The Fox, Red

091 - Unification is Key

Travel is beginning to be my biggest expense. Trying to get from one place to another across these long distances is draining on what little money I have. Madam Odette gave me more than enough but until I get access to my funds again, I'm still trying to make every movement I do meaningful. I'm back at the old church where Phinnis was operating. There is still a group of rats running the church in his absence. I approach the entrance where I'm greeted peacefully but forcefully, "Welcome, we are not accepting visitors at this time." I dispel my illusion showing the many tails, "I think you'll make an exception for me, no?"

His eyes widened before bowing his head, "Yes! Please! You honor us with your presence." It's amazing how quickly their tone shifted. I set inside and all eyes begin to change. There is a sense of despair in the air. My money would be that they are still mourning the loss of their "leader", Phinnis. Word got around quickly as more started coming out from the many different areas of the church. They all want to get a look at me. To see the deity figure to whom they've dedicated themselves. "Who is in charge?" They all look at one another before one answers, "You are."

That question may have been too general. "Who is in charge of ensuring that this place runs smoothly?" One steps forward from the others, "I have been since the pastor's passing."

"I'm going to need your help with a few things..."

He and I go back into the late pastor's office. The box of books was moved back into the safe and locked. I'm not sure any of them have the combination. I was never told it but a safe would be no challenge for me to break into should I need those books. He offers me the chair behind the desk. I decline and take the seat across letting him have it. He's nervous but doing his best to be polite, "How can I assist you?"

His voice is shaky. I'll take over and let them do their own thing from there. "Phinnis was working with many different churches. I need you to find them and send them a message. There are those that wish to do me harm. You need to send them a warning that they can either work with me or be removed from the Earth." His eyes seemed to light up at the thought of my righteous declaration. "Second, there is another church similar to yours that wishes to see me bring about destruction. As much as I don't like their ideology of me, I will also need their assistance in some matters. You will have to search for them and send the message that I need them."

He grabs a notebook from the desk drawer to quickly scratch down notes of my requests. "What else can we do?" His nervousness is now mixed with excitement. "You are aware of my magical prowess, yes?"

"Of course we are!"

"You will need to begin rigorous recruitment. Not just here but in any church willing to help. Target magic users who are in hiding with the promise that soon they will be able to practice openly. But you need their support."

The more I talk, the more he begins to fidget. Getting orders from their God must be an experience. I just need them to assist me with a new plan. Magic needs to be unrestrained. It needs to come out from hiding and into the world. "What else?!"

I chuckle at the enthusiasm, "Find someone who is smart. We need to send a broadcast to the world. I hope to do it in two weeks but the timeline is flexible."

"Equipment for a broadcast... Someone smart to..." He looks at me quickly, "Hijack signals?"

I point at him to confirm his assumption. He grins as he continues to write stuff down. "What else?" I stand up from my chair, "That is all for now. I need to figure out how to source some cash to continue traveling."

"We have coffers! They're yours to use as you need!"

He was eager to provide me with what I needed. "How much is in the coffers?" His eyes continued to light up. He pulled out a small safe from the desk quickly undoing the lock. There were stacks of larger bills that must have summed up to a couple-hundred-thousand dollars. "We have a lot more stashed across the many different churches. They're all yours." I can feel something welling up inside of me. I have resources again. I can feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. And something else as well.