A Test of Loyalty IV: Breaking a Madjai

A Test of Loyalty IV: Breaking a Madjai (CLOSED) (Everywhere Else)

FRANK COLE
Cole had returned to the Isle of Perdition, two hours ago. He had Tarik and Brennan locked in one of the guest rooms which had a hotel décor. The only thing different is there was only a lock on the outside. He had spent the last two hours, getting something quick to eat from the twenty-four hour dining room, making sure Tarik and Brennan were served and checking up on Jon MacIntosh who was in one of the interrogation rooms. The interrogation rooms were stark with only a hospital bed, a small metal table with four straight-back metal chairs, and a bathroom. There was a window that was magically blocked but the man would be able to look out on the woods which ran about 100 feet away from the barracks building.

He had stopped by his office to make sure there was nothing pressing which had to be taken care of, take a shower and turn on the view screen to check what was happening on his small island. Cole had a good setup so unless there was a major problem the army ran itself. He would be going out in the morning to check things first hand. Looking at his watch he realized it was 7:30 pm so it was time to get to Tarik and Brennan. He considered talking to them in their room but decided to have them brought to one of the interrogation rooms. They could be returned to the better room later to spend the night.

As Cole left his office headed for the room Tarik and Brennan had been moved to he considered what he needed to accomplish. Tarik had to start working on controlling his Blood/Elfin magic, which would mean a portion of the magic dampening field would be removed for short periods of time. The elves, who were the only ones allowed to use magic on the island, had been able to work it out so they could do this in just one room. The move would be interesting, when he allowed it. Tarik also had to get to the point where he would come and listen to Cole on close to a moment's notice. He had to become a solid link in the group Cole was helping, without the members knowledge, to start working together as a unit. This was what was going to be needed when they went up against the Dark One, and his minions the Dark Sect. The third thing which Tarik was going to have to agree to was to start translating the Runes again. There was a future story there and it had to be known in detail if the group would eventually be able to defeat the Dark One. They had to know what they were up against to the fullest extent.

Cole unlocked the door and pushed it open. He walked across the room not looking at either Brennan or Tarik, both of who were sitting at the table, palms flat, fingers spread. Straddling his chair, he looked around finding Mecum standing behind Tarik and Artkee standing behind Brennan. Punta, Cole's head elf, had taken up a spot in the corner and jumped onto an air-chair, just to watch.

Finally looking at Brennan and Tarik he said, "Gentlemen…" and waited.

Tarik smiled. Keeping his hands flat on the table, but relaxing back in his chair he said, "I came to speak with my brother. I did that so now Bren and I will be returning to Hogwarts." Bren just hung his head because he had no hope that was going to happen.

Cole folded his arms on the table in front of him. Adding a smile to his face, he said, "Now Amir, we both know it is not that simple. I thought you realized that after your last visit. We are going to have a small question and answer session first. I will ask the questions. You and Brennan will answer the questions. Depending on how pleased I am with your answers, will determine how long the session takes and if there is any further persuasive measures required. Shall we begin?"

Tarik shook his head, closing his hands into fists, as he said, "Your note only stated that Khalid wanted to talk. It never requested me to talk with you." He pushed himself up out of his chair as he finished, "Now Bren and I are returning to Hogwarts." Tarik started towards the door.

Bren tried unsuccessfully to hold in the cringe which ran through his whole body. With each word Fixer spoke he tried to become more resigned that they would not even leave the room unless Fixer allowed.

Cole just sat and waited. Tarik could not leave the room because the door was locked. Out of the corner of his eye he looked at Brennan to make sure the Profiler was not going to do anything dangerous to himself. Cole steepled his fingers in front of him and rested his lips on the tips, watching to see what the Madjai would do next.

Tarik walked to the door. The Medjai knew there was a slim chance that Fixer would open the door. He stood there and then motioned Bren to join him.

Bren shook his head as he said, "Uncle Tarik, Fixer is not going to open that door and we can't leave. Please just come and sit back down."

Tarik grinned as he said, "I think Fixer will open the door. Unless he wants my gift to find all the ancient writings on the island. So Fixer are you going to open the door or do I see just my gift's range?"

Cole lowered his hands and went back to having his arms folded on the table. He looked at Brennan and smiled, waving the young man toward the door where Tarik stood. Tarik just might get the door open. He couldn't get off the island but it would be interesting to see what he would do.

Tarik watched as Bren came to the door. He smiled as he asked, "So Fixer you opening the door?" His temper was calming down so his gift laid dormant.

Both Mecum and Artkee had walked to stand near the door. They were both watching the two humans. Punta got down off his air-chair and stood watching Cole for instructions. All three elves knew something interesting was about to happen, because Master Frank had not had them bind the other two humans when Master Tarik had headed toward the door. Their job consisted of protecting all the human's on the island, blocking magic from being used unless Master Frank gave his permission and learning how to react in interact with the human species. Master Frank always made it interesting and always took their advice and information seriously.

Cole just waived his hand toward the door. There was a click. Pushing himself up out of his chair he started toward the door. He wanted to see what the Medjai would do next. Tarik and Brennan would be bound, gagged and probably hung on a wall somewhere if he did not follow them.

Tarik heard the click of the lock and smiled. He turned to Bren as he said, "Let's go Brennan time to go home." He watched as Bren just turned around and headed back to sit at the table. Tarik heard Bren say that he was not going to play Fixer's game. Tarik shook his head as he tried to figure out what Bren was so worried about. The man was releasing them and for once Tarik was considering practicing his gift while he was on the island. "Bren, you sure you are not ready to get home?" He watched as Bren just nodded.

Cole chuckled as Brennan walked back to the table. It seemed the young Hit Wizard did not trust him.

Tarik shrugged as he said, "Suit yourself." He walked out the door. He headed down the hall towards the Portkey.

"Come on Brennan, let's go and see what the Amir has in mind," Cole said, with a slight chuckle. "Maybe he knows something we don’t."

Bren shook his head as he said, "Fixer, I am not playing so why have Tarik believe that you have agreed when you and I both know neither are leaving this island?"

When Brennan did not immediately move, Cole motioned to Artkee and the elf who had walked back to the table with his charge, took Brennan by the arm and had him stand. The elves surprised most people with their strength, considering they only stood an average of three and a half to four feet tall. Cole started out the door knowing Brennan would be in tow right behind him. Apparently, Tarik thought he could use the Portkey. It was locked down at the moment and would not open until Cole said it could be opened.

Cole had to wave several of his troop members away from grabbing Tarik as he walked by. They gave him questioning looks but stepped back. By the time they left the barracks, headed for the platform off to the left in the yard, a few of the troop members had joined the precession. They knew Cole was playing with the two new arrivals and they enjoyed a good show.

Tarik got to the Portkey and stood on the platform as he said, "Okay Fixer. Since you have accepted us headed back to Hogwarts, I will return only once more. I will also agree to accept training in my gift by my sister." Tarik was ready to leave but the platform had not turned on.

Cole casually walked over and took a seat in one of the four lounge chairs near the large tent. This was a staging area for send offs and retrievals. He liked being comfortable while he was waiting. He waived to Artkee to place Brennan in one of the other chairs. As he sat down one of the troop members placed a glass of iced tea next to him on the small folding table. The flood lights were all on so it was bright enough to see anything happening in the quarter of an American Muggle Football field sized area. Mecum had not taken his eyes off of Tarik. Punta stood by Cole's right elbow and would pass through his mind any orders Cole could not use his wide range of signals for. Glancing at Brennan he saw the boy just staring off into nothingness. Brennan knew this was a power play game, and Cole never lost.

"I am afraid you may not leave at the moment, Tarik. You see I have taken it upon myself to train your blood/elfin magic. Why don't you take a seat and we will discuss why you have to stay."

Tarik shook his head as he said, "Your note said nothing about a meeting between us so sorry Frank Cole I have a class to teach. I also would rather have Air or Darik help where my gift is concerned. Now it is time for me to return to Hogwarts." His temper was getting the better of him.

Cole looked at Punta and received a mental message. "Master Tarik is getting angry, do you wish for me to allow him to use his magic?" Cole never took his eyes off Tarik and mentally nodded and sent back, "Set up a bubble around the platform and ten feet in the air. I am going to push him to see the reaction I get." . Punta nodded and closed his eyes for a moment.

"It does not make any difference what your half-brother wanted. That time is past and since you are here, I will not have to force you to come so… either have a seat Amir and let us discuss what I require from you or I will stop being such a nice guy and we will do this differently." Cole raised his eyebrows in a questioning move.

Tarik smiled as he said, "Fixer, we have nothing to discuss since you never requested a meeting with me. Now I am either leaving or I am going to remind you and your men why I don't release my gift." Tarik looked over to Bren but the boy's eyes was only looking at the ground.

Cole said to Punta in his mind, "Get help from the others if you need it, but I want whatever he does to be contained in that field. Looking at Tarik he said, "You are not leaving," and then steepled his fingers in front of him, using the arms of the chair to support his elbows. He crossed his legs at the knees and waited.

Tarik thought about how to work the platform. The manual for the Portkey came through the air to him. Tarik smiled as he said, "I think I will if that book is what I think it is. Too bad your tech likes ancient writings on his book markers. Too bad for you that is."

Cole figured out what Tarik meant and sent a mental message to the tech sitting at the table to change the destination of the Portkey to back in the room they had just come from. He watched as Tarik evaporated into thin air. Looking at the tech he received a nod and a smile. "Come on Brennan, we need to go and talk with Tarik. He should be beyond mad at the moment." Laughing aloud Cole pushed himself up out of the lounge chair and headed for the barracks. Saying aloud, "I want that room buttoned down tight. No magic in or out." Shaking his head and saying to himself, "Sorry Tarik, I wanted to do this the easy way." Looking over his shoulder he saw Brennan was walking on his own, but the Profiler had worry and some fear frozen into his features.

Bren shook his head as he walked beside Fixer to the Barracks entrance. "I will go back into the barracks Fixer but I am not going anywhere near Tarik. You think locking down his magic will give you the upper hand, think again." Brennan understood his uncle's rage. He watched Fixer and prayed the man just let the elves calm Tarik.

When they had reached the door of the Barracks, Cole stopped as the door was held open for him and Brennan, by one of the guards. "Understood, Profiler. I will have you returned to your original room. Artkee will bring you anything you require such as food, reading materials or writing materials. I hoped to have the two of you back at Hogwarts before midnight, but…" Cole glanced at his watch. It is about quarter until nine, so it may be morning before you can return." Cole took a couple more steps into the Barracks and stopped again. "If I can't calm Tarik down and get a chance to talk with him before say 1 a.m. I will have you sent to Hogwarts. I really did not want him to miss teaching a class tomorrow but a substitute can be found for the one class. Now go with Artkee and I will talk with you later, hopefully to send you and Tarik home."

Tarik found himself back in the interrogation room. Checking the door he found it locked tight. His fury had made him laugh because his gift was not tapping. He went towards the window only to see that it was blackened. Tarik went to just to the side of the door and stood ready to fight. It had been a very long time since he had used his hands to fight, but with the boxing practice his Segar Darik, had made him do every day, he could hold his own against most competitors. Against Frank Cole was questionable, but he would not just give up.

Cole stood outside the door and turned on the small view screen. Tarik had taken a place that would put him behind the door when it was opened. The man was in a fighting stance. Cole rubbed his chin then looked at Punta. "Would it be safe for you to enter the room, my friend. I need him calmed down and I do not want to hurt him. He is high ranking in all councils and I am trying to show him some respect, but unless I can calm him down and get him listening to me, I will be forced to use physical restraints. So I need a little elfin diplomacy if you will." All the elves on Cole's island were Tocoferty, Princes in the human language, of their home clans. He had a member of all five of the clans on the island. Technically, Tarik should consider them Segars, or teachers which would give them some respect in his mind and make it so he would follow, although grudgingly, their orders.

Punta looked at the screen and then to Mecum, who was in charge of Tarik's comforts and safety. The elf looked back at Cole and said, "There will be no problem Master Frank with either of us entering the room. If you will wait until we ask you to enter, I think we might be able to calm the Amir down. It still might be necessary to restrain him, but only partially I think."

Cole nodded. With two elves entering the room, Tarik was going to be severally outnumbered in power. "Thank you, Tocoferty." Cole slightly bowed and unlocked the door, opening it just enough for the elves to enter. Then he relocked the door and watched the screen.

Tarik watched as the door opened and two elves he knew and respected walked in. He knew attacking them would be pointless. He came from behind the door and said, "If Fixer had wanted to talk with me why did he not add that to the request Punta? I am more than willing to come back at another time but not at this time. Khalid's meeting with me was the only thing requested and so it is the only reason I came. My brother was worried about something and Arianna and I need to discuss what I felt." He was scared for his brother and that had confused him.

"Master Tarik you will please be seated at the table." Punta placed his hand on Master Tarik's arm and led him to the table where he sat without question. Placing two fingers on the Amir's temple he infused him with a calmness. Then stepping back he said, "Master Frank, sent Master Brennan to bring you to the island. You were supposed to come here first and then if Master Khalid requested it, you were to go to his island. The note although telling the truth was not totally accurate. It was meant to get you here so he could explain a few things and then help you with your brother. Since your brother insisted you go there first, Master Frank must now work on his part of your visit last." Punta did not like pulling rank on Tarik. He straighter to his full three foot eleven inch height and changed to the voice of the Tocoferty he was and the Segar status he had earned and said, "You will remain here, Master Tarik, until Master Frank has talked with you and until you understand his messages. This the Fates have decreed."

Tarik lowered his eyes to the table and nodded. Raising his eyes to meet the elves he said, "Have him send Bren home. The boy has had a hard time. I will listen to what Fixer has to say but only if Bren is sent back to Hogwarts."

Punta closed his eyes for a moment and got the mental agreement from Master Frank then opened them and said, "It is agreed. Master Frank will return here as soon as he has sent young Master Brennan home. Until then I will stay with you. Do you require anything to eat Master Tarik?" Punta held the human Amir's eyes to gauge his calmness. "If you wish I will make your body completely relax until it is time for further conversation."

Tarik shook his head as he said, "No I am calming down. Maybe some Egyptian Herbal Tea? I would have liked to see Bren leave but I trust Fixer's word to some extent." Bren was headed out of harm's way and Tarik was glad about that.

Cole turned off the view screen and headed to the room where Brennan was being held. When he arrived at the door he entered immediately and found the Profiler lying on the bed relaxed. Walking to the small table and chair set, he sat on the very edge of the table, crossed his ankles in front of him and his arms across his chest. "You are headed home Brennan, immediately. Tarik wishes it and I have agreed. Artkee will take you to the platform. When you get back, please let Sasha know Tarik is fine and will be returning by morning."

Bren shook his head as he said, "Tarik plans on listening but refusing your request. He needs me out of here so he focuses on just what you plan to try and trick him into."

"What I plan on saying to Tarik or having him do is none of your concern, Brennan, because you won't be here. Now go." Cole stood up but kept his arms folded across his chest.

Bren shook his head and sat down, saying, "I am not going. I know Tarik as soon as I am gone. Tarik will listen and then dig in his heels and flat refuse. He can't get pass what happened when he agreed to Marsden's request. He will not allow himself to get into another situation like that. Fixer, you are in a losing battle."

Cole started toward the door. "Such little faith Profiler. I will admit Tarik is a challenge but it is a challenge I will win. He has weaknesses and those I plan to use to my full extent." Cole paused looking at the young Hit Wizard, "Now Brennan, you either come and leave on your own, or I will have you forcibly removed. I plan on letting Tarik watch you leave so he I can gain at least a little trust. You coming?" Cole stood with the door open waiting.

Bren finally nodded and pushed himself slowly off the bed. As he walked past Cole he said, "Uncle Tarik is not a usual wizard and has never lost a battle of wills."

Outside the door, Cole stopped Brennan and said, "I am just going to point out a few truths to him Brennan. I do not want to break the man, but he needs to start working on a few areas of his life. I need to know what those runes say so I can keep going with what I have planned. Remember something, young Hit Wizard, no one is all good or all bad. In the end we will all be working for the same final point. Now go with Artkee."

Cole watched as Brennan started down the hall. He turned and headed for the room Tarik was in with Punta and Mecum. Entering the room, he took the remote, without even looking at Tarik, pushed some buttons and allowed the screen to show Brennan being taken to the platform. Slowly, with the remote still in his hand he walked over to the table, straddled his chair and pointed to the screen. "I gave my word and I always keep my word, Amir."

Tarik nodded but said nothing. One of Tarik's weakness were now headed off the island.

Cole turned off the screen and looked across the table at Tarik. The man was attempting to look relaxed. "I have two main items we need to discuss Tarik. One point is your inability to control you Blood/elfin magic and two the sorest of the two points, your translation of the runes. Where would you like to start?"

Tarik just said, "I am listening."

Cole folded his arms on the table and said, "Let's start with getting your magic under control. You have said many times; as far as my research shows you will work with someone to have it happened. When you blow up at the Hog's Head and your magic was unleashed, I thought it would give you a clue on what needed to be done. But Amir, you have done nothing to try and train it, so I am going to help because you have not done what you need to do."

Tarik nodded as he remembered what happened at Hog's Head. He smiled as he said, "If I remember right it was you having my sister scream that unleashed it. Why should I even think of trusting you to help me learn control? Especially since you have the very bad habit of not understanding that my sister Arianna is taken. Did you not think that I would not figure out it is you who is sending her presents as the man Khalid has chosen for her to marry? Her and Richard are soul bound and yet my older brother plans for her to marry her in a year's time. That is not going to happen, not on my watch." He was furious that it seemed Khalid was just not caring you their sister wanted.

Cole gave Tarik a questionable look. "Interesting… I am not the one sending Arianna gifts Amir. She made herself quite clear, where her feelings lie, when I talked to her last. Seems you have a definite problem. I would admit, she is a beautiful lady and I would definitely give the idea of courting her serious thought, but she and Richard are meant to be together. In fact it is a necessary occurrence."

Tarik shook his head as he said, "So that pendent that I traced back to a Frank Cole, is not from you? So if she gave it to me to destroy or return to sender, It would not bother you should I tell you it is in pieces?" He wanted to watch Fixer's reaction. He had not destroyed it yet but only because Arianna did like the piece, Tarik had learned that invoking his blood magic was harder when he was relaxed.

Cole sat back up a little straighter. He had actually sent the pendant to Arianna, but it was the only thing he had ever sent. He had sent to as a peace offering for what he had put her through at the Hogs Head." If she has received more than that one pendant, which was not sent in any romantic context, but as a peace offering from her experience at the Hogs Head, then you have someone else who has shown interest in her. Please let Richard know, if he requires assistance finding out whom is playing with Arianna, I will be glad to help."
Tarik laughed as he said,

"I doubt Richard will need any. All I can do is tell you that if Khalid wants any respect from Arianna then he really needs to tell this person to back off. She will marry only Richard and Khalid pushing is only going to anger her as well as me."

Cole chuckled and leaned again onto his arms folded on the table in front of him. "Now have you ever been able to activate the magic without being upset?" Several ideas were running through Cole's head on how to get Tarik upset, but at the moment he did not want to use any of them.

Shaking his head, Tarik fibbed as he said, "No I have not tried as you saw what it did at Hog's Head though getting that ancient book from your office was fun. I might try that again and this time try for some out of that file room." He wanted to learn control and Darik had helped some but his focus still lacked.

Cole steepled his fingers in front of him and looked over the tips. He had an idea that would play on Tarik's ability to use the Blood/Elfin magic and also since the man was beyond honorable, he could make him do some translating. Refolding his arms on the table he said, "I happen to know of some ancient writings in a cave half way across the island, but we are not going that far tonight. I will open up the Barracks facility to your check. Since I know my file room is locked tight, this will give you the rest of the Barracks to find something." Cole knew Tarik would be able to get into his file room, because he knew the extent of the man's abilities. Cole had lived with Blood/Elfin magic ever since he married, his sweet deceased Maggie and he had learned through major trial and effort how to control it. "I would like to have your word as an Amir that you will help me and translate and transcribe anything you find in the building. If any of my men are hiding something I need to know what it says." Cole paused, then added, "And I am sure you would also like to know what it says and how the person got into their possession. Do you agree to this?"

Tarik inwardly grinned as he had a chance of finding writings to help Tia's protectors. He started to stand as he thought about Fixer's request, "It seems like a fair enough exchange. We find out about any Medjai connections and I seem to Frank Cole as if I am complying." He looked into Fixer's eyes and then said calmly as he nodded, "Seems fair though I reserve the right to refuse any knowledge that the gods deem unworthy for us to know. Frank Cole, so you know if the gods choose to say no, they will do so by refusing me the knowledge. But otherwise, I see no harm by telling you what the writing says."

Turning to Punta, Cole nodded. He had just given the elf permission to release the magic lock on the Barracks area only. Within seconds, Tarka, Kimtu and Artkee entered the room. Cole looked at Punta and received a smile and a shrug. The elf was taking no chances with Tarik's magical abilities. Turning back to Tarik he said, "You may now start. That door," he pointed to the door to the room they were in, "is now unlocked. Others will be unlocked as you require access. There are some very sensitive areas in the Barracks building Tarik so make sure you are certain there is writings in the room you request. If I think you are just wanting access to be able to look in the room, I will stop this experiment and we will proceed to a different level of interrogation. I do hope I am making myself crystal clear on this." Cole pushed himself out of his chair and stood with his arms folded across his chest.

Tarik grinned as he said, "Using threats will only block the access to that which you seek." He closed his eyes and he said an ancient prayer Darik had taught him when he asked his father how to request unlearned knowledge. His father had just glared at him and then grinned at Darik as he had left the room. Tarik could feel his blood/Elvin magic seek out what Fixer needed. He heard things banging against the door and window. He opened his eyes as he asked, "Can someone let the writings in please?"

Cole only smiled because he had felt the knowledge trying to get into the room. Nodding to Punta he gave his permission to open the avenues to the knowledge Tarik was seeking. This was going to be very interesting. It would not only give him some information but it would give him some insight into the Amir Medjai.

(OOC: This has been a joint post between Barbie and Jane. We hope you enjoy the thread)

TARIK SADAKI
Tarik watched as the door to the interrogation room, opened in and everything from a very old key with the Cartouche of Isis on it with a huge ancient family tree, several books and some pieces of paper floated in and stacked themselves in various categories on the table between him and Cole. Tarik stood up straighter shocked at seeing a copy of a journal. He looked at Fixer as he asked, "Can you tell if that journal came from one of your men?" Gingerly picking up the ancient key, he asked, "Plus this ancient key seems to belong to Tia, how did it get here? Is Lance here or maybe even Tia?" It worried him that a whole box had things that seemed to belong to the Andreas family. The wooden box was marked For Her Tarik gave a slight frown as he looked at some of the other items on the table and wondered if he had just been tricked again.

Cole smiled and nodded his head. He had planned on them wandering the halls and then getting a request from Tarik to enter his personal file room. Instead, the item came to them in the interrogation room. When the door had opened, all five of the elves had taken places around the room forming a loose circle around Tarik, the table and himself. Looking at Punta he received a nod. When he turned to look at the door, five men stood just outside, with Jack and Tom to the forefront of the group. Their weapons were drawn and all were on full alert. Tom looked to him and Jack and the others let their eyes wander around the room. Cole smiled and waved them away. Tom nodded and pulled the door was pulled shut and the sound of the lock being clicked was audible.

Cole reached down and examined some of the items on the table. He had been surprised the whole wooden box containing, what would eventually be sent to Tia, when she turned seventeen and became of age to rule , had come to the room intact. Putting down the couple of pieces of paper, he had picked up he tapped the table and said, "I personally obtained the journal, Amir. It is none of your business where or how I obtained it." When Cole had gone through the Spellman Quints mothers vault at the Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley, he had not only picked up what was needed to convince Frank Spellman he needed to start obeying him he had also picked up a few extra treasures. The journal was so ancient it would have been hard to put a beginning date on it. Since it appeared to be the Guardian's Journal, a book Tia would someday own and enter information into, it contained very old symbols." You have quite a lot of work ahead of you don't you Amir." Cole let the corners of his mouth slowly rise into a full smile. "You can of course get started immediately. The elves will bring you parchment and ink with quill, as much as you require. You will be fed of course and can request any food or drink item you wish. I have a marvelous five-star chef on duty. He has trained his staff well. Cole stood up straighter, put his arms back across his chest and smiled. Tarik was slowly coming to the realization he had been tricked.

Tarik shrugged as he said, "As I said before the gods might choose to keep the knowledge secret and in that case I will not anger them. Daniel Marsden made that mistake and you saw what became of him."

He picked up the key that was attached to an ancient scroll of some kind. He glared at Fixer as he said, "What belongs to the Andreas' family better get into Tia's hands and not my brother's or Shadow's." The scroll unrolled as he untied the key. Tarik was shocked to see the writing change for all to see. He gave another shrug as he said, "It seems the gods are trusting you enough with the names of every guardian of Menka's treasure? This list gives every name from Menka to Tia including Thomas Andreas Sr.' mother." Tarik was unsure about letting Fixer know that the key must be to where ever Menka's treasure was hidden.

He prayed that the journal was not what he knew deep down it was. Tarik had heard that each Guardian wrote a letter in a special book to the next Guardian in a way to help the new guardian understand and find the box. Tarik closed his eyes hoping that only the Guardian's had access to that knowledge. He opened his eyes as he opened the book. Tarik cringed as all but the last letter was being shown to him.

Cole sat back down and straddled his chair. He folded his arms on the back of the straight back and looked up at Tarik across the table. He smiled as he realized, Tarik was starting to fathom what he had in front of him and the man still had not seen some of the other papers in the wooden box. "Sit down Amir and let's get started. You may start anywhere you want. With some assistance from someone else, I have been able to figure out what some of the signs mean. Now you will tell me what all of them mean. Don't try and tell me you can't read them, Amir, because I can see it in your face that you understand what is there and by your own admission you are now honor bound to tell me everything." Cole waved toward the things spread out on the table. None of these items or information may leave my island. With the amount here, though, I realize you cannot do it all at once." Cole looked at his watch. It was almost 11 pm. "You will stay the night and then work through tomorrow. Tomorrow afternoon you will return to Hogwarts. We will set up a schedule so you may work on the pieces over time."

Tarik sadly shook his head as he said trying to understand himself, "This information is for the Guardian alone. I don't understand it should not be at my understanding? The gods are showing it when they should not?" He wondered if this is what the prophecy meant by the Guardian needing an adviser true of heart or all was lost. He was honor bound to reveal what the gods showed but the Medjai worried that his heart was being tested. He paced as he thought, "If I fail and this information falls into unworthy hands then all will be lost? But if I refuse Fixer the knowledge then I will have broken my word of honor? Either way is a risk but only one will show my heart to the gods. " Tarik shook his head as he looked within for the answer. His sister Cassandra's words came once again. He looked up as he asked, "But what did you and father mean by 'the innocence of a child but the will of an empire?' He thought long and hard as he watched the elves. Tarik chuckled as he asked, "Elven Blood? Could you have been referring to those chosen to have the link to the elves? Could that be the thing that allows me to reveal to Fixer what the gods refused Daniel Marsden?" He still had no real answer until the Guardian's journal opened to the first page.

First Letter of the Guardian's Journal Dear daughter,

Please understand some of those who follow the darker path only do so to help not hurt, I know that when you are given this as well as other things, your adviser will be leery. Tell him to Fear not, as the magical beings that we are linked with are very choosing in who they pick to carry out this sacred duty.The person's true destiny is known only to the elves my daughter but trust them as this person would never betray...

Menka

P.S. Understand that either way the box must one day open as my father loved his twin and so pleaded for the gods to test uncle once each generation. My uncle is tricky and so the gods asked the elves for a way to insure that the Dark One, as my father's brother is called now, never tricked us into releasing him early. The elves chose two for that purpose. Each Guardian would have a special protector one chosen by the elvin council and then they chose a Protector of the Shield. My Protector of the Shield was my husband, Marcus Andreas. Your older brother was chosen as his father's replacement but was murdered before he was even born.

Tarik looked to the elves wondering if Fixer was the Secret Protector. The one that walked the fence as a way to insure the Dark One never tricked the Guardian into setting him free when his heart had not changed.

Cole had been listening. He was even hearing some of Tarik's thoughts, but his head jerked to Punta when the idea hit his brain. He had been receiving training from the elves. Oh he knew they were sneaky about it, but he definitely was being fed information about the elfin world and about how they felt about things. Cole raked his hands through his hair and then folded his arms on the table in front of him. Again he looked at Punta with raised eyebrows.

Punta, smiled and bowed slightly to Master Frank. He had wondered how long it would take for the young Master to figure out he was being prepared for a larger part in the lives of the magical world. When the council had told him of their choice, Punta had been given the honorable duty of helping the chosen human to understand what was expected of them, and to assist them in any way possible to strengthen their Blood/Elfin magic. Master Khalid had understood a little of what was to happen, but the human's brain needed to be kept from thinking the thoughts, which would give the Dark One a lead to Master Frank. Punta, knew Master Frank had been chosen since he had taken his first breath in the world, but it was not until about a human year ago, that Punta and the rest were allowed to interfere and start to bring what was always to be, to come about.

Cole swallowed hard then turned back to Tarik, "Continue Amir. What more can you read?"

Tarik shook his head as he said, "If I am wrong and betray the trust shown in me as Tia's adviser? I know Frank you were trusted by both her father as well as by the elves but you walk a very fine line. My problem is you seem to have no true allegiance? Which means that the Dark One could buy your services. Frank, you need to understand it was rumored to be Khalid that betrayed the last Secret Protector as well as the Last Protector of the Shield. Only the guardian before Tia knows the truth as the boy chosen was only a small boy at the time when Khalid was twelve. The thing is the letter from that Guardian is being kept hidden from me. All the other letter are readable but the last one. Why it is this way, I have not a clue. But Frank the Andreas line was so hunted that it vanished at the time of the war in Egypt a hundred years ago." He looked at the elves praying that his brother had not murdered that small child a little over a hundred years ago. He knew Khalid was about twelve years old at the time of the child's death. He said, "So the Guardian at that time had only herself to guide her as her adviser, her secret Protector and the Protector of the Shield had all been murdered within twenty years, That guardian was Tia's father's aunt. Some say she was also murdered before ever receiving the box. You need to understand I must be sure that you are still true to your destiny? The Dark One is cunning and will target anything to make you turn against her." Tarik was confused but he dare not be wrong about this as Tia as well as the world could pay the price should he be wrong. He doubted the elves would help in his puzzle as he feared this to be a test of the gods for him only.

Steepling his fingers in front of his face, Cole asked, "And how do you plan on testing me, Amir?"

Tarik shook his head as he had no clue as how to solve his problem. Menka's words about not fearing that Fixer would ever fall for the Dark One's tricks came back into his head. He looked at the last letter page willing it to come into focus.

Letter to Tia:

Dear Guardian,

I received this from the hands of an elf named Tal'mac. It seems the one chosen was killed shortly after being chosen. The twelve year old who killed Andrew Spellman is not to be blamed as Tal'mac says the young man was tricked and bullied into choosing Andrew or his very own baby sister. I hold no rage against Khalid Sadaki as he has been so tormented by his own mother that the young man thinks he is destined to follow this dark path he was forced on. If you meet him, please let him know that he can always find the road back. Tal'mac says that added insurances will be put into place for you. The Magi Council will be given no choice but to betroth Arianna and my nephew Thomas Andreas. He is destined to Protect the shield that is the Dark One's prison. Tal'mac says you will have a lot of problems but that you will have things and gifts that only Menka the first Guardian had. He calls you Tia and states I will not live to see you as it will be a hundred years before it is your time. So I guess I will trust that this setback will somehow make you stronger. Tia as you might already be facing the Dark One remember trust those destined to help you and never forget that the Dark One will try to destroy your ability to trust. I will guide you as much as I can by not only giving this letter but I will insure that you have access to anything ancient that will help you understand and prepare for your fight. Tal'mac tells me not to worry but how can I not?

Menka Tia Andreas

P.S. This message is for your adviser. Tal'mac is worried that you Tarik will be so afraid of being like Khalid that you will second guess yourself. Your brother was used by the Dark Sect and feelings he has no way back. This is not so and so Tal'mac has sworn that the time of the Elvin Council not assisting our battle is finally over. Tal'mac will insure that is you and not a hunter that looks for Khalid. Your brother needs understanding and to finally believe that somebody believes him. Tal'mac says his grandson Darik will guide you. Tarik, you are not Khalid so trust yourself and your training,

Punta walked over and gently pushed Master Tarik into the chair across from Master Frank. Placing his hand on the young Master's shoulder, he said quietly, "Master Khalid, has been ill in his mind for many years. Put there by his inability to know and control his own Blood/Elfin magic. The Dark Sect played him well to their tune. The Elfin Council, has given him assistance by stationing four strong Tocoferty warriors on his island to guide and clear his mind of the past. They have succeeded to the point of Master Khalid being able to handle most of his life without their direct connection. He still has a long way to go, to forgiving himself for some of the things he has done, or conceived he has done. You must be strong Master Tarik for both of you."

Taking his hand from Master Tarik's shoulder, Punta took one step so he was in a better position for the young Master to see him. Continuing he said, "Mistress Arianna did marry Thomas Andreas as you know, but the man was killed. The Elfin Council has considered this and another human has been chosen. He is being pushed, but not hard toward her. Theirs will be a good match, for he is strong and intelligent and will compliment her abilities well."

Punta looked at Master Frank and said, "You have been on your road for a long time, Master Frank, whether you knew it or not." Punta chuckled and finished, "although you have given us many worried moments with some of your actions."

Cole returned the chuckle. He was still trying to fathom what was happening here. He always knew he loved to collect information and it had taken him years to come up with an adequate filing system, one that did not depend totally on machinery of any type to maintain. He felt scared and exuberated all at the same time. The reason for his actions had finally been shown.

Tarik nodded in thanks to Punta. He smiled as he said, "Arianna and Richard are meant to be. They are soul-bound as her and Thomas was. The thing is Khalid has decided to marry her to another, which is his right as eldest son. I do not have the ability to prove that Arianna is soul bound in time to stop Khalid's contract. The contract will be finalized in a few months. Ari loves Richard and he loves her but without proof of them being soul bound there is no way to break the contract. The other thing is Khalid has never been officially declared a Dark Medjai and though I am glad in one sense it pains me that he is so bound to the Dark One that him leading the family could prove our destruction. I was glad that he has not requested our father's medallion as it is his right." Tarik was still unsure of just what he would have done had Khalid had asked for his birthright

Punta looked at the floor for a few moments. There was a test to figure out if two people were soul bound, but although not dangerous to elves, it was dangerous to humans who might not have the beliefs in what would happen would not destroy them. Elves were prepared for the ceremony when they reached their 120th Human year of age, the year they became eligible to join as one heartbeat. Looking back up, Punta looked back and forth between the two humans, "There is a way to prove they are soul bound, but to Human's it can be a dangerous procedure and the Council has forbidden it, unless adequate reasoning can be found." Punta paused, "I do not want to give you false hopes Master Tarik and Master Frank, but since there is so much pointing toward the future for these two, there may be a way to let me arrange for the ceremony."

Cole only looked at Tarik. This was his sister they were talking about, and although Khalid officially was still head of the household, Tarik had taken up the reigns a long time ago where decisions had to be made. He could not make Arianna take the test, but he could prevent it.

Tarik again nodded as he said, "I will see if they are willing to chance the test should you get the permission." He turned to Frank Cole and asked, "Is there anything you are wondering about?" Tarik knew that he was setting himself up to be tricked once again but it would reveal a lot about Fixer's heart in what he saw as important.

Cole did not move for several very long moments. All his plans had been changed or at a minimum modified, with the information, which had been revealed in just the small amount of transcribing Tarik had done. He did not want to break Tarik, he had too much respect for the man, but he needed more information. Relaxing his arms folded on the table in front of him, he looked directly into Tarik's eyes. "Amir, your older brother gave me a list of the people I needed to get started on a path, which I now see would lead them all to the same place, the destruction of the Dark One. I must complete the list, because your brother is being watched by the Dark One and his followers. He must continue to make them think he is working for them. You of course are on that list. I must be able to prove to them that I can get you to transcribe the ancient Runes and they do not care how I get this from you. I personally need more of the translations to know how to complete my destiny . I also need some way to prove to them you are working for me. Can you give me some translation which they would think important? Is there another way to prove your loyalty to me?

Tarik listened as Frank was revealing Khalid's true intentions. His older brother was finally trying to break free of the hold the Dark One had on him. He thought back to what the prophecy had already revealed to him, "Frank Cole has taken a huge risk telling me what he has. I can do no less. The prophecy has me worried but I never completed it. It is time to do so. The problem is the Dark One is never going to believe I willing side with Khalid. " Tarik smiled as he asked, "Frank, there is a way but to do so is not only risk me but the whole family of Sadiki. Can you promise that Khalid is right enough in the mind to at least give us a heads up if his orders were the Dark One?"

Cole raked his hands through his hair, stopping half way and stared at the table. Finally looking up at Tarik he said, "As long as we are in his Garden Area and at least two of the four elves are present, the blackness can be lifted from his mind and he can think straight of what he wants to do. The only problem is he has already gone through two memory wipes, with me present, to clear what he has agreed to against the Dark One, and I am not sure how safe continued mind whips would be." Cole looked to Punta for some type of classification.

Punta nodded and said, "Master Khalid has been through six mind wipes over the past 20 human years. Each one of course takes a bit besides the information being cleared from his mind. While I do not recommend too many more, due to his advanced Wizards age, several are still possible." Punta stopped for a moment then continued, "If we are going to do that though, I would like to eventually invite Tal'mac into the process. The High Council Member is the strongest there is at the moment in our Elfin world."

"Do what needs done to make your control believable. In addition, if Tal'mac believes it will be helpful then have Khalid demand his birthright, our father's medallion. I know that it will be almost impossible to convince the Dark One that I am willing giving you information. Do what you believe will keep your cover? He has Tia's mind so messed up that it worries me."

Cole sat up straight in his chair and grabbed the back of it. He studied Tarik for a few moments, and then looked around the room. This was not something he wanted to do, but he needed to protect Khalid's identity with the Dark Sect, his own with answering to Khalid and needed to convince the Dark One and his followers that Tarik had been broken. Taking a small remote from his pocket he said, "From this point on I will be filming what we are doing. I am truly sorry it has to be this way Amir." Cole pressed two buttons on the remote and put it back in his pocket. Pushing himself slowly out of his chair, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Cole walked to the empty space between the door and the table. He took a hard stance with his feet spaced shoulder width apart and arms at his side, hands relaxed. Looking at Tarik, he said in the most commanding voice he could manage, "Tarik Sadiki, you will kneel in front of me and bend to my will."

Tarik inwardly smiled but sat statue straight as he said stubbornly told Cole, "I kneel to nobody especially my traitor Brother's lackey!" He hoped Frank understood that for the Dark One to buy what his brother and Fixer was trying to convince him of then Tarik could in no way make it easy. He inwardly cringed as he thought of how close Daniel Marsden had come to getting Tarik to consider him a friend. The Medjai were hard to gain their trust but anybody who was called friend was somebody a Medjai would do anything for. Tarik had in a way told the elves and Fixer that Tarik was considering Fixer a friend.

Cole straightened his backbone. He knew Tarik had to play it this way but it still grated against his feelings. Cole raised his hand and made a fist, then dropped it toward the space in front of him. He had just signaled the elves to grab Tarik and make him kneel where he had originally requested. By making the fist and holding it he had also told the elves to not be gentle. The made his stare hard as he watched the elves move.

It was not hard for Punta to read, Master Tarik's body language and emotions. The two did not match. As head of the elves on the island, he stood straight and motioned, Kimtu and Artkee to grab Master Tarik, and added the hand motion to show roughness and not let Master Tarik try anything. Mecum and Tarka had moved to flank Master Cole, in case he needed assistance. Punta followed the struggling Tarik to the spot Cole had indicated.

Tarik understood what was happening and so he did what was expected. As the elves came at him, and grabbed his arms, he tightened his body. He fought all the way to where they dragged him and pushed him to the floor on his knees. He shook his head as he fought to get his feet under him only to find the elves had an iron hold on him.

Cole grabbed Tarik's hair and pulled his head backward, forcing the Madjai to look at him. He knew his eyes were hidden from the camera but he could not take the chance of the lenses catching a look, which would not be part of the act. Cole backhanded Tarik across the face, not letting go of his hair. "Hold Tarik, you have no choice." Staring at the man he continued, "Hold or maybe I will see if I can bring some company into the room. Maybe one of the Core would enjoy seeing me make you submit, and submit you will do."

Tarik froze as he said, "Touch them and those that watch them will never stop hunting you.." He trusted Frank but he wanted the Dark One to be fooled. The Medjai was very hard to read what they were truly feeling. He tried to pull his head away as he said, "A Medjai never breaks and I won't."

Cole tossed Tarik's head back and took a step back. "I have ways of bringing any of the children here I want to Medjai. Tia and Landon trust me, how hard do you think it would be to have them come to my island, for say a vacation of sorts." Cole put his hands on his hips, as he leaned forward a little bit. "I would never hurt the Princess, but what do you think she would agree to do for me, if Landon's well being was in question? What would you do if she begged you to save Landon's life? It doesn't have to be this way, Tarik. Agree to do what I say and your life and those you care for can be happy."

Tarik tried to think of whether the Dark One would believe him caving. He shook his head as he said angry, "You already conned me into choosing you as Landon's Blood Guardian! The good thing is that it protects Landon from your wrath."

Standing back up straight, Cole said, "I want to thank you for reminding me of that Tarik. I think it is time for Landon and I to have a little talk. Maybe I should have a talk with your lovely wife, Sasha, or maybe your sister Arianna and I should continue our conversation from the Hogs Head, which you so rudely interrupted by losing control of your magic. She is a beautiful woman and is destined to be very important someday. I think I could grow to love the power she will weld. I will even let you chose, who I should bring to my island, Tia and Landon, the lovely Sasha, or your beautiful sister, Arianna. Choose or I will choose, or agree to follow my will."

Tarik thought a little nervous, "How to fool the Dark One into not knowing just which people are my weakness? Am I holding out to long? We don't want the Dark Sect holding the children as leverage, so just how to get Lance to be chosen as The Dark One fears him and so might avoid using him?" He stayed silent but inward he was worried about fooling the Dark Sect into picking out the wrong information.

Cole picked up on the information so he said, "It seems the children hold no power over you, Tarik. I wonder…" Cole paused as if he was considering something else. Turning to Punta he said, "Summon Lance Kildare. I think we need the good doctor here. Tell him it is because of how Tarik is feeling." Cole watched as Artkee left the room.. Turning back to Tarik, "If I know the good doctor, we have about ten minutes to wait. Until then…" Cole made the signal for striking Tarik hard and fast. He watched as Mecum first looked to Punta for confirmation and then stepped to in front of Tarik and using Magical blows struck Tarik hard in the face and the stomach. "Had enough Tarik," Cole asked in a quiet voice.

Tarik inwardly smiled but outwardly cringed as he said seemly frightened about Fixer bring Lance, "My nephew Lance is a doctor leave him out of this Fixer."

As the blows came Tarik understood and allowed the Dark Sect to see him weaker than he was. He faked trying to get into a fighting stance but appeared to be unable to stay standing and fell down once again. The Medjai said with fake tears in his eyes, "I can't betray her especially to my traitor of an elder brother. The acting head of the Council chooses the princess' adviser and my father gave that duty to me. I won't betray that sacred duty..." He hoped that Fixer caught the fact that once Tarik gave Khalid the medallion, as acting head of the Medjai Council, Khalid would have a lot of say over just who Tia's adviser would be.

Shaking his head, Cole said, "I am thirsty." He needed to kill some time and give Lance a chance to come. He knew the situation would be explained to the doctor and Lance would be able to play along. Cole walked over to the small refrigerator built into the wall at the head of the bed and took out a bottle of water. Opening it he went back to the table, pulled a chair over to in front of Tarik and straddled it. He just stared at Tarik, sipping the water. After a moment, Punta nodded letting Cole know Lance had arrived.

(OOC: This has been a joint post between Barbie and Jane. We hope you enjoy the thread)

LANCE KILDARE
Lance had been getting ready for bed when an elf had knocked on his door and said he was needed by Tarik. He got dressed and told the elf to take him to Tarik. Next time he would have to specify, because the elf handed him a stick, and Lance found himself on Cole's island. The elf pulled him toward the Barracks and said, Tarik needed him. On the walk there the elf said, that Cole and Tarik were pretending to be mad at each other to fool the Dark Sect. He was supposed to play along. He was leery but he would wait and see what he needed to do.

When they reached the door the elf opened it and Lance entered one of the interrogation rooms. Tarik was being held in a kneeling position on the floor, by two of the elves and Fixer was straddling a chair in front of him. When Fixer saw him he pointed to the floor next to Tarik and said, "Join your Uncle please Doctor."

Tarik was still worried that he would not fool the Dark One and would instead blow Fixer's cover. He cringed at the thought that instead of freeing his older brother he would get him and Frank killed .He had never been good at hiding his true feeling and in this case his failure would destroy his brother and Fixer. He thought back to the prophecy and wondered if another piece was being set in motion by his actions. When Lance knelt next to him he cringed and looked at Cole.

Cole folded his arms on the back of the chair and looked between the two men. "Lance, the reason you are here is because Tarik has decided to fight my will. You know how I operate. I have found that personal pain is easier for a person to take then watching someone else take the pain. I have decided to show him the truth of this statement using you." Cole knew Lance was able to use his talents of Legilimency and Occlumency with close to the ability he used to have until he started doubting himself. Tarik was having trouble thinking he could fool anyone, so Cole had no choice but to use someone else. The drugs Cole would be giving Lance were very lightweight and only about a quarter of the strength. Cole looked at Artkee and said, "Put him on the wall." He didn't watch, as Lance was pulled roughly to his feet and shackled spread eagle on the wall behind him.

"So Tarik, want to see what your silence really means?"

Tarik watched as his nephew was placed on the wall. He cringed as he thought, "I have to protect Lance as he is Tia's main Blood Magic trainer. I need to get him away from this or the Dark One could use Tia to find out what he learns." He started fighting to stand up as he said, "Lance is innocent in this, Leave him be!" He felt pressure in his head but was unsure as to the cause.

Lance pulled on the chains holding his arms. He also tried the ones holding his feet. He was going nowhere. With his eyes, he asked Cole what was going on. There was a part he needed to play, but now he was not sure what that part was.

Cole made a great production of filling the needle with the serum. He could feel the fear coming off Tarik in waves. The man did not frighten easily, but Cole was pushing all of his buttons which made it necessary for Tarik to go into protective mode. Cole knew Tarik trusted him to a certain extent, but that trust barrier was being pushed to its limits. The part of Cole which contained the Elfin magic he had gotten from having the full Blood ceremony with Maggie, was tuning in on Tarik's and Tarik's was fighting not using, or attempting to use his own Elfin magic to save Lance.

Walking up to Lance he leaned very close to whisper in his ear, so only he could hear, "You need to put on a good act Doc. The drug is about one-quarter strength, just enough to know you should be feeling pain. You have had the full strength used on you, so you know how it feels. Make whoever will be watching the video later, believe Doc… make them believe." With that Cole took one step back, and jabbed the needle into Lance's neck. Then he slowly turned back to Tarik. "The drug I gave Doc, will cause pain. He will be in pain from the cuffs holding him and anything done to him will be magnified." Cole walked back to the table and said quietly, "All you have to do is kneel to me without being held and call me Master. When that is done I will give you further instructions and you will also agree to them with no hesitations. Do I make myself clear Tarik, or do I need to demonstrate the drug's effectiveness?"

Tarik looked from Fixer to Lance and back. He had no idea when it would be right to give in without getting the Dark One's wondering if he was being set up. The Medjai inwardly had to laugh because if what his brother and Fixer had planned worked then being set up was exactly what Tarik was doing by solidifying Fixer's cover. Outwardly, Tarik was totally out of his comfort zone as he was no secret agent like his blood brother Dempsey McBurr. The Medjai wished the Head Auror were here. He shook his head but said nothing.

Cole shook his head and said, "So be it. What happens from this point on is on your hands, Tarik." Cole walked back to the wall, and without hesitating, punched Lance in the stomach.

Lance had taken a deep breath and let it out slowly. He could feel the drugs in his system. This wrists stung and so did his ankles. Tarik was still trying to figure out if he should give in or not. It was going to be a long afternoon. Lance tried not to tighten his mussels, because he knew whatever Cole was going to do to cause him pain, would hurt worse if he was tense. He tugged on the chains on his wrists and let out some moans for effect. As Cole walked toward him he looked into the man's eyes and not at the punch which hit his gut like a hammer. It wasn't hard to pretend the intensity of the first part of the blow. Lance just kept up the hyper-ventilating effect, moans and gritted teeth, longer than would have normally been felt. He couldn't beg Tarik to give in because he knew any member of the Dark Sect would expect him to not beg. All he did was stare at Tarik.

Cole calmly walked back over to Tarik, as Lance continued to breathe hard. With the Blood/Elfin magic Tarik had in his system, he would have felt the hit to Lance, which was evident by the way Tarik had leaned forward slightly, before he straightened his backbone. "Well Tarik, should I continue to demonstrate on Lance, how serious I am or are you willing to call me Master and give into my directions?"

His empathic ability took hold without him even trying. He felt not only Lance's pain but also he felt the drug's effect on his great nephew. Tarik shook his head as he thought hoping somebody was listening, "This type of undercover work is hard for me. I am not sure of when to give in without blowing Frank Cole and Khalid's true intentions, any hints or clues as to when the Dark Sect will believe what they are seeing will be helpful? It is strange that my empathic ability seemed to just happen without any prompting from me?"

Tarka, who was standing directly behind Tarik, reached out as if to steady him and closed his eyes for a split second. During that time he silently said to Master Tarik, "Let Master Frank demonstrate one more time on Master Lance and then you may give in. This message is coming from Master Frank."

Tarik just shook his head but hoped the elf understood. He had to play his part though he finally understood just how hard Dempsey's job was. The Medjai inwardly smiled thinking of his blood brother's talent at hiding his true intentions. He glanced at Fixer and realized that Frank Cole was a lot like Dempsey.

Cole just stared at Tarik then again shook his head. He walked back over to Lance and smiled as he said, playing his part, "It looks like Tarik needs some more convincing, Lance so…" with no further words Cole landed a quick one-two punch combination on Lance's face and ended with another to his stomach, being careful to miss the kidneys. This combination should give Lance the ability to play toward semi-unconsciousness and let him actually relax his mussels as soon as the worst of the punches symptoms went away. Cole had pulled his punches, but he had to make them look real.

Lance felt the air leave his lungs and fought to get it back. Even though the drugs had been at only quarter strength, the punches had been delivered with enough effectiveness to make his head spin and his stomach spasm. He hung his head and looked at the floor. He didn't think there would be more, but it all depended on how far Fixer wanted to take this scene. All he could do was listen.

Making his way the short distance back to Tarik, Cole leaned over and looked into the Medjai's eyes. "You can't win Amir. Eventually Lance will give out and I will have to bring someone else to take his place. I wonder how long you would last if say someone younger was hanging there. Bow to me Amir and promise you will follow my orders no questions asked."

Tarik looked at his great nephew Lance and started to shake his head. He was scared but mainly that he would lose focus and fail in convincing the Dark One. The Medjai cringed at the mention of Fixer being somebody younger than Lance. He wondered if Fixer was considering bring Tia or Starling. Halfway through the shake of his head, Tarik hung his head before he sadly nodded as he said, "No need to bring anybody else Fixer, I think we can come to an understanding?" He hoped he was right about it being okay to give in. Tarik tried to school his face with a look of regret and defeat as he said, "I will comply with calling you Sir like the rest of your men while I am on the island. It depends on your orders of whether I will agree. I will do nothing that brings
disgrace to my family?"

Lance kept his head down. He knew what Tarik had said was not going to be good enough. He mentally prepared for more pain.

Cole stood up straight and crossed his arms across his chest. "Sorry Amir not good enough. You must agree to do anything I personally ask of you with absolutely no questions asked. This is not negotiable. I will agree to the Sir in place of Master though." Cole signaled to Mecum and the elf walked closer. Leaning down he whispered in the elf's ear and received a nod. Cole had not told the elf anything but to nod as if he was having him agree to something. Raising his hand he said, "Tarik if I drop my hand we will have more company on the island. What do you say?"

Tarik started to argue, "Don't you understand just what honor means to a Medjai?" He watched the elf and as the elf nodded, he understood. Cringing as he said feeling heartbroken, "You do understand and thanks to my traitor of a brother Khalid, you have chosen to use it to bind me to you. Understand this Fixer, I will agree to your terms but only if you give your word the children will be safe from my brother's Khalid's wrath? He is a traitor and one day I will prove it. I will not have the Core members hurt just to prove your point."

Cole would do anything in his power to keep the children out of the problems of the adults. He had already set up special guards to watch out for them. Tia and Landon were being protected by trained warrior elves. A few of the other elves wandering around the school had special training thanks to Darik, Tal'mac and the elves on the Isle of Perdition. Tarik was still trying to make concessions though and the Dark Sect would never believe he had come over if he did not totally surrender his body and mind to Cole. Remaining with one hand still held in the air, he said, "Try one more time Tarik. I require complete surrender of you. I will make no promises about anything or anyone. Answer me now Medjai."

Tarik looked at Lance and then slowly nodded as he said, "I guess I have no choice but to comply? I give my word of honor that I will comply with your requests, no questions asked. Now please Sir let Lance off that wall?" The Medjai silently asked the elf, "Do you think we fooled the Dark One, my little friend? I know Frank will protect the children but will Khalid? I guess I am not good at uncover work? I just want to give my brother's plan a chance without risking Frank Cole or my older brother." He was still worried that he had not been convincing enough to fool the Dark One.

Cole nodded and slowly lowered his hand. "I accept your word of honor Medjai. Now get back into your chair and we will discuss your first job for me." Turning to Tarka he said, "You may release Master Lance from the wall. Place him in the bed, over there, where he will stay until I say different." Cole inwardly sighed. Lance could lie in the bed and recover. The drugs would wear off in another half hour or so. Until then he could be comfortable while giving the appearance he was being restrained. Turning back, he found Tarik again sitting at the table with his head down, palms flat and fingers spread. The man learned quickly. Cole walked over and straddled his usual chair across from Tarik. From this point he could keep an eye on Lance who was lying on the bed behind Tarik and on Tarik. Reaching out he picked up the remote and pushed a series of buttons. Putting the remote back on the table he folded his arms on the table in front of him and said, "We are not being filmed anymore, Amir. That was very well done."

Tarik tried to smile as he said, "I hope I was able to convince them. If I failed then your cover will be blown. You trusted me with my brother's plan and your part in it. I would not like to be the one that blew it. You sure that The Dark Sect will believe that I have been forced by you to work for Khalid?"

Nodding, Cole said, "They will be because of the video we just made and because you are going to actually do a couple of things which will make it appear as if the orders have come from me and thus Khalid."

Tarik got a little worried as he asked, "Frank, I trust you but I am worried about Khalid asking for something that will make me choose between my honor as a Medjai and my word to you. The Dark One and I have crossed swords so to speak before and I felt his hatred for the Medjai especially those of us that are from the ATA and Menka lines. Frank, he is afraid of something he thinks I know and will reveal to the Protector. At first I believed he was referring to Lance but after learning about Tommy Andreas, I think it is Tommy, he is afraid, I will tell."

"Tarik you are working for me now. I, at least as far as the Dark Sect are concerned, work for Khalid. Your allegiance is to me and not to Khalid, thus you may refuse anything asked by him." Cole leaned farther onto his folded arms. "I caution you though not to push this point. I will do what I must to protect, what I have on this island. If that means letting them see me punish you for something so be it." Cole raked his fingers though his hair and then refolded his arms on the table. "I have not come up with a definite plan on how to use you , but I will make it as painless as possible. One of the first things which has to happen is you must go to Khalid's island and kneel before him as head of the household. You will hand over to him a fake medallion, thus giving the appearance you are turning the family back over to him. I will give you a choice of what to do with the original. Either you may keep it safe or you may bring it to the island and I will lock it up."

"As far as Tommy Andreas is concerned, it presently is a non-issue with me. There are others working on helping him." Cole looked over to the bed and received a nod from Lance. Smiling Cole continued, "When you return to Hogwarts, have a talk with Lance, his father Martin Kildare and also Maxwell Sinclair. They will be able to bring you some reassurances there."

Tarik nodded then said to the elf Mecum, "Father's medallion is in my inner secret pocket, please hand it to Frank Cole. After a copy is made I will hand the copy to Khalid."

Receiving a nod from the elf, that the medallion would be retrieved from his robe in Cole's office and given to Cole, he turned to Lance as he said, "Lance, the Dark One attacked me with a major sand storm in our summer home while you were helping free Tia from that mind trap this summer. It was then that he informed me to keep quiet about the prophecy especially to the Protector. Do you think he will have Khalid insure that I leave the prophecy unknown?" He had thought long and hard about just what he might have not even realized he had translated in connection with his nephew Tommy. He still had no clue as to just what the Dark One was worried about.

Lance did not get up. He understood he needed to stay in the bed, to give the impression he had been mistreated worse than he was. The drug had just about worn off but he could still feel a few aches and pains he knew would not normally bother him. Lying on his side the supported his head with his hand, he tried to answer Tarik's question. "Personally I think, that if Cole can keep the visit short enough then there will only be time to discuss the family. Since you are technically answering to Cole now then he will be the one to decide what needed to be done and said." Lance looked at Cole and received a smile.

Tarik inwardly felt better but outwardly he still gave the appearance of lost in self-doubt. His headache was still bad and the Medjai could not risk that it was not Dark One trying to read him.

Punta walked up behind Master Tarik and touched his temple with two fingers. "Relax Master Tarik and let me in please." Punta knew that no one could get to Master Tarik's mind from off the island, because he and his group had the island locked down tight from mind or electronic intrusion. Master Tarik, had not been able to get his Elfin magic under control so it was fighting to be used. With his fingers still in place he said, "Master Tarik, concentrate on following me through your mind. See the bright spots with the curtain in front of them. I need you to open those curtains in your mind…. Very good Master Tarik, now take two steps back in your mind and reach your hand out. Touch each one of the five bright spots. This will join them together." Punta removed his fingers from Master Tarik's temple and stepped back. He looked at Master Frank and nodded.

Cole nodded back and asked, "Tarik, how you feeling?"

Tarik felt as the five bright spots in his mind joined into one and then he felt changed. No longer was he worried as his Elvin blood magic revealed the truth of Frank Cole's loyalty. It also showed him the true relationship between Lance and another on the island. He looked at Lance as he asked, "Lance, who is Jonathan MacIntosh and why is he blood linked to you? You know he is being raised by Matthew MacIntosh? Matthew is a very dangerous werewolf, and you gave his adopted son Blood/Elvin magic? What if Matthew chooses him as his heir and gives him the werewolf blood?" He sensed no ill will in this Jonathan but what had shocked him was how the young man felt familiar.

Lance forgot he was supposed to be relaxing in the bed, and swung his legs over the side and stared at Cole. "Is Jonathan on this island Fixer? You need to take me to him instantly."

Cole did not get up, but he did straighten in the chair and said, "We will visit Jonathan in a little bit Lance. He is fine. I had plans to bring you to the island before I needed help with Tarik. As soon as Tarik leaves then we will visit Jonathan and you can assist me in deprogramming him."

"That's correct, Cole, we will." Looking back to Tarik and studied the Amir for a few heartbeats. He wanted to explain but if it ever got back to the MacIntosh Clan, Jonathan could die and wouldn't even know why he was being killed. "First Tarik, you must keep the information to yourself. You can tell no one outside this room, not even Sasha. Jonathan MacIntosh is actually a McChey. He is Sasha's younger half-brother and Brennan's Uncle. When he was a baby he was abandoned by his mother, who all have presumed dead and the MacIntosh Clan raised him, mainly Mathew MacIntosh the Clan Chieftain. Most likely to use in the future over the McChey's being good ." Lance had not realized he had dropped his eyes to the floor, until he looked back up and met Tarik's eyes. "Luckily Jon was sent to Hogwarts and he and I became fast friends. Over the years, we both decided to go into medicine together. I specialized in general medicine and Jon specialized in Potions and their effects. He is a very good alchemist. When I came into my true powers, I found out who he really was. Before I was able to find the right time to try and explain it to him, I received a visit from a member of the Clan with a message from Matthew MacIntosh, letting me know if I told Jonathan why he always felt like he was different from his family and why they never let him truly take part in any of the family doings then Jonathan would be killed and not cleanly. Therefore, I decided the next best thing was to make sure the link would always be between us, no matter what, the blood connection. I performed a complete ancient bonding ceremony." Looking at Cole he added, "Jonathan knows I am here unless the elves have been blocking my presence and they have apparently been blocking my knowledge of his."

Cole nodded and said only, "He is being blocked." Cole turned to Tarik and said, "I think it is time for you to return to Hogwarts, Amir. Keep quiet about what you have learned here and do not tell Sasha about Jonathan. When it can be safely arranged, I will introduce them. I will set up another meeting between you and Khalid, but it will have to be an open meeting so he can show you are bowing to his will. At that time he will give me permission to control you. If you receive any orders that you question, let Darik, or the two elves helping Tia and Landon know and they can get in contact with me."

Tarik shook his head as he said, "I will do as you request concerning what I learned here. I am not liking having to hide what I learned about Jonathan though especially from Sasha. Frank, don't use Jonathan against Sasha. If you are going to introduce them just to hurt him as a way of bending Sasha to complying with what Khalid has asked concerning, reconsider because I will protect her? I plan on renewing my vows to her and Khalid is not going to come between that. Fixer, I promised her I would never keep secrets from her."

"I have prevented Sasha being pulled into this so far, Tarik, and I will continue to prevent it if at all possible. I fully expect you to protect her, but be advised Amir, you will receive no special treatment if you come in-between what I must accomplish and what you want to allow. I will maintain my cover. You and I are only a very small part of the whole in this. I will treat you as an enemy if needed." Cole leaned forward a bit to add emphasis to what he was saying, "Do not interfere with those two elves, Amir. Their only job is to protect Tia and Landon, even if it is from themselves." Cole gave a slight chuckle. The two were officially married, but they were not allowed to live as husband and wife. Tia still had two years of school to go and Landon one year.

The Medjai chuckled as he said, "Yeah, those elves are even not letting Tia and Landon sit together in class or in the Great Hall. I have even seen them have Tia and Landon's wrist tied when they are in the gardens or Forbidden Forest seeing Julius. Darik might need to explain the rules better to them as Tia and Landon are not pleased that they cannot even kiss or hug."

Cole added his chuckle. "Um … sorry about that. It was just easiest to tell them to keep the two apart. I will have it explained to them about the human need to touch and will see if I can come up with a new set of parameters for them to follow. I will also advise them that they may talk with Darik, if I cannot be reached." Cole pushed himself out of his chair and said, "Now Tarik if you will please follow Tarka to the transport platform we will get you home."

Tarik almost shook his head as he wanted to meet Jonathan and see what he could tell about the man that was in a sense his brother-in-law. He remained seated as he looked at Lance hoping his nephew would find a way as the Medjai could not go against his word.

Cole did not give Lance a chance to talk. "I am sorry Amir, but it is going to be hard enough to introduce Jonathan to the facts as they are. Only Lance, Jonathan and I will be in the meeting." Cole was actually planning on sending Lance into the room first and seeing what type of reaction there was. "You will now return to Hogwarts. I will of course be in contact with you." Cole stood with his arms across his chest to let Tarik know there was no argument which would be acceptable.

Tarik looked back and forth between the two men. Lance was having trouble looking him in the eyes. Cole was determined that he was leaving right then. Tarik shrugged, stood and reluctantly followed Tarka out the door, not saying a word. He had a lot to think about.

When Tarik had left, Cole turned to Lance and said, "It is now almost midnight. It is too late to start anything at the moment with Jon. First thing in the morning, around 8:30 am I will bring the two of you together. For now the elves will take you to a room a little more comfortable than this one and you can order anything you would like to eat or drink. Get some rest Lance because it is going to be a long morning." Cole walked toward the door, turning once to add, "Jonathan will be remaining on my island until he is reprogrammed. He will be moved to various levels of secured areas as he progresses. At the moment he is in an interrogation room like this one. Get some sleep Doc. You are going to need it." Cole opened the door and walked out.

Lance just watched as he was left alone. He raked his hand through his hair and shook his head slightly. Looking at Mecum he said, "Well, I guess I need to go with you, my little friend." Following the elf out the door, Lance's brain was traveling in many different directions. It looked like the next day was not going to be the only long time period. Lance could not see a quick and quiet ending to the night, because his brain was going to be fully occupied with the problems of the next day. He was going to have to figure out how to convince Jon he was still his friend and blood brother. He was going to have to convince him he was not trying to get him to turn against the only family he knew. He was going to have to convince him to trust Cole. There were a lot of if's in the process and Jon was a smart man so he was going to have to come up with logical reasons. He shook his head more as they walked down the hall.

(OOC: Information about Tia and Landon can be found in Everywhere Else, Tia and Landon are Joined. This has been a combined post by Barbie and Jane. We hope you have enjoyed it.)
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