“Hello, my dear. You may refer to me as Lady Katerina.”
Paul’s mother extended her hand and Oddily grabbed hold, shaking it vigorously. When Lady Katerina didn’t release her grip right away, Oddily didn’t know what to do next. So, in an act of desperation, she kissed the back of the woman’s hand. Still being held captive, the bewildered Oddily got down on one knee and bowed the best she could. She felt ridiculous; but at this point, she would try anything that seemed remotely respectable.
Suddenly, Lady Katerina got to her feet bringing Oddily with her. “Oddily, you are adorable!” Her laughter was girlish. “I’m so glad to meet you.”
“I’m Patrick, Paul’s uncle.” The butler had lost his stiffness and gave Oddily a hug.
“What’s going on here?” Oddily glanced from Uncle Patrick, over to Lady Katerina, and then to Paul.
“You just had your first taste of life in a castle,” Paul grinned.
“I’m sorry Oddily,” Paul’s mother butted in. “It was Paul’s harebrained idea.”
“Thanks mom! Go ahead and blame it on me.”
Oddily began to laugh, mostly out of relief. She was surprised and grateful that Paul would go to such lengths to make her smile. Now, if only she could say the same for Maxim and what she saw in the meadow. The very thought of him sent a chill up her spine, but she couldn’t help but wonder where Maxim was, and what he was doing after she had abandoned him in the meadow.
25
As Oddily began her tour of Bentley castle, Maxim was heading for Nero’s laboratory inside the cavern. His father’s voice had sounded urgent, insisting that he meet him there.
Maxim went on foot, allowing himself time to collect his thoughts. If Nero still had Zaylyn held captive, would he be able to control his rage towards her? He doubted it. Even the thought of her was enough to infuriate him. Maxim’s uncertainty about his state of mind continued and for good reason. When he did reach Nero’s lab, he went berserk and barged into the cavern.
Where is she father?!
First, you must settle down! Nero demanded.
Don’t tell me what to do!
Son, if you would calm down and clear your mind, you will be able to figure out what I have done with her.
Maxim knew it would be a loosing battle to go up against him, so he began to battle with his anger instead. Finally, when his mind had cleared and his heartbeat came back to normal, Maxim scanned the cavern. Nero was right. The answer was right under his nose!
The dome, that had twice transported him to a parallel universe, was in use again. Maxim knew this because of the powerful ball of energy trapped inside. It reminded him of lightening in the midst of a storm.
Is Zaylyn inside the dome? Have you sent her to the parallel universe?
Yes, but just for a while.
But I can’t see the chair or her body!
Don’t let your eyes fool you. The chair and Zaylyn are still there. However, the high frequency of vibration trapped inside the dome has fine-tuned Zaylyn and the chair to a higher, ethereal level.
I wonder if Zaylyn understands what is happening to her. With her ego, she would probably be thrilled to discover that she has an alternative self.
If, indeed, Zaylyn has a duplicate in that world.
Wait a minute! Suppose she doesn’t!
Then Zaylyn will be lost in the void of nothingness until I bring her back.
Then you should leave her there forever!
I disagree. I plan to bring Zaylyn back; but before I do, you must pull yourself together and deal with this unfortunate situation like a man.
There is no situation anymore father. Oddily is frightened of me. You should have seen her face.
Stop pacing back and forth! Your unhinged behavior will not help you with this dilemma.
How can it get any worse? I couldn’t even get close enough to erase Oddily’s memory of what she saw!
Is that what you really wanted to do?
No. I want her to know the truth and love me despite what I am.
Then you need to give her that chance. Meanwhile, pull yourself together and trust in the connection you have with her.
Do you really think there’s a chance that she will come back?
Nero grinned. You are of my blood. Therefore, Oddily won’t be able to resist you for long.
Maxim couldn’t help but marvel at his father’s arrogance. If that is the case, I need Zaylyn out of my life before Oddily returns. Do you have any ideas?
Maxim, where are you? It was Nexa.
I’m with Nero inside his laboratory. Where are you?
Driving home from the Village and I’m curious. When I drove by Cambridge Hospital, I spotted Oddily’s car in the parking lot.
Are you positive that it’s her car?
Come on Maxim. How many green limited edition Smart cars do you think there are in this region?
Okay, wait for me there!
Before Nexa could pull into the medical center parking lot, a pale looking Maxim had already rushed inside the emergency area. When he didn’t see Oddily in the waiting room, he made a mad dash past admittance and pushed through the swinging doors into the emergency room.
Maxim could hear, “Sir, wait—you can’t go in there,” but the show of authority meant nothing to him.
“Oddily!” He scanned the room while calling out her name.
The commotion around Maxim was unnerving. Doctors in white lab coats were busy with patients while nurses in blue scrubs went from patient to patient, tending to their needs. One person was vomiting in a small pan. Another was calling out, “Will somebody please help me?!”
Maxim was about to open one of the closed curtains when he was spotted by an employee and a male caretaker intercepted Maxim before he could see who was hidden from view.
“You can’t be in here sir.”
“I’m not leaving until I find out if Oddily’s here.”
“Please, calm down. I will be able to help you find who you’re looking for after you return to the waiting room.”
Maxim gave one last glance around the room, and then stepped outside.
Nexa was in the waiting room when she saw Maxim escorted from behind two doors by a male nurse.
All right, what’s going on Maxim? Is Oddily here?
I don’t know yet.
Sir, what is the patient’s name?” The girl at the desk spoke.
“Oddily.”
“Her last name please.”
“She doesn’t have one.”
“Give me a moment to check the files.”
“Please, you must hurry!”
Nexa grabbed Maxim by the arm. Lower your voice! If Oddily is here, we will find her.
Maxim nervously ran his hand through his hair while waiting for the nurse to finish up on the computer.
“There is no one by the name of Oddily registered in this department.” The young nurse looked up at the two good-looking teens.
Nexa leaned over the table. “Since we’re here, do you mind checking the other departments as well?”
“Sure! Just give me another minute.”
While they waited, Maxim filled Nexa in on what took place while she was away. He described the incident in the meadow and the situation that was now gong on inside Nero’s lab.
“Sorry guys, no one by the name of Oddily has checked in today.”
While Maxim thanked the girl for her help, Nexa remained in a state of stunned silence. After hearing Maxim’s story, and the urgent message she received from Nero just before entering the hospital, she was worried.
“I have something to tell you.” Nexa’s voice was audible.
Maxim gave his sister a strange look. Why are you speaking aloud?
“It’s father. Until further notice, he has asked us to stay away from the lab and reframe from using our telepathic powers.”
“He asked you?”
“Okay, it was a demand!”
“Sis, I’m sure this must have something to do wi
th Zaylyn.”
“Whatever the reason, we need to listen to him.”
“All right then. I still need to know that Oddily’s okay, so we better stick around here until she comes back for her car.”
“If that’s the case, I’ll go and pick us up something to eat. If you need me beforehand, use your cell phone.”
26
As soon as Nexa pulled out onto the main road, she turned off her cell phone hoping that Maxim wouldn’t call her while she was away. There was no doubt that he would be fuming mad after discovering what she was up to; but, she decided not to let a little brotherly anger stop her from what she had to do.
After driving down the road a few miles, Nexa pulled to the side of the road and found a place to park in the isolated forest. The next step was to make sure that she was alone. She cocked her head, her light blonde hair draping over her shoulder, and listened carefully to the normal sounds of the woods. Confident that her surroundings were safe from prying eyes, Nexa climbed out of the car and began to shimmer and fade into nothingness. After she had successfully rematerialized inside her bedroom, Nexa took note that the more she used this method of travel, the less discomfort it caused her body.
Now all she had to do was find Willa. Stepping out into the hallway, Nexa went to the top of the stairs and called out, “Willa, are you here?”
“I was in Maxim’s bedroom!” Willa was walking towards her at a fast pace. “Did you hear what happened in the meadow?”
Nexa nodded. “Maxim told me everything while we were waiting inside a medical facility.”
Willa felt a surge of emotion unlike any other and it surprised her. “Did something happen to Oddily?”
“Oddily’s car is parked in the Cambridge Hospital parking lot, so Maxim and I checked inside the emergency area but she wasn’t there.”
“I want to search for my daughter Nexa. That’s what mother’s do when their child is…!” Willa stopped speaking and started to head back to Maxim’s room. Her sadness was evident by the slowness in which she moved, but Nexa knew how to distract her.
“Will you show me Nero’s secret laboratory.”
Willa stopped and turned around. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. After Nero captured Zaylyn, he took off in the direction of his laboratory.
“Listen to me Willa! While I was meeting up with Maxim at the hospital, Nero’s voice came into my head with a strange command. He insisted that Maxim and I stay away from the lab and refrain from using telepathy until we heard from him. I need to know what’s going on!”
“All right, I will help you, but you must do this my way.”
Nexa was all ears. “That depends. What do you have in mind?”
“It’s too risky to take you to the main entrance, but there is another way.”
“I don’t care what way we go as long as you take me there.”
“Okay, but first you need to change into old clothes and wear hiking boots.”
Nexa stared at Willa strangely. “This isn’t going to be easy, is it?”
“No. We need to travel through a cave to the fissure high up in the wall over the lab. From there, you will be able to spy on Nero.”
Nexa’s sense of adventure kicked in and she was eager to get started so, after changing her clothes, they were on their way.
Concern crept into Nexa as she followed Willa through the woods to the base of the mountain, where a single stream flowed into the mouth of a cave. The opening was hidden from view by thick layers of foliage.
“Are you sure this is the only other entrance?” Nexa asked.
“I’m afraid so, and you’ll need to watch your step. The rocks near the watercourse are slippery.”
“How deep inside must we go before viewing the lab?”
“Approximately one mile.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Nexa, when you consider that his cave is a complex, deep, three-dimensional maze with more than seventeen miles of narrow passage, one mile is nothing!”
Nexa gave Willa a tentative smile. “Well, if you put it that way, I guess you’re right.”
Nexa left Willa’s side to slip and skid her way to the mouth of the cave, realizing that Willa wasn’t kidding about slimy rocks. When she made it to the boundary between light and dark, Nexa’s heart began to thump hard as she peered inside the dark hole.
“Nexa, on second thought, I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“Don’t worry!” Nexa called out from over her shoulder. “If something goes wrong, I’ll blink myself back to the house.”
After stepping inside, drops of cold water plopped on Nexa’s head from above, so she pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her angelic blonde hair.
It was then that Nexa gasped when she saw what the drops of water had made, and the erosion was breathtaking. In all directions, she saw rock formations that twisted and turned in defiance of gravity.
Willa joined her and the cool breeze at the caves entrance diminished as the two headed deeper within the mountain. The passages indicated ancient patterns of water flow, many of which had partially collapsed.
It was strange for Nexa to think that no bird had ever sung within this cave, or that the forest had never scented the air. For thousands of years, the tomblike silence had been broken only by the sound of the stream as the watercourse slowly eroded the mountain. Now, she and Willa’s footsteps invaded this stillness. Their voices drifted through the air as the beam of light coming from Willa’s chest cut across the darkness, lighting up a strange and wonderful sight. Stone icicles hung overhead. Huge pillars of rock in browns, yellows, and reds connected the floor and the ceiling, not to mention the beautiful waterfalls and pools of water. A chamber had collapsed, thus allowing the ceiling to create a natural bridge for them to cross over.
Nexa traveled beyond what was comfortable for her. She stayed close to the curve of the wall, and then rounded a sharp curve to see dozens of regular gaps that opened to adjoining tunnels. Some of the openings were huge. Others, barely large enough for a man to fit through.
Then the ground started to climb upward. Willa helped Nexa up the steep incline where the air got more clear and dry. This made Nexa happy because the dampness below had made it difficult to breathe.
“It’s not too much farther,” Willa muttered as she steered Nexa through the cave. The ground sloped upward under their feet. The dim light of Willa’s chest kept Nexa from total blindness.
Finally, the uneven path flattened out and began to twist like a serpent until a light, pure and white, flickered from a gap in the wall from up ahead—it’s shape unlike the fissures that peppered the cavern. It was larger!
“Willa, is that light coming from Nero’s lab?”
“Sshh!”
Evidently it was because Nexa could hear voices now. They were low, urgent sounds of arguing, so she crept up to the opening and peered down into a large chamber with rough uneven walls riddled with more crevices. It took a moment for Nexa’s mind to make sense of the scene below but, when she finally did, she could only watch in shock.
27
While Maxim and Nexa’s private world continued to fall apart, Paul showed Oddily around Bentley Castle. Like Stafford Manor, one could have easily gotten lost through the maze of hallways. Oddily found the eerie charm of the castle fascinating and allowed her imagination to run wild. She turned the tour into a game by creating an imaginary family, and then picked out their bedrooms. So far, she had found the perfect rooms for her would-be father, mother, brother, and sister. Now there was only one room left to find—hers!
Oddily began to stifle several yawns after following Paul from room to room. Somewhere in the back of her mind was the soft murmur of Paul’s voice, but she could no longer hear his words. Angry thoughts towards Maxim had waylaid her attention and this new anger made her feel less frightened over the nightmare she had witnessed in the meadow.
Why had Maxim deceived her? That was the question that Oddily kept asking re
peatedly in her head. It wasn’t about who or what he was anymore, although that still confused her, but it was the fact that he had been disloyal. These thoughts and more were driving her crazy.
“Is that okay with you?” Paul curiously stared at Oddily while he waved his hand in front of her face, and it took a moment for the petite redhead to get her wits about her.
“Sure!” Oddily had no idea what Paul had asked and hoped she answered him appropriately.
“Good! You can sleep in the tower like a real princess.”
Oddily stared blankly at Paul when she found out what she had just agreed to do.
“Come this way, my lady!” He held out his arm for her. “I will show you a tower similar to the one where you will spend the night. Afterwards, we will dine with my mother.”
Oddily refused to take Paul’s arm, but tagged along as they began the ascent to the top of the tower.
“What does the room look like?” Oddily asked.
“Be patient, my princess.”
Oddily didn’t understand Paul’s sudden show of theatrics and began to protest. “Stop it! You sound like a goofball.”
“As you wish, my lady.”
Further up the steps, Paul began to hear Oddily’s heavy breathing. She was becoming short of breath—a problem he usually didn’t experience because of his advanced genetics.
“Shall I sweep my princess off her feet and carry her the rest of the way?”
Without a peep, Oddily began to run back down the stairs.
“Hey, wait a minute!” When Paul caught up with Oddily and saw the bewildered expression on her face, he began to laugh. “I’m sorry Oddily. I forgot that you don’t know much about me. Bentley Castle is my home, but it is also a tourist attraction. What I have been showing you is the standard tour given on the last Sunday of each month. I was just mimicking how the tour guide sounds when he addresses the guests.”
“Are you serious?” Oddily’s jaw dropped while she stared at him. “You let people invade your…privacy?”
“Nah!” he shook his head. “What I have shown you is only a small portion of the estate. There’s another part of the castle hidden from the prying eyes of tourists. That is where my mom, uncle, and I live.”
MAXIM: A New Type of Human (Oddily Series #2) Page 14