Wish Wizards Book I: The Rune of Doom

By Sean Supsky

Thrust into a time not their own, two people must learn who they truly are before it't too late.

The world of magical fantasy becomes a reality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781365834752

Book preview

JOURNAL ENTRY 6072                               MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2001

Perhaps the most important questions a person can ask are these: What is my worth in the world? What is my purpose for existing? Is there a meaning to my life? Is there anything beyond death? And finally, will my death mean anything to anyone?

I think that we all have had these thoughts at some point in time during our lives, and sometimes, answers are found in the most unexpected ways.

Imagine, if you will, living your life as best you can, when out of nowhere, you are endowed with the ability to create or destroy anything that you can imagine, no matter how small or large, how many it will affect. In essence, the power of creation itself.

The following is an account of what happened to me and how these answers, at least partially, were found. In these deliberations, I will discuss what has happened in my life that transformed my world from a mundane living, to one of a fantastic journey that revealed to myself who and what I really am. How my life, as I knew it, became one out of a fantasy novel.

CHAPTER I: WHO I AM

Hello, my name is Samuel Steel, but most of my friends just call me Sam. The story I am about to tell is filled with adventure, betrayal, deceit, demons, dragons, goblins, giants, witches, (or perhaps a better term would be sorceresses) and other creatures. Most would think of my story as a classic fairy tale, only it isn’t. What I am telling you really happened and I must live with it until I should decide I want to die. Yes, you read correctly, until I decide when I want to die.

  How can that be? It’s quite simple, you see, I am what is known as a Wish Wizard. What is a Wish Wizard? That is the entire purpose of this journal. I shall start from the beginning, when I was pulled into this fantastic life.

  Once upon a time….

  It was a bright and sunny day in the year 2001. Not a cloud roamed in the sky or a mouse stirred in the house. I awakened at six in the morning, as was my custom. Grabbed a hot shower and went downstairs to the kitchen. My maid Darla was there preparing the morning meal of eggs, toast, grits and a biscuit. After eating, I went to my garage and got into my custom vehicle and had her drive me to my company, SilverHawk Enterprises. This is the company that I own. I have always dreamed the dream of owning my own company (mostly because I don’t like working for other people) so I created it after much thought, consideration and planning. One of the ways I did this was through writing. Writing books, novellas, short stories, poetry, songs, just about anything of a literary nature one could imagine, though I must confess that my main forte was science-fiction and fantasy (maybe that’s why the following events happened to me…who knows) of which I’ve done a lot. It was also through inventions and modifications of existing creations; therefore, I was able to create SilverHawk Enterprises.

  What is SilverHawk? Hmm, that’s not an easy one. SilverHawk is an enterprise that does, well, everything. It’s a totally self-sufficient company, with its hands in scientific, chemical and biological research, metallurgy, astronomy, architecture, construction, design and manufacturing, publishing and selling. It is located at a central location that is like an entire city in a forty-square mile area, where everything that a person could ever need or want for life and enjoyment could be found.

    My employees live and work on this property. I give them what they need to fulfill their life desires as long as they are working for me, including full mental, dental and health insurance.

  But enough of me plugging my company, let’s get back to our narrative. I arrived at work about eight thirty in the morning and went to my office and the daily routine began. (I like my job, but sometimes I hate it too).

  A knock sounded on my office door.

    Come. I said.

    Angela Hoffensire opened the door and stepped through it. She stood five feet seven inches tall, had red flowing hair with a natural wave. It flowed down to her shoulder blades. She was adorned with full red lips, green eyes and had a figure like a voluptuous model. Her attire consisted of a black knee length skirt that showed off her creamy legs and a long sleeve white blouse buttoned to the top with a ring of lace encircling her neck.

  Don’t forget, Mr. Steel that you have a board meeting at nine this morning. She said.

  Thanks Angela. I replied.

  She then left the room, closing the door behind her.

  Ah, board meetings. Not that I really mind them, mind you, being a necessary evil as they are, seeing as how they can become rather boring at times, but at least some good comes out of them. If you don’t know what’s going on in your company, then how may one hope to improve?

  I rose from my chair behind my desk and headed off to the board meeting which was being held in the room adjacent to Angela’s office. The board room was a long one. It was painted in black with a white tile ceiling and a white baseboard. There was crown molding to match on the ceiling, which was also painted white. A large table sat in the center of the room; it was shaped like a dodecagon, that is, it had twelve sides. Chairs, one on each side, twelve in all, surrounded the table. The carpeting was a blood red color and quite coarse. An easel had been set up at one end of the room, opposite of the door.  I took my usual seat closest to the door so that I might see the easel clearly.

  The rest of my upper echelon staff filtered in and soon all twelve seats were filled. Vincent Jackson, vice-president, and coordinator of the meeting, stood next to the easel. He was a man of about six feet in height.  He had a small black mustache under dark gray brooding eyes. He was slightly tan and had a deep bass voice. Black hair, combed neatly back, accented his triangular face.

  Are we ready to begin, gentlemen? I asked.

  Yes sir. Jackson said. I would like to begin this meeting with a graphic representation of our company’s monetary status.

  Then proceed. I said.

  Jackson pulled out a pointer and extended it to about three feet. He used it on a bar graph depicting the percentage losses of the company.

  If you will notice gentlemen, Jackson began. We have been suffering a decline in our profits over the past three years. I would like to point out that though the loss isn’t really significant by itself, when compiled with the other years it really adds up. At our present rate, we can expect to be in the red zone in approximately five years.

  What is our present profit loss? I asked.

  It averages out to 16 percent per year making a total of 48 percent over the past three years. Vincent said.

  I see, and what is the cause of this decline? I asked.

  It would appear that the general populace is no longer purchasing our products, sir. Why there is a lack of interest in our products is not known to me at this time. He answered.

  Perhaps we need to take a new angle on our products to make them more agreeable to the public, or maybe better advertising is in order. I suggested. Does anyone have any suggestions? I asked. Everyone shook their head.

  I would like to have some field research done. I said. Go out there and take some surveys, poll the customer base. Find the cause for our lack of sales. I want the advertising department to work on some new slogans that will really attract the attention of the people, Mr. Graham.

  Brian Graham was the head of the advertising department. He was a short man only standing five feet five inches. He was slightly balding and had round features. His eyes were brown and he possessed a quick mind.

  Yes sir. He answered.

  What else can be done about our problem? I asked.

  Well sir, if I may? Jackson asked.

  Go on. I said.

  We could possibly slow our profit loss, if we were to, say, cut out some of the more costly projects such as the Submersible Aircraft Carrier, and the Time Accelerator. They do seem to be cutting into the budget.

  I didn’t like the sound of that too much. These were my pet projects.

  Do you have any idea what these projects are to be used for? I asked.

  No sir. Jackson answered.

  Allow me to elaborate then. The Submersible Aircraft Carrier is in fact a project that will nullify war on Earth. Just imagine what one could achieve if one possessed the ability of placing a combat-ready war machine, capable of annihilating an entire country, within striking distance of any country on this earth with complete secrecy. With a full complement of advanced fighter planes and nuclear warheads, the threat of war would be nonexistent. A machine that is totally undetectable to radar or sonar and able to launch over two hundred aircraft from under the surface of the ocean. Not only would it make others cautious, it could also bring about world peace, or at least the semblance of it, much like the cold war. I said. "Now would you like to think that this project is unnecessary?

  Or take the Time Accelerator, a device that will allow one to go into any period of time, past, present, or future, and observe what is going on. It would be great for education and for also nullifying the threat of war. What say you about that?"

  Well sir, began Jackson. They do seem to have a good purpose, but for the sake of the company I would have to say that at this point in time they are too expensive. Perhaps if you could convince the government to sanction them and to carry the expense, I would say do it.

  Just how much are they cutting into our profits? I asked.

  About three percent. Admitted Jackson.

  So, if we were to cut out these projects, we would still be heading toward the red zone with very little improvement. I said.

  Yes sir.

  Perhaps I will put them on the back burner for a while. I said. But apart from that, we really must start figuring out a way to deal with this problem. I continued. Is there anything else on your agenda Mr. Jackson?

  Well sir, there does seem to be a problem in the Production department. It appears that proficiency has slowed somewhat due to a lack of morale.

  Have you been able to locate the problem? I asked.

  Yes sir. It would appear that a Mr. Randy Johnson has been creating, let’s say, disturbances in the workplace.

  How so? I asked.

  Negative talk, dissention, a lack of commitment to the company. It would seem that he’s an unhappy person. Jackson replied.

  Why would that be? I asked.

  This was very unusual. I hired people for specific jobs because they liked them and could excel in their given task. It is my theory that people will work better if they’re doing what they like.

  It appears that Mr. Johnson requested a leave of absence. I denied his request due to insufficient reasons requested. He wanted leave due to personal reasons and I explained to him that we were unable to grant his request. He approached me three times with the same request and the last time when I explained it to him and asked him for a valid reason, he stated, and I quote; ‘It’s none of your business. Just give me my leave.’  Unquote. Jackson replied.

  I see. I said. Will you please call Mr. Johnson to my office after this meeting is concluded? I would like to have a private meeting with him. Your presence is requested also Mr. Jackson.

  Very good sir, I'll get right on it as soon as we are finished here. Jackson said.

  Is there anything else on your agenda that needs to be covered Mr. Jackson? I asked.

  No sir. He answered.

  Good. Does anyone have anything to add? I asked as I looked around the table.

  All heads shook indicating a negative answer.

  Alright people. I said. We obviously have a very serious problem here, and if it persists, I’m afraid we shall not have jobs anymore and that is not something I wish to face. I want a full report from each department head on my desk by the beginning of next week. I want this report to detail exactly what has been done, what is planned for the future and where you think that improvements to your particular department can be put into effect. Remember, this is a collaborative effort, so it would do well for you to put your heads together and see how each department can help another department.

  I looked at my watch and saw that it read ten thirty a.m. Break for lunch. I ordered.

  The meeting dispersed. I went back to my office and waited for Jackson and Johnson to show. Ten minutes passed before the two of them arrived. As they entered my office, I indicated that they should sit in the chairs that were placed in front of my desk.

  I studied Randy Johnson, noticing that he had an uncanny resemblance to me. He had brown hair, aristocratic features, a triangular face, and full lips. His eyes were a different color than mine though. His were a sea-blue whereas mine were a blue-gray. He was about six feet tall like myself and appeared to have a medium build, not skinny yet not muscular, more along the lines of toned.

  Good day Mr. Johnson. I greeted him.

  Hello Mr. Steel. He said.

  Call me Sam, since this is an informal meeting. I said. Mind if I call you Randy?

  No, go ahead. Randy said.

  You're probably wondering why I had you called up here Randy. Well I'll tell you. I paused for a moment. Vincent has informed me that your department is suffering, ah, let's say, a lack of productivity. Am I correct in this?

  True, we have not been as efficient as we have been in the past. I have been feeling a little down lately since I was denied my leave, so I have not been as observant as I otherwise would be. He answered.

  How long has your department been suffering? I asked.

  About four weeks now.

  And when did you become distressed?

  About four weeks ago, since I was first denied my leave. He paused for a moment. Okay, I can see where this is leading, to prove that the lack of production is indeed my fault. But I don't see why my leave was denied.

  It was denied due to a lack of sufficient reason for leave. Vincent said. As such we need a viable reason for the leave to be granted and a personal reason just isn’t sufficient.

  Why not? asked Randy.

  Because that's how things are done around here. If leave was granted for every little whim, then how could we ever get any work done? Vincent asked.

  That's seems pretty dumb to me, if you can't trust your own employees, then why even have them employed. I think that you just enjoy dashing people’s hopes and dreams Vincent. Randy said.

  Vincent turned red in the face. I don't much appreciate that remark Mr. Johnson. I have nothing personal against you, I was following company policy.

  Really now? I thought that you just liked controlling people. Randy said with a slight curling of his lip.

  That will be enough gentlemen. I said. Randy, you're getting out of line, and Vincent, please, let's be sensible about this, and stop acting like children. It is true that Vincent was acting under company policy and did indeed do his job as described. I looked at Vincent now. But it is also in your power as vice-president of the company to authorize leave when it is apparent that it is creating a problem.

  Yes sir. Vincent said. I believe now that I should have acted differently.

  Would you care to tell me the reason for your request for leave Randy? I asked.

  He looked over at Vincent. Personal reasons, Sam.

  This situation seemed to be far worse than I first imagined. While not everyone will agree with everyone else, or even like one another, to throw professionalism out the window bespoke of a deeper problem.

  Come now Randy, let’s be civilized here. I said.

  With all due respect, Mr. Steel, I do not care to discuss my private matters with Mr. Jackson. Randy said.

  Vincent, I said. Would you be kind enough to allow a little privacy?

  Vincent stood, glared down at Randy and left the room.

  Now, the reason? I asked.

  I received a telegram from my uncle four weeks ago. In it, he was requesting that I come visit him in England. This may not seem much of a reason, but he also stated that he had come down with a serious illness and was not expected to live longer than two months. That's when I requested leave. I received another telegram about a week after that informing me that my uncle had passed away. My presence was still requested in order to settle his estate, of which I am apparently the sole heir. I again requested leave and again it was denied.

  I see. I said. And as far as you know, you still must settle his estate?

  Yes. He answered.

  Perhaps you could have put down a family emergency instead of personal reasons, and then maybe your leave would have been more readily granted. I said.

  That might be true, but I don't think so. Randy replied.

  Oh? Why is that? I asked.

  Because Vincent doesn't like me and I don't like him. Why do you think production is down so low? Why do you think the profits are down? He's the cause of it. Every time I try to submit something, he shoots it down with some stupid excuse about it costing the company too much money.

  This was alarming, to think that Vincent could be doing something to prevent the further development of the company. I reflected back on the meeting we had just completed. I thought back on how everyone looked and reacted to the news of the company losing money for the past three years and how no one seemed to have an excuse for it, except Vincent Jackson.

  I pushed the call button on my telephone for my secretary Angela Hoffensire.

  Yes Mr. Steel? Angela answered immediately.

  Please come into my office. I said.

  Angela walked in a moment later. Yes sir?

  I want you to call another board meeting ASAP after lunch. I would like for you to be there also and please bring your tape recorder. I said.

  Very well sir. Angela said. Will there be anything else?

  Have a seat Angela. I said. Mr. Johnson has been explaining a few things to me Ms. Hoffensire. I trust that you have your recorder with you?

  "Angela pulled a small tape recorder out of her purse and turned it on.

  Randy has just been informing me that Mr. Jackson has been undermining this company. I stated, and then I looked at Randy. How do you know about this? I asked.

  Well, I've been watching him and talking to other people. It seems I'm not the only one experiencing this. When was the last time you saw something requesting your approval for development? Probably not for a long time I would imagine. Randy asked.

  Do you know what you're implying? I asked.

  I know exactly what I'm implying. I think this vice-president of yours is a crook and he's stealing money out from under your nose and you don't even know it. He replied.

  I will have to look into this. I mused.

  I would do that Sam. Randy said.

  I looked at Angela. You can turn that off now. She did so. Now I want you to be at this board meeting as I stated earlier and I want you to bring your recording equipment. I need to have this investigated and due to the policies of this company, an employee cannot be arbitrarily terminated without supporting proof of the reason for the termination. As you well know, only a very serious offense, such as the commission of a felony, can cause the termination of an employee. Therefore, it is in our best interest to find and document all evidence that is available. Now keep in mind I am not saying that anyone has, at this point, done anything illegal. As you well know, our court systems have a policy of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, therefore, this company shall hold to the same standards. I will expect that the two of you maintain an air of being courteous to Mr. Jackson until such time as he has been proven to be a lawbreaker. I said, and then I looked at Randy. I want you to be at the meeting as well.

  Will there be anything else sir? Angela asked.

  That will be all. I said.

  Angela stood and left the room, letting the door close behind her. I looked at Randy Johnson.

  I believe that I can help you out with your little problem of settling your estate. I said.

  How so? He asked.

  I think that I would like to visit England, on a business trip mind you, and I would like you to accompany me to help out with the little finalizing details. While we are at it we could also stop by and settle your uncle's estate. That is if you're interested. I didn't really have any business in England but I was sure that my contacts over there could provide me with something.

  Are you serious Sam?

  Of course I am, do think that I would just do this on a whim? I retorted.

  No. No, of course not. I would be happy to go there with you as your representative. He answered.

  Good. Be ready to depart this evening. I will make a few calls and we can go. I said.

  Thanks Sam. Randy said as he stood. We shook hands and he left.

  Vincent walked in after Randy left.

  You know Vince; it is in your power to amend the rules in special circumstances. I think that you could have been a little more discreet in this particular situation. I remarked.

  Yes sir. He said.

  I'm going on a business trip this evening. I expect to be back in a few days. I want you to take charge of things and make sure everything is running smoothly. I said.

  If I may ask, where are you going? Vincent asked.

  I'm going to England. I'm taking Randy with me as a partner and to take care of some personal business of his. I replied. Why not be up-front and honest about it.

  I would caution you sir. Vincent said.

  About what? I asked. Something didn't seem to be right here.

  Just watch out for Mr. Johnson, make sure he's not trying to pull one over on you. Vincent warned me.

  Like I suspect you are? I thought to myself.

  I'll be careful. I said. Thanks Vincent. I didn't believe anything was going to happen to me due to Randy.

  I'll be going now sir, if there's nothing else. Vincent said.

  Send Angela in on your way out. I said.

  Vincent left and a moment later Angela entered.

  You wanted to see me Mr. Steel? She asked.

  Yes. I trust that you have alerted everyone to the emergency board meeting after lunch? I asked.

  Most assuredly sir. Did you doubt that I would? Angela replied.

  Not really, just making sure everything is in order. I said.

  Angela smiled. You worry too much sir.

  I grinned at her. You would too if you had snakes in your garden.

  True, sir. Very true. Angela said. Was there anything else?

  Yeah. How would you like to go to lunch with me? I asked.

  Angela’s cheeks turned a bright red color and her lips puffed out slightly and became a