The Interplanar University, # 1— "Magos and the Planeswalking Priest"

[Short stories. Images generated by hotpot.ai]

Hawk the planeswalker arrived at Havenforth University with steel resolve to maintain true to the Ethos, the Creational Auspice of Christendom. He was an anointed priest in the realm he hailed from, where there was fusion between magic (called ether) and technology. He carried two fire-arms, his speed at drawing and reloading being unparalleled, and his aim had not failed him for over three years. He was an enemy of the powers of (un)death, infernal beings, and witchcraft.

He was familiar with the concept of planar interaction and traveling both various worlds and planes, and Havenforth University, the College standing at the nexus of all worlds, did not disorient his grip on reality as it did others. Because of its eminence at this junction of all worlds, both other realms of Order and also Chaotic dimensions sought to encroach upon the surrounding planar territory.

Havenforth’s sphere of influence constrained violence and dangerous spells on the grounds, and it could only be broken by overwhelming force. However, such forces did in fact exist, and Hawk understood that they must be dealt with, whereas complacency would allow the Chaotic realms to win control.

The Auspice of Magos, where wizardkind of Harry-Potter fame hailed from, was naturally at odds with the Ethos, and Billy’s understanding was that wizards, especially witches, bent accursed energies to their will. It was even to the point that he would fight them on Havenforth grounds, if that were possible. It would be to his astonishment that the olive branch would be extended by the ones belonging to Magos, and that with loving courtesy.

However, Hawk was near infinitely suspicious of anything under the Aspect of Magos, having done field research that denizens of worlds like Terra would consider infinite bunk, yet he did not take the views of their tens of millions into consideration. He was the planeswalker, the gun-wielding cleric. He had seen undeath, he had fought both seen and unseen infernal beings, and he hated sorcery more than both.

Why?

Because there was love in it. “The secret ingredient,” they said, as though joking, but the truth of witchcraft was there was always just enough love to divert people like Hawk and animate their spells.

Although there were none like Hawk.

But what made witchcraft so abhorrent was that they did, in fact, have love, but they used it for sorcery. The ultimate lure, the ultimate blasphemy, using authentic kindness, goodwill, and compassion and turning it into a spell.

From his plane, that’s what witchcraft meant.

But at the god-like College at the nexus of all worlds, humanoids of all shapes and sizes converged, permitted entry so long as they sought knowledge, and not violence. The University was fused with the soul of what would otherwise be a nigh immortal gnomish cleric, who gave his ancient soul to mortality in order to complete its creation. Thus, the University’s intrinsic powers were remarkable, and one of its attributes was that its classrooms took place in pocket dimensions, allowing a near infinite student body.

Hawk, remaining true to his beliefs, them being the defining nature of his existence, regarded the students of Magos silently— the power of Fate was woven into the fabric of the University’s existence, meaning that when you met someone, it was always with a good reason. It was unto a point where it was suspected that the spirit of Havenforth would himself arrange meetings of disparate students, so that none of them would aimlessly collide with nameless peers who could do them no good.

“And you are?” said Hawk Helsworth, the agent of Expurgation. “We’re from Hogwarts, in England. Harry’s famous there,” said Ron.

There was silence.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s a Magos name.”

The wizards looked at each other.

“I have never heard of that,” said Harry. “You will,” said Hawk assuringly. “How do you know from so little?” said Hermione. Hawk said with conviction, “Using innately repelling denominations for supposedly friendly existences, and vice versa. Sounds a lot like Magos.”

There was silence, and it was heavy.

“What would vice versa be, out of curiosity?” said Hermione. “Friendly denominations for innately repelling existences,” said Hawk. “Which means?” said Ron, taken aback. “He’s insulting us,” said Ginny. “Ah,” said Harry, “well, I’m the famous one.”

They all offered their names, and departed, though Hawk never offered his.

“Well, it takes all sorts, I suppose,” said Ron, not meaning what he said. “You know,” said Hermione, “I never met anyone like that. Who knew words.” “Everyone knows words,” said Ron. “But. You know. Is proud of information.” “Right,” said Harry, “And he didn’t hesitate to show off.”

They quibbled for a while before something else caught their interest. But there was much to explore in this awe-inspiring institution, not only being a separate world, but being a place where many worlds converged. Yet that would not be their only interlude with the silver-haired one with the guns.