The Necromancer's Wand: Rise of the Phoenix

In the morning, we all gathered in the front yard beside the basilisk fountain. We teleported from Basilisk Manor to the last house on our list. This mansion was lavender colored with lilac shutters. We stood in the front yard with a scenic sight. Over top of the roof, we could see three hydra statue heads. The rest of the statue was blocked from our view by the house.

“Show offs,” smirked Micah as we walked up to the front door. “Had to have the biggest statue...”

Before I could knock, I heard the soaring sound of brooms in the air. We turned around to see the Hydra family landing in the yard. The three of them wore periwinkle colored clothes, Henrietta Hydra wore a dress and the two wizards had on suits. They also had an olive skin complexion and curly brown locks.

I walked over, stopping before them. “I...” I started.

“We know who you are and why you have come,” stated Hector. “We just returned from a visit with William Griffin. He questioned and informed us this morning that you may be recruiting for an assault against the Council of Magic.”

“I understand if William’s threat has dissuaded you to join my cause. I only wish to see our people do better...to be better at their rightful place on top. I want this for you, the Drakes, the Manticores, the Basilisks...for everyone.

The Council’s way has become outdated and we must be the ushers of change. But I fear I cannot take them on alone. I need you, Hector.”

“I wish to say something before I give my answer...”

“Speak freely.”

“For too long now, the council has oppressed the mob families...keeping us in line like trained monkeys. I watched as my mother and father were interrogated today, spells used on them to force them to talk.

Well I have had enough...and I hope you, other mob families, have too. Our names used to mean something until the Council stripped us of everything. So the answer to your question is, you needn’t ask me to join you Dark Lord...for I willing to fight the council and those who serve them.”

“Then with the arrival our fellow brother, wizard...we are made whole. The council will not stand a chance. We will make history!” They began to cheer joyously, but I raised my hand to silence them shortly after. Hector walked over to join the others as I faced them all to speak.

“We still have a little left to do in our preparation phase,” I started again. “You are to be the shepherds. And it is time now, to retrieve our herd of sheep...”

“Have you a plan already, Dark Lord?” asked Hector curiously.

“We do. We are robbing Hammer Vault in Wicked City. It has lower security than other banks, which makes it an easy target.”

“Yes, but you are aware of how most banks have enchantments placed on them?”

“I was not,” I stated in a disappointed tone at the other royal family. They had failed to report anything about enchantments during their casing of the bank.

“Not to worry...who staked out the bank?”

“Your comrades supposedly did.”

He looked among the others. “Did you guys see any writings on the wall?” he asked them.

“No,” replied both Damien and Benjamin.

“Now, that you mention it...” started Micah. She was squinting her eyes and looking up, trying to remember exactly what she saw. “There were large, golden, triangles on each wall. Within them were circles that had a single dot in the center. I remember because I thought it was some sort of fancy, stylish, wallpaper.”

“No, they are symbols of an enchantment,” stated Hector. “You did well remembering this Micah for I know what spell was placed on Hammer Vault. That triangle symbol prevents people from directly teleporting in or out of the bank.”

“Clever...” chimed in Damien.

“Yes,” replied Hector. “Most people, who hit a bank, would try to teleport out as soon as they had the gold in hand. But knowing the enchantment in advance, we can devise a better strategy.”

“The strategy is simple,” I butted in. “We teleport right outside the bank. We hit as fast as possible, disposing of those who stand in our way. After we get into the vaults, we steal as much coin as we can. Then we retrace our steps, back out the front doors...where we teleport to a safe house.”

“What safe house exactly?” asked Micah. “After today, their hunt for us will begin and none of our houses will be safe to stay at anymore.”

“I have the perfect place,” stated Hector. “It is an old abandon warehouse. My father acquired it during his former, more active, mob years. Before he could use it as a business front, the council demanded all mob families to be dissolved. So, the property just remained abandoned ever since...”

“How is the location?” I inquired.

“It is remote with minimal traffic coming through the area. None have seen the deed, having been lost several years back.”

“It sounds like exactly what we need. What is the name of the warehouse? We will need to know it for teleporting from the bank.”

“Oh right...it is called Goblin Goods. It is in the countryside, an hour west of East Wich Valley.”

“Remember that everyone, ‘Goblin Goods’,” I reinforced. “So, we have a solid plan...the question is, can we get it done?”

“We will not fail you Dark Lord,” claimed Hector. The rest agreed with his statement.

We were surprisingly joined by Hector’s parents. “Will you need something to carry your plunder in?” asked Hugo Hydra. “I believe I have the perfect bags for you, being a master thief in my former days.”

“That would be appreciated Master Hugo,” I thanked.

Hector’s parents left us to go inside. We awaited for Hugo’s return, before leaving for the bank. He returned several minutes later carrying three small black silk bags that you pulled closed with a drawstring. He presented them to me with a smile.

“I do not think these bags will do Hugo,” I stated in confusion as I grabbed them. “They are a bit too small, don’t you think?”

“Looks can be deceiving Dark Lord. That bag is enchanted with an Expansion Spell. Inside, you can fit double my weight in gold coins.”

“You don’t say?” I asked impressed. “Thank you...they will come in handy.”

“Of course Dark Lord.” Hugo left us to return to Henrietta.

I tossed a bag at both Micah and Damien, keeping one for myself. They both caught theirs excitedly. “Come, all of you. We take our leave for Hammer Vault...”