Tarik's Visit (Isle of Perdition)

Tarik's visit (Isle of Perdition)
(Continuation of Everywhere Else, Tia's Run)
(Combined threads of the previous site)

FRANK COLE

Cole returned to his office and sat in the large comfortable chair behind his desk. Leaning back he mentally relaxed his body. The days just seemed to keep getting longer. Looking at the Black Forest CooCoo Clock on his wall, he was surprised it was only 4:30 in the afternoon. Lance would be coming in after he checked on Landon and Darrel, who had just fought in the main yard in front of the Barracks. He had been pleased with the way Landon had handled himself. The boy was going to be able to complete the Trainee training in the three days. Reaching into his desk drawer, he pulled out a piece of special writing paper, and wrote a quick note, explaining how Landon wanted to be betrothed to Tia and Cole wanted to help it long, but there may be a problem with Landon's mother, who was pushing for her oldest son, Jackson to be the one joined with the Princess. Folding the note, he wondered how long it would take Punta to get to his office.

Punta walked in and stood in front of Master Frank's desk. He thought the human looked tired, but it was no different from any other time he had seen him. "You called for me Master Frank."

Cole smiled, because he had only thought of asking Punta to join him, if he was finished securing the spy they had found just before the fight. The elf had shown up, even with only the thought being sent out. "I need you to visit Master Khalid and give him a note for me. He will probably reply, so stay there as long as you feel safe. If he has not given you a reply in two human hours return here. I need you to be careful, my friend, do not trust the man, because he has gone back to his old ways, since we last visited him. What I need an answer too, the Dark Sect will see as a plus for them, so I am thinking there will not be a problem with them. The note is for Master Khalid's eyes only, Punta." Cole handed the note to the elf, who nodded and disappeared. The only magic on the island could be done by the elves or those with some elfin blood. The five elves he had with him, were blocking everyone except their own and Cole's magic. Cole had elfin blood because he had married Khalid's daughter in a full magical Egyptian wedding ceremony which had included the exchange of blood through having their cut wrists bound together for an hour. His, now deceased wife, had gotten her elfin blood from being born into a family who had received the exchange a hundred years ago.

Sitting back in his chair, Cole closed his eyes until he heard the knock at the door. Pushing a button on his desk, he made sure it was Lance standing outside the door,then he remotely opened it. Looking at the clock, Cole smiled, because he had fallen asleep for an hour and a half. It was now 6:00 and time for dinner. As Lance entered, Cole sent a message to the kitchen to include two meals in the food which would be coming automatically to his office since he was there. "Sit Doctor. How is the boy doing?"

Lance started to sit as he said, "Landon has gotten worse from training with Darik, He will be fine physically. It is his mental state I am concerned with. I suppose you picked up on his thoughts about having a problem with asking for Tia's hand?"

Cole sat back in his chair and relaxed his arms on the arms of the chair. "It has always been my understanding the two of them would be together. I have found out that Landon's mother has formally partitioned Tarik for Jackson to be married to Tia, but nothing so far has come of it. The girl is still young. If you haven't been notified of the request then the woman is planning on playing you against Tarik, I think. Jackson is the oldest and thus has the most rights, but he can be passed over under some circumstances." Cole got up, went the kitchenette, and retrieved two glasses of wine. One he handed to Lance before he sat down.

Lance cringed, as he had never thought the boy would realize whom he had been referring to. He had agreed when Tarik had told him about the petition concerning Jackson. He even felt the bond between his cousin and Landon Russo. Lance said worried, "I think you are right about Esmeralda's intentions. She will find me just as hard to convince as my Cousin Tia's heart is already taken. I told Tarik that I believed that Jackson and his mother are only after the power Tia's husband will hold. I won't have that kind of marriage for Tia and neither will Tarik. I like Landon, he is a good kid and more importantly..." Lance stopped not wanting to give Fixer anymore reason to hold Landon. His cousin loved Landon and he was now convinced that Landon loved Tia. He just had to figure out how to convince Tarik that Tia might be too young to wed but not too young to be betrothed especially when in her heart she was already Landon's.

Cole put down his wine glass and leaned forward on his desk, crossing his arms, "Continue, doctor with your thought."

Lance just shook his head as he said, "What thought?"

Cole leaned forward and added some strength to his voice, "Do not begin to act coy with me Doctor. You said Landon is a good kid and more importantly…. Finish your thought."

Lance thought fast and then said, "Oh that thought, just that unlike his brother, Landon does not care about power." It was not what he had really thought but it was just as important. It was not a lie as he was sure Landon only care about Tia and had not thought about his role once they were married.

Chuckling Cole shook his head as he sat back up straighter, "I will let you use that as your reason for the moment Doctor, but I recommend you don't toy with me." Before he could say anything else, Punta and Tarka, came into the room through the door which led to the elves private passageway, which ran across the front of the building from the kitchen. The only part of it that was underground was the part which ran under the main lounge to the Barracks, because Cole wanted windows in that entryway. Cole smiled and nodded toward the small table near the kitchenette, signallying Tarka to put down the food tray there. Cole got up and started for the table, followed reluctantly by Lance. "Thank you Tarka, please go and check to make sure our other guest in the dungeon have something to eat. I am allowing meat to be served to them for this meal."

The elf bowed slightly and left the same way he had entered. Punta handed Cole a piece of paper, which he read as he was taking his seat. Smiling he folded the paper back in half and placed it in his pocket. Khalid had agreed the that it would be good to have Landon and Tia joined. Jackson, was following the Dark Sect, but with Landon and Tia together, then the sides would be balanced, at least that was the man's hopes. "Eat, Doctor." Cole took the lids off of the food and dished fish, carrots and twice-baked potatoes out to each of them.

He did not say anything for a few very long minutes. Cole knew the doctor had questions, but he was hungry and had decided to just let the doctor stew for a bit. Finally he put down his fork and said, "I think it is time for Amir Tarik, to visit my island. You will leave here within the hour, Doctor and have him back here by say, 9 am in the morning." Cole just sat and waited. This was going to be interesting. It was the first request made of the doctor since he had agreed to do what Cole said he had to do.

Lance pushed his food away as he said angry, "Setting up my great uncle was never a part of the bargain Fixer!"

Cole pushed his own plate away and folded his arms on the table in front of him. "The bargain was Doctor that you would do what I needed done, when I needed it done. I did not specify that it did not include bringing guests to my island, thus saying it was not part of the bargin can not be true." Cole leaned forward again and added, "You will bring Amir Tarik to my island tomorrow morning or I will consider that you have broken your word, and come up with the consequences. I do not care what you tell him or how you get him here, but here he will be." Cole leveled his gaze at Lance and waited. The man had given his word and Cole knew he would not break it, especially with Landon still on the island and a few of his friends.

Lance inwardly cringed as he realized he really had no choice. He looked at Cole as he asked, "What if I refuse to go? When I made the deal, I only thought it would be as a whipping boy. I never thought that you would have me set up Tarik." His mind went back to him being used to spy on William Andreas and he shook at what it had cost him. He wondered just how Fixer planned to encourage him and outwardly cringed at the thoughts running through his mind.

"You really want to play this game, Doc. Well, let's see what I can come up with. Landon is already on the island…. and he is going to have a rough time. The time can be made rougher if I request a couple of extra achievements he needs to earn. Also I think if Tia even thought he was in trouble I think she would come back with no questions asked, and of course I would insist she come alone for Landon's sake. I wonder what Tarik would do if he thought the only way to get Tia returned to Hogwarts was for him to come to the island alone, of course. I would rather not involve the Princess any more in this Doc. It is of course totally up to you on what happens along these lines." Cole sat back in his seat and steepled his fingers in front of him, using the arms of the chair to support his elbows.

Lance sadly nodded as he said, "No need, I will get him and have him here by nine. I just hope that note you received had nothing to do with why you have decided to have a chat with Tarik." He got up and headed for the door. He prayed that Fixer's note had nothing to do with the feud between his two great uncles.

Cole smiled. It was only 7:30 pm and he was free for the rest of the evening. He would worry about Darrel in the morning. The others he had visiting his dungeon were being questioned by a couple of his Specialist, who were very good at interrogation and getting answers. Cole was not adverse to using a little pain to get information but he drew the line at maiming. He had all the training his men did, because he never asked one of the members of his troops to do anything he had not already done or did alongside them, but some people had a knack at integration and he had a couple of the best, in his little group. They would have reports for him in the morning and then he would decide if the visitors would stay or go alive and happy or alive and struggling to survive. The South Pole was always inhospitable, especially when you were sent there without adequate protection. Three people had actually survived their stay.

Cole stretched and yawned. He was going back to the house and see if he could finish his book while he had a chance. If anyone needed him they would know where to find him.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoy it)

LANCE KILDARE
Lance had taken Tarik to the closet Portkey, upstairs over the Hogs Head, in Hogsmeade Village to travel to the Isle of Perdition, Fixer's exclusive home island. Now they stood on the receiving pad on the front lawn of the Barracks.

He looked around at the six men and women surrounding the small eight-foot-by-eight-foot wooden platform. Cole was nowhere in sight. Lance had figured the man would be front and center for their arrival. He knew Tarik would realize, Cole not being there would put Tarik out of the dignitary status. Lance was not looking forward to the test of wills. His hope was to be able to stay out of the middle of the confrontation.

Jack stepped forward and said, "Amir you and the doctor will please follow me. The Captain is waiting in his office for you." Jack swept his hand toward the Barracks and waited.

Lance did not move. He was going to defer how this went to Tarik. Glancing at the six-person guard he saw them shift so it would be easier for them to flank him and Tarik on their walk toward the short distance to the barracks. He knew no regular magic could take place on the island, due to a damping field set up by the elves, and he was certain Fixer had set up a field against the use of elfin and blood magic. Tarik had always been leery of his blood magic abilities because he feared not being able to control them. Here he was going to find he did not have that worry on the table.

Lance waited for Tarik to take the first step off the platform.

Tarik shook his head as he sat down on the Portkey platform. He looked at Lance, and then at the person who seemed to be in charge of the detail surrounding him, saying coolly, "I agreed to meet Fixer. I did not agree for Lance to stay here. He is needed at Hogwarts. Now, I came to talk with Fixer not his goons..." Tarik was in his Egyptian official robes and had his Egyptian weapons as well. He nodded to Lance to be ready for anything as the test of the Heart had began.

Jack looked at the man, "I can make no decisions Amir. I was told to bring you to the Captains office and this I will do. I would prefer that you went as his guest." Jack was not really sure what to do. The man standing in front of him was a high ranking official on the outside world, but on the island he was just someone the Captain wanted to talk to. When Punta walked up, he just waited to see what the Captain had sent the elf to say.

Punta had his instructions…bring the Amir to Master Frank's office, with as little problems as possible. He sure thought humans could be stubborn. He knew Master Tarik wanted to talk with Master Frank in a large way, but there was definitely going to be a test of wills between them. Bowing slightly he said, "Amir, I have been sent by Master Frank, to see if I can help in anyway to make your visit more efficent. If you will please follow me then we can have all parties concerned comfortable." Punta took in the fact that the Amir had all of his weapons. He glanced at Master Lance and mentally asked, "You did not tell him weapons should not be brought, Master Lance?" . All he received to his question was a shrug. Looking back to Master Tarik he said, "You will not need your weapons on the island Master Tarik. Magic does not work here, and you special talents are presently being blocked. I know Master Frank would appreciate it if you would leave your weapons in safe keeping with the members of the team sent to make sure you have a safe walk to Master Frank's office." Punta put his hands down to his side and spread his fingers. He was ready if needed to subdue Master Tarik or Master Lance. He hoped he would not have to though.

This did surprise Tarik. He knew of Punta and returned the bow. The Medjai shook his head as he said, "The weapons stay as this is not my only stop today. Lance will be returning to Hogwarts as will Marco as they are needed there. I will meet with Frank Cole but on equal footing out here in the open..."

Marco realized what Tarik was planning when he saw the one sword strapped to the Medjai's back. He thought quickly, "The High Amir is on the Blood Hunt..." He nodded to both Lance and Neo as he pulled the hypo and stuck Tarik in the back of the neck. The hypo was one Marco used to deal with Gabriel until they could get him to some Wolfsbane.

Punta just looked at Master Marco and nodded. He also looked at Master Lance to see if the human was going to cause any problems about Master Marco's decision. Master Lance was just staring at Master Marco, so Punta levitated Master Tarik and headed toward the barracks. He would take the human in tow to Master Frank's office like requested and then find out what else he needed to do.

Cole had watched the whole scene play out of the large view screen behind his desk. "This is going to be fun." he thought to himself. Tarik was going to be a real challenge. When he saw they were close to his door, he rose and went to open it. As Punta floated Tarik into the office, Cole said, "Robes and weapons please Punta, and then you can sit him on the couch." Looking behind the elf he said, "Lance you may stay…. Neo you will return to your unit…. This is Landon's second day and he is going to need your support." Smiling he glanced at Marco and added, "Marco you may stay. Please let Lance know what you gave Tarik. I am sure I have the counter med in the infirmary and I will have one of the other elves bring it." Cole's smile grew as he looked at Tarik and mentioned, "After all, it seems like a waist to let the man sleep when he was looking forward to this meeting as much as I have been. Punta please add minimal restraints to the Amir's legs only."

Punta had removed the sword from the Amir's back. He handed it to Master Funk. The other several knives he found on the Amir's person he put on the desk. The Royal Robes he carefully folded and also added to the desk. Sitting the human on the couch, he carefully touched the human's knees adding a weakening to them. The Amir could probably still move them, but he would not be able to support himself for more than a human second or two.

While he was doing this, Master Frank had sent Master Neo back to his group. Master Lance had told Master Frank what med was needed and Punta had heard the thoughts traveling to Tarka to bring the medicine. Before he was finished settling master Tarik on the couch, Tarka entered the room and handed the hypodermic needle to Master Lance. As he stepped back, he heard Master Tarik moan. Punta sent Tarka away, and went to sit on his air-chair in the corner. This was going to be interesting.

Marco slowly nodded as he said confused and angry, "Lance what on earth would finally put that sword on his back? He was on the Blood Hunt and you know whose name is on that sword! Do you really want all out war in Egypt?"

Tarik was coming to even without the counter. He stayed unmoving as he heard Marco explain his actions

Cole stood in front of Tarik and watched the man's face. He allowed the corners of his mouth to slightly curve up as when he saw the Amir trying to hide that he was awake. As Lance stepped forward to administer the counter-med, Cole said, "Hold Doc…. Amir, I know you are awake so why continue to hide the fact. You are just using up your and my valuable time." Cole waited to see what Tarik would do. Cole looked toward Lance. He knew the sword in his hand, still in the sheath, was a blood sword. Whoever pulled the Hunter Blood Sword out of its holder, was bound to use it to draw blood. Cole wondered if Lance knew this fact.

Lance had seen the sword, and it had taken him several moments to realize what it was. Cole was now holding it, so if the man took it out of the sheath, some blood was going to be drawn somewhere. Looking toward Marco he said, "I told Tarik to not bring any weapons. When he strapped on the sword he knew the message he was going to give the Captain." Turning his eyes toward Cole he finished, "Captain, the sword needs to be left in the sheath. Please." Lance knew his plea would not mean a lot to Fixer, but he had to try.

Tarik forced a grin to flow across his face as he attempted to put Lance's mind at ease, "Marco is right Lance. That sword has only one purpose. That is to take the head of the person, whose name is craved in its blade..." The way that Fixer was talking, if the sword were to be removed at all from its home then some blood must be spilt. If this was true then he better find Khalid, because he was the one Tarik wanted to kill. He had tried to convince himself of that for a long time and he needed to hold to it. Tarik could feel his blood running hot. He couldn't move his legs farther than a couple of inches without effort. They felt so weak he was sure he would not be able to stand to get to Fixer. Instead he balled his fists and locked his eyes on Fixer, as he said with deathly tone, "Where is he Fixer? Where is Khalid, this time he went too far?"

Cole just nodded and turned without answering Tarik's question. He pulled up a chair closer to the couch and sat down, crossing his legs in front of him. With a smile on his face, which he knew would agitate Tarik even more he said, "You do not ask questions on my island Amir Tarik, unless I give you permission to." Turning to Lance and Marco he said, "Gentlemen please be seated. You both have my permission to leave if you think you are going to interfere." Cole raised his eyebrows for the several seconds it took, both men to seat themselves.

Lance sat on the couch with Tarik, and Marco chose the other chair, which was nearby. Cole steepled his fingers in front of him, using the arms of the chair for support and watched Lance, who was having problems with the fact, Tarik was now virtually his prisoner. This meant, that because of their agreement, Lance was now surety for Tarik also. The man was worried and trying not to show any fear. Cole nodded to himself, allowing his eyes to shoot Lance one knowing hard shot. "Lance you wish to say something?" He received a shake of Lance's head in response.

Turning back to Tarik he said, "Now the reason I had you brought here, Tarik was so we could discuss the Princess, your blood magic abilities which need to be trained and your special knack for translations." Cole held the smile on his face as he relaxed his arms on the arms of the straight back chair he was sitting in. All three points he had brought up were triggers for Tarik. Keeping the man off balance was going to be one of his greatest weapons against the Amir. Cole did not want to destroy anything about the man, but he had been commissioned to help all of those connected with the Core, Caretakers and special interest groups who would have to ban together in the unforeseeable future to take down the Dark Sect and the Dark One in particular.

Marco just watched as two men he admired were fighting a battle of wills. He reached over as he said, "Lance, it will be fine. Tarik was never trained like Khalid and so has no idea what pulling that sword did to him. Captain does. Now what did Tarik mean by Khalid went too far this time? What has happened and why does Tarik believe Khalid responsible?" He looked at Fixer and prayed that the Captain could indeed bring Tarik out of this Blood Hunt he was on. As Tarik spoke Marco shook his head. Tarik was no match for Khalid, Arianna might be but not Tarik.

Tarik shook with a furious rage as he said, "The Core's visits to this island end now. I want Khalid, Fixer and I want him now!" Tarik had wanted so badly to believe that Khalid was not guilty. He had been so sure, that Tarik had even come to Khalid's defense when Air had demanded to know why Tarik had not obeyed the Medjai council. There had been no proof except in the death of their grandfather. Even that Tarik had blamed on Khalid's blood magic being tapped. Now with Tia being sure that the threat was not from Shadow, Tarik had read his copy of Tia's journal trying to see why she had left the hospital wing after arriving from the island. His body shook with fury as he remembered the owl that had sent Tia running, "Be Seeing You Soon Princess! Real Soon..."]/i] Tarik had to stop Khalid as he should have done years ago.

He stared at Fixer and said, "Where is he Fixer? Where is Khalid?"

Cole rested his chin on the fingers of his left hand, which he had raised. Looking back and forth between the three men, he finally settled on Lance, "Marco asked you a question Lance. Answer it please." He still was not paying attention to Tarik's outrage. "Tarik, either settle down or I will have Punta, settle you. Elfin blood magic, at least the Elfin blood magic I choose to work, works on this island. At the moment only your legs are bound. It can be made worse." Turning back to Lance he motioned for him to answer Marco's question.

Lance took several deep breaths, while quickly glancing at both Marco and Tarik. Fastening his eyes on Fixer he said, "Captain, the Princess has received an unsigned Owl with the message Be seeing you soon Princess! Real soon… on it. Tarik is under the impression that Khalid sent the message. It is a logical assumption." Lance was hoping to let Fixer know that the point was the one thing with had Tarik riled up to the point the magi was not thinking.

Tarik stared at Lance as he said, "I told you Tia knows it is not from Shadow! Me and You even tried to match it to the few notes still left from him! Nothing...So only Khalid has any reason to threaten her..." He stopped as he considered the only other person but Tia would not be his target, Tarik and Sasha would be. The Medjai shook his head as he said in his mind, angry for even thinking it might be Daniel, "The man is dead and with him any reason to translate those Runes!"

Cole looked over to where Punta was sitting. The elf nodded and closed his eyes. Cole knew Punta had just sent a message to Tarka to check on the note and see if Khalid had sent it. It was doubtful, because the Madjai who was considered Dark, had turned over the caring for and finding out information from the Princess, to him. When Punta opened his eyes, he shook his head, which told Cole, Khalid had not sent the note. Interesting . Cole turned back to Tarik and said, "Your half-brother did not send the note. I have a bit of information for you Amir, your brother cannot read or write. The note was not ordered by him either. Seems you have someone else who is after the Princess." Cole sat up straight and rested his elbows on his knees. He was still out of striking distance of Tarik, but just barely. "I will of course look into this for you. I will tell you there have been some rumors, and at the moment they are only rumors, that an old organization is starting to resurface. When I have more information, I will share. Until then the Princess and the others will always be welcome on my island."

Adding a small smirk he said, "I wouldn't try and forbid them Tarik, or you will be very frustrated when they go against you." Cole had some experience with forbidding the Core members to do something, and it was not a pretty outcome. Since this will complete our discussion for now on the Princess, which of the other two possibilities would you like to cover… either training your blood-magic or translations of certain books and runes." Cole pasted a smile on his face. He was pretty sure he was going to get a negative answer, but it was expected.

Tarik shook his head as he said, "I know Khalid can't but nobody else living would have a reason, not even the Dark One. As for the rest you want to talk about, neither are your concern. I am not the one stopping them, Sasha is and she gave them all very good incentive as in a 100 points each lost. Slytherin lost 200 points yesterday and Gryffindor lost a 100 points."

Cole sat back up straight and waved his hand in dismissal of the information. Folding his fingers in front of him, still using the arms of the chair as support, he said, "Well I would not want them to lose house points." Cole would be sending a bit of information to a couple of people at Hogwarts and get the points back for the children or make it so they would not lose anymore.

He realized that Tarik was still under the influence of the sword, even though it was not physically on his body. "Tarik, did you remove the sword from the sheath at anytime in the last twenty-four hours?"

Tarik nodded as he remembered debating for a long time as he tried to think of another way. He thought of the vision his baby sister had about Tarik losing his soul if he went and took Khalid's head. He remembered asking her about it before he had left. All she had said as she hugged him was that the only way to save him was to believe that he was worth saving. Then she had said something strange that made him think that Tia might be the one to bring Khalid back. "Have the faith of a child and the willpower of an empire and we might stand a chance to save Khalid from his fate." Tarik shook, as he still had no clue as to what Cassandra was referring to.

Cole looked at Punta and raked his fingers through his hair. The elf only stared back, because it was the only thing he could do. There was only one way to get Tarik out from under the influence of the sword. Tarik would have to remove the sword again from the sheath and cause human blood to flow. Cole turned back to the three men and rubbed his minds-eye which was located in the center of his forehead. As far as he knew, it did not have to be a certain amount of blood, it just had to escape the skin enclosure. Waving Punta over to stand beside Tarik, he said, "Tarik, we are going to do something now, which is going to be dangerous to everyone in this room. Since you took the sword out of its sheath and did not spill blood with it, it is holding that requirement over your head." Cole looked at Lance and saw him straighten his spine. The man was certain he was going to be cut. Looking at Marco before looking back to Tarik he said, "Punta is going to assist you to take the blade out one more time. You are then going to hold it in your lap, with his assistance, blade razor edge up. You are not to move, once that it is place. Do you understand?"

Tarik was shocked as he said inwardly praying that he was wrong, "You mean Khalid is here....You had Tia here knowing that he was here.."

"No, Khalid is not here and has never been here since I have owned the island, Tarik." Cole was skirting the truth here, because Khalid had been the one who gave him the island, but the man had not visited since then. Continuing he said, "It does not have to be Khalid's blood, which is spilt. It just has to be blood; it could be from any of us in this room, except for you or Punta. Now do as I asked." He motioned for Punta to bring the sword forward from his desk and then sat up straight in his chair.

Tarik cringed as he remembered again Cassandra's warning. Was he about to lose his soul as Cassie had foreseen. He barely heard Marco say, "Trust me if you can't trust Fixer or yourself, Tarik..." Tarik nodded.

Cole nodded and looked again at Lance and Marco as Punta assisted Tarik to put the sword across his knees, sharp edge up. Taking a deep breath, he scooted to the front of his chair, put out his hand and rubbed his palm along the top edge of it. The gasp which escaped through his teeth, was only part of what he had been able to hold back as the pain shot up his arm. Holding the cut, to went to the kitchenette and took one of the small hand towell and wrapped it around his hand. Before he could have Punta heal the cut, he had to get the sword put safely back in its sheath and then out of Tarik's hands. Taking a couple more deep breaths he poured himself a shot of whisky and downed it in one gulp, then made his way back to sit down.

By the time he made it back to his seat, Lance was already on his feet and had retrieved a small medical kit, which Cole always kept in plain view on a shelf near the elf's private entrance. At first he shook his head when Lance insisted on seeing the cut, but soon allowed him to unwrap the cloth. It was still bleeding. Cole looked over to where Punta was pulling the sword from Tarik's reluctant hands. When he finally had it back in the sheath and was walking toward the desk, Cole asked, "How you feeling Tarik?"

Tarik shook as if waking from a bad dream. He was still going to have to find out who had sent Tia that threat. He turned to Punta and asked "Darik said there might be a way to destroy that cursed sword, is there? I only pulled this morning by accident as I was thinking of my sister and her begging me never to use it. She said if I ever did, I would lose my soul. I want that thing destroyed." He was starting to think clearer and not so single minded. Khalid could not write so if he had the threat written then Khalid would have had Fixer do the deed and she would have been given the note here on the island not at Hogwarts. Tarik shook his head as it made no sense. He was sure he was missing something.

As Master Tarik had asked his question on if the sword could be destroyed, Punta had put the sword on Master Frank's desk and made his way over to him. Cupping his hands in front of him he waited for Master Frank to put his injured one in his. When it was in his palm's, Punta closed his hands over the cut and closed his eyes. He would need to send a lot of healing heat.

Cole almost came out of his chair as he felt the searing heat, start to knit the cut closed. He took deep gulping breaths to keep from yelling and knew tears were leaking from his eyes. It had been a while since the elves had healed an injury on him, and he had forgotten how it hurt. After a few very long heart beats, the pain started to subside and Cole could once again open his eyes. Soon Punta let go of his hand, and Cole flexed the fingers. It would be sore for a few more days, but the cut was sealed and he had use of his fingers. When he had sliced his hand along the blade, he had hoped he did not cut a mussel, because they were much harder to heal. Clearing his throat he said, "The blade can be destroyed and I will have the elves do it. It will need to be melted in the sheath." Cole looked at Punta and received a knowing smile. "Now we must move on to another problem. You said that your blood magic skills and translation skills are none of my business, if I remember correctly. I beg to differ with you on both. I am making them my responsibility and I am afraid you do not have anything to say about it, because I always get what I want accomplished." Cole smiled.

Cole looked over at Lance, who visually cringed although he tried to hide it. He knew what was about to come up in the conversation. Nodding to the Doctor and looking for a single heartbeat toward Marco, who also had guessed the next play, Cole turned his total attention back to Tarik, and started, "Because I have had some others who were not forthcoming with information and who were unwilling at first to let me assist them with their shortcomings, I have made arrangements to add some incentives to their willingness to accept my assistance. Knowing this are you still willing to say, these two subjects are none of my business?"

Tarik had seen the reaction of both Lance and Marco. They were expecting trouble mainly Lance. He listen carefully to the way Fixer worded things. He shook his head as he said, "The translations are better left buried. As for my blood magic, you are not Medjai and even less a Grand Saygar. I am glad you are not as the training I hear is most difficult. I will give you this much, I no longer believe that Khalid ordered that threat to Tia. Several things just do not add up as it is not my brother's style to leave people guess especially his target. It is not Shadow either as we have checked his writing. It makes no sense!"

Cole relaxed back into his chair and stretched his feet out in front of him, crossing his ankles. "The translations will not stay buried, Tarik. I know they are in Tia's diary and although it is blood sealed, you have a copy and Lance there has a copy. I also know of one small copy of some of the runes that is being translated as we speak, by someone at Hogwarts. The person translating the snippet, has no idea what she has." Cole smiled. Starling MacStone had found a small piece of paper in one of Tarik's books of his private library which all of the Core was allowed to use, and was translating it as a special treat for Tarik. Cole had found out by accident when he had overheard one of the other students thinking aloud about it.

"As for the blood magic problem, I will admit I am not Medjai, but I do know and have studied about Blood Magic and Elfin magic. Seems I have some of both running for my system." Cole got a kick out of the expression on Tarik's face at the realization he had the special traits. "Having Punta here will allow me to help you control yours. I have five elves on my island and all of them are Tocoferty, so I have plenty of help, in helping you. Grand Saygars are not the only ones who can teach, they just have to be the ones to certify the teaching. The training has been very interesting to go through." Cole sat still and watched Tarik's face. Cole was only a few months away from having his certification. Helping to train Tarik, would help him achieve his own goals.

Looking at his watch he said, "It is now 10:30. We have one hour until lunch is served. Shall we start Tarik first with Blood magic training?"

Tarik cringed as he heard Fixer match each of his points with one of the man's own. The Medjai had not had such a mental challenge since he tested Daniel Marsden's heart. There was one student who would be able to do what Fixer was suggesting. Looking to Marco only to see the sadness in his eyes, his thoughts were confirmed. HE really needed to have words with his young cousin Star. At the moment though the Core along with the rest of Hogwarts was in lock down.

Tarik's eyes lite up as it dawned on him what he had missed was the protocol, which had been established when Joseph Witchard had been Headmaster and was now being followed by Sasha McChey the new Headmistress and his beloved wife. Whoever wrote that threat had to have realized what Seth and Sasha would do. Tarik shook his head as he said almost to himself, "They would have known that Sasha would have requested extra guards at the school and place it in lock down… so if not Tia and the school then who and where?" Tarik needed to get back to the school and inform the others that Tia's owl was a red herring just like Daniel's visit to Tia at St. Mungo's. The man had used Tia to send Tarik a reminder of his promise. Tarik smiled as he remembered that Sasha had said something about it not Daniel's idea but a man by the name of Linthux, who at the time was second in command with the Seven. Daniel had told her that he just wanted to ease his own mind and that his Second's mind was clear about Tarik being a man of his word and Sasha letting the past stay there. He tried again to stand as he realized that threat was just Mr. Linthux's style. Tarik needed to return to Hogwarts cause if his line of thought was right then the Seven was back and that meant big trouble.

Cole did not move, but stayed relaxed in his chair. Tarik's legs were still out of commission for the most part and would stay that way. "Relax, Tarik, you are not going anywhere. I will be happy to get information to the school for you." Chuckling a bit he continued, "It might be a tad watered down in its information for what you need to get across will of course be sent. The school is on lock down, I have confirmed this and the children are safe. Mr. Linthux, is at the Shadow Lounge and is being watched." Sending a quick glance in Lance's direction, Cole a gain asked, "Shall we start first with your blood magic training?"

Lance saw the glance although he was trying hard not to look in Fixers direction. He swallowed hard, because he knew Fixer would use him to get Tarik to do what he wanted, and Fixer's training usually meant some type of pain. Trying to mentally relax his body, he stared straight ahead waiting to see what Tarik would do and when they would start.

Before Tarik could say anything, it finally hit Marco what Fixer and Tarik said. As he got up and headed for the door, Marco said furious, "Captain, inform Gabriel that me and Neo are on our way. Then get a hold of Frankie and have him and Leo meet us there!" With his hand on the door knob, Marco said, If Linthux of the Seven is at Shadow Lounge then Shadow is too or soon will be! I plan on burying Shadow for James and Troy!"Marco just prayed Kat and Gab were still okay. He had missed Shadow once and his nephew Troy had been murdered. Marco's mind went back to that night and prayed this time they arrived in time.

Cole knew the door was locked, so Marco was not going anywhere. He waited for the man to realize this then said, "Gab has already zeroed in on the man. Specialists are there. I am afraid you and Neo are not going anywhere, Sergeant. Now sit back down, or I will have you confined to one of the less popular rooms in the basement. Until it is discovered what the man wants, he has to stay alive."

Lance had not moved although he was watching everything taking place. He knew he was still in for a world of hurt, but he had just been given a slight reprieve with the new problems of what was happening at the Shadow Lounge.

Tarik watched as Marco seemed to explode. The Medjai understood Marco's concern. He had to calm the man, as in this case, Fixer was right. "Marco, we would have no idea what awaited us. Shadow's time will come believe me. Gabriel won't let anything happen to your sister Kat."

He watched as Marco sat back down still furious. Tarik thought about the rest of what Fixer had said. He shook his head as he said, "Lance can deliver the info to Sasha and Arianna. He is needed back at Hogwarts and that is where he is headed. "

Lance knew Fixer was not going to let him leave. He also knew Tarik had come expecting to have a verbal sparing match with Fixer, just between the two of them. Fixer did not work like that. The man used whatever was at his disposal when dealing with people's problems, whether it was another person or just some information. Lance had agreed to be the whipping boy for whoever Fixer brought to the island. The man tended to work on the premise that most people would handle their own pain, but to watch someone else being put in pain because of you, was just too much. "Tarik, Cole just wants to help you. He has been able to help others. Why not see what he can do?" Lance turned to Cole hoping the man would give some leeway in the situation. Seeing the look on Fixers face, didn't give him confidence it was going to go the way he hoped.

"Sorry to disappoint you Tarik," Cole said after making sure Marco was going to stay seated. "Lance has other duties here." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lance try to hide the cringe which Cole knew had traveled up the man's spine. Looking at Punta who had moved to the arm of the couch, which was between Marco's chair and where Lance sat on the couch, Cole mentally said, "Have Tarka notify the Specialist on duty at the Shadow Lounge what is happening. No action is to be taken unless Kat or her son are in danger. Have them send back reports through your elfin channels." Cole nodded when Punta momentarily closed his eyes.

Turning back to Marco he said, "Sergeant, if you cannot deal with what is going to transpire here, you may leave the room. You are not allowed out of the Barracks though. As soon as Neo is free I will have him come and see you here." Glancing at Tarik he added, "Landon may join you for a short period of time, if he has completed his scheduled tests." Cole was not sure if Tarik knew the young man was on the island. With the lock down at school, Tarik, might take it for granted that Landon was also there. "If you stay Marco you are not to interfere. Am I understood? Make your decision."

Marco looked at the door, tested the handle then shook his head and returned to his seat. He had to try and help Tarik, before they returned to Hogwarts to take care of the other possible threat.

Cole had never taken his eyes off Tarik, and listened as he tried to get Lance to agree to leave. Tarik still did not comprehend the fact that Lance had no choice in the matter.

Tarik had listened to his nephew and Fixer and then said calmly, "Lance, Tia left the hospital wing yesterday before you returned. That note spooked her. You, me and Landon are the only ones that know how to handle her when she is spooked. You are more able to reach her. I want you and Landon back at Hogwarts now. I don't think this Mr. Cross can handle Tia if she actually decides to take things into her own hands, do you? He got lucky yesterday. Do you really trust the Aurors to keep Tia there if she starts thinking like she has been?"

Lance looked toward Fixer, and then shook his head. The man was not going to let him leave. "As you said before, Tarik, the school is on lock-down and the children are not even allowed more than ten feet away from the building and then they better be heading for a class. I cannot leave here, because of prior agreements with Fixer and giving my word of honor I would stay until he said I could leave. I am sure Cross is being watched by more than one person, if he is a problem."

Tarik shook his head as he said, "Lance, when has lock down ever stopped the Core? Have you forgotten when the last Lock Down happened? The Core was found in the Forbidden Forest, and that time Tia nearly walked into Shadow's hands. Tia is headstrong just like her brother and you remember where that lead him. Lance, you are needed at Hogwarts as does Landon. You know what she has been through since this past summer..." Tarik was worried Tia could not handle much more. He looked at Lance as he tried to convey his concern for Tia.

"Enough," Cole said loudly as he sat bolt upright in his chair. "Tarik, Lance cannot leave. He is acting as surety that you will let me help you get a handle on your Blood Magic and a couple of other things which you and I are going to discuss. Landon still has today and tomarrow to go in his training, which he has agreed to as part of punishment I metered out when he disobeyed me. Now I have had enough." Cole nodded to Punta and then said to Tarik, "I have just had Punta release your Blood Magic abilities. We start now on having you be able to handle and contain them. Be forewarned though Amir, you are not the only one in this room with Blood magic which has been cleared to be able to use it." Turning to Lance he said, "Doctor you will please make your way over to the wall where the second set of shackles is located. You may face out for now."

Slowly Lance got to his feet. Before he moved toward the wall he looked at Tarik and gave him a look of implement, to try and do what he was told. Lance was shaking inside. When Jack came into the room, his whip hooked to his side and went to stand beside the shackles, his legs almost buckled, but he was able to lock them into place and stiffly made his way to the wall where he stood with his hand tightly clasped in front of him.

Cole had watched the Doctor and nodded when he had reached the wall. Turning to Tarik he said, "We will begin, now. I want you to release your Blood magic and try to lift only my desk off the ground."

Tarik was furious as he said, "Fixer, did you learn nothing from the events at Hog's Head? That time I nearly killed your men because of what I thought was happening." He looked at Jack as the Medjai said, "Do you really care so little for your goons? Cause he will die if he even thinks of laying a hand on Lance!" With that Tarik's blood magic sent the room into chaos.

Marco was knocked flat as the ancient runes stones still in his robes sent him into a near by wall.

When Cole felt what was about to happen he raised his hand and put up a shield around Lance and Jack. His own personal shield would protect him. Punta had also not been forced to move, and Cole knew he would be adding a shield to Marco, who was plastered against the wall near the door and Tarik, who would have been hit. With papers and furniture wildly floating around the room Cole yelled, "Pull it under control Tarik. Concentrate on what you need to do." Several objects bounced off Cole's shield and rocketed in another direction. "Tarik, pull it in or I will have Punta, take control of your mind."

Things had slowed down, but not stopped and Tarik was breathing hard, so Cole continued, "Keep pulling Tarik."

Tarik shook as he said scared of how bad he might have hurt Marco, "Do you think I wanted this Fixer? Why do you think I wanted Lance sent back to Hogwarts? I felt that you would push me into using it. As long as it was you and me, I was not worried. Lance has an ancient blood line in his vein and my blood magic targets anything ancient even blood.." Tarik was not really sure it would attack Lance but after it had attacked Marco, who was rumored to have werewolf blood, Tarik was not chancing his great nephew.

When things had settled down, Cole rested his elbows on the arms of the chair and laced his fingers in front of him. Looking at Marco, he cocked his head to the side. If Marco had been targeted then the man had something on him, which was ancient. Cole got up and waled over to where Marco leaned against the wall. Raising his hands, he forced Marco's hands up and against the wall. "So Sergeant, what do you have on you that would have been targeted by Tarik." Reaching into Marco's slacks pockets he pulled out several slips of paper, which had noting on them of interest, a clean handkerchief and several coins. Cole was about to put the coins back into Marco's pocket when something about them caught his eye. He looked closer, turning them over in his hands. Then he smiled. The coins were actually ancient runes. "Well isn't this a nice surprise," Cole said into Marco's stricken face. "Thank you for supplying visual aids for the next part of Tarik's lessons." Cole chuckled, stepped back out of Marco's reach and released the man's hands.

Reestablishing the shield that would protect Marco as well as keep him in place, Cole walked back to his chair, bouncing the small runes in his hand. As he sat down, returned the runes to their original size of about three inches in diameter. He place each of the three coins, in turn between his thumb and index finger and showed them to Tarik. "Look Amir, Marco had provided Runes for the next part of your training after we work on this a bit longer." Chuckling, Cole looked around the destroyed room and looking at Tarik, said, "Very good Tarik. Lance is not going to be sent to Hogwarts and you are going to keep practicing. Now, again please……"

Marco wanted to scream, it had taken him years to find those Alexander tax stones. With pure venom in his voice he said, "Those are for class and it has taken years to find those tax stones. They do not hold any hidden information concerning spells or the Dark Sect."

Cole placed the runes in his pocket and to Marco he said, "I promise to take very good care of them Marco. If they are what you say, they will be returned to you before you leave. If they are something else then we will discuss alternatives later." Turning back to Tarik, he said, "Well, Tarik… anytime you are ready you may begin."

Tarik shook his head to upset and worried to unleash his Blood Magic. He had fought for so long to hold his Blood Magic in check that the thought of letting it loose again was making him physically ill. He looked from Marco, to Lance and Jack, to Cole, shaking his head in refusal to open his mind to the horrors he thought were there.

"I am sorry to see you refuse my request for help, Amir." Cole looked toward Jack and nodded. Jack quickly shackled Lance in a spread eagle formation onto the wall. Tearing Lances shirt off him, he stepped back and started to snake his whip along the floor, cracking it a couple of time to make sure his distance was right. He knew the Captain expected him to pull the first few strikes, but he also knew that he would be signaled when and if he needed to make worse marks.

Cole turned to Tarik, "This is how this is going to work, Tarik. I will give you five seconds to release your blood-magic again and try and control it. If you take longer, Jack will mark Lance for every five seconds you persist in not following my instructions. They are behind a barier so you cannot stop what is happening there. Only your cooperation can end Lance's assistance ."

Tarik shook his head as he said, "Fixer, you just don't get it. I can't just call it up. I wish I could control it. Blood Magic is ancient magic found in only the most ancient lines. Not even all Medjai have it and those that do wish they didn't. Most of the time it is never tapped. Even my father's was never tapped if he even had it. Leave it alone Fixer as I am not the one that will deal with Jack. You forgot Lance has the Blood Magic and Elvin Blood but his Blood Magic is on both sides of his family." Tarik had neither thought of Lance's blood magic being dangerous. He just knew that only one person did the Dark One truly fear. That person was Lance and Tarik was terrified of just what the Dark One knew about Lance's ability that he didn't. Tarik looked at Lance and for the first time wondered if Lance's blood magic had really been fully tapped.

Cole glanced at Lance and then returned his eyes to Tarik. "Lance's blood-magic is being blocked, so he cannot use it, Tarik. I happen to know you can control when and what you do with Blood magic. You are going to learn to call your's up and control it. It comes when you are really angry or upset, so let's see if we can get you to that point." Without taking his eyes off of Tarik, Cole raised his hand, extending two fingers toward the ceiling and then let it drop to the arm of the chair. Jack's whip cracked two times and Lance's moan's told the story of what had happened.

He saw Tarik glance toward Lance. When he still shook his head, Cole raised his hand again, this time with three fingers, pointed up. He held his hand there giving Tarik time to try to summon the one demon he thought he had inside himself.

Marco understood what Fixer did not. He had ran across ancient text that helped inspire his love for the ancient Magics of the world. The ancient text had talked about Blood magic being a gift. It was time to get Tarik to see the truth behind the magic. He said, "Tarik, the only reason not all the Medjai have it is because not all the Medjai are Magi. Tarik it was only taught to those who needed it, the Medjai. Only thirteen lines are left to carry the burden of fighting the Dark One. Before the war that destroyed most of the council, there were over three hundred lines. Tarik, all carried the Blood Magic. It is what the medallions are drawn to and Tarik it is why if you did not have it the medallion would take your head."

Tarik listened and then asked almost to himself, "Then why out of all the Magi does The Dark One fear only one line...Andreas and more importantly He is terrified of Lance..." As he spoke calmly truly seeking the knowledge, an ancient book flew from its resting spot in Fixer's desk. Tarik read the title as he asked, "What does The Greatest Pharaoh have to do with the Dark One fear of Lance and the Andreas line?" The book opened to a page and as Tarik gasped. He looked at Lance with the insight he now had as he asked, "Lance, did you know that the Pharaoh was called the Hidden Pharaoh?"

Cole slowly closed his fingers and gently lowered his hand. He watched as Jack stood down from taking any more swings with his single-tailed whip. Rubbing his chin, he smiled. Tarik had just used his Blood-magic to call an old book to him, not send it off flying through the air. Smiling he intertwined his fingers again in front of him and waited to see if Lance knew what he was talking about. Cole knew the legend and had not ever been able to disprove the facts.

Lance took a couple of deep breaths. He was fighting the pain of the two strips across his chest. He looked first at Jack, knowing the man had pulled his strikes. Giving him a tentative smile of thanks he turned his attention to Tarik. "I do know the story the book talks about. The Pharaoh lived during the time of the Dark One, when he was living in a body. Many of the traits described, I have. I am not afraid to use my Blood-magic, Tarik. But I learned to control mine when I was much younger." Lance glanced at Jack, then said to Tarik, "You have to learn to control yours. You just called the book to you… so you have made a small step. Do not be afraid of it."

Cole watched as Tarik visually slumped deeper into the couch. He was not going to last much longer. Looking at his watch he saw it was almost twelve noon. Standing he said, "Punta, block the magic please in Master Tarik, and lower all the shields." Turning to Jack and Lance he said, "Jack you can let Lance go. Tend his wounds and see he gets something to eat." Turning to Marco he said, "You may leave but do not leave the barracks area. We are not done yet Sergeant."

Marco nodded as he went for the door. He said nothing one way or another. As long as he did not make promises, Marco would not have to feel bad when him and Neo slipped away.

Cole nodded toward Punta and cocked his head a fraction of an inch toward Marco. It was not hard to tell what the man was planning. Mentally he told Punta, "Have him stopped before he gets to Neo and brought back here. Place him on the wall, face out." Cole held in the snicker which was threatening to escape him. Marco was never going to learn, but he kept things interesting with his tries to circumnavigate Cole's orders.

"Tarik, we will take a break here. I will have one of the elves take you to one of the guest rooms. You may order anything you like to eat…. my kitchen is well stocked and my chef is well trained in all cultures of food preparation. Get some rest because we still will have a long afternoon ahead of us."

Tarik read more of the story and realized that the Pharaoh had both the Andreas and Sadaki specialties. He had been both an empath as well as a hunter. His daughters each carried a gift. His twin brother had almost wiped out his royal guards. Tarik smiled as he finally understood how the magi were formed. He looked at the elf and said, "Your people took at great risk to give the Pharaoh the forbidden knowledge. Ancient wisdom enabling him to pass on his Blood Magic to the Royal Guard. Giving each added skill in the area that was their best. The elven council created the Magi." Tarik understood why the great elf had done it. It was the bond he had with Darik that the great elf had for the Pharaoh

All Punta did was nod. The old ones had wanted to give the gifted humans who had the magic abilities, a chance to survive. They had been hunted since they were different from other human's of the time. The greatest of the old ones, had thought long and hard before allowing the gift to be given to any human. Now there were not many left and those were to be protected as much as possible by the elfin race. Punta had been very pleased to be honored to know several of the Magic Humans and tried his best to do what he could for them. He had already lived more than half of his expected 300 human years, so he relished every moment he could spend with all of them.

Looking at Master Frank, he nodded and motioned for Master Tarik to follow him. Mecum was waiting outside the door to take Master Tarik to one of the better rooms down the hall. Master Frank had said he did not want the human put into one of the interrogation rooms, but he was to be given one of the guest rooms used for honored guests.

Cole watched as everyone left the room. Just as Tarik got to the door he cleared his throat and held out his hand. The Magi was trying to leave with the ancient book. He smiled as Tarik placed it in his hands. "You can read some more of it at another time Amir." When everyone had left, Cole took a deep breath and headed for the transport pad in the front lawn of the Barracks. He had to check out what was happening at the Shadow Lounge, and be back before three in the afternoon, when they would continue with Tarik's training. He also needed to send an Owl to Starling MacStone with a copy of the information on the Runes, Marco had in his pocket. He had been pen-palling Star ever since he found out she was doing the surprise translation for Tarik. The girl was gifted as a translator. She looked at doing the translations as a game, and Cole liked seeing her happy. Someday she might be a great asset to his organization if she decided to join his small army.

(OOC: Tocoferty = Son of Father who gives Life; Shadow Lounge information can be found in Shadow Lounge, Some Things Never Change (Invite) This has been a joint post by Barbie and Jane, We hope you are enjoying the series.)

TARIK SADAKI
Tarik sat in the middle of the comfortable bed, in the small room, fashioned after an expensive Muggle motel room. On the small table across the room, were the remains of the lunch he was brought. He had told the elf he was not hungry, but the elf had informed him that Master Frank said he was to eat, so he must eat. Absently shaking his head he thought about how Fixer seemed to have the total control over the happenings on the island. Tarik knew it was not from fear, because there was very little of that being generated from the occupants of the small piece of land.

He had just gotten up a few minutes ago, from pretending to rest. Mecum had told him Master Frank said he was to rest and the look on the elf's face had given Tarik the impression that if he did not lie down then he was going to be made to. Tarik glanced to the corner where the elf sat on an air-chair with his eyes closed. He was not being fooled because he could feel the intelligence of the elf as he listened.

Standing up slowly he walked to the window, which was completely open. No bars, wood or glass barred the inside occupants from the outside. Tarik stuck his head outside and was greeted with a wave from two guards, one just outside the window down the wall a ways and the other about ten feet away at an angle, which prevented him from being seen unless you leaned out the window. Standing with facing the window, Tarik but his hands behind his back and clasps his fingers. Then he proceeded to whistle the signal he used to call his falcon Iris. He did not have any hope of the bird showing up, but it was something he could do to get Fixer to think. He heard the door latch but did not turn around.

"Excuse me Amir, but Master Frank is requesting your presence in his office. You will please follow me." Tarik knew it was the elf known as Punta. Slowly Tarik turned, nodded and took his time walking to the door.

Cole looked at his watch, 2:45, he had fifteen minutes before Tarik was scheduled to be returned for round two of their discussions. Cole had checked on Landon and found the boy was doing excellent. He had already completed two-thirds of the Trainee requirements and still had a day and a half left to work on them. Now he needed to find out what was planned for Tia and Landon. All of his research had told him the two were being considered as blood-soul mates, but if the boy could not step up and show he could be an adequate consort for the Princess then something would have to be done. Tia was going to need all the strength she could muster for herself and have the backing of strength standing behind here. Several of the children were already being primed to be her council and security detail. There was a lot of potential within the Core members. Landon would have to lead and at the moment Cole wondered if the boy had it in him to make the decisions necessary and hold to them. Tia had shown she could, but Landon might have to go against her for her protection.

As he walked into his office, he looked on the wall off to the left and saw Marco spread eagled in manacles. Cole shook his head and walked up to the man. "I told you not to try leaving Marco… you didn't even wait half an hour before trying to get to Neo. The Shadow Lounge is under control at the moment. I have people there and Gab is doing fine… I am having Tarik brought to the office. You will stay like you are for at least part of that visit. Lance will also be joining us after he looks in on Landon. The boy is doing well, but apparently twisted his ankle trying to go up the side of the mountain, without using the safety harness in the correct manor. What I need to know from you, is am I going to have to gag you or can you keep your mouth shut, Sargarent, unless asked a direct question?"

Marco fought the manacles as he said angry, "Fixer, when it comes to my family I take nothing on faith! Shadow is going to be there and that means I plan to insure he goes down. You have one man there, can you swear to me that he can handle all the Seven that will be there? Before they can do whatever they are planning?"

Cole walked over and sat on the edge of his desk. Stretching his feet out in front of him and crossing his ankles he said, "I did not say I had just one man in the Shadow Lounge. Kat is being protected and Dalton is in lock-down at the school. I have set up a Portkey so Kat can be brought here on a moment's notice. I am afraid you are out of the fight for a bit." Grabbing the side of the desk and leaning forward Cole added, "Now my question, silence from you or a gag." Cole looked at his watch, "you only have a few moments to decide before I do."

Marco shook his head as he asked, "And what are you afraid I will be saying, Cole? Why are you wanting me quiet? Afraid I will tell Tarik and Lance about the way off this island? You should have checked those caves better. And no Fixer, I am not telling you which cave or even which path."

Cole listened and tried not to chuckle. It might be worth his time to let Marco try and use his way off the island. At least it would let him know where it was. "I don't care if you do tell them Marco. They are going to have no chance to use it. Lance has given me his word of honor that he will not leave until I give him permission to leave. You know what it would do to him to break an honor bound oath, even to me. Tarik will never be alone while he is here. Neo is on the other side of the island, helping Landon go through swamp training. Since Neo is the only one of the group who has been given the cords on the booby traps there, I do not think you should distract him as he leads Landon through the drill of discovering the traps. The boy is good but not that good. You want me to call Neo here to the office so you can discuss this with him?"

Looking at his watch, Cole said, "Time up. Mecum gag him." Cole walked around to the other side of his desk and sat down. Leaning back he waited for Tarik to be brought in. Marco was fighting the installation of the gag, but he would lose his fight.

As Cole made himself comfortable, the door buzzed and he pushed the button to open it. Tarik, even without his robes and only in a white-button shirt and black slacks, still was able to pull off the regal stature of someone important. Cole nodded and motioned toward the two chairs in front of his desk.

Tarik shook his head as he stood in the doorway. He was just seeing what Fixer would think of his actions. He thought to the elf following him, "I am testing his heart. I ask that you let it be between me and him? Your people know our ways. What he is requesting if I was to work once again on the translation for somebody the gods deem unworthy..." He stopped as the thought of his promise to Marsden came to his thoughts. He had given himself a loop hole and so had been able to stop from revealing what he had been able to translate. He was not about to trust that Fixer would allow such a loop hole. What he already understood scared him.

Cole did not move from his relaxed position behind his desk. He had seen Mecum look around the Amir for confirmation of what Tarik had said. Cole slightly nodded and saw the elf take two steps back. He was close enough to stop Tarik, but was far enough back to give the appearance of allowing Tarik some freedom. Looking at Tarik he said, "Oh, do come in Tarik. We have too much to discuss for you to be acting like a child. After all Marco here," Cole waved his hand toward where Marco was suspended on the wall, "is going to have greater difficulties, if I have to try and persuade you to enter and have a seat. You see Marco has taken Lance's place until the Doctor can join us." Cole steepled his fingers in front of him and watched Tarik, over the tips.

Tarik smiled but did not enter. The man before him was strange in how he handled things. Tarik grinned as he said, "Since Marco has already admitted to being a part of your men here as has Neo, them being on your wall has no effect on me. Now if you were willing to return Lance to the school along with Landon, I think I would be willing to your reasons for my visit. I might even have an idea of how you might get some of what you want."

Lowering his fingers so they were entwined in front of him, Cole looked over at Marco and noticed the man was actually smiling behind the gag. Cole smiled and lightly shook his head. Tarik was actually turning out to be a bit of a challenge and fun. Standing he walked around to the front of his desk and over to the small dining table. Picking up two of the straight back chairs he headed for the door. When he was outside in the hall, he put one chair behind Tarik and the other in front of him. Motioning to Mecum, the elf raised his hand and forced Tarik to sit. Cole calmly sat in the other chair and repositioned his arms and hands so that his fingers were again entwined in front of him. Looking at Tarik he said, "I don't think I have ever held a meeting in the hallway before." Looking around he added, "This is interesting." Raising his hand and dropping it quickly, Tarik was treated to a yell of pain from Marco, because Punta had hit the man with a powerful jet of air, in the stomach. "Now let's see where were we…? Ah yes, I think you brought up Landon's name so we can start there. With information I have located, and after meeting the boy and watching him train, I will admit he has great potential, but I have reservations on whether he will be able to be the consort the Princess needs." Cole stopped talking to see how Tarik would react.

Tarik smiled as he felt Marco's pain. He was a true empath but had never been able to learn how to fully block the gift. The Medjai did his best to ignore the pain in his gut.

He listened and chuckled as he said, "Actually this is not what I had in mind but since we are both sitting how about a game?" Tarik way of playing chess would give him the answers he needed, the location of Khalid and just what was really going on. He smiled because he would know all the man was hiding.

Smiling Cole leaned his chin on his right hand, which he had raised. "No Amir, I am not going to play Wizards Chess with you, but good try. Maybe it will easy your mind to know, Landon only has a little over a day, to stay on the island. I promised Tia I would only keep him three days, so he could complete some training. He has the makings of a fine soldier, no matter who he eventually works for." Cole lowered his hand back to his chest. "As you know I am not the only one interested in his progress, because of his perceived future with the Princess. They are going to make a strong team. Seems to me Landon would do anything to protect her …" Cole had purposely worded his statement as a threat. He needed to know how others were going to react, because it would not be the last threat Landon and Tia were going to get.

Tarik was even more curious as now he knew that the man had something he wanted left unknown. He looked at Fixer and said with a sly grin, "I was thinking more along the lines of Medjai chess. It is a lot more interesting."

"We are not going to play any type of Chess, Amir. I actually think Chess in any of it's forms is boring. Now maybe we can come up with a game. How about a little knife throwing contest. After each throw, the person closest to the center of the target gets to ask the question and the other person must answer truthfully." Cole steepled his fingers in front of him again and looked over the tips.

Tarik smiled as he knew his knife throws were a match for any wizards though Neo was getting close to matching him. Tarik wondered though if his lack of focus would become a problem. He watched Fixer and decided the man probably did not know about that weakness as he was unsure if Khalid had figured it out yet. His eyes showed just how interested he was as the Medjai asked, "How many rounds?"

Sitting up straighter in his chair and relaxing his hands in front of him, Cole smiled, saying, "I think five rounds should be sufficient." Cole looked at his watch, adding, "We still have about and hour and a half until dinner time. I think we can fit that many in. So are we agreed?"

Marco had heard the rules of the game and knew that Fixer always had an ace up his sleeve. He tried his hardest to get Tarik to realize that. He just had to insure that Tarik refused.

Cole stayed relaxed but raised his hand and dropped it quickly. In the room, Marco could be heard yelling in pain. Never taking his eyes away from Tarik he said over his shoulder to the man, "You are not involved in this Sergeant. Be still or I will make sure you are making noise for a good reason, a reason I might add which is totally my idea." Focusing back on Tarik he said, "Do we have an agreement Amir of five rounds of knife throwing. If your knife is closest to the center of the target you may ask a question, which I must answer truthfully and vice-versa."

Tarik smiled as he said, "Any question that is not wand vow bound?"

Cole nodded, "I will agree that none of the questions will concern anything which has been sworn to under wand light." Cole looked and raised one of his eyebrows. "Well……"

Tarik nodded as he said, "Agreed. If a question is wand vowed protected then the answerer can just say protected and the questioner gets to ask a different question? Does that sound fair?"

"Of course, Amir." Cole motioned for Punta to come over to his chair. The Elf bent down and Cole explained to him what he wanted him to do. Punta nodded and walked down the hall. Cole stood up and said, "Punta has gone to set up the target range and make everything ready. You may choose any of the knives you brought with you. They are in the cabinet near the metal door next to where Marco is hanging. Do you require any warm up time Amir. Or may I get you some refreshment before we go out to the front lawn? We have about fifteen minutes before everything is ready." As he waited for an answer, Cole walked back into his office and opened a bottom drawer in his desk. Pulling out a sheathed Bowie knife, he weighed it in his hand, smiled and stuck it in the waistband of his slacks. "Mecum remove the gag please from Master Marco's mouth, so he can talk with Master Tarik, if he wishes too."Mecum quickly walked over and removed the cloth gag, then stepped back.

Marco gave Fixer a look as he thought, "Just how have you stacked the deck this time?" He was worried about whether to warn Tarik cause if he was right the target was going to be somebody not something.

Cole smiled back at Marco. "Marco would you like to come and watch our little show? It may answer some of your questions."

Marco shook his head letting Fixer know he did not want to watch whatever he had planned for the Amir. Turning to Tarik he said, "Tarik, use the one Neo gave you on your wedding day." He thought to Fixer, "Fixer, he will keep his word because of his personal code of honor. Don't use that against him, please. It would destroy him. Ask Lance about what happened the last time that happened." Marco prayed he was wrong and this time, Frank Cole played fair.

Tarik went and retrieved a small Egyptian throwing knife, similar to those Neo carried in an X-shape on his back and weighted just for his throwing style. Tarik smiled as he threw it and it landed within an inch of Fixer. He retrieved the blade as he said, "I choose this one"

Cole looked closer at the knife and then at Tarik. He had not flinched. He knew the Amir would not kill him. Smiling he turned in Tarik's direction and said, "Good choice." Cole walked over to where Marco was still shackled to the wall and undid the shackles. Steadying the man he made sure he was not going to fall as the blood ran back into his hands and feet. When he knew he was steady he walked back to his desk and sat on the edge of it. "Marco since you do not want to go to our little party I will have Tarka take you to your room. When it is over you can rejoin us."

Standing up he said to Tarik, "Let's go. The area should be set up by now." Cole led the way out the door. Marco was lead down the hall by Tarka to one of the more comfortable rooms. Tarik was right behind him followed by Mecum.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoy it)

FRANK COLE
Cole smiled as he exited the barracks and saw how many of the troops had shown up. On the small stage where he would sit and Tarik also if he wished, was all ready seated, Neo and Lance along with the other Elves flanking them. A small wall about eight feet high and six feet wide, blocked some of the view. Cole answered some of the salutes and signed the papers, which were brought to him as they passed. When he made it to the edge of the stage, he turned, to catch the reaction of Tarik.

Tarik only looked straight ahead and stood tall and proud. He could do this. His throwing skill was among the best. He had to stay focused because the crowd was noisy. When he saw Neo's face he knew something was wrong. The Cooler motioned toward the wall Tarik had just passed. When Tarik turned around his knees just about buckled. Shackled to the wall, his hands over his head and his feet together, was Landon. The boy was shaking and scared. When he looked at Tarik, he tried to stand taller and give a small smile, but the moves were not very effective.

Tarik motioned towards Landon as he asked, "What is he doing chained, Fixer?" He prayed he was wrong but Neo's face was confirming that Landon was the target. He looked at the boy and asked, "Do you trust me?"

Landon at first turned almost unseeing eyes to Tarik. The boy had been looking around at all the people and had tried the shackles holding him several times. When Tarik walked closer he focused on the Amir. In a bare whisper he said, "I'm scared Tarik, but I can do this. I do trust you honest, but what if…." Landon again looked at all the people around him.

Tarik smiled and said, "It will be alright Landon, but you need to stand very still and not move. I know you are scared boy, but you can do this." Tarik reached out and put his hand behind the boys neck, trying to give him strength. Tarik received a small nod and turned back to Fixer who had mounted the stage and taken a seat in one of the comfortable chairs. The man was sipping a drink. "I asked you what is he doing here Fixer?"

Cole continued to sip his ice tea and said nothing for a very long few moments. Finally he said, "Landon is being punished for something he did earlier. Part of the punishment is taking an abbreviated part of the Trainee training course. Part of that course is learning to identify your fears and learning to work through them to be able to continue with whatever your assignment is. This will be Landon's fear training part. He is going to be the target for the knife thowing question and answer time you have agreed to." Cole looked at Landon and knew the boy was not going to be able to hold still. Calling Punta to him he whispered in the elfs ear.

Punta nodded, stepped off the stage and walked to in front of Master Landon. The elf tore the young human's shirt off his body and put a small red, three inch diameter circle over the boys heart. Then he held his palm up about three inches from Master Landon, and starting at the boys head, lowered it to the boy's feet. Master Landon had gone stiff as a board. The restraints around his wrists would hold him up, and Punta had added a binding around the boy's waist. The young human could not move even a fraction of an inch from where he was standing. Punta nodded to Master Landon, turned and mounted the stage again. Nodding to Master Frank he returned to his spot behind Master Frank's chair.

Cole returned Punta's nod and said to Tarik, "I have had the elf take care of any problem Landon might have about involuntarily moving out of the way of one of the knives." With a smile he added, "Do you require any warm-up throws Tarik? I will let you use the small board just off to the right of Landon's spot if you do."

Tarik shook his head as he said, "I don't use human targets for practice." There was no way Tarik was going to throw a knife at Landon. He looked at the practice board as he said, "We will use the small board or we can go inside your choice Fixer? We are not using Landon!"

Cole put his drink down and sat up a little straighter in his chair, "If you do not wish to go through with the questioning time out here, that s fine with me Tarik. Please join me on the stage. You see this is part of Landon's training so it is going to happen. I will just have to pick a couple members from my troop to throw the knives, and I think I will also give each of them ten throws each." Cole signaled Punta to watch Tarik. Tarik's blood magic was already being blocked but Cole knew the man could react in other ways. Punta had orders to bind Tarik if needed. Looking at Neo and Lance he made sure they both understood they were not to interfere. Tarka was watching them closely. "Amir, I am waiting."

Tarik glared at Fixer as he said angry, "I would not even try Fixer. I might not get all ten with my blade but..." He got between Landon and whoever was going to throw. He continued, "I only need to take out one and guess who that will be..." He was ready to throw his blade to drop Fixer if the man continued with this foolish idea of a game.

Cole did not move. "Move out of the way Amir, or you will be forced to move and forced to watch what is about to happen. I will still allow you the choice of throwing the knives yourself and continuing with the original plan, or relinquishing the chance. You have five seconds to decide. One…" Cole glanced in Neo's direction because the man had moved and was now poised to jump into the problem.

Neo shook his head as he said, "Captain, Tarik is not playing if any of the men throw, Tarik plans on dropping you. Tarik won't take the chance of Landon getting hurt. Please Frank, you are only angering the Amir more..."

Putting his elbows on the arms of the chair and lacing his fingers in front of him, Cole crossed his legs at the knees. Sitting just a little forward he said in a deadly voice, "Take your best shot Tarik, just remember Lance is your security and Landon is tied up behind you. What is going to happen to them, when you are taken down?" Cole knew the elves were ready to stop Tarik's through. They had probably already put a barrier around either Tarik or himself. Cole watched Tarik's eyes and waited.

Tarik glared at Fixer but did not throw. It seemed they were at a stand still. Tarik would not drop Fixer unless the man forced his hand. He felt Landon's fear and realized the boy was afraid for Tarik.

He looked over towards Neo as he said, "I can't respect a person who will use another person for a practice Target, Neo. You know my code and what will happen. He wants the secrets that were revealed to Ravenclaw and yet he is will to risk a student? I am sorry..."

Neo did not wait for Tarik to finish but went into action. He had to drop Tarik but for the life of him, Cooler was unsure how he would do it.

Cole only nodded. Neo fell to the floor of the stage, his arms bound against his side and his feet bound together. The knife dropped out of Tarik's hand and stuck in the grass at his feet. Tarik's arm's went to his side and he was levitated to a chair next to Cole's. Neo was levitated back into his chair. Cole relaxed back into his chair and looked at all the occupants of the stage and then at Landon. Looking back at Tarik he said, "You have made your choice Amir. I will give you one last chance." Smiling Cole gave Tarik his only choice, "My troops have all come here today to be entertained. Put yourself in Landon's place on the wall and be the target for ten throws from one of my specialist, then…. You will go back into my office and be honor bound to truthfully and fully, without editing the information, answer five questions I put to you. Otherwise sit and watch Landon take his punishment. Your choice Amir." Cole looked at Lance who had sat up very straight in his chair. The man was wondering what his part was going to be in the outcome.

Tarik said looking at Fixer as he fought the bonds, "I will only allow this contest to be between you and me, Fixer. I am more then willing to be your target but are you willing to be mine? Five throws, with me as your target and you as mine. This will be still a contest. If you say no then the contest is off, but yes I am would still be more then willing to take Landon's place but answer your questions I will not!" Tarik was more then willing if Fixer took the option of each being the other's target of honoring the bet should he lose.
"Ah, but Tarik, this is non-negotiable." Cole put his hand in the air and motioned for someone to come forward. Jack Jennings walked out from behind the stage, stood in front of it and saluted, "Yes Captain."

Cole glanced at the bound Tarik for a second, then to Jack he said, "You have been listening from behind the stage. Take your position. You will have ten throws, with ten different knives." Cole knew this would spread the knives out and he also knew Jack could throw a knife blindfolded and still hit his target. He was the absolute best at it. "I want all your knives not more than an inch away from the boys skin." Cole waved Jack into place.

Jack took several deep breaths, after he reached his throwing position of fifteen feet away from where the boy was shackled to the wall. Jack knew the boy could not move so that took one of the worst elements of him making a mistake out of the equation. He stepped up and threw the first knife. Landon had closed his eyes and the boy looked frightened, but all anyone heard was a breath the boy let out when he had heard the knife stick in the wood. Jack did not wait, but threw the second and third knives. They had all ended up close to Landon's torso, each a little higher toward the level of where his heart was covered with the original 3 inch diamater dot.

Tarik said still extremely angry, "I said I would take his place Fixer but as for answering any of your five questions Fixer..."He shook his head as he fought his bonds, "That will only happen if you are willing to put yourself on that board against my skills. You as my target, Me as your's. Otherwise all you are going to get is My Wrath!"

Jack had stopped throwing when Tarik spoke. He had turned and looked at Cole. Cole turned his eyes to Tarik and said, "Then I guess it will be your wrath. Jack has been known to miss once out of every hundred or though throws, so the odds are still in Landon's favor, but he seems to be heading for the boys head." Cole waved for Jack to continue.

Tarik struggled against his bonds. He was inwardly worried but only showed outward anger. He glared at Fixer as he said, "What Fixer, you scared I will hit the dot on you? All five times! You do know your thrower better never come off this island..."

Jack nodded, turned and without seeming to take aim, threw the forth knife, this one landing just below where Landon's arm met his shoulder. If he stayed in the pattern then the next would be above Landon's shoulder and there was only about a three inch gap in-between the boys up-stretched arm and his neck.

Cole did not watch where the knives landed. He had confidence in Jack to put the knife exactly where he wanted it to go. Cole watched Tarik. Out of corner of his eye, he saw Jack get ready to throw the fifth knife. The man took a deep breath and let it out slowly. This was going to be very tight.

Tarik planned to pay both Fixer and the thrower back. He knew he could just forfeit the contest to the man next to him. The Magi shook his head as he knew that Fixer wanted the part of the translation that Tarik had already figured out. As he fought his bonds, Tarik knew now that he could not just give Fixer those. The Medjai inwardly cringed as he outwardly showed why it was almost impossible to break a Magi.

Lance had enough. Neo had finally stopped struggling in the ever fighting bonds. Each time you struggled the magical bonds grew tighter. Tarik had not stopped struggling and the Magi's breathing was becoming labored. Lance stood up walked to in front of Cole and stood at attention, saying, "Captain I request permission to take Trainee Landon's place on the board." Lance looked down adding in a whisper, "Please Frank don't continue to do this to him," then returned to full attention. Again Jack had stopped throwing. There were still five knives to go and all would be at the young man's head.

Cole looked at Lance and then around him to where Landon hung on the board. The boy had done fantastic. He had taken the first five throws of the knife and had not yelled or fainted. Five throws was the normal anyone would have to endure. Cole wanted a way not to have to make the boy take any more and Lance had just given him that way. Cole slightly nodded and said, "I will agree to that, if Tarik agrees to make the final five throws."

Tarik inwardly shook but knew at least if it was Lance instead of Landon, he would be more focused. He nodded as he said, "Fixer, I won't be answering any of your questions as we never had our contest. I will be willing to throw the last five throws."

Cole chuckled, "Lance do you think Tarik will eventually be answering my questions?"

Lance swallowed hard. He knew what Fixer was capible of and knew Tarik would eventually give in to his demands. "Captain, please don't make me answer that question."

"Go Doctor and get in position," Cole said shaking his head. Everyone watched as Landon was released and allowed to move. The boy's legs gave out on him. He was carefully laid on a small cot which had been brought up and placed beside the stage. A couple of medics were checking him out. Lance had taken off his shirt and stepped up against the board. His hands had been shackled over his head and he had placed his legs shoulder width apart for balance. He looked at Tarik and nodded. Punta walked up to Lance and said, "Please hold very still Master Lance," and proceeded to draw an outline three inches away from Lance's body from his head to his feet then stepped back.

Cole climbed down off the platform and stood within three feet of where Tarik would be standing. He said to Tarik as this was all happening, "All you sticks must be within the outline, Tarik. Any outside do not count and will be done again. You can start when you are ready, take you position." Cole could tell one thing Tarik was thinking, so he added, "And I give my word of honor, Amir, I will not touch you while you are throwing." Cole knew it would not take touch to turn Tarik's concentration off. When Punta had been drawing the outline he had put a field tightly around Lance's body. Any knife, which would have hit the man's skin, would be deflected.

Tarik glared at Fixer as he said still furious at what Landon was put through, "I on the other hand, will not be giving mine. Pray I never see you or that man..." He pointed a knife towards Jack as he continued, "ever off this island!" He went and retrieved his blade. He took a cleansing breath and aimed his shots only seconds before he threw. The whole situation changed around him.

Cole had waved his hand as a signal for those who were watching to start making a lot of noise. He was not disappointed as the cat calls and yelling volume grew. Cole also started talking, so Tarik would be able to hear him. "Don't miss, Amir… Lance has his life in your hands." Cole smiled as the knife left Tarik's hand and went wide. It was a good six inches outside of the target area. "Ah, I'm sorry Tarik that one doesn't count. Try again." Cole leaned back and waited for the next throw. A cheer had gone up when Tarik had missed. Most of the noise had died down but Cole could bring it back up quickly.

Neo smiled as he realized that this distraction might help Tarik. The Medjai had only one weakness that could get Tarik killed. Neo looked at Tarik as he said, "Amir, focus on the goal. You are the best and if it was not for your ability to be easily distracted..." He thought for a moment then finished, "Tarik, what if that was Tia instead of Lance?"

Tarik inwardly shook but tried his best to steady his aim as he said, "If it was Tia, I would not be throwing the knife at her but at him. You know I will take them out if I ever see them off the island?"

Neo shook his head as he said, "Not if they can use your inability to stay focus...Tarik."

Tarik nodded as he aimed. He had always had trouble staying focus. Tarik knew that this time it could cost him dearly. It was for this reason he never practiced with people around. He looked at Lance and tried to focus only on him and what he was saying.

Cole stepped a little closer to Tarik, as he looked at Neo and smiled. "Seems you have some support Tarik. Time to throw again. You still have five shots to make." Smiling in Lance's direction he said, "I know Lance is getting in pertinent. Right Lance?" Only receiving a small turnup of Lances lips, Cole continued, "Take you next shot Tarik." Cole held his hand behind his back ready to signal the yelling again.

Tarik smiled as he threw the next three in quick order,one right after another.

Cole nodded and chuckled. "Nicely done Tarik. That only leaves two to go." Cole waved his hand in the air and the surrounding noise elevated to a much higher pitch. Cole watched as Tarik desperately tried to stay under control and concentrate. As the man readied the next throw Cole pointed to the men staying with Landon near the cot, and held up a finger. Cole watched closely and as Tarik's hand came forward for the release, Cole pointed down with his fingers and one of the men standing near Landon jabbed the boy in the ribs causing him to yell. Tarik flinched and the knife headed directly for Lance's heart.

Tarik saw what his lack of focus had done. He just hoped his aim at stopping the knife was fast enough. He grabbed another knife and angled it to deflect the one that was headed for his great nephew's heart. As he threw the only thing running through his mind was that he dared not miss or Lance was dead.

Not much amazed Cole, but the throw Tarik just tried to make had him staring at the man as Tarik fainted and fell to the ground. Punta had previously put up a shield so neither knife would stick if and when they hit. Tarik had not know that though. Both knives bounced off of Lance's chest, on just under his left arm and the other just above his right lung. Lance was just staring down at his chest. The whole field had gone silent. Slowly Cole got up and jumped down from the platform. Two medics were already at Tarik's side checking his vitals. One of them signaled the Magi had just fainted. Cole looked at Lance and saw a mixture of hatred and fear all directed at him. "Relax Lance, I never would have let him hurt you or Landon. Both of you had shields established. Landon had to go through what he went through because of the training he agreed to. The boy is golden and will make a fine protector for Tia, with just a little more training and time." Cole looked back down at Tarik and ordered, "Take him to one of the rooms. Make it one of the integrations rooms. He is not to be tied down. Tarka will meet you there." Motioning two other men over he signaled for them to release Lance, who was stiff from hanging on the wall. The Doctor would not be able to move freely for a bit, because of the blood rushing back into his arms.

Turning back to the stage he said to Neo, who had stood up but was being prevented by the bindings from moving forward. Cole signaled Mecum to release the Cooler. Neo made a mad dash for Cole with fire in his eyes. Cole straightened and said in his Commander voice, "Attention, Sergeant," and then stared. Neo skidded to a stop. He was panting from anger, but after a moment, went to a shaky form of attention. Cole nodded and said, "You will return to your unit. Landon will go with you. Talk to the boy. He only has about twenty-four hours to go to complete his honor bound punishment. I will send for him tomorrow morning and will talk with him. Do not let him do anything, which will change how I feel now, Sergeant. That goes for you to. Now dismissed." Cole knew from his tone of voice he was telling Neo to leave, stay out of trouble, keep Landon out of trouble, and just do what he was supposed to do.

Cole watched the Cooler hesitate and look at Lance, who was sitting on the edge of the platform shaking his arms and wincing, and at Tarik who was being carried away. Cole received a "Yes, Sir" through gritted teeth, and he watched as Neo walked to where Landon was being helped to stand up. Neo motioned for the boy to follow, but got no reaction. Then he grabbed the boys arm and pulled in the direction of where his unit was forming up to return to the training grounds. The boy fought him and did not stop fighting until Neo said something to him, that Cole could not hear.

Turning back to Lance he said, "Doctor you will return to your room and rest." He held up his hand when Lance was about to say something, "No, Tarik will not need you. He has just fainted and the elves can handle that. I will call you later when you are needed. Tarik and I are going to have a personal one-on-one talk."

Cole signaled the two men still guarding Lance to help him up. Lance fought off their help, shot Cole a look which would have put him down if magic was allowed on the island and headed for the barracks. Cole smiled and shook his head. Raking his hand through his hair, he thought "I hope this is all worth it." knowing it was. Cole headed for Tarik's room.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoy it)

TARIK SADAKI
Cole had arrived in Tarik's room, just after he had been settled onto the hospital type bed against one of the walls. He sat with his back to the opposite wall, which held shackles, in one of the four straight back chairs around the small table in the center of the room. There were no seams to the walls and they were all painted a very light blue, floor and ceiling were in included in the color scheme. The only other furniture in the room was the long table holding the large view screen, on the same wall as the door, off to Cole's left, and the wash stand off to Cole's right positioned just shy of under the open window. One light was in a hanging cage just above the table. A bathroom door was on the same wall Cole had his back to near the back of the room. A locked cabinet was imbedded into the wall near the head of the hospital bed. Cole looked off to his left and saw Tarka sitting in the corner on an air chair, just watching.

When Cole heard a grown and saw some movement on the bed he turned his head back there. He was straddling the turned around chair, so he folded his arms in front of him and waited for Tarik to become fully conscious.

Tarik laid there as he wondered if he had just killed his nephew. Tears were in his eyes but he knew crying would not bring Lance back. The Medjai had tried to deflect it but since he had never practiced deflecting his own throws, Tarik's mind had not been able to handle the thought that he had killed. Tarik sadly shook his head as he wondered if he had the heart to kill. He valued life in all it's forms.

Cole cleared his throat and said, "I know you are awake Tarik. Please join me over here at the table. If you need help, Tarka will be able to assist you."

Tarik shook his head as he said, "I rather not. Just tell me, did my deflection work or did I just kill my nephew?" He wanted so badly to believe that he had stopped the knife but he knew enough to know that he had thrown too late.

"I really must insist that you join me Tarik. I would rather have you come under your own will power." Cole paused and added, "Lance is alive."

Tarik's body shook as he heard Fixer. His mind held on to the fact, "Lance is alive. I have to see him." Tarik got up but instead of heading for the table, the Medjai headed for the door.

Cole just shook his head and motioned for Tarka to stop Tarik. The elf only took a couple of seconds to stand in front of the Magi as he said, "No Master Tarik, I am sorry but Master Frank wishes for you to sit at the table with him. Please go there now." The elf was not going to let Tarik by.

Tarik looked at the elf as he said, "But I need to see Lance. Don't you understand, I almost killed him..."

Tarka just kept a sad look on his face and pointed to the table. "You must join Master Frank please."

"Lance is resting Tarik. Please join me here," Cole said in a flat voice. The Magi was coming to the table no matter what, but Cole would prefer to let him do it on his own.

Tarik looked at the door, but knew he did not have it in him to push the elf out of the way. So he walked slowly to the table not taking his eyes off Fixer. As he sat down, he asked, "When he wakes then?" He was still curious about Fixer. Tarik remembered that he had been curious about Marsden too and that had not turned out so well.

"We shall see how our talk goes as to what will happen when we are done. I can have some tea sent to us if you would like. I have a wide variety from all over the world and my chef is a perfectionist when it comes to preparing it. Cole accepted the nod from Tarik and told Tarka to have some Egyptian Tea delivered. Cole continued, "Now, that we have our exercise for the day out of the way, I wanted to talk to you about several requests I have, concerning your time and efforts."

Tarik said still concerned for Lance but curious as to what Fixer was interested in, "I am listening though that does not mean that I have changed my mind. We did not have our contest so right now I have no intention of answering your questions."

"Most of what I want from you does not concern questions, at least at the present time, Amir. I just have several requests." Cole stopped as Tarka retrieved a small tray from the door, where it had been delivered. As the elf put Tarik's tea in front of him and set Cole's glass of wine in front of him, adding a small plate of finger sandwiches, Cole continued taking time to thank the elf with a nod and smile. Tarka bowed slightly, and placed the tray on the stand which held the screen, and climbed back on his air-chair.

Cole picked up his wine glass and took a sip as Tarik sipped his tea. Smiling he said, "First I want a promise from you that you will not attack any of the members of my small forse if you should run into them either here on the island or anywhere on the main land. After all they are only following my orders." Cole put his glass back down on the table but did not let go of it. He sat up straighter in his chair, waiting to see if he would get some reply from the Magi.

Tarik smiled as he said, "I wanted you and that thrower to stop. I have never killed except in cases where my life was at stake. I have never needed to, as my threats are usually enough. Your thrower is safe but I am still not happy about what you put Landon through."

Cole nodded. "Landon made an error on my island and went against my orders or wishes if you like. He had to understand there are consequences for disobeying me. I have proven to him there are effects to what he does and have given him some extra training, which he needed. The boy is brave and not a coward. It will be a pleasure to continue his training at another time. I also need you to be willing to return to my small island when it is necessary, I of course will decide when it is necessary. I will send you a message and will expect you here within, shall we say, twenty-four hours of when you receive the request. "

Tarik shook his head as he said, "Landon is a boy and should not have been used like that. What if your man had missed? Tia cares for him. She would have been..." Tarik stopped as he realized that Fixer could use the soul mates against each other. He shook his head as he had no intention of allowing that.

Cole chuckled, "Ah Amir, you really are easy to read sometimes you know." Cole folded his arms on the table again, and leaned a little forward. "I know the relationship between Tia and Landon. And yes, I plan on using that relationship. Probably not in the way you think. Landon is going to be her consort, the first person she is going to look to when she gets older for protection and guidance. I have made it my job to make sure he ready for the duties he will need to carry out. Tia, loves him and he loves her back, so I am going to help make sure that love does not destroy the possibilities of what they are going to have to eventually deal with. Landon will continue his training, not because I force him to, but because he knows I can and will give him the knowledge and expertise he needs both mentally and physically." Cole stopped to take a sip of his wine, then continued. "Tia will continue to come to the island, because she knows I am willing and able to teach her what she needs to know about people and ruling. She is smart you know… my guess smarter than any of you are giving her credit for. Tia will work hard to earn Landon's love and respect and Landon will work hard to earn her love and respect. And I will be there for both of them, whenever they need advice."

Cole placed both hands flat on the table as he said, "Now I need your agreement on coming back to the island as I laid out earlier, because it is time for you to leave."

Tarik's rage built as he said, "I have no intention of letting anybody control Tia. Not the Russo family, Khalid, Shadow and most certainly not you. Tia is her own person and I have every intention of letting her make her own decisions. The thing people fail to see is that Tia might choose to not to take her place as leader of Egypt. Leave them alone Fixer!"

"Oh I think she will choose to be leader, unless someone who might want the thrown talks her out of it." Cole knew Tarik was next in line to take the thrown, and he also knew Tarik did not want the responsibility, but he wanted Tarik to get upset, because the man did not think straight when he was upset. "What do you have to offer for me to maybe have less of an influence where they are concerned?"

Tarik shook as he said, "I have never wanted my father's seat and I will not allow Tia to be pushed one way or another. Fixer, those two are off limits to you and your games. Where Tia is concerned, I get very protective!" He understood what it meant to be forced into something you did not want. Tarik glared at Fixer, as he knew that he did not want that life for the Princess. Her life was for hers to decide and that included just whom she finally married.

"I still have not heard what you might offer as compensation for me not interfering, for the time being with the two love birds," Cole sat back and grabbed the back of the chair. He wondered what Tarik might be willing to give up to keep him out of Tia and Landon's lives. He wasn't planning on staying out for long if he did make a deal, but it might be worth, staying out for a short time. He chuckled to himself, because it would most likely be a very short time. An idea was taking root in the back of his brain, but he was not sure how to bring it about yet.

As he waited for Tarik's answer, Punta came in and whispered in Cole's ear. Cole nodded and sent the elf away. "It seems Lance is getting upset he has not been able to check on you. If he gives me much more problem, he is going to find himself chained to a wall, again, and I will have to give him something else to think about." Cole knew he was pushing Tarik hard, but it was what he knew he needed to do with the Magi. He needed to keep him off balance as much as possible.

Tarik listened but could come up with nothing that would protect his family. After awhile, Tarik said knowing he was again letting Fixer win a round, "You promise to leave them alone and I will act as if you won the contest. You will get your five questions and I will answer them."

Cole again put his hands flat on the table, but this time he pushed himself to a standing position, "Go and see Lance, you have half-an-hour, then you will leave my island. I will let you know when I have my five questions formulated. I might even let you answer them by Owl, but you will be returning soon, Amir." Cole stood up and motioned toward the door. "Good-buy Amir until we talk again." Cole just stood and watched Tarik.

Tarik shook his head as he asked, "I have not said anything about returning. And both Lance and Landon will be coming back with me." He got up and headed for the door. The Medjai thought of how strange Fixer was. He had been sure that Fixer would ask about what he had already translated before Tarik had stopped. Tarik would talk to Lance.

"Tarik," Cole said before the man got to the door. "Landon stays until tomorrow afternoon. That is an honored agreement between him and me. Lance still had things he need to accomplish here on the island. As I said, you have half-an-hour to talk with Lance then you leave… and Amir, you will be returning to the island. That I guarantee because I have more than one way to have you come to me." Cole folded his arms across his chest and spread his feet shoulder width apart. He hoped Tarik understood what he was saying. "Now you may leave, Amir."

Tarik just shook his head as he left. Fixer was strange but he would think on him later, right now Tarik was headed to see Lance.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoyed it)

LANCE KILDARE
Lance had spent the last hour pacing. Mecum had given up trying to get him to sit down. The meal the elf had brought him sat untouched on the table. Lance also knew that Mecum had sent out a mental message that he was agitated, which was an understatement. The last time he had seen his Uncle they were carrying him away on a streatcher. He hadn't even been allowed to check on him. Mecum would only tell him his Uncle was alive and talking to Master Frank. Lance knew about Fixer's talks. They could be calm or painful or even a combination of each. The only hope he had that Fixer was not going to hurt Tarik was the fact he was being kept away. Lance was Tarik's preverbal whipping boy as well as Marco's and probably Neo's also. Every other pass he stopped and stared at the door, willing it to open, but so far nothing.

As he turned to yell at the elf one more time about needing to see Tarik, the handle on the door turned. Lance stopped and waited. He let out a breath, he didn't realize he was holding as Tarik walked into the room. Quickly he walked forward to take his Uncle's hand, "Uncle are you alright. Do you need medical help? What is happening?"

Tarik walked in to see Lance up. His nephew went straight into doctor mode. He tried to smile but was unsure of how it came off as he answered, "I am fine Lance. I could have killed you. As for medical help, you tell me. We have thirty minutes then Fixer is planning on me leaving the island. You okay? Lance, you know I have no intention of leaving either you or especially Landon here?"

Lance took Tarik by the arm and gently pulled him over to the table. "I haven't eaten any of that if you want some." Turning to Mecum and Tarka who were both in the room at the moment he asked, "Could one of you please get some tea for my Uncle?" He received a nod from Tarka, then turned back and sat down at the table. "Tarik they had a shield on me at the time you were throwing the knives. Your deflection did not work. I wouldn't have been stabbed in the heart but one would have gotten me in my right lung and the other under my left arm. It was a marvelous move you tried though." Lance took his hands and scrubbed his face, then leaned on the table still facing Tarik. "Uncle I cannot leave. I have given my word of honor not even to try until I have been given permission. Landon is also under his word of honor to stay until tomorrow afternoon. The boy will not break his word, he has been taught well. You do need to go though if you can. I know he has made some type of deal with you if he is letting you leave, so what is it?" Lance was wondering what else he was going to have to be surety for.

Tarik was worried as he said, "This Fixer is strange. I only promised to not follow through on my threat to the thrower. I had only tried to scare him in to stopping his throws at Landon. The only other thing happened right prior to him sending me here, but it is nothing."

Lance cringed. "Tarik you have never lied to me and as far as I know Uncle never kept things from me. There has to be more. Am I not to be trusted?"

Tarik shook his head, "It is not that Lance. It is just that I don't understand it myself. You know how I feel about Tia being allowed to make her own choices? About people interfering? Well I told Fixer that I wanted him to leave Tia and Landon alone. He seems bent on using their connection. He asked what I was willing to give him. I told him that if he would leave them be, I would answer his five questions as if I had lost our contest. But instead of asking his questions he said I could see you, for thirty minutes and then I was to leave the island. Though he has the theory I will come when he requests. I never promised Lance. Like I said a strange man this Mr. Cole, a strange man indeed..."

Lance sat back in his chair, "He is up to something. He now has your word that you will answer five of his questions, when he chooses to ask them. I know he is planning to use Landon and Tia in some way…. I am not so sure anymore it is for Khalid though. He appears to have his own. itinerary. He is using me to get people to do what he wants them to do. Everyone is getting used in someway when they come to this island, but there does not seem to be any single thread with runs through everything he is putting people through. More and more, Uncle I believe the children are safe here but they also are being used." Raking his hands through his hair again, he just looked at his Uncle. "Maybe when you are off the island you can figure it out. Marco is still here, as well as Neo. He still has not had Richard come. Franco has been shown how to control his gift…." Lance paused and shook his head. "It just makes no sense. I do know, if he is confident you will be coming back then you will return, whether you want to or not."

Tarik smiled as he said, "Lance, you know I can be stubborn and when have I ever done something because somebody ordered me to. I have not broken and do not plan on leaving without you or Landon. Fixer is going to learn that Medjai don't break. Now how did you become security?"

"Starting with Franco, I was used to get Franco to do what Cole wanted him to do as he was shown how to control his special abilities. Frankie was scared and was refusing to do what was needed to be done, so Cole used me as sort of a whipping boy and it worked. Since then I have made promises to him that I will help get Marco and Neo both on board to whatever plan he is putting together. Neo was not hard because Neo has worked with Fixer before, although I am not sure how. Apparently, Fixer was a very well liked and respected Commander of a rather large force. Neo would never go against his family and friends, this I am positive of, but he has started training with Fixer. Marco has a connection also, but not sure, where it is from, I think the school days also. I have promised to come when he calls and stay as long as he needs me. I have also been given anything I have requested for his medical unit. There has been no time limit set on my services and I am honor bound…. The situation just is, Uncle, it just is…."

Mecum motioned that they only had ten minutes left. Lance wanted his Uncle to leave without any problems. "You are not going to have a choice on leaving Uncle, and we only have about ten minutes left."

Tarik smiled as he said to thin air, "Fixer, we need to talk now!"

Cole leaned back in his desk chair, from where he was watching the screen. He had tuned into the meeting between Tarik and Lance as soon as he returned to his office. He smiled when he heard Tarik ask to see him… Reaching out he pushed a button on his desk and said, "You may come to my office Amir. I will allow you to stay for a few more moments. Lance you will remain where you are." Cole let go of the speaker button and chuckled. Lance looked startled and worried. Shaking his head Cole thought, "You know me too well Doctor."

Lance had jumped when he heard Fixers voice coming from hidden speakers. At times his mind tried to block out the fact he was watched and listened to all the time. He looked at his Great Uncle and said, "Do not trust him Tarik. Leave while you have the chance. Landon only has one more day. Fixer will stick to his promise there, I am sure. If you provoke him though Landon may end up staying longer and Marco and Neo could get blindsided by his anger. The man will stick to his honor bound promises, but he also uses anyone he can to make others do what he wants. Just leave while you can."

Tarik smiled as he tried to calm his nephew, "Lance, I have dealt with wizards like Cole a long time, have I not? He has blood magic and Elvin magic in his blood. I know the Andreas line carries blood magic but only our line carries both. Yet Fixer is unknown to our family as having any blood tie to us. It is also a means of honor how the man seems to play his own form of physical Medjai chess but when I offered to play him, he called the game boring. Lance, he is connected to Khalid and yet neither man has capitalized on that connection. The only reason that would be a threat to them both is if Khalid needed that connection secret. Fixer is a puzzle that must be solved as he plans to be involved in both Tia and Landon's future. You understand why I must figure Fixer out and soon? He is too knowledgeable to be just curious and that can be a problem that could become dangerous for Tia and young Landon."

"I know you have worked with and against those like Fixer, but Uncle he is not all evil or all good. He has his own agenda and the few times I have been able to talk with Neo and Marco about it, we have come to the conclusion it is like he is working toward something but none of the pieces fit into any kind of order. I still think you should just leave, but…" Lance did not continue he just raked his hand through his hair and added, "Be careful." With that he turned toward Tarka and said, "Please escort the Amir to Master Frank's office."

The elf bowed and motioned toward the door. Tarik, clapped him on the shoulder and then Lance watched as his Uncle was led from the room. He was worried, saying quietly, wondering if Fixer would hear him, "Do not break the man, Fixer, I will do what you want, please." Then he sat in one of the chairs and stared out the window.

(OOC: This is a combined post by Barbie and Jane, we hope you enjoyed it)

FRANK COLE
Cole had watched Tarka lead Tarik down the hall. When they were right outside his door he pushed the button on his desk and the door swung open. He motioned toward one of the two chairs in front of his desk and waited for Tarik to take a seat. "You wished to talk to me Amir, before you leave in a very few minutes."

Tarik shook his head as he said calmly, "I am not leaving in a few minutes Mr. Cole. You had every intention of me making a deal to stay. Question if I might be so bold, what would you have done had I not have decided to stay? Just what would you have used to keep me here the night? Lance? I am not happy with the way you have used Lance against those he cares about. Nor do I approve of the way you are handling Landon. It will end now Mr. Cole or should I allow it to slip that you are connected to Khalid by blood?" Tarik was interested in how Fixer would handle that Tarik of all people had figured out just where Fixer had inherited his unique magic. The only thing that Tarik was hoping was that Cole was not Khalid's birth son as was David Valentine, known as the Shadow.

Cole motioned to Punta, who had entered the same time as Tarik and Tarka, but by the private Elf door behind and to the right of his desk, to get Tarik some Egyptian tea and him a glass of wine. Leaning back in his desk chair, and entwining his fingers in front of him, Cole just watched Tarik for a moment. The man was smart and Cole was enjoying sparing with him with words. "If you had not decided to stay, this time Amir, I would have just worked on something else then when you returned, and you will return actually more than once, I would have continued with you."

Taking a sip of his wine, which Punta had handed him he continued, "Your second problem with me seems to be my plans for Tia and Landon. I assure you Tarik, I only have Tia's happiness in mind when I think about the two of them being together. I do not plan on splitting them apart, far from it. I will agree with you they are soul-bound. Landon needs more training which I am and will continue to help with. If you all ever start treating Tia like the young lady she is and not a child, then I will not have to interfere with her training."

Chuckling and taking another sip of his wine, Cole said, "I do not care who you let know of whatever connection you think I have with Khalid. Whom are you going to tell? Who do you want to know you have visited my island and give even the thought you might be under my control? Tell whoever you want Tarik. I will tell you I am not his son and David Valentine would rather take each other out of this world and be in the same room with each other." Cole looked at his watch. "It is now 7:35 in the evening. You have a choice. You may leave or be taken to one of my guest rooms until morning. Landon and I will be talking in the morning. The boy has about half a day of training still left on this stay. After our talk I will let you talk with him if you like, but my suggestion is that you leave while you can, Amir."

Tarik smiled as he said, "You say you are not his son then you are his son-in-law? As for whom I would slip that info to, my sister of course as well as Tia. If you are not worried then it can only mean Khalid for some reason wishes the connection to remain a secret. What is my brother so worried about? He insured that the family learned of David's connection but you, he has kept silent about. I can only think that he is afraid but of what I have no clue. Mr. Cole, I am staying but only until Landon is returned to Hogwarts. I will not play my brother's game though it is funny that you find Medjai chess boring and yet you play a form of Physical Medjai Chess with every one you bring to this island. I will tell you now, I have never lost a game and have no intention of losing this one. Tia is young and thanks to my brother and his son David, she has lost those she cares about. I will not allow Khalid or anybody to corrupt Landon. Do I make myself clear Frank Cole?"

Cole sat his glass on his desk and folded his arms in front of him on the desk. "I am pretty sure your sister, the beautiful Arianna has already guessed about a possible connection between Khalid and me. Khalid, in the mind set he is in at the present, has nothing to do with my plans." Cole was stretching the truth here a bit, because Khalid and he had once talked about what Cole needed to do. His father-in-law had even given him this island and an unlimited amount of Galleons to spend as he saw fit. Khalid was also paying all of his troops for just under another year's time. However, after Khalid had given him his orders and had also introduced him to the five elves who helped him on the island, he had made sure his mind had been blanked about what he had done. This way, Khalid had reasoned, no one would be able to understand the connection. "As far as why my relationship to Khalid has been kept quiet, it is non of yours or anyone else's business. Let us just put it down as adding a little hidden thorn in David Valentine's side."

Cole stared at Tarik for a moment then nodded his head, "I will allow you to stay, but you will have no communication with anyone else this evening. This is my island Tarik, and I run it exactly as I wish to run it. I ask no one's permission to do anything I do, contrary to your beliefs. I will continue to do what I think is best for the young couple to make them happy and strong. I do regret you will not have any say so in what I do, but there are powers and people you do not even know about who I am fighting."

Tarik gave a sly grin as he said, "If my brother wishes to break his ties to The Dark One and his Sect, then why the games? Why not just come home? I will talk with whom I please Mr. Cole. As I have told you I don't reveal things to people I don't trust. I don't trust my brother but you are a puzzle I mean to solve. You will find me very silent about things that you want until I decide if you are worthy to receive them." He was playing a hunch that Fixer was not though with his game and had just started. Tarik wondered how much sleep either of them would get until Tarik went back to Hogwarts. The Amir also wondered just how many visits Fixer planned for Tarik before the man realized that Tarik's secrets were forever lost to his brother and any related to him.

Chuckling Cole said, "You will find it hard to talk with anyone, locked in a room Amir. You see your freedoms, such as I have allowed so far, have just been revoked. You will be fed and if you wish I can have a couple of books sent to you, but until tomorrow morning sometime, unless I wish to talk with you, the only one in hearing distance of you will be an elf. At the moment that is Tarka, but he is scheduled to end his shift soon. I figure Landon and I will have out little chat around ten in the morning and at that time I will decide if you may talk with him. Lance is locked in his guest room until I need to talk with him or until I need to use him to deminstrate how important it is for others to follow my orders and give me the information I require. I know you have a fear of your blood-magic, Tarik, and at the moment it is being blocked. I wonder how much someone else would have control of it if they had control of your mind." Cole knew the elves could control, Tarik, and thus should be able to control what the blood magic did. It would be an interesting experiment. "Do you have any more questions for me at the moment, Amir?" Cole leaned back in his chair and rested his arms on the arms of the chair.

Tarik smiled as he thought, "As long as he has no clue to my real purpose of coming to this island, I can still be able to do what I came to do. Lance is young and still sees only the help he can give to others. I understand the danger the prophecy can bring if the wrong ones learn it's secrets. Khalid can never learn what I now understand and to protect Lance, I cannot continue or let anybody else continue what I foolishly started." Tarik only knew the first part of the prophecy but what he had translated brought a fear he had never thought he would ever feel.

"I can truthfully say at the moment Khalid is not interested in your translations, not that this will not change. By that time, though I hope to make it possible that you will not have to continue with your work along that line, unless you care to. I will say though Tarik, that you will find it necessary to finish the translations." Cole knew some of what was going to come about in the future mostly from the extensive research he had done in a lot of areas, and then piecing the information together and running various scenarios. Lance does not know it, but he is actually in training at the moment, he is gaining strength in areas where his expertise will be needed. Khalid is not allowed on my island and knows it. You will never find him here. He will not return home until a few of his own needs are taken care of. Now any other questions, before you return to your room and solitude?"

Tarik said still calm, "No, but as I said I will be seeing your island for myself and without you to insure just what I see. Now if you will excuse I will start my own tour of your island." Tarik had only been to the Dojo island once before but he never forgot details of things his eyes had seen. Tarik had to insure that the Dojo itself had indeed been completely destroyed as Arianna had been told. Tarik understood just want was at risk if it was not.

Cole stood up and said to Tarka, "Please show Master Tarik to the room at the end of the hall. He is to not have contact with anyone until I specifically say he is allowed. He is to be given all of his meals on time and whatever comforts can be allowed in that room." Turning back to Tarik he said as he motioned toward the door. "Amir…."

Tarik smiled as he thought to Tarka, "You understand why I must see the island my little friend? I will allow you to come with me but I will have my tour Tarka. If I don't find what I seek, then I will go to the room your Friend Cole has planned for me. If I do find it then I will decided just what to do then, agreed?"

As Tarik and Tarka were headed for the door, Cole overheard what Tarik was thinking to Tarka. Smiling Cole told Punta, in his mind to tell Tarka he would allow the walk. It would be interesting to find out what they found. Punta was also told that Tarik was to be kept away from the Training grounds and any groups who were out in the field training. He would let the men know he had approved the little walk about of Tarik's and to stay away from them. Cole was not worried because most of the island was covered by camera's and sound equipment. There were very few places Tarik could go without being seen or heard. Punta was informed to have at least two of the other elves following close out of sight. Any problems and Tarik was to be bound and returned to the Barracks or Cole was to be called. Cole received a nod from the elf. He went to his small kitchenette, poured himself a refill on his wine and then settled into the chair behind his desk to watch the view screen.

(OOC: Information of relationship between Khalid and Cole can be found in ARCHIVED 2013 - Mystery Island, Family Ties Are the Hardest To Break (Fixer). This is a combined thread between Barbie and Jane, we hope you are enjoying it.)

TARIK SADAKI
In the back of his mind, Tarik knew this whole trip was too easy, but he was concentrating on seeing if he could find the Dojo, which he had only visited once before. Somehow, he was certain it was on the island, even though he had been no farther than the front yard of the Barracks. It was just the feel of the atmosphere, which told him he had been here before.

Tarik allowed Tarka to lead and tried to act like everything was as it should be. Some of the troops looked his way, but did not challenge him, and Tarik figured it was because the elf was leading. The left the barracks and headed into the woods, staying off of the main tracks. Tarka put up his hand for them to stop several times, each time a group of men and woman passed not far from them. The full moon gave enough light even in the woods, to show most of them were on manuvers, by the way they were dressed. One group even had their faces blacked out. At one point, Tarik thought he saw Neo, but relized he had to be wrong, because the man stopped for a second and then continued on. Neo would have found someway to come to him or at least signal.

After they had walked for what Tarik figured was about two miles, over rough ground, Tarka held up his hand and signaled for Tarik to led, with only the warning, "Be careful where you step Master Tarik. There are traps about."

Tarik nodded and started forward, being careful where he stepped. There was a lot of underbrush, but in several large places it was only a few inches high. He knew enough about woods to know, these places were not glades, where the vegetation normally stayed low, so they were markings of where some type of structure might have stood. He smiled thinking he just might be getting close. As he was about to take another step, Tarka grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled. Tarik looked at the elf and then at where he was about to step. There was a deep pit dug into the ground. The pit was about eight feet square and probable about seven or eight feet deep. It would have been a nasty fall.

Tarik smiled as he looked down. The building was gone and with it any chance of recreating the runes. As he turned to head back, he said, "Now I will honor our agreement my friend. That which I sought is destroyed."

Tarka smiled, nodded and instantly transported Master Tarik, to the room where Master Frank had said he should be. It did not surprise him when they found Master Frank sitting at the small table in the center of the room, waiting for their arrival. Tarka bowed slightly and made his way to the corner where he conjured up an air-chair and made himself comfortable until Master Frank told him what he was supposed to do next.

Cole looked at the elf and said, "You were told to bring him directly to this room. We will talk later." Cole did not want Tarik to realize he had given permission for the little trip. Turning back to Tarik, who was still standing by the door he said, "Did you enjoy your little outing Tarik? Considering you left without my say-so and now I have to figure out how to take care of the infraction. I wonder if Lance has settled in for the night."

Tarik smiled as he said, "I thought you gave permission? Your little friends are like Darik, I doubt highly that Tarka would have agreed if you had not allowed it. I notice a lot Frank Cole especially the absence of your men. Now what do I owe this visit to?"

Cole chuckled and then lost the smile on his face. "Whether I permitted it or not, Tarik. I told you that you were to come to this room. That was not a suggestion. I have worked hard to make sure all of my men know I will not be disobeyed. If you disobey you will be punished. You disobeyed now I need to come up with a punishment. Since I prefer not to cause you any physical pain, at least for the time being, I will need to cause you mental pain." Cole was straddling the chair he was sitting in, with his arms folded on the table in front of him. He sat up straighter and grabbed the back of the straight-back chair with his hands. "I am just trying to figure out what would cause you the most mental pain…. Would it involve Lance or Landon. Hummmm…."

Tarik had not moved but said calmly, "Threats don't scare me Fixer but they do show a person's true character. I have learned that though the elves trust you, I should not. I will go to Hogwarts now and inform others of my findings." He turned to leave.

Cole sat still. Tarik could not get out the door, so he waited to see what the Amir would do next.

Tarik tried door but it did not open. He smiled but did not turn around.

"You going to stand there all day Amir or come over here and sit down. I do insist you take a seat." Cole signaled Tarka to wait five seconds and then force Tarik to take a seat if he did not comply.

Tarik smiled as he asked, "You have never dealt a Magi before?" He looked at Tarka as he thought, "Your friend is in a losing battle as you know. He is giving mix messages but I have never lost a game of wits yet. I cannot lose this one as it's results affect young Tia. You understand test of the heart?"

When Tarka nodded, Cole thought for a moment. Shaking his head he signaled Tarka to seat the Amir in the chair on the other side of the table. Folding his arms back on the table he watched as Tarik was forced with halting steps to sit in the chair. Cole signaled that Tarik's legs were to be bound. "Now that I have your attention, let us continue." Cole needed to find something which would give Tarik mental pain, not necessarily a headache, more of making him relive something from his past. Cole asked, hoping to catch or have Tarka catch a thought of something which hurt Tarik, mentally to think about, "Amir, what would be the worst time you could relive?" It would only have to be a fleeting thought, one Tarik might not even realize he remembered.

Tarik shook his head as he thought of most of the times he had arrived too late to save somebody the Dark One had marked for death. It was one of the reasons that Tarik wanted nothing to do with the translations as he had translated enough to know it would mean danger for those closest to him. Tarik said nothing.

Upon Master Frank's signal Tarka, the elf quickly moved behind Tarik and place his hands on the back of Tarik's head. He had to hang on tight because Master Tarik, tried to pull his hands away and shake his head to break the contact. It took barely a heartbeat for Tarka to complete the contact he needed.

Cole watched as Tarik fought the contact, but there would be no way the Amir would be able to break the contact. As Tarik's neck became stiff, Cole said, "Everyone get's punished for not following my orders Tarik. I will not physically hurt you, because I know you would be able to fight it, so I have decided to make you go back and relive a time. You will relive the time three times and then if you apologize I will have Tarka break the contact." Cole turned to Tarka and said, "Begin…."

Tarik felt his whole body go stiff. He could feel the elves fingers pressing firmly on his head and he was trying to fight the invasion. His mind was dark and blank. Suddenly images started to form out of a fog and Tarik started to cringe. He did not want to go to the place his mind was taking him. Tarik was tired. It had been three weeks since he had been home. Mina is lovely pregnant wife had sent him a message the day before telling him she needed him home to solve a problem concerning the baby. She had not said what the problem was, and she had not signed the Owl in her normal way, but Tarik had chalked that up as concern. Mina was only 30 years old and this was to be their first baby. She had picked out several names, one boy's and one girl's.

As he started to unlock the door, it swung open. Tarik immediately went on alert. Mina had always locked the doors when he was not home. Tarik pushed the door open slowly, wand in hand. He looked around the door jam before entering the front hallway. Not seeing anything, he stepped inside. Swinging his wand slowly around he headed for the front room. It would be where Mina would be, at this time of the evening, working on her knitting. As he approached the room, the hair on the back of his neck, stood straight up. Something was wrong. The atmosphere in the house felt stagnant and lifeless. Tarik peaked into the living room checking all the corners. Slowly he moved forward. Mina was not in the wing backed chair she so loved to sit in and she was not on the couch.

Tarik turned to leave, heading for the kitchen, when he saw the toe of a shoe, barely visable on the side of the couch. Walking slowly around the couch, dreading what he was going to find, he let out a yell of pain. Mina was lying on the floor, her eyes staring toward the ceiling, seeing nothing. She was dead. As the black dots started to clear from his eyes, Tarik knelt down beside his beloved wife. His eyes moved from her face to her stomach where his child would be. His stomach heaved. The baby had been cut out of her stomach. Tarik heard his own anguished yell again and again.

Stiffly he reached out and closed Mina's eyes then reached up on the couch and grabbed the throw. He covered Mina making it look as if she was sleeping. He sat there on the floor for many long minutes, just rubbing her head. He had no idea how long it had been, but soon he found himself surrounded by people.

Cole watched as Tarik's body started to shake. He had decided to stay out of the scene. This was the Amir's nightmare and he did not need any flashbacks of his own. As Tarik came back from his nightmare, Cole said, "You now understand my powers Tarik. Let's drive the idea home though." Cole looked toward Tarka and said, "Again…" forcing Tarik to relive the whole scene one more time. This time when Tarik reemerged from the scene, his shirt was drenched with his sweat and his face was flushed and still held the signs of true pain. "I think we understand each other now. I will not be disobeyed by anyone. Understood?"

Tarik shook inwardly but only said, "What I see is Tarka showing my past. A past I have yet to pay Khalid back for. Thank you for reminding of why there can be no peace between me and Khalid." Tarik had received a threat to stop his hunt for his brother a day before Mina was murdered. He might have had his doubts but his father had been convinced that Khalid had murdered Mina.

Cole shook his head. "Khalid had nothing to do with Mina's death, Tarik. In fact, he attempted to stop it. He was the one who found Michael and told your father, who had the boy put in the orphanage for what your father figured was his and your safety."

Tarik got angry as he said, "Is that what Khalid told you? Then tell me why my father wanted Khalid's head? He believed it to be the work of Khalid. You are being played Frank Cole." The only fact that kept a piece of doubt in Tarik's head was the fact that Khalid could not read nor write.

Cole leaned forward onto his folded arms. "No Tarik, that is not what Khalid told me. You forget, or maybe you never realized, but my main job is to collect information, categorize it and file so I can retrieve the information when I want to. I do research in many areas. Sometimes I do sell the information, but not always to the highest bidder and not always to anyone who requests it. I am choosy on who gets my information. Khalid did order a kidnapping but told the men involved to not hurt Mina under any circumstances. At the time, and I want you to remember this was many years ago, around 40 something I think, Khalid planned on keeping Mina and the child to control you. The men involved had been given other orders by someone else. I have not been able to find out who the other person was, but the two men involved are now dead, and they did not die easily, I assure you. When your father found out what Khalid had attempted to do he went ballistic and asked for your brother's head on a platter. Your father also found your son and had him put in an orphanage so that the other person would think he was dead and could not use him. When your father died, his secret died with him until his journals were found and read. " Cole sat back up straight and pointedly looked at Tarik. "Khalid is not involved in what I am doing here and on my honor, I am not selling him information." Cole could make this point because Khalid had helped him get started and then had the memories of the help wiped from his mind.

Tarik listened but said nothing. Their father had not known what Tarik had just recently learned about Khalid. He tried to remember what it had been about the attack that had convinced their father. He smiled as he thought, "the signature, The Dark Medjai." His brother was the only Magi to be called by that code name.

He said, "My brother will pay for his crimes as will you Fixer. Give him up and I might believe that like most you were unaware of just how dark he has become."

"We will all pay for our crimes someday Tarik. Seems to me there is still some question in people's minds about you being a traitor, by answering to Daniel Marsden. That crime could get Tia and several others killed. I would think finding Khalid would be the least of your worries, especially since the Seven have not totally been broken and disband. How much information did you actually give them?" Cole knew Daniel Marsden was dead and the dojo, apparently which had originally been on his island, had been destroyed, but when he heard rumors there were still some members of the Seven alive and active, he started his research again on the group. He had not been able to get any of his people in the newly forming organization yet, because it was still to unorganized to make it safe for them to get lost in a crowd. "What do you think if the Egyptian Magical Council found out possible new information concerning your involvement with the group?"

Tarik was shocked that Fixer knew about his chats with Marsden. He was even more shocked that the man knew that he had been questioned about his reasons. It still hurt that some questioned his loyalty. The Medjai tried to put the thoughts out of his mind and focus on the thought he had chosen. He knew that he had never given Daniel Marsden or any of his men information. The thing was he had been glad when Marsden had been killed. It kept him from having to complete the translation. His deal had been with Marsden only and so his vow was finished.

"I asked you a question Amir, and I expect an answer. What do you think if the Egyptian Magical Council found out possible new information concerning your involvement with the group?" Cole looked over Tarik's shoulder and nodded to Tarka, who replaced his hands on Tarik's head. He had not given the signal to sent Tarik back into his memories again yet, but he waited to see what the Medjai would do.

Tarik said angry that his connection to Marsden was back to haunt him, "That would be a lie! I have no dealing with that Group!" He knew though that it might be just what others like his brother could use to get Khalid appointed as Tia's adviser.

Cole kept his elbows on the table, but he steepled his fingers in front of him, looking over the tips, for several long moments. Then he replaced his arms folded on the table. "We all know how many lies float around and are believed don't we Amir. It depends on who the person is that it is told to and what that person wants to believe. How many lies do you think you believe in, Tarik. How many lies have you, maybe unknowingly, spread? How do you choose who to believe and who to not believe? Do you only use your ability to read someone's heart ?" Cole looked at his watch. "It is almost 10 pm and most of the barracks is already under lights-out. If you insist on staying then I will have Tarka I will say goodnight and will see you in the morning, most likely around 11 am or so." Cole started to get up. "Good night Amir."

Tarik grinned though his mind was now wondering if he had in fact done the same with his brother. He looked at Fixer as he said, "You should know that I have no intention of giving you anything, especially what you requested at Hog's head. I am still going to defy you and my brother every chance I get. Good night Fixer and Goodbye." He had solve the issue about the dojo so once he was back at Hogwarts, Tarik had no reason to come back.

Cole got up and walked toward the door. Putting his hand on the handle he turned around and looked Tarik in the eyes, "Have you forgotten so soon Tarik, you own me the answers to five questions. I have not asked those questions yet, so Amir, I think you will be returning several times to my small paradise. Now please get some rest. You will have a busy day tomorrow, after I take care of some personal business and have my little talk with Landon." Cole chuckled as he walked out of the door never turning back.

Tarik said still smiling, "You said I can answer by owl Mr. Cole." The only thing that worried him was what the personal business that Fixer had to do tomorrow. He was furious that Fixer had gotten under his skin. He sat at the table still wondering if Fixer had really failed his test of the heart. The Medjai only knew that he could never risk another visit or worse a longer stay this time. He would have a chat with Tia and the Core tomorrow. Their visits to this island had to end.

(Continued in Isle of Perdition, Landon and Tia are Joined)

CLOSED