Mechanical Angel

by Sara Shanning

  Seeing her looking, Sir Javon slid his fingers into the pocket and held out a metal circle. “It’s a pocket watch.” The surface was inlaid with dozens of tiny cogs, wheels and gears. It was beautiful and shimmered silver in the sunlight. Alel jumped when Sir Javon wrapped his hand around hers, guiding her index finger to the small tab nestled inside of the circle at the top securing the chain. He pressed on her finger with his, causing the front of the circle to open with a soft click.

  The surprise distracted her from his hand, which he took away. The inside was ringed with jewels, making Alel think of the flasks on the Black Streets. She could not remember ever seeing jewels as clear and large. A watch face with slim silver hands ticked at the top. The bottom looked to be a compass, and the two circles completing the quad she was unsure of the purpose for. Four circles inside of one.

  “Aren’t you afraid of getting attacked carrying this around?”

  “Why ever would someone attack me for a watch?”

  Did his eyes have to mirror the sky in depth and richness? Alel could not hold his gaze. Nerves danced over her skin with the breeze. Carefully closing the pocket watch, she handed it back. “Men carry flasks on the Black Streets. The more elaborate they are, the more dangerous the man carrying it, and the greater the threat he attracts.”

  “I prefer a clear mind over the haze of drink. Black or White Streets, there is always danger.”

  Was he warning her? Casting a look at him, she searched his profile, wondering yet again of the scars. Had he met with evil intent on his own streets? It was possible he spoke from personal experience. Sensations from her own assault tripped to the surface and Alel pulled her arms close to her body, forgetting the magic of formation before her.

  “I’d like to see what you’ve brought,” she said, wanting to think of anything but the pain of her demise.

  Agreeably, Sir Javon fell into step beside her as they made their way back to the house. “Is Sir Jax kind to you, Alel?”

  The question was inappropriate. People did not ask such things. Personal inquiries were avoided, for if one did not like the answer, what could one possibly do?

  “Of course he is,” she answered anyway. “He provides for all of my needs.”

  “So you are happy here?”

  Exasperated, Alel stopped. They had reached the stone half-circle leading into the house. The scent from the lilac bushes was the strongest there and wafted as warm as the sun on her cheeks. “Sir Javon, you must know you should not ask such things. Things cannot be so different on this side of the world.”

  Even as she said it, Alel knew her words made no sense. Everything was different on the White Streets. At least, of what she had encountered. The landscape, the food, the people, and the mannerisms.

  “I have never been one for convention.” The light struck his eyes in such a way she thought she could see the glitter of tiny diamonds, as brilliant as the jewels on his watch.

  “Alel.” The way he said her name made her both apprehensive and breathless. “I must tell you... I intend to offer for you after all.”

  Chapter 13

  Tree of Dreams

  She wanted to be no one’s pawn. While she did not trust Sir Jax, nor did she fear him. He had made no advances toward her and he left her to her own devices while supplying for her basic needs and anything else she had asked for.

  Alel had never known such comfort. And there were the children. She would not leave them. For anything. Sir Jax had instructed her to become their guardian, but more than that, she had come to care for each of them. They needed her.

  Irritated and hurt, she stormed into the house, walking quickly along the hallways, hoping Sir Javon would not follow. He did. She could hear him close behind her. “Alel, please... I do not believe you are safe here.”

  The words were hushed, and she did not doubt he feared listening ears. Sir Jax was paranoid enough to post his creatures anywhere. Spinning, Alel gave the man her fiercest scowl. “You cannot possibly know such a thing!”

  He regarded her calmly, but earnestly, and held out a hand, opening his palm. “Please, just take this and wear it. If you are ever in need, it will let me know.”

  It was a necklace. A simple bird of gold. Alel made no move to take it.

  “How do I know you have no other agenda? I do not trust you.”

  Frustration flashed across his handsome features. “I understand that, but please. There are things at play I am not at liberty to tell you.” Reaching out he took her hand and pressed the necklace into it. “Just take it then and keep it somewhere safe.”

  Shoving it into her pocket, Alel turned her back to him and moved as quickly as her leg would allow. She was uncomfortable in his presence now. Offering for her. Did it mean the same thing it meant on the Black Streets? Would Sir Jax sell her?

  Halting in front of the doors, closed to the room that housed the children, Alel whirled to face Sir Javon. “I will not be your slave, in any way, do you understand? I would rather die again than become your property to do with as you please.”

  He had reared back at her first words, his face shocked and horrified. He was shaking his head when she finished. “Alel, no... you would not be my slave or my property at all! I am appalled at the direction of your thoughts! I meant only I would offer to take over your care!”

  “Do you think I am so naive? Have you given thought to what Sir Jax would ask? I would be sold! He will not hand me over to anyone without a price. As he has spoken of my Relic appeal and his own desire to parade me around for his own pride, I highly doubt there will not be a very high cost!”

  “I am not without means, Alel. I have known Sir Jax for quite some time.”

  She interrupted him. “Cost implies property. Buying and selling. If he does not willingly give me away, I am reduced to that! No. You shall make no offer. I do not want it. Please go!”

  “Alel...”

  Giving him her back again, Alel yanked on the bar to release the latch and pulled at the heavy frame, anger filling her lungs with a scream she held back. Five pairs of eyes contemplated her from where they stood just inside the door.

  Jaw tight and chin lifted, Alel blocked the doorway, spearing Sir Javon with her indignation as she closed the door in his face.

  “What has happened?” Alum asked.

  Shaking with her fury, Alel went to a chair and sank into its depths, tugging at the blanket draped over the back. It was too warm, but she wanted the comfort. “I mistakenly allowed myself to believe I was free, just for a little while. I have been brutally reminded I am not.”

  “Did Sir Javon hurt you?” Wetness hovered in the corners of Bery’s eye.

  “He wouldn’t!” Euro declared.

  “He has proved himself untrustworthy. Does no one do anything for the joy of it anymore? Must there always be a gain? I tire of life’s games and the roles we all seem forced to play.”

  Sighing deeply, Alel set the blanket aside and rose. There were things to be done. “I suppose if one is to consider the whole spectrum of one’s life, it can be funneled into an overall conclusion. One that speaks to the heart.” She smiled at them all. “I am safe here, and I have all of you, so really I should choose to be content. I have known worse.”

  Euro came to her and threw his arms around her waist. “I love you, Alel! I don’t ever want you to leave!”

  An ache of joy and sorrow gave her a feeling of heaviness as she returned the embrace. “Thank you, Euro. I’m so happy I have been blessed with all of you. I cannot imagine my days without your presence.” Alel reached out to touch Copper’s cheek, who stood to her left. “Let us open some packages, shall we? They can be wonderful surprises.”

  The boxes were labeled with their names. Euro’s were stacked closest and numbered. Instructions were included in the first box, as pieces of something larger. Dys and Alum offered to take on putting it together, attaching each piece to Euro’s wall as they were handed over.

  As it came together, Alel realized wh
at it was. Painted metal branches arched gracefully out from a trunk. He had brought Euro’s desire inside, giving him a tree of dreams. Euro had finally climbed a tree under her watchful eye and Copper had followed him up a few branches.

  It had been gratifying to see the smile on his face as he beamed down at her from his perch. Since, he often scrambled up to settle on lower branches while they had their picnics or stopped to play.

  How did she reconcile such thoughtfulness with his attempt to own her? Was it a form of bribe? Not that it mattered. She would deny the children nothing. She called A76 in to help with the last of the sections, as they were high. Atop a ladder, A76 finished constructing the tree model, which had become 3D. The last box was filled with small depictions of birds to hang from the branches. Euro was delighted and danced beneath the tree that stretched from floor to ceiling.

  For Alum, Sir Javon had fashioned a mirror for her wall and a vanity with another. The vanity had dozens of small drawers, and within each one was jewelry.

  For Copper, framed surfaces. One a chalkboard, another with sand that moved with the stroke from a finger, and others utilizing various instruments. For Dys, a palace for his pets. And, for Bery, a box that ran along the entire length of one wall of her room, with flowers she could piece together and then place for decoration, over and over again, in hundreds of different ways.

  All of it thoughtful and perfect for each child. Their jubilation clear as they examined and explored the possibilities of each invention.

  Alel’s heart as she watched them play mourned for the promise of more. Some tiny part of her had desperately wanted to believe in it. The commissioned gifts taunted contradictions her heart wished to sway optimistically. Her mind told her it was a lie.

  Chapter 14

  Relic on White Streets

  Sir Jax called for her. Rather than the kitchen, where they often found themselves together, he had her brought to a room with every inch of the walls overtaken by built-in drawers. Tables were scattered about, covered with bowls, boxes and other varied containers with parts. It was messy and cluttered, the air stale with a slightly metallic scent.

  “I have deemed it time to present you to society, my dear. You, and the children, will accompany me this afternoon on a carriage ride.”

  “I see no reason for the children to go. They will only be a spectacle.”

  “Hm. As shall you, but you will all go. See you are dressed appropriately. I shall send B33 for you when it is time.”

  “I cannot convince you otherwise?”

  Sir Jax scoffed, folding his hands on the table he sat behind. “No. While I have given you a great deal of freedom, do not forget I am your Master, my dear. Or that freedoms can be taken away.”

  As could the children, Alel realized. She found it difficult to swallow and nodded so he knew she had heard. When she found her voice and thought she could maintain a composed expression, she spoke. “What would you consider appropriate fashion?”

  “Do not hide your hair, nor your eyes. It would be best also for them to see how I have saved you. Your features are what make you special, and I want no one to mistake you for anything but what you are.”

  So he meant to make her the spectacle. She should have expected no less. But as she dressed and then prepared the children for their first interaction with society since their creation under Sir Jax’s hands, Alel realized her anger was misplaced. She should not have to hide and as she saw the fear and nerves on the children’s faces, she did not want them to feel they had to either.

  “We shall face today with courage. We are valuable to Sir Jax. He will protect us, of that I am sure. For us, today marks a new beginning and a new world. It will become what we choose. We can allow ourselves to be ridiculed, mocked, perhaps feared, or we can bravely look out upon the people and declare ourselves worthy.”

  Alum rolled her shoulders back and nodded crisply. “As long as you are with us, we can believe such things.”

  Bery slid her hand into Alel’s. “What if I cry?”

  Attempting to tuck a few wayward strands of the girl’s hair behind her ears, Alel lifted her shoulders. “What does it matter? How you respond does not change who you are.”

  The door swung open. B33 rolled in. “It is time, Miss Alel.”

  Sir Jax waited at the front door. He was smiling widely and holding what appeared to be wings. “Come, my dear, these are for you to wear.” Hesitant but not sure there was a reason to be, Alel complied, turning so her back was to him. She heard the whir of one of his tools, felt his fingers on the skin of her neck and then on her shoulder near the section he had replaced with metal there.

  “Brilliant,” he accoladed himself. His hand pressed against her waist, then she could only feel pressure when it found the metal section below her dress. Peering over her shoulder, Alel tried to see what he was doing. Soft golden feathers cloaked her.

  “Is there a function to these?” Alel could think of no reason to grace her with wings other than ornamental. From her glimpses of the white streets she supposed they would not stand out among the array of colorful and elaborate costumes the people wore.

  “My dear, you are my Mechanical Angel. How accurately wings portray your meaning!” Moving to stand in front of her, he perused his addition, nodding with satisfaction. “Perfect.” He turned her, holding an arm out to indicate she should precede him through the doorway.

  The waiting steam-powered carriage was long and high, embellished, luxurious, and fashioned with optimal visibility to see both out and in. Mechanical footmen opened doors to allow the children inside. Alel was directed to the front, next to Sir Jax.

  Thick cushions welcomed her, fanciful lights hung from bars extending out from the top, with birds roosted and waiting for his direction, she was sure. The footmen lined up along the back and sides atop foot boards and took hold of running bars to secure themselves. Steam erupted from a spout atop the carriage as Sir Jax urged it forward.

  “You are mesmerizing,” Sir Jax said softly. She could see the feathers of the wings fluttering gently in the air as they moved.

  “What do you hope to accomplish from this?” Alel gave Sir Jax a sidelong look, studying his profile. It was the first time she could remember seeing him so well dressed. His shirttails were tucked in, his vest buttoned, and he wore an overcoat. From hat to shoes, everything was white, with the exception of red threads woven at the back of his jacket in the shape of a circle missing its center, and above it, another circle, this one solid. A depiction of the two worlds she had only recently learned about.

  “My dear, you mustn’t consider everything I do as against you. While it may be difficult for you to grasp, I am looking out for your well being.”

  “By flaunting us to the public? As prizes?”

  “I understand it is in your Relic blood to state your mind, but I must say I find it grating. I would expect gratitude and at least a display of respect would be nice.”

  “My life is easier than it was before,” Alel admitted. With comforts and friendships she hadn’t experienced in her past, but one admission was enough.

  Ahead of them, the White Streets gleamed in the wash of sun, curving up hillsides in stacks to the east. She knew if one went west, it would lead down into a valley, where the Black Streets and stone buildings haphazardly gathered around the many mines. Thinking of the beast the Gold Line had created, she wondered how digging deep into the earth for resources was any different. Would the Higher World split again?

  The road beneath the carriage was dusty gravel, but an iron arbor with gates higher than any building she had ever seen extended over the beginning of the white stones marking the town, several carriage lengths wide. Steam escaped the top of huge clear tubes set at each side and the gates began to open as they neared.

  After they passed through, those nearest the entry bowed at the sight of Sir Jax, but as they straightened and eyes fixated on her, a murmur rose and began to spread. Raptly, the townspeople tapped the arms of tho
se nearest to them, and all stood frozen as they were passed. Sir Jax had slowed, giving Alel plenty of time to see the brilliant display of blue and golden eyes glued to her, heavy with shock and awe.

  She needn’t have worried about the children. No one looked beyond her to peer into the carriage. If the scrutiny hadn’t been so disarming she may have been struck by the vivid colors they wore, the mash of patterns and adornments, and the laden architecture heavy with coils and swirls and arches, with balconies spattered on every building looking over it all.

  The street widened further the farther they went until it curved out and around in a giant circle. At the very center of it twisted three thick bars, twining around each other in loose spirals and rising so high she could not see the top of it. Scattered around it were vendors with carts, their wares forgotten as they too looked only at her.

  It was there Sir Jax halted, at what she thought was the core of the town, as that was where the vendors of the Black Streets often gathered in that sector. Along the outer edge of the circle, a vast stretch of sidewalk was lined with buildings packed closely together with open doors all the way around.

  Signs boasted a Seamstress, Apothecary, a Baker, Key Maker, Hat Maker and a myriad of others. Sir Jax had stopped before a Capital Exchange, the place where ore was traded for credits. He disembarked and there was a flurry as the people seemed to move as one, flocking toward him.

  The footmen lined up to block Alel from any who might try to reach her. Light flashed on the clear tubes of the steam-powered guns they carried, full with the cloudy mix signaling they were ready for use.

  “I will give you four-hundred carats of gold for her!”

  “No, I’ll give you my silver mine!”

  “Sir Jax would rather have my ruby mine!”

  “Seven hundred ounces of Palladium!”

  “Sir Jax, I will give you anything you wish!”