CHAPTER ONE
Aedan in Trouble
“You know how they say that all myths and legends have some basis in truth? Some aspect of the story that actually happened or some connection to a real event?” Aedan leaned back into the chair and the corner of his mouth tilted into a smirk, “That’s all crap. Most of the myths and legends you know of, have actually happened.”
The policeman across the table from him barely blinked but smiled, sarcastically, “Right...You expect me to believe that centaurs and satyrs actually exist? Poseidon rules the seas and Mars is the god of war?”
“I don’t expect you to believe anything, officer. You DID ask for the truth.”
“I don’t care about your stories or delusions. I need to know what you were doing lighting fires in the national park.”
“Officer, like I said...I was just trying to make sure...” Aedan was distracted by a sudden commotion at the door. There were two voices arguing, though he couldn’t make out what they were saying. Chances are, it was all about him. The argument ended abruptly and there was a quick rapping on the door before two people walked in. Well, one person and Naida. He recognised her immediately as a water nymph that worked at the Agency. Naturally, her disguise was near perfect, and the officers wouldn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.
“What is the meaning of this?” The officer at the table stood up only to have a piece of paper held in his face.
“Your prisoner is now under our care, Officer. Thank you for apprehending him, but we will take things from here.”
The officer quickly scanned the document before turning back to the woman, “I don’t see why this prisoner should be of interest to the Special Forces, ma’am. I mean...”
“Top Secret Classified, Officer, and WELL above your pay grade. Now if you’ll excuse us, please release the prisoner. We need to see that mister Aedan here is properly...taken care of.”
The officer glanced to the Sargent who had entered the room with her, but he just nodded. Aedan’s cuffs were removed and he followed the lady as she turned to leave the room. Naida marched straight out through the entry foyer and paid no attention to the people following her with their gaze.
Just as they where exiting through the large front doors, Aedan turned to salute the policeman that had brought him in, “Thanks for your hospitality, Sirs, but I really do have more important things to attend to.”
“Smart-arse!” the officer cursed under his breath, as he watched Aedan skip out through the entrance.
Aedan caught up to Naida, “So nice to see you again.”
She refused to rise to his sarcasm. “Seraphina wants to talk to you.”
Aedan snorted, “What have I done now?”
"You mean apart from starting a bushfire and getting caught doing so?"
They reached a small water fountain hidden away in the corner of the parkland. Naida stopped and turned on him, “Look at the mess you made for us! You are supposed to be keeping things hidden from everyone, not posting a full page advertisement in the local police department.”
“Come on. The police aren’t going to actually believe me. Besides, I had to settle that land dispute. You know the centaurs wanted this place. They were just about to bring the whole herd down here and claim it. When negotiations collapsed, I thought they could do with a more entertaining deterrent. Problem solved!”
Naida took a moment to calm herself, “I swear if you weren’t such a damn good agent, we would’ve had you dispersed years ago. I’m taking you back. Hold your breath.”
He did so and Naida took his hand and stepped into the fountain. The moment her foot touched the water, both of them dissolved. Aedan felt himself being turned inside out and upside down countless times. Just as he thought he could stand it no longer, both of them re-appeared beside another fountain, this time in the foyer of the agency.
"Ugh...I hate that!" Aedan shivered.
"Don’t care..." Naida shrugged and turned back to the fountain.
"Subjecting a fire sprite to that much water is one step away from torture, I’ll have you know." He mumbled.
Naida ignored him, "You’d better see the boss. I’ve got to sort out your mess." Without waiting for his reply, she stepped back into the fountain and melted.
Aedan looked himself over to make sure he was presentable. Water was already steaming from his skin and his clothes would be dry soon too. Even though Naida’s transport was uncomfortable for him, at least it didn’t drop his body temperature too much. As he was drying off, Aedan toyed with the idea of just going home. There was no way the boss saw him enter the building, and it was unlikely any of the other agents milling about knew that he was in trouble. He’d barely taken two steps towards the large entryway when he heard the booming voice.
"Aedan! My office! NOW!"
Cursing under his breath, he turned on his heel and made his way over to the staircase. The staircase that could very well be leading him to his doom. Reaching the top, he turned to look out over the foyer. Embedded into the archway over the door in large copper letters was the word AEGIS. The Agency for the Effectual Governing and Influence over the Supernatural. He thought it was a rather long winded way of saying Mythical Police Force, but the acronym had a nice ring to it. He watched as more agents came and went, some through the large double door at the front, others through more magical means, as Naida had just demonstrated. The building itself was impressive. It looked like someone had taken an old cathedral and re-purposed it for the agency. The high vaulted ceilings remained and most of the stonework was original, but the modern office spaces were definitely added later.
"Today would be good, Aedan!" The disembodied voice called out to him again.
He turned back and made his way over to the only office on this level.