Jan cruised slowly around downtown. First she drove up to the new government HQ.?
¡°I think Zafiri has been spending plenty of time there,¡± Jan said. Guards still manned the parameter and she had a quick memory of Julian and his quick assessment of her.?
Jan pointed out various landmarks and other points of interest. She didn¡¯t really know too much about Troy but was happy to cruise around.?
She turned a corner, ¡°Look straight down this road and you can see one of the towers of Troy University. It has been well maintained. Attendance is not what it was years ago.¡±
She drove the little Chevy along one of the tree lined boulevards.? The graceful old buildings towered over green lawns and manicured bushes. She turned down Fraternity row and they gawked at all the different types of architecture that went into the old places.?
¡°I haven¡¯t been down here in ages,¡± Jan said.
Several students milled about the outside of buildings and many still lounged in the thick grass under leafy elms.?
From the University area she drove north back to her mom¡¯s house. The red brick house looked well maintained. The garden that extended along the side of the house looked fine from the front but Jan knew that weeds were springing up everywhere. There was no way she could spend the time on it like her mother did.?
The house was old and square but large inside. Two small bedrooms occupied the upstairs but Jan had already ruled out letting the old man climb those stairs.?
She showed them around. Things taken for normal like the dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. ¡°I¡¯ll show you how to use these items. Very simple really.¡±
She led them into the master bedroom. Flowers in two vases sat on both sides of the bed. There were family pictures adorned all around. ¡°Haran can sleep here. The bathroom is adjoined and it is just a few steps to the kitchen from here.¡±
¡°Zafiri, you and I will be upstairs in two smaller bedrooms. I hope you don¡¯t mind the climb.¡±
On the stairs were more pictures including several of Janet in various military outfits.?
She turned to Zafiri at the door to her bedroom. ¡°There is a basement. I keep all my magical stuff down there so you might be careful rummaging around.? Some of those bottles hold potent stuff. I¡¯ll show you in a bit. This door is a small bathroom. It¡¯s got a tiny shower but it works great.¡±
(Zafiri)
"I'd like that," Zafiri nodded. "I'm not sure if I'll understand your materials, however. From what limited information there is, there is considerable difficulty in deciphering alien magic systems. Of course, the last encounter with strange magicks was well over 700 years ago, and the remains are in a vault held by the Church of the Holy Twelve. As a result, it's unlikely I'll ever see those."
The Church had long declared those of Torquani descent as "unclean", and while they were expected to repent and take up their faith, they could never be a part of it. Only humans were ever allowed into the priesthood. Only those ranked bishops and above would be allowed in such forbidden vaults¡
"Still, it might be worth studying," she said, tapping her chin as she pondered. "It could give me some insight as far as what is happening to you, Janet."
No, she hadn't forgotten the strange incidents. Not at all.
