by Marc Lindsay
‘Did it work?’ Wendy asked meekly.
‘You really have to ask?’ Jason replied indicating the damage around them.
‘Whoa, I didn’t mean, I mean, I did, but I didn’t mean for that much….’ Wendy was cut off by Selene.
‘As much as I want to know more about this and you. I suggest we leave that discussion for another time, and get the hell out of here, while we’re still able,’ Selene said with a frown.
Sirens could now be heard in the distance.
‘You’re right, but Wendy, you have some explaining to do later,’ Jason said, then a thought occurred to him. The girls watched as he transformed before them. A jet black panther complete with a grey owl’s head and wings.
‘The earthquake must have disrupted the security alarm,’ Selene said. Jason screeched in response.
‘I take it he agrees,’ Wendy said.
‘No. That was Jason saying, get on and hold tight,’ Selene replied, pushing the younger girl forward and climbed on behind. Jason took a quick look around, then bounding towards the fence he leapt high into the air, his wings taking over lifting them all into the night sky and finally from view.
The transformation had healed Jason’s arm, mostly and apart from a few scars he felt one hundred percent better. With Selene they escorted Wendy back to her house, the subject of her help not mentioned.
‘How are you feeling?’ Jason asked concerned.
‘I’m okay,’ Wendy replied, her eyes downcast. ‘Look I can explain….’
Jason silenced her with a wave of his hand.
‘Not now. It’s getting late, we’ll discuss this in the morning,’ Selene said, her expression one of contempt. Jason placed a hand on her shoulder in a bid to calm her down.
‘Meet us at the front of the library, first light. You owe us an explanation,’ Jason said seriously, then his face softened, a small smile appearing. Oh and in case I haven’t already said it. Thank you for saving us back there.’ Selene nodded reluctantly in agreement then turned and walked away.
‘She’ll be fine, it’s just been a busy night. See you tomorrow,’ Jason said then turned and trotted off to catch up with Selene.
Wendy gulped and sat down heavily on the curb, thinking about what she was going to tell them later. She looked at the lights on in the house, not wanting to go in, for despite what might happen tomorrow, the thrill of the night’s events was something she didn’t want spoiled with the reality of her home.
As Selene stormed off Jason had to run to catch up.
‘Will you slow down please?’ Jason asked. His pleas appearing to have fallen on deaf ears, as she continued her fiery march down the road. C’mon Selene, don’t take your anger out on me too.’ This slowed her down a little. She then spun around to face him.
‘Why did you go easy on her?’ Selene demanded.
‘Is that what’s got you all riled up?’ Jason asked.
‘No. Yes, oh I don’t know,’ Selene snapped back. Jason sighed, trying to think of the right words.
‘She hasn’t been completely honest? Yes. Did she save our asses tonight? Yes. Are we going to have a serious talk with her tomorrow? Yes. Do you think she’s a bad person?’ Jason waited for Selene to answer.
‘No,’ she said then sighed. ‘You’re right, okay, there I said it. Don’t let it go to your head though.’ They both began to laugh. ‘There’s my girl,’ he said hugging her tight. ‘How about I get you home too.’
As Jason was walking Selene home, a black four-wheel drive had arrived on the grounds of the Black River Brewery and three individuals climbed out and surveyed the destruction to the perimeter fences. All three were dressed in dark heavy clothing and boots, two of the men were tall and broad shouldered, their posture and demeanour menacing. They moved towards the wreckage of the fence, visually scanning the ground. The third man who had remained near the vehicle joined the other two, he dwarfed them in both height and size and when he spoke it sounded like rolling thunder.
‘What have you got?’ he asked. One of the men answered back in a quick and precise manner.
‘Footprints, Mr Gilling,’
‘What sort of footprints?’ Mr Gilling asked.
‘Three sets, two female and a man’s. And,’ the man hesitated.
‘What is it? Spit it out?’ Mr Gilling asked impatiently.
‘It looks like the paw prints of a bob cat or a leopard,’ the man said unsure. Not pleased at his answer Mr Gilling didn’t say anything, he only moved over to where the other man was looking, studying the ground as well. After a moment a smile spread slowly across his face.
‘No, not a leopard. A panther. How interesting,’’ Mr Gilling said, the other two men said nothing.
Chapter 28
The following morning Wendy was sitting on the front steps of the library waiting for her friends to arrive, her attitude quiet and pensive. Jason and Selene had the night to think the events over and despite the fact that it was still their intention to discover the truth, they were both in agreement about her dedication and motives to the team.
‘Listen, whatever you plan on doing to me. I know I deserve it. I just want to say I’m sorry,’ Wendy said, her eyes red and wet.
‘Wendy before you say another word I don’t know what you think is going to happen but rest assured, I, we have no intention of hurting you. Our only goal this morning is for us to have a discussion, okay,’ Jason said, attempting to allay her fears. She obviously didn’t trust her voice, only nodding her acceptance.
They walked her through the main doors and down the stairs.
‘What do you see, when you look around?’ Jason asked.
‘I don’t know what you mean,’ Wendy replied.
‘What he’s trying to say is that people see what they want to see in here. So if you do notice something strange, don’t be alarmed,’ Selene said.
‘I’ve been here before. I’m not expecting anyth…’ Wendy’s voice trailed off as her eyes for the first time took in the real face of the library. It was a little overwhelming, half way down Selene had to help the younger girl from tripping over her feet. Instead of a tour they took Wendy straight to the staff room so that she may sit down and recover from the sensory shock.
‘Tea?’ Jason asked.
‘Yes please,’ Wendy replied shakily. Selene went about preparing them all a beverage. ‘Why have I never seen this before?’
‘It’s hard to explain. The library is a living entity, it kind of presents an illusion to the masses that make their way in here. But for those few with alien origins, extra sensory abilities or minds open to different paths can see its true nature. Jason said.
‘The rational side of humans can’t or won’t let them perceive anything outside what they consider the norm,’ Selene added.
‘And I can see this because I’m different like you two?’ Wendy said gleefully.
‘Yes. Which brings us to why,’ Jason said firmly. Wendy’s euphoria evaporated instantly.
‘As it was agreed upon at the beginning of our arrangement, if you’re not completely honest with us, then we’re done,’ Jason said. Wendy’s expression was now one of total panic.
‘I thought I heard voices, Jason I need to…,’ Ulysses called out as he entered the room stopping mid-sentence when he saw Wendy. There was silence as all parties waited for the other to speak up, Ulysses was the first to break the ice.
‘Jason may I speak to you in private a moment,’ Ulysses said, too calmly. Clasping Jason by the shoulder and steering him over to the far side of the room, with both Selene and Wendy looking on anxiously. ‘Do you want to tell me about the young girl sitting in our staff room?’
‘That young girl is Wendy Rothchild,’ Jason said uncomfortably. Ulysses’ eyes narrowed as he spied a glance at the girl in mention.
‘Wendy Rothchild. And I take it, there’s a reason why you felt the need to bring her here?’ Ulysses asked evenly. Jason proceeded to give him the abridged version of the events that had happened
since they had decided to include the younger girl within the group.
‘You did what?’ Ulysses exploded. Selene and Wendy quickly looked away. ‘How could you be so irresponsible?’
‘We had no choice in the matter,’ Jason said through clenched teeth.
‘Rubbish! You had plenty of options. The first being to inform me,’ Ulysses said sharply.
‘I admit the way I’ve gone about this, might have gone differently. In hindsight,’ Jason said.
‘In hindsight, are you making a joke,’ Ulysses roared.
‘No Sir,’ Jason shot back, the colour rising in his cheeks. ‘Going off at me isn’t going to help or change facts.’
‘Which are?’ Ulysses asked, waiting less than patiently.
‘Well we were just in the process of getting to that,’ Jason replied. Without another word Ulysses strode across the room towards the girls seated there. Wendy’s eyes wide as she stared up at the giant of a man approaching.
‘Ms Rothchild, is what Jason told me correct?’ Ulysses asked bluntly.
‘Yes, Mr Walker,’ Wendy nodded quickly and vulnerably.
‘All of you follow me,’ Ulysses ordered. Leaving no doubt to whether he was giving any of them a choice. He strode over to a door that had suddenly appeared. Holding it open, he motioned for the others to follow. ‘That wasn’t there before,’ Wendy stammered.
‘Ssshhhh,’ Selene said pushing the younger girl through.
Wendy entered into the dark communications centre of the library, not sure of what awaited her. Its spartan design and low-lit console making her imagination kick into overdrive, and not in a positive way.
‘I’m really sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused. If you let me go, I promise not to tell a soul about anything I’ve seen today,’ Wendy pleaded.
‘Ms Rothchild,’ Ulysses said and his voice unintentionally boomed out causing Wendy to flinch. He scolded himself on her reaction. ‘Wendy, I just want to reiterate what Jason has already promised you. Regardless of what you say, no harm will come to you. Do you understand?’
Wendy’s expression was still fearful, but she nodded anyway.
‘Wendy, please take a seat,’ Ulysses offered. Wendy looked around, then noticed the short slab of stone positioned behind her. She was about to comment on its sudden appearance, but the shake of Selene’s head suggested otherwise.
Once seated Ulysses addressed the room.
‘Greymeade, monitor subject, Wendy Rothchild, all the way to a cellular level. A wide beam of red light from the main stone console shone forth and slowly scanned her body, from head to toe. Once it had chartered her being the light simply disappeared.
‘Greymeade, analyse results and report,’ Ulysses commanded. There was a brief pause of no more than a few seconds then a three dimensional image of data appeared.
The data detailed her full name, age, down to the second. This was followed by a table of elements and their percentages. At the bottom of the table, two elements registered as unknown. Next to the table were a dozen anatomical images of her body, each one detailing the different systems within. This was also followed by more data on each of the systems. Wendy looked on in total astonishment.
‘That can’t be?’ she exclaimed.
‘Greymeade, those unknown elements present within Ms Rothchild’s system, where are their locations, ‘Ulysses asked.
‘Unknown elements are located within every cell, their determination unknown.’ the words above read.
‘What does that mean?’ Selene asked.
‘It means that Greymeade doesn’t know,’ Ulysses said frustrated.
Ulysses decided to change tact.
‘Greymeade, monitor Ms Rothchild for fluctuations in physiology to verbal questions,’ Ulysses asked.
‘What?’ Jason replied.
‘It’s a lie detector, isn’t it?’ Wendy asked.
‘That’s correct… are you ready?’ Ulysses asked. She steadied herself then Jason noted, the scared look she had been wearing since she entered the room left her face, replaced with a grim determination. Whether that was Wendy finally refusing to be afraid anymore or some other reason all together, Jason wasn’t sure.
‘Then let’s begin. Is your name Wendy Rothchild?’ Ulysses asked.
‘Yes.’
Greymeade displayed the word ‘True’ above their heads.
‘Do you live in Perigord?’
‘Yes.’
True.
‘Is your hair colour purple?’
‘No.’
True.
‘Have you told anyone about us?’
‘No.’
True.
‘Do you intend to tell anyone about us?’
‘No.’
False. Everyone including Wendy looked shocked. Ulysses thought about this before elaborating.
‘Would you intend on telling others to expose us?’
‘No.’
True.
‘Explain?’
‘I’d like to tell loved ones, someday,’ Wendy whispered.
True. Wendy let out a sigh of relief.
‘Are you human?’
‘Yes.’
True.
Those unknown elements in your system, do you know what they are?’
‘No.’
True.
‘The powers you displayed at the brewery. Do you know how you did it?’
Wendy paused.
‘Yes.’
‘Has this got to do with the elements within you?’
‘I’m not sure.’
True.
‘It was the book,’ Wendy blurted out.
‘What book? Explain,’ Ulysses prompted.
‘A black book, I found at Jason’s. I’m so sorry,’ Wendy said, tears trickling down her face.
‘What are you talking about?’ Jason asked.
‘When we were studying at your house. A book called out to me, told me to take it, read it,’ Wendy said confused.
True.
‘I’m not a thief, I’ve never stolen anything.’
True.
‘This book, where is it?’ Ulysses asked.
‘In my bag, in the other room,’ Wendy said.
‘This power you used. What is it?’ Ulysses asked, although he knew the response she was going to give.
‘Magic,’ Wendy replied simply.
True.
Ulysses had adjourned them back to the staff room, satisfied that the young girl was no threat to the group or the library. Not intentionally anyway, he also wanted to get a closer look at this little black book.
Wendy was sitting alone on the couch, her gaze cast across the room at the three people discussing her fate.
‘This was something I never expected. Before we proceed, does anyone have anything to say?’ Ulysses asked. There was silence. Jason breaking first.
‘You know what. When I heard her say that she took a book that had belonged to Uncle Plato, I was pissed. But did you hear the way she talked about the book. Something’s wrong,’ Jason said with conflicted emotions.
‘I haven’t been her biggest fan, to be honest I’ve actually fought against liking the girl. But after what I’ve just seen, we need to help her,’ Selene said.
‘I agree. But first I want to get a look at that book,’ Ulysses said.
Wendy sat before them and pulled the book from her bag. The tense anticipation from the others sagged immediately with its appearance.
‘Is that the book?’ Jason asked.
‘This is it,’ Wendy said.
‘I thought you said there was silver ivy and what was the title?’ Selene asked.
‘There’s ivy all over it, and you can read the title as well as me,’ Wendy said. The other three just stared at her.
‘There’s nothing there, just a black book,’ Ulysses said. Wendy shook her head.
‘It’s right there ‘Wylde wind and elemental fire’,’ Wendy said showing them all the cover.
‘He’s right Wendy, ther
e’s nothing there,’ Jason reiterated.
‘Pass the book here?’ Ulysses asked. Wendy nodded getting up from the couch she handed it across to Ulysses then sat back down.
Ulysses opened the book then with a frown started to thumb his way through.
‘The pages are blank,’ He muttered.
‘That’s weir…,’ Jason was cut off mid-sentence as the book began to glow, silver ivy and the book’s title appearing before their eyes.
‘What the hell,’ Ulysses had barely uttered those words when the book let out an inhuman scream and flew from his grasp and into Wendy’s waiting hands, everyone let out a gasp of surprise, except for the young girl who hugged it tight.
‘What is it?’ Ulysses asked, advanced warily.
‘She’s scared, she thinks you’re going to hurt her,’ Wendy said absently caressing its binding as you would a frightened kitten.
‘It talks to you?’ Selene asked.
‘Of course, can’t you hear it?’ Wendy replied.
‘No, we can’t. Can I get you to place the book down,’ Ulysses said calmly. ‘We promise not to hurt her,’ Jason soothed. Wendy nodded and started to put the book down on the floor, then stopped and sat bolt upright, the book again clutched firmly to her chest. Wendy’s eyes were open wide with only the whites visible, her mouth hung open and a woman’s voice flowed out, older, wiser, tired, it bore an echo like quality, as if it had travelled a long distance to be here. Wendy’s mouth never moved as the voice spoke, it just hung there lifeless and disturbing.
‘Do not try to separate us changeling,’ the voice said.
‘My God,’ Selene breathed.
‘Who are you?’ Ulysses asked.
‘I’ve had many names over the years, Morgan Le Fay, Circe, Hecate, to name but a few, but my first name, my true name has been long forgotten,’ the voice said.
‘What would you like us to call you?’ Jason asked.
‘Book is as good a name as any,’ the voice said.
‘Really. You want us to call you Book?’ Jason queried.
‘I’m sorry Mr Page, you don’t approve?’ Book said, placing a heavy emphasis on his own name. Jason blushed and shook his head.
‘I don’t know what your intention is but don’t hurt the girl,’ Ulysses said. Book issued a cynical laugh.
