by Marc Lindsay
‘Hurt her. I have no intention of hurting Wendy, any more than I would myself. I need her, and now she needs me,’ Book said matter of fact.
‘What do you mean by that?’ Ulysses asked, trying not to sound alarmed. ‘It means that we are now bonded. Together. Forever,’ Book said cryptically.
‘No,’ Jason cried out in anger. ‘You can’t.’
‘I already have. But don’t fear, son of the bee-hunter, as I mentioned earlier, my only intention is to make her powerful,’ Book said. Confusion reigned on his face.
‘Take me instead,’ Selene blurted out.
‘No,’ Jason yelled coming between the two girls in a protective stance. Book chuckled softly.
‘A noble gesture, but completely unnecessary. Apart from Wendy, everyone else in this room is incapable of fulfilling my requirements, Book said.
‘What do you mean?’ Ulysses asked.
‘Her lineage, her entire being, is designed for one purpose,’ Book said.
‘And that is?’ Ulysses asked.
‘She is an elemental,’ Book said.
‘What’s an elemental?’ Selene asked.
‘Her body is designed to hold and wield that primal force magic,’ Book said.
‘There’s no need to ask what end of the spectrum you represent, the fact that you’ve taken control of Wendy shows your capacity for evil,’ Jason said. There was more soft laughter.
‘Assumptions. Aside from our conversation at present, which I might add is incredibly taxing, I have no real control over this girl. I am merely a guide and a conduit,’ Book said.
‘For what?’ Selene asked.
‘Her birthright. Power. She is in her infancy right now, and like anything which is sought and used, her abilities will grow,’ Book said turning towards Jason. ‘You call me evil for my actions, but you have to realise one important thing.’
‘And that is?’ Jason asked.
‘I never called her, she called me,’ Book said cryptically. Before anyone could respond Wendy slumped forward. No one moved, watching anxiously for whatever was to come next.
Wendy stirred, letting out a soft moan, then slowly sat up, the others were glad to see that life and colour had returned to her eyes.
‘I’m sorry, I kind of zoned out. What did you say Mr Walker,’ Wendy said, her voice thankfully normal.‘You don…’
‘It’s okay,’ Ulysses said, cutting Jason off. ‘It’s not important.’
Ulysses gave a quick glance at Jason and Selene, they picked up his meaning immediately.
‘Again, I’m really sorry I feel so vague, I promise I’m not normally like this,’ Wendy said.
‘Don’t apologise, you’ve had a rather intense morning. What say we fix you some breakfast,’ Ulysses said forcing a smile to his face.
Chapter 29
After a large breakfast during which Ulysses did his utmost to alleviate any further tension, he hustled the three teenagers off to school. Ulysses hoped the forced smile he wore on their departure looked convincing, but with what he just witnessed earlier, his life had yet another complication diverting him from his main priority. Heinrich Perigord.
With Kava and Amelia not in, Ulysses departed before anyone else arrived to ask awkward questions. Adopting the form of an eagle Ulysses took to the sky, his destination the home of Heinrich. Refusing to make the same mistakes as last time, the idea of an all-out assault was definitely out of the question. He was always telling Jason not to bulldoze his way through a problem, to try and think outside the box and what had he done but let his anger get the better of him. But not this time.
Heinrich’s power had grown since last they met, so the questions that begged asking was how had this happened, what were the extent of these new powers and most importantly how can they be overcome. So this time his visit to the property of Heinrich would be one of reconnaissance and information gathering. It was still early when Ulysses arrived and due to the nature of this mission he kept a wide berth of the house, not wanting to attract unwanted attention. Sitting in the top of a nearby tall tree, Ulysses had an excellent vantage of the entire property and now he would be patient and play the waiting game to see what may transpire.
Chapter 30
Jason knew that Ulysses had rushed them out of the library but he didn’t want to make a big deal of it, thinking that his mentor had his reasons. The three of them walked in silence, Jason and Selene each digesting the information they had witnessed earlier. Wendy could sense their apprehension, but only just fathom the reasons behind their silent brooding.
‘I have a feeling I missed something crucial back there, but I’m afraid my earlier actions concerning your uncle’s book may have placed a gap between us,’ Wendy said nervously. Jason stopped in his tracks and looked at the younger girl a genuine grin on his face.
‘I’m sorry Wendy, I think Selene and I have been deep in thought and yes you are part of that reason, but don’t think we hold any animosity towards you,’ Jason soothed.
‘He’s right, none of what happened to you is your fault,’ Selene added.
‘I know I should be afraid of the unknown power of the book, but to be perfectly honest I’ve always dreamed of something like this,’ Wendy said. ‘Like what?’ Jason queried.
‘To be more than ordinary. A life of excitement and fantasy,’ Wendy said her voice going up an octave. Jason and Selene both thought the same thing ‘can’t fault her there’.
‘I know, I know, it sounds cheesy, but I always dreamed of something more,’ Wendy continued her cheeks going red. This made all three of them laugh.
They entered the school grounds only to find it deserted, then realising that they had arrived nearly an hour early.
‘This is really sad,’ Jason sighed.
‘What’s that?’ Selene replied.
‘If I’m not late, then I’m too early, nothing in-between,’ Jason said.
‘Aw, poor baby and his first world problems,’ Selene said patronizingly.
‘Well, what do you suggest we do with all this extra time up our sleeve?’ Jason asked.
‘Well, we could go to the library and study?’ Wendy said hopefully.
‘From one library to another, could we be any lamer…,’ Jason trailed off. Selene watched his gaze, then she saw it too. The familiar white hair of Hector Rope in the distance, leaping the fence and sprinting across the grass towards the side entrance of the building. He quickly looked around before disappearing.
‘What the hell do you think that’s about?’ Selene asked, but Jason was already heading in the same direction of Hector. Stopping mid-stride, he looked back.
‘Well are you two coming, or do you need an invitation?’ Jason asked a deep frown creasing his brow, then without waiting for a response he continued on to the side of the building, both girls walking briskly to catch up.
Jason cracked the door trying hard to be quiet, the girls following close behind. All three stealthily walking down the corridor, the only sound was Hector’s footfalls echoing in the distance.
‘Is this really necessary?’ Wendy hissed.
‘No. But ever since the night of the Harvest festival, Hector’s been acting nuttier than a squirrel. This is just another example of his weirdness, besides aren’t you interested to see what he’s up to?’ Jason whispered.
‘I suppose. As long as we don’t get caught?’ Wendy said.
‘Hey, you’ve got to risk it, to get the biscuit,’ Selene said with a predatory grin. Wendy noted to herself that even her eyes had that same cat like quality when a feline spies game.
They continued on for several minutes through the labyrinth of corridors and eventually down into the school’s basement. Being careful not to be seen they descended down the catwalk of stairs deeper and deeper into the bowels of the school. Luckily the bursts of steam and heavy rattles and hisses issued from the pipes masked the sound of their movement. Jason was surprised by the sheer size of the area, Hector however seemed not to take any notice of his s
urroundings as he moved with a single minded purpose.
‘What is he doing down here,’ Jason whispered rhetorically, it was at that exact moment Hector stopped.
‘#$%*,’ Selene hissed and all three of them dropped down low. They noticed that Hector was standing outside a large closed door, but it was the brick wall to its right that had his attention.
‘Now what,’ Wendy whispered, but was silenced by Jason. Hector ran his fingers down the bricks, as if counting them, then stopping five bricks from the floor he removed a loose one and reached in. Elbow deep, obviously searching for something within. Hector slowly withdrew a small shiny key and unlocked the door, quickly disappearing within.
‘This is getting too bizarre,’ Selene commented.
‘What do you think he’s doing in there?’ Wendy asked.
‘He’s probably found the caretakers stash of nudie mags,’ Jason said with a smirk. Wendy blushed.
‘Classy,’ Selene said. The closed door flew open and Hector emerged with a small timber box similar to a cigar box held carefully in his hands.
‘He’s coming back this way. Hide,’ Jason hissed. They were able to duck behind some pipes and a thermostat and along with the heavy steam Hector walked past oblivious to their presence.
After leaving the basement they followed Hector as he made his way to the school’s administration wing. They were now taking extra care, aware staff would be making their way in at any time, as an extra precaution Selene made Wendy hang back and keep an eye out for arriving staff and students. Hector ignored the sign on the wing’s door that read ‘No students past this point without an appointment. Jason and Selene didn’t have to enter as they could see easily through the glass window Hector’s destination, the vice Principal, Mrs Stonewall. Hector knocked twice then entered, closing the door behind.
‘So far us tailing Hector hasn’t made any of this any clearer,’ Jason said.
‘Any guesses on what’s in the box?’ Selene asked.
‘I have no idea, just like I don’t know why it was hidden in the basement and why Ms Stonewall’s involved?’ Jason said clearly perplexed. Selene didn’t have an answer, instead just shrugged.
They waited, crouched behind the window for nearly ten minutes when someone behind them cleared their throat rather loudly in an attempt to gain Jason and Selene’s attention. They spun around wearing matching expressions of surprise.
‘Can I help you two?’ Mrs Gale the school nurse asked sternly.
‘Um. We were just…,’ Jason stammered.
‘Yes,’ Mrs Gale continued.
‘Well we were just…,’ Jason said clearly trying to think of what to say next.
‘They were just waiting for me,’ another voice said, they turned to find Wendy standing there. ‘I asked them to meet me here. We were going to catch Mr Thompson before he got to the staff room and ask….’
‘I’m not really interested, but you can’t wait here,’ Mrs Gale said tiredly. They all nodded. ‘Well if there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way,’ Mrs Gale added then pushed past the trio and through the door behind.
‘That was close,’ Selene said.
‘I’m so sorry, she must have come through one of the other entrances,’ Wendy apologised.
‘It’s fine, don’t worry about it,’ Jason said then casting a final look towards Ms Stonewall’s office, only to find Hector standing there, staring daggers in their direction. Jason held his gaze till Selene pulled on his arm and dragged him roughly away.
Chapter 31
Ulysses continued to follow Heinrich for most of the morning, circling high in the sky as the elder man made his deliveries all over town, either delivering flowers or picking up the withered bulbs. Ulysses sharp eyes took in everything. It was just after noon that Heinrich’s white delivery truck eventually returned home on the outskirts of town. Ulysses was careful to remain out of sight, taking a vantage point in a large tree overlooking Heinrich’s estate. Ulysses sat on a branch for several hours watching his nemesis tending his plants within the many greenhouses located there. ‘What the hell is that old fool doing?’ Ulysses thought impatiently.
As Ulysses was conducting his recon, Helen Page had just managed to drag herself away from work for a belated lunch, having been introduced to Ash’s diner by her son she had found it too tempting to resist its culinary pleasures. Helen entered the retro designed restaurant and was instantly assailed by a mixture of beautiful aromas. Plonking herself into the nearest booth she scooped up the menu and viewed the day’s specials, as she was trying to decide between the clam chowder and the ploughman’s pie, a familiar voice broke the silence.
‘Ms Page. I thought that was you coming in,’ Ash said. Helen looked up and smiled at the owner as he approached her booth.
‘Good,’ Helen checked her watch. ‘Afternoon,’ Helen said and they both chuckled.
‘I’m guessing that you’ve been swamped at work and have been sent out by Andraste to have a well-deserved lunch. Am I correct in my assumption?’ Ash asked. Helen nodded guiltily.
‘Am I that obvious?’ Helen replied.
‘Don’t feel bad, I think that a strong work ethic is to be admired,’ Ash said honestly. ‘As long as it’s tempered with that person not neglecting themselves.’
‘I like to think that I do alright most of the time. Plus I have Jason to help out at home a lot of the time,’ Helen said.
‘I’m glad to hear that,’ Ash said. ‘So is there anything on the menu that strikes your fancy.’
‘I’m trying to decide on the two specials,’ Helen said chewing her lower lip. ‘What do you suggest?’
Ash chuckled as he took the menu from her.
‘Why not both, and I’m not taking no for an answer,’ he said. Before she could reply Ash had already made his way into the kitchen. While waiting Helen decided to check out the selection of music on the jukebox, after some deliberation she settled on a late fifties ballad, the sound of an acoustic guitar flowed out into the dining car. Helen was humming along unaware of the figure casually walking up from behind, turning she jumped in surprise as Kava appeared in front of her.
‘Whoa,’ Helen squealed.
‘My apologies Helen, I didn’t mean to startle you,’ Kava said with a mischievous grin that hinted contrary to his statement. ‘What brings you here so late in the day?’ he asked while steering her back to her booth.
‘Lost track of the day, you know how it is?’ Helen said sheepishly.
‘No, I’m afraid I don’t,’ Kava replied patiently. ‘A beautiful woman such as yourself should never have to deny herself anything.’ Kava said with such intensity that Helen found herself blushing. Before she could reply Ash’s voice echoed out from the kitchen.
‘Mrs Page, I’ll place my personal guarantee that once you try the chowder you’ll never wan,’ Ash was stopped midsentence his arms laden with food as he discovered Helen’s plus one. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t realise that I had an additional customer.’ Ash said taking in the new face.
‘You must be Ash,’ Kava said casually. ‘Quaint place you have here.’
‘I like to think so,’ Ash replied placing the food carefully in front of Helen, a prominent tattoo on his forearm featuring a lion, hawk, vulture and snake intertwined together.
‘That’s an interesting piece of art you have there,’ Helen enquired.
‘Yes very interesting,’ Kava added coolly. Ash regarded the man, his eyes narrowing.
‘You have any yourself?’ Ash asked.
‘No, not me, I’m afraid of needles,’ Kava said.
‘Me too, I mean having the needles stuck into me,’ Helen said with a chuckle. ‘I’m not afraid to use a needle? That would be silly. A vet afraid of needles.’
The two men were now ignoring Helen, their attention focused solely on each other.
‘Have we met before? You seem awfully familiar?’ Ash asked.
‘I don’t think so, I’d remember someone of your stature,’ Kava replied. Just then
Helen’s phone rang and she excused herself to take the call. The two men continued to regard each other.
‘No, I’m sure of it. We’ve met before,’ Ash stated and by the look on his face the lingering memory wasn’t pleasant.
‘Ah, a person’s memory can be such a fleeting thing, especially over a long period of time,’ Kava said placing emphasis on the long part.’ His gaze remained on Helen who had finished her call and was making her way back to them.
‘Sorry to keep you both waiting, I had to take that,’ Helen said.
‘Don’t apologise Mrs Page, we were just getting acquainted. I thought we had met somewhere before, but now thinking about it, I’m sure I was mistaken,’ Ash said with a smile but his eyes were dark. ‘I don’t want to take up any more of your time, please eat while it’s hot, Helen.’
‘Thank you Ash,’ Helen replied.
‘My pleasure. And you Mr Kava. I look forward to meeting you again,’ Ash said.
‘Of course,’ Kava said dryly as Ash disappeared back into the kitchen. Now that they were alone Kava laid his attentions back on Helen.
‘I’m so glad I had a chance to bump into you here. I have a proposition?’ Kava said sliding in next to her.
Ulysses had been waiting patiently for several hours for some sign or clue as to what Heinrich was currently up to. The older man had spent the entire time tending his garden. The way he looked after his plants bordered on the obsessed, but Ulysses knew that due to the man’s alien physiology he was in tune with all botanical lifeforms, not that this explained his hours’ worth of work. Heinrich was too self-obsessed not to have a reason behind his long toil. Ulysses was about to return home when Heinrich too appeared to be packing up for the day. As the elder man exited his greenhouse he sniffed the air and stopped dead in his tracks. A smile slowly spread across his face.
‘Ah, another visit to my lovely home,’ Heinrich called out. Ulysses remained silent, continuing to observe the man from a distance. ‘You’re wasting your time here, trying to catch me doing something wrong and evil. What then? Will you then feel righteous in your actions? I know you want to end my existence. But you lack the courage in your convictions, as I have done nothing wrong.’