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Professor Daniel Jacobs and Della stared at the small man behind the large oak desk.
They waited for the man to speak. He was smaller than most people, and Daniel would have guessed he was a dwarf, maybe a midget. But the Professor saw intelligence in the man's eyes. Erlick led them to his office and then left them alone with the small man.
"Obviously, Professor, we know about your work and about the Vvong."
"Since you already know me, I also want to know who I am speaking to."
"Introductions? Who I am does not matter. What I represent does." The small man waved his hands, then said, "My name is Krump, and I represent the Illuminati."
"Your group almost destroyed this planet,” barked Della. “You unleashed a mutant strain."
Krump held up his hands. "We didn't do that. It was the work of a disturbed individual. We have been cleaning up his mess for decades."
The professor was at a loss. He didn't understand any of this.
Della said, "It was your organization that stopped us from helping you. We could have gone to your aid."
"We are not infallible. The actions of a few don't dictate the actions of the group."
Professor Jacobs said, "I don't understand or care about the feud between the Elves and the Illuminati. Why am I here?"
Krump and Della stared at each other. Krump waved his right hand. "I am here to help you."
"To help us? Give me back my manuscript and an army to destroy the Vvong, and then we can talk," Professor Jacobs said in a rush of anger so powerful he almost stood.
Krump placed his small fingers in front of him. "Well, we can help you in that regard. We have been awaiting you for eons."
"I don't understand."
"You cannot understand. We made a promise to find you," Krump said.
"Okayay, but I still don't understand what this has to do with me," Daniel said.
Krump stared at him for a second or two before he continued. "We want you to find the Alpha Mages. We can provide you men, and the resources to help you," Krump said.
"And you can guarantee our government will be on board to protect Earth from the Vvong invaders," Daniel said.
"Done," Krump said.
Professor Jacobs was dumbfounded. Krump grabbed something from his desk drawer and placed it on the top of the desk. It was Daniel’s manuscript. Professor Jacobs grabbed it.
"You have a lot correct in your book. But we have another manuscript we want you to read before you publish yours. A secret history."
Professor Jacobs said, "Why are you being so nice to me?"
"Because you are the only one who can wake them," Krump said.
"The Alpha Mages are here and still alive?"
"We will help."
Krump placed a black wooden box on the desk. He opened it, and nestled inside a red velvet enclosure was a golden amulet. It seemed to glow.
"Where are they?"
"First, I want you to touch the amulet."
Professor Jacobs was about to do so, but Della grabbed his hand.
"Wait," she said. "I know these gems. They have a spell cast over them. I can sense it."
Daniel looked at Krump. "What is this? Why do you want me to touch the crystal?"
"We don't have much time. Our operators feel the Vvong will be here soon."
"I will not do anything until you explain why you want me to touch it."
"Okayay," Krump said with a sigh. "We have to make sure that you are the one person the Alphas need. The amulet will recognize you or not."
"If the amulet doesn't recognize me, then what will happen to me?"
"Nothing."
Professor Jacobs was not sure he believed that. He moved closer to the box.
"Be careful," Della said.
Professor Jacobs nodded. He placed his hand close to the box. The amulet started to change, as bright stars floated along the length of its surface like mini-galaxies.
"Touch it," Krump demanded.
He placed his index finger on it. A bright flash shot out of it, blinding them, and he couldn't see for a few minutes as bright dots distorted his sight.
Krump said, "The amulet recognized you. Professor, you are indeed the person we have been waiting for."
"What would’ve happened if it didn't recognize me?"
"You would be dead."
"That wouldn't have happened."
Krump smiled. "Somebody tried to steal it, and that person died."
The professor shook his head. He didn't like how this man had manipulated and lied to him. "So, what’s next? Where am I supposed to go?"
"Well, we don't really know. We thought you would know where to go."
"Well, I don't," Daniel said. "The last time I saw the Alpha Mages was on an island where I tended to their wounds. They didn't tell me about trying to find them." He paused a long moment. "I just don't understand. How can the Alpha Mages be here? They would be hundreds of years old. I simply can't fathom it."
"Look within the folds of the box. There should be something there."
Professor Jacobs stood and grabbed the box up in both hands. It was heavier than he expected. He scanned along the folds, feeling around the amulet. It changed again, now with a golden surface, except the surface of the stone now swirled in porcelain brightness. It was pretty, and he wanted to take it out and stare at it.
There was something folded along the sides of the velvet enclosure. It was a letter written in an ancient paper stock. He opened it slowly, careful not to tear it.
He read the letter. It was short, but it gave him the answers he needed. He looked again at the amulet, and was amazed about the power the stone held.
"I know where to go," he finally said.
