The Quantum Prophecy - Ryan Matthew Harker (best management books of all time TXT) 📗

as he laid eyes on the dirty and bedraggled pair he knew they were perfect, although perfect for what he was uncertain. But that was of no consequence and their blazing defiance in the face of Harmony’s spectacular magnificence proved to be paltry indeed when the force of his magic was unleashed. It was a minor matter to subvert Dan and Dave to his will.
The two men were put to work as cadets in the army and as it was it did not take long for Harmony’s assessment of their perfection to manifest. Dan and Dave proved to be especially adept in the arts of subversion, deception, infiltration and secrecy, the perfect components with which a spy was made and it was not long before the perfect mission for these perfect spies also manifested.
Now standing before the gates of the capital city Dan and Dave grinned at each other and then strode purposely through.

*****

Finding themselves sprawled on top of one of the tallest edifices in human creation Jeshux and Max stood up and found the rest of the crossover team again systematically checking their gear.
“Good, we all made it,” Jeshux said.
“As if there was any doubt,” Max said crossly. He was feeling decidedly ill from the journey through the wormhole and it felt as if his legs could give out at any moment.
Jeshux looked at Max, shook his head, unslung his pack from his shoulders and dug out a small black cylinder with two bloodstones embedded in each end. He pressed a button on the side of the cylinder and muttered a few incomprehensible words at it. Instantly the bloodstones began to pulsate.
“It’s a combination of science and sorcery,” Jeshux said upon noticing the interest in the ailing scientist’s eyes. “A homing beacon that will alert the king to our arrival.”
“Ah,” Max said.
“Men,” Jeshux turned to his waiting comrades. “You know what’s coming next. We might as well not delay.” And without waiting he reslung his pack and started down a staircase set into the floor.
Max had no idea what was waiting for him but by time the team emerged at the bottom of the tower he was exhausted from the exertion. As soon as they hit sand he heaved off his backpack and sank to the ground gasping to catch his breath. Jeshux came over to offer the scientist a bottle of water. He was breathing fine and apparently had not felt the exertion.
“Jesus,” Max breathed. “I never knew it could be so hard going down stairs!”
Jeshux grinned, “Just imagine how it is going up.”
“No, thank you,” Max managed as he got to his feet.
Suddenly the air shimmered and there was a small pop. Both men turned toward the sound and a woman was standing before them.
“Ah, Witch Farewethor,” Jeshux bowed in greeting.
Farewethor returned his bow. “Greetings Commander General.”
Jeshux turned toward Max. “May I introduce Max Kimbal? He’s a scientist from Earth, the world on the other side of the Harashna and one of the men responsible for its creation there.”
Farewethor bowed to Max but the little man took her hand and pressed his lips softly to her knuckles. “Enchanté mademoiselle.” Surprised at the foreign greeting the witch blushed though she could not understand the words.
Concealing a smile Jeshux continued, “You’re acquainted with the rest of my men of course.”
“Of course, gentlemen,” Farewethor regained her composure and bowed to the crossover team. The men bowed in return and then to Jeshux she said, “The king is greatly anticipating your report and bid me bring you in all haste.”
“Excellent! We’re ready when you are,” and then to Max. “Brace yourself. This may be a bit, unpleasant.”
Suddenly Max found himself being pulled apart, seemingly with a piece of him in one place and a piece in another. With a quick wrench the two pieces came colliding back together and Max was left to maintain his balance on his own while the rest of the team, Jeshux included, struggled to contain their laughter.
With almost motherly concern Farewethor came over and put her arms around him. “There, there. It’ll pass. Just breathe deep and keep your eyes closed for a minute.”
Max did as he was told and soon he was able to stand on his own. When he opened his eyes he found that the world had stopped spinning and instead of sand he was standing on flagstones inside a courtyard in what seemed to be a huge castle.
Quickly recovered the scientist muttered, “What a rush.” As bad as it had been instantaneous matter transportation was not the same as quantum tunneling.
Jeshux came over and clapped him on the back. “Unpleasant?”
“To say the least,” Max grumbled.
“Sir,” Farewethor stepped forward as she addressed Jeshux. “The king waits.”
“Yes, yes. By all means,” Jeshux replied before yelling to his men, “Everyone, to the barracks! I'll meet you there in no less than four hours. Kimbal, you’re coming with me.”
The company of men that made up the crossover team grinned at each other and exited through a low door in the south wall while Jeshux and Max followed Farewethor through an open portal in the east wall. Once through the portal the witch led the two men through a twisting maze of doors and corridors, past great hanging tapestries depicting scenes from AnEerth’s history, statues of men and women in various poses and stages of undress, also werewolves and vampires, until finally they came up short in front of a small ironwood door inlaid with fine strands of gold and silver.
“Through this door is the private chamber of the great King Zakeriah, overlord of the entire planet of AnEerth,” Farewethor was speaking to both men but it was obvious to Max this presentation was entirely for his benefit. He listened carefully as Farewethor continued, “He is the single most powerful man in the world. Not because of magic, he wields but little, and not because of technology, although he is as capable as the most brilliant scientist, but because he is both wise and tough. He has gained the respect of the entire kingdom through his ability to cut to the heart of any matter and make quick, fair and oft times difficult decisions concerning such. He is very kind but do not mistake that kindness for weakness.” Then the witch stepped to the door and knocked out a rhythmic beat on its surface.
“Enter!” The voice was loud and clear in Max’s ear and seemed not to come from the other side of the door but from the very air around them.
Farewethor pushed the door lightly and it swung open easily without noise. She then stepped clear so that Max and Jeshux might enter, shutting the door once the two men were through.
A stone walled room it was, round in nature with a round coffee table in the center surrounded by several chairs. Tapestries and other wall hangings decorated the enclosure with multicolored splendor and in front of them, opposite the entrance was an opening with an ornate curtain as its door. From this a man stepped through. He was of average height with a baldhead, piercing blue eyes, gaunt in appearance and a thin goatee of about three inches sprouted from his chin.
“Your Majesty,” Jeshux performed a deep bow. Max, uncertain, just stood there. This man certainly did not look like a king. In fact he looked as if you could throw a pair of overalls on him and he would blend in fine with any commoner.
“Now, now, none of that,” the man said striding purposely across the room and enveloping Jeshux in a deep hug. “It’s good to see you again my friend. What’s it been, fifty-five, sixty-five years?”
“Ummf!” Jeshux said and returned the man’s embrace. “Too long, Zakeriah, too long.”
“And how goes it Earth side?” Zakeriah asked. “How is young McAriicoys? I understand that he did not accompany you.”
“No sir, he did not,” Jeshux turned to indicate Max. “Might I introduce to you Max Kimbal? He’s one of the scientists that made the opening of the Earth side harashna possible.”
“Sir,” Max said trying to imitate Jeshux bow.
“A pleasure,” the king said. “But I believe that on your planet they do it in this fashion.” Zakeriah stuck out a hand, which Max readily shook.
Jeshux raised an eyebrow at this. “It seems that you’ve become somewhat informed about Earth your majesty.”
“Indeed,” the king frowned and gestured for the two men to sit. “Before we get to business though, may I introduce either of you two men to a drink?”
“Wine, please,” Jeshux answered. “And I believe that Mr. Kimbal would like some of that fine whiskey you’re fond of collecting.”
“Yes,” Zakeriah said. “But never for drinking. Is merlot alright?”
“Of course.”
The king returned with a tumbler of amber fire and a goblet of deep red. He handed these to his guests and then took a seat with a goblet of his own. “There, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, business may be attended.” The king sipped his wine obviously savoring the taste. “Now to answer your question, yes I have become familiar with our neighboring dimension. You see I have managed to pick up a stray. One of yours it would seem, if the tale has been told with accuracy.”
“Candlelite!” Jeshux eyes gleamed as he spoke.
“He’s here?” Max sat forward in his chair.
“Where is he? I must speak with him.” Jeshux was visibly chomping at the proverbial bit.
“Yeah, me also,” Max added.
“Patience, patience gentlemen,” King Zakeriah intoned with one hand raised. “First we must discuss business. Much has gone on in your absence Commander General.” All informality had vanished from the king’s voice. “And I’ve many questions concerning this ‘Earth’ of Mr. Kimbal’s. The young werewolf and his companion have been able to provide little of the information that I would deem pertinent.”
“Companion?” Max queried.
Jeshux, better able to conceal his own surprise, asked, “You’re not referring to the bear, your majesty?”
“A young woman,” the king swirled the remains of his wine around the crystal goblet.
“Ah,” Jeshux relaxed. “Of course, it’s just that he made a most daring escape on the back of a wild grizzly.”
Zakeriah smiled mischievously. “Not so wild, I would think, although she is very high spirited.”
Jeshux and Max both looked at each other, confused anew by the king’s words.
Seeing this Zakeriah smiled again. “You see this bear and the young woman are one and the same. And your man Candlelite it seems was put on the spot to supply this bear turned woman with a name upon their timely arrival here.” At this the king fixed Jeshux with his intense stare. “The name he chose was Absinthe.”
Looking back at the king Jeshux jaw dropped as the implications were made perfectly apparent. “You don’t mean to suggest…” He let his question trail off unfinished.
“I suggest nothing. The facts speak for themselves.”
“Then what you’re saying is that the time of the prophecy is upon us your majesty?”
“Precisely.”
Jeshux pressed his fingertips together and bowed his head. “Oh my God,” he breathed. “The Werewolf Candlelite, of course, why didn’t I see it before?”
Max meanwhile just looked from man to man somewhat bewildered. Instead of professing his ignorance, which no doubt both men were aware of, he inclined his empty tumbler toward Zakeriah and asked, “Mind if I partake in some more of your finery, Kingy?”
Jeshux was still in thought and had not noticed the manner in which Max addressed Zakeriah but the king could not fail to notice. His eyes grew wider by a fraction of an inch and then a bemused smile began to play at the corners of his mouth. Reaching for the scientist’s