a prick. He truly wants to help.”

“Paragon and his own ego.” He looked up at Mender Ardin. “I’d rather not get the Menders involved.”

“Suit yourself.” Mender Ardin bowed slightly. “If you do need us, though, I’m usually around here.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Ardin nodded to the Streghe and left. Grim turned back to the Streghe, who only shook her head.

“I have something in mind, Grimaulkin, but it will take me a couple of days to prepare it for you.”

“Okay,” Grim said.

“You said you want two spells?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I need something to protect against the magic in Astoria. The person who’s using it is magical.”

“Male or female?”

“Female.”

“Jewelry?”

He shrugged. “I suppose I could. But she already has a ring.”

“How about a bracelet?”

“That might work.”

“Selenium, Amethyst, or Tiger’s eye?”

Grim suddenly grinned. “Tiger’s eye.”

“We have something here. You’ll have to cleanse it in the normal manner. Low magic, though.”

“Salt water and incense and all that?”

“Yes,” she said, and led him into one of the other rooms. She rummaged through the shelves, and came out with a breadbox-sized box. Inside the box were large stones of all kinds, about the size of his fist. She pulled out a brown striped stone and gave it to him. “You can make a bracelet out of this, can’t you?”

He hefted it in his palm. “I made a ring, I suppose I can do that to this.”

“Do you need a spell?”

“No, I know a warping spell.”

“It needs to be natural, because you’re working with a force of nature.”

Grim put the stone in his pocket – it bulged out of his pocket obscenely. He changed his mind and decided to hold it. “I’ll figure it out.”

She looked dubious. “Do you have a cell? Or should I telepathically find you?”

“I’m usually not nice to people who telepathically come into my head suddenly,” Grim said. “A cell works just as well.” He gave her his number, and tossed the stone in the air. “Thanks for your help, Streghe.”

“It’s what we’re here for,” she said with a smile. “Merry meet.”

Grim smiled at her, and kissed her chastely on both cheeks. “Merry part.”

“And merry meet again, Grimaulkin.”