Wildwood (YA Paranormal Mystery)
Page 16
An African statue beside the window caught Todd's attention. He'd seen something similar in Professor Cardell's book, Lord of the Wildwood. The figure had horns on its head and a torque of leaves and fruit circling its neck. In one hand rested a coiled snake with a sheep's head, while the other hand held a staff sprouting vines at the end. Todd leaned in for a better look. The staff was actually growing from the man's hand. It reminded him of the nightmare he'd had where creepers sprouted from his dad's hands.
This whole Wild Lord thing was really starting to freak him out. He patted the pocket of his cut-offs where he'd stowed the Todd and Marigold dolls, but it was empty. The Professor Cardell doll had disappeared from his other pocket as well. It would be just his luck if they punished him for stealing from the Offering Tree.
He needed to get away. Shaun had better be waiting for him, or he'd have no way out of the village. Todd hurried across the room and tried the door handle. Locked. Okay, that would have been too easy. He returned to the window and unlatched one of the large openers, peering down at the ground. The room was on the ground floor, but the garden sloped away in front of the house, meaning the jump down was about twelve feet—into a bed of hybrid tea roses.
He was trying to decide if jumping into the rosebushes was worth the scratches when the door lock clicked, and Professor Cardell entered the room. "Ah." He halted a few steps inside, rubbing his hands together. "Good. You're back in the land of the living."
Anger bubbled inside Todd. "Kidnapping's a crime!" He strode towards the open door. Let the professor try to stop him. But Cardell wasn't alone. A bulky man blocked the doorway, his face set in an expression that made it clear he wouldn't let Todd past.
Todd halted, wishing he'd spent the last five years learning martial arts instead of swimming. "Get out of the way. You can't keep me here."
Professor Cardell stroked his cravat and smiled condescendingly. "That's rather overdramatic, young man." He pointed at the sofa. "Let's sit like civilized adults and discuss the situation."
"What's to discuss? Let me go or I'll report you to the police for kidnapping."
The man's gaze shot to Cardell who gave a slight shake of his head. "Stay there, Henry."
"I mean it," Todd added. But the man held his ground, his jaw set.
"Don't you want to learn more about your father, Todd?" the Professor asked.
Todd didn't stand a chance of pushing past Hulking Henry. He tried to think through the throbbing in his head. If he played along with Cardell, maybe the other man would leave. Todd heaved a breath and returned to the settee.
"We have your best interests at heart, you know."
"Yeah right. Edna drugged me for my own good."
"Actually, yes. She knows it would have been a mistake for you to leave. She made sure you ate something before she gave you the drug. You'd have felt a lot worse if you'd taken it on an empty stomach."
"I'll have to remember to thank her next time I see her," Todd retorted, the bite of sarcasm in his voice making the professor's lips thin.
"You belong here, just as your father did."
"Dad left."
Cardell sighed. "I never gave up hoping he would come back. Your father was like a son to me. I found him, you know."
"Found him? What does that mean?"
"The Wild Lord left him as a gift for the faithful."
Todd rocked back on his seat, his headache forgotten. "That's impossible."
"There's a clearing in Lords Wood containing three ancient standing stones called Silverwell Ring. In the middle of the ring, there's a hollow that's reputed to be over two thousand years old. That's where I found your father. My wife raised him as our own child to start with, but then Pat came along a few years later. We had a change of plan and John agreed to take Richard."
Cardell was definitely crazy. Dad couldn't have been left in the wood by a Celtic god. His real mother must have abandoned him there. Todd had heard of women leaving their newborn babies in garbage cans or cardboard boxes like unwanted kittens.
"I planned for Richard to marry Pat. Unfortunately he fancied himself in love with Ruby Turpin. Pat wouldn't give up on him and eventually drove him away." Professor Cardell shook his head. "You should have been my grandson." He reached out and gripped Todd's hand with his cool, bony fingers. "Then we wouldn't have had this misunderstanding."
Professor Cardell, Grandpa, all the people who worshiped the Wild Lord, they were all mental. Todd shook off Cardell's hand, got to his feet, and backed away. "I'm not staying here with you. You're mental. Shaun will be looking for me. If I don't turn up, he'll know something's wrong."
"I'm afraid Mr. Donovan has already left the village. His friendship with you was inconvenient. A phone call to his father solved the problem of our inquisitive artist."
Todd's heart faltered. "You're lying. He wouldn't leave without me."
"He would if he thought you'd taken a taxi to the station to catch the train home."
Todd clenched and released his fists, panic rising in his chest. "You told him that?"
"John did." The professor's pale blue eyes were firm. He was telling the truth. Shaun had gone and left him behind.
Cardell stood and headed for the door. Just before he went out, he turned and looked back. "We tried to make this easy for you. Marigold was happy to be your young lady. You could have tended Edna's garden and mine as well. In a few years, you would have married. Your life would have been happy, if uneventful. But you rejected the poor girl. Now we'll have to do this the hard way."
"You can't keep me locked up forever. As soon as I'm free, I'll leave."
A confident smile lit Professor Cardell's face. "I assure you that's not going to happen. It took John so long to persuade you to come down here that I can't let you leave again."
A few hours later, the door opened and Professor Cardell came in. Todd had been resting, trying to get rid of his headache, but he sat up, alert for any chance to escape. Hulking Henry was at the door again.
A woman he'd seen in Porthallow brought in a cup of hot chocolate and a plate of ham sandwiches. She placed them on the table beside the sofa. Her gaze flicked nervously to Todd before she headed back out the door.
The professor indicated the food. "Not a very inspiring supper, I'm afraid. Still, I suggest you eat now, otherwise you'll have to wait until you're home with John tomorrow."
So they expected him to go back to live with Grandpa. How did Professor Cardell intend to stop him from running away?
Todd stared at the food. "Do you think I'm stupid? It's probably drugged."
Cardell pressed his palms together and touched his fingertips to his lips. "You do make life difficult, young Todd." He turned towards the door and raised his voice. "Henry, Steve, I need your help."
The man who'd stood guard earlier came in followed by one of the fisherman Todd had seen on the beach. Henry handed a sports drink bottle to Professor Cardell, who nodded and said, "You know what to do."
Todd scrambled up and vaulted over the sofa back as Henry and Steve approached. The two men dodged sideways and grabbed him when he tried to dart past. "Get off of me." Todd kicked and twisted as they manhandled him back to the sofa and pushed him down on the cushions. One man leaned on his legs while the other pulled his arms above his head so he could barely move.
"You're freaking mental. All of you." Todd bucked his body and struggled, but he didn't stand a chance against two strong men.
Cardell twisted open the top of the sports bottle, rested a hand on the back of the settee, and leaned over Todd. "If you'd drunk your hot chocolate, we could have avoided this."
The Professor dug his fingers in Todd's jaw and shoved the top of the bottle between his teeth. A jet of bitter liquid hit the back of his tongue. He gagged and coughed, some of it going down the wrong way, choking him.
"Don't hurt the lad." Grandpa's tentative plea came from the doorway.
"Grandpa!" Todd jerked and struggled harder. "Help me. Please."
Grandpa appeared a few paces behind the professor's left shoulder, his expression an agonized mixture of fear and guilt. "Please don't hurt him, William."
"Everything that happens to this boy is your fault. We wouldn't even need him if you hadn't sold Hendra Farm to the Cochrans against my express instructions."
"But I didn't—"
"Get out," Cardell snapped. "Meet us at the Offering Tree."
When Grandpa backed away without saying another word, Todd's little spurt of hope died.
The professor turned his attention back to Todd, aiming the bottle spout at his face. "One more mouthful should be enough. We don't want you unconscious; we just want you docile." Todd locked his jaw, determined not to swallow any more of the foul concoction. Cardell gripped Todd's face again and the bitter liquid flooded his mouth. He coughed and spluttered. Half the liquid overflowed his mouth and soaked his t-shirt.
"That'll do." Cardell went to the door. "Give the potion ten minutes to take effect, then get him dressed."
The men released him and backed out, never taking their eyes off him. Todd sat up and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, furious, his headache pounding again. He had a good mind to trash the room. It would serve the old man right. Todd pushed a lamp off the end table beside the sofa. It hit the floor with a satisfying crunch as the glass shade shattered. He tried to stand, but his head was swimming again. He blinked repeatedly, but it didn't do any good.
He sank back against the cushions feeling nauseous. The next thing he knew, Cardell was leaning over him, slapping his cheeks. "Wake up, young man. It's time to go."
"Go away," Todd tried to say, but his words came out slurred.
Henry hauled Todd to his feet and he swayed. Fabric was dragged down over his head and his arms pushed into loose sleeves. They'd covered his clothes with a green robe, the cuffs stiffly patterned with gold thread. He blinked down as Cardell tied a gold belt around his waist.
Each grasping one of his arms, Henry and Steve led him from the room. He stumbled along between his captors, the surroundings blurred and hazy. They sat him on a chair and he put his head between his knees feeling as though he might throw up. He didn't remember standing up again, but suddenly he was outside, beams of light dancing through the darkness ahead.
Todd's feet dragged, forcing the two men to half carry him. Voices murmured, but he couldn't hear what they said. After a while, he became aware of cooler air against his face, the fragrance of the forest. The shapes illuminated by the flashlights made more sense to him now. Tree trunks and branches loomed beside the path. He concentrated on placing his feet, tried to count his footsteps, but he kept forgetting where he'd left off.
Many flashlights gleamed as they entered a clearing, highlighting the huge gnarled shape of the Offering Tree. Glittering, colorful decorations sparkled on the tree, making it look like some bizarre Christmas tree. At the thought of Christmas, his mind went to his family. Would he ever see Mum and Emma again?
Chapter Nineteen
"Bring him over here," Professor Cardell said.
Henry and Steve pulled Todd across the clearing to where Cardell was standing, and pushed him down on his knees.
The professor gripped Todd's chin and made him look up. He held the effigy of himself that Todd had taken off the tree. "You stole this from the Offering Tree." Todd blinked at the sinister little doll. "People who defile the tree are punished." Cardell glanced at the tree, uncertainty on his face. "But the rules probably don't apply to you."
The professor went to the branch where the corn effigies dangled like hung men. Someone shone a flashlight on the spot while he reattached his doll. As Todd watched, he realized his vision was hardly blurred. The effect of the drug must be wearing off quickly.
After he'd finished, Cardell returned to him. He pointed at the branch where the linked Todd and Marigold effigies had been. "John tells me you had the handfasted dolls, but they weren't in your pockets. What did you do with them?"
A light beam shone in Todd's eyes, and he averted his face.
"Just tell him, lad." Grandpa's voice came from somewhere close by.
"Don't know," Todd mumbled. He replayed what had happened after he and Grandpa had argued. He'd definitely left the shop with the dolls in his hand. He could have dropped them in the road outside Shaun's shop when he stopped to write the note, but then Grandpa would have found them. He must have left them in Edna's shed with his bags. Not that he intended to tell the stupid professor just so he could hang them back on the tree.
"Well, never mind. It's not the end of the world." Cardell beckoned someone. Marigold stepped forward, wearing her brown robes with the shiny belt at her waist. She handed another pair of linked Marigold and Todd corn dolls to the professor.
"You're a lucky young man." Cardell said to him. "Marigold is still willing to be handfasted to you."
Emotions twisted hot and cold in Todd's gut. No way.
When the professor went to the tree to hang the dolls, Marigold gave Todd an apologetic look, tears gleaming in her eyes. Angry, he turned away from her. She probably hadn't been given any choice, but he still felt betrayed.
From the shadows, robed figures stepped forward and gathered around Todd and Marigold. She kneeled at his side and took his hand. He tried to break her grip, but she hung on. Still weak from the drug, he gave up fighting and let her hold his hand while the group chanted about destined mates, fertility, and eternal love. Todd thought he might barf.
After the chanting finished, he was pulled to his feet. His legs felt steadier now. Once the faithful started moving again, he might be able to escape into the trees. He'd have to make sure his sense of direction was working first, otherwise, he'd simply crash around in the undergrowth until they recaptured him.
The professor must have guessed he'd try something. Before they set off again, Henry tied Todd's hands. Two other men took over holding Todd, while Steve walked in front of him and Henry behind. Todd supposed he should be flattered that Professor Cardell thought he needed four men to keep him from escaping.
They walked for about ten minutes, the group strung out along the path, beams of light bobbing through the trees in front and off to the sides. By now, Todd was steady on his feet. He stayed alert, but he didn't get a chance to make a run for it. He bit back a sigh of frustration when they entered the Silverwell Ring clearing.
Todd's two escorts led him towards the megalith with the Wild Lord's face carved on it. He caught sight of the charcoal drawing of the fox before they pushed his back against it. The fox would be level with his heart, while the Wild Lord's face was right behind his head. The thought spooked him. He struggled, but strong hands held him while a man Todd recognized as the owner of the post office unwound lengths of rope. They secured him to the standing stone around his chest and ankles. The rope looked handmade, a weave of willow and ivy. Todd was peering down, estimating its strength, when a hand pushed his head back and a length of rope pulled tight against his throat, biting into his windpipe.
Grandpa appeared at his side, his arm shooting out to pull the rope off Todd's neck. "There's no need for that."
The men tying Todd paused. Professor Cardell joined Grandpa. "He needs to keep his head still, John. If he doesn't move, then the rope around his neck won't hurt."
Grandpa sighed and turned away. Todd clenched his fists in frustration. Grandpa cared about him but was too weak to stand up to Cardell. The rope pulled against his throat again, this time not as tightly, but now he couldn't turn his head or look down.
The men backed off and the professor stepped in front of him. He lifted a set of antlers and settled them on Todd's head. The stiff, rough feel of dried animal skin scraped his ears while a musty smell filled his nose. He tried to shake them off, but all he did was jerk the rope against his windpipe, and make himself cough.
Professor Car
dell backed up, examining his handiwork.
"You're crazy," Todd spluttered between coughs.
"In a few minutes, you'll discover what this is all about. Then you won't think I'm crazy, young man."
Smoke started to swirl around the dimly lit clearing, and the pungent fragrance of the drugging plant stung the back of Todd's nose.
"The fire's burning well," Ruby Turpin said to the professor, with a glance in Todd's direction. She hesitated a moment before turning away, and he thought he saw doubt in her eyes.
"Take your places," Cardell ordered, raising his voice above the hum of conversation. The robed figures formed a circle around the standing stones of Silverwell Ring. At a sign from Professor Cardell, the faithful started walking in a slow procession, their voices rising in a rhythmic chant. Todd listened for the words, but he couldn't make them out.
Smoke drifted around his head, and he closed his eyes against the sting. What were they planning to do with him? He took some comfort from the fact that Cardell had said he would have his next meal with Grandpa tomorrow. That meant they weren't going to sacrifice him to the Wild Lord.
The rise and fall of the voices flowed over Todd, the rhythm beating in his blood like an elemental force. Even without his radar working, he sensed power behind the chant.
Suddenly the chanting stopped. Todd opened his eyes, woozy from the smoke. The faithful formed a semicircle two or three deep in front of him, their faces hidden in shadow.
"You will perform the next part of the ritual, John," Professor Cardell said.
"Why me?" Grandpa walked out from the group to meet Cardell in front of Todd. "You were the one who killed the Cochran boys. You should do it."
"It's your fault the Wild Lord deserted us," the professor replied. "If you'd put the well-being of Lords Wood first instead of selling Hendra Farm to the highest bidder, we wouldn't have had a problem with the Cochrans. I only solved the problem you created. You're liable for our fall from grace with the Wild Lord. Not me."