The Four Kings (34 page)

Wei tried twice to shush his congregation, but failed, smiling knowingly. Impatiently, he swished the air with his hand, cancelling out the cheers with his magic. The wizards took the hint and sat down, one at a time.

Asserting command, Wei shouted. “As you all know, Elsedor handed down the Prophecy. He said –”

A few wizards cheered again.

Wei gave a dirty look. “Elsedor said that once the Five Continents unanimously adopt the resolution to govern the Mortals, we’ll be in power for one thousand years.”

The wizards stood up and cheered again, chanting, “The Prophecy!” over and over.

Wei had much less patience this time around. With a motion of his arm, he again cut out the din. Leaning on his knuckles (on a surface that was invisible) he yelled out, “It has been proposed that on April thirtieth, upon the anniversary of Elsedor’s death, each and every council will formally adopt the motion, in your home continent. This will trigger the Prophecy.”

More cheering.

“What I need today,” Wei shouted out, “is an approval in principle, that we will take this huge step forward, this coming April thirtieth, less than one month from now.”

Clapping ensued.

Wei held out his hand in appreciation. “I have to thank Demus, of the NAM council, for bringing up this brilliant proposition. Demus, you have the floor.” Wei sat down.

Every wizard stood up and chanted, “Demus! Demus! Demus!”

Three councils down, Demus glanced upward through the space to Wei. He saluted him as he stood up, radiating confidence. Demus’ overwhelmed visage instantly appeared on all twelve screens, looking much like a giant version of himself. He savored his moment in the spotlight, at the pinnacle of power on Earth.

“My fellow wizards…” Demus started, before being drowned out.

“Demus! Demus! Demus!” the wizards all chanted.

Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Demus held up his hand. He whispered, but his words could be clearly heard by all in attendance, due to magic. It was like him simultaneously whispering into the ear of each of the nineteen other wizards. “I think this is what Elsedor forecast all along.” The wizards held their silence, eager to hear more.

“Think about it,” Demus said. “Elsedor himself said it one thousand years ago. Yet he never took action upon his death to initiate the implementation.” He looked up. “Perhaps, he meant to wait a thousand years, then govern for another thousand years, in the most glorious era of humanity.”

“Demus! Demus!”

Demus knew he had their rapt attention. “The human race – the Mortals – has developed to a level that makes it possible for the wizards to govern. They’ve embraced technology, which means they’re more receptive of our magic. They no longer burn witches at the stake. They’ve…” he paused for effect, “…
evolved
.”

More cheering.

“And it’s working. The planet is united. We’ve implemented daring reforms, wiped out corruption, removed weapons of mass destruction from the face of the Earth, and eliminated the scourge of civilizations, namely government, and its necessary evil sidekick, taxes!”

“Wizards rule! Wizards rule!” the congregation cheered, over and over.

“So,” Demus ended with a flourish, “it’s time for the vote.”

The wizards all fell silent; emotionally contemplating the enormity of the step they were going to take forward.

“I move,” Wei announced in a reverential tone, “that on April thirtieth, in honor of the great god, Elsedor, that we begin The Prophecy.”

All the wizards assembled released small clouds of green mist directly above their heads to indicate his or her affirmative vote. Not one red cloud to be seen anywhere. Wei, counting out loud, continued, “…eighteen, nineteen, twenty. It’s unanimous. The motion is carried!”

Whooping ensued, which Wei abruptly cut off with a swooping motion of his hand. “Don’t forget,” he waggled a finger at each wizard, “that we must still follow the proper voting procedure, one council at a time, on that April thirtieth. AJI will start first, following the time zones, and then culminate with NAM.” He smiled. “Now, you may celebrate!”

Joy and jubilance erupted. Each and every wizard zapped him or herself out of their seat to materialize in the center of the sphere, where they all could hug, slap, embrace, and shake hands with one another.

Before the NAM council disbanded to join the celebrations, Indie sternly glanced at each of her three colleagues.

She stated coldly, “Under no circumstances is anyone going to inform our Supreme Liaison of this. Anyone who does so will be brought to the full attention and disciplinary proceedings of the Five Continents. Do you understand?”

All three nodded solemnly.

Inside, Regi felt a severe twang of guilt. He’d have to break off his romance with Amanda. Between the two of them, he had to choose Elsedor
. It was the only way.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Amanda returned to her spacious office at Liberators’ Headquarters after a pleasant evening out with her family. She’d alerted them of developments in finding out the wizards’ secrets, and was relieved to be able to get things off her chest. Her mother always took notes, and her father always recorded everything she said. All of this information would be copied and conveyed to Partners with Liberators for private safekeeping.

As for the relationship with Regi, she’d hinted at it, but didn’t inform them that she was truly in love with him. Too complicated.

As she tossed her purse onto the chair by the entrance door, she saw a glowing yellow-hued hologram of Regi in front of her desk. This was the way they left messages for each other. She did the same for any of the other wizards using that hologram inscriber device in her office.

Her heart beating with excitement, she wondered what plans Regi had made for her. Another trip to the uninhabited Jemo Island in the Pacific, where no one would see them together? Or perhaps another trip to the moon?

“Amanda J. Fullerton, alpha one,” she stated clearly. Upon her words, the hologram activated. The three-dimensional image of Regi appeared quite stern, which concerned her before she’d even heard his message.

“Amanda,” the hologram said sadly, “I must cease all contact with you. I can’t explain. I can only see you during council functions. I also trust you will not reveal our secrets to anyone.”

And then, the hologram then disappeared.

Amanda gasped and clutched her heart.

What was going on?

Chapter Forty-Nine

Amanda read the crime surveillance reports, resting on her bed by lying atop its cover. She tried to let her body relax naturally, but she was still tensed, expecting the wizard at any moment now.

A movement detected at the corner of her eye told her Demus was here.

He sat in his usual chair, sighing with relief. He’d exhibited that now-familiar sheepish grin he’d always displayed when caught in trouble. “I got your hologram, Amanda.”

She bravely put on an act, hoping he wouldn’t subject her to more torment, like a cat would do with a caught mouse. Still, with Regi refusing outright to acknowledge her, she had to play her chips as she could. “Demus,” she said soothingly, “I really missed you.”

“You forgive me?”

“Demus, I find it impossible to resist you. I try, but it’s so hard.”

The red-attired wizard was happily absorbing all the adulation. “Really?”

Amanda nodded and patted the side of her bed. “Come here.”

He materialized beside her, and this time, he had concern in his eyes. “I’m really sorry, Amanda. I honestly thought you’d enjoy that game.”

“It’s okay, Demus.”

“I mean – I made it so easy and all that –”

She slowly pressed her index finger against his lips. “Quiet now. We always seem to fight when we’re talking. Can’t we just do some simple, fun magic?” She peered at him with pleading eyes. “You know, something that doesn’t scare or torment me?”

Demus laughed. “I know, I just like baiting people. I get a kick out of it.”

“Stop it.”

“Well, I’ve something very safe for you, Amanda.” He unclasped his hands, and a three-inch toy ballerina appeared in the air above them, dipping one leg down, then back up, then down again, in an endless cycle. Soft romantic mood played in the background. He looked at her, hungry for her affection. “It’s our version of a music box. Is that good enough for you?”

“It’s beautiful, Demus.”

He grasped her hands, lying on his side. Gazing out of lonely eyes, he implored, “Can we start again?”

Amanda sat up, frowning. “I’ve always wanted a king. It’s every woman’s fantasy.” She held out her hand, and then clutched it dramatically. “Someone who knows his way. Someone with power.”

“Power,” Demus said dreamily, “I like that.”

She leaned in and stroked gently at the V-shaped display of skin upon Demus’ upper chest, between the shirt collars. Demus sighed with contentment, not wanting to ever open his eyes again.

“Demus,” she murmured, “is something exciting going on? Are the Liberators ready to assume their rightful place in the world?”

“Do my neck, please,” Demus moaned, still at peace. “Yes, there – on the side. More.”

“So, any big plans to conquer the world, Demus? Will you be my king?”

“Oh, yes,” he grinned, then opened his eyes in excitement. “You won’t believe it.”

“Tell me more,” Amanda coaxed. “I would love to be your queen, sitting by your side.”

“Well, I’m not sure that’d be accepted by the public. But we can pretend, can’t we?” He laughed out loud. “Okay, Amanda, you really have to keep this a secret.”

Amanda’s nerves tightened and her pulse raced. Steadying herself to calm down, she murmured, “Of course. I’ve always kept Emerana a secret, haven’t I? And the way you scared me last time, not a peep out of me.”

“True.” Demus had closed his eyes again. Amanda combed her fingers through his thick brown hair.

“I really miss you, Demus. I lie down every night, just thinking of you.”

He couldn’t contain himself. “Okay, here’s the news of the century – no, make that the millennium!”

“That’s exciting, huh?”
Find his sweet spot on his scalp, keep massaging.

“Yes. Effective one week from now –”

Of course. Elsedor’s birthday.

“We wizards will start The Prophecy.”

Amanda started to breathe heavily, but compelled herself to intake air normally. “Very intriguing. What exactly is ‘The Prophecy’?”

“It’s when Elsedor decreed that the wizards shall rule over the Earth for one thousand years.”

Amanda nearly recoiled from Demus upon the revelation.
One thousand years?
Almost choking, she managed to convey a deferential tone. “So what exactly are they doing to do, Demus?”

The wizard sat up, fully awake, full of vim. He held out his arms wide. “We’ll continue our rule, of course.”

Eyes blaring, Amanda so badly wanted to smack him. What a liar! All of them were liars! And Regi was in on it, too! She nearly burst into tears. A second later, she realized Demus was looking at her attentively, waiting for her reaction. He didn’t know if she was mightily offended or deliriously happy – or in between.

Desperate to hide her impulses, Amanda opted to suddenly hug him, greatly knocking him off balance. “That’s wonderful, Demus!” Now that the initial shock had subsided, Amanda felt her control returning.
Now that she knew, she could prevent it.
Yes. She was truly happy now – but not for the reasons Demus would expect. “That’s terrific!” she screamed at the top of her lungs, now that she had a plan. Demus mistook her jubilation for approval of the wizards’ grand plan. She stood up on her bed, and jumped up and down. “Whoopee! Time to conquer the world!”

Reacting with gleeful confusion, the wizard also stood up and, clasping her at the sides, hopped up and down with her, in tandem. In the melee that followed, Amanda lost her balance, and fell off the bed. She expected a jarring bruise to her shoulder, but luckily Demus zapped into place a bean bag chair, which broke her fall. He then zapped her back onto the bed.

“My hero,” Amanda hugged and kissed Demus, “you saved me from a nasty fall.”

“My pleasure, madam.” Demus bowed.

“I think this calls for a celebration.” Amanda then held out her hand, as if expecting a wine glass to pop in any moment.

“You mean…?”

“Yup.”

Releasing his fingers in one hand, Demus conjured up two flutes of champagne in each of their right hands.

Amanda elevated her glass, up to eye level, hoping not to choke on the bubbles. “Cheers to King Demus.”

Demus slyly winked at her. “Cheers.”

Chapter Fifty

Two years post-Liberation

At the start of the council meeting, the sense of restlessness pervaded the atmosphere. Something was up in the air. Despite her knowledge, Amanda was probably the most calm of them all. She knew what to do. She had it carefully planned from the start. She just had to play her hand when the time came.

For today was April thirtieth. The second anniversary of Liberation.

The four wizards practically could not contain themselves. They all winked at each other, smirked, and laughed at inopportune times.

Let them savour the moment
, Amanda thought.

She did notice, though, Regi stealing guilty glances at her. At one point, he was about to open his mouth when their eyes connected, but he shut up shortly thereafter, glancing away.

Regi can join them in the trash heap
, Amanda angrily thought. And Demus? Well, he deserved his own special place in hell.
If there was a wizard hell.

Indie started the meeting. “I have exciting news for you!” The cameras were fully on, but she was more speaking to the three other wizards, as if sharing an inside joke. The millions of Mortals watching her every move did not matter to her now; they were her conquered subjects.

Stretching her arms in front of herself, she announced grandiosely, “I just heard from SUDA. They’ve approved the motion.”