EPISODE 5 of 12 – Sleight of Hand

Felix discovers it’s not as easy as he might think to sleep with a corpse at the foot of his bed. What’s even more troubling is the next morning when he discovers something very important of his is gone and a ransom note left behind. Nothing left to do but rush to tell the girls, not before he bumps into an old friend he hasn’t seen in a very long time.

TOLD FROM THE POV OF FELIX

The content below was originally paywalled.

By the time Charisma, Flossie, and Felix returned home, they were all far too tired to have any further discussions and agreed to leave any thoughts they may have had about what they uncovered till the morning.

Charisma entered her flat and immediately went to bed. She didn’t bother to get undressed make sure her front door was locked. Her mind wandered to the events of the last couple of hours. A stranger on her doorstep, then dead by the fireplace. Felix, a disgraced magician. But he was her friend. She didn’t care even though Flossie seemed to be most upset by the news. Poor Flossie. Her best friend. They grew up together and have been inseparable ever since they could walk. 

She finally succumbed to sleep when the front door opened and closed quietly. She wanted to get up and see who it was but exhaustion won out in the end.

By the morning Charisma was woken up by the smell of bacon in the air. Her eyes shot open to find her face smushed into her pillow. She rotated her feet. One shoe was still on. The other having fallen off some time in the night. Her first attempt at movement came with a slight wince as she reached for her head that was pounding. She knew not enough hours of sleep was had but as the sun was peeking through her curtains and hitting the bedroom floor, she was in no position to return to bed.

Replacing her shoe on her foot she sniffed her pits and shrugged. Not likely to make anyone who came close faint, she made her way out of the bedroom to hear humming coming from the kitchen. 

Holding a pan in one hand and spatula in the other, her father turned to face his daughter.

“Isn’t that what you were wearing yesterday?” he asked. “Nevermind. Don’t answer that. I took the liberty of making you breakfast. I know it’s not typical of me but I was able to leave work early and so…” His voice trailed off when he saw the look of surprise on his daughter’s face. True, he was never one for cooking breakfast, let alone cooking in general, but it couldn’t have been that shocking. Could it? “I thought you like bacon?”

“I do, father. Of course. Thank you,” Charisma said, taking a seat at the table. She tried not to look like every move was agony but her face was an open book to her father. Always was.

“What have you and Flossie been up to this time?” Chester asked, tipping the pan. Charisma watched as three strips of bacon and some eggs tumbled onto the plate.

Her stomach started to grumble and she licked her lips. It had been a long time since she ate breakfast in her kitchen with her father. She always just got something from the corner shop near where the carriage drops them off in the morning outside of the colosseum.

“Nothing, father. I wish you wouldn’t accuse Flossie of getting me into trouble all the time. I’m perfectly capable of getting into trouble all on my own.”

Their relationship, or lack thereof, had been tenuous at times ever since Charisma became old enough to procure a job at the colosseum. It gave her a level of independence she never had before. It also frightened her father that she might one day up and leave him the way his wife did a long time ago. His daughter was making her own money. It was only a matter of time. They both knew it. But what helped them avoid the awkwardness was the differing work shifts. With Charisma at work all day and her father at work all night, it meant they hardly saw each other at all. And yet here he was, in their kitchen, cooking.

“Why were you let out early?” Charisma asked, taking a bite of the bacon and savoring it on her tongue. 

Chester sat down opposite her at the table with just two pieces of dry toast and a cup of coffee. “I’m just worried about you, Charisma. The reason I’m home is because the king is in one of his tirades again.”

“I know,” Charisma chimed in, her mouth full of eggs but she didn’t let that stop her from talking. “The guardsmen were here last night. Looking for some stranger.”

Chester shot up from his chair. He knocked the table and caused coffee to spill over but he paid it no mind. “They were here? In this house? Did they touch anything? Take anything?”

Charisma had never seen her father in such a panic before. “I don’t think so. Unfortunately, I wasn’t watching all of them. They weren’t here very long. Sir Gareth and his men simply came inside, looked around, and left. Why, father? Is there something here you didn’t want them to find?”

He relaxed his shoulders slightly and sat back down to try and convince his daughter that nothing was wrong. “Not at all. No. All the same. You and Flossie mind how you travel. I am glad you have the carriage to take you to and from work. Till this man is found there’s no telling what might happen.”

“That doesn’t explain why you were let out early, father?” She finished her plate and slid it away from her. Not a crumb left on the plate.

“Safety, I suppose,” he answered, his shaky voice not as reassuring as she’d liked but before she could press him, Flossie came bursting through the front door.

She skidded to a stop when she saw Charisma’s father sitting at the table. “Mr. Price, sir. I didn’t expect you here this morning. Do I smell bacon?” Talking a mile a minute, as usual, Flossie plopped down in the chair beside Charisma.

“No time, Fliss. We’ll be late for the carriage. Come on,” Charisma whispered to her. She grabbed Flossie by the arm and yanked her up out of the chair towards the door. On their way out she tucked a satchel under one arm. “Get some rest, father. You look tired,” she said, closing the door behind them.

“What was that all about? You nearly pulled my arm off, you know,” Flossie said, wrenching her arm out of Charisma’s grasp.

It was the early morning so the streets were only bustling with the people who needed to get to work early. Also, a few night workers, usually covered in dirt and ash, coming home from working on the railroad just outside of Wondermere. It was the latest invention that promises to bring even more travelers to worry the king.

Two such gentleman, dirty from working on the railroad, whistled at Charisma and Flossie from across the street. One of them shouted, “Ladies in trousers sets my heart all a flutter,” and winked at them.

“I wish I could say the same about men covered in yesterday’s dirt. Better get home to your wife before she’s out here shoutin’ for ya!” Flossie shouted back.

“Get a load of that one. All mouth she is. That’s what happens when you let a woman wear pants. She starts getting ideas into her pretty little head.”

“Ignore him,” Charisma said. “He’s not the first and he certainly won’t be the last to say something to us. It’s not worth it.”

“I know,” Flossie said. “Maybe he’s right. Ever since I’ve been wearing pants I feel, I don’t know…like I’m more important somehow. Take this murder, for instance. I could solve it. Why bother the guardsmen with it? They have a hard enough time appeasing the king. No, this is definitely a job for Flossie…and associates,” she said, nodding at Charisma.

“Oh, I’m an associate now, am I? Not a partner?”

“All the great detectives have a sidekick. I’ve never read one that had a partner, though. An equal. No, I solve the mysteries and you follow me around to remind me how great I am.” Flossie squared her shoulders and hooked each thumb in the small hidden pocket of her pants, her head held high.

Charisma shook her head and hooked an arm around Flossie’s as they walked the rest of the way in silence towards the end of the street where their carriage was waiting.

The coachman tipped his hat at the ladies, making sure to give a wink to Charisma who Flossie reckons has taken a fancy to her. 

“Morning missus,” he said and then in a whisper, “She was raising hell at me already. Beckoning me to leave if you took any longer to arrive.”

Flossie sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes as she pulled open the carriage door.

“Took you two long enough to get here. Youth today, Amelia. They’ve no head for manners these days.”

“WHAT WAS THAT?” Amelia shouted, tipping to the side so she could better hear. Hannah repeated her statement a bit louder as Flossie stepped inside and took the seat opposite Amelia. Charisma raised her eyebrows at the coachman and smiled before getting inside herself and shutting the door behind her.

Hannah banged the roof of the carriage with her cane. It was shaped like a thin tree branch with bends and knots throughout. The handle was made of brass and the tip matched it in kind.

“Our apologies. We were accosted by a couple of gentlemen on the way,” Charisma said. Flossie gave her a look. She didn’t think it was necessary to explain why they were just a few minutes late but Charisma was always the polite one.

“Well, if you insist on wearing trousers what do you expect, my dear. It certainly is no way to get a man, and at your age. I’m sure your father is beside himself with grief,” Hannah said.

“I’M SURE THAT’S WHY HER MOTHER—” Amelia started to say but stopped short when Flossie kicked her as she raised her leg to cross it over the other.

“Oh, I am sorry, Lady Davenport. How clumsy of me,” Flossie said. She then took Charisma’s hand in her own.

Hannah and Amelia averted their eyes. Each choosing to look out of their respective windows as the carriage pulled away.

“LOOKS LIKE RAIN TODAY, HANNAH, DON’T IT?” Amelia shouted rather loudly. It was an unfortunate result of working on the south side of the colosseum during its reconstruction after the fire. The use of heavy machinery meant shouting was the only way anyone could be heard. As such, Amelia lost most of her hearing and shouts even when no noise can be heard.

“Yes, love. But I’m sure Miss. Pomroy will have us working inside so we can stay nice and dry.”

Flossie rolled her eyes again. “What’s in the bag?” She asked Charisma, ignoring the conversation 

The carriage started to bounce and rock as the ground changed from dirt to cobblestones. They were getting close to the colosseum in the heart of Wondermere.

Charisma opened it to show her the two paintings she took from Ember Hall last night. Amelia glanced over and gasped when she recognized one that was laying on Charisma’s lap.

Flossie looked over at Amelia who quickly averted her eyes to look at her friend, Hannah, who was fussing with her handbag looking for something. Amelia used her elbow to poke Hannah but she continued to pay her no mind.

“What is it, Amelia? Can’t you see I’m looking for my handkerchief?” Amelia moved her eyes, rather obviously, towards the paintings on Charisma’s lap. When Hannah landed on it she gasped as well.

“How did you come by that painting?” Hannah asked, pointing a shaky finger at the painting.

“That is none of your business,” Flossie answered back.

“Like hell it isn’t. My great-grandfather painted that. Commissioned it special for…” Amelia squeezed Hannah’s arm just then. “Well, that part’s not important. What is important is that you’ve clearly stolen something that doesn’t belong to you. Now, hand it over.”

The carriage stopped abruptly and all four passengers were jostled.

“Come on. We don’t have to stay here and be accused by the likes of them,” Flossie said, grabbing the paintings and putting them back in Charisma’s bag.

“Wait, she’s right,” she said, looking at Hannah, “but I didn’t steal them Mrs. Cropley, only borrowed. I promise I was gonna put ‘em right back after I examined them.”

“Examined them?” Hannah said. “What is all this about? Last I heard of these paintings they were hanging in Halls across Wondermere. You haven’t been in a Hall recently, have you Ms. Price? You know as workers at the colosseum it is strictly forbidden.”

“Trust me, no one knows the rules better than Charisma. She’s the last person who’ll go about breaking them. And if she says she’s gonna return them, she means it.”

The carriage door opens and the coachman sticks his head in. “I’m sorry ladies but I have another errand I must run. If you wouldn’t mind?” He steps aside to give everyone a chance to exit the carriage.

Once they have, a rather stout woman of considerable age is shouting to get Charisma’s attention.

“Don’t think this is the end of our conversation, Ms. Price,” Hannah says as she and Amelia walk into the colosseum and out of sight.

“And where have you lot been?” Mrs. Pomroy, never one to mince words, appeared as if out of nowhere and immediately started giving orders before waiting for anyone to reply. “And I need someone to cover for me while I’m gone.” Mrs. Pomroy wore a button up blouse that did not manage to conceal her well endowed bosom. Her collar was already stained from sweat as she is always the first one in before sunrise and the last to leave long after sunset. 

Her black trousers were covered in dirt all the way down to her boots which went all the way up to her knees. They were her favorite boots that she’d wear even when visiting the king. Tracking mud was her way of letting the upper class know she was always hard at work.

“Aye, where you headed?” Hannah asked as she stepped down from the carriage after Amelia.

“I don’t see how that’s any concern of yours. Have you two finished preparing the paper for the main event? You know we need it ready once his royal highness gives me the list,” Mrs. Pomroy said, taking one step into the carriage they just exited. The coachman was noticeably annoyed as he did have business elsewhere but it was too late. Once she stepped onto it he could only go where she directed. “Charisma, be a love and hold down the fort till I get back.”

“Surely he doesn’t have the list already?” Charisma asked, assuming Mrs. Pomroy was on her way to see the king. “The theaters are only just now opening for the season.”

Hannah and Amelia departed, turning their nose up as they went about their duties for the day.

“I have been summoned. But I suspect it has to do with this stranger nonsense. I hear he’s gotten himself in a right tizzy over it,” Mrs. Pomroy said, a chuckle in her voice and a smile on her face that was so wide they all, including the coachman, joined her. Then she contorted her face to give them both a stern stare. “Listen, the pair of ye, till this bloody business is settled you’re to go straight home at the end of the day. I won’t have any of my ladies mixed up in whatever this is.”

“Yes, Mrs. Pomroy.”

“Yes, Mrs. Pomroy.”

Charisma and Flossie stepped aside to let the carriage pull away with Mrs. Pomroy safely on board.

They turned to enter the colosseum when they heard a rather loud PSST behind them. They spun round again to see across the street, Felix was waving for them to to follow him.

He rounded a corner into The Crooked Arms pub. It was frequented by magicians but not this early in the day so it was mostly empty, save for one drunk man at the bar and the barman. He ignored Felix who entered first but when he was followed shortly by Charisma and Flossie his curiosity was piqued.

Felix went to the furthest end of the pub where the booths were and sat down. His hair was disheveled and his clothes were crumpled. He looked like he hardly slept last night and he said just as much when he was joined by Charisma and Flossie a moment later.

“We have a problem, ladies?”

“What? Don’t tell me our friend got up and walked away in the night?” Flossie joked.

Felix rolled his eyes and continued, ignoring Flossie’s crass comment. “Someone broke into my flat last night.”

“Why would someone want to break into your flat? She’s the one with—” Flossie stopped herself and looked back at the barman who averted his eyes too slowly. They knew they couldn’t be in the bar for much longer without suspicion.

“The book. They took the book!” He shouted then lowered his voice, trying to remain calm.

“The Codex? Are you sure? Maybe you misplaced it,” Charisma posited.

Felix shook his head. “No, definitely not. I hid it in my secret hiding place and when I went there this morning to check, I found this in its place.” He pulled out a piece of folded paper and unfolded it onto he table between them.

Charisma and Flossie looked down at the large handwriting that read:

“Garrigill? Why does that name sound familiar?” Flossie said.

Charisma didn’t say a word, just pulled out one of the two paintings she borrowed from Ember Hall and placed it beside the note. Flossie looked at it and immediately saw the name etched on the saw the magician held up in the air.

“Why did you take that?” Felix asked.

“I knew it would be important somehow. And the woman. The magician in the painting. Do you now them?”

“No, but I know who painted it and I know where Garrigill is as well.”

“That’s good. So we’ll go there tonight and find out who took the codex and why,” Flossie surmised.

“It’s not that simple, child. Garrigill is…well…it’s a members only sort of place. I haven’t exactly been a member for a long time, you see…”

“That’s where I’ve heard the name. It’s the place where real and true magicians come together isn’t it. To the outside world all magicians are enemies of each other. Each wanting the top prize and the glory for themselves and their families. But Garrigill is where they leave all that at the door and they pledge the code to each other,” Flossie said.

“What’s the code?” Charisma asked.

“I don’t know. But I can guess…” Flossie answered, not taking her eyes off of Felix. “What I’m puzzled by, is how a man who’s hated by magicians everywhere, family practically disowned him, ends up with the codex?”

“If you haven’t figured that out by now, Ms. Finnegan, however do you hope to be a crack detective?” Felix asked, trying to find his voice again. “I don’t need you reminding me of my faults. I know them well. I’ve not once made any commentary on your family. Though there be much there, of which you are well aware. Instead, I think we need to do what we can to get to the bottom of all this before any more trouble lands on our doorstep.”

“Trouble?” The voice came from the other side of the booth where they were sitting and startled the three of them. “Garrigill is the den and you poor misguided fools are no lions.”

EPISODE 4 of 12 – Sleight of Hand

While visiting a magician hall to visit an old rival of Felix’s for help to get them closer to finding a murderer, Charisma, Felix, and Flossie meet the Great Davoren. He manages to shed some more light on Felix before the king’s guardsmen arrive.

TOLD FROM THE POV OF CHARISMA

The content below was originally paywalled.

“I can’t believe we’re riding together in the same carriage with…with…” Flossie fumed so much she could hardly finish her sentence.

“Yes, alright. So what if he’s the once and former Carnelian? That shame is not our shame. He’s chosen to deal with it the only way he knows how. Granted, it’s been by hiding,” she said, with a nod in Felix’s direction. He simply folded his arms and gave a short but no less curt grunt. “We’re on our way to Ember Hall. A ride which he’s graciously paying for. What we hope to learn there is less a concern to me, as we still have no way of actually gaining entry.”

“Your sweet words could charm the morning dew off a withered away tree branch, Ms. Price. Were I not well beyond my years I might take offense. But, all that is in the past and I intend to keep it there.” He stared daggers at Flossie who returned them. 

She wasn’t about to let what he’d done to the entire magician community go unscathed by her tongue. True, they needed him for now but when the time was right she would let him know exactly how she felt and hope she never had to lay eyes on him again. “As I said before, I’m acquainted with Ember Hall. It wasn’t my former place to use but I had a friend who practices there.”

Flossie sucked her teeth at his claim. “I doubt you had friends back then or now. You really think someone there will recognize you and just let us walk right in? You’re daft as well as old.”

The transition from upper Wondermere to lower was a rocky one as the roads became less dirt and more cobblestone. It was easier to clean but no less bumpier for the convenience. As the carriage bounce and rocked slightly their conversation ceased.

Ember Hall was located just inside of lower Wondermere, as most magician halls are required to be. Their purpose is to provide a space where magicians can practice  their acts prior to a performance in a theater or the colosseum. Ember Hall is only the second oldest hall in existence and has a reputation for dealing in magic most unusual. It’s no secret that secrets can be hard to come by when it comes to magicians so they take care not to let outsiders enter their hall without prior permission. It’s the sole reason why there can be just as many halls as there are magician acts. No one is willing to share the space.

But it’s a lucrative business, usually managed by the king who provides the space for nothing, so long as they perform their act, when called upon, at the colosseum. Also for nothing. It’s an exchange that some magicians have found unfair. Especially, under current times when halls are opening without the king’s supervision, providing their own security, and therefore no need to promise anything to a king or ruling family who needs magicians to remain relevant.

Ember Hall is one of the few places not owned by the king and therefore considered dangerous for many reasons. Chief among them is harboring fugitives who are hiding from the law for any number of reasons. For the right price anyone can seek shelter at Ember Hall. So why not this very much dead stranger.

The carriage slowed to a trot and then stopped outside of Ember Hall. It was the middle of the night but halls seldom, if ever, close. Some magicians have been known to sleep at their hall just in case someone tried to break in to steal their act or uncover their secrets.

It was a fairly busy street that ended just before a large community park where visitors have been known to picnic in the daylight and shady interactions happen at dusk. Wedged between a sweet shop on its left, closed for the night, and a pub that only opened when the sun set, Ember Hall didn’t exactly fit in so much as it stood out. A three story building with a blue colored flame over the door. A color no one understood considering the name of Ember Hall.

Felix got out of the carriage first and helped Charisma and Flossie out. The former thanked him, while the latter mumbled something about not needing his help.

The carriage pulled away, leaving them in front of Ember Hall. Before they could huddle together to come up with a plan someone shouted down to them from the top floor.

“Felix?” All three of them turned and looked up at a woman hanging out of a window. She wore an oversized black hat that was in danger of blowing away in the wind and she held it down with a white gloved hand. Her arms were the most covered as the gloves went past her elbows which was more than could be said for her dress. There was concern on Charisma’s face that this woman might tumble right out of her dress as it barely covered her bosoms that bounced the further she tried to look out the window. “It is you. Felix! Yoo-hoo!” She waved down at them with her free hand then quickly disappeared from the window.

“Friend of yours?” Flossie asked sarcastically.

“I’ve never met that woman before in my life,” he retorted.

“Well, she seems to know you,” Charisma said just as the front door to Ember Hall flung open and the mystery woman stood in the doorway. Light from within cast her in darkness as her shadow stretched across the front steps. 

Her dress managed to cover even less of her below the waist than it did above as she bent her knees and pretended to pull down her dress that was so skin tight it would never provide adequate coverage.

“Come inside, all of you. It’s freezing out there and the boss will kill me if he knew I was exposing this tiny number for all the world to see before show time.”

Before she changed her mind about the invitation they all bounded up the four steps and into Ember Hall.

“Madam, I thank you for inviting us inside, but I’m afraid you must have me mistaken for another Felix—”

“Nonsense! You’re the Great Carnelian!” She shouted and shoved him in the shoulder. “Gosh, it must be twenty years or more since I last saw you. Different times then. The Lyford family,” she said, her voice trailing off into a whisper before she realized they were all staring at her. “What brings you out here to these parts? And your friends?”

“How rude of me. Yes, this is Charisma and Flossie. My neighbors, actually,” Felix said, introducing them.

“Now wait a bleeding minute!” She shouted pushing Felix out of her way so she could get a closer look at Charisma. “I know who you are. You’re uhm…you’re that wand makers daughter, ain’tcha?” Charisma nodded and gave a half smile. She hated whenever someone mentioned the reputation of her father as if her existence began and ended with his fame in wand making. “Well I’ll be. Wait till the Great Davoren finds out you’re here. He might even forgive me for letting strangers in ‘ere. See, he credits your dad with his current run of success. Says it’s all down to his wand. I told him it has more to do with my hem line than his wand but you know men, they think it’s all about them, don’t they.” She slammed her hand on Charisma’s shoulder and the force of it nearly knocked her backwards. Luckily, Flossie was there to steady her.

“We were wondering if any other strangers have been round here tonight?” Flossie asked. She was tired of the small talk. In truth, she was tired in general and as much as she wanted to solve this mystery she knew her ability to help would be hindered by her lack of sleep.

The woman looked Flossie over up and down before taking a step back from all of them. Her demeanor instantly changed from friendly to guarded. “What are you asking that question for? What have you heard?” She took another step back. 

They were standing just inside the entrance of Ember Hall which didn’t feel so small until she started to back away from them. She was headed for double doors that were just behind her. When she bumped into one of the doors and it opened slightly they could hear shouting and loud noise just inside. Charisma craned her head to get a look through the crack in the door but could only see darkness and a spotlight moving around the room.

“Where the devil is that woman?” A man’s voice amplified louder than the rest and the noise from inside. The woman recognized it and her body suddenly tensed. Her cherry face and smile changed to pale white. The door behind her pulled open and she stumbled backwards against it until she was face to face with a striking man.

His slick black hair was so shiny the light in the entryway bounced off of it. He had a mustache that was just as black and met his thick beard that was about two inches long and perfectly shaped to his long face.

He wore spectacles that were riding the edge of his nose as he looked down and through them at the woman who was suddenly at a loss for words when she was so talkative not a moment ago.

“Where have you been? Did you not hear me calling you?”

“Sorry, sir. I just saw Felix out the window and I lost my head,” she said, bowing down to him, her cleavage barely grazing his chest he stood so close to her.

“That’s not all you’ll lose if you don’t get back to the stage this instant,” he shouted at her. She ran away without a word of goodbye to the three people she had just welcomed into Ember Hall.

The Great Davoren turned to look at who was standing there and his eyes widened when he saw Felix.

“Hello, David. It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?” Felix said, holding his hand out for a handshake.

“How dare you come here unannounced and uninvited? Have you simply decided to forgo all the rules now that you’re a washed up magician?”

“We—” Felix started then stopped and squared his shoulders, “I came looking for you because we have a problem and I think you know what it is. He was here tonight.”

The Great Davoren wore a black tie and tales. All that was missing were the white gloves, top hat, and wand to complete his look. 

“We can’t discuss that here where anyone can be listening. You might as well come to my office,” he said. When Charisma and Flossie moved to follow he stopped short. “Just you, Felix.”

Felix shook his head. “Anything you have to say to me you can say in front of them. They have just as much invested in why that man was here as any of us, more even.”

“They are not magicians, nor are they affiliated with any act I’m aware of. They could be spies—”

“My father is Chester Price,” Charisma said, volunteering this information on her own. She hated admitting how many doors it has opened for her in the past but it’s yet to fail.

The Great Davoren looked at Felix for confirmation of what she had just said and he nodded. 

“And who are you, the king’s daughter?” The Great Davoren said, looking at Flossie.

“For your information I am Flossie Finnegan. I’m sure you haven’t heard of me—”

“Well, well, well, Felix. We are slumming it ain’t we. With friends like the Foul Finnegan’s it’s no wonder you’ve been hiding.”

Flossie balled her fists and prepared to land a punch aimed right at Davoren’s jaw but Charisma grabbed her forearm and held her back firmly. 

Charisma was surprised to hear Flossie say her last name. It wasn’t something she often spoke to anyone outside of one and only friend and Charisma knew why. It was true that her family were not well liked in Wondermere, but not through any fault of their own. Circumstance forced their criminal behavior and Flossie, for all the good she’s managed to do in the world, still carries the burden of silently making amends for what her family has done and continue to do.

“I would appreciate it if we didn’t bring up past family indiscretions and stick to the matter at hand,” Felix said, stepping in to defend Flossie whom he only just realized had more in common with him than he realized. “Trust me, David, you’ll want to hear what we have to say. It involves the Codex.”

The next thing any of them know, the Great Davoren is pulling them into the inner sanctum of Ember Hall. They head straight for the stairs, Flossie trying to look at what’s happening on the stage set-up on the first floor. But Charisma kept her tight grip on Flossie, just in case, and managed to pull her to catch up with the others as they made their way to the top floor. 

A large room with just a round table and a dozen empty wooden chairs.

“Why mention the codex? And in front of them? What exactly is going on, Felix?”

“The man. He was here, wasn’t he? Why? What did he want?” Felix asked.

The Great Carnelian sat at the head of the table and leaned back in the wooden chair, it creaked slightly under his weight as he put one foot up on the table. “No. I don’t think so. You tell me what’s going on right now or I inform the king’s guard that I’ve got some people here inquiring after the man they’re looking for.”

Felix was a decade, at least, older than the great Davoren, and although he was sure he could take him on a good day, tonight he was far too tired to argue. So, he sat down across from his former friend and motioned for Charisma and Flossie to do the same.

“I’ll level with you. He showed up on my doorstep and dropped dead. From the looks of him, I’d say he’d been through one fight too many. So, go ahead and call them. It was the king’s guard who told us he was last sighted here.”

Davoren sat up after hearing this new information. “You’re here because of something they told you?” He looked at Charisma and Flossie who nodded in unison. “You fools. You led them right to my doorstep.”

“What are you on about?”

“The king has no jurisdiction here. He can only enter a hall with just cause. And you’re showing up here after what they told you, gives them just that. Damn you, Felix. I knew you’d bring me nothing but grief.” He got up from his seat and left them in the room, shouting for his crew to hide things and prepare for a visit from the king’s guardsmen.

“Did you know this would happen?” Charisma asked Felix.

He couldn’t face her when he answered, “maybe.”

“What game are you playing at?” Flossie asked. We needed answers. He’ll never tell us why that man was here now.”

“He was never going to answer our questions. I knew that even before we got here. But now that they’re all scrambling we can have a look around. Maybe see something or find something that will tell us more about his visit here than the great Davoren was ever going to tell us.”

And Felix was right. Once Davoren left them alone they did not see him again. Instead, they found Ember Hall nearly abandoned, with the crew having locked up and taken away anything that could be stolen from them as part of their act. They even went through the trouble of turning on every light, leaving no corners shrouded in darkness.

Charisma, Flossie, and Felix decided to split up. They needed to move quickly, especially as it was possible the king’s guardsmen were on their way to Ember Hall.

Charisma stayed on the top floor with Davoren’s office and a few bedrooms whenever he wished to stay the night. Felix took the middle floor that contained the props room as well as everyone’s lockers. Leaving the main floor for Flossie. She wanted that floor so she could take a peek around the stage in the hopes of finding something they left behind.

Davoren’s office seemed like it was just the table and chairs but pretty soon Charisma discovered there was more to it. Thick red and black drapes hung from the ceiling along three walls of the room. The peeked behind one to find windows that overlooked the front of Ember Hall down to the street. Walking at a steady pace from a fair distance away she could just make out bouncing lights. Lanterns carried by half a dozen men. Their leader was Sir Gareth Ravenswood. She let the curtain close and made haste to search behind the rest of the curtains.

The left side had several portraits hanging on the wall. She stepped back and pulled the curtains which slid easily on a rod to reveal them all. She recognized the Great Davoren straight away. His was the largest painting and in the center, surrounded by other magicians who must’ve resided at Ember Hall at one time or another in the past. 

Charisma gasped when she saw his face among the others on the wall. It was the stranger. His countenance was one she would not soon forget, though his expression in the painting was far different than the one he wore now. He was smiling mischievously as his gaze looked upward and to his left. She wanted to examine the picture further but knew there was little time for that. So she pulled it down off the wall to take with her. 

Something told her to look at the painting that the stranger seemed to be looking at from the vantage of his portrait. It was of a man standing behind a rectangular box, the size of a coffin. Laying in the box with her head sticking out one end and her feet out the other was his assistant. She looked skyward, as did the magician, who held up a long saw over his head. 

Upon the saw were the following letters G-A-R-R-I-G-I-L. Was it a person? A place? She couldn’t be sure but she had a feeling it was important. Perhaps more important than the portrait of the stranger. She grabbed it as well just as someone burst through the door behind her.

“Charisma, let’s go. They’re here,” Flossie said in a low whisper. They could hear loud banging and crashing on the main floor as the king’s guardsmen made a mess of the place, in search of the stranger who must be hiding out there.

“Where’s Felix?” Charisma asked.

“I’m here. I’m here,” he said, out of breath. “They’re moving swiftly. Follow me. I know a way out where we won’t be found. What’s that you have there?” Felix asked, pointing to the paintings Charisma clutched to her chest.

“Never mind that. Lead the way old man,” Flossie said. He glared at her comment but ignored it long enough to lead them to a secret tunnel on the upper floor that could only be found by someone who knew it was there.

As they crept down the tunnel which was a set of stone steps that spiraled downwards, they could hear the echoes of men shouting at each other as they tore apart Ember Hall only to find it completely empty.

EPISODE 3 of 12 – Sleight of Hand

Flossie has ambitions to be a great detective. So, when a body drops dead on her best friends living room floor, she sees this as an opportunity to uncover who committed the murder. But with the king’s guardsmen on high alert looking for a stranger, first, she must work with Felix to hide the body.

TOLD FROM THE POV OF FLOSSIE

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Charisma and Flossie returned to the main room with mere seconds to have a look round for any incriminating evidence of a once dead man lying on the floor before the front door was forced open.

“Excuse us, but what is this all about?” Charisma asked, folding her arms in defiance as half a dozen guardsmen filed into the room. Their leader stood out only by the cleanliness of his uniform. His beard and mustache matched the auburn color of his hair, all curls that bounced about when he removed his helmet.

“Begging your pardon, misses, but the king has ordered us to search every flat, starting with lower Wondermere and working our way back towards the colosseum. This will only take a moment.”

“And what, may we ask, are you looking for? We might save you the trouble of tearing apart my friend’s flat,” Flossie interjected, standing shoulder to shoulder with Charisma.

“A very dangerous man,” he answered, eyeing the two women suspiciously. “Are you saying this isn’t your flat?”

“It is not. We’re here to check on a sick friend. We live next door, you see. Her father is the wand maker—” Flossie started but was cut short.

“Your father is Chester Price? THE Chester Price?” The gentleman’s eyes lit up at the mention of her father’s name. Charisma was used to this happening and although she hated to use it, she knew that now was the time to set her personal feelings aside and use it to her advantage.

“That is indeed her father—” Flossie said, trying to interject but was again cut short.

“That means you’re Charisma Price. Well, blimey. You probably don’t remember me, but the first time I ever entered your father’s shop you were no higher than me knee,” he continued, gesturing the height with his hand beside his leg.

Charisma took a closer look at him and realized he was older than he looked. His facial hair hid the signs of aging evident in his eyes. Though his smile was so large and bright when he realized who she was that it managed to take considerable age off him as well.

She spent many hours at her father’s shop when she was a child as he could not afford to pay someone to look after her and she was much too young for school. Those were happier times.

“My father had many customers and I was just a child. Were you there shopping for yourself?” Charisma asked, raising one hand to scratch the side of her head awkwardly, nudging Flossie in the process to try and get her to notice the guardsmen were getting closer to the closed bedroom door at the other end from where they stood.

“Not me, miss,” he chuckled. “I could no more pull a rabbit out of a hat as my own wife could cook one.” He threw his head back and guffawed louder than was necessary considering how close they were standing to each other. Flossie startled at the sound but she and Charisma managed to return a smile at his flat joke just the same.

“We didn’t catch your name?” Flossie asked. 

“Sir Gareth Ravenswood,” he said, extending his hand to Charisma to shake, even though it was Flossie who asked him his name. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Charisma reluctantly extended her left hand. She was surprised at how soft and smooth it was. She was expecting it to be not unlike her father’s hands. Calloused and scared. A true craftsman’s hands he would often say. She knew straight away Sir Gareth likely received his rank within the king’s guardsmen by inheritance. This meant the men under him did all the grunt work while he stood around talking to ladies of the house, as he was doing now.

One of the guardsmen approached Sir Gareth and whispered in his ear. His eyes examined Charisma then Flossie before nodding and dismissing the young guard.

“The bedroom door is closed. May we enter it? Just a routine search, of course.”

Flossie stepped forward defensively. “Is it absolutely necessary? It’s just that we just put our dear friend down for the night and he may not appreciate all of you barging in there unannounced.”

“I will be the only one to enter. You have my word,” he said and stood beside the bedroom door, waiting for either Charisma or Flossie to open it. The last thing he wanted was word of how he treated Charisma to reach her father. His rank could be taken away just as easily as it was given to him.

Charisma opened the door slowly then stepped to one side for Sir Gareth enter first. The room was dark so little could be seen by anyone entering. It contained a four poster bed tucked away in the farthest corner, tattered and faded drapes hung all around, concealing whoever was sleeping within. The shuttered windows made it reek of dust and dampness. It was a smell most unpleasant to Flossie when she assisted in carrying the corpse into the room. But she remarked how it would at least serve to mask the presence of death in the room. 

Beside the bed was a desk with few personal effects covering nearly every inch of it. There were papers with scribbled notes and illustrations, half melted candlesticks, and more dead rose stems than anyone should have in their possession, let alone an elderly man. Nearest the bed was one solitary candle, it was lit but it barely illuminated the table it sat upon as it flickered in the stillness of the room. In front of the bed was a large chest with neatly folded blankets and extra pillows on top.

As Sir Gareth entered, his heavy boots thudded across the hardwood floor. He walked to the middle of the room and looked around at every shadow and furniture before his eyes stopped on the bed. With all the curtains drawn he could not see who was inside.

“I assure you, he is fast asleep,” Charisma said. He raised his hand to silence her as he approached the bed. He leaned in close before carefully pulling back the curtain just as a low snore emerged from within.

Thick blankets covered Felix who was fast asleep, his nightcap still on his head. Sir Gareth looked around the bed that appeared to only occupy one person. He let the curtain return to its original place and gestured back towards the bedroom door. He, Charisma and Flossie exited together.

“Satisfied?” Flossie asked, putting on an air of agitation by the invasion of privacy, hoping it would get them to leave sooner.

“Not quite,” said Sir Gareth, letting a hint of frustration towards Flossie show. “Have you ever been to Ember Hall?”

“What are you insinuating? You know that would never be allowed let alone possible. Her father would have her head if he caught wind of his daughter—”

“I can answer for myself, Fliss,” said Charisma, cutting off her best friend from coming to her defense as usual. She can tell when Flossie has been pushed just a hair too far and she was afraid that point had been reached long time ago. If she didn’t intervene she may be visiting her childhood friend Fliss within the palace walls, their prison wing. “No, Sir Gareth, I have not been to Ember Hall. As you well know, it is for members of magicianary only and their assistants. I’m afraid I cannot have the privilege of such an honor and as for working for an act? Well, as my dear friend Fliss here pointed out, that is indeed out of the question. Why do you ask?”

“The stranger we are after was last sighted leaving there, headed in this direction. I simply want to make sure you steer clear of places like that at night.”

“You can rest assured I go to work at the colosseum every morning and come straight home in the evening. There is little time for late night dalliances at halls or pubs for the daughter of Chester Price.” The way she spoke her father’s name made Sir Gareth realize their relationship wasn’t as close as he expected. He only wish he had a father like her’s, who got to work with magicians all day, fitting them with a wand in the evening hours. Instead, he was left with a family legacy that was relegated to service and duty to the crown for his life and the life of his children and his children’s children.

Sir Gareth bowed his head slightly to Charisma to signal his departure. When he reached the door he spun on his heels and asked, “Does your father know you’re spending time with strange men at night?”

“Felix isn’t a strange man. He’s my friend. And of course my father knows I check in on Felix from time to time. Living alone can be lonely sometimes. Fliss and I like to keep him company when we can. Will that be all, Sir Gareth?”

“Yes,” Flossie said, “we must see what mess your men made of our flats while we weren’t there to observe them. I’m sure they’ve left us with quite a lot of work to do before we can retire for the night.” She pushed past Sir Gareth and waited for him on the other side of the front door threshold. He whistled to his men who, upon hearing it, stopped whatever they were doing, wherever they were, and filed outside immediately to await further instructions.

“It’s not safe out here at night, miss,” said Sir Gareth, taking a step towards Charisma, whispering so only she could hear his words. “This stranger is believed to be dangerous. I’d hate for something to happen to Chester Price’s only daughter on my watch. If you see anyone suspicious just scream. My men are posted everywhere. You may not see them, but they are there. One of them will be sure to hear you.”

He held a hand out for hers. She hesitated and that was enough for him to know his instincts that she was hiding something was right. “I shall be sure to tell my father of the care and interest you’re taking in his only daughter at night. I’m sure he’ll want to extend his thanks.” She placed her hand in his and they locked eyes as he raised it to his lips, placing a kiss upon her fingers before letting go. 

“No need. It is a public service I am commanded to provide to everyone of Wondermere.”

Once he and his men were out of Felix’s flat, Flossie reentered and slammed the door behind her. 

“We’ll have to keep an eye out for him. I don’t like the way he said my father’s name,” said Charisma. Flossie peeked out the window beside the front door to confirm there was no one in sight before pounding on the bedroom door. “And why tell us about Ember Hall so freely. A trap to see if we’ll go there?”

“If it was then he’s smarter than I give him credit for,” Fliss said, stepping back from the window before shouting, “All clear. You can come out now!”

“Fliss, we can’t,” Charisma said, recognizing the smirk on Flossie’s face all too well. The last time she saw that smirk was when it was her first day working at the colosseum. Charisma got the job through her father and vouched for Flossie who was in desperate need of money after her aunt and only means of support became too ill to work. She was given the task all new members of Miss. Pomroy’s staff are given, to sweep the entrance of the colosseum. It was a right of passage that Flossie nearly failed had Charisma had not caught her scheme first. There Flossie was, availing herself of a cigarette, leaning against the entryway of the colosseum, while a couple of vagrant children she’d met only that morning were busy doing her job. When Charisma confronted her about it she explained Miss. Pomroy would be pleased with her initiative and that perhaps Charisma needed to take up smoking to relieve the strain she was clearly under. It was then that Flossie understood why Charisma was Miss. Pomroy’s protege and her best friend. She finally relented, once the children were done and properly paid, of course. And as it happened, Miss. Pomroy arrived not a moment later to congratulate Flossie in her exemplary work and in half the time that anyone else, including Charisma, had done it on her first day.

“Can’t what?” Fliss asked with a wink.

Felix came bounding out of the bedroom, filled with excitement. “Do you think they suspected anything?”

“He didn’t even bat an eye at your chest in front of the bed. Stroke of genius having us put him in there. I just hope he won’t be too much trouble to get out. We had as tough a time as any getting him inside,” said Flossie, her heard racing from the excitement.

“Just a moment, Felix,” said Charisma, trying to keep her line of questioning from getting changed to the subject of the body in the chest. “Flossie, we are most definitely not going to Ember Hall tonight or ever.”

Felix’s eyes widened at the mention of Ember Hall. He knew it very well. “What is this about Ember Hall?”

“Sir Gareth of the king’s guardsmen saw fit to inform us that’s where our gentleman friend in your chest was last sighted before headed this way. I can think of no better place to go next if we ever hope to find out who he is and why he dropped dead at your feet after giving you this,” said Flossie, pulling out the deck of cards she had hidden in her pants pocket and holding it in the air.

Upon seeing the deck Felix staggered back. “I don’t believe it. I mean, I had a feeling he had it but not until now did I truly believe it. You two have no idea…none at all…”

Flossie furrowed her eyebrows in Felix’s direction. She knew he was hiding something and now was as good a time as any to come clean. “I’ve had about enough of your cryptic words and behavior, Felix. Out with it. What exactly do you know about all this?”

Felix took a deep breath and tried to straighten his back before looked only at Charisma. “If he is who I think he is, then I know him very well. In order for you two to understand I have to show you something. Wait here please,” he said, and disappeared to his bedroom, returning only a few moments later with a book  that he gripped with unsteady hands. “This book and that deck belong together. That is to say, the owner of the deck wrote this book.”

Flossie handed the deck to Charisma. “You mean…That’s the lost Magic Codex of Cards?” Felix nodded his head before taking a seat at his table nearby. “I don’t believe it. That book is a thing of legend.”

“So is the deck you hold in your hands. Both believed to have been destroyed long ago. And yet, here they are. Not only very much real but back together as they were meant to be. Now, that I do not believe is coincidence or chance luck.”

“No Felix, it surely isn’t,” said Charisma. “It’s a damn reason good enough for going to Ember Hall.”

“Thank you, Charisma. Here I thought I’d have to talk you into you. I do believe being my friend this long has brought about your curiosity too.”

“Don’t thank me yet, Fliss. You forget how difficult it is to gain entry to a place like Ember Hall. As women we can’t simply walk in. We need to have employment with an act that is a member of the hall. We neither have employment nor know what acts are members of that particular hall.”

“I do. I know an act that should still be members of Ember Hall,” Felix said, shifting his eyes away from Charisma and Flossie.

“Now Felix, why would you know such information? That’s usually kept very much a secret within the inner circles of magicianary. Not even a magician would divulge that kind of information to another magician for fear their performance and tricks could be stolen. Unless…I don’t believe it.”

“What?” Charisma asked, looking from Flossie to Felix and back again.

“My dear Charisma, we are standing in the presence of the Great—no, the SHAMED Carnelian.”

EPISODE 2 of 12 – Sleight of Hand

A dead body on her living room floor isn’t Charisma’s only problem. Felix, her much older next door neighbor decides to pay a visit when he thinks he recognizes the man on the doorstep. The retired magician does know the man and what must be done with the item given to Charisma. His chance for redemption within the magician community.

TOLD FROM THE POV OF FELIX

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Charisma sat up in her chair, a look of fright on her face. Flossie, ever the devoted friend, carefully lifted the rectangular box from the table and put it in the hidden pocket of her pants. Although women had been allowed to wear trousers they were not provided the benefit of traditional pockets. This was intentional, to dissuade them from putting their hands inside of them as a sign of posturing, which ladies ought never do. But they needed pockets, surely. 

Whatever they needed, Miss. Pomroy was quick to provide. Without the knowledge of any men, nor the textile company that manufactured the trousers, Miss. Pomroy took them and fastened them with pockets unnoticeable to anyone besides the wearer. The pockets weren’t very big but the perfect size for whatever they may need to hide.

The knock came again, this time a loud banging. Flossie crept to the window beside the front door and pulled the curtain back slowly.

“Ahh!” She screamed, and letting go of the curtain, backed away from the window.

“Well, who is it?” Charisma asked in a whispered tone. She went to the window and peeked out herself. She sighed with relief when she realized it was their next door neighbor. “It’s only Felix,” she said, “should we let him in?”

They both looked over at the dead man then back at each other. They had to tell someone what happened and hope that a cooler head would know how best to handle the situation. Without saying a word they nodded in unison and agreement before Charisma opened the front door.

Felix stormed passed her, a faint smell of cherry that Charisma recognized as what her father fills his pipe with just before bed, followed him inside. She couldn’t believe what he was wearing and her eyes were like saucers staring at the sight of him in a long over coat, pajama pants, and slippers. 

He saw the body lying on the floor, devoid of life and turned back to the girls, his hands on his hips. “Fine mess of trouble you’ve found yourselves in.” He looked at Charisma who gripped the open door to steady her wavering nerves. “Don’t just stand there with the bloody door open for all the world to see,” he said and quickly pried the door from her hand to shut it. She stumbled slightly. Flossie rushed to her aid and helped her back to her seat at the table.

Felix walked over to the man and kicked him with a slippered foot, that nearly came off, to make sure he was truly dead.

“You recognize him, don’t you?” Flossie asked, standing beside him.

“I knew of him, yes. You might say I expected him, actually. Just not in such a state as this. And not at your door.”

“Dead, you mean. You didn’t expect him to be so dead. And in my home now. What will my father say? What shall we do, Felix?” Charisma was slowly starting to unravel as her mind caught up with what was happening.

“Steady on, young lady. No use flying off the handle just yet. There is work to be done. Now, did he say anything or give you anything…perhaps…that might help us understand what brought him here?”

Flossie furrowed her eyebrows. “What makes you ask that? How do you know if he gave us anything? Who exactly is he, Felix?”

Felix took a seat at the table and pulled his nightcap, that matched his pants, off his head, revealing just a few wisps of hair on top and snow white hair around his ears, neatly combed back into a ponytail. “I suspect he is the man in possession of the First Deck.” Both girls inhaled simultaneously when he spoke those words. “That’s him, isn’t it? And he gave you the deck? Where is it? Hand it over.”

“How can we be sure what you’re saying is true? How can we trust your word that whatever we tell you won’t be blabbed to the nearest king’s guardsman?” Flossie asked, apprehensive. To even be heard uttering the words First Deck could lead to immediate imprisonment or worse.

“Fliss, let’s hear him out before we make false accusations. He’s here to help. You are here to help us, aren’t you Felix? My father never had a cross word about you. Which is more than he could say…” Charisma’s eyes were sad and tired. More than a hard days work weighed on her mind and Felix knew it. He didn’t have to be such a nosey neighbor to overhear the arguments between a father and his rebellious daughter who seemed to be exhibiting more and more signs that she was just like the mother she never knew. 

“Of course. No need to question where my loyalties lie. Definitely not at the feet of the crown, I assure you. There’s a reason the Conroy’s have precious little friends and money. If not for their hold on the colosseum they would be as irrelevant as I am.” Felix leaned forward and squeezed her hand for reassurance. “You ladies have no idea who I am, do you?” They both shook their heads. “Your father knows. He’s a good man,” Felix said, looking at Charisma he gave her a reassuring wink, then turned his gaze away towards the fire. “You’ve heard of The Great Carnelian?”

He looked back at Charisma who shrugged her shoulders but Flossie knew all about The Great Carnelian. It was evident by  the look of disgust on her face. It was a look Felix had to deal with wherever he went for years until he learned how to perform his greatest magic act of them all; hiding.

“Why mention that name in this house? Especially after praising her father. If you know he is such a good man then you know the name of Carnelian should never be spoken of here. Are you saying that’s him?” She looked over at the dead man.

Felix squeezed his nightcap in his hand, holding back the glistening of tears in his eyes.

“Carnelian? Wait, why does that name sound familiar to me?” Charisma asked.

“Because it’s the name every magician vows never to become—” Felix started, but was interrupted by Flossie who could not stop herself from sharing her truest feelings about the Great Carnelian.

“He was a shameful excuse of a magician. Last I heard, he fled. Couldn’t stay here and atone for his crimes against magicianary everywhere,” Flossie said, seething.

“And what crimes were those, exactly?” Felix retorted, becoming more and more defensive. He took a deep breath to calm himself before continuing. “I apologize, miss. I’m sure it’s just the shock of the man, you see.”

“Still doesn’t explain why would he come here? I thought the Great Carnelian would be long dead by now or at least as far away from Wondermere as possible. If the rumors are to be believed.”

“Will someone explain who this Carnelian character is and why he should show up to die on my doorstep?”

Felix put his nightcap back on his bare head as the fire had died down since he arrived. “That doesn’t matter now. What does matter is what we’re going to do with him.”

“Well, he can’t stay here! My father will be home by the morning,” Charisma said.

“There is only one thing to do. We’ll have to take him to Ten Pence Alley. It could be days before anyone notices him there,” Felix suggests, rising to his feet.

“And how exactly do you propose we take a dead man all the way to Ten Pence? Should we all skip there holding hands?” Flossie asked with a chuckle.

“I’m stronger than I look and you look like you’ve hoisted a large crate or two in your profession. Surely—”

“Excuse me!” Flossie said, cutting off his insult. “Are you calling me—”

“Strong? Capable? Yes. I am. If we each take a side I think we can manage walking him to his final resting place.”

“I think you’re both mad. At this time of night it will never work. The king’s guardsmen are known for walking in the night. My father warns me to stay inside and away from the windows for that very reason. We would stand out. It’s far too dangerous. We’ll never make it,” Charisma argues.

“Well, if you two have a better idea I’d love to hear it?”

“How about we hide him at your place?” Flossie asked. “I mean, since you’re so keen to help us. Besides, if the king finds him it can only double the guardsmen. Better that we hide him.”

“Fine, as long as we’re agreed it’s just a temporary solution at least till we come up with a better means of transport. I’m not too keen on living with a corpse during my own declining years. And don’t think I won’t still require your assistance to get him next door,” Felix said, grabbing the dead man by one side. 

“Get a load of him. A second ago he’s as young and spritely as you and I, now he’s some old git.” Flossie got to the opposite side and together they managed to hoist him to his feet, just barely, before he began to slip.

“I apologize for my friend, Felix. I don’t think you two have ever properly met, have you? She can be a bit…” Charisma started, struggling to find the right word to describe her childhood friend.

“Witty? Charming? Intelligent? I’m sure those are the words that seem to be so difficult for you to come by, dear friend,” Flossie replied through grunts and groans as she and Felix made their way to the door.

Charisma opened the front door for them and followed close behind while they awkwardly made their way next door to Felix’s flat. “I could’ve sworn you lived closer than this,” Flossie grunted, trying to make light of their current situation. Her knees began to buckle under the dead man’s weight.

“Saints above. Someone’s coming,” Charisma managed to squeak out. A few yards away were two gentlemen, arguing about something that couldn’t quite be made out, walking towards them at a fairly fast pace. As they got closer they barely glanced in the direction of Flossie and Felix, let alone the dead man they were holding up.

One of the gentlemen tipped his hat while the other smiled and said, “Evening ladies. Do you require some assistance?” More as a sign of politeness than actually wanting to help. They could tell exactly what was happening. A drunk member of the family had been out on a bender and the poor women had to be left to carry him home. In a way they both felt sorry for the poor sod and the wallop he was sure to receive when he sobered up in the morning.

“Not at all. Thank you, gentleman. We can manage,” Charisma said, stepping directly in front of them so they couldn’t see what was going on. “I’m afraid my— uncle?— Yes. My uncle has had far too much too drink. Out celebrating I suspect. Just like uncle…uncle Henry to find any reason to celebrate. I think he’s embarrassed us enough for one night.”

“Of course, miss,” the gentleman said with the smile and the two continued on their way, picking up right where they left off in their argument.

“That was a close one,” Charisma said, rubbing her hands together to steady their shaking.

“The door,” Felix grunted. “It should be unlocked.” Charisma hurried in front of them and flung it open, stepping aside long enough to let the trio in before shutting it behind her. 

Both Flossie and Felix tripped over the man in the middle and stumbled forwards, letting him fall to the floor in order to save themselves from doing the same.

“Now what?” Flossie asked, stretching her arms in the air and leaning from side to side in order to exercise the muscles she just used.

“Help me at least get him over to the sofa. We can’t just leave him lying there forever.”

Charisma held her hand up to silence them as she put her ear close to the front door. “Do you hear that?”

Felix stepped carefully over the corpse on the floor to reach his window and peer through the curtains. It didn’t take him long to know exactly what it was Charisma heard. He backed away from the window slowly.

“It’s the king’s guardsmen. They’re pounding on your door.”

“Bollocks,” Flossie said, taking a look for herself. She joined Felix in backing away from the window. “It looks like they just let themselves into your flat. They’ll be going upstairs to mine next.”

“We must act quickly. Both of you take a leg and follow me,” Felix said, turning the dead man onto his back to make it easier to lift him once more.

“You want me to help?” Charisma asked. The idea of touching a corpse turned her stomach.

“This is your mess, not mine. I could just as easily tell them I found him dead in your flat,” Felix argued.

“And he got here how exactly?” Flossie asked, coming to her best friends aid.

“We don’t have time for this. We’ll all have a date with the hangman’s noose if you don’t help me to hide him. Now, are you going to grab a leg or are we going to take our chances that the king is feeling gracious and understanding this evening?”

Charisma took a deep breath and said, “Fine, let’s get this over with.” She bent down and grabbed a hold of one leg while Flossie did the same on his other leg. Felix grabbed him from under his armpits and together they managed to lift him.

Felix led them into his bedroom just as a pounding sound could be heard at his front door.

“Open this door at once. The king’s guardsmen must search your premises immediately.”

EPISODE 1 of 12 – Sleight of Hand

Our story begins with Charisma and Flossie on their way home from a long day at work when they encounter a stranger on their doorstep who suddenly drops dead. But not before presenting something to Charisma that could get her killed if she’s ever found with it.

TOLD FROM THE POV OF CHARISMA

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The coach rocked back and forth as it labored  through busy streets. Charisma and Flossie sat together, along with two women much older in age sitting opposite. They leaned ever so slightly as the coach took turns at a quick pace. Charisma gripped the curtain that kept the setting sun out to steady herself.

At one crossroad they heard the coachman shout at pedestrians on foot to, “watch where ya goin’,” before urging the horse to continue on its way by blowing short whistles and cracking the reins on their back.

Charisma pulled the curtain back slightly to watch the setting sun through the tall buildings as they road out of central Wondermere. Once the coach passed under Tarney Bridge she knew they were safely out of the city and headed towards lower Wondermere where everyone lived.

The women on the left who sat opposite Flossie, opened one eye and pointed it right at Charisma. The light from the setting sun happened to be hitting her face at just the right angle for her to feel it and partially wake from her deep sleep. Flossie elbowed her best friend who quickly let go of the curtain. Before she could begin her apologies the woman closed her eyelid and joined her companion in their sleep.

It wasn’t long before the two older women snored in perfect harmony. After weeks of traveling to and from work every morning and night it became a sort of ritual for them to gossip in the day and sleep at night. They would tell you it was from exhaustion after a long and grueling day working at the colosseum but Charisma and Flossie worked there as well, and though they were far younger they were also just as tired.

The coach was provided by the king after much discussion and negotiations between himself and Miss. Pomroy, the caretaker of the colosseum. She argued, and won the point, that her staff worked tirelessly so that the colosseum remained looking its best for the annual events. Therefore, as recompense, they needed a mode of transportation separate from everyone else. It was indeed a luxury that Charisma and Flossie did not take for granted as they knew how long it would take them if they were forced to travel on foot or by hiring their own coach which they could never afford. 

To minimize the need to hire dozens of coaches per worker, which was a luxury the king hated being forced to provide, he insisted those who live nearest each other were to travel together and Miss. Pomroy quickly agreed. She saw it as a learning experience for everyone to get to know each other outside of the colosseum. Miss. Pomroy was always looking for ways to teach everyone, especially the youth, a lesson whether they wanted to learn one or not. Flossie always did find it interesting that Miss. Pomroy, who lived even closer to her and Charisma than their two snoring passengers, was the only one to have her own coach home. 

And while Charisma, as always, was willing to engage in conversation with everyone she came in contact with, the older women saw the evening ride as a time to sleep before the chores of tending to the home. Charisma and Flossie soon became used to the snoring and thought of the sound as a pair of frogs conversing on a lily pad. The hats on their heads, held down loosely by hairpins, bobbed up and down but did little to wake the sleeping women.

“I hope I sleep that well when I’m older,” Flossie said, elbowing Charisma who craned her head to look out the sliver of curtain at the sunset changing the sky from yellow to orange, then deep purple.

“Not me. I don’t think I could ever grow tired of watching the sun set. Look at it. I think it’s best inside—”

“The colosseum at night. Yes, I know. I swear if I had a pence for every time you mentioned the way the sun looks when it sets over the colosseum we could finally afford a private coach. Which would be a pity. Look at what we’d miss every night.” As if on cue, the two women opposite them snorted simultaneously. Charisma and Flossie giggled.

“You don’t understand what it’s like. To feel the suns rays on your face that brief moment before the lamps come on. The spotlight. The crowd…”

Flossie crossed her legs, forgetting how close they sat to the women opposite them. Her foot kicked one of them and she woke instantly. A look of disgust on her face as she glared at Flossie, her eyes traveling from her face down to her crossed legs and back again.

“Women have been allowed to wear trousers for years now. Makes the kind of work we do a lot easier. High time you quit turning your noses up about it,” Flossie snapped,  uncrossing her legs but crossing her arms in defiance of the death stare. The older woman leaned forward, brushed her petticoat of the phantom dirt that Flossie’s shoe didn’t leave behind and swiftly returned to sleep. Her snores rejoined her friend’s as if there were no interruption at all. A brief hiccup in their duet.

“You mustn’t speak to her that way. You know what a gossip she is. Ever since the whole trousers issue you know what Miss. Pomroy said. ‘Just because we wear them, doesn’t mean we ought to start behaving ill-mannered like men—”

“It will only lead to trouble.” Flossie parroted. “I know. A minor slip. I won’t let it happen again. Promise.”

The coach came to a sudden stop and the coachman shouted from above, slamming his foot down at the same time, “Hallow Lane.”

This is where Charisma and Flossie exited the coach every night. After Charisma opened the door on her side and stepped down, she held her hand out for Flossie. No sooner did her feet touch the ground did she feel the door slam shut behind her and someone shout, “scrub!”

Without a second thought, Flossie retorted, “FUSSOCK,” as the coach pulled away, her fist waving in anger.

Charisma gripped her arm to hold her back. “You better hope she didn’t hear you or we’ll be in for an earful tomorrow.”

“Not you, my dear. Miss. Pomroy has never said a negative word against you since you came to work at the colosseum. Let’s face it, Charisma, you are her protégé. I’m sure she is getting you ready to take her place when the time comes.”

They started to walk down Hallow Lane road to their house. Charisma and her father occupy the first floor of a two floor home in a row of identical homes done us the same. There were street lamps that lit there way every few feet. The wind blew fallen leaves around them as their feet echoed on the cobblestone street.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Fliss. You know only a Pomroy woman can take her place and I’m not a Pomroy.”

“No, but her son is…”

Charisma’s jaw dropped that her best friend would even suggest such a thing. “Tom? Pimple-faced Tom Pomroy? Isn’t he nearly ten years older than us? I would never. Take that back.” She pinched Flossie in the shoulder.

“Ouch! Okay, okay, fine. Bad idea. Doesn’t mean if given half the chance she wouldn’t pass it on to you. As she has no daughter, you’re the closest thing. Unless old pimple-face finds him a wife and has a daughter.” Charisma suddenly stopped walking. Flossie, a few steps ahead, realized this and turned back to see a concerned look on her friend’s face. “What is it?”

“There’s a strange man standing in front of our house. Don’t you notice him?”

Flossie turned back up the street, their building was only a few more yards away on their side of the road. Some buildings had lights on inside but they didn’t do much to illuminate a dark figure teetering from side to side in front of their door.

“Oh dear. It must be some damn drunk fool who lost his way. I told you, ever since that tavern opened at the other end we’d have this happen. See, I was right.”

“Well, whoever it is, we better help him find his way home. Last thing I need is my father finding some strange man passed out drunk on the doorstep when he comes home in the morning.”

They both approached the swaying man cautiously and managed to flank him on either side before beginning their line of questioning, just in case he should decide to fall over.

“Sir, can we help you?” Flossie asked, attempting to keep him still by gripping his right arm and shoulder. Charisma rushed to the front door and turned on their lamp beside the doorway so they could see him more clearly. Perhaps they might recognize him.

“Fliss, is that…blood?” Charisma asked, pointing a shaky hand at the man’s abdomen.

He wore a long black overcoat that stretched to his dirt covered boots, a frayed hat concealed his face, though Flossie could see he had a thick beard and mustache, and carried a sack slung over one shoulder.

“Help me. He’s getting heavier to hold up,” Flossie said through gritted teeth as she struggled to help him stay upright. He was clearly about to collapse. Charisma grabbed him on the left side and together they managed to lean him against the front door. Flossie unlocked it and all three of them pitched forward into the house, the man hitting the floor with a thud.

“Heavens above,” Flossie said, kicking his feet inside and closing the front door quickly behind them before anyone noticed what had just happened.

The man began to groan as he lay on the ground in the hall. The home was small but contained two apartments. Each with their own living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms. As Charisma’s apartment was easiest to get to, they each grabbed hold of his arms and dragged him as best they could into the living room, turning him over onto his back. He had become far too heavy to get up onto the nearby couch.

“Who do you suppose he is? I don’t recognize him.” Flossie removed his hat to get a better look at him by the dim fire that was dying out in the fireplace. Charisma quickly added two logs, bringing it back to life.

“I’ve never seen him around here before either. Ever since that tavern we have been getting more and more strangers around here. None of them on our doorstep though,” Charisma said, kneeling down beside him to check his wound. “This looks much worse than I thought,” she said, placing her hand over the wound and pulling it away to show it covered in blood.

“Not good. Really not good. Hey, you, wake up.” Flossie patted him on either side of his face to rouse him but he just winced in pain.

“That’s not going to get us anywhere, Fliss. Maybe his bag will tell us who he is.” Charisma started to rifle through his sack which fell open near the front door. It was empty.

Flossie, on the other hand, got a pitcher of water and before she could be stopped, poured it over his head. He gagged and choked and spluttered awake. His eyes opened wide he looked about the room crazily. “Help—me—.” His words were labored and short as he was unable to take a breath. He reached out a hand. Flossie pulled away but Charisma was unafraid of him. He reminded her of her father and she hoped that if he were ever in danger, that someone would help him. She knelt beside him and took his hand in hers. He focused his eyes on her, deep black pools there would soon be lost forever. “Take—this—please—.” He reached in his coat pocket and with a shaking hand covered in tiny scratches, he placed something in her hand, and held it tightly between them. “You—mustn’t—be afraid.” He coughed and blood trickled out the corner of his mouth.

Flossie put a hand on Charisma’s shoulder for support.

“Your—destined—to be great…” The last words be spoke before he took his last breath. His hand fell away from hers. She stared at him for what seemed like eternity forgetting where she was or what had just happened. She blinked and one tear fell down her cheek.

“Charisma,” Flossie said, her voice bringing her back to the present, “What is that?” She pointed down at Charisma’s hand.

She glanced down and stood up immediately, her eyes never leaving its sight. “Not possible.” She tossed it onto the dining table. 

Flossie turned up the light over the table and looked at it closely without touching it. She turned her head towards Charisma with a smile. “It is indeed. You’ve just been given the most wanted item in all of Wondermere. Damn I hate your luck!”

“This isn’t funny, Fliss. If that’s what we both think it is, I could be dead by morning.”

“And if it isn’t, you’ve still got a dead body on your hands to deal with. That might send you to the gallows just as easily. So why not this!” Flossie said, reaching her hand out to pick it up before turning to Charisma for permission first. Charisma nodded her consent. “We should open it, don’t you think?”

“Absolutely not,” Charisma said and snatched it out of Flossie’s hands. 

“But we need to be sure it is what we think first before we can be sure what to do about it, right? It’s the only logical thing to do.”

“The logical thing to do would be for me to take it and chuck it in the fire right now. Forget we ever saw it or knew it existed.”

“That’s a terrible idea,” Flossie said, taking a seat at the dining table. “Damn, I wish I smoked cigarettes. This is the moment when Kinter or Turpin would light a pipe while they discuss the case.”

“The case? What case? There is no case, Fliss. If I get rid of this no one will be any the wiser.”

“Why do I seem to be the only one remembering the dead man lying on your floor? Do you plan on putting him in the fire too? I’ve read up on things like this and your small fire would hardly get rid of a dead body. No, what we’ve got to do is put him somewhere until we find out what this is all about. It’s what Kinter and Turpin would do, surely.”

Charisma flopped down in the chair opposite Flossie in defeat. She knew her friend was right. She also was just as curious about this thing she was just given. She placed it gently down on the table and rested her chin on the table beside it, staring at it, daring herself to open it.

Then came a knock at the door.

Sleight of Hand

Unlike the simple outline, this one is far more in-depth. The is the result of taking my simple outline and expanding upon it considerably. I like to know approximately, how many chapters and how long the book will be when all is said and done. This is my breakdown of each “save the cat” beat into chapters and words. Be warned, this is nearly 7.5k words and not for the faint of heart to read.

NOTE: The actual novel will likely only follow about 15% of this actual outline. Again, I use outlines as breadcrumbs not as the “must be followed” blueprint. I am only sharing this as insight into the process by which I write a novel.

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68k – 106.5k / 41 Chapters

A TRAVELER, A KING, AND A PRINCE [1k – 2k]

Tell the brief backstory about how these three people brought magic into the kingdom of Gladwick and the rest of the world. VERY brief tale. Also, must end with the prince growing up unable to learn card magic and thereby outlawing it when he becomes king.

King Malfus II | Born 1549 – Died 1611 (62)

Crowned King when he was 19 years old in the year 1568.

Son (Prince) was born when he was 26 in the year 1575.

Traveler arrived on the scene when he was 41 in the year 1590. On the prince’s 15^th birthday.

A MAGICIAN’S WAND [2k – 2.5k]

Charisma arrives home from an overnight shift at work. The sun has not begun to rise yet, and even though she is tired, she still wants to keep up with her nightly ritual of practicing in front of her mirror with a wand given to her by her father. Maybe he wakes up to get ready for work. Mention that he is a craftsman for the king who makes magicians wands. He reminds her, yet again, that she must be extra cautious about hiding that she has a wand. Women aren’t allowed to practice magic or to own a magician’s wand and besides all that, he’s heard that the Advisor is searching for a wanted man who’s been sighted in their village. He’s believed to be in possession of contraband and might be dangerous. He leaves her to her wand waving.

A KNOCK AT THE DOOR [1k – 2k]

Charisma isn’t thinking when she opens the door, wand still in hand, to find a wounded man on her doorstep. She helps him in and gets him cleaned up. She can tell he’s in really bad shape. Their kingdom is not very small, but she knows she’s never seen him before and realizes he must be the wanted man her father had just told her about. The man sees her magician’s wand on the floor that she forgot to conceal before she opened the door and decides to tell her who he is and with his last breath gives her a parcel that contains a journal and a deck of playing cards.

THE RETIRED MAGICIAN [2k – 3k]

Unsure of what to do as she has a dead man in her living room, Charisma runs next door as the sun is now fully risen and wakes her neighbor. Disheveled and annoyed Felix answers the door. He is not pleased to find a young girl on his doorstep. She tells him that her father is off to work but that there is trouble in her home, and he must help. He uses a cane. Describe his appearance here. He suggests they bury him however he can’t help her lift the body and suggests he enlist the help of a friend he trusts. He leaves and returns with a teenage boy that Charisma recognizes as she’s seen him around. Bit of a recluse. She discovers he doesn’t speak. Some traumatic event in his life. He gets groceries and does odd jobs around the house for Felix. Together they manage to move the dead body to Felix’s backyard and bury him.

THE JOURNAL [1k – 2k]

Once the body is buried and they are all enjoying a cool drink, Felix asks the quintessential question: Who is that man? The mute boy pulls a crumpled copy of the Gladwick Times from his back pocket and points to a headline about the man they just buried. Felix is extra pissed now. He didn’t realize he was conspiring to bury someone the king’s Advisor was looking for! Then Charisma shows him the journal and deck of cards the man gave her. Felix hurries them inside his house before anyone sees what she has. This is where Charisma quickly realizes that he’s a magician and he gives her a short answer about the fact that he’s retired and doesn’t want to discuss it further. She tells him the guy said to look for some such dude as he will know what to do with the journal and cards, etc. Felix never heard of the guy, but he knows who they could who would know. Only thing is, they will have to change their outward appearances first.

EMBER HALL [3k – 4k]

Felix in disguise and Charisma dressed as a man, with the mute boy in tow, make their way to Ember Hall. Here is where I can discuss that the Halls within Gladwick Kingdom are intended for magicians to use for rehearsal and practice before they perform in a theater. There are two halls located closer to the Colosseum that is utilized by troops specifically for that venue. Any halls outside of these two are designated for Theater performers. Describe the outside insignificant appearance of this hall as well as the bouncer who doesn’t say much but is standing guard at the door. He is carrying a gun. Felix produces a letter to the guard that gets them inside. He then lets the teenage boy who is at the desk just inside that he’s invited by The Great Davoren and shows him the letter. On the wall just behind the boy is a bunch of pictures of men who are not allowed inside any Hall or Theater. Charisma recognizes one of them as being Felix! But the name under his face is The Great Carnelias? The boy lets them go up in a lift. Describe how this pulley contraption works.

THE GREAT DAVOREN [2k – 3k]

Once on the floor of the troop they are looking for, let’s describe the sounds and smells. There are tall curtains that hang down from the ceiling in order to shield what is happening to anyone who steps off the elevator. But they can hear people talking and shouting and things being moved about. The person who manages the elevator shouts “COMPANY” before leaving. This silences the room immediately. A curtain opens and The Great Daroven emerges. Describe what he looks like and how warmly he greets Felix. Near slip of the tongue as he almost calls him by his stage name. Felix takes him aside to ask for his help while Charisma and the mute boy peek behind the curtain. Describe everyone on the other side milling about, smoking cigars, etc. waiting for the all-clear so they can return to what they are doing. The Great Daroven catches their curiosity and offers to show them a part of their act when overhead lights blink to signal trouble has just entered Ember Hall.

UNWELCOME INTRUDERS [1k – 1.5]

Everyone is very quiet, listening as whoever has entered the Hall is taken one floor at a time to search. Felix and The Great Daroven know immediately it must be the advisor to the king with some guards. He’s read the paper and knows the search is on for the man. But for the king’s guard to enter a Hall means it must be serious. They usually are not permitted unless it’s absolutely necessary. Daroven helps Felix, Charisma and the boy to escape through a secret passageway known only to the magicians who use the Hall. They leave just as the pulley system stops on the floor they were on. Felix can hear the advisor shouting orders for the guards to not leave one stone unturned.

THE BARRED MAN [2k – 3k]

Felix knows they can’t just be walking the streets. They need to get indoors but they are far from their homes. He overhears men walking past, talking about the king’s advisor just storming into a tavern. Felix realizes they can go there as the advisor will have already searched that tavern so it must be safe until they can figure out their next move. While in the tavern Charisma asks Felix why his picture was on that wall as someone who isn’t allowed to enter halls or theaters? Felix reveals a bit more about his past. That is to say, he tells her that he broke a law no magician is ever supposed to break. Here would be a good place to discuss the major rules that all magicians know. Like a pledge or code of honor that they vow to follow and if they should break it, then they can no longer be a magician. Charisma has the utmost respect for magicianary, especially as she hopes to be a magician someday (even though she knows women can’t be magicians). When she finds this out about Felix she no longer wants to trust or work with him. He tells her she’ll never get into the gambler’s shop without his help. Just because he’s excommunicated from halls and theaters doesn’t mean he’s without friends in VERY low places and they don’t come much lower than a gambler’s shop.

ANSIL [NAME OF THE GAMBLER’S SHOP] [1k – 2k]

The gambler’s shop is in a truly horrible part of town. But it’s open 24/7 as a haven for men who wish to lose their money and their hearts to women. It’s run by one man who employs only the best-looking women to be the waiters, the entertainment and the barkeep. It’s a well-known fact that magician’s or those who hold the king’s court would never be caught there. So, it’s no surprise when Felix and Charisma arrive, they should see the King’s guard are just outside. Ansil has a strict rule about not allowing guards into his place of business unless they have a search order from the King himself. However, the Advisor is allowed inside. The boy can’t go in as he is too young, so he waits outside while Felix and Charisma muscle up courage to walk past the guards and go inside. Describe the interior sort of like a saloon with round tables, loud and drunk men, a raised stage where women in scantily clad outfits are dancing and singing. There is a piano player and other musicians there. Felix asks the barkeep for the owner but he’s busy at the moment, so he and Charisma sit to watch the show that involves a dozen girls dancing about and singing. When it’s done, Charisma recognizes one of the girls and that girl recognizes her!

THE TERRIBLE DISGUISE [2k – 3k]

Joan/Flossie returns from backstage, with a bit more clothes on than she had before. She sits at Charisma’s table to ask what the hell she’s doing there. She tells her she needs to leave and looks over her shoulder to where the Advisor is seated. He’s too distracted talking intimately with another woman who was also on the stage earlier. Charisma tells her they are looking for some dude and if he’s been there recently? Joan recognizes the name and tell them she doesn’t know where he lives but Ansil would know as he is a frequent Underground user. But she cautions going anywhere near Ansil as he can’t be trusted and suggests they just wait till the sun sets as that is when this dude usually shows his face. Plus, during the morning and afternoon hours he spends his time in the underground. She whispers and explains what exactly the underground is. Felix doesn’t believe her! A place where magicians go to practice card magic? That’s impossible and illegal and would never happen. He’s friends with Ansil and surely their friendship would extend to being told such a secret. She intimates that perhaps his fall from grace is why Ansil didn’t trust him. They ask for her help in getting access to the underground. She explains the only way to get in is with a key.

THE UNDERGROUND [2k – 3k]

She takes them back to the dressing room area where all the girls change and so on, as one of the entrances to the underground is there. The main entrance is actually next door, but she explains that one they could never use as it’s the most heavily guarded. She gives Charisma a change of clothes and tells her that the disguise she has on just won’t work. If she’s dressed more feminine then they might get Ansil’s attention. And they do. Ansil wants to know what Flossie is doing down there. He didn’t call for a girl, let alone her. She introduces him to a “close friend” who needs a job. Describe the underground. A handful of men practicing card magic! Decks of cards everywhere. Some tables even having card games happening for money! Felix can’t believe it. He removes HIS disguise and Ansil is intrigued. Why should his friend enter his place in disguise? He knows something is up. They all sit at a table, Ansil sending Flossie back to work, and Charisma shows him the journal. He instructs her to put it away immediately and then takes them to his private office which is above ground.

A PROPOSITION [2k – 3k]

Felix wants to know from Ansil how long he’s been allowing card magic to happen under his shop and why he never told him. Ansil explains it was business not personal. See, Felix was really hurt when he was shunned by the community he grew up in and Ansil figured Felix might blab about the underground as a way to get back in good graces with the community. He couldn’t risk that. But Ansil is more interested in the journal that he was shown. They tell him who they are looking for and that they must find him quickly. Ansil tells them the bad news and shows them the death notices in the Gladwick Times. If they had just looked there, they could’ve saved themselves a lot of trouble sneaking around. The guy’s name was right there. He was found dead at his home. Ansil makes them a proposition. They should leave the journal with him and he’ll know exactly what to do with it. He would even cut them in on the profits he’d make. Charisma doesn’t like the idea. There’s something about Ansil she doesn’t like and can see why Joan said not to trust him. They try to leave but are unable to.

FINDER’S KEEPERS [1k – 2k]

Ansil has a guard outside his office who prevents them from leaving. He calls another to get the advisor for him as he might have some news on the man he’s looking for. Felix and Charisma need to act fast. Ansil tells them if they hand over the journal now, he’ll help them escape without notice and won’t tell the advisor about them. Felix makes Ansil promise he won’t hand it over to the advisor. Ansil tells him not to be stupid. Why would he hand over a gold mine? Felix tells Charisma to hand it over, that they’ll go back for it, he promises her. They hand it over and Ansil tells his guard to take them out the back. This is a dark tunnel with steps at the other end. They climb them and find they are in a bakery shop next door, reminding Felix that he is terribly hungry and picks up something for the mute boy as well.

MRS. POMROY [2k – 3k]

Filled with baked goods and ready for anything, Felix, Charisma, Joan/Flossie and the mute boy stop off at a local tavern to figure out their next move. Felix wants to retrieve the notebook mostly for his pride. His ego is bruised about Ansil. Charisma and Joan would sooner NOT interfere anymore. Charisma entertained the idea of learning card magic but as she knew nothing about it at all she feels less involved. Listening in the booth behind them is Mrs. Pomroy who butts into their conversation. She overheard them discussing card magic and feels compelled to say something. She turns her nose up at Joan (because of why she was dismissed) and turns her attention instead to Charisma. She tells her of a time long ago when King Malfoy brought magic to their kingdom and made it a part of their culture, and of the traveler who taught them all. Card magic was the key to captivating any audience. Only the most skilled and true magician can master it. To which the prince at the time was not. She promises not to breath a word of what she has heard but urges Charisma to reconsider walking away from an opportunity that may never present itself.

THE GLADWICK TIMES [3k – 4k]

A news boy shouts news about the opening day for the competition and how invitations have already been sent by the royal family. It’s tradition for the newspaper to print the names of those who’ve received invitations. One year the royal family released the names to the paper instead of sending personal invites. Felix mentions the rumor was that the royal family was running low on funds and couldn’t afford the paper! He sends the mute boy to buy a paper and he reads the front-page article to them. To which Joan wonders aloud if entering the competition and effectively winning with card magic wouldn’t be an excellent idea?

Further into the paper are small articles about the magic troops who have signed up already. The deadline to enter is less than 48hrs away so they will need to act fast if they want to enter. This is where we learn about the other troops. Their particulars such as name, lead magician, the set-up of all usual troops. 

A man rushes into the tavern for a stiff drink. They overhear him telling the barman how the advisor beat the living tar out of Ansil and trashed the place. Nearly set it on fire! It’ll take him months to rebuild! Luckily, he only destroyed everything above ground. Felix smiles and tells the others “tonight would be the most opportune time to pay our local menace a visit.”

A FOOL-PROOF PLAN [1k – 2k]

The time has come where the three of them decide to sneak into the gambler’s shop and take back the journal and deck of cards he stole. They find “Rick” nearly beaten to death. His place of business is worse than they heard. He tells them it was a message from the King’s advisor to anyone thinking they could get away with hiding from the law. It will not be tolerated. As greedy for money as “Rick” is, he hates the advisor even more. Ansil hid the journal and deck of cards, though he jokes that he didn’t even have to. The idiot advisor had no idea the journal was even there. He was after tearing the place down to send a message and wouldn’t have recognized a deck of cards if it were thrown in his face. He gives them the journal and deck of cards as he would have no real use for them now.

REVENGE [1k – 1.5k]

On their way out of the gambler’s shop to head home and pack some things they are met by the King’s Advisor and his men. Charisma makes sure the journal and cards are safely hidden on her. The Advisor doesn’t care about Charisma or Joan or the mute and sends them on their merry way. He’s after Felix. He’d heard that Felix was seen moving about the kingdom more than ever before and he wondered why? The Advisor reminds Felix that if he ever wants to get back in good graces with the King or even have a sliver of a chance to be welcomed into the colosseum again, he better be more helpful and not interfere with their search. It’s a rather heated exchange. As if they know each other from way back. Perhaps the Advisor and Felix are of similar age. One became a famed (and then shamed) magician while the other just never made it as a magician and went on to be the King’s advisor.

THE GOODBYE [1k – 1.5k]

When Charisma walks into her home she finds her father waiting up for her, worried. Their home had been ransacked. Turns out everyone in their tiny village in the kingdom had their homes broken into and searched. He asks her where she’s been and if she’s okay. She lies and tells him she’s been helping Mrs. Pomroy set up and that she is urgently needed to assist in getting the competition ready in the castle, so she’ll be gone for a couple of weeks. She’ll be staying with Mrs. Pomroy. Her father notices Charisma putting her wand in her satchel. He wants to ask her why she would need it where she’s going cause it’s dangerous should anyone find it on her, but he says nothing about it. Instead he sees her off and watches from the window as he daughter sneaks into the yard of their neighbor’s home.

MARANIGAN’S MAGIC SHOP [2k – 3k]

Joan lives above Maranigan’s Magic Shop! It’s currently owned by a descendent of Maranigan himself; his great, great, great, granddaughter. Her birth, like all Maranigan births, was a secret. There has always been a male Maranigan to run the Magic Shop. What no one ever knew, was this wasn’t exactly true. In fact, the last 3 generations of Maranigan’s have been women! It wasn’t until this present Maranigan that she has not found herself a husband, and therefore, she lives the majority of her life dressed and speaking like a man. So much so that she (he) at one point has a “lover” who turns out to be Joan. They are no longer together, but she lets Joan remain living in the flat “for appearances.”

TRESPASSING [1k – 2k]

The following morning, they all wake to the smell of delicious eggs and bacon and also to the sound of horse hooves and chain mail. Maranigan looks out his window to see the advisor and his men outside. They are not allowed inside, not even the advisor. Maranigan shouts down to ask what the devil they want so early in the morning. The advisor asks for permission to enter and Maranigan scoffs. He dresses, assures his visitors they are fine but should stay away from the windows and rushes downstairs. Joan/Flossie goes to the window to see what is happening. Maranigan is known to most of the villagers to be a bit of a lady’s man. Or at least one lady. The advisor makes lewd comments about it and asks Maranigan if he’d heard or seen anything strange recently. Also asks if there is anyone else other than Flossie upstairs as he believes he may have seen her in the company of some less than decent people only last night. Of course, Maranigan denies seeing anything and suggests the advisor do his snooping and investigating somewhere else or the King will hear about their trespassing. The advisor gives a warning, looks up at Flossie to wink at her, before leaving with his men.

A TRANSFORMATION [1k – 2k words]

With breakfast consumed and the advisor gone, Maranigan decides to close his shop as there is work to be done. Charisma wants to start reading the journal but there is something even more pressing. She needs to be transformed, properly, from looking like a woman into looking like a proper man. Who better than Maranigan? It’s obvious to everyone there that she’s the only one that can and should do it. That stranger died on her doorstep. It’s only fitting. The mute boy leaves when they start to undress Charisma and Felix excuses himself to look around the shop that he hadn’t stepped inside of for a long time.

A MURDERER [2k – 3k]

The mute boy returns in a state of anger and alarm. He’s clutching the paper and refuses to show it to Felix who is trying to calm him. He rushes upstairs where Maranigan is putting the finishing touches on Charisma and hands her the paper. On the cover it shows that the Great Carnelian is wanted in connection with a murder! A dead body was discovered buried on his property and it appears the now disgraced magician has vanished. This could spell trouble. Maranigan knows the story of Carnelian and what happened but she won’t say anything. Instead, Felix makes a joke that she’ll now have to disguise him as a woman! He then changes the subject to a pamphlet his had been reading downstairs that goes over the rules of the competition. Turns out they have changed a bit since his day. For starters the number required to have a full troop has changed! The rules of sponsoring a troop have changed. As well as the length of time for one set and number of tricks performed has changed. 

This is a good place to go over those rule changes and the discussion of who they could possibly enlist to help them. What worries Charisma is the fact that she doesn’t know any magic at all.

MAGIC 101 [2k – 3k]

Joan leaves to make some inquiries about how much the advisor knows of the dead man and the whereabouts of Felix while the rest of them work on trying to teach Charisma how to do the most basic of magic tricks. Again, the much rather just learn card magic, but as the rules state, they cannot rely on one type of magic for a set.

Here is where the different styles of magic could be discussed, and some time is spent downstairs in Maranigan’s shop. He then takes them to his basement where it turns out he has an unused room that was once used as a Hall, back before Halls were a normal thing. Magic troops would practice in underground bunkers like that, in secret, so their rivals wouldn’t know what their best trick would be at the competition.

THE GRIM THEATER [2k – 3k]

Joan returns with tickets for all of them to the Grim Theater! What on earth for? Well, one of their competitors will be performing there and she figured it would be a good idea to size up the competition. And it would give Charisma and Felix a chance to test out their newly improved transformations. They all get dressed up for going out and Charisma is glad for that as she has not been doing too well learning the kind of magic they have been teaching her. 

While at the theater Maranigan recognizes a reporter for the Gladwick Times who immediately rushes over. Maranigan at a Theater is about as unexpected as the King in a gambler’s shop! The two just never come together. It’s common knowledge that Maranigan considers himself too good for the kind of performances that take place in Grim Theater. In fact, he would normally only be seen in the Colosseum to see one performance each year, the first showing of the winning troop from the King’s competition. So, what is he doing there? The writer tries to get an exclusive and is met with silence. During intermission Maranigan remembers how he knows this particular journalist. He decides to do a little mutual exchange. The writer agrees to join his troop and in return will get an exclusive to write about the very first of its kind troop sponsored by Maranigan himself! How could the writer refuse such a proposition?

MARANIGAN’S TROOP [1K – 2K]

They all return to Maranigan’s shop where Felix gets the feeling that someone is watching them, though it’s too late at night to know for sure. The next morning Maranigan gets money and a letter with his seal on it. This is to be his letter of sponsorship for the troop he’s entering into the competition. Today is the last day to enter and only the person sponsoring must personally enter a troop. While at the castle he’s stopped by the guard and escorted to see the advisor who was expecting Maranigan. They have an interesting back and forth. He despises the entire Maranigan lineage. How they think they are better than everyone else because they have the protection of the King. But all that will end when he is able to prove that the journal is in the shop! He’s also fascinated by the fact that a Maranigan has started a troop. That has never happened.

THE LAST RESORT [2k – 3k]

When Maranigan returns home it’s not looking good. The writer wants out of the deal and Felix is just holding his head. Charisma cannot learn basic magic! But and however, she can do card magic! When no one was looking (mostly at night) she had been reading the journal and so far, has completed some tricks brilliantly. But for the competition that will not do. And the writer is a mere amateur when it comes to performing magic. What they need is a name. A magician to join their troop who can do the magic that Charisma can’t and at least get them through enough rounds before they unleash their secret weapon; card magic.

For this, Felix knows who they can ask. Most of his original troop were able to find new troops to join or jobs at least closely related to magic in some way. It was just he and one other magician who didn’t end up so lucky. For Felix he was actually shunned. For the other magician, he simply left the public eye altogether. Why? I’ll figure that out once I get to this point. Felix suggests someone else send for him and that they include a bottle of the best alcohol. His former friend always loved to drink.

THE GREATER MAGICIAN [2k – 3k]

When Felix’s former colleague is sent for, he rushes over, unaware that Felix is behind it all. Turns out he’s not the drunk that Felix remembered him to be. In fact, he doesn’t drink anymore and when he arrives thanks them for what he can now serve at his next dinner party to his guests. This former magician has gone into the family business and is now a banker of sorts. He’s well dressed, well spoken, and clearly has done well for himself after the fall out. So why did he accept the invitation? I think Felix should be in his disguise. He makes them think it’s for rehearsal, but really, he knows that if his former colleague discovers who really sent for him, he’ll never work with them. Of course, this guy asks how they even know him to be a former magician. Felix goads him by saying he was clearly not at fault and the better magician and was there in the audience when it all happened. Felix slips and reveals something that only someone in the troop would know, not an audience member, and this dude realizes it. He rips off the wig or something like that!

There’s a huge fight that happens. Insults are slung back and forth. It’s stopped when Charisma steps in and puts the journal in the new guy’s face. He’s speechless. In the end he agrees to help them, for the art of magicianary. But he cautions them not to let Felix anywhere near or on the stage as it can prove to be their undoing.

THE ADVISOR’S WARNING [2k – 3k]

With rehearsals underway, I think even more montage-type scenes are in order. At some point the new guy gets them tickets to a much better theater in the upper district (ie closer to the colosseum). While there, an announcement is made in the theater before the beginning of the show. This is not a regular occurrence, but it has been known to happen. It’s a great way for a message from the King or his Advisor to reach the people in lieu of reading it in the Gladwick Times. This announcement comes from the Advisor. A warning to all those invited to the King’s castle or performing therein: All persons will be subject to search and immediate arrest if they are caught in possession of any items that are deemed illegal. The announcer then proceeds to list out what some of those illegal items are. The final announcement is a reminder that a murderer is still at large, and anyone seen helping him will face a similar punishment when caught.

The team notices that the Advisor is present in the King’s box of the theater and sitting beside him is Ansil still looking battered and bruised. He appears to be surveying the crowd instead of watching the show. His eyes are scanning the audience, clearly looking for someone. He points in their general direction and they decide during intermission they will have to leave, and fast. When intermission comes, they can’t escape and Joan/Flossie is taken under suspicion that she was last seen with the wanted man.

A NEW TROOP [2k – 3k]

Their purpose for the visit to this theater was to size up one of the better competitors; the winners of last year’s competition. They have entered again for a chance to be the main act at the colosseum. Word reaches this troop that the new troop everyone in the kingdom has been talking about is present in the theater. This leads to a stand-off between the winners and the new guys outside the theater. Insults are thrown and a bit of sidewalk magic is performed, to which the onlookers are excited to see. Back in the early days of magic, this is how they would fight. Each magician would perform a trick and the one that got the most reaction from the crowd was considered the victor and then they would walk away. Actual fighting with fists and weapons, at least within the magician community, never happened. Eventually, the fight is broken up by the King’s Advisor and his men telling both sides to go home and save their “acts” for the King.

A NEW MAGICIAN [2k – 3k]

The new troop returns to the Grim Theater, but not to sit in the audience, this time to actually be IN the show. The new guy called in a favor with the owner to give them ANY slot on the bill. They need the real-world experience if they even hope to stand a chance. On the morning of the big day, Flossie/Joan returns to them. She’s been interrogated for the past three days and her face shows it. Maranigan nurses her and cleans her wounds while the others argue over what tricks they should put in their evening performance. They need Charisma to remain their secret weapon so who should take the lead of the troop? It was going to be Felix but now that the new guy is there, he feels it should be him. As Maranigan is sponsoring the troop they leave the decision in his hands. In the end, he decides to make it the writer, who is SHOCKED! He’s never been a full magician; he doesn’t even own a wand! To which Maranigan presents him with one. A heartwarming and light moment. Needed since we are nearing the end and going to ramp up the stakes a bit!

THE GRIM AFFAIR [3k – 4k]

The time has come for their show! There’s nervousness all around. As Flossie/Joan is a woman, she sits out with the audience. She’s not allowed backstage. The mute boy is their assistant, the writer is dressed in his finest clothes, as are Felix, and the new guy. Maranigan and Charisma are both virtually unrecognizable and ready to go. 

Let’s just delve into a full magic act here. The emotions that each magician in their own right feels before they get on stage, while they are on stage and when it’s all over. The hype and adrenaline rush. I also want to have a moment, though, where the new guy and Felix are having a side conversation after it’s all done where they think no one is listening. Charisma and the mute boy overhear them talking about how she’s not ready. The new guy makes a statement like “she’ll never be a magician” or “this is why it’s a man’s world.” Something like that. Tension ensues!

HE SPEAKS [2k – 3k]

Charisma spends the rest of their time together studying the journal and practicing for hours. Whenever the new guy says something to her, she snaps at him or ignores him altogether. There’s clearly some tension, Felix and Maranigan can feel it, but they don’t know why.

The day before the competition begins the castle is opened to all performers so they can bring in any equipment they might need during their time on stage. It had been decided that the mute boy and the writer would be the ones to take their equipment but at the last minute, Charisma insists on going in the writer’s place. After much discussion they let her go.

On the road is when the mute boy speaks up and tells Charisma that he had always wanted to be a magician, but not until he has been watching her and what she hopes to accomplish did he feel it was actually possible for him. He also tells her not to pay any mind to that new guy who is a magician of the past. She’s going to bring about a new wave of magic and it’s gonna be awesome! This makes them the closest of friends.

A FEW BAD TROOPS [2k – 3k]

The invited guests are arriving but unlike previous years it’s taking longer as they are subject to search. No one is allowed within the castle walls with anything that can be used to inflict harm if it isn’t already on the list of illegal items. It’s surprising to witness a few invited guests arrested on the spot! The nerves increase. On the other side of the castle, where the troops are being allowed in, they are searched as well, and informed that the items they brought in days earlier were thoroughly searched as well. This infuriates several troops who demand to air their grievances before the King for such intrusion on their belongings. These troops are removed from the roster which silences the others who are still clearly angry at the entire situation. Charisma didn’t bring the journal as they knew it would be far too dangerous to have on hand. 

The deck of cards is either hidden on her or was hidden with their things that they brought earlier. Either way, the deck is not found.

What was meant to be a competition with a dozen troops was dwindled down to just 5 after the troops who broke some laws or showed anger were removed.

THE FIRST TRICK [1k – 2k]

The King’s competition begins with some announcements about the rules. Unlike a theater performance, the reaction of the crowd is taken very seriously by the King. He does not always agree with who they cheer for the loudest, but he does rely on their judgement as they are the ones he seeks to entertain with the Colosseum. Once the rules are laid out, the first troop hits the stage. Their first trick barely gets an applause. The king gives a thumbs down and the troop are escorted off the stage. If the act gets some reaction after every trick, then they don’t need to wait for judgement from the king. If they get no reaction, he decides if they may try something else or leave.

THE SECOND MISTAKE [1k – 2k]

Backstage the nerves are mounting. The next troop is ferried onto the stage and a mistake, not as bad as what Felix did, but very close, happens. The crowd gasps. This is NOT a good reaction. And the troop is taken away with the one who made the mistake actually arrested! 

With three troops left and the King looking bored it couldn’t get worse. Then it does. The advisor appears backstage. Highly irregular. He wants to wish the remaining troops luck and inform them that he is very close to finding the great Carnelias as he believes he is close by and that they should all be vigilant as they wouldn’t want to fall victim to the curse that follows him.

MARANIGAN’S TRICK [2k – 3k]

It’s time for the fledgling troop to take the stage. The previous winners have the honor of going last. The new troop are second to last. While on stage doing some tricks that are getting applaud from the crowds, Charisma notices that Ansil is now backstage pointing at her and Felix. She manages to get Maranigan’s attention as they did devise a plan of what to do if they were uncovered. He quickly takes the lead from the writer to perform a disappearing act. The crowd groans slightly as they’ve seen this done a million times. But this trick will not only make Felix disappear, it will make Flossie/Joan (who is no longer seated in the stands) appear in his place. A woman on the stage? Unheard of and VERY distracting! Just enough of a distraction for Felix to get away.

THE LAST MISTAKE [1k – 2k]

With Felix gone they decide to hold onto the Advisor’s attention by performing the trick that no troop will ever perform as it brings with it the curse of Carnelian. It’s the trick he accidentally revealed back when he was at the highlight of his career. Almost everyone knows what the illusion is, so to perform it can spell the end for any troops career. Of course, the Advisor ignores Ansil trying to tell him that the dude who disappeared is literally gone. The Advisor believes what they hoped he would: Carnelian is one of the people on stage trying to redeem himself by getting this magic trick right. They pull it off and, in the distraction, no one noticed the next trick being set up in front of the stage by Charisma who shouts to get the audience’s attention and holds up a deck of cards!

THE SENTENCE IS DEATH [2k – 3k]

The advisor and guards rush the stage to stop what is happening immediately. The King stops him, he wants to see some card magic. The advisor reminds him of how illegal just owning the deck is and reminds him of the ancestors he would be trampling on if he allows this to go on. The king looks down at Charisma and tells her that she better not make him regret his decision. He orders the advisor to step down and lets her continue. She performs several tricks and involves the invited guests from the front row. They are all absolutely captivated and amazed. 

The advisor is fuming! To lose face in front of the king is not good. When all the troops are completed the king must decide who the winner is. He calls out the new troop and makes a speech about how they have broken a law which is punishable by death which he fully intends on carrying out, under one condition: they may avoid the gallows if they agree to ONLY perform card magic at the colosseum and they are to teach no one what they have learned.

THE LAST REQUEST [1k – 1.5k]

The new member of their troop agrees on their behalf, but they have one stipulation to add: that Carnelian the great be absolved of the false crimes that have been heaped upon him by a jealous advisor.

RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES Epilogue [1k – 2k]

The mute boy arrives at Maranigan’s shop where he is now working there as an apprentice to read to him the morning’s headline: Carnelian is not a murderer! 

And an even better article than that is the new troop who won the King’s competition and will be the new headliners at the colosseum, the ONLY place where card magic can be seen LIVE!