“It’s a possibility, except you will always be running. Now that the King’s Paranormal Inquiries Division know you two possess the pieces they will never stop searching for you. And we have paranormals at our disposal.”
“Paranormals? The King’s Paranormal what?” Will let go of Lucy’s hand and began to pace. “Explain that part, please.”
“We are the police for the paranormal entities in this world. We imprison or destroy those of a supernatural nature who don’t conform to the laws set by the paranormal community.”
Lucy shook her head. “You aren’t making any sense. You and your mother work for my family. Is she part of this too?”
“No, Miss, but I’ve also been working for the King’s Paranormal Inquiries Division or the KPID for many years.”
“Well my mind is blown,” Will interjected. “I wonder if this division still exists in my time.”
“I wouldn’t know, sir, but it wouldn’t surprise me. The paranormals need to be kept in check.”
“Amazing,” Will said.
“The KPID is still run by the government. It isn’t my favorite thing about England.” Sebastian went to the sideboard and poured himself something dark, thick, and red before returning.
“So, maybe the first step would be for me to return to my time and find out if the KPID still exists. If it doesn’t, I can return and tell you. Then once the appropriate amount of time has passed, Lucy can use her piece of the amulet and come forward. We can live in peace there.” He kissed Lucy’s forehead, excited once again.
It wasn’t the perfect scenario, but it could work. “Yes,” Lucy said.
Harriet still looked subdued. “Lucy would need to stay in hiding while you are gone. I will try to protect you, Miss, but if you are found and refuse to give up your piece of the amulet, you will be arrested and imprisoned. Your family, Mr. Godwin, no one will ever hear from you again.”
Lucy gasped. That didn’t sound good.
“I will help her,” Dashel said.
“As will I,” Sebastian added. “In fact she can remain here. The magic used by the creatures within the KPID cannot penetrate the wards I’ve placed around my property.”
“Tis true,” Harriet admitted. “But my Popper probably tracked me to your property line. I’m sure the KPID are aware the amulet is here.”
Sebastian snorted. “Let them come.”
Dashel sipped his drink. “Another option we haven’t mentioned is destroying the amulet.”
Harriet shook her head. “The book cautions against that as well. The amulet was created by a god and can only be destroyed by one as well. Many have tried over the centuries and each time the amulet ended up killing the person who attempted to break it.”
“You are just the bearer of all sorts of great news,” Will retorted, frustrated. He ran his hands through his hair, blowing out a breath in exasperation.
“I know and I’m sorry.” Harriet stared at her hands.
“It isn’t your fault,” Dashel said kindly.
“I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, but it doesn’t change anything.”
Lucy sat beside Harriet. “This isn’t your fault.”
“Thank you, Miss.” Her eyes watered.
“What about when the gods escape the box? You said you could only hold them for a time, not forever, correct?” Dashel asked, looking at Sebastian.
“Then it won’t matter whether we are in this time or mine. Apep will find us for sure. And he won’t stop until he’s killed us.”
“But what if you contained the amulet and hid it?” Harriet asked.
“That might work. I’ll research my druid books on the subject.” Sebastian smiled. “That’s a brilliant idea.”
Will clapped his hands. “Surely that’s possible.”
Lucy’s voice caught. “How much time do we have before the gods can escape the box?”
“I’m not sure. I can re-trap them, of course, but I worry about the consequences of doing so. Apep is the god of darkness and chaos. If he is trapped within the box indefinitely, over time what will happen to the darkness? The same goes for Bastet. If she remains trapped, the stars could go out or fall from the sky.”
“Ugh, so we’re back to where we started. It doesn’t matter whether I go back to my time or not.” Will threw his hands in the air.
“Not true. You can at least find out if the KPID is still viable in your time. If it isn’t, you’ll know that. If it is, perhaps they can help.”
“Unless the world ends because we have the gods trapped in that damned box.” He poured himself another drink.
“It feels so hopeless,” Lucy cried, putting her face in her hands. “We have so many questions and no real answers.”
Will set down his drink and pulled her into his arms. “Hey, hey, shhhh. It’s okay.”
“I can’t lose you. I love you.” Never in her life had she believed she could find love like this and then to be forced to lose it. “No. I won’t let it happen. There must be something we can do. What about Ra? Is there a way to contact him? We could ask him to destroy the amulet.”
“But if Ra destroys the amulet won’t it make it be impossible for Will and Lucy to see each other?” Dashel voiced that concern.
“Valid point. But if we call him forth, could we ask him to create something that will allow us to be together?”
“It’s possible, but there are no guarantees. I can see if there is a spell to call him forth.” Sebastian didn’t seem excited about it. “If I find a spell, it will take time to get the ingredients together.” He shuddered. “And forcing a god to do anything rarely ends well. We would need to have something to offer him in exchange.”
“We’ll have to figure that one before you perform the spell. Sounds like we’ll have to come up with something, but we really appreciate your help,” Will said, holding on to Lucy more tightly.
“Perhaps we should give Miss Channing and Mr. Godwin a moment alone.” Sebastian stood, escorting Harriet and Dashel from the room.
ELEVEN
NEVER STOP FIGHTING
ALONE, WILL tilted her face up to meet his and kissed her. “Lucy, my love. I’m so sorry.” He kissed her cheeks.
“I’m the one who should be sorry. I never should’ve touched the amulet. Had I listened to my mother, I would be blissfully ignorant of your existence and it would be the same for you. That amulet has caused all kinds of trouble and I don’t know if it’s worth it.” Lucy stepped away from Will and paced back and forth in front of the fireplace. A log cracked, sending sparks into the air.
“Don’t say that. Never say that.” He sought her hand, but she pulled away, picking up the iron leaning against the rock fireplace and pushing around the logs.
“I mean it,” Will continued. “Promise me?” He twined his fingers with hers.
“I promise,” she said, sniffling and wiping at a wayward tear. “Not that it matters.”
“It does matter. We are going to figure this out. I know it.” Will picked up a fresh log and placed it on top of the burning embers. “I think we should stay here and help the duke with research until we find the spell that will call forth Ra.” Will sat beside her and took her hands in his.
“And if there isn’t a spell?” she asked with a sad smile.
“Then at least we will have spent four incredible days together.”
Lucy covered her sob with the back of her hand. “That’s a terrible idea.” Will tucked her head against his chest and stroked her hair where several strands had fallen from the pins. She guessed she looked a sight. “Any other options, Will?” She silently prayed he had something.
“No, because I have faith that we are going to find the spell, Ra is going to help us, and then we are going to be together always.”
“Faith?” Lucy felt herself getting angry.
“Faith,” he said tenderly. “When the duke finds a way, then we will help him.”
“And if Bastet and Apep escape? What then?”
&n
bsp; “They won’t, but if they do we’ll deal with it. I love you and I’m going to keep fighting for you.”
She nodded, burying her face in his chest.
“We keep fighting. We keep going, okay?” He tilted her chin so that she was looking at him.
“Okay.”
Sebastian returned. “What have you decided?” He crossed his arms and leaned against the entryway.
“We are going to stay here and help you find a way to call forth Ra,” Lucy said, wiping her face, trying to be brave.
“It’s as I thought. Knowing that would be your decision, I’ve already sent Harriet home to collect some of your things. She will advise your parents that I invited you and Mr. Rothchild to stay at my estate for a few days. And as it’s so late, I have had my staff prepare your rooms so that you may retire for a few hours.”
Lucy shook her head. “I don’t need to rest. The sooner we figure this out, the better.”
“I appreciate your vigor, Miss Channing, but it seems to me you can barely stand.”
As though to prove his point, her knees buckled. She sighed. “Very well. I appreciate your hospitality.”
“As do I.” Will wrapped his arm around Lucy’s waist. They followed the duke up the stairs and down to the end of the hall. He opened the door. “This room is yours, Miss Channing. Mr. Godwin, your room is next door. The rooms adjoin, if either of you care.” He gave them a mischievous grin. “I’ve had hot water brought up and a change of clothing is on the bed. Please feel free to use whatever you need, clothes and all. They are there for your use.” His gaze fell on each of them as he spoke.
Will followed Lucy into her room. “Again, thank you for everything.”
“It’s my pleasure. When you wake, just ring the bell beside your bed. Breakfast will be brought up. I’ll have someone help you dress and then you can meet me in the library.”
“Excellent.” Sebastian closed the door behind him as he left.
Will helped Lucy over to a chair. “Sit down,” he said softly.
Lucy wanted to resist, to say she could keep going indefinitely, but she was truly exhausted. “I suppose that would be all right.”
He knelt in front of her and helped her remove her shoes and socks. Then went over to the washbasin, took a cloth, soaked it, and returned. “Close your eyes.”
“You don’t need to do this, Will. I can take care of myself.” But she closed her eyes and let him. It felt wonderful and she relaxed, leaning her head against the back of the chair. “Tonight has been harrowing, but this is nice.”
Will chuckled. “Is it worse than the time those lions cornered us and Mihos stuck us into a cage hanging over lava?”
Lucy giggled too. “Close.” She opened her eyes. “William Godwin. There isn’t another person in the whole world I’d rather be with than you.”
“Agreed.” He kissed her forehead. “Did you need me to help you change?” He went over to the bed and picked up the nightdress.
“Mr. Godwin!” she said in mock severity. “Pull your mind out of the gutter.” She yanked the nightdress from his hands. “I’ll take care of myself.” She smiled as she spoke. “Why don’t you go get changed and cleaned up too?”
“I guess you’re right.” He glanced at his muddied shirt. “Should I say goodnight?”
“I suppose,” Lucy said, kissing him. She meant it to be quick, but he lingered, his lips softly massaging hers until Lucy thought she might lose her mind.
When he stopped, she immediately pouted. “I’ll see you in a few hours, my love.”
Once he left, Lucy cleaned up a little more. She was unsure what to do with her soiled clothes so she set them on the floor near the fireplace. It was brick and the soil wouldn’t harm anything there. In bed, she pulled the covers up to her chin and closed her eyes. Her thoughts returned to Will’s kiss before moving on. She went over and over the different things Harriet had said as well as the questions asked and the few answered. Their situation seemed impossible. Had it not been for the mysterious Duke of Vladimir all hope would’ve been lost. The man was strange, and he seemed to have feelings for Harriet. As did Dashel. The idea of her lady’s maid and Dashel becoming a pair seemed highly unlikely when it came to the rules of society. But if she viewed them as two people, they were a great fit, perhaps even perfect for each other. She mulled it over and decided she would do whatever she could to make the match happen.
At some point she must’ve slept because she dreamed of the glass box the Duke of Vladimir had used to contain the gods. The gold markings on the outside lit up and the box began to shake. She picked it up. Sounds of screaming came from within. Two wraith-like hands came out of the box and took hold of Lucy’s head, pulling her inside.
“Welcome to Hell, Lucy Channing.” The thick darkness parted and was replaced by a pillar of light. Bastet appeared first, her inky eyes flashing. “What have you done? Where are we?”
Lucy didn’t know how to respond. Explaining the truth seemed dangerous.
“Tell us!” Apep shouted as he appeared beside Bastet.
Even though she didn’t want to, Lucy found herself telling them about the Duke of Vladimir and his druid magic.
“Locking us inside this box has confined our powers, and if we aren’t released soon the stars will begin to rapidly die off, the moon will get out of rotation, and the Earth will experience extreme events that will end with the world and everything on it destroyed,” Bastet said.
Lucy turned away, desperate to be free. Bastet had spoken aloud Lucy’s deepest fears. Keeping the gods contained would bring about the end the world. Putting the amulet pieces together would end the world. Once the gods were released, Apep would continue to seek to destroy her and Will. And even if they found a way around that, the KPID would hunt them until they found the pieces. Their predicament seemed hopeless and it filled Lucy with such sadness that when she woke she found she was crying.
TWELVE
RESEARCH
LUCY DEBATED whether to ring the bell or knock on Will’s door and see whether he was awake. She wanted to see him. The clock in the corner said it was after noon. She’d slept too long, wasted too much time.
She didn’t have to decide because a soft knock came at her door and a young woman with cropped blond hair came in carrying a tray of cooked meat, toast, preserves, and hot chocolate. There was also a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, which surprised and delighted her.
The girl’s name was Beth. She helped Lucy dress in a sky blue morning dress, brushed out her hair, and pinned it up at the nape of her neck. Wispy tendrils dangled casually mocking her with their rested disposition. It was weird not having Harriet help her.
“Do you know whether Mr. Godwin is awake yet?”
“Yes, mum. He’s downstairs in the library with his grace.” She curtsied as she spoke.
Lucy drank the orange juice and picked up the toast. “Can you show me where the library is?”
“Right this way.” Beth opened the door.
Lucy followed the young woman down the stairs and round the corner into another hallway. Before they reached the end, she could hear Will speaking. Her heart sped up at the thought of seeing him.
“Here you are, mum.” Beth indicated she go in.
“Thank you.” She entered just as Will and the duke turned.
Will was seated at an enormous desk, books spread out all around him. Some stacked three and four books deep. He wore a linen shirt, open at the neck. His hair was rumpled in the most exquisite way. When his blue eyes caught hers, she sucked in her breath. He was glorious in every way. “Hi,” he said, smiling brightly. He seemed refreshed. She hoped he’d gotten sleep.
“Good afternoon, Miss Channing,” the duke said. He was dressed in tan breeches, dark chocolate boots and a pullover shirt that opened at the neck. His dark hair was rumpled, as though he hadn’t slept. “I see you are taking your sustenance on the go.” He held a leather-bound book in his hands and was standing near another large desk.
“I hope that’s acceptable.” Lucy suddenly felt very foolish. She should’ve eaten in her rooms.
“Of course, but before you touch the pages, why don’t you finish. Beth will fetch you a napkin and some preserves if you’d like.”
Lucy realized how thoughtless she’d been. A library full of books wasn’t the place to consume buttery, crumbling toast. She hadn’t thought about more than seeing Will as soon as possible. “I am so sorry. I can leave.” She went to the door, but the duke stopped her.
“Nonsense. Beth will bring you something and you may eat in peace near the window.” He indicated she sit at a small table in front of the enormous window against the far wall.
“Very good.” She sat, holding the toast over the table, not moving.
Thankfully Beth returned quickly with a new plate and a napkin.
Lucy ate rapidly, sending Beth on her way. “Again, I am so sorry,” she said when she was finished.
“Think on it no more.” Sebastian smiled and she returned it.
“Have you found anything?” She moved to stand next to Will, needing to be close to him.
“Not yet, but I feel like we are close,” Will said.
“Well, I’m here now and am willing to help. Just point me toward the book I should look through first.”
Sebastian pushed one in front of her. She pulled a chair over next to Will and opened the book. Will placed a hand over hers and squeezed. She glanced at him and he winked. Her spirits lifted immediately.
“Tell me what I’m looking for,” she said.
***
For the next few hours they searched the books. Sebastian had advised Lucy and Will to look for any passage that used the word ilaad meaning god and muddo meaning spell. In the fourth book, Lucy found one such passage. After carefully reading the contents multiple times, Sebastian determined it was the spell they should use.
About that time, Harriet returned with some of Lucy’s things. She had news that Lucy’s mother was thrilled with the idea of a holiday, especially since it meant Lucy and Mr. Rothchild would be spending time together. Harriet also told them that the KPID were stationed all around the duke’s property and that if anyone left with the amulet their people would sense it. She also confessed that she’d agreed to keep an eye on things in here, basically playing a double agent.
Past the Ages: Book Two Page 6
