by Leah Price
Sibella stepped back inside the tent and settled behind her crystal ball. "You don't remember me, do you?" she accused Glenna.
"Of course I do," Glenna fibbed.
"No, you don't," Sibella corrected her confidently.
"How did you know?" Glenna asked. Hope swelled in her heart once more. "You really are a fortune-teller, aren't you?" She hoped fervently that she was. If Sibella was a fortune-teller, then she could help Glenna solve the mystery and get Atterberry back his cloak.
"Glenna, lean forward and I will reveal a great truth to you," Sibella said. Her hands swirled above the crystal ball, which lit up once more. Glenna stumbled to the chair and sank into it, her gaze trained on the glowing reflection in Sibella's eyes.
"Most of this is mirrors and smoke," the fortune-teller said. The light from the ball clicked off suddenly, plunging the tent into shadows once more. "I do have a gift, which I believe you also share. You were so insightful as a child. That's why I always remembered you."
"What's the gift?" Glenna asked.
"I can read people. Not magically, but practically," Sibella said. "I can't explain it, but I just have feelings about people. Some call it good intuition. I don't know."
"So you're not really a fortune-teller?"
Sibella thought for a moment before replying, "In a way, I am. If I speak to a person for a few minutes, I can usually tell if they are generally good or bad. I don't understand how others can't. I think you do the same thing. You just know.... But, I can't see their futures or tell them what to do. I can just tell them what is likely to happen if they continue on the paths they are on based on their characters and their feelings about things. I guess you could say that I see the futures they are laying out for themselves. I wish I were truly psychic, though... or that I could see the future. It would be much easier."
"But if you don't believe...," Glenna started to say.
"I never said I don't believe I'm a fortune-teller. I believe that all fortune-tellers are like me. They are simply good at reading people and have a lot of common sense and practicality. With those skills, you can guess what will happen to someone pretty accurately most of the time. Which isn't to say the future isn't fluid. Things can always be changed. Always remember, Glenna, you're never too far down a path to change it. I think all fortune-tellers throughout history had those skills. And maybe I do have a bit more... psychic abilities run in my family, after all...." She smiled mysteriously and winked.
"Well, I wish you were a psychic, too," Glenna groaned as she sank back in the chair. "I need one right now."
"Why do you say that? What's bothering you?" Sibella asked as she rose from the chair and finished unpacking her trunk.
"I'm not sure what to do. Roger's cloak is missing...," Glenna said before Sibella interrupted her.
"Roger Atterberry?" she asked as she straightened quickly from her crouched position.
"Yes, do you know him, too?" Glenna asked.
"I did... once upon a time," Sibella said.
"Anyway, his cloak was stolen, and I just have to get it back for him. So much depends on it," Glenna said.
"Like what?" Sibella left the trunk and returned to the table.
"His job," Glenna said. She felt uncomfortable leaving out Atterberry's life, but she didn't want to try to explain about Otherworld. Somehow, she still felt the fortune-teller knew she was leaving something out as Sibella squinted at her suspiciously.
"His job?" Sibella repeated, her voice doubtful.
"Yes, he hasn't done well with his magic tricks since he lost his cloak. Mr. McMillan says he's going to fire him. I think if he could just see Roger do his new tricks... but he's making Roger believe he's too old to do magic and that he should just retire. He can't do that. What will the festivals be like without Roger there?" Glenna cried. She didn't want to think of both Roger and Atterberry being gone.
"And you think he needs his cloak to perform well?" Sibella asked.
"I don't, but Roger does," Glenna said.
Sibella thought a moment before nodding. "Then I must go and find him. We used to be great friends. I must help him." Sibella went to her trunk and lifted a small sign from it.
Leaving the tent, she slapped it across her face on the poster. It read "CLOSED" in big red letters.
"Put my ball in the trunk, will you, dear? And lock it? I have the key." She lifted one of the chains at her neck. A small key dangled from it. "I'll see you later," she assured Glenna before hurrying away.
Glenna rushed to comply. She stopped as she realized she hadn't been able to ask the fortune-teller about the fox at all. Why am I so terrible at this? she thought, slumping. A desolate feeling overcame her once more. The image of Roger's shattered expression after his last magic show came to her, bringing her renewed energy. Glenna straightened her shoulders, took a deep breath, and drew out her map.
"You better watch out, Fox," she growled, "because I'm going to find you."
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Caught!
Three circuits around the festival later, Glenna was not so sure. She wiped the sweat from her brow.
"Where are you?" she muttered to herself. Leaning against one of the low stone walls, she tried to stay off the busy path. She leaned back, relishing the shade and the sudden breeze that cooled her sweaty face, and she closed her eyes.
Where are you? she silently asked the fox. Where is Atterberry's cloak? She opened her eyes.
The fox was staring at her.
* * *
His nose twitched as he scanned the crowd from his perch on a large rock nestled among the shadowy trees. Glenna could not stop the sudden spark of surprise from crossing her face, but she quickly averted her eyes. She hoped desperately he hadn't noticed.
When she dared to venture another glance, she saw he was hurrying away. Only the flick of his fake tail was visible as he ran through the trees.
"Not again," Glenna groaned. A tingle of fear ran up her spine as she chased him. She hesitated at the edge of the path. If her parents saw her go off the designated festival grounds, she would be in major trouble.
Besides, a voice in her head argued, he might not have seen you. Do you want to reveal that you are looking for him?
Glenna switched directions, her stride straight and true as she made her way through the crowd and down the edge of the narrow lane. I'll follow him as closely as I can, she thought. At first, she kept him in sight, but just barely. He wasn't venturing far from the grounds. With his clothing and coloring, it was easy for him to blend in with the underbrush. If Glenna didn't already know he was there, she doubted she would even notice him.
As the lane bent to the right, she was even more parallel with him, but she was slowed down considerably as the crowd moved against her. Most of them were on their way up the trail, and she felt as if she were being tossed helplessly in waves as she struggled to move against the throngs of people.
Losing sight of him, Glenna quickened her pace. She walked quickly and finally turned the corner into a quieter area. Pulling the map from her satchel, Glenna confirmed what she already suspected.
"You're going back to Roger's tent," she whispered to herself. "But why?" Her instinct told her the fox was going to steal something else.
I have to catch him in the act, she thought.
She turned the corner and saw the fox in the distance. He was slipping through the ropes in the near empty area and was walking purposely down the road. Right past Roger's tent.
He's robbing someone else! Glenna's thoughts were frantic as she struggled to decide what she should do. She bit her lip, hesitating, and half-turned towards the hill. She knew by the time she went for help, she would lose any hope of catching the fox.
I'll just see where he's going, Glenna decided. She ducked under the rope and walked slowly down the lane of tents, slipping behind them along the way so the fox wouldn't see her.
He stopped before the last one and turned quickly, almost as if he suspected someone was follow
ing him.
Glenna held her breath, letting it out slowly as he disappeared behind the tent flap. She edged forward cautiously, trying to make out the sign propped near the entrance.
She gasped as the face of a lady came into view. The fortune-teller! she thought. He's robbing her now.
She backed away slowly, careful not to make any noise, as she watched for the fox to re-emerge. She finally made it to a large tree near Roger's tent. Ducking behind it, she waited.
After what seemed like several minutes, the boy appeared. Turning, he flung something back into the tent before coming towards Glenna.
She knew he couldn't see her, but she couldn't stop the thrill of panic that settled in her stomach. She peeked at him again. He was staring angrily at the ground, a sour expression on his face as he stomped along.
He hesitated once near the entrance to Roger's tent before continuing.
Not so joyful now, Glenna thought as she pictured the way he had sprung happily through the trees before. You must not have found what you were looking for.
She smiled to herself. The fortune-teller's crystal ball was safe. Glenna had locked it up herself.
The fox became tangled in the rope as he left the tent area. Irritably, he swatted at it before freeing himself. He didn't bother to hide in the woods anymore, but walked straight up the path.
Glenna slunk behind him, hiding behind trees and rocks until they rejoined the busier lane. Then she slipped back into the crowd and followed him from a distance.
It looked as if an idea came to him suddenly because he switched directions and walked with a purposeful stride towards the fortune-teller's booth.
Glenna followed him happily. That was exactly where she wanted him to go.
* * *
Glenna had almost caught up to the boy by the time he reached Sibella's booth. She saw him hesitate, eyes wide, as he stared at something inside. He started to turn and run away and then stopped at the sound of her voice.
"Duncan! Come inside," Sibella said. Glenna paused in surprise. The fortune-teller sounded happy, almost welcoming. Glenna edged close enough to the tent to peek inside. What she saw surprised her.
The fortune-teller was hugging the boy. Glenna stared in shock, her mouth agape. Sibella looked up as she released him from the tight hug. Her eyes met Glenna's, though the gloom of the tent made it hard for Glenna to see her clearly.
A smile crept across the fortune-teller's face. "Just the girl I wanted to see," Sibella said, her voice silky smooth. "Come here, Glenna."
Glenna froze, unable to move. She's working with the fox, her mind screamed. She helped him steal the cloak. She's trying to ruin Roger! What will this do in Otherworld?
Glenna gasped as the full horror of the situation struck her. She had to find Roger. She had to warn him. As she turned to run, she heard the fortune-teller say, "Duncan. Stop her."
She only made it a few feet before the boy grabbed her. "Where are you going?" he asked. His voice was rough.
"I... I...."
"Glenna," Sibella said as she approached behind him. "Is something wrong? Why were you staring at me with that ghastly expression?"
Glenna refused to meet the fortune-teller's eyes. Her face burned and she felt panicky. She wanted desperately for Roger to appear.
And, almost magically, he did.
* * *
"Glenna!" his voice echoed loudly across the lane as he gestured with arms wide. "I haven't seen you all day. What have you been up to? Found my cloak yet?" He wiggled his eyebrows in a questioning manner.
"Roger," Glenna cried in relief.
"Yes?" Roger asked.
"Roger, I need to talk to you. In private," Glenna said.
"Alright," Roger agreed at once. He lowered his dancing eyebrows. "May I speak with her for a moment?" he addressed the fortune-teller courteously.
"Of course," Sibella agreed, but a doubtful expression remained on her face. Duncan released her arm, and Glenna staggered away gratefully.
"Roger," she whispered urgently as soon as she was sure they were out of earshot. "They took your cloak." She licked her dry lips.
"Who did?" Roger asked.
"The fortune-teller and that boy."
Roger stared at her a minute before a small smile began around his lips. It grew into an outright laugh and he patted her shoulder.
"Glenna, Sybil didn't take my cloak. I'm sure of it." His eyes were kind and trusting. It felt as if Glenna's heart was breaking as she realized she was going to have to take that trust away.
"Sybil?" Glenna repeated.
"Yes, Sybil."
"I thought her name was Sibella?" Glenna asked.
Roger smiled. "Sibella is her stage name."
I should have known that, Glenna thought. Just like Atterberry.
"They took it, Roger. Believe me," she insisted.
Roger's laugh faded, and he stooped to meet her gaze. She stared back into his puzzled one, her own honest and earnest.
Roger nodded once. "I believe you," he said.
Glenna sighed with relief before he continued with, "I believe you think they took it."
Glenna groaned.
"Is everything alright?" Sybil asked. Duncan scowled near her elbow. He had been studying Roger intently since he arrived.
"Not really," Roger said as he straightened. "Perhaps we should discuss things in your tent? Glenna has some concerns we need to clear up."
The fortune-teller nodded and Roger led the way.
Not in her tent, Roger, Glenna reprimanded him in her head.
"Now," Roger said as he offered Sybil a chair. "Let's clear this up. We should not believe bad things of our friends. But," he paused, his brow furrowed, before offering his hand to Duncan, "I don't believe we have been formally introduced. I am Roger Atterberry, magician and conjurer."
"This is Duncan," Sybil replied for the boy. "My grandson," she finished proudly.
"Your... your grandson?" Glenna asked.
"Why, yes. I wanted to introduce the two of you. I thought you might want to play together. Be friends?" she suggested.
"Well," Roger continued, "Glenna appears to believe the two of you might have taken my cloak. I assured her that wasn't the case and now that the matter is all cleared up, why don't we have some tea?"
Two sets of eyes turned towards Glenna, training on her questioningly. One appeared hurt and the other... guilty.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The Cloak
The fox stared at her with a mix of anger, suspicion, and... accusation. Glenna could tell right away he suspected her of something. The crafty look on his face gave it away. It was almost as if he was accusing her.
"Roger," Glenna started, but he held up his hand in protest.
"Glenna is like a niece to me. She has worked very hard to try to get my cloak back, and she is only trying to help so none of us must hold her responsible for her thoughts."
"But Glenna," Sybil said, "why would you think that I took Roger's cloak? I just got here this morning."
"But your tent...," Glenna started to protest.
"My daughter has been using it. She's been here all weekend. I'm staying with them tonight."
"But... but you've been here since this morning. I saw you," Glenna said as she stared at Duncan.
"Yes, he came with his mother. My daughter," Sybil explained.
"Well, I guess I was wrong...," Glenna started to say to the fortune-teller. She was going to finish it with "about you", but she never got the chance.
Roger interrupted her, "Obviously. So thank you, Glenna, but the search continues." He held up his finger as if instructing her before clapping his hands. "Now how about that tea?" he asked again.
"I don't understand why you thought we took it?" Sybil asked again.
"I don't think you took it. At least, not anymore, but I still think he did," Glenna said as she stared at the fox. He shifted uncomfortably under the gaze of all three of them. Glenna thought for a moment he was going to run
.
Instead, he laughed. "You think I took it? What makes you think that?"
Glenna stared at him in shock and surprise. His reaction wasn't the one she had been expecting and it threw her off. "Because... because...," she stammered.
Duncan crossed his arms as he faced her, one eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face. "Because?" he prompted.
"I... I saw you go in your grandmother's tent," Glenna said slowly. She realized how few clues she really had as she spoke. Her accusation sounded ridiculous, even to her. "And when you came out, you were angry."
"That's it?" Duncan chortled.
Glenna narrowed her eyes. She knew if she brought up her real clues, the ones from Otherworld, they would all think she was crazy. She struggled to think of any more evidence she might have. In the heat of the moment, it was hard to separate what had happened in each world. They seemed to merge in Glenna's mind.
She stared at the faces around her. Sybil looked confused. Roger looked disappointed and a little sorry for her. Duncan looked satisfied, still arrogantly smirking.
Anger bubbled to the surface as Glenna faced him. He is not going to get away with this, Glenna thought. He will not destroy Roger and, in the process, kill Atterberry. He will not!
Realization that she did have an actual clue entered Glenna's mind as swiftly as an arrow. She reached for her satchel and pulled out the tuft of hair triumphantly.
"I have this, too," Glenna announced.
The orange tuft of hair seemed to glow with truth in the shadows of the tent. Glenna watched as Duncan's face fell and a guilty expression came over him. It was gone before the others noticed, replaced by his usual crafty look.
"Where did you get that?" he asked.
"I found it caught in a tree near Roger's tent," Glenna said. "You must have snagged your tail while sneaking around the back through the woods to steal his cloak."
Roger regarded Glenna's evidence thoughtfully. "You found it behind my tent? Near the tree I left my cloak on?"
Glenna nodded. "Yes. Roger, you have to believe me. It was outside the boundaries."
"He could have just been exploring," Sybil said. "Honey, did you explore there?"
Duncan nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I explored there. I've explored this whole place."
"You shouldn't be going out of bounds," Glenna said.
