Magician's Return: Dark Mage Series, #2

By D. Bruce Cotton

Adam Gray is dead...

...so when he awakens in the quiet dark of his small apartment, the young man's sanity seems far from certain. For the past six months, he's battled the undead, befriended giants, fallen in love, and struggled against an ultimate evil. Just a dream? Or has he fallen into complete madness?

Maybe he should ask the wizard passed out on his couch.

Thus begins Adam's desperate struggle to return to Tantris; a magical land that's undergone a terrible transformation. Friends and loved ones are all dead; slain at the command of the Dark Mage. Armies of Unsouled roam the land, slaughtering and devouring the scattered few who dare to fight back.

Burdened by a terrible guilt, Adam must undo the death and devastation wrought by the Dark Mage. With the might he wielded before now turned against him, Adam searches for another way to save those most precious to him.

The future of Tantris lies in its past and on Adam's pursuit of a mythical token of power: the Talisman of Time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. Bruce Cotton
• Release date: Aug 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386581901

D. Bruce Cotton

D. Bruce Cotton grew up in a small rural town in central Kentucky. A certified bibliophile, when he wasn’t digging through the local store’s latest delivery of comic books, you could usually find him camped out in a corner of the town library, avidly reading the literary masters: Isaac Asimov, Edgar Rice Burroughs and J.R.R. Tolkien. After graduating with a somewhat useless degree in English, he went to work for Uncle Sam, serving as a statistical clerk at a nerve gas laboratory, a public affairs specialist, and for 28 years as a writer and editor for PS Magazine, an Army comic book designed to teach Soldiers how to care for their equipment. Now retired, Bruce lives in Cold Spring, KY, with his wife, Cindy, and 6-year-old standard poodle, Gracie. He’s the author of seven books in the epic Dark Mage fantasy series: Magician's Dawn (a prequel), Magician’s Heir, Magician’s Return, Magician’s Quest, Magician's Loss, Magician's War, and Magician's Genesis. To find more about these books and future additions to the series, go to: https://dbrucecotton.com

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Chapter 1, Awakening

The old man groaned , head pounding in time to his beating heart. Forcing open crusty eyelids, he blinked, and saw nothing but dark. A thick cloth covered his face, scratchy and hot, blocking his vision. He fought the throbbing pain and tried to sit up. But his stomach rebelled, clenching into a hard, queasy knot. With a loud thump, his head fell back, and he moaned in renewed misery.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed back against the pulsing ache, tried to think. Where am I? He seemed to remember... a highland meadow, marked by skiffs of snow, and the stink of... sulfur?

The creak of a wooden board shattered his concentration. Stealthy footsteps drew nearer. Fear slammed through the old man’s veins. Forgetting his pain, he sat up. The heavy cloth fell from his face and he heard a familiar voice...

Aristomus? Oh, my God! What are you doing here?

THE BROWN SWIRL OF tea in the chipped mug comforted the old mage; much as the bitter liquid soothed his pounding head. It tasted familiar; a remembrance of home in a world gone mad. Across the battered wooden table sat Adam, a young man he knew for only a few months, but who he now considered closer than a friend; a man he expected to someday marry his daughter; a man who, a short time ago, died.

Adam raked both hands through his wavy brown hair. Green eyes, as intense as the expression he now wore, stared at the table’s scratched surface. I don’t remember much about the end. The Dark Mage... I wanted him dead, Aristomus. And I came so close to killing him. But... I just couldn’t. And then... well, everything else is a blank.

He hit you with his staff, Adam. Your injury... The old mage cleared his throat, his voice heavy with sudden emotion. "It is little wonder you can remember nothing.

When Alecia and I arrived, you were near to death, he continued. We linked; tried to add our meager strength to your own.

Adam’s eyes grew wide. She saved me, didn’t she? It’s all so hazy, but somehow I’m certain of that.

Aye. But I know not how, Adam. She and I were both spent, unable to touch the Power. Yet when she grasped your hand... Aristomus shook his head in amazement. You came back to yourself and you... you defeated him, Adam. The Dark Mage, he whispered in awe, is no more!

Both men remained silent a moment, relief at the Dark Mage’s fall palpable in the small room. But then how did we end up here? asked Adam.

Aristomus sighed, unsure how to tell Adam what happened next. You... died, whispered the mage.

Died? You’re crazy! Adam poked himself in the chest several times. I’m here. Do I look like a dead man to you? I’m just as alive as you are.

The old mage held up both hands in surrender. "I know, Adam. I cannot explain it. But you did not breathe. Your heart no longer beat. And the damage to your head... If not true, I would not say this. Believe me, you were dead.

I remained behind to carry you back to Herrenbourn and... Aristomus hesitated, knowing what he said next would sound ludicrous. You faded, Adam. Somehow, you faded away to nothingness and carried me with you.

The mage reached across the table, grabbing Adam’s arm. Take me back, Adam. I know not where we are, but I know it is not Tantris. Aristomus sniffed, his nose crinkling in disgust. Can you not smell it? Corruption taints the very air!

Adam gave the back of Aristomus’ hand a gentle pat. Yes. Strange how I never noticed it before. Reaching into his pocket, Adam pulled out the small bottle of magic beans and placed it on the table. This isn’t my world now. I want to go back, too. But I don’t know how. They don’t work anymore, Aristomus, he said, pushing the bottle toward the mage.

Aristomus grabbed the bottle and pulled out the cork. It gave with a tiny pop. Leaning closer, he sniffed. Did he detect a faint scent of... something? It smelled so weak and indistinct it might well be his imagination. Turning the bottle, he shook free a bean and popped it into his mouth. No taste at all. His shoulders slumped as he spat the bean into his palm.

Trapped, he muttered. He looked at Adam, genuine fear in his eyes. No, there must be something... some step we can take.

Adam pressed the cork back in place. You’re the mage, he answered, pointing to Aristomus’ staff where it leaned against the table. Can’t you use your staff to take us back?

Aristomus stood and took his staff in both hands. Eyes clamped shut, he concentrated, focusing on the staff as he tried to connect to the Power. The moments dragged by until, at last, a tiny brief spark flickered on the metal-shod tip, only to disappear a second later.

Gasping, the old mage leaned against the table. I did not believe you, he panted. You said your world did not have magic, but I did not comprehend how such a thing might be.

But I saw...

That? Less than nothing, Adam. He slumped back in his seat, defeated. Perhaps merely some small residue of the Power I brought with me. I searched, but found nothing, he whispered, looking pale and lost. It is as though the Power does not exist.

They sat in silence for a few moments while Adam gave the mage time to recover. Not wanting to give the old man false hope, he spoke with caution. Maybe, he said, if we can find the man who gave me the bottle...

Aristomus’ eyes flashed. You are right! Makzendrix! He will help us!

Whoa, now, Adam cautioned. It’s Max Hendricks here, remember? I know the names are similar, but it doesn’t mean they’re the same person. And I’ve only seen him one time, when he walked into my magic shop yesterday. Locating him might prove harder than you think, especially if he doesn’t want to be found.

Yesterday? Aristomus looked confused. How is it possible? You were in Tantris for months!

Adam’s head slumped. Yeah, there’s something else I have to tell you. It’s weird, but it appears only five hours have passed here.

Impossible!

Don’t I wish. Adam looked down at his watch. It’s only been an hour since we woke up. But in Tantris... He took a deep breath before plunging on. In Tantris, a full month has passed.

The old mage’s face drained of color as he processed the news. Then his jaw hardened in determination. Then returning to Tantris is but the first of our tasks.

What do you mean?

The second is to do so quickly.

Chapter 2, Elliston

Adam woke with a start . Early morning sunlight peeked past the cheap curtains covering the window in his small bedroom. Sitting up, he rubbed both hands over his face, wondering again if he suffered from some crazy nightmare. Once past the bedroom door, he saw Aristomus still asleep, his long legs poking out past the end of the small couch.

He looks uncomfortable, he thought. But when you’ve been sleeping on the road for as long as we have, it probably feels as plush as a feather bed.

Walking over to the small kitchenette, he put water on to boil for tea. He preferred coffee for years, but it seemed his tastes had changed in the last six months. Or the last few hours? This whole time difference messes with your head.

Aristomus had wanted to start the search right away. It took some persuading to convince him things didn’t work the same way here. In the middle of the night, they would find nothing open but a few beer joints and Adam felt sure they wouldn’t find Max in some sleazy honky-tonk or biker bar. No, to find him, they would have to be smart about how they searched. He glanced at his watch and grimaced. Another seven hours gone—seven or eight months in Tantris.

I wonder what Alecia is doing. Has she given up on me yet?

Aristomus stirred when the kettle came to a boil, the piercing whistle echoing through the silent apartment. Adding tea bags to two mugs, he filled them with the boiling water and carried one to Aristomus. The mage nodded his thanks as Adam took a seat in a sagging armchair.

What is our first step, Adam? We must begin the search soon. Time is not our ally in this venture.

After a tentative sip, Adam replied, Yeah, I know, but first things first. I’ll get cleaned up and head out to find you some clothes. No offense, but your robe makes you look like a homeless wino. The last thing we need is someone reporting us to the cops.

Ah, you speak, Adam, but your words make little sense. I know naught of these ‘winos’ or ‘cops’ you speak of. But I trust you know what is best.

Adam remembered how he reacted when first appearing in Tantris. You’re handling this situation a lot better than I did, Aristomus. Just keep in mind when we go out, he nodded at the door with his head, "things will be very different from what you’re used to."

Reaching down, Adam picked up a small remote from the coffee table and pointed it across the room. Here, I think this will give you a better idea of what I mean. This is called a television. With a click, the small, battered TV came to life. The talking head from a local morning news show appeared as the screen brightened.

A strangled gasp came from the couch. Eyes wide and mouth agape, Aristomus stared hard at the screen. What devilry is this? That man... how have you confined him to such a small box?

Adam hid a grin behind one hand. It’s okay, Aristomus. This is part of the technology I told you about. He’s not inside the TV. It’s just his image projected there.

The old mage approached the TV with caution. Stretching out a tentative finger, he touched the display, only to snatch it back as the screen crackled with static electricity. This device... lightning powers it?

Rolling the TV away from the wall, Adam pointed out the power cord and cable connection. Yes, the electricity comes from this wall outlet. But the pictures come through this tiny cable. I guess they’re powered by electricity, too, but I’m not sure how it works. Pushing the TV back, he clicked the remote again and a woman selling handbags appeared. We use it mostly for entertainment and news.

After explaining how to change channels and adjust the volume, he placed the remote in the old mage’s hand. Try it while I’m out. Maybe it’ll give you a better idea of my world.

ARISTOMUS SHRUGGED into the black, long-sleeved t-shirt. Blood dripped from the teeth of a snarling silver wolf’s head on his chest, the logo of some now defunct heavy metal band. Standing back with arms extended, he asked, What do you think? Will I now fit in?

Adam shook his head and tried to keep a straight face. Along with the t-shirt, the mage wore baggy blue jeans falling well short of his ankles, white socks, and a ragged pair of black Keds high-tops. He had struggled to find anything to fit the tall, lean mage and resorted to a local thrift store.

Well, you won’t be on a fashion show runway any time soon, but it’ll do. Let’s go.

What is our destination?

The library is our first stop, Adam replied. I don’t have wi-fi here, so it’s the best place to do any research.

I know not what this ‘wi-fi’ is, Adam, but if it will aid us in getting home, lead on.

Outside the apartment, a set of metal stairs led to the street below. Adam walked halfway down before he realized Aristomus didn’t follow. The mage held the metal railing in a white-knuckled grip as he stared at the street below. Walking back up, Adam laid a gentle hand on the old mage’s shoulder.

This is what I mean, Aristomus, he said. You’ll draw attention to us if you don’t stay with me and stop staring.

The mage opened his mouth to speak, but a garbage truck stopped to pick up a dumpster and the noise cut him off. Aristomus stared as the hydraulic arms picked up the container and raised it into position, dumping the contents through an open compartment at the top of the truck. The arms came down again and released the container with a loud crash of metal.

How can I not stare? he asked as the truck drove away. Your world is so loud and fearsome yet filled with such wonders. A brief look of revulsion passed over his features. If not for the smell and our need to hurry, I would not mind remaining here for a time. But I will do my best, Adam.

With the library several blocks away, Adam spent the time talking about Elliston—its history, the different shops, and the people. Aristomus’ head stayed on a swivel, both frightened and captivated by what he saw: a fire truck speeding down the street, sirens wailing; a young boy balancing a cone topped with three-scoops of ice cream; a construction worker operating a jackhammer to break up part of a sidewalk. At one point, Adam grabbed the mage’s arm to keep him from stepping into a busy intersection. Then he spent the next few minutes explaining the intricacies of traffic signals.

They passed by a bakery and Aristomus stopped, breathing in the heavenly aroma. Adam took him inside and bought two cupcakes piled high with frosting. One bite and the mage went practically catatonic with delight. Apparently, chocolate didn’t exist in Tantris.

As they crossed the street to the library, Adam drifted back to his childhood. He spent many afternoons haunting the aisles in search of books to take him to faraway places. And it was one of the few locations he didn’t have to worry about bullies like Dudley Wilson and Eddie Parker.

One of a row of two-story, 19th-century buildings in the town’s historic district, the Elliston Public Library shared walls with an insurance agency to one side and an old, abandoned gas station on the other. Years ago, the city annexed the gas station, using it to expand the library. As he entered, Adam took a deep breath. The sights and smells— the musty scent of yellowing paper, old ink, and glue—brought back wonderful memories. Above, he saw tiny motes of dust dancing through beams of sunlight pouring through the upstairs windows. Blue indoor/outdoor carpeting replaced the old green one, but essentially, it remained the same place from his childhood. For Adam, it felt like being transported back to a simpler place and time; one he missed without ever realizing it.

A loud gasp from Aristomus pulled him back to the present. The mage moved past him, slender fingers caressing each spine as his eyes took in row after row of tight-packed shelves. So many books... Adam, it is little wonder your world is so advanced. Think of the knowledge stored here!

Shh! The librarian, her ears tuned to the slightest sound, stared with disapproval at Aristomus. Dressed in stylish tan slacks and a white blouse with a black sweater vest, the older woman’s gray-streaked blonde hair draped over one shoulder in a ponytail. Striking blue eyes stared daggers at them. She’s pretty, Adam thought, except for the stern expression. A small nameplate on the counter read, Kathryn Keene, Head Librarian.

Adam snagged his arm, pulling the old mage down to whisper in his ear. Sorry. I forgot to mention we have to be quiet. It’s kind of a rule and the librarian won’t accept any excuses.

Aristomus nodded his understanding and allowed Adam to lead him past the frowning librarian and through a glass door to the computer lab. No one else used the soundproof room, allowing them to speak in normal voices. Adam sat at a computer and moved the mouse, bringing the screen to life. Aristomus pulled over another chair and sat next to him.

Is this another television, Adam? I do not wish to offend, but they seem a waste of time to me. There are many channels, but nothing...

...to watch, Adam finished, smiling. No. This is a computer. He clicked on the screen to open a web browser. It’s connected to the Internet, which is... well, let’s just say it puts all the world’s knowledge at our fingertips. This is what I’ll use to search for Max.

Bringing up Google, Adam typed Max Hendricks in the search block. Though old, the library computer moved fast enough. Within a few seconds, the search results popped up—741,000 hits! Adam’s eyes goggled. You’ve got to be kidding me, he murmured.

On a whim, he typed in Makzendrix. No hits at all. Then he remembered the card Max gave him back in the magic shop. He typed in Max Hendricks Master Magician and hit enter. It brought the number down to something over 20,000 hits.

A little better, he mumbled. Looking over at Aristomus, he said, This may take a while. Why don’t you look around the library? Just try not to do anything to get us thrown out.

The old mage’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Excellent. But come for me at once should you find something.

The glass door closed on silent hinges behind the mage. Adam turned back to the monitor and scrolled through the results—Facebook profiles, YouTube videos, movie reviews, newspaper articles, even a page for contortionists in Minnesota! How on earth did that get in there?

Time went by with no success. He searched page after page with the results turning ever more obscure. He tried other search engines but got similar results. With a sigh, he sat back and rubbed his tired eyes. It’s almost like he’s hiding, he thought. But I know he’s out there. I’ve held on to his book since I was eight years...

Wait a minute, he mumbled. If I can’t find Max, maybe I can track him down by his book! Going back to the top of the screen, he typed in Real Book of Magic Max Hendricks.

And there he found it. The familiar black cover with its name printed in silver foil appeared on the screen. Though just a thumbnail, he still made out the name at the bottom: Max Hendricks. Clicking on the link took him to a publishing house website: arcanepublishinginc.com. But next to the thumbnail of Max’s book he read the bold letters, OUT OF PUBLICATION. He saw nothing else; no description, no author’s note, nothing at all.

Damn, he muttered, another dead end. He tried to recall the pages from his own copy back at the store. Did it have anything that might provide another avenue to try? No, he didn’t think so. He kept it in storage for years and only pulled it out a few days ago to show an old friend. Well, this is a library after all. Maybe they have a copy here.

After closing the browser, Adam left the computer lab to look for Aristomus. It didn’t take long to find him. The mage stood at the front desk, chatting up the librarian. From the look on her face, he doubted they would get thrown out any time soon.

Ah, Adam, he said, voice pitched low. There you are. The lovely Ms. Keene here has kept me entertained with the inner workings of the library. Fascinating! Did you know...

Yeah, it’s mesmerizing, I’m sure. Adam gave him a knowing look. But don’t forget why we’re here, Aristomus.

Aristomus, purred the librarian as she leaned over the counter. Such a strange name. Is it foreign? I have a great-uncle from Chechnya who tells such interesting stories...

Aristomus gave the librarian’s hand a gentle pat. Oh, aye, Ms. Keene. I am from a place extremely far from here. But it appears my compatriot found what he sought. Perhaps we might continue this conversation later?

I would like that very much, she replied with a smile. Here, let me give you my number. Scribbling a quick note, she slid it across the countertop, letting her fingers brush the mage’s when he retrieved it. And, please, she said with a shy look, call me Kate. Everyone does.

Adam sighed, rolling his eyes. Truth is, he said, we need your help. I’m trying to find a book and wondered if you might have it here.

Glad to help, she replied, smiling. Just give me the title and author.

Adam recited back the information and waited as the librarian typed it into her small computer.

Ah, you’re in luck. There’s one copy of the book here. She leaned in closer to the monitor, eyes squinting. Hmm, so strange.

What? Adam asked, leaning his head over the counter to see.

"It’s just... well, The Real Book of Magic has been here fifteen years and never checked out once. In most cases, we remove unread books from the stack long before. Like I said, you’re in luck. Kate jotted down the book’s information and walked around the counter. Come with me. I’ll take you right to it."

Kate led them to the back of the library. She slowed occasionally to compare her note to the labels at the end of each aisle. Here we are, she said, turning between two shelves. Chewing her lower lip, she let her fingers slide over the spines, stopping when she found it. Ah-ha! There we go.

When she slid the book from its shelf, Adam recognized the black cover with its silver foil title at once. Aristomus took the book from her and tucked it under one arm. Taking her hand, he gave a small bow before kissing it.

Thank you ever so much for your help, my dear, he said.

Y-you’re welcome, she spluttered. Though dark between the shelves, Kate’s rosy blush practically glowed as she made her way past them and back to the front of the library.

Adam gave Aristomus a quick nudge with his elbow. You never told me you were such a ladies’ man!

Now Aristomus turned bright red. Ignoring the comment, he replied, Er... this table seems well lit. With a loud sniff, he made his way to a table, placing the book in front of him and pretending to study it.

Adam shrugged and joined the old mage. The book’s back cover and the inner flaps of the dust jacket were blank. Odd, Adam said. There’s always information about the book and the author inside the dust jacket.

At the bottom of the first page, they found a small inscription. It read, Arcane Publishing, Inc. Both mages ignored it, though. Their eyes locked on the imprint of the publisher’s logo: a pair of crossed staffs superimposed over a golden sunburst.

It’s the symbol... Adam started.

...for the Mage’s Guild, finished Aristomus. Looking up, he asked, Do you still doubt the connection between Makzendrix and the author of this book?

Okay, you’ve convinced me. But none of it matters if we can’t find him. Adam turned the page to the first magic trick: the vanishing coin. Printed in an oversized font, much as you would expect for a children’s book, the trick itself seemed a simple one. Opposite the page he found the pre-sliced banana trick.

I remember this one, Adam said. You poke a pin through the banana’s skin and wiggle it back and forth. Do it several times and when you peel the banana, it’s already sliced. I used to fool my friends with it all the time.

Amazing, replied the mage, his voice heavy with sarcasm. But it does little for our current situation. Shall we move on?

They paged through the book, searching. They found the Indian rope trick, the elastic lady, the floating matchstick, the incredible bending coin; page after page of simple tricks Adam remembered doing as a boy. But they found nothing to give them any clue about where to find Max. After reading the last trick, the detachable thumb, Adam closed the book in a hurry. That one trick he would much rather forget. He sighed and looked at Aristomus. It appeared the book was a dead end.

We may as well go, he said. We’ve been here for hours and the library closes soon. Let’s head back to my apartment for something to eat while I try to figure out our next step.

BACK IN THE APARTMENT, Adam fixed them both sandwiches with milk. Aristomus peeled back the top piece of bread and looked at the red and brown goo with reluctance.

Don’t worry, Adam said around a mouthful of bread. It’s just peanut butter and jelly. It’s considered a staple around here.

The mage took a tentative bite and a look of surprise spread over his face. After wolfing down the rest of the sandwich, he licked strawberry jam from his fingers. So, he asked, where do we go from here, Adam?

I don’t know, he replied. Everything we did today led nowhere. I’m baffled.

Think back to your first encounter. Did he say or do anything out of the ordinary? Perhaps something you may have forgotten or overlooked?

Adam thought back. Though it just happened the previous day, the memory felt hazy. Not surprising because, for him, several months passed since Max visited the magic shop. I thought he was just another salesman. He carried a suitcase full of those magic beans and acted just like someone trying to move his inventory. If only I bought some, he said, voice tinged with regret.

But, no, he continued. Everything seemed normal. He introduced himself, gave me his business card... Adam’s eyes widened. Wait a minute! Jumping up from the table, he hurried to his bedroom.

What is it, Adam? demanded the mage as he followed. What have you remembered?

Adam dug through the clothes he wore the day before. It’s not here! Scanning the room, he moaned, What did I do with his business card?

Is it important? asked the mage. You said the card contained his name and title only.

Adam’s muffled voice called out from under the bed, Yeah, but that’s the weird part. A business card always has a phone number and email address, sometimes even a website. Maybe he put something on the other side and I just didn’t notice. Backing out from under the bed, he remained seated on the floor. It’s not here, he said, voice deflated.

Are you certain you brought it with you? Perhaps you left it behind at the shop.

Maybe, he replied. I suppose we better check it out.

Chapter 3, Discovery

The key rasped in the lock, then turned with a click which seemed loud in the silent strip mall. They arrived late, finding all the other storefronts dark and empty.

When the door swung open, it connected with the bell inside. Its brassy ring startled Adam. Not used to visiting at such a late hour, it surprised him how spooky and different it felt. With Aristomus inside, he let the door swing shut and flipped the light switches. The fluorescents flickered on, casting harsh white light over the shelves and displays.

The old mage picked up a crystal ball, his eye magnified and distorted as he looked through the thick glass orb. For a world with no magic, your people seem obsessed with its practice, he remarked.

Not obsessed enough, replied Adam. Another few months and I’ll have to close the place. Seems like people are more interested in video games and cell phones than magic these days. He sighed at his friend’s look of confusion. Never mind. Come on, the sales counter is over there.

The two men walked to the counter. Adam kept the dark wood clean and polished to a bright sheen. Nothing, let alone a white business card, marred its surface. Adam walked behind the counter and knelt, rummaging through the shelves and drawers. After a few minutes of careful searching, he straightened and shook his head.

It’s not here, either, he said. I don’t have an office, so I don’t know where else to look.

What is that? Aristomus pointed to the wall behind him.

Adam turned. "Oh, it’s just my copy of The Real Book of Magic. Retrieving it from the dusty bookshelf, he placed it on the countertop and ran his fingers over the ragged and well-used dust cover. It won’t do us much good, though. It’s the same book we already looked through in the library."

With one small exception, the old mage murmured. Look closer, Adam.

Picking up the book, Adam examined the cover. Though faded and torn in a few places, the black dust jacket seemed the same as the library copy. I don’t see anything different... He paused. Wait a second. What’s this?

A tiny sliver of white extended past the top edge of the book. A bookmark! Adam exclaimed. But I never... Falling silent, he wedged a finger inside, opening the book. Out fell a crisp, white card imprinted with small, black letters: Max Hendricks, Master Magician.

It’s Max’s business card! Adam plucked the card from the countertop and stared at the inscription in confusion. I didn’t put it there, though. Max must’ve slipped it inside while I looked at the big suitcase he carried. But why?

Turn it over, Adam, Aristomus urged. Perhaps the answer lies there.

Holding his breath, Adam