by L. M. Fry
“Hello, my little twinsisssies,” Nessie hooted.
“Hey, Auntie Nessie,” Valera began, but was promptly slapped on the back by her aunt so hard, she lost her breath.
“This one’s a fire ball. Go ‘head, Vlara, you show ‘um,” Nessie slurred to the other drunken patrons.
The men at the bar ignored her. Victor wrestled the pitcher out of her hand, during which Nessie spilled the contents of the pint all over Valera. A long string of nonsensical curse words poured out of Nessie’s lips. Finally, Victor won. He placed the pitcher on the other side of the bar and grabbed his aunt under her shoulder. Valera grabbed her other side, and together, they dragged her into the light of day. She screeched and cowered away as if she were allergic to sunlight. She slipped back under the protection of the awning.
“Why you draggin’ me away. I was ‘avin fun,” she blubbered.
“We need your help,” Victor grumbled. “Pull yourself together.”
Nessie’s bloodshot eyes took on a mischievous glint. “Whatcha planning?”
“First let’s get some tea into you. Then we’ll talk,” Valera suggested.
They went into the bakery. Valera ordered four cups of strong tea, while Victor took Nessie to a quiet table near the back of the room. Nessie downed the tea one right after the other. The caffeine perked her up and returned some of her wits. She leaned across the table, burped, and grinned.
“So, what trouble are we causing this time?”
Valera shook her head. Victor had been right. Nessie created plenty of her own problems even without Valera pulling her into dangerous situations. Victor put his fingers to his lips.
“We’re leaving,” Victor whispered.
Nessie guffawed. “Well it’s about darn time. Where are we going?”
“Shhh,” Valera hissed.
Nessie ducked her head and said with quiet but equal gusto, “Where are we going?”
“Danu’s tomb,” Valera said. “It’s in on an island in the far north Atlantic Ocean.”
“The Cornelius can’t take the winds up there. We’ll have to go by sea. I bet Ole’ Rust Bucket will help us.” Nessie grinned. “I’ll just tell him Adora’s going with us. He’s had a crush on her since our first trip in the Blowfish.”
Valera didn’t need to be on the Blowfish to already feel seasick. Their first voyage to Pacifica City had been a nightmare. She wanted to protest, but there was no other way to get to Danu’s Tomb.
She sighed, “Just don’t let anyone know what you’re up to. We need to speak with Gideon in the town hall.”
“Mum’s the word, gotcha! I’ll use the telecom on the Cornelius. No one will question me there. I’ll meet you back home when the deed is done.”
Nessie slunk off to the Cornelius, while Valera and Victor went on to find Gideon in the town hall, which seemed strangely quiet. Valera expected guards and officials with the precious objects that were inside, but apparently, her mother didn’t think the security was necessary.
The receptionist squinted at them. “Can I help you?”
“We’re looking for Gideon,” Valera stated.
The pinched-faced woman looked them up and down. She hitched her thumb to the right hall.
“Down there,” she said with a thin-lipped frown.
“Thanks,” Valera said, scampering down the hall.
She heard Gideon’s voice before she saw his face. He was in a back room, bent over the relics with a group of white robes. She recognized a few of them from Pacifica City. They recognized her as well. They bowed as she walked in. The Trinity’s miracle nonsense came in handy. Victor frowned at them in confusion. Valera just took his arm and pulled him into the room, giving him a don’t-ask look.
“Valera!” Gideon beamed. “Come in. Please.”
“I’m honored to have one of the saviors of Pacifica in my presence. If there is any way I can be of service, you have but to ask,” one of the white robes said.
“I’m fine thank you… but you’ve done excellent work here,” Valera said.
The man smiled and bobbed his head. His face turned five shades redder, and for a second, Valera thought he might pass out. Instead, he scuttled off to the side of the room with the other scientists. Victor grunted.
“What’s that all about?”
Gideon chuckled, “You haven’t heard about Pacifica, have you?”
“No, and I’m not sure I want to,” Victor grumbled.
“Forget about all of that. We’re here on important business.” Valera kissed Gideon’s cheek and whispered in his ear, “We need the relics and the key, Gideon. We’re leaving for Danu’s tomb.”
“What about Dr. Lawless? Does he know?” Gideon asked, taking his cue from Valera and keeping his voice low.
“No,” Victor rumbled. “He doesn’t know anything, and it’s going to stay that way.”
“Yes, of course. I won’t say anything.” Gideon replied. “Although, I have to ask why? I thought he was helping the girls. What changed?”
Valera shuddered. “He did. He’s… not stable.”
Gideon nodded. “It will be difficult to get the artifacts out of here with the archivists around, but I can bring them to the mansion tonight, if that works.”
“I knew you’d help!”
Valera wrapped her arms around him, noting that Victor’s frown grew exponentially. She released Gideon, whose face was now bright red. He straightened his coat and cleared his throat.
Valera smiled. “I’ll meet you at the garden pond at midnight.”
Gideon nodded. Everything was coming together, and Valera felt as if she were flying.
Victor touched his sister’s shoulder to get her attention. “We should return before anyone notices we’re gone.”
Bidding Gideon farewell, they quickly climbed into the waiting carriage and went back home.
Valera couldn’t believe they had gotten away with leaving. She had expected her mother to send out a platoon, or be waiting at the door for their return, but it seemed she hadn’t even noticed their departure. She was still in the library when they walked through the front door.
Valera and Victor went straight up to Julia’s room to share their success. Julia and Eli were on her bed reading Professor Scrod’s notebook and laughing.
“Who knew the Professor lives a secret life as a romance writer… The fisherman’s tight muscular arms wrapped around Marina’s trim waist and pulled her against him.
‘No, I won’t, she cried.
‘Face it, Marina you are mine,” Julia read aloud, falling into a fit of laughter.
“Are you sure you stole the right book,” Valera quipped.
“Positive. The map is the last entry,” Eli chuckled.
“Did you have any trouble?” Victor asked.
Julia grinned. “It wasn’t hard. Your mother kept Lawly busy in the library. Seems you might have a new daddy.”
Victor growled, “Watch it, Julia.”
Eli got off the bed and went face to face with Victor. Boys. Valera rolled her eyes and got in between them. They didn’t need a brawl to ruin their plans. They couldn’t risk drawing attention to themselves. Valera scowled at Julia.
A little help here?
Why? This is amusing. Who do you think would win?
“Come on, guys. Victor, it isn’t worth it,” Valera pleaded.
Julia finally sat up on the bed and droned, “I’m sorry, Victor.”
Sorry that Dr. Lawless might be your dad, Julia added telepathically, drawing a glare from Valera. Kidding… sheesh.
Although Victor eased off, Valera knew he was still fuming. Eli plopped back down on the bed as if nothing had happened. She was beginning to understand why his ever-present smirk annoyed Julia. He picked up the book and tossed it to Valera, who flipped through the pages and found the map.
“Here’s where we’re going, Victor. I discovered it with Aeda’s Sextant. You should have seen me,” she said, trying to diffuse the situation.
A brief sm
ile touched Victor’s lips. He took the book and examined the pages. “I’ve got some nautical maps in my room. We may be able to pinpoint an exact location. Do you mind if I take this for a while?”
Julia stiffened up, but Eli patted her leg. “I’ll go with him.”
“I can handle it on my own,” Victor groaned.
“I grew up in Pacifica. I know nautical maps… besides have you ever been alone in a room with these two? You either freeze or boil… sometimes both at the same time.”
Julia threw him a nasty look, and he skipped out of the room, laughing.
“Men…” Valera bemoaned.
“Oh, well. What can you do?” Julia smiled. “You might want to go pack a few things.”
“Hmm, good idea. I wouldn’t want to leave with only the clothes on my back… again,” Valera sneered.
“Hey, I apologized for that kidnapping-you business.”
“Well, I don’t recall it, but okay. See you later.”
Valera left Julia alone and went back to her room. It didn’t take long to toss some clothes into a satchel. Afterward, she sat on her bed, unsure of what to do next. She picked up a book from her nightstand – a fairytale she’d started before everything had changed. The story seemed so childish now. She was living her own crazy fairytale, and it was nothing like she ever imagined. The final chapter started at nightfall and still felt like a million hours away. She watched the hour hands slowly tick around the clock face until dinnertime.
She considered feigning sickness to avoid the inevitably uncomfortable meal to come, but didn’t want to raise suspicion. Taking her time, she walked to the dining room. Her mother didn’t notice her arrival. Marjorie and Nathaniel chose to eat in their room. Parmelia had left earlier in the day. The rest ate in silence except for Dr. Lawless and Victoria. Their sickening interaction repulsed Valera… and it seemed everyone else at the table as well. After an appropriate amount of time spent pushing food around on their plates, they left one by one. Valera was the last, and her mother didn’t notice her departure.
Valera met up with Theo and Julia, and together they waited in Julia’s room. Valera was too nervous to talk, so she sat in a chair and created small flames in her hands. Victor and Eli came later, maps in hand and ready to travel. Joe meandered in a few minutes later. Lastly, Nessie burst into the room.
“I’ve contacted Rusty. We’re in luck. He’s doing business with some humans nearby. He’ll meet us at the aerodrome at dawn. We just need to borrow a transport.” Nessie’s wicked grin gave Valera the chills.
“We’ve located the region where the tomb should be. The maps don’t specify any islands in the area, but according to Professor Scrod’s notes, it should be there,” Victor said, pointing to a blank spot in the north Atlantic.
“Gideon is bringing the relics and the key to the pond. If we’re ready, we should go meet him there.” Valera’s nerves rattled in her voice.
They moved through the quiet mansion and out into the gardens. Valera’s stomach was tangled in so many knots, she thought she might pass out. Theo wiped a hand across her face and looked back.
“I hope my parents will understand. I feel like we’re just now getting back to normal,” she murmured.
Valera put a hand on her shoulder. “They’ll be fine. Once this is done, we can all go back to normal.”
Even as the words came out of her mouth, she questioned the truth of them. In reality, they didn’t know what they were doing. Seeing Gideon under the willow with a duffle bag made her feel a bit better. At least, she had him with her. She waved to him.
“I brought everything you asked for,” he said.
Nessie slapped his back. “Good Lad, did anyone follow you?”
Gideon shook his head.
“Well then, let’s get out of here,” the captain barked.
They couldn’t risk taking the carriage this late at night, so they walked along the fields all the way into the village. The docks were empty except for a few of Nessie’s crewmembers. With a simple word, they stood watch while the rest of the group climbed aboard the small transport ship. Nessie started the engines and pulled away from the dock. Once they were far enough in flight that Aetherland disappeared in the clouds, Valera took a deep breath. They were free.
The ship floated through the skies, landing at the aerodrome with a splash. Eli and Victor tied the mooring lines to the pegs. Valera rushed across the gangplank to the floating wharf. The Atlantic Island Aerodrome custodian fumbled out of the tiny lighthouse, rubbing his bloodshot eyes and grumbling.
“Captain Stein, is that you?” He looked at a clipboard in his hands confused. “I don’t have a notice of your arrival.”
Nessie clasped the man on the shoulder. “Bernie, it’s good to see you.” She plucked the clipboard form his hands. “No need to worry about logs and such. This visit’s… top secret.”
The docks shook as if there were an earthquake right below them. The caretaker’s eyes bulged. Valera fought to remain standing. The ocean bubbled and two glass eyes rose out of the deep.
“Rusty’s early,” Nessie shouted over the noise of the Blowfish’s engines. “How about we keep this between us?”
The caretaker named Bernie nodded. “I’m too tired to mess with your shenanigans. Just get going before I change my mind.”
“That-a-boy, Bernie. Just go back to bed and forget we were ever here,” Nessie urged.
Rusty popped out of the main hatch. “Well, ya got me ‘ere. There ain’t no time for lollygagging. The Blowfish’s burnin’ fuel.”
Rusty held a hand out to help Valera and the others aboard the submarine of her nightmares. Gideon was right behind her. The submersible still smelled like oil and seaweed, which brought back a torrent of memories from the last trip.
She leaned over to Gideon and whispered, “I wonder what this will cost us?”
Gideon shrugged. “This is my first time aboard this… ship.” He lowered his voice, “Are you sure it’s seaworthy.”
Valera shook her head. “Not in the slightest.”
With everyone inside, Rusty latched the hatch. He peered around the cabin and frowned.
Rusty snorted. “I dunna see Adora. Nessie said she’d be ‘ere.”
“Sorry, Rusty. Last minute change of plans,” Nessie quipped.
She pulled a bauble from her pocket. Valera recognized the ring as a gift her mother had given her aunt. Rusty took the ring and held it up to a squinted eye. Valera frowned – it wasn’t a fake this time. The ring had real diamonds and emeralds embedded in real gold. It was a high price to pay for a ride. Nessie nudged her side.
“It was too gaudy for my style anyway,” her aunt chuckled.
Rusty spat in his palm. “Deal done.”
Nessie did the same, and they shook hands. Valera rubbed her hand against her shirt. She’d never understand the intricacies and rituals of salty sea captains or their airborne counterparts.
Victor told Rusty where they were headed. The old man groaned and grumbled, but started up the Blowfish’s engines. With all eight passengers and Rusty, the submarine was filled to capacity. The pistons spit and sputtered.
Bang… bang… bang…
“What in tarnation!” Rusty growled.
The sound was outside the hatch. Valera looked through a porthole and saw a blurry face. Rusty unhinged the latch and got out. After a few minutes of muddled voices, Rusty returned.
“There’s a man outside who’s sayin’ he hasta come along. He says ya know ‘im.”
Rusty tried to hold the hatch closed, but a hand appeared and pulled it open. Then, a familiar face popped inside.
“No way, forget it!” Julia shouted.
“Now wait one second, just hear me out!” Dr. Lawless pleaded.
Valera crossed her arms over her chest. “How did you find us?”
“I knew you would make a move. It was just a matter of time. Earlier, I accidentally overheard a conversation, and well, I stowed away in the transport ship. It’s
important I go with you.”
“No, it’s not. Rusty, kick him out and let’s go,” Julia hissed.
Dr. Lawless pushed his lanky way inside and planted himself firmly in the way. “I insist on going. I’ve waited my whole life to see Danu’s tomb, and I won’t relent now. If you turn me away, I will tell the council everything.”
“Is he comin’ or goin’?” Rusty asked.
Victor stepped forward. “We don’t have time to argue. You can come, but you stay away from the girls.”
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Joe growled.
Dr. Lawless nodded and sat at the back of the submarine, keeping his mouth shut. Rusty slammed the hatch shut and returned to the helm. With a jerk, the submarine moved away from the dock. Valera kept one eye on Dr. Lawless.
“He can’t do anything with everyone here. Relax,” Gideon whispered and put his arm around her shoulder.
She leaned against him and yawned. The vibrations of the engines and the sway of the waves lulled her into a light sleep. A couple of hours later, a tingling sensation pulsed through her.
Daughter… I’m here…
Danu’s voice was inside the vessel. Valera sat straight up. Theo and Julia were also wide-eyed and upright.
“We’re almost there,” Julia murmured.
The submarine surfaced in the ice-covered North Atlantic. The hatch opened with a loud slurp, a blast of glaring sunlight, and a gust of frigid air. Rusty poked his head outside, returning a few seconds later with snow and ice covering his stubbly face.
“There ain’t nothin’ out there, but ‘bergs,” she shivered.
Victor opened the map in Professor Scrod’s book and debated with Rusty over their location. Eli got into the mix, and soon voices grew louder and more irritated. Valera couldn’t take it. She retrieved the sextant and shimmied up through the hatch. She sat on the submarine’s slick exterior, holding the sextant to her eye. Theo and Julia appeared beside her, and together they channeled aether into the instrument. A line of light shone across the ocean, leading to a glowing blue light in the distance.
“Well, color me a barnacle!” Rusty quipped. “What’s that?”