by Lady Ellen
Out of the blue, from corner of her eye, Persy saw sparkles flutter down from the ceiling, next to where the spider just disappeared.
“Not sure why I should even tell you two this, considering how rude you’ve been, but the other day, while I was crawling along the garden fence, I overheard a VERY interesting conversation...well, mutterings actually.
That man next door, Mr. Hornby is it? He was kneeling down at the edge of the back of his garden, digging behind some peonies with a small trowel. He was saying something about ‘She’s so young, far too young.’ And then he moved a bunch of dirt aside and brought out this metal box; not very high...just a few inches and maybe a foot by a foot, wide and long. He took something from his shirt pocket, a note or photo...I couldn’t really see. He opened the box, put it in, closed it and buried it back behind the same bush. Thought you’d want to know,” The spider finished and withdrew back into her crevice.
Benson, who arrived in time to hear the end of this conversation quips “Arachnids! Always thinking they’re better than any other crawler. Eight legged know-it-alls.” he grumbled.
He landed on the back of Persy’s chair as she glanced over at Thaddeus.
“He’s got some kind of agenda, that one, Persy. I’ve no idea what, but he’s not just an old gardener.”
“Yeah, I’m seeing that more and more.” She fell silent. They sat there, lost in their own thoughts until Persy got up.
“I’m going to bed, back to schedule tomorrow. See you in the a.m., Thaddeus.” She walked out and down the hall to her room with Benson perched on her shoulder.
“‘Night,” Thaddeus called, and closed the door behind her.
As Persy snuggled into her down comforter and batted her pillow into shape, she began thinking about everything that was going on. Mr. Hornby and his strange behaviour, Vadoma, and how they would do when meeting up with Krak Ling. And of course, Melanthios and what they’d be facing when they returned to Bodesnoir. Her brain was whirling, spinning when suddenly her body calmed and somehow turned off the kaleidoscope. The last thing Persy remembered is sensing herself drift off. At least for a while.
There was a large mirror, edged beautifully with silver filigreed patterns mounted on a stone wall. To the left of the mirror, she could see a table with a vase of yellow blooms. It was above the flowers, on the wall, where her horrified attention focused. Slowly, as if being drawn by an invisible hand holding an art brush, words appeared, ”P...you are mine...” and they stopped when Persy bolted upright in her bed, her heart racing and a slight sweat was forming on her forehead.
She looked at her bedside clock and saw it was just minutes before the alarm would ring. Persy turned the alarm off and sat at the edge of her bed for a few calming moments. What did it mean, ‘You are mine’?
She got up and showered before anyone else needed the bathroom, still puzzling out the dream.
Thaddeus came into her room when they were both ready and Persy told him about the dream.
“I dunno, Persy,” he said, mulling what she had told him. “You have to take it as a warning, but of what exactly? Sounds like she’s focusing on you. Which I suppose makes sense, but it’s not clear. Maybe your Mom can shed some light on it.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
When Thaddeus and Persy came down for breakfast, Robert did a double take at Persephane.
“Good grief, Persy....you have legs.”
“Very funny, Dad.” Indeed, Persy was wearing a dress and not her usual jeans and t-shirt.
She decided to go for something different to wear and came across this dress, a hand-me-down from one of Robert’s cousin’s daughters. It was more like a pinafore, black with a fine grey pinstripe in it. Persy selected a white cotton long-sleeve shirt to wear under it. Black knee-socks and pewter ballet flats finished her new look. The appeal for the dress came from the fact it provoked memories of the clothes she wore in 1669. She liked it.
Persy had also brushed her dark mane back and held it with a silver claw.
“You look lovely, darling,” said Angelica, putting bowls, plates and silverware out for Persy and Thaddeus. “Here, Thaddeus, I’ve picked up a more male looking backpack for you. Persy’s old one is not going to cut it.”
“Oh, thanks so much.” Thaddeus picked up the pack and put in the few notebooks, pens and pencils Persy had given him. Angelica then added his lunch and put Persy’s in her pack.
Robert started to go out the door. He’s still grinning. “See you all tonight.”
They said good-bye to Robert, and then Angelica turned to the kids. “I’m spending the day at the Collection. Put your dishes in the dishwasher and I too, will see you characters later.” She left them to finish up and get off to school.
On their way to school, Thaddeus turned to Persy, “Perse, you didn’t mention your dream to your Mom. Why?”
“It would only worry her. Could be I’m just seeing my fears in a dream...I dunno. Let’s just figure out Krak Ling and get the Hagstone back. If this thing on the wall is really going on, we’ll see it again.”
“Ok, but I still think Angelica should know.”
Benson was flying up amongst the trees and over the hedges around the school as they entered Mannington’s yard some twenty minutes later. Rix ran up to them, followed closely by the Downing brothers. The whole schoolyard’s attention seemed to be diverted to them...new kids have that effect.
“Hey, Persy...cool look,” said Rix.
“Yeah, knees and everything,” grinned Zach.
“Man, you sound just like my Dad.” Persy laughed
From behind Persy and the gang someone screeched.
“Oh – my – Gawd! I am not believing this!”
Persy’s group turned to the noise. There was Britney Windsor, Queen Bee of the popular girls, pointing at Persy.
“I have SO got to get a pic of this!” Britney reached into the bag hanging from her shoulder and withdrew her iPhone. She clicked a shot of Persy in less than five seconds. The two girls with her, Britney’s nefarious sidekicks, Claudia Morgan and Stephanie Binghamton cackled along with her.
Various pockets of laughter broke out around the schoolyard. Most sought to have Britney embrace them as supporters, none of whom stand a chance.
Persy, Rix and Thaddeus were scowling and if looks could kill, people would be running off to make Britney’s funeral arrangements. Simon yelled out, “Britney, you cow. Piss off.”
“Eeewww, Simon, aren’t we the tough one,” Britney slung back, laughing right in his face as she walked over to blatantly show the photo to them. “What happened Persy...the fashion fairy throw up in your closet? Oh, I am so putting this on my Facebook tonight...Whoo-Hoo! And Instagram. Too rich.” Britney and her two admiring gal pals walked away to the main doors of the school.
Thaddeus grabbed Persy by her upper arm, turned her to face the school wall where they could speak in Silent Speak, and no one would see the sparkles.
“Easy, Persy, she’s not worth it. Keep calm. I know you must feel like murdering her. She’s just a cat, ignore her,” he projected to her.
“Oh, you have NO idea. That piranha has been asking for it forever. She thinks she’s so hot. She’s just incredibly mean to everyone. I can’t believe so many people think she’s cool. Why don’t they wake up? And...‘Fashion Fairy’? Boy I know a few fairies who’d love to take a round out of her.” If she could only show them what she could do. No one could compete with that. She’d be the most popular girl on the planet!
Rix walked over to join them. “Ignore her, Persy, she’s such a witch. Evil, malicious hag.”
Thaddeus and Persy looked at each other and burst out laughing.
“Well, that’s a quick change of attitude. Two seconds ago you looked like you were ready to kill someone,” Rix said in surprise.
“Ah, well, I guess it’s all a matter of perspective,” giggled Persy. “C’mon you guys, let’s go in.”
Rix looked at both of them, now totally puzzled. �
��Ok,” she said following Thaddeus and Persy. “Just as long as you’re good. Man, you get over stuff fast. Amazing, you are Persy.”
“Oh, you have no idea,” Persy replied, grinning at Thaddeus.
Persy took Thaddeus down to the main office to let them know who he was and that he’ll be spending some time at school with her. Angelica already had called in to give them details, but she asked Persy to take him in to meet the Principal and some of the office staff.
She introduced Thaddeus to principal Hemmings, “This is my cousin, Thaddeus Twynam from England.”
“Welcome, Thaddeus,” said Mr. Hemmings, extending his left hand.
Thaddeus shook hands. “Thanks, looking forward to being here for a spell.” Persy quickly glanced at Thaddeus wondering just what kind of ‘spell’ he was meaning. Thaddeus kept a straight face and continued. “I love Muskoka; wish I could visit more often.” He smiled sweetly and didn’t dare look at Persy. Knew he’d lose it.
“Great,” the principal continued, “Just follow Persephane around to her classes and enjoy.”
“Right. I will, thanks,” Thaddeus and Persy left the office and headed down the hallway to her first and favourite class, Science.
Persy took Thaddeus up to the teacher, Ms. Romford, who of course did the ‘teacher’ thing and introduced him to the class.
“Class,” she called out, “we have a visitor from England. Persy’s cousin Thaddeus. Please welcome him and make sure to say hello when you have a chance.” She smiled down at Persy and Thaddeus (who turned a lovely shade of crimson) and they proceeded to find seats at the back of the room.
“Cripes,” said Persy. “Feels like I’m back in kindergarten and doing Show and Tell. Teachers always have to make such a big deal over new kids. Enough to keep anyone ever starting school.”
Thaddeus shrugged his shoulders. “No big deal, it’s over now.”
“Oh, sure. I can tell how it didn’t bother you by your great imitation of a STOP sign.”
Thaddeus elbowed her to shut up.
Benson flew in through the open window and glided smoothly onto Persy’s desk, along side her text book. “Ok. I’m bushed. Lovely fly feed out there. Nap time.” And he crawled deeper into the desk to get out of the light.
“Must be nice,” mumbled Persy.
Thaddeus meanwhile was looking around the class, amused at all the furtive looks he’s getting. Then he spotted her. Britney.
Hey, he didn’t live here, now, did he?
He sat pensively, quietly looking around the classroom. Now, surely in a science class he could find something useful. Let’s see...
“Ah,” he concluded, allowing a wry grin to appear. “Just what the wizard ordered.”
Thaddeus noted that the class had done a study on local snakes. There, in a terrarium, curled up in the sunlight was the most darling garter snake. Thaddeus was sure it would love to get out and have a little fun. The snake’s home was on a counter which ran the whole side of the classroom and well, looky there, Britney’s desk was right beside the counter. How convenient.
Thaddeus surreptitiously slid his wand out of his backpack, covered it with his forearm and hand, allowing the smallest part of the tip to show through his index and second fingers of his right hand. Pointing at the snake he whispered “Escendorum” and the snake slowly rose from the bottom of the terrarium, cleared the side and floated along the counter as Thaddeus guided it.
Britney was busy chatting with Stephanie, snickering and glancing at Persy, who was purposely ignoring them and anything to do with that side of the room. Britney was wearing a bejewelled tank top, short stylish skirt and knee boots. Couldn’t be better Thaddeus mused.
She threw her head back, laughing in an over-dramatic way at something Stephanie said. Thaddeus seized his opportunity. He had to be quick as a few kids had spotted the snake and were about to say something. He called “Vergrando” followed by “Descendorum”, flicked his wand and ultimately the enlarged snake slid down the front of Britney’s top.
“Arrrggghhh!” Britney jumped up, knocking over her chair, her books and the books and notepads of the people beside and behind her. A great clatter caused everyone to look in her direction, as the poor befuddled snake poked its unsuspecting head out from her waistband.
“Get it off me! Get it off me!” she screamed and jumped up and down as if someone lit her shoes on fire.
Mark, a boy who Britney never deemed worthy to speak to before this day, turned around, and grabbed the snake behind its jaws and carried it back to its home.
“Dang, I don’t remember this snake being this big,” he muttered, as he put the innocent reptile back into the terrarium.
Britney leaned on the side of her desk, supporting herself with one hand while the other laid over her heart, breathing in short spurts.
Of course, by this time the class was in a complete uproar, laughing, pointing and making some rather unkind ‘Medusa’ jokes.
Thaddeus, however, very quickly stowed his wand and was calmly leafing through the science textbook, apparently totally disinterested in the shenanigans going on at the other side of the room.
Persy gave him a very knowing look, while Benson staggered out of Persy’s desk speaking in Silent Speak.
“Oy, what’s all the racket? How’s a guy supposed to catch a few ‘Z’s’ wif all these goings-on?” he complained.
“Um,” grunted Persy. “I believe my English relative has just given the snooty Ms. Britney a lesson in humility.” Persy and Thaddeus chuckled.
While a frustrated and frazzled Ms. Romford tried to regain control of the class, Benson snorted and returned to the back of the desk to continue his nap.
Something that stood out to Thaddeus was how Persy seemed to have all of the answers to any science question. Astounding, really.
The rest of the school day was relatively uneventful, although Britney was constantly taking sideways glances at Persy and Thaddeus. She knew something was up, just could’t piece it together.
They walked home slowly, Rix going on about the snake. “That was SO perfect. Of all people for the snake to pick. I couldn’t have arranged it better myself.” she grinned broadly.
Persy and Thaddeus listened, nodding smugly. Yes, I must say, I’m rather proud of that move, Thaddeus transmitted to Persy.
When Rix left them, Thaddeus turned to Persy, “Do you find some of the kids at your school particularly mean? Seems to be so many groups, putting a lot effort into make the lives of certain kids a complete hell. I know from Linxing through time, it’s pretty common to find bullies and victims. Why IS that?”
“I know exactly what you mean. You’ve got the popular kids, the geeks or brainers…ie me,” she grinned. “Losers, winners, sports jocks, bullies and wimps...you name it, you’ll find it. Makes my blood boil. They’re like packs of wolves, always one alpha kid in the pack.
What gets me is where do these ‘top-dogs’ get off deciding they are better than anyone else in the first place. And don’t the other kids realize that if they just do NOT give these people the attention they are demanding that the whole hierarchy will fall apart? These jerks can’t be that popular if no one follows them, right?”
“Boy, Persy, I seem to have hit a nerve,” Thaddeus said with a slight smile.
Persy smiled back, “Yeah, you did. Most kids in this area come from families who can’t afford all the luxuries, so people like Britney can prey on them at will. Her parents are both lawyers, so she gets whatever the going trend demands. Then she wastes no time in flaunting it to whoever will listen. I could kiss you for pitching that snake down her designer tank top. Brilliant move.”
“Why do you call yourself a geek?”
“Oh, I have a passion to know how everything works. Not just that it does, but how. The chemistry or pathway of getting from point A to point B. As a result, I know a lot of stuff, in science and nature anyway. People often don’t like it. Don’t like that I usually have answers others don’t. I get teased
or put down for it.”
“Weird. People should be glad you’re a fount of info.”
“Nope. Not how it works, unfortunately. But I’m used to it. I ignore them for the most part.”
They chatted and giggled the rest of the way home; sharing stories of people like Britney they had both known.
Angelica was home and sitting in the kitchen when Persy and Thaddeus went in for some juice. She looked really tired and Persy said so.
“Yeah, I know, my eyes feel like they are going to fall out of my head. Reading the old tomes is hard. Many are handwritten so you really have to strain to figure them out,” she sighed.
Thaddeus and Persy sat on either side of her.
“So Mom, what did you find out about Krak Ling?” asked Persy.
“Oh, well, there’s a lot of information, but it’s all over the map. He’s been written up in many books on evil and black magic. I need to spend another day sorting it all out; separating rumour from fact. By tomorrow night I think we’ll have what we need. But I’ll tell you this now, Persy. You and Thaddeus are going to have to be very well prepared. This Krak Ling is one nasty piece of work.”
Krak Ling In The Ming
“ ‘anging about the house t’day, Perse,” announced Benson as she and Thaddeus were getting ready to leave for school. “Bright, sunny day like this, going to chase me flies and snooze in the garden. Cheers!” Benson buzzed off into the back yard.
“Not much to entertain Benson at school,” Persy told Thaddeus. “He usually waits for me outside the school or hangs around here with Mom. On a day like this, he particularly likes staying in the garden.”
Thaddeus and Persy walked down the front path and turned right toward her school. Ol’ Biddy Mayfair stood at the end of her front walk, watching them closely, sizing up Thaddeus.
“I should throw my arm around you and give you a big smacker,” laughed Thaddeus. “That’d give her something to chew on for a month.”
