The Howlett Manor had changed significantly since Daniel Ferente's last visit. The once-quiet estate now bustled with movement, as laborers and workers tirelessly transformed the landscape. The sight of scaffolding, stacks of lumber, and an ever-present stream of workers suggested a major renovation project.
As Daniel approached, he turned to the Howlett family's rider captain, Jack Pete, who had greeted him in Red Deer. "The manor is livelier than I remember. Are you renovating the main building?" His voice carried a note of curiosity, but there was also an underlying wariness. The previous day, on the way from Red Deer, he had encountered a group of gold-seeking horse bandits. Had it been just him and the coachman, they might have been left stripped of their clothes, forced to walk to Edmond humiliated.
Jack Pete, a recently promoted captain under James Howlett's authority, gave a knowing nod. "Not a renovation, sir. Master James is overseeing the excavation of a cellar—a massive one. He's quite invested in the project, and as you know, he now manages all family affairs."
Daniel glanced toward the digging site, his experienced eyes narrowing as he observed the deep trenches and carefully placed structural reinforcements. "This scale… it's more than just a cellar," he muttered, mostly to himself.
Having spent years traveling through Egypt, he had seen enormous underground structures built with masterful precision. The resemblance to those ancient subterranean temples made him uneasy. For a mere storage space, this project was far too ambitious.
Jack Pete didn't elaborate, simply gesturing toward the manor. "Mr. Howlett and Master James are expecting you."
As they neared the entrance, a striking figure stood at the front gates.
A tall young woman, her thick red hair gleaming in the afternoon sun, regarded him with a playful glint in her eyes. Her complexion was fair, almost radiant, making her presence even more striking. She held herself with confidence, her lips curling into an amused smile as Daniel approached.
There was a familiarity about her, something in her posture, the mischievous way she tilted her head.
Then, recognition hit him.
"Wait a moment… O'Hara? Little Rose?" Daniel's voice rose in surprise, eyes widening as he took in how much she had changed.
With a triumphant laugh, O'Hara nodded. "Hah! You got it right!" she declared, clearly pleased with herself. "Come inside, I've been waiting for you."
Daniel chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief as he followed her. He couldn't help but marvel at how time had transformed the once-young girl into a striking young woman.
---
An Evening of Stories and Cigar Smoke
Dinner was an intimate affair, filled with laughter and the warmth of old acquaintances catching up. Mr. Howlett, though weary with age, had joined them briefly before retiring early for the night. His health no longer allowed him to entertain guests for long.
After helping Mr. Howlett to his chambers, O'Hara left James and Daniel to their private discussion in the study. The scent of oak and leather filled the room, the flickering glow of the fireplace casting long shadows.
James leaned back, taking a slow draw from a fine Cuban cigar. He exhaled a plume of fragrant smoke, savoring the experience. It was strange—he hadn't cared for smoking in his past life, but ever since Mr. Howlett had encouraged him to try one two years ago, the rich aroma had become oddly comforting.
Daniel, seated across from him, swirled a glass of gin thoughtfully before beginning to speak. "I've spent years traveling through India, Egypt, and much of the Middle East," he said. "Eventually, I made my way back through Morocco, and I have to say—I've seen things that defy logic."
James listened intently, his sharp gaze never wavering.
"In Egypt, during my time there, I came across a peculiar legend. Have you ever heard of En Sabah Nur?" Daniel asked.
James frowned slightly. The name felt vaguely familiar.
Daniel continued, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "During Egypt's First Dynasty, there was supposedly a ruler—one who held power briefly but left no official record. It's as if history itself was rewritten to erase him." He shook his head. "Strange, isn't it? Many ancient civilizations have stories of god-like figures influencing their past, but their legitimacy is always questioned. The locals, however, take these stories very seriously."
James tapped his cigar against the ashtray, considering Daniel's words. "You don't believe in those myths?"
Daniel chuckled. "I believe in history, not fantasy. The rise of industry and modern civilization will eventually wash away these superstitions."
James smirked, leaning forward. "How about another trip, then?"
Daniel arched a brow. "Oh? You're offering me an expedition?"
James nodded. "I'll fund it entirely. I need you to verify something for me."
Daniel exhaled, setting his drink down. "I have thought about whether I should continue my travels… perhaps I'm getting too old for this. But if the price is right…" He grinned playfully.
James chuckled. "Of course."
However, as James hesitated, Daniel's expression grew suspicious. "Wait a moment… You don't want me to go back to Africa, do you?"
James didn't answer immediately. Instead, he exhaled another smoke ring before finally speaking. "Have you ever heard of a place called Wakanda?"
---
A Shift in Time's Current
Far away, nestled deep within the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, a temple stood perched on the mountainside. Wind chimes sang in harmony with the cold mountain air, carrying their distant melody across the valley.
Inside the temple's central hall, a solitary figure sat cross-legged on a woven mat. They wore a simple, flowing robe, and their long, pale gold hair framed a face that defied gender—both graceful and commanding. Their hands rested upon an aged tome, the pages filled with ancient symbols.
Then, the pendant around their neck pulsed with an eerie green light.
The figure's eyes flickered open, a deep furrow creasing their brow. Slowly, they unraveled the pendant's clasp, revealing a brilliant emerald stone at its center.
With a practiced motion, they traced mystic symbols in the air. Twin rings of glowing green energy materialized around their wrists, shifting and rotating in perfect symmetry. As they gazed deeper into the swirling patterns of time, a troubled expression crossed their face.
They clasped their hands together, sealing the pendant once more. A sigh escaped their lips.
"The wheel of time has shifted… an anomaly stirs the fog of the future."
---
The Search for Wakanda
Back at the study, Daniel leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Never heard of it," he admitted.
James let out a breath, feeling both relief and frustration.
Sensing his reaction, Daniel continued. "I've spent most of my time in North Africa. I've never traveled far south, and the regions there are mostly divided by tribal lands. There's a possibility that such a place exists, but I have no knowledge of it."
James steeled himself. "I need an exact answer. That's why I need you to go."
Daniel sighed. "Alright… If you're this determined. But I'll need proper resources—more than just money. I need people. Capable ones."
James nodded. "Done. I'll send men to assist you. If you find Wakanda, I want every detail—its geography, its history, its culture. But listen carefully."
James' gaze hardened.
"If Wakanda exists, it is an extremely secretive nation. They do not welcome outsiders. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to break in."
Daniel studied James for a long moment, then nodded. "Understood."
As the night deepened, the two men spoke at length, discussing preparations for the journey. Daniel, though skeptical, could not deny the pull of adventure.
And James… James knew that if Wakanda was real, then many of history's impossible legends might not be myths after all.