Master of Smoke

wise.”

    Belle cast the shimmering magical gate in the center of Davon’s living room. The doctor stared at the swirling portal with eyes gone wide and dark. “And this thing leads to another dimension?”
    “Right,” she said patiently, beginning the spiel she’d repeated until she could recite it in her sleep. “It leads to the Mageverse. That’s an alternate dimension where magic is one of the universal forces. We all draw our power from it. Now that you’re Magekind, you’ll need to live there at least part of the time in order to survive.”
    “So I’m supposed to just walk through this ... door?” He eyed the gate dubiously.
    “Yep. Want me to go first?”
    He shot her a cool look, his manhood evidently offended. “That’s not necessary.” Davon squared his broad shoulders and stepped through the gate.
    Smiling faintly, Belle followed to find him standing on the other side, staring around in awe. All around them, the city of Avalon lay sprawled under the star-flecked night sky. Castles, mansions, and chвteaus glowed with magic, their high stone towers reaching for the quarter moon. Magekind witches and vampires wandered the cobblestone streets, some in twenty-first-century jeans and shirts, others in medieval velvet glittering with gems. A few wore garb from other times and countries: kimonos, saris, flowing robes in shimmering silk, even feathers or fur or leather. It all depended on the wearer’s magical whims.
    Belle watched Davon as he turned in a slow circle, his lips parted in astonishment at the sheer, exuberant beauty of the ancient city. “And this is where the Magekind lives?” he asked at last. “Including King Arthur?”
    “He’s not a king anymore, but yeah.” Deciding he’d had enough time to sightsee, she caught him by the arm and turned him toward a sprawling Mediterranean villa with walls of cream stone and tall, arched windows. “You’ll be staying here. I call it Joyous Guard ...”
    He looked at her. “After Lancelot’s castle?”
    Apparently Davon had been doing some research. “Right. Lance used to be a Magus court seducer before he got married a couple of years ago. I built this place to house all the recruits, male and female. Most of them live here until they build a place of their own,” she explained as they started up the stone walkway. When she’d conjured Joyous Guard years ago, the intricate spell left her feeling drained and sick for more than a week. But it had been worth it to ensure the recruits had a decent place to live.
    “And I’ll be sent out on missions.” He looked dazed.
    “Yes, once you’ve had some training. The original knights and ladies of the Round Table swore an oath to Merlin, promising to protect humankind against its self-destructive impulses. We’ve been doing that job ever since.” Belle grimaced. “And judging from what’s been going on lately, we’ve got plenty of job security.”
    Davon gave her a sharp look. “So you’re basically a recruiter.”
    “Exactly.” They walked through the building’s double doors.
    A tall Native American almost ran into them as they turned into the main corridor. His handsome face lit in a dazzling smile. “Belle!” He gathered her into a bear hug as Davon watched in surprise. “How are you?”
    “Fine, Richard.” She hugged him back and accepted his hearty kiss. “How are you? Settling in?”
    “Yep. Reece Champion says I’m making real progress on my combat skills. He said I should be ready to go on my first mission in a month or so.”
    “Belle?” A broad-shouldered Iraqi emerged from his apartment to join them, a brilliant smile lighting his dark face. “It’s great to see you. And with a new recruit, I see.”
    “Davon Fredericks, Mohammad Hasan.” As the men shook hands, Belle gestured to Richard, who offered his own with a broad smile. “Richard Spotted Horse, Davon. Davon just completed his transformation.”
    “Welcome to the club,” Richard said, pumping Davon’s hand. “If you like, I’ll be happy to show you the ropes.”
    Davon returned the big man’s smile. “Hey, thanks. I need all the help I can get.”
    “It is not as intimidating as it seems,” Mohammad added in his exotically musical accent. “The Magekind has a pretty good system for easing you in. Would you like a tour?”
    “I’d appreciate it,” Davon told him.
    Belle smiled, knowing she could surrender her new recruit into the capable hands of the older ones, just as she’d