Axel Light Trilogy: Wands and Shield

Chapter 18-B

Axel nodded in agreement, and he started to get enthused. He was getting closer to his key. Even being at Xeliq had made him felt better, less unsettled. Either it was the broomstick ride earlier or his proximity with his key, his mind was a lot clearer since Linden took his key.

They walked in the shadows as much as they could and quietly. Once they had reached Central Square, Elliot had quickly checked his Spark 3000 and was relieved that it was still safe in the broom stand.

They chose to walk to MaxPol Headquarters even though it would take time and they could be exposed. Axel needed to know as many places in Xeliq as possible, so that he could Translocate. One of the condition for Translocation was to be able to visualise the place that they wanted to Translocate to, the better if it was a place that they had set foot before. Otherwise, they just would not travel because the destination was not certain.

Elliot tried to be a good tour guide in explaining all the landmarks that they encountered. The buildings on Canopus Road were mainly banks, offices, small businesses, an occasional row of shops selling food, not exactly landmarks. Except the very first building right at the start of Canopus – Imagination House. A film studio.

'I think your Dad must have worked here,' said Elliot softly, 'When he was an actor.'

Axel nodded absently. He could never imagine his father as an actor. His Dad, the boring banker? At least now he understood his father's infatuation towards movies. It was acting, not movies.

He felt an urge to have a look at the place that his father used to spend his time as a Magical. But he must stay focused on his tasks. They must not get distracted. He already got a new wand. Next, he must get back his key.

They must get to MaxPol Headquarters before they were discovered to have left Stirling.

Most of the streets on Canopus were named after planets and constellations. Xeliq, being the oldest Magical cities, were well known to be celestial and their ancestors believed that they came from one of the magical stars and a Magical's Quotient was drawn from the stars. Hence the beginnings of Magical.

The MaxPol Headquarters was located right at the end of Canopus, on Orion Street. They stopped just off Orion in a quiet lane, Lyra Lane and hid in the shadows. It was a large stone building with steps leading up to columns surrounding the façade. There was a constant flow of people walking up and down the steps – some were MaxPol, some were Magical who might be making MaxPol reports, some were delivering goods.

Axel's heart tightened. His key was inside. Within grasp.

'Are you sure about going in?' whispered Elliot nervously.

'If we don't do it now, we will never get the chance,' whispered Axel urgently as he adjusted his cap and walked out of the shadows, 'We shouldn't waste any more time. Let's go!'

They jogged silently as they glanced over their shoulders. Once they had reached the bottom of the steps, they walked past a marked Translocation spot – since MaxPol was a high-security location, there was a designated spot for teleportation. Elliot told Axel that there was one just outside the Capitol as well.

Some Magical had parked their broomsticks at a stand near the front door. Axel saw Elliot stole a glance at the stand – probably spotted some high-end or limited-edition brooms. Magical were chatting or minding their own businesses – no one was looking at them.

Axel pulled his cap lower to his face and they followed behind two Magical whose robes were so long that he nearly stepped on them. Axel fixed his eyes on the steps leading up the building and did not look up. The steps were old stones cut unevenly and joined together with sand weathered through time. The middle of each block was well trodden on and worn – corroded and smooth.