The Second Siege by Henry H. Neff

learned of the book’s location and resolved to take possession through guile or murder or war. The Demon is uncommon cunning and long has he sought this book and studied the arts that would deliver up its secrets. Perish the thought of the book in Astaroth’s keeping, for with it he might shape the world according to his will and rule the fates of men. My own struggle with the Demon is coming and it is against his wickedness that Elias Bram shall be tested.
    I pray the book may lie veiled for eternity, but time may bring strange tides that lay bare a thing thought hidden. Enclosed in this letter is a clever talisman, crafted by Augur, who is my confidant in these matters. Its face shall shine in equal measure to the book’s peril from the Demon who covets it.
    Should the Book of Thoth be at risk once again, the solver of my riddle may yet rescue it from harm. I dare not write in plainer prose lest the Enemy come by this letter and all is lost. If you should succeed in finding the book, loath should you be to use it! Follow the path of wisdom and surrender it to safety where it may lie quiet till the end of days. . . .
    Beneath where Teuton kings were crowned
    There is a key with notches four
    To steer my steed beyond the sun
    And safely knock on heaven’s door,
    For there the book doth lie with those
    Who sleep beneath both hill and tree.
    But keep in mind, dear Sorcerer,
    No spell will pry its secrets free.
    In haste,
    Elias Bram
    Max handed the letter back to Ms. Richter, who slipped it carefully into an archival box. David reached out to hand her the talisman, but Ms. Richter shook her head.
    “No, David, I’d like you to hold on to that just now. You’ve done some excellent work, and I can’t think of anyone whom I’d rather have in possession of that talisman for the time being. Have you committed this letter to memory?”
    “Yes, Director,” said David.
    “Good, because I need to take the original and share it with several colleagues immediately. I’d like you to begin working on Bram’s Riddle and see if you can make sense of it. I’ll be working on it, too. The witches arrive in two weeks’ time. Given the circumstances, I am going to invite others to that meeting.”
    “Are we going off with the witches, Ms. Richter? Should we pack our things?” asked David with just a tiny hint of humor.
    “Not just yet, David,” said Ms. Richter with a weary smile. “I would ask that you have faith. And Max?” Ms. Richter looked at the dark-haired boy as she stopped at the door.
    “Yes, Ms. Richter?”
    “I would ask that you have patience,” said the Director softly. “Your greatness shines for all to see, but the Red Branch is not for one so young. They are invaluable and we honor them, but theirs is grim and solitary work. I would spare you such a life until you’re of an age to choose for yourself. Commander Vilyak is an excellent Agent, but he is ambitious and ambition can cloud even the finest judgment. No one else can wield the weapon of Cúchulain . . . it will be waiting for you when you’re ready. Goodnight.”
    Max and David said goodnight as Ms. Richter closed the door behind her. David tapped the talisman with his finger, squinting at the sun on its face.
    “What was that all about?” he asked.
    “Nothing,” said Max, digesting Ms. Richter’s words. “Vilyak showed me a vault and some weapons, and Ms. Richter thinks he’s trying to recruit me.”
    “Is he?” asked David, glancing up from the talisman.
    “I guess he is,” sighed Max.
    “Beware the flatterers of the world,” said David, wagging his finger, “for what is music to the ears may be poison to the soul.”
    “Who said that?” asked Max.
    “I did,” said David, his eyes twinkling as he reached for a book on German history.
    Max shook his head and stood up from his chair.
    “Are you going to be here all night working on the Riddle?”
    “Yes indeed,” said David, thumbing through the book. “I’ll be here until