by M. J. Mallon
Fazed or not, I decided I’d had enough, so I threw the wretched invite across the room. It responded by doing a merry jig in my lounge. It sang: ‘You can’t rip me up! I’m alive. Open up your laptop! Open up your laptop!’
I tried to squash the irritating envelope with my foot, but it kept dancing around me singing the same refrain over and over again. By now I could have throttled the envelope and its companion the invite in my urgency to get them both to shut up. I ran upstairs to my bedroom to retrieve my laptop. As I stumbled up the steps, I glanced over my shoulder. I couldn’t believe it, but the card and the envelope pursued me, cartwheeling up the stairs.
I sat on the edge of my bed and warily opened my computer. As if the card and the envelope recognised my actions, they collapsed into a crushed silence on the floor. Remembering the specified address, I typed in an internet search looking for the name, River Walk, but before I could find the location, a bunch of strange hieroglyphics appeared on the screen, followed by a more detailed message:
You’ve been chosen to visit the Crystal Cottage. Please bring an open mind. Be Patient. The cottage will find you. Follow your dreams, R.S.V.P. Not Required. The Crystal Cottage, River Walk, University of Cambridge, City of Learned Magic and Gifted Spirits.
I scratched my head. What an extraordinary message. I didn’t know what to make of it. The envelope answered by dancing another jig as if it already knew my answer. In a split second, the card folded itself into an assortment of shapes and pointed an origami finger at my bedroom door.
‘Go! Go!’ it yelled. ‘You’ll find magic and Krystallos light in the mighty cottage, thrilling power and answers aplenty!’
‘You better not be teasing me, Mr Origami Finger—magic, thrilling power and Krystallos light sound exciting and fun!’
Bursting with curiosity, I hurriedly dressed. I had to discover more about this Crystal Cottage business. Shadow trailed after me, slinking toward the stairs, twitching his whiskers, knowing something had excited me. I patted his sleek black fur. He rubbed himself around my legs, purring with delight.
Slipping into the kitchen, I snatched an energy bar and placed it in my pocket. I rushed, throwing my coat and scarf on without a second thought. Out of the corner of my eye, I spied my camera hanging in the closet. I grabbed it as I slammed the door behind me, leaving my soulless home behind. With sure footsteps, I followed the pathway that led to the river, leaving Shadow alone.
As I walked and half ran down the path, my mother’s words of advice flooded back to me, ‘Don’t walk along the river on your own—it’s dangerous.’ I knew it was an unlikely thing to say in such a quiet suburb of Cambridge, and yet it made me shiver. I chose to ignore the echo of my mother’s shrill voice pounding in my thoughts, yammering nonsense. In fact, her bossy arguments made me even more determined to go. For months, I’d dreamed that I might escape. I welcomed this chance to find this mysterious Crystal Cottage. Nothing could stop me.
With each step forward, I sensed that the promise of the morning had been met; it couldn’t have been a more delightful day. The sun shone, with a stunning brilliance. I guessed my escapade would prove to be one of those magical days that would inspire the darkest of spirits.
At first, my footsteps were marked with a heavy tread, but they became lighter the further I roamed away from my home. After a short while, I thought I heard footsteps behind me, but each time I looked around, I could see and hear nothing. My mother’s words of warning drummed in my head, becoming louder and louder. I screwed my eyes tight, gritted my teeth, and continued forward.
The footfalls started again, coming closer and closer. Picking up my pace, I rushed ahead. By now my breath escaped in brief bursts of rising panic, catching in my rib cage. I knew I had to face it, to confront whatever dared to tail me. I swivelled and my body turned, but my vision refused to follow. Peering down at ground level I sought the source of the sound. There, twisting around my legs, I found the welcome sight of Shadow’s gleaming green eyes.
I laughed a thankful giggle of relief, stroking Shadow’s glistening fur. ‘Shadow, you rascal, you’re spooking me. I thought you’d stayed in. Go,’ I said, pointing down the path toward home.
Shadow gave me a disapproving look but followed my advice and turned tail, emitting a short, sharp meow. I gazed at him guiltily. No wonder he didn’t want to go home. I didn’t blame him. I yearned to escape the confines of my home too.
I paused and smiled. The momentary interlude with my cat had reassured me for a moment. But those heavy footsteps kept playing on my imagination. My senses continued to work at a fever pitch, picking out every single rustle of grass, and each whisper in the breeze. I walked all the way down the narrow pathway to the river, listening and searching for the Crystal Cottage, but no sign of it transpired.
Mr Origami finger hadn’t told me I’d have to wait, but the words of the message, ‘be patient, the cottage will find you,’ repeated in my thoughts. It was odd, but I sensed that the cottage preferred to remain hidden today, concealed from the maker of those strange footsteps. I sighed. I had no choice—I would have to be patient. I walked on, accompanied by my frustrated thoughts.
Puzzle Piece 2:
River Pathway
The word forbidden,
Has a certain quality,
That draws me to it,
Like a long winding pathway,
With unexpected delights.
I continued to wander along the Fen Rivers Walkway where usually a few random dog walkers and over enthusiastic joggers crossed my way, but today I saw no one. My eyes sought out but were repelled by the fork in the route ahead. I glanced to the right and marvelled at the bright lights that seemed to tempt me to walk toward the city centre. To my left, a sombre darkness led to the neighbouring village. The river that flowed within the banks of the shadowed side appeared stagnant, the dark murky colour resembling an oil slick. I shivered in the shadows while noting the contrast in the dappled sparkling sunlight, rich with goodness beckoning from the other side.
Even though the shadows disturbed me, I couldn’t help but find them fascinating. I snapped photos of the dancing sable-coloured silhouettes on the pathways and the trunks of the trees. I resumed my walk and noticed a gentle dappling of darkened markings which appeared to my left. Glancing in the far distance to the right, a narrow boat on the river caught my eye. Adjusting my camera lens, I zoomed in. I photographed the boat deck filled with patterned plant pots which extended a sunny welcome to anyone who passed by.
Questions swirled in my mind. I wondered who lived there and if the people living on the houseboat would describe themselves as happy? The cheerfulness of the scene seemed to suggest they were, but I knew from experience that hidden below the surface it could be different. The strangeness I had sensed while in the shadows took a while to leave me.
I had taken about twelve images using the disparity between light and darkness to good effect. I acknowledged this success, but with a glance at my watch, I realised I must make my way home.
I paused and turned, stepping over to the pathway entrance. From the corner of my eye, I spotted two lads who I’d never seen before. The boys hesitated to the left of the trail as if they were hiding in the far reaches of the deepening shadows. I observed as they scrutinised my movements, their eyes never leaving my form. An uneasy feeling crept over me. I glanced over my shoulder to keep them in sight. I felt vulnerable dressed in my short skirt and tugged at it to lengthen the material, but my legs remained on show, bare and exposed. A niggling protestation echoed in my head: ‘You should have listened to your mother’s warning and stayed away from the river pathway...’
I exhaled, and the voice in my head quietened. I focused on the lads. They had a threatening air about them, and with mounting tension in my muscles, I watched them stride towards me. The taller boy had a dark mop of unruly hair and leering eyes that unnerved me. His friend’s hoodie obscured his face, and I couldn’t see his features. His presence created a thread o
f fear in my mind.
Not wanting to appear weak, I strode up the pathway as I headed towards the train tracks. The route seemed to rise to meet my bare legs, and my fear shifted into overdrive as the shadows morphed into beings as if they had taken on their own personality. I swallowed hard and realised the darkness had become like phantoms, their ferocious blackness looming over me like monster bites snapping at my feet. This route had no alternative way home. I had to continue. I had no choice but to keep moving.
The two lads trailed me. I turned back and cringed when I saw their blank eyes surveying me. The surrounding air had grown silent, except for the ferocious pounding of my heart, echoing like a drum. Behind me, I heard their whispering and sniggering. I shivered, and fear clung to me like a shroud. I couldn’t shake the feeling they could sense my anxiety.
‘Like your sexy legs.’
‘Yeah, that short skirt really suits you.’
I swallowed hard, trying to choke back the uncomfortable praise from the boys. I walked faster, and my breathing increased with the quickness of my steps. I heard their approaching footsteps quickening, getting closer and closer.
As soon as I reached the tracks, the shrill whistle of the local train screamed, startling me with the abrupt sound. The barriers came down, thundering into place and bringing the three of us to a standstill. The train’s sudden appearance had stopped us from budging an inch. I stood motionless, too scared to move.
The tall boy sniggered, ‘Saved by the train.’ His eyes trailed over my body.
His friend’s cruel laughter jarred my nerves. The train thundered on down the track spewing gravel on the road.
I could take no more. I ran. The boys raced after me, and as hard as I tried to outrun them, I lagged behind their speed. In a matter of seconds, they caught up with me. The tall boy reached me first, pulling at my arm halting me. I attempted to pull away, but he moved so close to me that I could smell the stench of his breath lingering like a sickly smudge on my face. I gulped down short, panicked breaths. Fright hammered in my chest and longed to find a refuge. My hands shook, and I didn’t know what to do.
The boy with the dark hair pulled me towards him as he grabbed my camera strap. ‘Nice camera you have there, give us a look.’
His eyes drilled into mine. I felt panic rise in my throat. ‘No,’ I replied clutching my camera to my side. I shook my head in defiance. No way, would I let these two take my camera. I planted my feet firmly on the ground.
The tall, dark-haired boy gestured to the other lad. ‘Come on, Mitch, stop standing and gawping. Get her to hand it over.’
Mitch lurched towards me and grabbed the camera from my shoulder. I turned and struggled, holding on to the strap with all my might. That’s when I noticed his eyes. They were bright but unfocused, just dark orbs staring at me. Startled, I wondered how his eyes didn’t appear as if they belonged to him. I stared closer; in the pupils of his eyes I saw a momentary black shadow. Shaking with fright, I struggled to stand my ground, but I fought back. I gripped the camera strap to my shoulder, tighter, holding it in a vise-like grip.
At that moment, I heard a rustling in the nearby grass. Mitch let go of me, startled by the noise. I turned, still clutching the camera to my side as I observed a young man who appeared out of the shadows near the edge of the path. His appearance caught my attention because he wore black jeans and a faded black tee-shirt washed so often that its original colour had all but vanished. His strange eyes sought me out. I stood gazing into two of the strangest eyes I had ever seen. One shone black as the richest smeared ink while the other glowed green and reminded me of the lushness of a meadow.
‘Are these two bothering you?’ He rushed toward me, but his question temporarily broke the spell of his mesmerising gaze. I gaped at him, tongue-tied; I couldn’t think of a word to say in reply.
The two lads stared at his extraordinary eyes. I noticed that for a moment, they appeared lost for words, too, spellbound by the newcomer’s presence.
‘I’m Ryder,’ he announced, the reassuring tone of his melodious voice flowing, like the gentle caress of a river.
‘What kind of name’s that?’ jeered the taller boy, awakening from his silence and crashing into the discussion with his harsh words.
‘A name you’ll remember, won’t you, Will?’ replied Ryder, standing tall, his legs spread apart, dominating the ground at his feet with a show of strength.
‘Yes.’ Will appeared confused and dumbfounded by a dazzling light. He pushed his dark hair off his forehead and scowled. ‘Hey, how come you know my name?’
‘That’s for me to know and for you to find out.’
‘Yeah, I’ll find out, all right. Such a weirdo, just look at his eyes,’ said Will, laughing and pointing.
Mitch joined in laughing too. ‘Yeah, and listen to his posh-boy accent!’
‘Thanks for the compliment. Posh weirdos are far more interesting than idiots,’ replied Ryder.
‘Funny posh-guy, huh? Why are you even here, weirdo, wacko eyes?’ asked Will.
Ryder remained silent for several moments. I continued to stand, my feet rooted to the ground as I watched the scene play out before me. It looked like Ryder’s brain ticked away processing how to respond. I couldn’t imagine how he would handle this situation.
When he finally replied to the boys, Ryder chose his words carefully, even though his answer seemed to be addressed to me.
‘I often take this pathway.’ Ryder spun on his heel and scowled at the lads. ‘You never know what treasures you might find along the way.’ With a glance towards my face, he scrutinised me as if his piercing eyes gazed into the soul of a priceless jewel. I shivered under his steady gaze. His powerful stare continued to search for a response. When I didn’t reply, he softened the tone of his voice and asked, ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’
‘Yeah,’ I replied, but my knees were knocking. I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear trying to appear nonchalant.
‘She’s fine; all we wanted to do was…’ Mitch struggled for a moment as if he couldn’t quite remember what he wanted to say, ‘to see her... photos.’ He pointed at my camera, speaking to Ryder for the first time.
I felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere. I noticed the two lads’ eyes had lost their glassy quality, and no more shadows invaded them. They focused on Ryder and on me as if they were noticing us for the first time. This odd experience left me speechless, but I had to find out what it all meant. The strangeness of this situation shook me to a guarded watchfulness.
‘You scared the hell out of me,’ I said, edging forward, scuffing my shoes challenging them to say more.
‘Sorry I don’t know what came over me,’ replied Will, appearing genuinely surprised. He scratched his head.
‘And me,’ remarked Mitch, appearing confused. He thrust his hands into the pockets of his hoodie, shrugging his shoulders.
‘Leave her alone. She doesn’t want you leering at her, and she doesn’t want to share her photos with you,’ said Ryder. He stood tall as if defending me against my aggressors.
‘Hey! Who says we were leering? We were just hanging out. Bet you’re the one who’s hoping to get all up close and personal with her as soon as we’ve left,’ said Will. His leering grin twisted, lopsided.
‘I hoped to make her acquaintance,’ replied Ryder, staring at the boys. ‘What of it?’
‘Acquaintance? Oh, you’re so almighty stuck up, posh-boy,’ said Mitch, laughing with his friend, his eyes returning to their former glassiness.
‘We better leave you two to get acquainted,’ added Will, his sarcastic voice mimicking Ryder’s posh accent. He pointed his finger at Ryder and me.
‘Yes, you had better,’ retorted Ryder while peering at the boys as if he wanted to force his thoughts into their minds. I continued to stare and noticed a dark shadow cloud Ryder’s face. I acknowledged this subtle yet powerful moment. When his eyes darkened, I swear they flashed thunderous daggers at the lads. Ryder’s face locked into
a fixed expression as if he prepared to battle. His body became rigid, and his muscles tensed. I stepped back as I observed the hard ground beneath his feet crack, extending in a black shadow as he moved towards the boys. My hand went to my mouth, and I screamed.
Puzzle Piece 3:
Ryder Walks Me Home
It’s a certainty,
Guys like Ryder don’t appear,
Every single day,
Weep as you will, but it’s true,
‘Cause he’s lush and forbidden.
I stepped back and stifled my scream. The trembling of the earth continued beneath my feet. I glanced down in horror as I watched the crack grow, spreading tendrils of darkness in an eerie shadow.
I tore my eyes from the trembling ground and glanced at the two boys on the other side of the fissure. Shock and fear registered in their eyes as they met my stare. My heart pounded in my chest, sending a shot of adrenalin through me. I moved as far away from the shadowy cleft as possible, my feet moving with no direction from my mind.
The lads took refuge in glancing at their feet, moving backward from the advancing crack as if they’d thought the strange shadow would swallow them up. I found it odd, but they didn’t run. Instead, Will and Mitch hardly dared to breathe. They stepped slowly, stealing away from the edge. Before long I watched as they became two indistinct shapes far off in the distance.
I felt my body relax. The quivering stopped, and the ground felt solid beneath my feet again. I took a deep breath and managed a faint smile. ‘Thank you, Ryder.’ I could feel the heat of a pink tint colour my cheeks.