From the perspective of Chase Cringle.
East St. Louis was nothing like its counterpart. The Flesheaters ruled the west side, but as I was informed by Austin, the east side was dominated by the Prometheans: eccentric wizards who cherish Promethean orbs and used them as a supplement to their own array of magic arts.
While cruising the Tahoe forward, Austin further explained. "The Prometheans hold a festival every year for a total of six nights. The festival is held to honor Prometheus, a Greek titan, said to give humans the knowledge of fire. The second last night of The Festival of Wizards is Challenge Night. The Prometheans hold Challenge Night to allow six brave challengers to challenge one of each of their six grandmaster Prometheans for the right to precisely one Promethean orb that they keep, but do not use, as a potential prize. No one has ever won Challenge Night."
"What's a grandmaster?" Brandon asked, clueless.
"Grandmaster is the title given to the six highest ranking officials among the Prometheans, as well as the title given to countless other extremely dangerous warlocks and sorcerers around the world--basically anyone that is highly professional in the magic arts. You do not fuck with a grandmaster, unless you are a grandmaster. But, even then, fucking with another grandmaster is risky."
"How so?" Jeriah asked as he sat content in the back seat.
Austin took a deep breath and let out a great sigh. "Some grandmasters are good, like the Fatal Six. Well, let me rephrase that. The Fatal Six are not all that good, but they are decent folk. Then there are the bad grandmasters.
"Anyhow, tonight, I'll try my best to get you guys a meeting with the Fatal Six so maybe one of you will have a chance at obtaining their extra Promethean orb. None of you would have anything to lose. Except, maybe, your lives."
I asked, "How would we challenge the grandmaster of our choice?"
"That decision would be made by the grandmaster of your choice. The challenge could be anything from a riddle to a duel to a chess match. It really could be anything. You would have to prove your worth to the grandmaster you choose in front of a massive, loud, obnoxious, wild, hyped, drug-addicted crowd of Prometheans. I wouldn't present myself in front of such a wild crowd, but, hey, you guys are different."
We rolled into what was clearly Promethean Territory, my face an inch away from the glass window. I was enamored by the electrifying atmosphere and the Prometheans' culture. I knew then and there we had entered into a seemingly foreign land that isn't so foreign.
We all got out of the Tahoe. The sky was black, speckled with endless stars and constellations. Vendors and buyers of all colors and nationalities were present, and most of all were the Prometheans. 90s heavy metal blared from dozens of large speakers all around, which made me happy and warm inside.
Austin showed us around the Promethean Festival Grounds, and me and Brandon and Jeriah were all obliged to follow as we were all supremely intrigued with the nightlife of Promethean Territory.
First, Austin introduced us to a booth where a Promethean was selling trinkets and antiques. "If you want to purchase anything in Promethean territory you will need emeralds. Cut emeralds. The higher the quality of the cut and the better the clarity, the higher the value of the emerald. Luckily, I came with a small hoard of emerald gems. More than enough to buy each of you three something useful."
After a minute of silence while browsing the sketchy Promethean's wares, it was clear no one in the group was interested in buying anything at the tiny, listless booth. The items for sale were simple trinkets perhaps half a century old. The owner of the booth appeared shady and strange, and the insane low prices were a red flag. We all walked away from the booth without looking back.
Austin suggested, "Forgive me. These outdoor shitshacks have nothing worth actually buying. Come with me. We must delve further into the festival grounds. I know just where to go."
Austin led us to a shop called "Chad's House of Jewels and Spells". The shop was actually a narrow townhouse apartment, the first floor being the shop, and the top floor was gated off. The shop had air conditioning, which our group was relieved to have on such a steamy, humid, restless night. Inside it was slightly dark, but there were hundreds of LED light strips in nearly every color of the rainbow. Jewels and trinkets and jewelry were behind glass around every corner. There were colorful neon lights behind the glass, slowly fading from blue, to violet, to red, then back to blue. There were also about a dozen different lava lamps situated around the store adding to the colorful, whimsical ambience. The shop was also filled with a multitude of lush green ferns and various bonsai trees, as well as an amazing two meter tall rectangular terrarium in the center of the shop. The shop was so lively that I couldn't focus on just one thing. I felt like I was in another dimension, being exposed to so many different lights and objects and plants.
I couldn't see the cashier or any clerks to be found--only a door to the back of the shop with a sign that said "On Break. If You Need ANYTHING Please Knock."
Austin announced, "It's about time you three young gents get to browsing. I'll wait here, at the counter. Remember: I'm only paying for one item each of your choice."
In no time, Brandon, Jeriah, and I each had found something worth taking. I found a round link silver chain. Brandon found a gold bangle fitted with a brilliant cut, sparkly, lime-green peridot, and Jeriah found a gold band fitted with a cushion-brilliant cut, shiny, deep yellow citrine. Both Brandon and Jeriah seemed thrilled to have found something that they liked and could keep. As for me, I was surprised to see that I could touch silver. As I remembered, in old books about vampires, silver was one of the few weaknesses vampires had. Am I different? Am I special? I pondered.
"Hey, there, kid," greeted the store owner, Chad, as I walked up to the counter with the silver chain in my right hand.
I replied, "Hey there, dude that I don't know."
"You don't know me now, but you will, Chase Cringle. White boy from southern Kentucky."
I couldn't help but chuckle, then I replied, "How does everyone know my name?"
The old, dark-skinned, gray-haired shaman laughed. His voice was terribly raspy. "I don't exactly know, but I know you. I am a shaman. I know things, including things yet to occur. I see you found yourself a silver chain, but it has no gem nor charm. Would you like a gem or charm to go with your chain? It looks rather boring without any flair." Chad pointed out his gems laid out in a neat, straight line under shiny, clear glass, among dozens of other charms. "My gems are of the highest quality, you will not find better gems than these in all of the midwestern states."
"Sure, I'll take one. If they're free."
"Of course they are, my boy," Chad replied with a grin. "Go ahead. Pick one." But I knew that nothing the three of us were taking was free. Chad ran a business, after all.
I proceeded to pick out a gem that would accentuate the silver amulet. I chose a faceted amethyst bead. I handed Chad the silver chain. Chad took the amethyst bead and added it to the silver chain. Chad then presented the finished amulet to me. I took the amulet and placed it around my neck, and I felt a renewed sense of confidence.
Austin stepped forward and spoke. "The kid and his friends' expenses are all on my tab, Chad."
"Your credit is always appreciated here, Mr. Clark. You and your friends are always welcome."
Austin slipped Chad a tiny drawstring pouch bulging with weight. Chad took the pouch without question and stuffed it in his waist pocket.
"Chase, my dear boy, don't forget to come back and visit. Keep your friends close. And your enemies closer! And Mr. Clark. Don't forget to visit me soon. We have... urgent matters to discuss."
I didn't reply. But I did take Chad's advice to heart.
Austin nodded toward Chad. "Sure thing, Chad. See you again, soon."
Brandon proceeded to equip his gold bangle on his right arm and Jeriah equipped his gold ring on his left ring finger.
"Gnarly," Jeriah remarked as we stepped out of Chad's House of Jewels and Spells.
"Indeed," Brandon added.
Austin smiled with bright eyes at the three of us vampire youths. We were hot-headed, cold-blooded abominations, and, yet, Austin could see past our outward appearances and realize the diamonds in the rough.
Austin declared, "You three cracker-jacks are now ready to meet the Fatal Six. Come. Destiny awaits."
Austin quickly led us to a magnificent, gargantuan red and gold-striped tent with flaps that served as a doorway.
"What would you call this tent?" Jeriah asked Austin, stunned and intrigued.
"This would be the Grandmaster Tent, I think," Austin replied with uncertainty.
The four of us nonchalantly waltzed inside as if we were locals. I meticulously observed the inside of the massive tent that was illuminated by hundreds of hanging red and gold-trimmed paper lanterns. There were, perhaps, a thousand or more Prometheans inside the tent, all of them affected, to some degree, by drugs and alcohol.
"Shit," Austin remarked. "This is the Master Tent. This tent is far too big to house the Fatal Six. Guys, come with me. Or stay and party. The choice is yours. I don't really care." Austin made a face of disdain and slipped back outside.
"I think I'm gonna stay here…" Jeriah mumbled, intrigued and lured by the blaring of heavy metal, topless dancing witches, and the endless free drugs and alcohol being passed around like candy.
Brandon and I both continued to follow Austin, weaving through herds of Prometheans, until we came upon a modest but impressive tent the size of a small house. The tent was painted solid gold. There were guards posted all around the tent every five feet and the only entrance into the tent was guarded by two hulking behemoths each equipped with a large, heavy longsword at their hips. The two behemoths were speaking to each other, half-alert, when they both noticed Austin from the corner of their eyes, at which point the two behemoths immediately stepped aside to let Austin, Brandon, and I pass through.
Inside the tent were six other elite individuals, the leaders of the Prometheans. At first, for a moment, there was an awkward silence.
Then one of the Fatal Six broke the silence. "Austin Clark! Hot ham and cheese! How long has it been, friend?"
Austin replied earnestly, "Seven years. Have you missed me?"
The grandmaster's smile quickly faded. "No, I haven't missed you. What brings you to the Grandmaster Tent? And who are your friends?"
"My friends here are Brandon Vanity and Chase Cringle. There was a third, but he stayed behind to indulge in the Master Tent. We came to the Grandmaster Tent for one reason. My two young fledgling friends here, Chase Cringle and Brandon Vanity, want to challenge two of you Grandmasters for the extra Promethean orb. I know, we should have signed up for Challenge Night at least eight weeks in advance. But I hope my friends can be an exception: they are a couple of extremely talented fledglings with unlimited potential. I shall sponsor these two young challengers myself."
"How will you pay us? We no longer take credit."
"I know. I came prepared." Austin proceeded to delve into one of his pockets underneath his overcoat, then he pulled out a tiny drawstring pouch, from which he produced two exquisite cushion-brilliant cut emerald gems that sparkled under the soft, pleasant light of the gold-painted paper lanterns above. "These two emeralds will serve as payment."
"Oh my." The grandmaster's eyes widened and his jaw dropped as he instinctively leaned in toward the emeralds. "Such beautiful, exquisite emeralds. I will not ask where you came upon them."
Austin deposited the two emeralds back into the pouch and handed the pouch over to the grandmaster he was speaking with.
"Thank you so very much, Mr. Clark. Now, about the two challengers. Do they even know what a Promethean orb is?"
"Yes, of course. I told them."
"And do they know the Promethean orbs we six possess? They should probably know that."
"They do not. I didn't get that far."
"Then I shall explain everything about Challenge Night to the two challengers. As for you, Austin. Why don't you go check on the third fellow you mentioned? The one that got lost in the Master Tent? Come find us after you find him. Challenge Night will begin, very soon."
"I'll do that straightaway." Austin turned toward me and Brandon both. "You two. Stay here and don't cause any trouble. My friend, Narceus, will explain everything you two need to know about Challenge Night. I'll be back as soon as possible."
Just like that, Austin lifted up the tent flap and stepped outside.
Narceus resumed the conversation. "So here we are. Two young vampire challengers come into the Grandmaster Tent with Mr. Clark, both with the idea that they can challenge any grandmaster they wish for the right to our extra unclaimed Promethean orb. You two boys don't even know which grandmaster to challenge.
"Anyway. We grandmasters know your names, now you two shall know our names. I am Grandmaster Narceus. The grandmasters to my left are Scolopendra, Atropine, and Wolfbane. The grandmasters to my right are Evelyn and Nicole. You two fledglings will want to know who you will want to challenge. Our six Promethean orbs are unique in that they each have a link with an animal deity. My orb allows me to summon a giant mythical benevolent magic-wielding millipede deity, Gordanus. Scolopendra's orb can summon a massive, fearless, flesh-eating centipede deity, Scolopocryptops. Atropine's orb can summon a buff and shaggy grizzly bear deity, Ursa. Wolfbane's orb can summon a vicious, bloodthirsty, smoky-black timber wolf deity, Fenrir. Nicole's orb can summon a fierce, cunning, loyal lion deity, Leo. Lastly, Evelyn's orb can summon a sly riddle-speaking fox deity, Benton. Each of these animal deities are powerful in their own way."
Jeriah muttered, "Where the hell did you guys acquire six Promethean orbs?"
Narceus replied, "About nine years ago we six grandmasters acquired our Promethean orbs all at once when we ventured west into the Vampyr Empire dominated by the Eight Fangs. We stole our Promethean orbs from a triad of bitter, evil, ancient witches while they were away gathering ingredients for one of their sick rituals. It was a fairly simple theft operation. Luckily the place we stole from wasn't cursed or boobytrapped, or we would have been majorly screwed.
"Two years later, we began holding a contest called Challenge Night. Since 2049, we have held Challenge Night once a night, every fifth night of the Festival of Wizards, every year, to allow up to six challengers the chance to acquire the seventh Promethean orb in our possession that no one has ever claimed. The Promethean Orb that tonight's challengers will be vying for is what we call the Flame Orb. The wielder of this orb would, in theory, be able to wield fire magic without any previous knowledge of fire magic. They would be a Pyromancer with no previous training.
"Tonight is the 8th Annual Challenge Night. We do not discriminate when it comes to challengers--any and all are welcome. Although, only two other challengers applied for tonight's contest, with you two challengers that will make a total of four. Tonight should be interesting."
"Such few challengers. The Prometheans must fear Challenge Night," I remarked.
Evelyn, rosy-cheeked, giggled, and, with a sweet, warm voice, replied, "Oh, yes, most definitely. Now, let's get down to business, Chase. Which grandmaster do you wish to challenge?"
I thought for a moment, then I asked Evelyn, "If I chose to challenge you, what would the challenge be?"
Evelyn answered. "The challenge you would face would be the Trial of the Fox. I designed this trial myself, just as the other grandmasters designed their own challenge."
"What's the Trial of the Fox?" I asked.
"It is the challenge I give to all of my challengers. In this trial you must outwit my kind friend, Benton, a highly sentient fox deity."
I smiled mildly, then I replied, "So, I must beat Benton in a game of wits and win? I accept. I have nothing to lose."
"Benton accepts any and all offers," Evelyn answered, her eyes flaring orange. "Benton never refuses any challenger. I, of course, am the one you will be challenging, but Benton will be the middleman. He eagerly awaits meeting you on the battlefield, Chase."
Brandon chimed, "If Chase is challenging Evelyn, then I will challenge Scolopendra."
Scolopendra's eyes widened, sparking with sudden desire for the first time since we met. His mouth finally opened. "Scolopocryptops humbly and generously accepts your offer, Mr. Vanity. You shall test the savage Scolopocryptops on the battlefield, in the abandoned factory parking lot down the road. This challenge will not be easy, Mr. Vanity, for your challenge is to survive five minutes against Scolopocryptops without combating him. In other words, you must survive not being eaten while being totally passive. If you attempt to harm Scolopocryptops in any way, you will be disqualified."
Brandon blinked, his affect flat and solemn. "Awesome. Pray that your savage Scolopocryptops doesn't lose."
"Scoloporyptops will not hold back. Be warned, young fledgling: You may not leave East St. Louis intact."
Narceus then announced, "It's about time we venture to the streets and greet the expecting crowds."
"Agreed." Atropine interjected, opening the tent flap for us all.
"But before we get started, Chase," Narceus resumed, "I believe it would be in your best interest to change into more fitting attire. I will have one of our guards fetch a set of new clothes for you right now. Please change into this set of new clothes before you take to the battlefield."
"Um, sure, thank you very much, Narceus," I replied, a bit surprised.
Nicole was the first to walk out, brushing past Atropine with her perky breasts. "Excuse me, Atropine," Nicole said as she passed Atropine.
Atropine chuckled in response and gently rubbed his forehead.
Evelyn followed close behind Nicole, and then Wolfbane. Scolopendra hastily passed Narceus, perhaps to prepare for the coming match. Narceus rolled his eyes, then he strode out the tent with Brandon and I following side by side.
"After you, Mr. Vanity," I said, allowing Brandon to go before me.
"Why thank you, Mr. Cringle," Brandon replied, waltzing forward, leading me out.
I looked back. Atropine was the last to leave. He snapped his fingers and the lights that illuminated the tent vanquished instantly, the tent now ghostly dark and empty of life. I then turned my head forward, amazed at the spectacular Festival of Wizards.