The Wizard

Chapter 16

"I think ninety-nine times and discover nothing; I stop thinking, dive into deep silence and behold, the truth reveals itself to me."

Albert Einstein.

They appeared in the middle of the room, right behind someone.

Valdo, who took care of the plants and kept the house clean for his friend, turned around when he heard a noise behind him. As he did not expect to see Igor and a sizable hawk on his shoulder appear out of nowhere, he took a big scare and jumped back, letting out an involuntary scream. When he made sure who it was, he opened a smile and ran to hug him.

"My God, Igor," he said, relieved. "I swear I was losing hope that you would come back."

"It was close, my dear." Igor smiled. "That demon defeated me again."

The young man took a glass of water in the kitchen while the bird settled in a corner, looking like a statue. The next sentence from Valdo left him quite astonished:

"I know," he said, "and I was very afraid of what could have happened to you, especially after all this time."

Igor sat down on the couch and pointed the other one to Valdo. He looked at the glass for a few seconds and asked:

"How about you tell me what has been happening in this period, please. It seems that it was not little, from what I see."

Valdo looked at the bird, remembering that his friend had a special affection for animals and in college he always had some around. He wondered what had happened in the meantime and where he had gotten that beautiful hawk. When Igor snapped his fingers, as if to snap him out of a trance, he began to tell:

"Sorry," Valdo began. "Well, after you left here for Santa Catarina, two things happened: first I was sure you rescued Duda because that monster Samuel showed up furious and worse, with your face. He wanted to know where you were and even threatened to kill me. One time he touched me and I thought I was going to die because a cold thing went up my arm and everything started to get dark. The doorbell rang and I think that's what saved me because I found out he had disappeared in the air. When I opened the door, it was none other than the police, who are also seeking you. Every week they show up here and don't give up for anything. I thought you had rescued Dudinha, but after that, I concluded that I was wrong."

"I had, Valdinho, but that black daemon got her back. I spent five long months trapped almost two thousand years in the past, trying in vain to return to the 21st century." Igor told the whole story. As soon as he finished, someone rang the doorbell.

"It must be the police, dude," Valdo said. "Every week more or less at the same time they show up here. Disappear that I'll talk to them."

"I can't keep running away, my friend." Igor got up and opened the door, coming face to face with his well-known policemen.

When they saw him, they opened their mouths, but they didn't take long to react: they raised their guns, pointing at him, who turned around and returned inside.

"Stop!" shouted the superior.

"Do me a favor: don't scream and come in." Igor continued walking calmly to the couch. Close the door, but leave that damn cigarette outside."

Still astonished, they threw away the cigarettes and entered, keeping the guns in their hands.

"Sit down," Igor ordered. "I believe you should present a warrant before pointing a gun at me in my own house. After you say whatever it is, I would like to report the kidnapping of Eduarda Vargas and find out what you intend to do about it."