Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)

CHAPTER 24 : THE DAFEOS

        Into the elevator we went. Edward stopped at the laboratory on our way to pick up a number of different vials which he stuffed into various pockets.

    As the laboratory had gotten plenty of care since our arrival, Edward had spent inordinate amounts of time concocting all sorts of weird and unusual potions.

    On our way toward the hidden exit he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

    'One more thing Meric; before we leave, you must leave the sword behind.' He must have sensed my hesitation to willingly leave the sword unattended because he continued before I was able to respond.

    'Bringing the Hand where we travel might draw attention we don't need, and unless you feel like taking on the entirety of the Order tonight, you must leave it behind. Keep in mind that I need you on this trip, Meric. Alone, I may not return.' I considered his request. Though I had come to trust him more over time, I was still hesitant as I considered what would happen if the Hand slipped into the grasp of the enemy.

    'You force me to walk a fine line, cousin.'

    'Do what thou wilt, Meric. It's your call. Either way, I must go tonight; we are less likely to run into pedestrians under the cover of night.'

    'Can we not just wait for another evening?' I asked, although I was looking forward to venturing out into the world; a rarity since my arrival.

    'This cannot wait. If my theory is correct than we might not be the only ones who have pieced this mystery together. It's now or never.'

    Unstrapping the sword from my leg I gazed upon it, pondering if leaving it behind was the right decision. The prospect of finding a second piece of the Infernal Machine made this a particularly difficult decision. If I were to be double-crossed, I would lose both pieces; but if Edward was correct, we could be in possession of two this very night.

    'I will leave it behind.' Placing his hand upon my shoulder, he looked me straight in the eyes and spoke with a note of sincerity that was becoming more and more common with Edward.

    'Your trust means a great deal to me, Meric. You shall not regret it. Though there is one more thing that I require.'

    'You're not asking enough as it is?'

    'I need the leather bindings the sword had been wrapped with when we found it.' He stated, rather unsure of himself.

    'Why? I don't understand.'

    'The wrappings are made of an old type of magic that cannot be replicated, I'm afraid. When you place the sword within the safety of the secret compartment its power will be muffled significantly for the casing is endowed with the Blood of the Martyrs. However, if we locate the Spear tonight, it will give off its own sort of beacon — which may call upon others to try to retrieve it – or take it from us.' I removed the Hand and its wrappings from my carrying case and I began to unravel the wrapping.

    'Quickly now; we cannot leave it exposed for long.'

    Gently placing the sword into the secret compartment, I handed Edward its leather wrappings as requested. He quickly folded it and placed it within his cloak. I sucked the blood off my finger then asked for clarity.

    'What is the significance of the wrapping exactly?'

    'Explanations will have to wait until our return Meric; time is of the essence.' He waved his hand over the compartment and recited the incantation as it lowered into the floor.