The Circus Infinitus - Rose and Thorn

by Colin Forest

“She’s outside.” Titus gave Tumblety a disapproving look and said, “A gentleman should wait to be invited in before entering a lady’s room. I’m going to see her right now. You can accompany me and give the medicine to her.”

  “Fine. Let me get my things.”

  Tumblety went to his room and waited a few minutes before calling out to Titus.

  “Titus, could you help me with something?”

  When Titus entered the room, Tumblety swung an object to the side of Titus’s head. He fell to the floor without a word. Tumblety pulled Titus’s body all the way into the room and shut the door behind him, just in time before he heard the sound of footsteps trooping along the corridor.

  “Doctor!” he heard a yell.

  He pulled his door ajar and stuck his neck out.

  “Yes, Busboy. What is it?”

  “Isabella’s leavin’ soon. The Ringmaster’d like it if yer there t’see ‘er off.”

  “Very well. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  Tumblety closed the door and cursed silently. He heard the door to Isabella’s room open and not long after, the sounds of Busboy’s footsteps passing again. He retrieved another vial from the shelf which he opened and emptied into Titus’s mouth.

  The circus folk gathered around Isabella as she said her goodbyes. The Ringmaster had offered to take her himself to her house, and now her belongings lay piled in the carriage. When she got to Tumblety, she cast him a hard look.

  “Thank you for your care, doctor.”

  “Not at all, Miss Archer. It was my duty to look after you. In fact, I would like to monitor your progress for the next few days, if the Ringmaster would allow me,” he said, looking at the Ringmaster.

  Icarus cast Tumblety a suspicious look and met the Ringmaster’s eyes.

  “If you think that’s required, then I’m sure we can spare you for that time. We won’t leave you behind,” said the Ringmaster. “Is that all right with you, Isabella?”

  “I’m fine. I feel very well. I don’t need a nursemaid.”

  “This is just a pre-cautionary step. I’m sure you’re well,” said the Ringmaster. “To put your mind at ease, I’ll even come for a visit every day. And I’m sure Titus would like to visit you as well. Speaking of which, where is Titus?”

  “He was feeling unwell. So, I gave him some medicine,” said Tumblety.

  Icarus gave the Ringmaster another look, and nodded slightly as if he heard something from the Ringmaster.

  “A pity,” said Isabella. “I would’ve liked to wish him well before I go.”

  “So what will it be?” asked the Ringmaster. “Does John accompany us?”

  After a moment of silence, she said, “Very well. But, he would have to leave his talisman behind.”

  “Leave it!?” Tumblety gasped in outrage. “I need it for making her medicine.”

  “That is my condition. Either leave it, or not come at all.”

  “John, you have existing supplies, don’t you?” asked the Ringmaster.

  “Yes, but – ”

  “Then there’s very little choice for you if you want to do this.”

  Isabella pulled her gloves on and entered the carriage. Tumblety followed and sat opposite her. With a crack of his whip, the Ringmaster commanded the horses to pull. The carriage moved slowly at first but picked up speed as they left the circus grounds. Isabella sat looking out the window, letting the blur of foliage speeding by soothe her. Tumblety sat quietly, not taking his eyes off her gloves and keeping his hands tightly on his medicine bag.

  Titus felt the slaps across his face, Waving his arms in irritation, he opened his eyes. Blurry blotches sharpened into the form of Icarus.

  “Icarus? Where am I?”

  “In Tumblety’s room.”

  “What am I …? John. He hit me.”

  “That he did. And drugged you too.”

  “Why?”

  “Can’t you think of a reason?”

  “Isabella!” Titus raised his head suddenly and grimaced in pain and disorientation. “I caught him in Isabella’s room.”

  “Can you stand up?” asked Icarus after a few moments.

  Titus struggled to his feet. He reached out his hand to Icarus for support.

  “How did you know I’d be here?”

  “The Ringmaster thought that you’d be here.”

  “How did he know? And where’s Adam anyway?”

  “He’s at Isabella’s. With Tumblety.”

  “What!?”

  Titus reached for the door but the floor seemed to plunge beneath his feet.

  “Steady there, man,” said Icarus. “You’re still wobbly on your feet.”

  “I can do it. Just lead the way.”

  “Lead the way? And where do you think you’re going?”

  “With you. You’re going to stop John, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, but you’re not coming with me. The last thing I need is to be your nanny.”

  “Well, whether you like it or not, I’m coming. John intends harm on Isabella. I have to warn her.”

  Icarus and Titus sped across the fields; Icarus rode on Titus’s horse while Titus rode astride Thorn. Despite his ponderous appearance, Thorn kept pace with the horse. When they saw the woods which sheltered Isabella’s house, they also noticed the carriage from the circus parked by the road. It was empty. Looking around, they could not see the Ringmaster anywhere.

  Icarus dismounted and led his mount to a stand of trees. Titus followed suit. Standing in the shadow of the canopy was the Ringmaster, with whom Icarus was engaged in a conversation. Titus wondered at the luck Icarus had in finding him.

  “What do you think he’s up to, Del?” Icarus whispered his question to the Ringmaster.

  “I don’t know, but he was pre-occupied with her gloves in the carriage. He couldn’t take his eyes off them.”

  When Titus walked within earshot, Icarus asked, “So what do we do now?”

  “We wait,” replied the Ringmaster. “It’s unlikely John will do anything until tonight.”

  Moonlight streamed through Tumblety’s window. He lay in bed, but not asleep for he had drunk a draught which kept sleep at bay. For many hours, he had paced in his room, looking outside the window at the sky as the sun went down and gloom settled.

  He got to his feet and went outside his room. Everything was still. He knew where Isabella slept and headed in her direction. He carried his scalpel with him in his pocket. He walked barefoot and was aware of every minute movement he made.

  He wrapped his fingers around the door handle to Isabella’s room. It felt cold to the touch. He ran his fingers over its surface a few times, as if he hesitated to enter. He then tightened his grip on the handle and turned it slowly, willing there not to be any sound. He could feel the slight resistance of the handle and the door catch. With the palm of his other hand pressed against the door, he pushed gently. A slight creak sounded and he immediately stopped short. After taking a few quick breaths, he pushed some more and the door swung open.

  Isabella’s back was turned to him and he could hear her soft breathing. He reached inside his pocket and took out the scalpel.

  “What do you think you’re doing, Jack? Sneaking around to finish her off?”

  Chapter 6: Brontide

  Tumblety jumped back and turned to the window. Standing outside was Icarus. The face Tumblety showed Icarus was one of fear, anger, frustration and anticipation. His breaths came in quick shallow gulps and his heart raced.

  “Move away from her, Jack,” said Icarus as little sparks issued from his fingers.

  Isabella woke up and when she looked at Tumblety, fury was etched on her face.

  “Abomination! You’ve lied to me and now you’ve come to kill and steal from me!” she yelled.

  She got to her feet and rushed at Tumblety. Tumblety slashed at her with the scalpel and felt the blade make contact with her arm. When he raised the scalpel again, the blade glinted without the trace of any blood. She hit out with her hand at T
umblety and his scalpel fell to the floor and skidded to a corner. Another blow came upon him, whereupon with well-honed ease, he somersaulted out of her way. His agile body landed in a crouch, his fingers poised upon the floor with cat-like grace.

  Isabella felt power rush through her in a way not felt before. It came with greater intensity, her rage almost seeming to amplify it. She felt her skin tingle. There was almost a throbbing in her womb and she thought she could hear the ghost of a pulse in her head. Within the maelstrom of her fury, there swirled a grain of worry.

  Something’s not right. It should not feel like this, the thoughts niggled inside her.

  Again she attacked Tumblety, who eluded her strikes. The window smashed as Icarus came hurling through. He reached his hand out to Tumblety when he landed, who looked as if he was undecided with who between the two he should be more afraid. Tumblety could see the concentration on Isabella’s face and he guessed that his concoction had seeped through Isabella’s skin and was now taking effect. He got down, rolled to within reach of Isabella’s torso, and hit her hard in her womb. She yelled and fell to the floor. Tumblety then ran.

  Icarus came to Isabella’s side.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  She shook her head.

  “He’s done something,” she said.

  Icarus heard the door slam but remained at Isabella’s side.

  Tumblety hurried out of the front door without looking back. Thoughts – alarming thoughts – swirled in his mind.

  What’s he doing here? That must mean –

  “John, stop!” commanded the Ringmaster.

  Tumblety was tempted to stop but his feet kept on running. With a slight turn of his head, he thought he saw, amid the shadowed branches and foliage, two silvery cat-shaped eyes and a billowing cloak. He kept running until he heard a grunt and almost ran into Thorn. The slight curve of the horn pressed against Tumblety’s front. He gave a small frightened gasp, missed his footing, and fell on top of a half-concealed tree root. He gripped tufts of damp grass as he pulled himself backwards, kicking the earth with his feet. Thorn loomed over him.

  “John. Stay where you are,” said Titus, sitting astride Thorn’s back. “You have disgraced yourself with your actions. When you healed me, I thought you were someone noble.”

  “She forced me to do this. She humiliated me. Made a fool of me. Belittled my skills.”

  “Was what she said true? Did you kill to gain your talisman?”

  “What would you do? I’ve heard you talk of the wonders you’ve seen. Wouldn’t you like to see where the Omniportallis machine can take you? Show you new wonders? Wouldn’t you do anything for your art? Pay any price?”

  “No. The price you paid is too high.”

  Icarus held Isabella in her arms. Her face was beaded with sweat. For many minutes, she seemed to struggle with something inside her. Icarus marvelled at her strength as she gripped his arms. He looked up when he heard someone enter the room. It was Titus and Tumblety, with the Ringmaster bringing up the rear.

  “He’s poisoned her.”

  “I have been even-handed and fair with you John. I’ve protected you from the consequences of your indiscretions. And yet, you push me and test the limits of my patience,” said the Ringmaster. “If you value that protection, you will undo what you’ve done.”

  “I – I … don’t know how to undo it,” Tumblety squeaked.

  “Damn it, Jack!” roared Icarus. “You better find a cure for this poison.”

  “It’s not a poison.”

  “Then what is it?” asked the Ringmaster.

  “It makes the body channel power. I tried it on myself and I was able to do it, for awhile. But it soon overwhelmed me. I … I can’t do anything. It’s up to her now,” said Tumblety as he looked at her askance.

  Isabella had her hands on her womb with a look of deep concentration on her face.

  The umbilical cord grew out of the earth like the beanstalk which led to the giant’s home. And the foetus connected at the end looked like the fruit of that stalk, a bean which continued to grow until its bulk became a giant which dominated half the sky. The unicorn was gone and the forest was gone. All around Isabella was desolation. The foetus bore down on her. When it got near enough, it opened its mouth and began to suck. A wind appeared out of nowhere and Isabella felt herself pulled into the foetus’s body. She floated inside and felt herself pulled in a multitude of directions. She wove the thread of her consciousness through all the shreds of her being. With all her might, she pulled the fragments of herself together. The foetus’s will was strong but hers was stronger, so that even it succumbed to her will. One moment, she was inside the foetus, and the next, she found that she was not. It was gone. She floated to the ground in exhaustion and laughed.

  Isabella laughed in Icarus’s arms. It had a chilling quality on Titus for he thought it made her sound harsh. Then, a transitory look of pain crossed her face.

  “You’ll have to try harder next time, doctor,” she breathed out the words.

  “We’re taking you back,” said Icarus.

  “I don’t think so, Icarus,” said Isabella. “It would be unwise of me to present the doctor with more opportunities to harm me.”

  “She can stay at my house,” Titus offered. “Isabella will be comfortable there, and her company would be most welcome.”

  A procession wound its way to the Rose Estate. It was led by a rhinoceros, followed by a horse and tailed by a carriage. Icarus sat in the carriage with Isabella while Tumblety rode the horse. Titus led on Thorn. Tumblety looked downcast and did not bother to follow when Isabella was taken inside. Icarus stayed outside with him. Every so often, sparks flew from his fingers, and Tumblety knew that the display was for his benefit.

  Just before the Ringmaster left, after seeing to it that Isabella was made comfortable, Titus stopped him.

  “Adam.”

  The Ringmaster turned and waited to hear Titus’s words.

  “May I ask why you keep his company?” Although the words were spoken softly in an almost whisper-like cadence, they carried through the room with clarity. Each word punched the air with weight. “He is blind to all but his ambition.”

  “He is one of us now, though perhaps not initially. That is why we must be the ones to watch over him.”

  “Ah,” Titus nodded. “When will you be leaving?”

  “Tomorrow, most likely.”

  “Then, I’ll come over some time today. To say goodbye.”

  The Ringmaster nodded.

  “Your Omniportallis machine. It is a wondrous thing. Perhaps we’ll meet again.”

  Titus shook the Ringmaster’s hand and showed him out. He stood on the spot until the sounds of the horse and carriage passed from his hearing. Then he went to the window to look out. There, grazing the lawn was Thorn, his white hide brilliant in the morning sun.

  The circus’s departure roused a chorus of talk among the people of the town. What was most curious was the suddenness of its leaving. The big tent and its monstrous chimneys, the stalls, carousels, and the funhouses disappeared as suddenly as they appeared. Only a large area of yellowed grass remained in the field where it used to stand.

  Isabella looked out the window at the patchy sky. For the whole morning, it had vacillated between sun and rain. She pulled her shawl more closely around her shoulders and leaned against the window frame. Thorn was outside in the distance, cropping the grass. She turned her head slightly when she heard Titus enter the room.

  “How are you feeling this morning?” he asked.

  “I’m much better, though a bit cold.”

  “You need more rest. Stay longer.”

  “Thank you, Titus, but I feel I have taken up enough of your generosity and time.”

  He sighed. “Is there nothing I can do to change your mind?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “Then I want you to have this,” he said, and handed her a package.

  It was a rectangular ob
ject wrapped in a bolt of cloth. She took it to a table and pulled open the cloth. Inside was the painting of her with the unicorn. Her breath caught in her throat. She quickly blinked away her tears.

  “Frederick,” she breathed.

  “I think this belongs to you,” said Titus. “I never really appreciated it anyway.”

  “Thank you. This … is truly a gift. And now, I have something for you.”

  She opened the door and beckoned him to follow. He trailed after her as she crossed the lawn towards Thorn. When Titus caught up with her, she had her hand on the side of Thorn’s head, stroking it. Thorn raised his head to look at Titus for awhile, and then returned to his eating.

  “I’ve noticed that you’ve become very close to him,” said Isabella. “Here, give me your hand,” she said, extending her free hand for his. When he gave it to her, he felt a sudden awareness of Thorn’s feelings, and he knew that Thorn was likewise aware of his.

  “What?” he asked in puzzlement.

  “There. You are bonded to him now.”

  “I thought that was between the two of you.”

  “It was, but I can’t devote my strength to maintaining it, not with my health the way it is,” she said, stroking the rhinoceros’s head. “He answers to you now. You may re-name him if you want to.” She looked at Thorn and then to Titus with a wan smile. The corners of her lips barely moved but the expression conveyed was undoubtedly a sad one.

  “And now, I must leave you.”

  “Where do you intend to go? I will send you to the nearest town.”

  “There’s no need,” she said, shaking her head. “I have my own mode of travel.”

  She started to turn.

  “You don’t mean now? This very second? What about your things, your clothes?”

  “I will send for them when I am settled. And thank you again for the painting.”

  She started to walk away.

  “Isabella!” he shouted after her. “Where will you go?”

  She did not reply.

  Isabella walked past the garden, across some more fields and into the woods. She moved with ease beneath the trees, picking her way among twirling roots and tree boles. She walked without any clear direction, allowing her instincts to guide her. Soon, she arrived at a clearing. It was a large opening, allowing the fickle sunlight to paint the grass in brilliant green before it was subdued by ominous clouds.