Read Online The Freedman and the Pharaoh's Staff by Lane Heymont - Free Book Online

The most prominent was Thule, a land ruled by a blond-haired, blue-eyed race far superior to mankind. Scholars placed it near Norway. The Geist Führer’s voice had called him to the grove of grim-leaning trees. He spoke of leading the world back to the glorious age when Thule dominated the world. The Geist Führer promised him those of tainted blood would be eradicated. There’d be peace among all those who were worthy.  
    â€œ Geist Führer .” Verdiss moved his bulbous hands over the boiling water, pulling the magic from his will. He hated performing these accursed rites, but they were a necessity. “I seek your counsel.” The wind picked up, his robes rustling. An unnatural wind. Power tingled in the air. The charge grew hotter as he came closer to contact.  
    â€œDear Verdiss.” The Geist Führer’s words were in a guttural unfamiliar language that seethed in the caldron. Yet, Verdiss heard them as if they were English. “Have you attained my map?” The image of a man’s face wavered within the steam. His hair was short and black, parted in the middle. He wore a thin, short mustache under his nose.  
    â€œNo, not yet, Geist Führer , but we close in on it as we speak.” Verdiss kept his head bowed. The air took on an electrical feel when the two met, something he couldn’t assign a cause. The Geist Führer explained it took massive amounts of magical energy to operate the machine that allowed their communication. “I have heard rumors both Generals Sheridan and Hancock are sending federal troops to capture my men and I—we must act quickly,” he said with disdain.  
    â€œIndeed. Remove some soldiers from guard duty and await the map at the witch's home. They are sure to seek her out. The map is far too complex for their feeble minds to understand.”
    Lightning burnt through the night sky, followed by a clap of thunder. A gust of wind rushed through the grove, willowy claws swaying. “ Geist Führer , the elements will soon end our meeting—perhaps tell me of this which the map leads to?” Verdiss flicked his tongue. Power, so seductive. It excited every nerve in his twisted body.  
    The Geist Führer’s eyes narrowed beneath the boiling water; he seemed reluctant. “ The pharaoh, Narmer, ruled Egypt thousands of years ago. He united the warring states from North to South, but he grew old and knew he was soon to die, and his enemies would tear Egypt apart .” The words reached Verdiss’s ears like gold. “Upon his death, Narmer commanded his most trusted priests to ferry his staff away. His father, the god Horus, ruler of both sky and war, had bestowed it upon him. Its magic granted Narmer great power and insight, which allowed him to unite Egypt.  
    "He charged his priests with keeping it safe from his enemies after his death, for it is said he who possesses the staff is granted Narmer’s power.” The harsh voice paused a moment. Verdiss leaned forward, leering. “Narmer’s staff was found once, but lost again, and is still said to possess untold powers of supremacy. It will bestow its bearer dominion over all things . . .”
    But what does it do! “ Geist Führer , why do we need it?”  
    â€œSixty-nine years from now I will wage a war to purge evil from our world. The impure will be eradicated. If those wretched thieves find the staff, my war will fail. You must find it. Then the world is ours.”  
    The rain ceased, but dark clouds and thunder continued to roll across the sky. They dragged Verdiss’s thoughts around like a rag doll. His master claimed he was in the future, but how could a machine rip through the fabric of reality. The Geist Führer revealed little about his methods—he must use some kind of magical telegraph. Verdiss didn’t fear such power like other men would. No, having been raised deep in the bayous of New