“They’re gone! Just like that? What about Cornelius? What about all the lives Jacob took and the fires? Did he cause that damage too?” Adrian yelled at the space the gods had just vacated.
“Adrian, I don’t know. We must be thankful for what we have been given. They brought you back when I thought I had lost you forever.”
“Of course, I am grateful for more time together, my love. I’m just worried about the livelihood of those around us, and what about all the men and women who saw what happened? Remember, you have been seen as the Teselym, Wylie. There is no rectifying that, now tales will spread of a magnificent white dragon. On top of that you’ve returned from the dead. How do we explain that?”
Wylie had no answers. It was true, she had been in the ground, and Adrian had brought her back.
“How do we explain any of this?” Adrian was still shaking his head. He took Wylie’s hand in his and walked her towards the door.
“We do what we must,” Wylie answered and together they walked down the stairs of the inn.
Chapter
Twenty-One
Outside the inn, a large group of people who had gathered to watch the events unfold that evening were still standing around. Voices were raised in discussion and speculation, trying to make sense of what they had witnessed. Many were questioning if they had truly seen a magnificent white dragon and a giant snake.
It was all too preposterous for words. Adrian and Wylie arrived in time to see a police wagon pulling away from the barn while another remained. Cyrus was sitting cross-legged on the ground, rocking back and forth. Wylie was the first to see him and ran over immediately to see how he was.
“Wylie. Wait.” But she had already left Adrian’s side.
“Cyrus, oh Cyrus” Tears of relief fell softly down her cheeks at seeing his familiar face besides Adrian. “Are you okay?”
Cyrus’s face turned very pale at the sight of Wylie running toward him. He stood up abruptly and backed away in fear.
“Wylie?”
“It’s okay, Cyrus. I’m alright.” She reached out to touch his arm, but he backed away from her.
“How can you be alive? I thought you died.”
“I was never dead; it’s a bit too much to explain right now. But I promise I will when we get home to Dobbinsturn.”
“After everything I have seen over the past few days, there isn’t much that could surprise me,” Cyrus admitted.
“Cyrus, Ol’ friend!” Adrian ran up to the man, throwing his arm around him, and patting him fondly on the shoulder. “How are you?”
“Well, I have a large cut here.” Cyrus pointed to his head which had been a mess of blood earlier. Now a sterile white rag had been tied over his forehead, but there were still traces of blood on his long-sleeved shirt and vest.
“I thought you were dead!” Adrian exclaimed.
“No, he just knocked me out. Wait, you just got here. How do you even know what happened? Do you know about Jacob?”
“Yes, I know about Jacob. Where is he?”
“They hauled his lifeless body out of here just moments ago,” Cyrus said with a sigh of relief.
“So, he’s dead?” Wylie dared to ask.
“Aye.” Cyrus nodded his head.
“So, young.” Adrian shook his head as meanwhile the small gathering of people slowly began to disperse. Suddenly remembering something, Adrian inquired, “Any news on Professor Cornelius?”
“Huh?” Cyrus questioned.
“Professor Cornelius. Have they taken his body away?”
“Adrian, Professor Cornelius wasn’t here today. How do you know anything?”
“It’s a long story, but Professor Cornelius was here. I hoped that he had made it, but obviously, that isn’t the case.” Adrian looked down at the ground and shuffled his leather boots in the dirt. He wrapped his arm around Wylie’s fragile waist and pulled her close. If Jacob was dead, and they had hauled him off, and Professor Cornelius was gone, then there was nothing left for them to do but go home to Dobbinsturn Parish.
“What aren’t you telling me, Adrian?”
“Like Wylie said, it’s a bit complicated. Better left to talk about when we get home.” The tone of Adrian’s voice was enough to quell any further questions.
“Best we turn in for the day and let the police handle the rest. I’m sure there will be plenty of questions later.”
“When people recognize me as a formerly dead woman that was buried earlier today, I’m sure there will be many questions.”
“That’s if they can get over the shock of seeing a white dragon in broad daylight.” Adrian chuckled softly while giving Wylie a knowing look. There was no need to tell any of that to Cyrus. Plenty of time to fill him in later.
“Anyway, let’s not discuss it here. Maybe no one will recognize you because, my love, with all due respect, you look entirely different now than you did a few days ago. The color has graced your cheeks once more, your lips…” He paused momentarily, looking down at her. He grabbed her chin and pulled her up just slightly, kissing her firmly. “You’re much warmer, as well,” he said when he drew away.
Wylie giggled.
“I thought I would never get to do that again.”
“So did I,” Adrian admitted.
Wylie’s fears over being recognized as a dead woman seemed to be unfounded. No one seemed to be able to talk about anything aside from the large snake that had threatened them all and the white dragon that swooped out of the sky to save the day.
There was some concern at first, but it seemed to do everyone well to have something magical to talk about outside of the death of the people whose funerals were planned over the next few days. Jacob, who had no last name and no family, Professor Cornelius, whose body was found amid the charred debris, and Lord Jameston Ukridge. Wylie and Adrian helped as much as they could.
Professor Langdon, having been notified about the death of Professor Cornelius, caught the first airship out of London and returned to Long Island in time for the burial. Everyone present was questioned by police, but the reports were muddled at best, and no one remembered the thin lady from London who had passed away, much to Wylie’s relief.
A week after the Jacob snake event, Professor Langdon had Adrian help him contact all the remaining inventors who had entered devices into the World-Wide Inventors Symposium. Most had gotten wind of the news and knew that their chance at being famous had been destroyed in the fire. They gathered what they could from the charred rubbish and went on their way, those who came back to see the remnants at all.
At the end of that week, Wylie and Adrian decided to catch the next available passage back to London. No matter if it was a freighter or a luxury liner, they didn’t care.
“How are you feeling, my love?” Adrian inquired as he peeked into Wylie’s room.
“Well, enough. It’s a bit of a relief that all the staff was given the week off. It makes it easier not to have to explain what I am doing back alive.” She smiled, and her cheeks turned a blessed shade of pink. Adrian thought it was the most glorious color in all the world. “Why are you looking at me like that?” She fidgeted with her Dracosinum nervously.
“You look better than you have in a long time. I’m quite happy to see your appetite returning.”
“Me too.” Her thick eyelashes grazed her cheeks as she looked impishly at the floor.
“I must say we’ve had quite the adventure. However, I’m exceptionally ready to go home!”
He smiled, and it reached all the way up to his eyes. “I couldn’t agree more.”
“I’d say we have some unfinished business when we return home, don’t we?” Adrian smiled wide.
“Oh? And what that might be?” she asked.
“I promised you a honeymoon and I fully intend to fulfill my promise!” He swooped in on her, grabbed her by the waist, and twirled her around.
“Begging your pardon, Adrian. If I may intrude for just a moment?” Professor Langdon appeared at the door, nudgi
ng it open a little wider.
Adrian set Wylie back on the floor while still holding her close to his side.
“Yes, Professor. How may I help you?”
“Well, I realize in light of recent events that things have been less than ideal. However, the Symposium is still scheduled for October. I’ve had people withdraw, but I called in some favors and managed to fill some spots. I was wondering, if given unlimited resources, you would be capable of rebuilding your Petford Pusher.”
Adrian couldn’t believe his ears.
“You will have unlimited staff to assist you as well, and if you succeed as well as Professor Cornelius expected you too, then you will have a partnership in the transportation company as well. Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?”
Adrian couldn’t find the words to answer.
“Adrian, it’s a remarkable offer,” Wylie urged.
“Indeed, it is, but after everything that’s transpired, I was really looking forward to going home,” Adrian softly answered.
“I’ll be fine with whatever you decide, but it’s a marvelous invention, and I would love for you to take it as far as you can.” She stared earnestly at him, and he nodded.
“Very well, Professor Langdon. Wylie and I will remain here in Oyster Bay. I just need to send a message home.”
“Lady McCollum?” Professor Langdon looked perplexed. “The last message I received from Cornelius, he mentioned that she had passed and was to be buried.”
“Yes, well, a slight mistake on his part. He was so passionate about the Pusher, he didn’t realize she was getting better,” Adrian lied. Professor Langdon seemed genuinely confused, but didn’t argue the matter.
“That’s true, he was very intent on seeing the transportation company take off. So far, the dirigibles in our air fleet are some of the best in the skies. He outdid himself there. We may have missed the boat,” he chuckled slightly. “But we do believe that your invention could put us on the map. I want to honor him as he was a very good friend. Which is why I’ve decided to provide you with whatever you need to rebuild from scratch.
“I have much to do over the next couple of months to make sure everything falls into place for the Inventors Symposium, but I will introduce you to my assistant, Jeremiah Dawkins. He has been instructed to give you whatever you ask for whether it’s hands to help build or financial assistance to get the parts you need. I have a luxury carriage body coming all the way from Italy. It will be here in a few days.
“It was specially made just for you, but you’re welcome to make whatever alterations you require. I hope it will suffice.”
“Really, sir? Thank you. I am truly grateful.”
“Do not speak of it, in the meantime, take the next few days to rest. You’ll have your work cut out for you soon enough.” Adrian stuck his hand out to the professor.
“Thank you, sir.”
Professor Langdon took his hand, and they shook. Then the professor left the room.
“Well! That’s exciting!” Wylie exclaimed.
“I was more excited about getting home and spending time together, but since that isn’t happening, let’s take advantage of my down time here. We can go and explore New York City. What do you think?”
“That sounds perfect!” She laughed.
“I’ll send Cyrus out to prepare our carriage.”
“I think perhaps he has been through enough, maybe we should give him some time to heal,” she said.
“Very well, I shall send for a hired carriage, and we will be on our way.”
Wylie nodded in agreement. “That sounds wonderful, please allow me some time to get ready,” she laughed as she pushed him out of the room.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
As the sound of Adrian’s footsteps faded down the hall, Wylie locked the door to their room. Then she leaned her back against the door and inhaled deeply. Adrian could have stayed, but she needed the time to process everything that had happened. After a moment, she opened her Dracosinum.
“Quincy?”
“Yes, Wylie-girl?”
“Please help me understand everything that took place?”
“What, do you mean about Jacob the snake?”
“Yes! Who was he, and why didn’t I sense something off about him when I urged Adrian to hire him for the stable hand?”
“Wylie girl, part of balancing good is not knowing everything. Don’t take it too hard. For all intents and purposes, he came off as a normal, poor, stable hand from the beginning. Chaos didn’t like him, but Chaos only seems to take to you and Adrian, anyway.” Quincy chuckled.
“What was he, though?”
“I can’t tell you his name, I’m not allowed to say it, nor would I want to. However, Jacob, it may surprise you to know, was one of the Immortal Ones.”
“Really?”
Just then there was a tap on the door. Wylie said, “Yes, who is it?”
“It’s Adrian. Everything is all set. I’ve made Langdon aware of our leave of absence, and he has reassured me that all will be well until we get back. Are you ready to go?”
“Just a few minutes more,” she replied in a sing-song voice.
“Alright, I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
“I’ll be along shortly, dear. Excuse me, Quincy, I must get ready. After all the madness, Adrian and I are finally getting a honeymoon.”
“And well deserved it is too, milady. Just don’t shirk your Teselym duties.”
“Never,” she replied with a smile.
“Very well,” Quincy shrank down, and disappeared into the Dracosinum. Wylie pulled out the most elegant dress she had brought from London with a bodice of teal colored linen and lace. When Adrian had purchased it for her, it fit her like a glove. Now, as she slid it on, she was dismayed to find how loose it had become. Being separated from her Dracosinum had done a number on her, and she was lucky to be alive.
She dressed and slipped on her new black boots that reached nearly to her knees. Since the servants had been dismissed for the week to recuperate, she had to pin up her own hair, and she did so as elegantly as she could, arranging tiny red curls to hang in her face and on either side of her jaw. She missed her hand-made goggles that usually rested on top of her head. Nowadays she carried them in her handbag.
Checking her reflection in the mirror, she felt quite content with her looks and exited the room, descending the staircase to where Adrian was waiting for her. When he saw her, he smiled so broadly, it felt like the sun was shining on her. He extended a hand which she took in hers. His touch so warm, it reached down to her toes. She had gone out the last couple of nights to do her Teselym duties, but she still felt quite weak. It was truly remarkable how strong she felt at the moment.
“You look stunning, Wylie.”
“Oh, this ol’ thing?” she teased.
“Yes, it’s quite lovely.” He winked at her, and she couldn’t help but giggle. Adrian was the one who had urged her to get it against her objections. Now, here she was running away with him to New York.
“Any ideas what you would like to do first, my love?”
Wylie studied his face with delicate precision. Still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that what felt like moments ago, he had been dead.
“I don’t care, as long as we are together.”
“Well, that’s how I feel. I’ve alerted Professor Langdon that we are leaving for a few days to have a honeymoon of sorts. He was very understanding and says we can take all the time we need.”
That made Wylie smile.
“So he’s okay with it?”
“Absolutely.” They locked hands and proceeded out the front entrance and down the steps to their waiting carriage.
Wylie sighed happily. A few days ago, she was in the ground and Adrian had been killed. Now they were together and very much alive. The enemy had been defeated, and balance had been restored.
Chapter
Twenty-Three
A week later
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Wylie’s time with Adrian exploring New York gave her a whole new perspective on life. It was a beautiful city that was blossoming into a hub of economic activity. They enjoyed lunch along the water, ferry rides, and late evening violin serenades.
“I’m having such a lovely time, Adrian. I almost don’t want to go back, but I’m dying to get home.”
“As am I, my love. The carpet bags are already loaded and waiting for us to return to the Octagon Inn.”
“Thank you for everything, Adrian. The music, the dinners, it’s just been lovely.”
“It’s my pleasure. I love seeing your face light up.” Adrian pulled her into his arms and leaned his head in for a sweet kiss. When he pulled away, he could do nothing but smile. “I love you, Wylie McCollum.”
“And I love you, Adrian McCollum.”
“Ready to assume our responsibilities again?”
“Do I have a choice?” She let out a soft sigh.
“Well, you certainly can’t stand around smooching all day.” Quincy protested. That caused them both to giggle.
“Don’t worry, Quincy, we’re done for the moment.” Adrian opened the door for Wylie, but she turned to look around the room once more. She smiled as she remembered their happy times together. Late breakfasts in bed each morning when she returned from her Teselym duties. Dining out at fancy restaurants, romantic walks along shady avenues. It had been the perfect honeymoon.
“I know you’ll miss it. I will too, but our carriage awaits.”
“Yes, dear husband. Let’s go rebuild your marvelous invention.”
Their carriage bounced along, and Wylie pushed the memories of the previous week out of her mind. There would be time to dwell on those things later. She expected it to hit her hard when they approached the Octagon Inn, but in spite of the burned-down barn, she was able to exit the carriage calmly and make her way inside without a second glance back.
“Welcome back, Lord and Lady McCollum.” Professor Langdon greeted them.
“How do you do, sir?” Adrian asked.
“Quite well, thank you. May I steal you for a moment to talk business? I know you just got back, but I’ve got a nagging question. Then I’ll let you two get settled in.”
The Phoenix Lord (The Dracosinum Tales) Page 15