Beyond Light and Dark 2

I was shaken from my experience with the dead mind of Wendal-Jarlsberg. I had gotten a good scare, and was still afraid, the attack had been sudden and powerful. At least I had gained some knowledge was my only consolation. By the ferocity of the attack I knew Wendal-Jarlsberg had been a powerful occultist, and must have had ties to a society opposed to the Old Ones. So I figured it was time to call in one of the favors I was owed. I called Richard Chen. I actually got him first try. this led me to believe he did not know what I was up to, or else he would have tried to avoid me. He seemed surprised that I was asking about Wendal-Jarlsberg. He did not deny knowing who he was. I told him to get rid of one of the favors he owed me, all that he had to do was give me everything he knew about Wendal-Jarlsberg, and hold nothing back. He told me that Wendal-Jarlsberg had belonged to another society that opposed the Old Ones: The Order of the White Worm. I know what a strange name. And he also confirmed that he had a Platonic Solid; the Tetrahedron. Alas new information! And that he had done some experiments with it, but did not know what the experiments were. He had never met Wendal-Jarlsberg. Richard did not know what happened to his estate or the Platonic Solid after Wendal-Jarlsberg's death. He also told me that he had access to some of Wendal-Jarlsberg's writings. I warned him again, to hold nothing back, I really did not think he was, but you know I like the feeling of power. That I wanted the writings. It seems that Wendal-Jarlsberg had been a prominent figure in the Anti-Old Ones movement. He promised to get a copy of the writings for me, I guess they were not that top secret. Anyhow, I did not think Richard had any knowledge about what I was doing, or the Mystograph. I feel being blind has given me an advantage in detecting lies. I can actually hear the emotional nuance in spoken words, especially after I have known someone for a while. So if you have a blind girlfriend don't try lying to her; you will get busted every time. Richard came by the University to my office that day to drop off a flash drive containing the writings of Wendal-Jarlsberg. We talked some. He told me Wendal-Jarlsberg been experimenting on ways to build with bricks and sculptured stone. And that even though Wendal-Jarlsberg had been an active participant in the Anti-Old Ones network, he was very suspicious and did not confide in anyone. He did not stay long,probably did not want to be seen with me, you know bad for his reputation. Anyhow, after Richard left I plugged the flash drive into the computer. The writings and notes were fascinating, even though they did not get me any new information of the missing tetrahedron. Wendal-Jarlsberg had come up with a theory very similar to mine (he had a lot more math, but what do you expect from an physicist) on the nature of the cosmos. That Reality was was multi-dimensional; divided into three realms, each alternating in time. I also gleaned form the writings that he had made contact with members of the Elder Race. Not that he said so, but he dvew things that only someone who had visited the Realm of the Elder Race would know. The Elder Race has both pro and opposed factions regarding the Old Ones, you know like here on Earth. Anyhow back to the writings They had set off alarm bells in my head, that Wendal-Jarlsberg had found a way to bring back the odd vat grown stone that the Elder Race used as building material. I would have to contact Ethirol my ally in the Elder Race. All of the sudden it hit me I felt important, you know having cosmic contacts. It helped me to forget the dread, and worry that contact with the dead mind had inspired in me, and my failure at necromancy.The only big let down was that I was no closer to finding the missing piece (the tetrahedron). Of course I may have missed a clue. Anyhow, I had another matter unrelated to the Old Ones, to distract me , and one I had to take care of first. My teaching contract was coming up for renewal. I wanted to stay where I was. Which could be a problem with my shady reputation,and well my less than enthusiastic teaching style. Like I said I teach to the level of my students interest, and all I teach is required classes, where the students just want to get the class over and done. Also, I feel if a student is going to flunk out, or ruin their grade point average, she should do it in her major, not a required class where they are going to forget all the material in the class as soon as they turn in the final. So I went down to Disabled Student Service office. I wanted to talk with one of the councilors: Cindy Chen.Cindy is a paraplegic, a councilor, and one of the main gossip hubs at the University. She owed her position as Gossip Queen to me. I was a hot topic for gossip, I talked to Cindy, and Cindy passed it on. I must say even though I helped become a Gossip Queen she was managing to hold the position all on her own. You know I became a lot more cautious what I said to her. She is truly talented in gathering all the University gossip. And that is what I wanted to talk about. What I wanted to know is who I should butter up to get my contract renewed. I know as soon as I told Jai, what I was doing she immediately chimed in; that I should just become a better teacher. I of course, had thought of that, but if I was going to do that I needed to start long before now. Anyhow, I got what I wanted to know: Kim Atkins was some sort of assistant to the Chancellor, and had a lot of influence. I also found out from Cindy that she and the Chancellor have a favorite cause. Some sort of social justice organization that holds big expensive fund raising dinners regularly. And that Kim was also interested in gossip. Yes Cindy, was truly the gossip Queen of the University. And I was the hottest topic for gossip, something I could finally use to my advantage. So I texted Kim asking for an appointment concerning a personal matter. I guess I really am a hot topic; I got the appointment the same day. I was hopping Cindy was also right that Kim like gossip, I spent the rest of the day rehearsing what I was going to say. I mean, you know, I could not blow this. When I entered Kim's office the pleasing smell of lavender greeted me. I had a brief moment of shock; why had I not though of this. As soon as I got back to my office I got on the computer and ordered a scent infuser for my office. Anyhow, Kim showed me to a chair, and greeted me warmly.This sort of surprised me, since I did not know her opinion of me, I just assumed the worst. After the formalities, I told her: I wanted to buy two dinners for her favorite charity, organization, whatever. She then gave me the price, which was very expensive. I smiled through the pain of the expense, and wrote out the check. I was pleased that I am getting better at writing script. The squiggly lines are becoming letters. She thanked me with a big smile in her voice. I realized I was on the right track, and I still had one more chard to play. I told her in a confidential tone: "You know, I have recently broken up with my boyfriend," she denied knowing this, which I knew was a lie, you know I had talked with Cindy. I continued without letting on: "so you know I don't have a date. I was wondering if maybe you could help me with this, maybe you know a some nice man with a car I can go with?' I heard her pleased sigh: "Yes I think I can help you! and thank you for trusting me with this." Then to cement the deal I told her all about my break up, and what kind of men I like. She ate it up. Only then did I bring up my contract renewal. She gave me the pleasing reply: Oh don't worry Gwen, this place would not be the same without you." I t turns out as I found out later; she liked hearing about all my antics. I felt a huge weight off of me, Later, I told Jai what had gone on.She listened, and then asked me in a serious tone: "Did you hear that?" I was like:: "No I didn't hear anything." Then she replied in a sarcastic tone: "That was the sound of eyes rolling!!" (Jai was good she could even fool me.) Well, O.K. , so it may have been a bit sketchy, but it worked. And, like, I have a lot of things on my mind. Anyhow all of this served to distract me from the thing really bothering me: the dead mind of Titus Wendal-Jarlsberg. The voice of doubt, and my insecurities kept coming back. Anyhow, later after work I went to my favorite coffee house. I sat outside, it was a pleasant afternoon. I love the feeling of the Sun on my face, and the afternoon breeze on my skin. I had changed into shorts after work. I also enjoy listening to the birds. My new hobby of being a bird watcher, or a bird hearer, well bird fancier. I have learned to identify several of the local birds, by their calls. One of the Baristas that I know took sometime to talk with me. She was amazed by my ability to identify birds by their calls alone. Not that it is hard to tell the difference between a crow. and a sea gull, but you know , sighted people are generally amazed when you do anything without looking. This got me thinking about my philosophy, and my research on light mythology. I had been doing some research on views about light during the Middle Ages . I have been thinking about presenting the material on light mythology in a historical framework. Still have not come up with a title. Anyhow, Roger Bacon had viewed light as a pure Form; some sort of divinized substance connecting creation to God. It still amazes me how deep the prejudices are about light, and these prejudices are so broad and deep. Looking at the historical record has helped me understand why so many sighted people are so mystified by blindness. Light and intellect have been so connected for so long in human history. Sighted people cannot even imagine that you can think in tactile images, and that visual images are not the only mode of thinking.What a long standing prejudice going back to the dawn of history, that light is the medium of thought. This was a pleasant distraction.from thinking about my failure at necromancy. I walked home navigating with my cane. I hit all the familiar landmarks, the fire hydrant where I turn left to get home has become like an old friend. I guess you could say instead of seeing my way home; I feel my way home. I was in a strange mood. The walk helped. Anyhow, when I got back to my apartment I so did my doubts. and insecurities waiting for me. I also found a message from Kim on the phone (I had intentionally left the phone at home, so I could think). Kim had found me a date with a Professor of Architecture by the name of Greg Phillips. At least he was at the same University and had a car. You know, drafting is not a favorite subject of mine. I guess Kim liked me, or wanted to get her Gwen Chu gossip firsthand. I found out later is was both. It seemed a good fit, and I had not realized that the dinner was coming up so soon. It was the following week. Anyhow, the next day at school I checked Greg Phillips office hours, it turned out he had office hours during one of my free periods the next day. You know I wanted to meet him. So the the next day I dressed in short black skirt, a red top, and wedge scandals. You know I wanted to show off my legs when meeting an interesting man. Anyhow, I made my way over to the Architectural building, and actually got there with no help, but a student helped me find the Department office. Before entering the office I listened at the door, to get a feeling for the place. I could hear several voices, that sounded like students, and the voice of a Secretary. Yes, I have dealt with enough school secretaries to know how they talk. I thought my visit might be a surprise. You know, I wanted the dramatic entrance. I was both right and wrong. I was right they were surprised, wrong in thinking they would not know who I am. The Secretary said in a surprised tone: "Professor Chu what are you doing here?" She then quickly covered her surprise and said in a professional tone: " How nice to see you, how can I help you?" I replied in an amused tone: " I am here looking for a man, what else? I have heard that is where all the He-Men hang out." After the giggles of the students subsided, I explained I was there looking for Greg Phillips.It seems he had just ducked out to get some food, and would be right back. The Secretary offered me a chair, and some coffee, which I accepted. I of course have a coffee maker in my office, but the Department office does not have one. Something to mention to the Department Chair. I chatted with the students, and waited. It did not take long for Greg to arrive. He was pleasantly surprised, to see me. I was sitting in my best cross legged pose. He told me he was going to message me later that day, but that seeing me in person was better. It also became quickly apparent that he had never been around blind people. I talked him through navigating me back to his office. He took directions well, and was fast learner. I like smart men. I could tell by holding his arm. that he was about five feet, ten inches tall, not thin but not fat, just a little soft. Which was in acceptable range for me. I of course, have never been leaner of fitter working out with Jai; not that I can keep up with her. I was glad I had decided on the short skirt.I could tell by the dips and distractions in his voice he was looking at my legs. I also approve of his deep voice, love deep voices on men, and the rich texture of his suit jacket. I love the feeling of expensive fabric. Anyhow, the meeting went well, and we arrange a time for him to pick meup at my apartment. He knew both where my apartment was and the location of the dinner. I was looking forward to the date, you know, it was about time I started getting out there again. The rest of the day went well, I was on a high. Anyhow, when I did get home the voice of my self doubts was there waiting, and stronger than ever.I kept going over and over the events of the necromantic operation with the dead mind of Wendal-Jarlsberg. I was sitting at my desk. Absent mindedly, I started running my fingers over the souvenirs from my past adventures. The gun I had gotten in the farmhouse incident. Then I moved to the Amulet I had acquired to control Shaggoths, well it controlled them for a brief time. Then I picked up the Carmilla dagger, from the Nick Edwards affair:(he would soon reappear). the touch of the Carmilla dagger came as a sharp psychic shock. It started talking to me. It was a vampire dagger that could steal thoughts, memories, and more. The more I was still finding out about. How little I knew about the dagger. I had just put in my desk after the adventure, and not given it any thought. It seems the dagger is a great repository of magical knowledge, that its owner can access.I concentrated on my problem with the dead mind of Wendal-Jarlsberg. The more I concentrated on my questions, the better the dagger's answers. When I say the dagger talked to me, I don't mean in words, but in images, I supplied the words. It told me how to protect myself while conducting necromantic operations. My mood lifted, I was getting some of my confidence back. Even though I was still scared I knew I had to confront the mind of Wendal-Jarlsberg again.Of course, I could not go to sleep after this, so I called Jai. I guess I did not realize how late it was, I heard a groggy voice on the other end of the line. I excitedly told her all that was happening. She agreed to go back to the cemetery the next night, and then rushed me off the phone to go back to sleep. I did finally get an hour or two of sleep. Anyhow, the next day I cancelled my afternoon class, so I could go home and take a long map, you know, I wanted to be at full strength. Jai picked me up right at 10:30p, Jai is never late. I wanted to conduct the operation at midnight, I had found out from the dagger that midnight is when a Necromancer is at full strength. I could tell Jai had deep doubts about all of this. She was mostly silent, a sure sign she is troubled. Several times she said: "You know, you don't have to do this now, something might break in my investigation. We can always try this later." I was not about to be persuaded, I had to do this not for information but to get my confidence back; it was personal. Although I to had doubts, which is exactly the thing I disliked, the dead mind of Wendal-Jarlsberg had given me quite a scare. And I don't like being scared. I needed this. I was adamant (another word I like the sound of). I was wearing my tactical clothes. I now have a whole line of tactical clothes. Jai parked near the wall of the cemetery. You know, cemeteries are not open at night, we would have to go over the wall. Of course, Jai was prepared; she had rope and a grappling hook. Jai really knows how to accessorize. I was sure glad of her support,and thankful she was a friend. After we got over the wall Jai navigated to the grave. Again I ran my fingers over the squiggly lines, except this time my mind recognized them as letters. I concentrated and rose to a standing position, I had brought the Carmilla dagger with me. I did a protection ritual setting up a psychic shield around me. Only then did I reach out to the dead mind of Wendal-Jarlsberg. Again the mind attacked me suddenly and fiercely. Trying to smother me, and surround me. This time I was prepared and concentrated on my protection shield. the dead mind really put the pressure on me, I was tempted by fear to abandon the operation, and run, but I held, I kept up my concentration. The dead mind was stopped. I asked my questions, but got nothing,but another attack, but I was ready for this one, and stopped it in its tracks. So I asked my questions again and still got nothing. I was protected, but could get no answers. The dead mind of Wendel-Jarlsberg was not hurting me, but I was not hurting it. So I jabbed with the dagger at what I had been told are the weak spots of the manifestation. Jai later told me, she could see a glowing mist or fog surrounding me. This time I hurt it, I seized on my advantage, and compelled the dead mind to answer, but before I could get all the knowledge I was seeking the manifestation of the dead mind evaporated. It seems Wendel-Jarlsberg had another trick, one that involved its own self destruction. It was gone in an instant. The first words out of Jai's mouth were: "That was super-creepy!!" Well, I had to agree, but I had gotten something: "The Society for Public Beautification", whatever that was. As a clue it did not seem like much. but I was ecstatic. I had stood up to a dead mind that wanted me dead. The true payoff for me was I had my confidence back. I felt like myself again. We could work on the clue tomorrow. We went to an all night coffee house, It was not like either of us could sleep after that.