PULP & POPCORN

Page 45
That night, the celebration felt more urgent than normal, and Noel found himself in
extraordinary good spirits. As everyone left, Noel lingered, until finally the massive double
doors of the court were closed tight, and it was only him and the Magician. Noel took a
moment to look the man over, taking in the full measure of his unsettling appearance.
“Who are you? Truly.”
“I show you a glimpse of the power of the infinite, and you wish to know my name? Is
there nothing more you want from me?”
The Magician began to circle Noel, slowly, oh so slowly, as he spoke.
“I rule all I see and have all I want.”
“So there is no gift I could make to such a man as yourself?”
“What would you propose?”
“You are the one whose heart is the issue, whose dreams can be fulfilled. I am but a
vessel, a servant.”
Noel began to move as well, uncomfortable with the way it felt like he was suddenly
prey, about to be attacked.
“You do tricks. Illusions. What can you possibly give me that would last?”
“You saw what I am capable of. Those were no tricks.”
“What would you call it? Real magic?”
“There are forces in this world that even a King like you cannot equal.”
“And you are such a power.”
“No. But I can summon it, and I know how to gift it to another.”
“You offer me power. I have power. I could put you to death right now.”
“That is not power.”