Valued MemberThis is a spoof autobiography of my fictional Great Uncle Manfred 'The Magician's Tale - A Journey Through The Annals Of Wizardry'. Here is the story so far:
Always best to start at the beginning and my beginning occurred on 25 February 1873 in Westmeath, Ireland. My parents Cormac and Muirne noticed a haze of shining light around me. The midwife was so overcome she called the doctor to look and he confirmed that it was the Light of the Magnificat surrounding me and that I was born to be a great magician.
My parents were even more shocked. They were not of magical stock themselves and wondered where it could have come from. Later investigation into the family tree did indeed reveal magical ancestry which must have remained dormant until my birth.
I was given the names Manfred Cormac after my grandfather and father respectively. The family surname was originally O'Periwinkhail but over the years had been anglicised to Periwinkle. So Manfred Cormac Periwinkle I became.
My childhood was happy and filled with love. I showed keen interest in magic and particularly loved animals(which influenced my later farming and breeding career).Consequently, I was enrolled at the Junior Magic Academy where I met two of the most influential people I have ever met, Detravis Alchemio and Doctor Petronius Magnificat.
Detravis and I formed a strong brotherly bond. He later became my protégé when we became 'professional magicians' as it were and I introduced him to and coached him in Advanced Magic.
I was an only child so that my parents could give me their full attention. They encouraged my ambitions and never laughed at them, neither did they tell me I couldn't achieve them. Grandfather Manfred, after whom I was named, was another influential figure. He loved animals and encouraged my interest. My love for animals is such that I have never eaten meat or fish, indeed any animal product. I can truly say that I have always been vegetarian. But I respect the right of others not to be.
My enrolment into Magic Academy and what transpired from there comes next.
I was enrolled into Magic Academy at the age of 8 in 1881. I didn't want to leave my parents but if I wanted to become a great magician, I had to be prepared to make sacrifices. So a boarder I became.
The magic within me had already risen to the surface and I had performed it on quite a few occasions. The Academy was going to bring it out further and I was to learn new skills.
The principal of the school was Doctor Petronius Magnificat, who cut a most incredible figure even then. The good Doctor was an impressive sight to behold. He had shoulder length dark hair, similar to that of my favourite great nephew, which was always neatly styled, was over 7' tall, wore illuminated robes and had eyes which could change colour at will, although they were naturally silver.
Doctor Magnificat was very clever and a brilliant teacher. Always calm, patient and understanding, he was a second father to me and the other students. Amongst my fellow pupils were his son Petronius junior, known as Peter to avoid confusion and his daughter Rayana who both became brilliant magicians in their own right.
I proved to be a conscientious, diligent, dedicated student who was a natural at magic. It was not long before I attained the Higher Calling which very few people of magic do. This entitled me to be a mentor to another student and I chose Detravis Alchemio not just because he was my best friend but because I really thought he had potential. And he didn't let me down and eventually joined the Higher Calling as I did. As a member of the Higher Calling, I got to learn Advanced Magic which was reserved solely for the really top magicians and magiciennes (the word 'witches' was outlawed due to the unfortunate connotations of the word often resulting in these poor women being executed for it). It was this which I taught to Detravis.
My time at Magic Academy lasted until the age of 20. In those 12 years I learned most of what I needed to know. I say 'most' because I believe we are always learning and that there is always something new to learn. But what I learned has proved to be of the greatest quality and value I have ever experienced and I graduated with the highest honours that any student had attained since Doctor Magnificat himself.
Although I graduated with honours and was now a fully fledged magician with licence to practise, I decided to further my education. Thus I left Ireland for America to study for the Platinum Sash, the highest accolade a man or woman of magic can achieve. It was here that I met Professor Brinalka Excelsiori who can only be described as my female equivalent.
Professor Excelsiori was an absolute genius and was the first ever female Professor of Magic in the world. Although we were extremely fond of each other, the relationship was never otherwise than professional as that would not be conducive to our work. Magic is a serious subject and should be taken so. Successful personal relationships have flourished in the magic world but in a case like ours it would just have been a distraction.
In 1891, I started a sculpture of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon made entirely of toothpicks just as a personal challenge. It was the first of many challenges I set myself. I saw (and still see) life as a challenge. I finally finished it in2015!
But I digress. I studied for the Platinum Sash under Professor Excelsiori who, like me, saw life as a challenge. And I achieved it. I was now Professor Manfred Cormac Periwinkle, M.Wz (Master of Wizardry) and a genuine professional wizard.
Amongst the audience at my graduation were my parents, Doctor Magnificat and Detravis Alchemio. My success encouraged Detravis to study for the Sash himself so he stayed on in America and lodged with me for a while, studying under Professor Excelsiori as I did. And passed as I did.
It was with sadness that I bade goodbye to America and Professor Excelsiori with whom I was now on forename terms although I have returned several times since and have always stayed in contact with Brinalka.
On my return to Ireland, I took a position at the Magic Academy as tutor. But I had the urge to do more so I bought myself a farm and decided to be an exotic animal breeder. I have always loved animals and had dreamed of being surrounded by them. In our world, the age of majority is 25 and it is customary to receive an Ergitan bird for your birthday to celebrate your freedom as birds fly freely and are seen as the symbol of liberation in our culture. Whether the bird is fully grown or a young bird needing training is a matter of personal preference and I chose a young bird I could train myself to give myself a start in the animal business. I named him Corinthius after my favourite uncle.
My training of Corinthius was successful and he has been my companion ever since, a magnificent bird. This inspired me to get seriously into animal breeding and my first success was a husky/malamute cross called the huskmute. I named him Brian after Brian Boru, the legendary King of Ireland and kept him. I also cast an immortality spell over him so that I would always havehim as only Ergitan birds are naturally immortal. The next few huskmutes were given as gifts to my parents, Detravis, ProfessorExcelsiori, Doctor Magnificat, Uncle Corinthius and my personal physician Doctor Galadriel Moonglow (who in turn had an Ergitan bird named after him by my Swedish grandnephew Tomas in return for saving his life as a boy).
In 1896, I tried my hand at another form of breeding – that of my own progeny. I never wanted marriage but I wanted a son to continue the Periwinkle name and dynasty so I merged my DNA with that of a magicienne I liked the look of, arranged the molecules for it to be male and thus was created my son whom I named Wilberforce Manfred Travisius. The name 'Wilberforce' was in honour of the great slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce, 'Manfred' was after yours truly and 'Travisius' was a combination of the 'Travis' part of the name 'Detravis' and the 'ius' part of the name 'Petronius' and was a respectful tribute to Detravis Alchemio and Doctor Petronius Magnificat, two of the greatest wizards it has been my privilege to know. And it has been a privilege to call Wilberforce my son. He is a good lad, very intelligent and handsome and a natural magician. Because his parents are both people of magic, he was born with the Light of the Magnificat surrounding him. And he took to magic like a fish to water. He also holds the Platinum Sash and is of the Higher Calling.
I combined raising Wilberforce with my magician's work, even taking him to work with me so that he could grow up in the environment of magic and learn more. He prefers to be called 'Wilberforce' in full as he feels that using a diminutive will decrease respect. He also loves the name anyway.
By 1912, I had discovered the alcoholic properties of certain natural plant extracts and subsequently acquired a licence to brew my own. So I was now a qualified magician, animal breeder, herbalist and distiller. I was also in great demand as an after dinner speaker and lecturer. I travelled worldwide to speak of my work and established Academies of Magic everywhere. I also established the world's first ever theme park 'Periwinkle's Pleasuregarden' and opened my own chain of stores 'Manfred's Entertainment Emporium' selling magician's paraphernalia and essentials.
On my 79thbirthdayin February 1952, my grandnephew Tomas was born in Sweden. He was a most impressive child with eyes that even then looked through rather than at you. A sweet, lovely boy who grew into a decent, caring man. He abandoned his magical studies for a career in music, a highly successful one, I might add but still kept up with magical developments and later resumed his studies, finally qualifying as a magician.
He could be a handful though. With his partner in crime, my grandniece Maestra, he got up to all sorts of mischief like the time they decided to ride the Ergitan birds. Although no one under the age of 25 is permitted to ride one as they are bloody powerful birds, they managed to get one each and ride it. I don't know whether it was their natural inexperience or the birds sensing that they had unqualified riders but they both fell off! Fortunately, only their pride was hurt but I gave them a good telling off for it and they never pulled another such stunt.
In 1966, the Magician's Guild decided that broomsticks were old fashioned and were looking for modern alternatives. My French counterpart Auguste Courvoisier invented the space pod, a form of teleport which could transport you anywhere in seconds. They were a resounding success and have been the mode of transport for us ever since.
I feel at this stage that some explanation of our particular world is needed so that the reader can understand this author better.
Those not privy to our world tend to think all manner of strange things about us so I will give a few facts to set them straight.
We are not automatically immortal. We only become immortal if we manage to reach the age of 144. The only naturally immortal creatures in our universe are Ergitan birds. It is possible to make a beloved pet who is not an Ergitan immortal though as I did with Brian whom you met in Chapter 2.
The age of majority (i.e. adulthood) in our universe is 25. At 25, one gets their own Ergitan bird in the same way as pripai (non magical folk) get the key to the door at 18or 21. With the reaching of this stage comes maturity and therefore freedom hence the significance of the bird which is our symbol of freedom.
We share a common language which is Axorit (pronounced Arshowreet) but other languages are also spoken depending on your heritage. Besides Axorit, I speak Irish, Talako and Pilmati.
Evidence of being a person of magic is determined at birth. If one is surrounded by the Light of the Magnificat, a pure silver light, then that person is a person of magic, or Luad (pronounced 'loo 'ard').The Light comes with you, it doesn't form later. You are either a person of Magic or you are not.
There is nothing freakish about us, we are as normal as the next fellow. The only difference is that we have certain powers. But even these powers have to be moulded and shaped because uncontrolled magic can have a detrimental effect. One must learn to harness one's power and apply it effectively.
We in the magical universe have to abide by the same rules and laws as everyone else. But we also have our own codes of honour and laws which are important to us. Honesty, for instance, is a big deal in our culture. As I mentioned earlier, honesty is of prime importance to deter charlatans and to give the correct credence and respect to our work.
Contrary to popular belief, we don't go around casting spells and performing magic stunts, especially stunts as such would bring dishonour to our world and magic is not a thing to be taken lightly. We do hold down regular jobs. I am a farmer and animal breeder for instance and my son Wilberforce is an insect breeder. My grandnephew Tomas is a successful rock musician, vocalist and songwriter and my grandniece Maestra is a songwriter and author.
In short, we are quite normal and not freaks. We just have certain characteristics which set us apart.
I hope this explanation gives you a greater insight into our world and a better understanding of what we are about.
Having received the Platinum Sash in 1895, I was eligible, should I desire, to try for the Higher Calling. The Higher Calling is the name given to a select number of magicians. Although the Platinum Sash is, as aforementioned, the highest accolade we can achieve, the Higher Calling gives us that bit more respect as it is a form of 'Inner Circle', if you will.
The Higher Calling is not mandatory but it does convey certain privileges upon the person. But with those privileges comes more responsibility and for that reason, many choose not to go for it.
I can understand this mentality but shirking responsibility has never been my style, a trait I have instilled into my son Wilberforce. This is because I personally believe one should always be accountable for one's actions.
Back to the Higher Calling. In 1898, I made the decision to seriously 'go for it' and attempt the Higher Calling. This involved intense study under the greatest magician the world has ever known, Doctor Petronius Magnificat, under whom I had studied as a schoolboy apprentice. Assisting him was Professor Meltonian Calisthini, another great magician and teacher who is a legend in his own right for becoming the youngest person ever to attain the Higher Calling.
Attaining the Higher Calling is no mean feat and only the very best actually make it. One of the talents learned as part of it is Advanced Magic, as stated earlier. Advanced Magic is very complex and is confined to specialist manuals, the contents of which cannot be detailed here for security reasons. All I will say is that it takes considerable time to really master it. But having mastered it (I officially joined the Calling in 1903), I earned the right to mentor another student and teach him or her. My pupil was my best friend Detravis Alchemio, who was naturally intelligent and a quick learner. Consequently he, too, attained the aforesaid Calling.
It goes without saying that Doctor Magnificat and Professor Excelsiori are of the Higher Calling, as are my son Wilberforce and the children of Doctor Magnificat.
The Higher Calling, in short, is not for those who want the most reward for the least effort as it is a very serious undertaking.
In 1903, I finally received the Higher Calling, meaning I was one of the magical ‘elite’, so to speak. As mentioned earlier, this meant I could use my powers without restrictions and restraints, although not for evil purposes.
The Higher Calling is, indeed, elite. But it is not elitist. Anyone of magical persuasion (providing they hold the Platinum Sash) may study for it. But as aforesaid, not everyone makes the grade due to the complexity of the thing. For it is a very serious undertaking indeed.
I never stopped learning as I believe there is always something new to learn and decided to become a herbalist and distiller which meant I could practise herbal medicine and brew my own alcoholic beverages. Thus I took instruction from my personal physician Doctor Galadriel Moonglow in the healing (and pleasurable!) properties of herbs and other plants. My first attempt at home brewing yielded the most potent baínneflower wine known to the magical world and beyond. All who partook of it, myself included, were completely ‘stoned’ for a week. Then Doctor Moonglow told me where I had gone wrong. I had forgotten to add the Po Silver juice which took the edge off the potency. Just a simple, silly thing but it taught me a lesson I have never forgotten, namely don’t ignore the little things as they can make all the difference.
I’m not saying illegal brews aren’t made but after my (genuine) error, I vowed to always play it safe. Although I do indulge more than usual on Saint Patrick’s Day! But doesn’t every true Irishman worth his salt?
I digress, however. Having attained the Higher Calling, I could, if I desired, mentor another hopeful in gaining it and be to them what Doctor Magnificat and Professor Calisthini were to me when I undertook aforementioned study. As mentioned earlier, I chose Detravis Alchemio because not only was he my best friend but was a perfect candidate for the Calling due to his quick mind, good sense and natural affinity with magic. Also I was not allowed to mentor Wilberforce for obvious reasons as he is my son.
He didn’t let me down either. He not only learned everything I could possibly teach him but was always eager to discover more, even getting remote telepathic teaching from Brinalka in America. Occasionally, she would manifest before him for his tuition. We invented videoconferencing, it seems!
My Higher Calling enabled me to travel worldwide and meet with others of the same level. In France, I met Auguste Courvoisier, the legendary French magician who was to France what Doctor Magnificat was to Ireland. He was another of my heroes and it was a great privilege to meet him and an even greater privilege to work with him. We became friends and I learned a lot from him. Other legends I have met are Helmut Rickenbacker, Germany’s top man of magic, Nils Almqvist, the Swedish magician who discovered the healing properties of the Polisyra tree (and who was a major influence on my own healing work) and Charles Cole, the best wizard Australia ever produced, founder of the Cole Academy of Magical Studies and Wisdom. Professor Cole also initiated the Cole Method, a technique used in the brewing of alcoholic beverages which I still use today.
As mentioned earlier, with the Higher Calling comes greater responsibility and I have always lived, or at least tried to, in the best manner possible. I also have to set an example to not only my son Wilberforce but to younger magicians who look up to me. I do have a sense of fun though and during one particularly boring magic seminar, I took it upon myself to liven the joint up.
One of the things I learned from Professor Almqvist was how to conjure up light shows and fireworks and I manifested a giant fireworks display in the middle of the seminar, culminating in transforming myself into a firework and sending multicoloured sparks across the room before exploding with a bang. Fortunately, the seminar leader shared my sense of humour and after the initial shock, had a laugh about it. I was, however, requested to rein in my sense of mischief. Out of respect for my mentors, I did so.
The Exonicus is the manual which guides our lifestyle, our Bible, if you will and the Higher Calling requires that a full and comprehensive study be made of it. Although we inherit certain knowledge along with our powers, some things are hidden from us until we are mature enough to understand and this is where the Exonicus comes in. Like the Bible itself, it was co authored by several great minds who had a message to deliver. The Bible is the work of God and His messengers, the Exonicus is the work of our founding mentors including several ancestors of Doctor Magnificat himself. It is printed in every language in the world plus the languages specific to our magical world. Like the Bible and indeed every other Book sacred to different faiths, the Exonicus is not to be taken lightly or disrespected. Although honesty is of great importance in our world, some things cannot be publicly revealed because of their significance. Hence I cannot go into full details of this most revered tome. Suffice to say, it is the blueprint on which our world is based.
When I became a fully qualified herbalist and brewer in 1912, I decided to use my abilities for healing and created many cures which are detailed in my book ‘Health The Magical Way’. Although I am Professor and not Doctor by title, I am still qualified to do this as I am a registered herbalist.
Another ‘perk’ of the Higher Calling is that one gets to either make a new law or change an existing one. I outlawed the killing of animals, in fact all living creatures even the stinging insects as I genuinely love animals and regard them as God’s creatures so there must be a purpose for their existence. I have instilled this respect for all creatures into Wilberforce and he has channelled it into his work as an insect breeder. My own animal breeding work is conducted alongside the same respectful lines. No adverse effects are caused as a result of the crossbreeding processes Wilberforce and I employ.
As stated earlier, 1912 was the turning point as I was now a fully qualified magician, herbalist, distiller and animal breeder and it was from this moment that I became one of the top magicians of my generation. By this time, my son Wilberforce was 16 and well into his studies at Magic Academy. He was getting glowing reports and was, by all accounts, an excellent student. A veritable chip off the ould block, as it were.
My position as a member of the Higher Calling gave me the right to lecture and tutor at the Academy, following in the worthy footsteps of Doctor Magnificat and other greats of magic. This was a great honour and I treated it with the utmost respect.
As earlier mentioned, I mentored my best friend Detravis Alchemio, in line with the law which gave me the right to coach another student. So lecturer is another string I can add to my bow.
Chapter 1 The Beginning of the Manf
Always best to start at the beginning and my beginning occurred on 25 February 1873 in Westmeath, Ireland. My parents Cormac and Muirne noticed a haze of shining light around me. The midwife was so overcome she called the doctor to look and he confirmed that it was the Light of the Magnificat surrounding me and that I was born to be a great magician.
My parents were even more shocked. They were not of magical stock themselves and wondered where it could have come from. Later investigation into the family tree did indeed reveal magical ancestry which must have remained dormant until my birth.
I was given the names Manfred Cormac after my grandfather and father respectively. The family surname was originally O'Periwinkhail but over the years had been anglicised to Periwinkle. So Manfred Cormac Periwinkle I became.
My childhood was happy and filled with love. I showed keen interest in magic and particularly loved animals(which influenced my later farming and breeding career).Consequently, I was enrolled at the Junior Magic Academy where I met two of the most influential people I have ever met, Detravis Alchemio and Doctor Petronius Magnificat.
Detravis and I formed a strong brotherly bond. He later became my protégé when we became 'professional magicians' as it were and I introduced him to and coached him in Advanced Magic.
I was an only child so that my parents could give me their full attention. They encouraged my ambitions and never laughed at them, neither did they tell me I couldn't achieve them. Grandfather Manfred, after whom I was named, was another influential figure. He loved animals and encouraged my interest. My love for animals is such that I have never eaten meat or fish, indeed any animal product. I can truly say that I have always been vegetarian. But I respect the right of others not to be.
My enrolment into Magic Academy and what transpired from there comes next.
Chapter2 My Epiphany
I was enrolled into Magic Academy at the age of 8 in 1881. I didn't want to leave my parents but if I wanted to become a great magician, I had to be prepared to make sacrifices. So a boarder I became.
The magic within me had already risen to the surface and I had performed it on quite a few occasions. The Academy was going to bring it out further and I was to learn new skills.
The principal of the school was Doctor Petronius Magnificat, who cut a most incredible figure even then. The good Doctor was an impressive sight to behold. He had shoulder length dark hair, similar to that of my favourite great nephew, which was always neatly styled, was over 7' tall, wore illuminated robes and had eyes which could change colour at will, although they were naturally silver.
Doctor Magnificat was very clever and a brilliant teacher. Always calm, patient and understanding, he was a second father to me and the other students. Amongst my fellow pupils were his son Petronius junior, known as Peter to avoid confusion and his daughter Rayana who both became brilliant magicians in their own right.
I proved to be a conscientious, diligent, dedicated student who was a natural at magic. It was not long before I attained the Higher Calling which very few people of magic do. This entitled me to be a mentor to another student and I chose Detravis Alchemio not just because he was my best friend but because I really thought he had potential. And he didn't let me down and eventually joined the Higher Calling as I did. As a member of the Higher Calling, I got to learn Advanced Magic which was reserved solely for the really top magicians and magiciennes (the word 'witches' was outlawed due to the unfortunate connotations of the word often resulting in these poor women being executed for it). It was this which I taught to Detravis.
My time at Magic Academy lasted until the age of 20. In those 12 years I learned most of what I needed to know. I say 'most' because I believe we are always learning and that there is always something new to learn. But what I learned has proved to be of the greatest quality and value I have ever experienced and I graduated with the highest honours that any student had attained since Doctor Magnificat himself.
Although I graduated with honours and was now a fully fledged magician with licence to practise, I decided to further my education. Thus I left Ireland for America to study for the Platinum Sash, the highest accolade a man or woman of magic can achieve. It was here that I met Professor Brinalka Excelsiori who can only be described as my female equivalent.
Professor Excelsiori was an absolute genius and was the first ever female Professor of Magic in the world. Although we were extremely fond of each other, the relationship was never otherwise than professional as that would not be conducive to our work. Magic is a serious subject and should be taken so. Successful personal relationships have flourished in the magic world but in a case like ours it would just have been a distraction.
In 1891, I started a sculpture of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon made entirely of toothpicks just as a personal challenge. It was the first of many challenges I set myself. I saw (and still see) life as a challenge. I finally finished it in2015!
But I digress. I studied for the Platinum Sash under Professor Excelsiori who, like me, saw life as a challenge. And I achieved it. I was now Professor Manfred Cormac Periwinkle, M.Wz (Master of Wizardry) and a genuine professional wizard.
Amongst the audience at my graduation were my parents, Doctor Magnificat and Detravis Alchemio. My success encouraged Detravis to study for the Sash himself so he stayed on in America and lodged with me for a while, studying under Professor Excelsiori as I did. And passed as I did.
It was with sadness that I bade goodbye to America and Professor Excelsiori with whom I was now on forename terms although I have returned several times since and have always stayed in contact with Brinalka.
On my return to Ireland, I took a position at the Magic Academy as tutor. But I had the urge to do more so I bought myself a farm and decided to be an exotic animal breeder. I have always loved animals and had dreamed of being surrounded by them. In our world, the age of majority is 25 and it is customary to receive an Ergitan bird for your birthday to celebrate your freedom as birds fly freely and are seen as the symbol of liberation in our culture. Whether the bird is fully grown or a young bird needing training is a matter of personal preference and I chose a young bird I could train myself to give myself a start in the animal business. I named him Corinthius after my favourite uncle.
My training of Corinthius was successful and he has been my companion ever since, a magnificent bird. This inspired me to get seriously into animal breeding and my first success was a husky/malamute cross called the huskmute. I named him Brian after Brian Boru, the legendary King of Ireland and kept him. I also cast an immortality spell over him so that I would always havehim as only Ergitan birds are naturally immortal. The next few huskmutes were given as gifts to my parents, Detravis, ProfessorExcelsiori, Doctor Magnificat, Uncle Corinthius and my personal physician Doctor Galadriel Moonglow (who in turn had an Ergitan bird named after him by my Swedish grandnephew Tomas in return for saving his life as a boy).
In 1896, I tried my hand at another form of breeding – that of my own progeny. I never wanted marriage but I wanted a son to continue the Periwinkle name and dynasty so I merged my DNA with that of a magicienne I liked the look of, arranged the molecules for it to be male and thus was created my son whom I named Wilberforce Manfred Travisius. The name 'Wilberforce' was in honour of the great slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce, 'Manfred' was after yours truly and 'Travisius' was a combination of the 'Travis' part of the name 'Detravis' and the 'ius' part of the name 'Petronius' and was a respectful tribute to Detravis Alchemio and Doctor Petronius Magnificat, two of the greatest wizards it has been my privilege to know. And it has been a privilege to call Wilberforce my son. He is a good lad, very intelligent and handsome and a natural magician. Because his parents are both people of magic, he was born with the Light of the Magnificat surrounding him. And he took to magic like a fish to water. He also holds the Platinum Sash and is of the Higher Calling.
I combined raising Wilberforce with my magician's work, even taking him to work with me so that he could grow up in the environment of magic and learn more. He prefers to be called 'Wilberforce' in full as he feels that using a diminutive will decrease respect. He also loves the name anyway.
By 1912, I had discovered the alcoholic properties of certain natural plant extracts and subsequently acquired a licence to brew my own. So I was now a qualified magician, animal breeder, herbalist and distiller. I was also in great demand as an after dinner speaker and lecturer. I travelled worldwide to speak of my work and established Academies of Magic everywhere. I also established the world's first ever theme park 'Periwinkle's Pleasuregarden' and opened my own chain of stores 'Manfred's Entertainment Emporium' selling magician's paraphernalia and essentials.
On my 79thbirthdayin February 1952, my grandnephew Tomas was born in Sweden. He was a most impressive child with eyes that even then looked through rather than at you. A sweet, lovely boy who grew into a decent, caring man. He abandoned his magical studies for a career in music, a highly successful one, I might add but still kept up with magical developments and later resumed his studies, finally qualifying as a magician.
He could be a handful though. With his partner in crime, my grandniece Maestra, he got up to all sorts of mischief like the time they decided to ride the Ergitan birds. Although no one under the age of 25 is permitted to ride one as they are bloody powerful birds, they managed to get one each and ride it. I don't know whether it was their natural inexperience or the birds sensing that they had unqualified riders but they both fell off! Fortunately, only their pride was hurt but I gave them a good telling off for it and they never pulled another such stunt.
In 1966, the Magician's Guild decided that broomsticks were old fashioned and were looking for modern alternatives. My French counterpart Auguste Courvoisier invented the space pod, a form of teleport which could transport you anywhere in seconds. They were a resounding success and have been the mode of transport for us ever since.
Chapter3 The Magical World Explained
I feel at this stage that some explanation of our particular world is needed so that the reader can understand this author better.
Those not privy to our world tend to think all manner of strange things about us so I will give a few facts to set them straight.
We are not automatically immortal. We only become immortal if we manage to reach the age of 144. The only naturally immortal creatures in our universe are Ergitan birds. It is possible to make a beloved pet who is not an Ergitan immortal though as I did with Brian whom you met in Chapter 2.
The age of majority (i.e. adulthood) in our universe is 25. At 25, one gets their own Ergitan bird in the same way as pripai (non magical folk) get the key to the door at 18or 21. With the reaching of this stage comes maturity and therefore freedom hence the significance of the bird which is our symbol of freedom.
We share a common language which is Axorit (pronounced Arshowreet) but other languages are also spoken depending on your heritage. Besides Axorit, I speak Irish, Talako and Pilmati.
Evidence of being a person of magic is determined at birth. If one is surrounded by the Light of the Magnificat, a pure silver light, then that person is a person of magic, or Luad (pronounced 'loo 'ard').The Light comes with you, it doesn't form later. You are either a person of Magic or you are not.
There is nothing freakish about us, we are as normal as the next fellow. The only difference is that we have certain powers. But even these powers have to be moulded and shaped because uncontrolled magic can have a detrimental effect. One must learn to harness one's power and apply it effectively.
We in the magical universe have to abide by the same rules and laws as everyone else. But we also have our own codes of honour and laws which are important to us. Honesty, for instance, is a big deal in our culture. As I mentioned earlier, honesty is of prime importance to deter charlatans and to give the correct credence and respect to our work.
Contrary to popular belief, we don't go around casting spells and performing magic stunts, especially stunts as such would bring dishonour to our world and magic is not a thing to be taken lightly. We do hold down regular jobs. I am a farmer and animal breeder for instance and my son Wilberforce is an insect breeder. My grandnephew Tomas is a successful rock musician, vocalist and songwriter and my grandniece Maestra is a songwriter and author.
In short, we are quite normal and not freaks. We just have certain characteristics which set us apart.
I hope this explanation gives you a greater insight into our world and a better understanding of what we are about.
Chapter4 The Higher Calling
Having received the Platinum Sash in 1895, I was eligible, should I desire, to try for the Higher Calling. The Higher Calling is the name given to a select number of magicians. Although the Platinum Sash is, as aforementioned, the highest accolade we can achieve, the Higher Calling gives us that bit more respect as it is a form of 'Inner Circle', if you will.
The Higher Calling is not mandatory but it does convey certain privileges upon the person. But with those privileges comes more responsibility and for that reason, many choose not to go for it.
I can understand this mentality but shirking responsibility has never been my style, a trait I have instilled into my son Wilberforce. This is because I personally believe one should always be accountable for one's actions.
Back to the Higher Calling. In 1898, I made the decision to seriously 'go for it' and attempt the Higher Calling. This involved intense study under the greatest magician the world has ever known, Doctor Petronius Magnificat, under whom I had studied as a schoolboy apprentice. Assisting him was Professor Meltonian Calisthini, another great magician and teacher who is a legend in his own right for becoming the youngest person ever to attain the Higher Calling.
Attaining the Higher Calling is no mean feat and only the very best actually make it. One of the talents learned as part of it is Advanced Magic, as stated earlier. Advanced Magic is very complex and is confined to specialist manuals, the contents of which cannot be detailed here for security reasons. All I will say is that it takes considerable time to really master it. But having mastered it (I officially joined the Calling in 1903), I earned the right to mentor another student and teach him or her. My pupil was my best friend Detravis Alchemio, who was naturally intelligent and a quick learner. Consequently he, too, attained the aforesaid Calling.
It goes without saying that Doctor Magnificat and Professor Excelsiori are of the Higher Calling, as are my son Wilberforce and the children of Doctor Magnificat.
The Higher Calling, in short, is not for those who want the most reward for the least effort as it is a very serious undertaking.
Chapter 5 Onwards and Upwards
In 1903, I finally received the Higher Calling, meaning I was one of the magical ‘elite’, so to speak. As mentioned earlier, this meant I could use my powers without restrictions and restraints, although not for evil purposes.
The Higher Calling is, indeed, elite. But it is not elitist. Anyone of magical persuasion (providing they hold the Platinum Sash) may study for it. But as aforesaid, not everyone makes the grade due to the complexity of the thing. For it is a very serious undertaking indeed.
I never stopped learning as I believe there is always something new to learn and decided to become a herbalist and distiller which meant I could practise herbal medicine and brew my own alcoholic beverages. Thus I took instruction from my personal physician Doctor Galadriel Moonglow in the healing (and pleasurable!) properties of herbs and other plants. My first attempt at home brewing yielded the most potent baínneflower wine known to the magical world and beyond. All who partook of it, myself included, were completely ‘stoned’ for a week. Then Doctor Moonglow told me where I had gone wrong. I had forgotten to add the Po Silver juice which took the edge off the potency. Just a simple, silly thing but it taught me a lesson I have never forgotten, namely don’t ignore the little things as they can make all the difference.
I’m not saying illegal brews aren’t made but after my (genuine) error, I vowed to always play it safe. Although I do indulge more than usual on Saint Patrick’s Day! But doesn’t every true Irishman worth his salt?
I digress, however. Having attained the Higher Calling, I could, if I desired, mentor another hopeful in gaining it and be to them what Doctor Magnificat and Professor Calisthini were to me when I undertook aforementioned study. As mentioned earlier, I chose Detravis Alchemio because not only was he my best friend but was a perfect candidate for the Calling due to his quick mind, good sense and natural affinity with magic. Also I was not allowed to mentor Wilberforce for obvious reasons as he is my son.
He didn’t let me down either. He not only learned everything I could possibly teach him but was always eager to discover more, even getting remote telepathic teaching from Brinalka in America. Occasionally, she would manifest before him for his tuition. We invented videoconferencing, it seems!
My Higher Calling enabled me to travel worldwide and meet with others of the same level. In France, I met Auguste Courvoisier, the legendary French magician who was to France what Doctor Magnificat was to Ireland. He was another of my heroes and it was a great privilege to meet him and an even greater privilege to work with him. We became friends and I learned a lot from him. Other legends I have met are Helmut Rickenbacker, Germany’s top man of magic, Nils Almqvist, the Swedish magician who discovered the healing properties of the Polisyra tree (and who was a major influence on my own healing work) and Charles Cole, the best wizard Australia ever produced, founder of the Cole Academy of Magical Studies and Wisdom. Professor Cole also initiated the Cole Method, a technique used in the brewing of alcoholic beverages which I still use today.
As mentioned earlier, with the Higher Calling comes greater responsibility and I have always lived, or at least tried to, in the best manner possible. I also have to set an example to not only my son Wilberforce but to younger magicians who look up to me. I do have a sense of fun though and during one particularly boring magic seminar, I took it upon myself to liven the joint up.
One of the things I learned from Professor Almqvist was how to conjure up light shows and fireworks and I manifested a giant fireworks display in the middle of the seminar, culminating in transforming myself into a firework and sending multicoloured sparks across the room before exploding with a bang. Fortunately, the seminar leader shared my sense of humour and after the initial shock, had a laugh about it. I was, however, requested to rein in my sense of mischief. Out of respect for my mentors, I did so.
The Exonicus is the manual which guides our lifestyle, our Bible, if you will and the Higher Calling requires that a full and comprehensive study be made of it. Although we inherit certain knowledge along with our powers, some things are hidden from us until we are mature enough to understand and this is where the Exonicus comes in. Like the Bible itself, it was co authored by several great minds who had a message to deliver. The Bible is the work of God and His messengers, the Exonicus is the work of our founding mentors including several ancestors of Doctor Magnificat himself. It is printed in every language in the world plus the languages specific to our magical world. Like the Bible and indeed every other Book sacred to different faiths, the Exonicus is not to be taken lightly or disrespected. Although honesty is of great importance in our world, some things cannot be publicly revealed because of their significance. Hence I cannot go into full details of this most revered tome. Suffice to say, it is the blueprint on which our world is based.
When I became a fully qualified herbalist and brewer in 1912, I decided to use my abilities for healing and created many cures which are detailed in my book ‘Health The Magical Way’. Although I am Professor and not Doctor by title, I am still qualified to do this as I am a registered herbalist.
Another ‘perk’ of the Higher Calling is that one gets to either make a new law or change an existing one. I outlawed the killing of animals, in fact all living creatures even the stinging insects as I genuinely love animals and regard them as God’s creatures so there must be a purpose for their existence. I have instilled this respect for all creatures into Wilberforce and he has channelled it into his work as an insect breeder. My own animal breeding work is conducted alongside the same respectful lines. No adverse effects are caused as a result of the crossbreeding processes Wilberforce and I employ.
As stated earlier, 1912 was the turning point as I was now a fully qualified magician, herbalist, distiller and animal breeder and it was from this moment that I became one of the top magicians of my generation. By this time, my son Wilberforce was 16 and well into his studies at Magic Academy. He was getting glowing reports and was, by all accounts, an excellent student. A veritable chip off the ould block, as it were.
My position as a member of the Higher Calling gave me the right to lecture and tutor at the Academy, following in the worthy footsteps of Doctor Magnificat and other greats of magic. This was a great honour and I treated it with the utmost respect.
As earlier mentioned, I mentored my best friend Detravis Alchemio, in line with the law which gave me the right to coach another student. So lecturer is another string I can add to my bow.
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