The Shadow: The Poisonwood Shadows Book One

by Christina Crook

  The Poisonwood Shadows

  Part One - The Shadow

  Christina Crook

  Copyright © 2017 by Christina Crook

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any way without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotations.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  The End of Life

  Chapter One

  It was early spring, the kind of day that sits heavily upon your shoulders, and as Scarlett retreated farther from the cobbled streets of Poisonwood, a heavy, weighted silence pressed in on her. She found herself unintentionally winding deeper and deeper into a tangle of alleyways, and the city grew smaller, darker and intimidating. Scarlett looked up to a thunderous, grey sky, a futile search for the tops of familiar buildings and landmarks, but she was too far south and these walls were too high. Eventually she stopped and slouched down to the ground, leaning against a stone wall which was slick with damp moss. She dropped her head tiredly. It had already been a long day of shopping and errands, and Scarlett was beginning to regret acting upon an impulsive desire for adventure and excitement in an unexplored part of the city.

  Having spent most of her life around the glitz and glamour of uptown, around fine clothes of silk and cashmere, expensive, but suffocating perfumes and sumptuously rich foods imported from afar, the mysteriously sinister streets of inner downtown were a shock to the system. She wanted to turn back, but couldn't remember which way her traitorous feet had taken her. Gazing up again, Scarlett watched the hazy curve where the sky met the rooftops, waiting for it to re-appear out of the low mist and rain filled clouds. A storm was coming and she needed to get home to Winnie, to Beccy, to cups of tea and reading, to bed and warm fires.

  It was okay. She could do this. She could ignore the growing fear and tightness in her chest, the way darkness grew in every corner, that slimy looking substance which dripped down each wall. She could navigate her way out of this mess of alleyways which wound impossibly around one another. Above she heard the creak and judder of an airship as it made its way back into the city for the night. The sound eased her growing sense of dread a little. Scarlett shifted carefully, feeling the cold and damp through her dress. Soon she would stand. She would push her shoulders back, raise her head high and find the way out. She'd be home in no time at all.

  “You need some help, miss?” An amused voice drifted from across the alleyway.

  Scarlett looked up, feeling wary as a figure stepped into the fading light. She knew what he was, though she would never have expected one of his kind to be out this early in the evening. She watched curiously, recognising the famous key and butterfly symbol on a leather strap around his neck. The boy stared down at her with a look of indifference upon his face.

  “I’m lost,” she told him, quickly standing and crossing her arms defensively.

  The boy smiled crookedly. “Do you need me to show you the way?” He seemed friendly, but there was something vaguely intimidating about him that left Scarlett feeling uneasy.

  “If you wouldn’t mind?” She said, clearing her throat, trying to act like she was intentionally lost in this alleyway and that all of it had been nothing more than an entertaining mix up.

  “Okay.” He rolled his eyes at her, then brushed some non-existent lint from his shoulder. “But if anyone asks, you didn’t see me,” he added with an egotistical wink.

  “And why’s that?” Scarlett frowned at him, pulling a loose strand of hair from her face. Her stomach roiled with nerves, but she kept her voice steady.

  “Because I’m not supposed to be here," he sighed, as if it were obvious. The coolness of his tone sent chills running down her spine.

  “Well, where are you supposed to be?” Scarlett retorted bravely, ignoring the sudden sweat upon her palms. She wondered what Winnie and Elyas would make of all this. An uptown maid lost in the downtown alleyways, having to be rescued by this cocky, preening young man. They'd be mortified.

  He stared for a few moments, as he deliberated over whether he should answer. Scarlett noticed his piercing green eyes – a bright, acidic emerald shade. His skin was tanned and his black hair stuck up in all directions, while his face wore what seemed to be a permanent sneer. There was something undoubtedly rebellious about him.

  “I can’t say,” he eventually replied. “Anyway, what I’d like to know is…what are you doing in these parts at this time of day? Do you have a death wish?”

  “I took a wrong turn,” Scarlett answered defiantly, irritated by his authoritative tone.

  “Are you new to the city?” He asked, feigning confusion. “Or just an idiot?”

  “No!” She drew her navy cloak around herself more tightly. “I’m just…not familiar with these alleyways.”

  His eyes grew sharp and focused upon her. “You really should have known better. We have enough to do without people like you.”

  Scarlett had to bite her tongue to prevent a snappy response from spilling out. It wasn’t his words that bothered her. It was the way he said them in so patronising a tone. It was true - she should have known better and now she had to hide her embarrassment at being reprimanded by a Shadow. “Where are even going at this time?” She couldn’t help asking.

  “That’s not your business.” The boy shook his head at her, a resigned, dismissive gesture. “Come on,” he muttered, as he began to walk.

  “You don’t even know where I’m going yet.” Scarlett glared up at him, taking long strides to match his pace.

  “I’m guessing…downtown? The residential streets? Some dodgy little room somewhere?” He looked her up and down, taking in her maid's outfit. Judgemental, arrogant son of a…!

  “Uptown actually,” Scarlett replied with a biting indignance, suddenly feeling very self-conscious. “I just need Summer Street and then I’ll find my way.”

  “Summer Street, you say?” He gave a wicked snigger. “You’re miles off.”

  “No, I’m not,” she snapped. “Look, if it’s a problem for you I’m sure I could manage on my own. Anyway, I thought Shadows weren’t allowed to talk to the people they rescued?” She glowered at him, her stubborn resolve wilting beneath the power of his overly confident gaze.

  “We’re not, but this isn’t a rescue so it doesn’t count. I’m not on duty anyway.” He shrugged and inspected his nails.

  “Are you even a real Shadow?” Scarlett asked, taking in his all black clothing – boots, trousers, shirt. “Because I’ve heard there are people out here who pass themselves off as one.”

  The boy laughed sardonically. “Trust me. I’m definitely a Shadow.”

  “Well, you’re very chatty. Nothing like I imagined a real Shadow to be.” Scarlett raised her eyebrows suspiciously, as if to let him know she was onto him. He could have been anyone. For all she knew he was leading her deeper and deeper into the heart of downtown to a secret place no-one would ever find her...r />
  “I leave tonight, so what does it matter who I talk to?” He said with another shrug.

  They turned a corner, passing by a small perfumery and a chocolate shop. Back to civilisation at last! Scarlett's heart jumped as a fat droplet of rain fell upon her forehead. The clouds were steely grey and rolled menacingly over the city. She tried to keep him talking. “You’re leaving? Where are you going?”

  “On a mission,” he said with a bored stare.

  "To?” Scarlett turned to him, looking hopeful as she imagined tales of airships travelling across a star strung night sky, long voyages south to hot, exotic islands, a journey deep into the verdant, wild communities of the Outside land...

  It all fell away when he laughed again, a short, guttural sound. “Yeah right. Obviously that’s restricted. Even you must know that.”

  “Well, it was worth a try. Why are you out here if you aren’t on duty?”

  “Because there was nothing to do at the Academy,” he replied, his tone insolent.

  “Are you always this obscenely professional?” Scarlett said drily, looking up and around. The air was growing cooler and the alleyway was widening, which meant she was nearing the main streets again.

  He chuckled evasively at her sarcasm. “Not nearly. Summer Street is straight up ahead there.” He pointed to the end of the alleyway. “You were right. You weren’t far.”

  “I knew it!” She yelped a little too loudly, before primly adding, “But thank you.” Far beyond the walls of the city, she heard a sudden crack of thunder and said, “Are you sure you want to leave tonight?”

  He paused now and stared up at the darkening sky as the rain began to fall harder. “Now more than ever.” He grinned at her, and for a moment Scarlett wanted to know all about everything he did, everywhere he went, everyone he knew...The sharp smile faded, but he continued to watch her, a peculiar look upon his face, before shaking his head with a smirk and turning to walk in the opposite direction, back down the alleyway. “See ya,” he called, with a dismissive nod.

  Scarlett was relieved to see the main street again and began to walk quickly. People were hurrying by, their heads tipped staunchly to the ground against the growing storm. The amber light of the gas lamps reflected brightly on the roads, as water pooled and bubbled in puddles, which Scarlett skipped to avoid. The rain began to saturate her now. Thunder rolled and exploded overhead, then the sky lit up brilliantly with lightning, ricocheting wildly in the atmosphere.

  Eventually Scarlett had no choice but to take shelter in a nearby coffee shop, which was just about to close for the day. She sat in the window watching the rivers of rain as they ran down the street. She was soaked through and chilly, and utterly grateful when a kindly waitress brought each damp individual seeking refuge a hot cup of tea. As she waited for the rain to ease, Scarlett imagined the Shadow out there, envying his freedom, the adventures and experiences he would have on his mission. She couldn’t put her finger on exactly what it was about him, but she had loathed him almost immediately.

  Chapter Two

  He couldn’t take his eyes off Penelope’s paintings. They’d hung in Walter’s office for years, long after she passed away. William liked to look at them while he waited. Each time he noticed something new or different. A certain type of shading, detail or colour in the sweeping Outside landscapes, twinkling cityscapes, or the vibrant manor gardens. Here were the purple mountains of Stormcroft, mesmerising in tones of soft, pale violet, gilded with a rose gold sunrise. And the Poisonwood night sky, scattered with stars. It spiralled and glittered, sprinkling the rooftops of the city with stardust. A strange combination of fury and anxiety was building inside William, and the paintings calmed him down. Penelope Poisonwood really had been a great talent in her day.

  Walter breezed into the room, late as usual, his navy blue suit pristine. William turned and watched him, ready to blurt out his demands to the man in charge. He was ready. More ready than he had ever been in his life. He wanted to be out there - beyond the thick, encumbering walls of Poisonwood, climbing the gigantic trees and running through the cool, lush forests. He had a plan, though the time to put it into action had long since passed. Without permission from Walter though, he was powerless. He knew the best thing to do was wait, so he held his tongue as Walter sat down at his desk and waited for him to speak.

  “It’s a no,” Walter finally said, his voice a low growl. “We need you here.”

  William held his breath and clenched his fists, trying to keep a check on his anger. “There are plenty just like me. Why won’t you let me go? Why won’t you let any of us go?” He asked desperately. “I don’t understand. We need to bring them back, damn it!” He paced around the room, aware of his muddy boots on the thick red carpet.

  Walter noticed too, but ignored it. “Language, William,” he said sharply. “I’ve been doing this since before you were born, so you can bloody well listen when I tell you to leave it alone. And those are orders,” he added abruptly, as he suddenly stood.

  William stopped, his heart pounding as he thought about all they could lose. With his long, thin arms crossed behind his back, Walter lightly walked to the window. He stared beyond his model airship collection, ironic for a man who hated flying, out to his vast empire, which shimmered before him beneath the evening sky. “It’s a dark night tonight, boy. You’d better get out there.”

  William knew Walter well enough to know his attitude wasn’t going to get him anywhere, so he had no choice but to do as he was told. Taking a deep breath, he pushed his frustration deep down inside, nodded respectfully and made a swift exit.

  *

  It was a cold kind of evening that night. Howling winds had been making their way through Poisonwood all day long, though as the sky grew darker, they passed over the walls of the city and across to the dry, abandoned moors of the Outside.

  As Scarlett slowly dressed in an outfit Beccy had chosen for her, an excited thrill ran down her spine. She had been waiting for tonight for what felt like an age. She pinned up her long, black curls and carefully applied her make-up the way she had been shown, with smoky eyes and red lips. She admired the contrast of the velvety, dark dress against her pale skin and couldn’t believe it was possible to look so different. It was all she needed to overcome the nerves that spiked in her stomach.

  She left the townhouse and quickly made her way through the cobbled alleyways, keeping her head down and focusing on the bright lights of the nearby street. The ground was damp following a short rainfall and the moist air was laced with the scent of soil and city. The night was fresh and heavy with anticipation.

  Rebecca and the other girls met her at the end of the alleyway. They waited in a sleek black car and greeted her with cries and shrieks of delight at her presence. “Letty, you made it! We’re so glad!”

  There was Izzy Loveless and Vivien Goldtrapp, Beccy’s best friends, both from families rich beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. The uptown society set would barely recognise these two girls as they pulled off their deep purple and electric blue cocktail dresses, in exchange for more fitting downtown ensembles. While they helped each other to “achieve a more authentic downtown look” (in the words of Vivien), Scarlett focused her attention out of the window onto the darkened streets of the city.

  She watched as the familiar uptown skyscrapers rolled by, architectural masterpieces which appeared to touch the infinite night sky. As the downtown border drew close, the buildings grew smaller and less impressive, though they still exuded an old-fashioned, worn out charm, which Scarlett preferred to their more modern counterparts. She watched as the car crossed the unseen border, a gentle excitement bubbling inside.

  The mainly abandoned streets were dimly lit by the glow of gas lamps. Shops were now closed and the alleyways were nothing but narrow hollows of interminable darkness. Scarlett shuddered at the memory of being lost down there not long ago. Looking up at the apartment buildings, she paused to imagine the kind of people who might be tucked up behind the warml
y lit windows. Artists and dancers, shopkeepers and bookkeepers, waitresses and novelists. She had all sorts of romantic notions about their lives.

  The other girls were chatting animatedly about what they would do when they arrived, but Scarlett barely heard a word as they gossiped and giggled. She continued to gaze out of the window as the streets gradually grew brighter and busier. Most of the buildings were lit up garishly now, advertising shows at the theatre, attractions at the music halls, offers and deals in the restaurants and bars - all buzzing with activity. Music filtered its way through the windows of the car; a new kind of music, a well-rounded sound which was somehow dirtier and more emotive than anything she had heard in her life.

  There were also brand new smells wafting along the streets - well cooked meats and cigarette smoke, something temptingly sweet, like the best dessert you ever had, cheap perfume and even cheaper wine, all mixed in with the night time air. There was a richness here, an incomprehensible diversity of character and fashion, conversation, belief and interest.

  Moments later, the car turned its final corner and came to a stop. All along the road were identical black vehicles, as similarly dressed club goers piled out onto the pavement and lined up to enter one of the many clubs situated on the street. Scarlett had no choice but to exit first. Biting her lip, she trailed along behind the other girls who strutted passed the two bouncers – large, ruddy-faced men dressed in top hats. One of the men had already pulled back a red velvet rope to allow them into the club, saying, “Evening, ladies,” as he tipped his hat to them.

  Scarlett managed a small polite smile, her usual vociferousness now nervous and meek, before taking a breath and entering the Metopium Hall. She took in the foyer first, which was narrow and dark, presumably setting the tone for the rest of the club. It exuded the same old timey charm the rest of downtown exhibited. The building was well aged. Its furnishings were detailed with ornate carvings and painted a faded gold colour, while the carpet was dark red and threadbare, thanks to the high volume of traffic that had walked this hunched up building over the years. People around her walked confidently passed, talking in loud, animated voices.