The Augustus Files

THE AUGUSTUS FILES BOOK 2: THE ENSLAVERS
CHAPTER TWO: INTO THE WILDERNESS


We seemed to have apparated into some kind of dark void, floating on nothing. We were trying to peer ahead to see what was there but nothing came. Flashes and sparks started to zoom past us. We were still travelling, but the speedometer had stopped during the apparation. It was like we were in deep space. So, we just relaxed. I knew exactly where we were going and there was no point fighting it. My legs where feeling stiff so I looked down, placing my hands on the thighs rubbing them. I noticed that my clothing had changed. I was wearing my gold robes. James looked me up and down appreciatively, “Nice,” he said. His clothes had changed to black trousers, going in at the ankle with gold braiding and a black silk shirt. He wore a wide gold belt with a red stone at the centre and a leather style bomber jacket that had stripes of a high-ranking officer of the official army on the sleeve. My hair was platted with gold braid in 4 sections.

On entrance we came through a thick cloud that protected Murl. The car landed on the helipad at the Imperial Head quarters. I knew it was the time of the festival and knew that it was expected of us to attend every year. Somehow, the feeling that there was something more to this did not leave me no matter how much I tried to reason with the feeling. One word entered my mind, Mar’dalanda. We walked across the helipad to the door bowing in the manner of our custom before the door slid open to let us in. We were an advanced race.


Inside the building we made our way to the guest room. It was painted yellow with gold edging. The plush chairs welcomed us to sit, music played to soften the ambience. This was always the way with the guest room, to make people feel welcome. I tried to think back why we were here. I had called upon the council a few nights ago and had forgotten that I had requested a meeting. We didn’t have to wait long. Our consort came for us. Placing my right hand across my chest slightly nodding my head in acknowledgement, I greeted him. We knew each other well. “An chow ci ma.” He took us both to another room. We sat at a huge table with the council. Hardreepa was at the head of the table as usual.


“Greetings Magda, Heramed. It is time.”
I looked at James to try and see his reaction. I was pleased to see he had made his way up in the world.
“Here is the plan. The dossier of the General of Argrenta is quite deep. Give yourselves time to read it. We expect it all to be dispelled by next autumn at the latest. This earth is sacrosanct; it is free to all who proceed here. We expect it to stay that way. Here is a copy of the document, go in peace.”
“Wa in chi la d’rian coriabe eth le dornaid.”

The two men hugged giving each other a signal on the back. It suddenly dropped that Magda was indeed Hardreepa’s son and heir.
Hardreepa came to me and kissed me on the cheek, stroking my hair. It was a greeting of acceptance into the family. “Look after that elf, yes I said elf, he behaves like one at times,” Hardreepa said winking at me, with a glint of mischief in his eyes.


We made our way out to the great square, admiring the decoration hanging from the buildings. It was packed full of people. All where making merry, dancing and refilling goblets with wine. A man fell in front of us for too much wine, picking himself up gingerly he looked at us both and bowed. I acknowledged him he smiled and went on his way. At the steps of the Mardra we went up taking our places. We sat down on the gold plaited chairs, the horns sounded for the beginning of the Mardi gras.

The procession was long. There were lots of colourful flotillas, banners and streamers that represented the different businesses of Murl. Groups of people acted out opponents of war who had been defeated. Many people sung ballads of the past and future. The elders gave out gifts to the poor and the adults and children where given accredit to their achievements in way of rewards. We smiled at this. It was lovely to see the family’s rewarded for their efforts.

After the procession we made our way back to the helipad, shaking hands with various people in the crowds on the way back. I had the feeling of being constantly watched but didn’t let it bother me. A stream of red smoke floated across the square following us, but keeping slightly back. I knew it was there but took no notice. I knew who it was and gave the impression of I am stronger than you. Mar’dalanda had sent one of his spies. In an instant I moved my arms up into the air so I looked like a V shape and muttered some kind of incantation. The smoke disappeared with a pop. We carried on walking.

A shield of some kind came down over us holding us to our spot. We were taken to the Great Palace. Mar’dalanda had put us in the lower levels of the palace. It was dank and dark. No sooner as we had arrived he loomed over us, his face like a ghostly substance.
“I have you both at last,” he crooned.
“Not if we can help it,” we fought back.
“That was some kind of party you had the other night, I enjoyed it.” Mar’dalanda sneered at us.
“We are glad that you did,” I said, folding my arms.
His face darted this way and that, looking at us both from all angles.
“I see you have dressed up for the occasion. How very considerate of you.”
“Cut out the niceties.”
“ No love lost there then,” Mar’dalanda smiled.

“We are not bothered that you took over our car.”
“We are going on a little trip.” He eyed them evilly.
In an instant we apparated together without any shielding through the void, the long path back was very windy and very fast.


We ended up in foreforest, where I had taken the morning walk earlier that day. It suddenly dawned on me when I saw the elf I had spoken to what was happening. “Sorry Heather,” said the elf telepathically.
Mar’dalanda had paid them well with lots of gold.
We were taken deep into the forest with Mar’dalanda watching on, his cloak billowing out behind him on the breeze. He had shopped us to The Enslavers of Creek Wood. It did not surprise me to know that he was the head henchman who operated the business.