Family of the Fox, #1

by F. M. Isaacs

  Come be a bird with me, Corinne, it requested.

  I almost swatted him away. Later, Allen! I'm celebrating here.

  I thought you're done. This is kind of a strange ceremony, by the way. Students throwing their hats in the air...

  I would think everything we do seems weird to you, considering you're from the 1300s.

  I neared the table. The butterfly clung to my shirt for dear life, but I ignored it.

  I'm sorry about what happened, it finally stated. I never meant for you to get hurt. You know that.

  Gazing at Allen’s colorful wings, I softened slightly. Yes, but maybe becoming a fish wasn't the best idea.

  You're right. I should have made us whales.

  I started laughing at the ridiculousness of his statement, picturing myself as huge, fat, and wet, and Allen seemed encouraged by my reaction. Well, nothing would touch you if you weighed tons, you know!

  I can't imagine being huge like that!

  Want to try it?

  No more aquatic creatures, Allen! I've had enough water for a while!

  “Corinne, you're standing there staring off into space. Where are you?” Matthew spoke with his face directly in mine while he stuck a water bottle into my hand. I had no idea how long he'd been standing there.

  “Oh, hey! There's a butterfly on you! That's good luck!”

  See! I’m good luck for you! I heard Allen laugh heartily in my mind. I'll meet up with you later, he finished, fluttering away.

  “I'm worried about Daniel,” I mumbled to my brother, which was true enough. But my mind was on Allen and the adventures that lay ahead. He had offered to make me a bird! In spite of my recent setback, I was far from finished with transforming. Being a bird would undoubtedly be a fantastic experience. I just had to be more careful – and remain near the top of the food chain.

  Matthew sidled up against me, making sure no one could hear him. “So, I heard we have another traveler to add to the mix? Why didn't you tell me?”

  I felt bad. I was as close to Matthew as to Daniel, perhaps in some ways even more so, since we were nearer in age. “I haven't had the chance to tell you much of anything,” I answered, which was also true. After everything else that was going on, I hadn't really been focused on him.

  We looked off at the rest of our family, clustered around the food. Grandpa Brian poked around a plate of donuts, grunting, “Bastards ate all the chocolate ones already, damn it.” Nonetheless, he picked up a powdered donut and cradled it in his hand.

  “Listen,” Matthew said into my ear, “The police haven't come up with anything, so Mom and Julian went searching for Daniel before, and they're going to do it again later. They were considering having you and me go with them.”

  I wasn't sure how I could aid my parents, but I would be happy to try. Meanwhile, I just hoped I could get away long enough to spend some time with Allen. Since I couldn’t help Daniel at this very moment, Allen’s offer to make me a bird in the meantime would be a perfect reprieve. To be able to fly... Everyone's childhood dream... My dream...

  That's when the rest of the family descended upon me.

  “There's the graduate!” yelled Grandpa Ron, charging up to me and dragging me over to everyone else. Grandma Robin looked like she was about to break into tears. Dad’s parents always tried not to spoil or make a big deal of me, but their faces were beaming with joy.

  Clearly, my family was worried as well. Grandpa Brian, who had somehow managed to locate a chocolate donut after all, chewed mechanically while tapping Grandma Felicia and my mother reassuringly on the back. Dad spoke nervously with Uncle Jonas, whose eyes were wells of concern.

  Did anyone have the slightest inkling of what had become of my brother? Most likely he was off on some time travel adventure, but he was so new, what if he had made some kind of misstep?

  “Oh, Daniel,” I murmured emptily.

  WE WENT HOME TO HAVE our family celebration. Now, since there was nothing to hide, food was simply appearing. Someone would request what they wanted, and Mom or Grandma Felicia would create it from nothing. Each time they did, it left me just as transfixed as the first time I saw Mom create a light bulb for Dad.

  The doorbell rang. “Daniel?” I whispered hopefully.

  Matthew jumped up to get the door, but my father came in, his hand around the shoulders of a stranger. “Hey, everyone! Look who it is!”

  Jonas bounced from his chair, laughing heartily. “Mr. Smith, in the flesh! How are you? It's been a long time! Come on in and join us, Herr Mozart!”

  My uncle ushered the older man inside, and I merely gaped at him. It just couldn’t be.

  “Wolfgang, this is my daughter,” my mom said, winking knowingly at me.

  The man bowed slightly, taking my hand. “Fraulein Corinne, it is an honor,” he said in a thick German accent. He kissed my fingers, and I emitted something between a giggle and a choke. An honor? For Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to meet Corinne Greene? Was this really even him?

  Everyone was waiting for me to say something. I didn't think I could.

  “Corinne?” Grandpa Ron prompted, his eyes shining.

  “Um...your...your music is wonderful, uh...Herr...Mozart,” I stuttered. Could I have sounded any stupider?

  “I don't know if she believes you're Mozart,” Grandma Robin pointed out.

  What's funny was, I was almost positive it was Mozart. Mom had said they saved him. It was just that he was so ordinary looking, like he walked in from off the street.

  “I am he, I assure you,” replied the composer, with a gentle laugh to the others. “Come, Felicia, Patricia, let us prove it.” He led us to Mom's laptop and pulled up a website. I watched, fascinated. A man from centuries ago was computer literate. Leave it to my parents.

  A portrait of Mozart came up on the screen, and the man leaned down next to it so I could compare.

  And I could see it was he; yes, the crazy Mozart-hair was substituted with a neat, graying cut, and the fluffy 1700s jacket was replaced by a blue polo shirt. But the face...the eyes...

  Mozart was in our dining room.

  “Wow,” I breathed.

  “I told you you could meet him,” Mom grinned. “He stopped by just for you. Wolfgang, are you hungry?”

  He stopped by? By car? Or private jet? “Jim Smith” was well known in our own day. Musical scholars even had pointed out a striking similarity to later Mozartian works.

  Heck, the man was even from Salzburg and he had the accent to prove it!

  “I already dined, but I could use one of your brownies, Patricia.” As Mom set to work, our visitor turned to me with a smile. “Patricia says you played my Clarinet Concerto at a competition and you did remarkably well.”

  I blushed. My mom usually didn't brag about us, but I guess it was okay when you played a famous composer's work and he was there to hear about it.

  “I should like to accompany you on it someday.”

  “Accompany...me?”

  “I should be honored.”

  There it was again. He should be honored by an eighteen-year-old. “Thank you, but why?”

  “My dear, I owe your parents my life. They rescued me and cured me, allowing me to give the world more of my music. Your accomplishments are mine as well!” He clasped his hands together as Mom placed a large amount of peanut-butter brownies on the dining room table. “Ah, my favorite! Thank you for your hard work, Patricia. They are conjured, no?”

  “Of course!”

  “The best kind!” Mozart sat down and motioned to my uncle. “My dear friend Jonas, come join me!”

  My uncle complied, and both set to devouring the treats, ending our conversation. I was grateful for Mom’s interruption, because what else would a young woman say to the creator of works like “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” and the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”?

  I hung around a while longer, goggling our famous guest. He was like a member of the family who hadn't visited in a while, and everyone seemed to be enjoying his
company. He actually had quite a sense of humor, and he liked to tell stories. And hearing a famous composer’s tales was incredible, but soon I found myself more attracted by the temptation of Allen. I couldn't wait much longer to see him.

  I mentioned to my parents that I was going outside. Mom glared at me suspiciously. “Why now? Everyone's here to celebrate your grad-uation! Even Mozart!”

  “I know, but it's been a while, and with Daniel and everything... I just need a little stress relief.”

  She continued to stare at me, and then nodded. “Daniel...” she sighed, throwing up her hands. “Go, but don't stay out long. I don't want you out in the dark. Plus, we're considering taking you and Matthew to help us look for your brother later.”

  “I don't know what we'd be able to do.”

  “Every set of eyes, ears, and any other abilities you have might help.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  The minute I walked outside, I saw a familiar bird of prey flapping at the top of a pine. Hurry into the woods so I can change you, it demanded. What took you so long?

  “Don't even ask.” I rushed into the trees. I wasn't nervous, and I had mostly forgiven him. All I wanted to do was fly. “What kind of bird am I going to be? And please make sure it's something that won't be eaten.”

  He emitted a squawk that sounded like a laugh. You're going to be a hawk like me!

  And suddenly, I was.

  The drastic change in height was disconcerting. The added feeling of having my arms plastered to my sides as wings, plus having bird toes and a beak, was simply surreal. I tried to take a step and tumbled clumsily to the earth.

  Allen joined me on the ground. Careful, balancing on bird toes is a bit different from standing on human feet.

  I looked at him with my new raptor eyes. My vision was so sharp and bright that I had trouble putting names to some of the colors around me.

  Get used to working and grasping with those toes, and then we'll fly, Allen suggested.

  He was beautiful and majestic, his feathers perfectly groomed and in place. I could see him posing for a coin or statue.

  Awkwardly, I bobbed around until I got the hang of my new feet. Then I pumped my wings enough to lift me slightly into the air.

  Wow! This is a rush! I exclaimed. I came back down too hard on my spindly legs and they gave way under me. But other than being embarrassed, I was fine.

  Allen flew up to a branch above me. Now, flap like you just did, but keep it going. Try to get to where I am, then reach out, grab the branch, and steady yourself to land. It's not hard.

  After one or two abortive attempts, I finally managed to join him. Bracing myself on the thick bough, I forced myself to not look below.

  See? You're a natural.

  That's because I'm one with nature, I answered sarcastically.

  But it's true. And don't worry about the height. As your bird instincts kick in, it won't bother you. They might have started up already.

  And indeed, when I glanced down, I wasn't as scared as I had expected to be. Whether it was because I knew I could catch myself if I started to fall, or because I now possessed an avian disposition, I wasn't certain. But I did know that I wanted to soar.

  I launched myself into the air with abandon, letting out a squeak of pure joy. This truly was freedom. This form, more than any previous one, provided me with sensations of deep fulfillment and a marvelous lack of restraint.

  Allen whizzed past. Don't dangle your legs like that! Tuck them in! You'll fly better!

  I obeyed, and immediately found it easier to maneuver. Then I headed into the clouds.

  The wind rushing beneath my wings made me understand why birds sang, and I was ready to chime in with them. The breeze played with my feathers as my body was gently buffeted by the air currents. I’d left all of my everyday teenage worries far below on the ground. They meant nothing to me now, and I wanted to kiss Allen for giving me such a fantastic gift.

  It's so wonderful! I cried as he flew up beside me.

  Isn't it?

  I could see why Daniel wanted Allen to change him so frequently. What sheer elation to dive and glide! My brother probably loved this!

  Daniel. What had happened to him?

  Allen detected the drop in my mood. Are you okay?

  I'm just so worried about Daniel.

  Allen descended to a branch. We were very near his “shack” – I could see it through the trees. I could swear he’d enlarged it, too.

  I came down beside him. Maybe I should go look for my brother.

  Oh, Corinne, I know him. I'm sure he's fine.

  I don't think so. He'd never just disappear without telling my parents where he is. I fluttered to the forest floor. Allen, can you turn me back?

  Why? he pouted.

  Allen, please.

  Very well.

  Gaining back my human form left me breathless. I began to pace around on the carpet of leaves. Allen soon followed me, human once again as well. It didn't take very long for him to become annoyed with my restlessness. “Corinne, stop it. Why are you doing this? We could be flying!”

  I flipped around to face him. “I feel like I should be doing something to help Daniel. My mom was saying I might be able to. I should get back home before they think I disappeared too.”

  “You know he's fine. I guarantee it. I'd never let anything bad happen to him. He's my savior.”

  He stood there, his hands across his chest, with an expression I'd never seen on him before. It was an odd mix of anxiety and anger, which made me furious at him.

  “How do you know that? Do you even care that he's missing?”

  “Of course!”

  “You don't seem so worried about it!”

  “That's because he's probably having the time of his life, somewhere off in time.”

  Something nagged at me. Of all people, why had Daniel chosen to save Allen? My father had rescued special people who were very talented. What was so important about Allen that my brother had decided to bring him forward from the fourteenth century?

  “Why did Daniel pick you to save, Allen?” I inquired.

  He looked up, surprised. “What, don't you know?”

  “Know?”

  Cocking his head in amazement, he studied me. “No, you really don’t, do you?”

  I was getting frustrated. “Allen, if I did, I wouldn't be asking you, would I?”

  “I guess not.” He grinned to himself, plucking a leaf from a nearby shrub and playing with it. “I'm famous.”

  “Famous? I don't know too many famous Allens born in 1302.”

  He went past this. “I'm a big name in your folklore. You know me very well.”

  I had no idea what he was talking about. “No, Allen. I really don't.”

  “I'm Aldous.”

  “Aldous?” The Sad Little Peahen story flooded into my brain. Aldous, the wizard who punished his daughter for seeing the prince... Who turned the prince into a horse and set him to pulling the king's carriage...

  “Aldous...” My jaw dropped, and I froze, trying to grasp what he had just told me. “That’s...” I searched his face for some kind of evidence.

  “Daniel says the villagers called me 'Aldous the Fox'. I love the whole idea. I do enjoy being a fox, it's true.”

  My heart began to pound in my chest. The Sad Little Peahen was no story. Aldous, its main character, was a changer, and Allen was Aldous!

  I gulped, waiting for him to say something, but he just stood there with a broad, proud smile on his face.

  “No...Daniel wouldn’t...Aldous is...” I couldn't say “evil”. What if he didn't know about what he had done yet? Allen seemed so young.

  “Are you...married? Do you have children?”

  “Not yet.”

  My God, Daniel had taken him from before any of the events in The Sad Little Peahen took place! Assuming that story was true, then history would be changed, perhaps drastically, if Allen remained in the present.

  This was what my parents
had been fighting with Daniel about! Horrified, I clasped my hand over my mouth, understanding finally dawning. Despite my residual anger at him from when I had nearly gotten devoured, I knew that I wanted Allen to stay here. After all that had transpired between us, I was deeply drawn to him: his power, his personality, and his desire to help me see what I might be capable of. I had found him attractive from the first time I had met him, and in truth I had grown to want him for myself more and more. But now it was clear to me: I couldn't have him; he needed to return to his proper time. Allen had to be brought back!

  Without my prompting, Allen started to explain more. “Daniel says when I'm older I'm famous for being a great wizard. Well, changer, at least. The king and queen call on me for my services. They even give me an English name, Aldous, since it's a fashion of the time. My birth name is Aaron.” He paused, his eyes bright. “I don't want to read too much about myself, though. Then I'll know the future. Daniel and I both agreed that I wouldn't. It might be dangerous, and there would be no adventure in living if I know everything that happens.”

  “What does it matter whether you know or not? If you stay here forever, you'll change the past. Then the whole story won't happen...” I didn't want to say it to him, but the impact of what Daniel had done could truly be world-changing.

  “You’re right. I could read it since I’m staying in this era. But I don’t care what would have happened to me. Why would I want to go back to my old life?”

  “To have the family you're supposed to have! If you don't, your children will never exist!”

  “I can have children here instead.”

  I stopped to think. Allen didn't know he had changed his daughter into a peahen, or that he was eventually killed. I was glad that Daniel was wise enough to keep his future from him. I wondered what had befallen him that he had become such a cruel, bitter man later in his life.

  And I hoped he did not get ahold of The Sad Little Peahen. Had he heard any of us read it? There was that time when I babysat Shaina and I didn't read it to her...

  “Were you at Shaina's?” I demanded.