Chapter 11: Sand and Stone
The rest of the night in the barn passes uneventfully. It is chilly and damp and unpleasant but you've all been through worse. Come morning Tabitha and Emma work together, drawing sigils and conversing with each other in preparation. Then, at last they mutter an incantation and the wall forms a portal leading to New York. As you step through you find yourselves in a back alley, thankfully deserted seeing as how the sight of you would no doubt cause commotion. It's in the seedier part of town, but early morning as it is, it's not too dangerous. Ian recognizes it immediately and a broad grin crosses his face. I know where we are! he slaps the alley wall fondly. We're near sixth street, corner of Harking. I've had many a fight in these alleys you know. Hey, there's a cafe not far, makes incredible coffee. They'll even add a bit of Irish to it if you know what I mean, he winks. Anyone else hungry? I'm buying! He looks ecstatic to be home, but perhaps, considering his experience with the Djinn and all, it is comforting to him to be back where he belongs.
Should you take him up on his offer to eat you'll find the food remarkably good for such a hole in the wall establishment. He talks with great cheer, going on about endless stories and exploits, just tickled pink to be back. Then it's time to face the music and you head back to headquarters.
Tabitha is blindfolded, so that she can't discern the location of the warehouse, but once you're inside the cloth comes off. To Alice, who's never been there, the building is pretty unremarkable. It's dusty, massive, and looks abandoned, save for two men seated on crates, smoking cigarettes. Seeing you enter, they immediately stand and you realize that, as common as they look, these men are dangerous. There's something about the way they move, the alertness, the poise in their muscles. But they relax seeing Ian, who gives them a broad smile and a wave. Jenkins, Adler! You still alive? Woulda thought a vamp would have sucked you dry by now! Ian laughs. They exchange pleasant banter a moment before revealing a hatch underneath some floorboards with a ladder leading down. Of course to Penny this is all familiar stuff but no doubt Alice finds it surprising.
Soon you find yourselves walking through the brick lined tunnels, each fitted with electric lights lining the walls. Every fifteen feet or so there are devil's traps lining the floor, in white paint, each immaculate. Around you people are bustling about, dozens of them, all pleased to see Ian and he just as happy to see them.
Eventually, after turns and twists, you end up in a large study with books and books lining the shelved walls. Mostly on the occult, history, things of that nature. Tabitha is transfixed, exclaiming over them, Emma too actually, and it is several minutes later that Victoria enters the room, blinking at the witches in mild surprise. Alice, you are no doubt a bit stunned to see a black woman, dressed impeccably, to be seemingly in position of power. She looks at you all and gives a hint of a smile. So. You're back. And you brought company I see? she arches a curious brow at Tabitha and Alice.
Just then, before anyone can utter a word, Lily bursts through the door behind her and with a whoop of happiness, runs at Ian and tackles him in a massive hug. I knew you were alright! I knew it! she laughs. He returns her affection, mussing her hair. Was there ever a doubt? Of course! You can barely put your pants on in the morning without finding some sort of trouble, she teases. Then, seeing Penny, she does the same thing, wrapping her in a rough and enthusiastic hug. Penny! Spotting Alice she gives her a friendly nod of greeting.