The Necromancer's Wand: Rise of the Phoenix
Chapter 19: Everett Summit

And so, the game continues...Over the the following month, Damien and Ben remained under cover. They started reporting their findings on Everett Summit, the most seasoned and experienced of the council members. He has been with the council for nearly four decades.

However, do not be deceived by his elderly looks and demeanor. Everett Summit was probably the most lethal out of the four. His casting style was flawless, perfected over of the years.

The intel that Damien and Ben have provided, thus far, on the councilmen has been useless. “I am sorry, my lord,” stated Ben. “Everett Summit is a routine kind of wizard.”

“You must find us an opening,” I insisted.

“We are trying. Since you’ve killed Wynonna, and the five inquisitors, Summit only travels between home and work by escort. He is a typical family wizard.”

I looked upon Ben in surprise, “Family?” I inquired.

“Yes...a wife and son, around twelve I think.”

“While he is working at the Capitol, what do they do?”

“I am unsure.”

“Okay...I want you to keep digging, but not on Everett. See what you can learn about the wife and son.”

“As you wish...” said Ben as his minor teleportation ended.

Shortly after Ben and I’s conversation, I was visited by a knock at my door. “Come in,” I called out. I gazed over at the door as it opened. It was my dear Gemma.

“Good morning,” she greeted with a smile.

“Indeed, it is.”

“Good news?”

“Yes, we may have a way to finally get to Everett. Like catching any other predator, it just requires a little bait...”

“This is good news...” she spoke with hesitation and a hint of worry.

“What is it?”

“I am sorry...it’s just that feeling I am getting again.”

“Like you are going to lose me?” I asked stepping closer.

“Silly, isn’t it?” she questioned back, grabbing my hands.

“Not at all...”

She looked down at the ground for a moment. “Promise me something,” she softly spoke before looking back up at me. “Promise me that when this is all over, we will spend the rest of our days together...some place nice that can bring us both peace.”

I freed my right hand, so that I could slide my mask up. I wanted to stare her in the eyes when I gave her my reply. “You have my word,” I spoke wholeheartedly.

“In fact, there is a place I’d like to show you. It was Claire and I’s favorite place, called the Ember Isles. I had planned to take you soon, after my duel with Everett.”

“I have never heard of such place.”

“None have...the location is known only to Phoenixes.”

“And, you trust to show it to me?”

“Of course, my love,” I spoke charmingly as I leaned in to kiss her.

~The next week I was finally presented with some useful information. Damien appeared in my room to give the latest report. “Have you any information on the wife and son?” I asked.

“I have,” he replied proudly. “The wife is fifty-year-old, retired healer, Elenore Summit. The son, Ian, is thirteen and currently is homeschooled by his mother, due to...well you.”

“The boy is homeschooled because of me?” I asked confused.

“Indeed, all schools are closed until the apprehension of Corvin Phoenix. Cities are going under lock down procedures, enforcing strict rules and curfews.”

“So, the wife and son just stay at home...are they guarded?”

“A small Inquisitor force surveys the house all day. They change shifts every eight hours.”

“What time does the first shift start?”

“Eight in the morning, right after Everett leaves from the Capitol.”

“Then the plan is simple...we take the wife and son hostage. We will use them to lure Everett, alone, to a private location of our choosing. In three days, we take his family right after the first shift starts. Then, you will have a messenger deliver a letter directly to Everett’s office by ten.

In the letter, you will state we have his family. The location to meet will be Phoenix Estate at noon. Oh, and warn him of the consequences if he doesn’t show up alone.”

“Perfect plan as always, my lord,” he grinned. “His house is in a gated community called The Evergreen Plateau, located in the wealthy residentials of Spellbound. The address is 5394 Highlands Boulevard.”

“5394 Highlands Boulevard,” I repeated, memorizing it. “Thank you, Master Drake.”

“I live to serve,” he replied as he vanished from my room.

Now, I just had to relay the plan to the others. I left my bedroom and entered into the sanctuary. I gathered them all and unveiled my latest scheme. “It took awhile, but we’ve found a way to get to Everett,” I stated with pride. “In three days time, we kidnap Elenore and Ian Summit.

The two reside at home, most days, and they are guarded by a small group of Inquisitors. We attack the first shift guards, shortly after eight in the morning. We kidnap the two and take them to Phoenix Estate.

Damien will have a letter, stating all this, sent to Everett’s office at the Capitol. He will be at the estate by noon, where I shall duel him. I have the Summit’s address and will share it the morning of, so you don’t forget it. Are there any questions?”

None had any. “Good,” I said. “You may continue on about your day.” The crowd dispersed as Gemma approached me.

“So, that is the plan...” she spoke softly in concern.

“Yes, it was the only plan.”

“I see. I just worry more because I man like Everett will fight tooth and nail for his family.”

“Yes, but he is a champion of the light. He doesn’t know how to properly fight with rage...I do.”

“Still...”

“Think of it no more. Come, we have two days to ourselves. Why spend it worrying when we can spend it enjoying each other’s company?”

“You are right,” she sighed. “I am sorry. I don’t mean to be bothersome...”

“No, it is nice to feel cared about...to feel needed in the world by someone.” The truth was she could never bother me for her company made me feel balanced, the light to my darkness.

“So,” I started to change the subject. “If you would like, I can teach you a few new spells to cast.”

“I’d like that,” she smiled.

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