It was minutes from midnight as people scrambled through the dark streets with belongings they managed to grab before fleeing their homes, dropping them now and then, and struggling to grasp them, some left them behind trying to get to safety. But with Drakuul in control, there was no safe place because he would stop at nothing to rid his city and domain of any threat he feared would return.
My mom and I ran through the streets with others trailing all around, crowding the stations to the train depots where the locomotives began evacuating, fitting as many as their cabins could hold. There were only three trains left but two had already departed moments before we arrived and I hoped there’d be enough room on the last for my mom and me. And if not for me, then I would make sure my mom fled the city with her familiar, a black cat Freya that screamed from inside her carrier.
I instructed my mom to push through ahead, watching as she disappeared deep into the chaos, I grew worried. My petite height held me at a disadvantage because all of the figures crowding around, behind and head of me, were rather tall or medium height.
“Mommy!” I shouted, pushing my way through, moaning as the weight of my duffle bag felt awkward draped across my back, “Excuse me, ex-excuse me!” I continued with my black wolf Zanzabarr beside me, strapped in his leather harness and muzzle, “Move it!” I groaned, listening to mutters of agitated complaints and grunts, “I said move it, didn’t it?!” I leered at them, gripping Zanzabarr’s leash tightly and short.
“Yza!” Lady D called out as she stood near the doors, resting the weight of Freya’s carrier upon her wheeled trunk., “Yza, Yza sweetheart!” her eyes searched the crowd for her one and only daughter, until spotting her fiery hand raising in the air, waving above taller heads, “Oh thank god.” she sighed.
“Mommy!” I continued shouting, and peeking through scarce gaps in the crowd, I spotted her, “Zanz, go to her…go!” I instructed the large wolf, followed by a whistle. Letting go of some of his leash, giving him enough lead ahead, he barked through his muzzle, releasing deep growls that parted a quick path through the masses toward my mom, “Good boy.”
“Oh, sweetheart…are you all right?!” Lady D worried; her eyes were tired and weary from the long trek through the dark streets and alleys.
“I’m fine, don’t worry about me! Get inside and find a cabin before they’re all gone!” I urged, “Mom, go!” I gently turned her toward the doors, watching as she pushed herself onto the steps of the train, disappearing inside.
She left her trunk outside on the depot platform and before I followed in after her, I turned, glancing back at the Great City that was once glorious and rustic but now, it’s nothing but piles of rubble, smoke, and darkness. It broke my heart because the city had been our home for the past five years upon relocating from the States for my safety. The States was not as accepting toward Demons of any ranks, however, now, that was all destroyed. Our home. The memories. Our lives. All who rushed and crowded on the depot, crouched down in fear because in the clouds above the Great City, bright lights flashed and boomed like thunder as continuous amounts of the Lords’ hellish armies erupted from within.
“Get moving!” a grumpy old man shouted behind her. He had a patch over his left eye, but his clear-tired blue eye watched as she turned, “Get moving, girl!” he stood, limping in place.
I sensed the man was an Immortal, quickly scanning him up and down, he wasn’t living his life the best, considering his physical appearance. But who was I to judge, I didn’t know his story and he didn’t know mine.
“Move it, girl!” he barked.
“I heard you the first time, now shut it, grandpa!” I snapped, flashing a demonic flame in my dark eyes, “I’m moving!”
He groaned, displeased by her nature, then nodded as she turned, boarding the train through a handful the conductor instructed on board.
My eyes searched both left and right for my mom until I heard her voice call loudly over the chorus and echo of voices. Glancing to my right, she stood halfway in the doorway of a small cabin, waving her hands in a beckoning manner. I smiled, then struggled to pull her trunk behind me when I felt its weight tug away from my grasp. I turned, worried someone might have snatched it for themselves, but there stood the conductor holding onto it high above his head as if it weighed nothing. I was surprised, he was a short-stout man.
“Allow me, my lovely.” he nodded, gesturing for her to keep moving forward, “It’s all right, I’ve got this. Go.” he urged.
“Thank you.” I nodded, then stepped over bags and trunks crowding the aisles. Turning around, glancing over my left shoulder with Zanzabarr pulling ahead, the conductor wasn’t far behind, managing the maze and his footing with ease and confidence. He didn’t stumble, not once.
Lady D reached out, gently grabbing onto her daughter’s shoulders, pulling her into the cabin behind her with her wolf, then smiled at the conductor who slid her trunk through the doorway at her feet.
“Thank you, Sir.” Lady D pulled it toward her, before tucking it under the seat near the window.
“No problem, love.” the man grinned, then turned, hearing a loud ruckus erupt from the car behind us. Looking at the two women before him, he placed his finger to his lips, indicating they be silent then he closed the door.
“Oh my god.” Lady D huffed, taking her seat by the window. Laying her left hand atop Freya’s carrier, she listened to the small feline’s loud meows and paws clawing at the cage door, “I can’t believe this happening!” she hunched forward, placing one of her fingers through the gate, stroking Freya’s cheek, “I know, baby, I know.”
“I can’t either.” I sat across from her, nervously rubbing my hands against my thighs, feeling my nerves jitter, “But I am just…thankful we managed to get out.” I glanced out the window, hearing the trains’ steam engine roar and churn, spitting hot steam into the air. Leaning my head against the wall behind me, I watched as the depot passed, disappearing behind us in a blur through the glass. The motion of the train was idle, not presenting much difficulty moving from car-to-car, but my mom and I, remained where we were, listening to voices pass by our cabin. Zanzabarr lay at my feet, staring at the door, perking his ears each time individuals strolled by, “Easy boy.” I leaned down, stroking his soft black fur, then glanced at my mom who peeked into the carrier, “How is she?”
“Scared.” Lady D answered, looking at her daughter, “I mean, I just threw her in there without letting her sniff around, you know.” she laid the carrier on the ground, keeping it between her feet.
“Yeah.” I bit my lip, “Yeah, I know.” I looked out the window, “Where do you think this train stops?” I continued.
“Sweetheart, I don’t know, but hopefully wherever we wind up, we’ll be safe from harm and danger.” she leaned her head against the wall.
“That’s what you said about leaving the States to come here, we’d be safe here in the U.K.” I groaned in complaint.
“That’s not my fault.” Lady D frowned.
“I didn’t say it was.” I snapped bluntly, “I’m just saying.”
Considering the situation, Lady D knew her daughter meant nothing by it with her sarcasm that came naturally to her. She always wondered though, was it because it was natural or due to her half-breed temperament.
“Well, with how treacherous this new Lord and his order is, I don’t think I could ever trust another Immortal, regardless of the magic they practice.”
“They’re not all the same.” I frowned, “They’ve never given you and I any trouble.” I shrugged.
“True but, we have to be on guard at all times, and try not to call attention to ourselves.” Lady D shifted, adjusting her full, bohemian skirt.
I raised an eyebrow, looking around.
“Right.” I nodded, “Don’t call attention to ourselves. Let’s see, you’re a Wiccan and I’m a half-breed traveling with a wolf. Yeah, sure…that doesn’t call attention at all.” I muttered.
Lady D remained silent, flashing her daughter a faint grin.
For those who couldn’t make it to the depot before the deadline or didn’t have enough room in the cabins, were left behind to suffer a fate far more cruel than death. Mostly men, but women too, struggled to fight back against the militia that arrived minutes too late; the Shayds overpowered other Demons, mortals and Immortals, even a few Wraiths that had managed to escape by disappearing in swift blurs down the tracks after the trains. The militia wounded some; they handled the prisoners roughly, throwing them into the vans or trucks, with iron shackles bound around their wrists and ankles. Others, however, were killed, potentially posing a threat, and were left there as a message to anyone else who dared to flee. The soldiers jumped off the depot and stood on the tracks, watching as the train disappeared down the long stretch ahead of them. They weren’t so much upset that citizens of the city fled and escaped their reach, but they wanted control of the trains and their route.
“They’re gone!” one of the Shayds ordered in disappointment, “Let’s get back to General Matrx. There’s nothing left here.” he spat at the ground, “They’ll be followed and will find out there’s no safe place to hide. Not from us, and not from our Lord.” he grinned, “The chase should be enjoyable.” he licked his lips with excitement, “Get them out of here!”
“Yes, Sir.” muttering voices answered.
Before climbing back into their vehicles, returning with their reports, the Shayds glanced toward the depot platform where the bodies of those killed, lay lifeless. Removing lighters from their pockets, they stole the flame that changed from a bright yellow to green, and throwing out their hands, releasing an acidic fire, it burned the corpses, leaving scorch marks on the platform. Shaking out their hands, feeling the sting of the acidic flame, they clenched their fists, but didn’t suffer blisters you’d receive from playing with fire.
The captured ones screamed and cried their pleadings rants, but their captors didn’t adhere to them. They all shrieked as two of the Shayds held their hands on the barred cages; blue threads of electricity mildly shocked the captives without the complete electrocution. The prisoners watched as the men grinned, cracking their knuckles, before turning away.
With reports he received from a source in the Great City, a powerful Immortal, Marxus Castillion, stood among groups of Demons, Lycynians, mortals and Wraiths, in a place he had established for their races seeking refuge from the outside world. It was an island hidden from sight, but very much there and protected by ancient Jinn magic, another race of beings that are far beyond the ranks of Demons. Gathering most who lived behind the massive wall, protecting the heart of the island, Ravenstone Manor, he revealed the reports he had received.
“A significant change has occurred on the mainland in the Great City. I am not sure if any of you here have received the news from friends, family or associates but, I fear the worst for us. Guards….” he glanced toward a large group of men to his left where Demons and Wraiths stood dressed in black leather steampunk uniforms, with a silver Raven broach-pin or badge, “you will be on high alert of who or what comes across the Irish Sea and onto our shores. You already know that if they don’t have permission or a pass, they are not welcome here and will not pass the barrier. Keep in touch with the guards at Heysham.” he watched as they all nodded in understanding, “Good. Now.” he returned his focus upon the crowd before him, “I must inform you that there might be new arrivals of Demons and Immortals, mortals and magical practitioners, maybe Wraiths too, I do not know, but please, treat them with hospitality but extreme caution. Regardless of their race or species.” he squinted, hearing complaints from within the crowd, “These are…very dangerous times and we must work together if we wish to survive in this world.”
“And allowing outsiders ensures that safety?!” a voice barked.
“And when you say new arrivals, do you know how many of which are coming here?!” another voice objected boisterously with a strong Scottish brawl, rolling the words off his tongue, “I think we have enough Demons and bloodsuckers here to make this place feel like Hogwarts and Dracula’s castle, you can’t allow more to…”
“Leonus Lancaster…that’s enough!” Marxus affirmed sternly, leering in the man’s direction, making direct eye contact, “I said regardless of their race or species and that stands as is. Do you understand?” but Leonus, an alpha Lycynian, didn’t answer as he turned, “Silence is the best answer, now return to your duties. All of you!”
Everyone nodded, agreeing to what Marxus asked of them. Demons returned to the wall among the Wraiths in their own methods of supernatural teleportation; the Wraiths had disappeared in puffs of black mist with embers and Demons vanished in colored flames of red, green or blue, all leaving behind the scent of sulfur, or brief portals opened, taking the individual to the wall or their destination.
Marxus sighed, returning to the study upstairs in the manor. Sitting at his desk for hours preparing stacks of new files, he was unsure of how many there would be. As he looked at the clock on his desk, listening to its ticking hands, hours went by, when his dragon reached out to him through a telepathic bond. Sensing the urgency in the dragon’s plea, Marxus took slow steps toward one of the bookcases, entering a secret passage, guiding him to a door that led to the cave beneath the island where the dragon dwelt. Following a set of stairs, taking his feet off the last step, he entered the cave, greeted by the glorious sight of the mythical beast.
“What is it, Blue One? Why do you summon me in such an urgent manner?” Marxus asked softly.
“I have been granted a vision of your heir, Immortal. The orb has or will, finally choose, after centuries of searching. She will be accompanied by a woman who practices magic.” the great dragon replied, keeping their telepathic bond.
“Sh-she? My successor will be female. But that’s impossible. A woman can’t run this sanctuary, much less protect all of the secrets, regardless of her race, she will never gain the respect I have managed to keep all these centuries.” Marxus argued in a verbal manner, looking up at the dragon.
“I had never mentioned her race, but nonetheless Immortal, in my vision the stone itself chose her, once it was placed in her hands. She will be from a far place, coming inexperienced and unknowing of your ways here, yes, but yet she possesses skills that have always protected her, that is all I have seen. However, you know my visions do not lie, and I sense she is a part Demon, but more than others of her kind. There is a fire deep within and around her.”
“That’s nothing new. Demons here practice Pyrokinesis.” the Immortal frowned, waving his hand in dismissal of the words that were spoken.
“I do not speak of Pyrokinesis that is taught. She was born with the natural gift from an ancient demonic bloodline, and one that is blocked from my sight and knowledge, but she does not originate from the Barathous demonic bloodline.” the dragon softly answered verbally.
Marxus glanced at the massive dragon before him, feeling a sense of surprise and bewilderment. He couldn’t understand the meaning of not belonging to the Barathous bloodline. He frowned, then turned away pacing, scanning the cave’s rocky environment with thoughts crowding his mind. He let out a deep sigh, pushing them aside, stuttering softly as he turned his attention upon the Sapphire blue scaled dragon, gently petting his scaled snout.
“If that’s what you’ve seen, so be it, but I still can’t see how a young woman can handle this position. Look at what it’s done to me.” he pulled his hands away, “Unless she possesses great magic or rare abilities, this will be a challenge for everyone, but I will see it done.” he looked into the dragons gold eyes, “Have no worries, friend. Rest now, dear dragon.” he nodded, then backed away slowly, receiving a respectful nod in return. He hurriedly ascended the covert stairs, returning to his study and when the bookshelf shut behind him and he settled in his chair, he questioned when he should reveal the sudden appearance of a new Demon or Keeper, wishing to suppress speculations of his retirement. Marxus knew Leonus would step forward, wanting to claim the rights to the island, since his ancestors had once called it home. He leaned forward, removing an ornate box from its place on the desk and opening the lid, a Sapphire blue orb stone was tucked away inside. Its smooth shine glistened from light shining through the curtains of the patio doors behind the desk and chair, “A WOMAN?” his eyes stared at the stone’s captivating center swirling with its faint colors of blue, before taking on a fiery reddish hue, “A WOMAN, WHY A WOMAN? HOW CAN SHE POSSIBLY TAKE ON THE RESPONSIBILITY AND HORRENDOUS STRESS OF THIS PLACE? IT CANNOT BE, IT’S NOT POSSIBLE, AND DOESN’T ORIGINATE FROM THE BARATHOUS BLOODLINE, MEANING WHAT?” his thoughts had continued before bringing on the twinging aches of a headache, “MARXUS, ENOUGH WITH THIS.” he closed the lid of the box, gently pushing it away back to its place but soft whispers suddenly hummed from within, followed a pulsating glow seen through the cracks, answering his soft thoughts.
He ignored their words as he stood, stepping into the small bathroom right of the desk (or left, from the door) to splash water on his face. Staring at his reflection, he couldn’t help but worry about what this meant for everyone here, all that he’s fought for and built. In his absence, the orb momentarily took on a bright red fiery glow, peeking through the seams of the box once more, leaving behind only a sinister whisper in a female’s voice.
“Finally, the half-breed will become what she’s destined to be, and now that everything has fallen into place, it’s all a matter of time.”
Marxus exited the bathroom watching as the strange red glow diminished within the box. Standing in bewilderment, he stared at the box, knowing something unnatural was about to take place.
The train made several stops at depots along its route, but my mom and I decided to ride it out to the end. The further, the better. Glimpses of the night sky and stars passed by as my mom and I sat close to the windows, playing a game of cards that helped soothe our nerves, we even shared moments of laughter at goofs in between our hands of cards. That was us, always managing to find the humor in any situation. Our laughter suddenly ceased when Zanzabarr stood, keeping his yellow wolf eyes glued to the door that had the shades pulled down. With his ears perked and tail hanging low between his long hind legs, my mom and I laid our cards on the seats next to us. Glancing at her, she removed a long athame from her carry-on bag, holding it tightly. Reaching for Zanzabarr’s harness handle, pulling him backwards away from the door, I engulfed in a menacing steam that would eventually spark into a faint red-fiery Aura but before that had a chance to happen, a soft knock tapped on the door.
Zanzabarr growled deeply, then released several loud barks.
“Ladies, it’s Sean. The conductor!” a man’s voice called out from the other side of the door from the narrow and awkward corridor.
I cautiously reached my right hand outward, lifting the shade, sighing in relief, for there stood the man offering a brief wave. Tapping Zanzabarr’s harness, taking deep breaths, I quickly extinguished my oncoming Aura. Clearing my throat, slowly turning to my mom, she sheathed her dagger, hiding it under her skirt. Opening the door slowly, the conductor greeted me with a friendly smile.
“Yes?” I rasped.
“Hello, love.” he nodded, tipping his hat.
“Hello.” Lady D called from inside.
“Something wrong?” I inquired protectively.
“No, not at all.” the man backed away respectfully, “I was just, uh…just inquiring to see if you have a little extra room for one more passenger?” his eyes scanned the sizeable but tight cabin.
“Um…” I mumbled, glancing back at my mom.
“Yes, yes of course.” Lady D answered, “Yza, let them in.”
Looking at her, receiving an affirmative nod, I glanced back at the conductor, offering a smile before stepping aside with Zanzabarr, who continued growling through his muzzle at the man that quickly stepped inside. Feeling his weight lunge forward, I pulled him back in a rough jerk by the collar and harness handle.
“Sorry.” I groaned, then tapped his muzzle, “That’s enough!” I looked into his yellow eyes, watching as his tongue tried to lick through the gaps of the leather design of the muzzle.
Stepping around the conductor, was a woman in her mid 40s with short, red-curly hair and dressed in gypsy-like attire. Rings graced every one of her slender fingers and strange pendants hung on delicate silver chains around her neck. She didn’t carry much, other than a medium carry-on bag that she clutched close to her. Pausing in the doorway, she observed the massive wolf’s size.
“Back.” the young woman whispered to the beast, pulling him by the harness, “Come on, heel Zanzabarr!”
The woman grinned, taking her seat close to the door, while the conductor asked for fare and identification.
“Wh-why do you need those?” Lady D pondered.
“To verify who you are, that’s all.” the man answered bluntly. Sensing our hesitation, he continued with a hint of agitation, “Look ladies, I don’t care if you’re Demon, Immortal, Wraith, or whatever else is out there, I don’t. I just need to verify your faces, all right? Now please, your I.D. cards.”
The gypsy woman reached into her purse, as did we through our bags, searching for our wallets that were thrown down to the bottom during the rush of packing our clothes and other miscellaneous items.
The conductor tapped his fingers along the doorway, huffing.
“Nevermind, I’ll get them.” he snapped his fingers and three I.D. cards appeared in his hand, “There we go.” he studied the faces, matching the pictures with the passengers then he kindly returned them accordingly and upon handing the card to the young woman, he stared directly into her eyes, “Here you go, my lovely. Enjoy your ride.” he grinned, then straightened his posture before closing the door.
Sitting in confusion, I wondered what just happened. You see, Demons can sense another Demon for it’s the in the eyes, we catch a glimpse of magic and the red shade of the eyes, but for Immortals, it works the same I suppose, catching the paleness of theirs. But in this case, his eyes were neither Immortal nor Demon, but black like an insect. Was there another race or species out there, I didn’t know about?
“He’s definitely a Demon.” the woman broke the silence in an Irish accent, “As are you, my dear.” she pointed her finger at the young woman before tucking her I.D. card back in her small wallet that jingled with coins.
“Wh-what? No, I’m not.” I argued, also hiding my I.D. away.
“Yes, you are.” the woman looked into her eyes, “And a rare one too, despite your half-breed blood.” she fiddled with all of the rings on her fingers.
“Excuse me?!” Lady D objected, turning in her seat, facing the woman directly, “That’s my daughter!”
“Yes, I can sense that too, and you’re a magical practitioner.” she looked at Lady D then sighed, “Look, loves…I am not going to hurt you, and like the conductor, I don’t care what you are. I have friends that are Demons, Immortals, even a few Wraiths. I don’t judge.” she shrugged, “But where are my manners? I’m Mary, and thank you for sharing your cabin. Every other was bloody full.” she grinned.
“Sure thing. Mary.” I mumbled.
“Feisty one, aren’t you?” the woman leaned back, “But if I were you, I’d be careful love, you don’t want to combust the train, eh?” she chuckled.
“I don’t see how that’s funny!” I argued firmly.
“Neither do I.” Lady D groaned, reaching for the hilt of her hidden athame.
“I’m sorry, I’m just trying to lighten the mood.” Mary smiled.
“Dampen it, more likely.” I mocked.
“Look ladies, we’re going to be sharing this cabin apparently for the duration of the tracks, so let’s put this wee-little and ridiculous misunderstanding behind us, and start over, yes?” she glanced back and forth at the two women, “I’m Mary.”
“Clearly.” I tapped the toe of my right foot anxiously.
“My-my name is Lady D and this is my daughter, Yzavela.” she gestured at herself, then over at her.
“Beautiful names, and how about your little ones?” she made reference to their pets, “What a gorgeous dog.” she looked at the black wolf then glanced down at the ground, “And I see the whiskers of a wee-pussycat.” she attempted peeking at the cage door as Lady D lifted the carrier onto the seat, but Mary received a deep hiss and lash of her paws, “Oh dear, it’s all right.” she pulled her hand back.
“This is Zanzabarr.” I declared, stroking the wolf between his ears, “And that’s my mom’s cat, Freya.”
“Zanzabarr and Freya. Magical names. Your familiars, yes?” Mary inquired, glancing back and forth between the women once more.
Both my mom and I exchanged a worried glance.
Looking at Mary, Lady D answered suspiciously, if that was a problem.
“No…no-no, I greatly admire witches, warlocks and all that. I practice the old gypsy magics myself, but my specialty is reading ones individual fortunes.”
“Fascinating, but we never stated we were witches, warlocks, and all that.” I snapped, “That was your assumption.”
“Well, your mother here just asked if that was a problem, so that gave you away.” Mary commented awkwardly, “Ladies please, I’m not going to hurt you, because I’m like you.”
“Yeah?” I folded my arms, “How so?” I didn’t trust her.
“I’m running too, I’m on my way to stay with some kin that don’t live too far from here. Where are you headed?”
“Look, Mary…” I snapped again, leaned forward, “you seem harmless and all, believe me, if you weren’t, my wolf and I would have sensed it, so let me make one thing very clear.” I stared into her eyes with my dark brown ones, “You don’t know us, we don’t know you, and if we don’t want to answer your persistent and random questions, then leave us be. Can you do that…Mary?” I squinted my eyes, making a clear point that I wouldn’t be an easy mark, if those were any of her intentions.
Mary gulped silently, nodding slowly.
“Understood.” she rasped the words that barely left her lips.
“Good.” I affirmed, leaning back. Looking over in my mom’s direction, I received a shake of her head, but I knew, that my mom knew, I was being protective.
“Let’s change the subject, shall we?” Lady D loudly cleared her throat, “It’s getting a little hot and stuffy in here, don’t you think, Yza?”
“Really? I haven’t noticed.” I side-eyed Mary, keeping close watch on her, as did Zanzabarr.
“Mary, you said you had friends that were Immortals, Demons and Wraiths. What are the Wraiths like?” Lady D indeed changed the subject.
“Um…” Mary cautiously turned to her, “well, they look like any of us, really. I mean, you couldn’t tell if they’re Wraiths unless they flashed their eyes and fangs, or demonstrate their supernatural abilities. And then there’s the blood drinking and sensitivity to the sun, of course.” she smiled, “They can also teleport, which I find so fascinating and I’ve heard some are immune to sunlight but I haven’t been able to prove that theory. However, there are some that are cold dead things, ugh I know their name but I can’t recall it at the moment.” she snapped her fingers.
“Nightwalkers.” I muttered.
“Ah, yes. Nightwalkers. You’ve come across them?”
“Personally? No, but…there is an abundance of them in the Great City.” I answered bluntly, “Nasty mother f*ckers, so I have seen.”
“Yes, yes they are.” Mary glanced at the window, then down at Zanzabarr, “And what’s his story? I can’t say I’ve ever seen a wolf in these parts for centuries. I thought wolves were all extinct? Where did you find him?”
“Again with the questions.” I groaned.
“Yzavela…that’s enough!” Lady D warned.
“No, it’s all right. I understand where she’s coming from.” Mary straightened her posture in her seat, “Leave her be.”
“Look, I’m sorry.” I apologized sincerely, “When it comes to him, it’s a long story, and one I don’t like telling.”
“I see, well, I hope it’s one I get to hear someday.”
“Mm.” Lady D moaned cautiously, “Where are you from, if you don’t mind me asking the questions now?”
“Everywhere, really.” Mary looked at her, seeming to be a bit nervous by the woman’s sudden question, “I’m not one that has the luxury of staying in one place too long. My choice, I suppose.”
“I see.” Lady D nodded, “A true gypsy, then.” she watched as Mary’s eyes grew wide with confusion, “I only mean that, you can’t call just one place your home because you’ve been to a lot of places. I knew a friend for over 30 years that liked to move around a lot, she too was a Gypsy like you.”
“Y-yes, exactly.” Mary broke her gaze, “Perhaps, I can read your fortunes, maybe break the tension that’s building quite a lot of negativity here. Despite being mortal and Demon, I do sense positive vibes, so what do you say?” she held out her hands toward the women, palms facing upward, “Wouldn’t you like to know where your futures take you?”
“Yeah sure, cause they’ve been so positive this far.” I groaned. Looking toward my mom, she shook her head then was first to accept Mary’s offer. Watching as she reached out both of her hands, Mary gently grasped them with her own, “Are you sure about this?” I inquired curiously, keeping my eyes on my mom and Mary.
“She’ll be fine.” Mary stated.
“I wasn’t talking to you!” I snapped at her.
“Yza, I’m fine.” Lady D looked at her daughter, then turning her gaze back to Mary, she gasped, because the woman’s eyes turned white as she tapped into her gypsy magic.
“Relax, Lady D…I can’t read you if you’re nervous.” Mary instructed. Listening to the woman in her grasp, take deep breaths, she continued, “There you go, dear. That’s better. Now, I see a good life ahead of you, however, there will be a few minor obstacles in your path, but you will overcome them, just as you’ve always done in the past. I also see many-many strangers that will be beneficial encounters in your journey to the future. You come from a long and powerful bloodline of witches and Native Americans, which you already know, and the ancestors of your kin are with you, even now. They want you to know that you are strong, be cautious and always be aware of those around you.” her hands gripped Lady D’s hands tighter, “And…” she stuttered, trying to find the next sentence of words, “be aware of a green room or what looks like an aviary of some sort, there will be danger that you will not escape from.” she sighed heavily, feeling Lady D pull her hands away.
“Danger I won’t escape from, what does that mean?!” Lady D barked, “Will I be attacked by plants or killer birds?” she had hoped her words would be received with humor but looking at her daughter then back at Mary, neither women picked up on it.
“Sometimes my visions are not always correct.” Mary rubbed her hands together, feeling a tingling sensation. Blinking her eyes, taking a deep breath, she turned to the young woman that sat across from her. Looking into her big brown eyes, she reached out her hands, but she was hesitant.
“Yza, it’s all right.” Lady D whispered.
Raising an eyebrow, I gently laid my hands in her palms; her grasp tightened. I watched as her eyes changed white and all of this was beginning to freak me out.
“Oh my, your future on the other hand, is quite detailed and it takes a whole different turn, but have no fear, they’re not all drastic moments.” Mary muttered.
“Not drastic moments?” I interrupted, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?! Death? Is there a death?!” I worried, as my eyes veered toward my mom, who sat quietly.
“Yes. A near passing of someone you haven’t yet met. There is also a great task that will be given to you, through…what appears to be an Immortal, he will expect you to fulfill the destiny that is unknown to you.” Mary continued, gripping the young woman’s hands tighter, feeling her wanting to pull away, “On this path, you will encounter friends, enemies and a great love that will change your life. He will be all you seek and depend on in the world that is to come.” she paused, then flinched with a frown, “Oh my, god and goddess!” she gasped.
“What!?” I worried, “God damn it Mary, what is it?!”
“Fire, I-I see fire everywhere, but it’s not burning, and there are fig-figures standing among them. You’re, oh my goddess, you’re…”
Rapidly pulling my hands before she could finish her rantings, I glanced at my mom with worry, afraid of what she saw. I felt a lump in my throat as I gulped softly, rubbing my hands against my thighs.
Opening her eyes, Mary stared at the young woman, seeming to appear weakened and drained. Grinning, she leaned back in her seat, apologizing, hoping she didn’t frighten them with her readings but revealed that reading many fortunes, she had never seen anything quite like Yzavela’s, and that the young woman had been through a lot during her 25 years. She winced, feeling a sharp sting on her hands. Peeking at her palms and fingers, they were slightly blistered. Holding her bag close, she rummaged through it for a bottle of water, taking a few gulps.
I grew worried about what this woman, who I knew nothing about, had seen. Staring at her, she remained silent for the rest of the ride, flicking through a deck of tarot cards, coming up empty handed in her readings. I closed my eyes, taking a moment to pick around her mind; images of her past, faces I didn’t recognize and a sense that she could be trusted flooded my senses. Her memories of moving around from place to place was true, I even saw she had a love but he was taken from her, killed by Hunters. Gasping softly, I opened my eyes, looking at her.
“I’m sorry.” I rasped softly.
“For what?” Mary wondered, oblivious to the sense of having the half-breed invading on her thoughts.
“Um, nothing.” I dismissed my outburst. Shaking my head, I slid along the seat closer to the window, while my mom sat silently, trying to rewrite a spell she had been working on. Turning around, placing my feet on the seat, I reached into my bag, removing a book to read.
Suddenly, over the speakers throughout the train, the conductor’s voice announced the next stop approached. Mary glanced at the light above the door, signaling the name of the stop, letting out a soft sigh. Draping her carry-on bag strap across her chest, she stood, waiting for the train to cease its approach, then turned to Lady D and Yzavela.
“It was an interesting ride ladies, I’m glad I met you. Both of you and your familiars.” she smiled, “I have something for you.” she searched through her bag for a pen and paper, “This is the name and business address for a man that I have known for many-many years. He’s a warlock and I trust him dearly, but if you decide you want true safety from the Great City’s Lord and General, he will arrange to have you taken to a place where you will be protected and among your own kind.” she scribbled a name and address on the back of a card then handed it to the young woman, “His name is William Harley, so if you meet with him, just let him know I’ve sent you, and he’ll take care of the rest.” she smiled again.
“Thank you.” I gently took the card without reading what she had written down. Offering a smile in return, I apologized once more but she shrugged it off, then disappeared down the narrow aisle with half of the remaining passengers. I didn’t bother reading the card, tucking it in my pocket.
“Weird woman.” Lady D muttered.
“Yeah!” I scoffed, making sure the cabin door was locked and shades were drawn.
Mary climbed off the last step of the train with the assistant of the conductor then took in deep breaths as she took steps away from the locomotive. Turning, she watched and listened as the train continued down the tracks when suddenly, sharp aches of a migraine crept upon her. She slowly walked away from the depot through the station then paused, feeling an eerie shiver run up and down her spine. Turning around, she thought maybe someone was behind her, but no one was seen. Using her gypsy senses to identify the presence, it was gone before she could mutter a chant of revelation.
“Mary! Mary O`Toole!” voices called out her name.
Turning around, there were friends waiting for her, waving their hands in beckoning motions to join them. Smiling softly, she turned, leaving the depot and presence behind her.
Staring at the page of the book I read, I paid no attention to the words of the story, because I couldn’t help but roll Mary’s words around in my mind. Looking at my mom sitting across from me I wondered, “WHOSE DEATH? MINE, MOM’S? AND AN IMMORTAL WILL EXPECT ME TO FULFILL A DESTINY THAT WILL BE GIVEN?” I shook my head. I know I’m a fire Demon, but what did she mean when she saw figures standing in fire? Worrying greatly, I closed the book with a hard slam.
Lady D laid her journal in her lap, leaning forward, gently patting her daughter’s knee in reassurance that things will be all right. Sharing a smile, she nodded then sat back, returning to her journal then asked what word rhymed withNIGHT.
I offered words I could think of then glanced out the window, watching as the sky began to lighten as the sun slowly took its time setting the skies on fire with shades of pink, yellow and orange.
After a while, the conductor announced once more, loudly over the speakers that the train was reaching its last stop on the tracks. A sizeable town called WHITEHAVEN. After the long and exhausting five-hour ride, our legs felt cramped and our stomachs were empty. Freya and Zanzabarr too, were uneasy from the long trip, especially the small feline who couldn’t be let out of her carrier. There were six, maybe more, other passengers departing off the train ahead of us. The conductor kindly carried our bags with little-to-no effort, gently laying them on the depot platform then he turned for Lady D’s awkwardly-large trunk.
“Well, ladies, it was a pleasure.” he tipped his cap. Climbing back aboard the train before the doors closed, he couldn’t help but add a cryptic farewell, “Be safe out there, your journey is just about to begin.” he winked, chuckled, then stepped back as the doors closed.
Looking at my mom, she shrugged then reached for the grip of her trunk, pulling it behind her while she carried Freya in her free hand. Pulling Zanzabarr’s leash, keeping it curled short in hand, the large wolf heeled without command; his nose sniffed around through the muzzle then snorted, as if he didn’t like the new scents of the area and town.
Strolling through the station outside, we tried hailing a taxi but it was close to impossible because this depot was a little too far from public transportation but there was a call button that signals the need of one. We waited for almost two hours when a small black four-door vehicle pulled up, coming to an abrupt stop, shrieking the brakes.
The driver was a grumpy-old Englishman, and a mortal like Lady D, and was oblivious to Yzavela’s half-demonic nature. He ranted and complained about having pets in his cab but allowed the fare, as long as there would be a substantial tip at the end. He, however, argued nonstop about Zanzabarr’s large size in the backseat next to the young woman; his head breached between the front seats, where Lady D sat next to him.
“Oi, keep that flea-infested mutt back!” he barked loudly.
“He’s not a mutt, and he’s not flea infested!” I growled, then pulled the wolf’s head back, giving the command to lay down. Receiving a soft whine, I tapped the muzzle then kissed his cheek, “That’s my good boy.” I grinned then rolled my eyes, listening to the man ranting on that the canine better not relieve himself on the leather interior. All I wanted to do at this point, was burn his a** out of the front seat and drive the taxi myself! Visualizing the moment, I chuckled softly then looked at my mom, who turned in her seat, making eye contact, knowing I had mischievous thoughts.
“Be nice.” I heard her thoughts.
“I am.” I replied telepathically.
“Oi, are you smoking back there?!” the Englishman shouted, catching the scent of something catching fire, “No smokin’ in my taxi!”
“My daughter is not smoking!” Lady D reassured, “Sir, how much longer is this ride going to be?!” she inquired, beginning to feel the pressure of the old man’s impatience.
“Not long now.” he barked, then looked at the young woman in the backseat through the rearview mirror, “You better not be smoking!”
“For god sake, I’m not smoking!” I snapped, then tucked both my hands under my legs, trying to keep myself from doing a little no-no I’d regret.
He groaned, shaking his head.
Driving through Whitehaven, passing stores and small shops, all continued the steampunk-futuristic architecture and steam powdered machinery. Whitehaven wasn’t just sizeable but it was rather a large town with a massive harbor and dock.
Lady D inquired what Inn accepted pets and the taxi driver groaned, revealing he’d take them there and that was fast; the old man wanted the two women out of his taxi, more than they did.
Pulling up outside a building, the driver watched as the women peeked through windows, catching them glimpse of the Inn’s architecture. A sign hung above the door with three large intersecting cogwheels turning above.
Slowly climbing out of the taxi, we read the name displayed in a funky bold font:
The Night Table Inn & Pub: Open 24 Hours
Blending in with the buildings down the streets both left and right, steam escaped from a vent on the rooftop. The driver didn’t lift a finger to help the ladies with their luggage, only popping the trunk, leaving the young woman to handle it.
“No, please, allow me!” I huffed.
“Yza, calm down.” Lady D whispered softly.
“I’m calm.” I looked at her, “I’m calm!” I slammed the trunk, leering at the Englishman who watched through the small rearview mirror in the front seat. Making eye contact, I knew he saw a dancing flame in my dark because his green eyes widened as he turned in the seat. I backed away from the taxi as he turned to the wheel, quickly driving away but seeking a little karma reversal, bringing no harm to the man, I closed my eyes and snapped my fingers; the taxi’s engine suddenly popped like a handful of firecrackers before steam escaped from beneath the hood.
“Yza, you didn’t?” Lady D looked at her daughter.
“Me?” I teased, “I would never.” I grabbed my bags and held tightly onto Zanzabarr’s leash, approaching the Inn.
“Mm-hmm.” Lady D moaned, quickly following her daughter, carrying Freya’s carrier and pulling her trunk behind her.
Glancing back down the street, I watched in distance the old Englishman standing outside the taxi, cursing and kicking the hunk of metal. Growing a satisfied grin, I chuckled then stepped through the doors behind my mom. We entered the small lobby with two woven rugs to capture outside dirt and debris from one’s boots and a front desk was straight ahead, where a young man in his late 20s stood behind it, listening to music. He followed the same attire as everyone in this era with black guy-liner framing his green eyes and his dark Auburn red hair was spiked. His steampunk vest and baggy trousers, white shirt with the sleeves rolled and thick heeled boots, completed the look. Removing his earbuds, he greeted us with a friendly smile and jolly personality. After we signed in, Lady D leaned in close to her daughter, whispering, wanting to know if the young man was mortal, Demon or Immortal because she couldn’t tell the difference.
Handing her the keys, the young man answered teasingly in an English accent, leaning his hands on the counter.
“Demon, Ma’am.” he winked, then nodded in her daughter’s direction, sensing her half-breed status.
“You’re forgetting that we Demons can hear impeccably well.” I joked, looking at my mom.
“It’s true.” he added, feeling unsettled by Lady D’s inquiry, “I, uh…I’ll send someone for your bags. Your room is on the 4th floor and I believe, hold on…” he tapped on the futuristic screen, “ah, yeah, you overlook Whitehaven. It’s one hell of a bloody wonderful view.”
“I’m sure it is, thank you.” Lady D smiled, “And is there an…”
“Down the hall to your right.” the young man answered her inquiry about an elevator.
“I don’t judge Demons for your powers, but it would be nice if you could just stay out of people’s thoughts. It’s impolite and impersonal.” Lady D affirmed.
“Apologies, Ma’am.” he frowned with disappointment.
“Sorry about her.” I stood at the counter, “It’s not easy for her, she didn’t mean anything by it, really she didn’t.”
“No worries, love. Sticks and stones, you know. Comes with the territory.” he shrugged, “So, what’s your rank?” he rested his elbows on the counter.
“Rank?” I wondered.
“Yeah, Demons have ranks, what’s yours? Higher or lower?”
“Um, I never took the time to classify myself into any rank. I’m a half-breed, I’m not sure we count among the RANKS, you know?” I snapped, trying to hide a birth-mark on my right wrist, “Anyway, thanks for the room, much appreciated.” I turned, walking away, but he called out, informing me there was a garden area for pets outside, if needed down the hall opposite the end of the elevators and a pub off to the right of the lobby when entering, “Thanks.” I nodded, disappearing down the hall toward the elevator where my mom stood, waiting.
“Bloody half-breeds.” the young man mocked loudly enough for the said half-breed in question, to hear.
Hearing his words, I paused then turned around, peeking my head around the corner. Observing as the young man enjoyed his music on his fancy high-tech iPod, I squeezed my left hand in a tight fist, and as I did, the gadget melted on the counter, leaving a scorch mark in its place.
“What the f*ck?!” the young man jumped back, removing the earbuds. Glancing around, wondering what happened, he then turned his gaze toward the hallway where the petite half-breed stood.
“Not bad for a half-breed.” I winked sarcastically, then turned, approaching my mom, “Don’t, please. It’s not important.” I softly interrupted before she could inquire.
The young man cursed as he removed the melted plastic off the counter, throwing it away in the trash, then he sat bored, with nothing to help pass the time until he thought of playing games on the computer.
Stepping out of the cramped elevator, our room was at the end of the hall. Opening the door, the room was inviting and decorated in an old-fashioned Victorian manner with all of its appliances accommodating the futuristic era. Two beds with feather mattresses and pillows were covered in beautifully quilted bedspreads and the floors were walnut wood with hand-woven rugs placed about. The room was lit with an elaborate candelabra chandelier and a medium lamp set on a table between the two beds; the lamp shade hung tilted. Above the table and lamp, was a medium-sized window with old-fashioned shutters that open inward, overlooking parts of of Whitehaven. Once swung open, the sun had risen; its light glistened off the highest windows of the tallest structures throughout the town. We travelled all night to get here, so we were going to relish in our safety but hold caution just the same.
Lady D entered the bathroom, flicking on the light. Looking around, the elegant red and gold patterned tiles of the walls and floors, were a bold contrast against the white porcelain fixtures of the sink and large tub with four clawed feet, which called out to her immediately, for the idea of a hot bath, in the moment, sounded heavenly. Turning off the light, she turned, looking around the room once more, for the owners really accomplished their goal of setting up the appeal of this place with the Victorian flair.
Zanzabarr walked around the room, taking in all of the new and strange scents, then growled as he stared at the door; a loud knock banged on the wooden barricade. Looking at my mom, she retrieved her athame while my right hand reached beneath my jacket along my belt, removing a dagger from its sheath. Our eyes stared at the door, listening as the knocks continued but slower and somewhat menacing. Zanzabarr growled and barked, jumping up on the door and his massive paws banged against it, leaving faint scratches on the paint.
Taking slow steps forward, listening to my mom’s worried whispers, I called out cautiously,
“Who is it?!” I gripped the dagger’s hilt tighter in hand.
“We have your bags, Ma’am.” a voice answered fearfully.
Sighing in relief, Lady D lowered her athame.
“Leave them by the door, we’ll bring them in!” she instructed.
“Have a good day, Ma’am!” the voice added before the sound of their feet faded down the hall, followed by dinging bell of the elevator.
Clicking loudly, ordering Zanzabarr to back away from the door, I approached, peeking through the peephole. Looking at an empty hall, I sighed in relief, leaning my head against the door, then quickly swung it open, pulling my bags and mom’s trunk inside. Closing the door with an unintentional slam, I looked at my mom with fear and worry, shaking my head.
“We’re too paranoid.” I complained, sheathing the dagger.
“Yes, we are, but we have to be. You know the Lord’s militia won’t stop until he finds everyone who fled the city.” she said softly.
“How could you be so calm about this?” I wondered, placing my bags on one of the beds.
“Calm?!” Lady D looked at her daughter, “Honey, I am not calm, I am scared sh*tless, look at my hands!” she raised her trembling hands.
“All right.” I turned, grabbing them gently, “I’m scared too.” I leaned in, hugging her quickly, then pulled away, “Get poor Freya out of that carrier, I’ll get her some water.” I turned, rummaging through my mom’s bags for the feline’s bowls.
Focusing her attention on the carrier sitting on the bed next to her, Lady D slowly opened the cage door; the black feline meowed loudly then scampered out of the carrier without the assistance of being coaxed out with treats. She ran toward the bowl of water I placed by the bathroom; both the feline and Zanzabarr shared the beverage.
“We’re going to have to get food and litter.” Lady D observed, “We didn’t have the chance to pack their essentials.” she looked at her daughter once more.
“Yeah, I know.” I sighed, “In the meantime, I’ll take both of them downstairs to the garden area to relieve themselves, at least.”
Lady D nodded in agreement, then strapped the feline in her little harness then handed her daughter the leash, watching as she exited the room with a cat that weighed nothing in comparison to her 120 pound wolf.
“While you’re downstairs, I’ll unpack.” she called out.
“Okay!” I answered, before closing the door. Appearing in the hall, following the hall through the lobby, I passed the desk, sharing a respectful nod with the clerk then continued outside to the garden area, “Oh, this is lovely.” I admired the half-blooming or dying flowers and clusters of bushes.
Freya and Zanzabarr didn’t take long, immediately finding a place to relieve themselves. Zanzabarr squatted near bushes while Freya found a dirt patch that felt like her kitty litter. I smiled, watching as the two companions had a moment to share in a playful manner, then I sighed, knowing all of this was difficult for them. Suddenly, a loud bang boomed down the streets. Crouching down, pulling Zanzabarr close and Freya into my arms, I could hear my heart racing loudly in my ears as I had a brief panic attack, thinking maybe it had been gunfire or the militia invading the quaint town. Pulling Zanzabarr’s leash, I retreated inside, standing in the lobby, taking deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. My eyes looked around, studying every detail from faint cracks along the walls beneath the new paint and frayed edges of the rugs on the floor. Shaking my head, pushing aside my fears, I saw a paper stand displaying various papers and tabloids. I didn’t think they still had newspapers, considering everything was online, I-Pads and whatnot. Releasing a low HMM, I reached out, grabbing a handful of the papers, not because I was at all interested in the content, but they could be used for Freya’s temporary litter. Glancing ahead at the front desk, the young man was gone and where he went, I didn’t care as I rushed to the elevator, returning to the room upstairs.
“Get inside!” I ordered Zanzabarr while carrying Freya. Closing the door, locking it quickly, I turned, placing the feline on the ground, letting her run under the bed for safety.
“Are you all right?” Lady D looked at her daughter, “What was that loud boom?!” she peeked out the window.
“I don’t know.” I gulped, “But it scared the hell out of me, for a moment I thought it was Drakuul’s militia invading.” I ran my hands through my hair, “Talk about paranoid, huh?” I let out a few TSKS, “But I got some papers for Freya.” I held up the stack, laying them on my mom’s bed.
“It’ll have to do.” she skimmed through them, “I found a small container under the sink that will suffice as a box.”
Nodding, I retreated into the bathroom, retrieving the bin.
“Um, this is not small.” I teased, standing in the doorway, holding the container that was far bigger than the small feline that looked like a six-month kitten. I tapped the plastic, then walked over, placing it on the bed, where my mom had begun shredding some of the papers.
After further drinks, and eating some canned food that was thrown into our bags, Freya retreated under the bed while Zanzabarr claimed a space the between the beds for himself.
Lady D yawned, which became contagious, and knowing our companions were tended to, both she and her daughter took advantage of the time and peaceful tranquility of the room. Catching a few hours rest, the beds, once laying in them, felt as if arms comfortably wrapped themselves around them.
A tall alarm clock on the table between the beds was set, that way we didn’t oversleep. Now afternoon, we awoke fresh and rested, after the alarm had gone off, ringing loudly like a ship’s blow-horn.
“Shut the f*ck up!” I groaned, reaching out, tossing it into the top drawer, then slammed it closed.
Each taking a soothing bath, we dressed, gave kisses to both Zanzabarr and Freya, then I grabbed my satchel with the card Mary had given us, tucked inside. Venturing downstairs to grab something to eat, the pub continued the Inn’s design. Booths lined the walls toward the back of the room, and both left of the right of the entryway, leading into the lobby that was behind us. A bar sat in a little out of center in the middle of the room with stools following its squared shape, and in the center, taking up the remaining room, were nine tables. A door, with a bell above it, led to the street outside to the right, bathrooms were to the left hidden behind the bar and the large kitchen echoed with clanking dishes and arguing voices.
“We should stop gawking at everything, let’s grab a table.” I suggested softly, nudging my mom.
“Yeah.” she smiled.
Looking around, patrons sat scattered at the bar, turning in their stools, looking in our direction in brief curiosity. I studied their faces, sensing they were all mortals, and sitting toward the back in one of the booths, was a warlock, reading a paper that hid his face. Closing my eyes, sighing softly, I had to know there was nothing to worry about. Although, why was the man wearing a hat in doors? Glancing back in his direction once more, I watched as the corner of his paper, lowered before being raised, hiding the fact he was watching us.
“RELAX, YZA…JUST RELAX.” I told myself, reaching for the menu on the table. My eyes went from scanning the menu, to the walls where photos of employees hung in neat patterns, “Hmm.” I smiled then glanced back at the menu, making a decision from the long list of meals and beverages printed in a Gothic font.
A server in her early 30s, with dark blonde hair streaked pink and dressed in a buckled-studded jumper, strolled over. The sound of her bracelets and charms, alerted customers of her approach. She was tall, and thick-boned, giving her an intimidating but not threatening presence. When she smiled, her rose-colored cheeks scrunched her round face. Removing a touch-pen and digital notepad from her jumper pocket, she greeted the two women in a strong English brawl.
“Hello loves, are you ready to order?” she flicked her pen in preparation to enter it into the system of orders.
“Well…” Lady D replied, continuing to study the menu, but she found it difficult to read because of the font choice used.
“Newcomers, I see. Well, I’ll tell you what loves, when you’ve decided, just hit the wee-buzzer in the center and I’ll be right over. Name’s Ellen.” she walked away with the notepad and pen still in hand, “Oi, George…where the bloody hell have you been, mate?!” she greeted one of the men at the bar.
Laying the menu on the table, Lady D leaned forward, trying not to whisper too loudly,
“I can’t believe how oblivious this place is to the chaos taking place in the Great City.” she leaned back, “I just hope for their sake, and ours, Lord Drakuul doesn’t spread his armies this far out.”
It wasn’t what she said that unsettle me, but how she said it.
“I hope not either.” I answered, glancing over my shoulder at the patrons sitting at the bar, then veered toward the man in the booth reading his paper.
“But let’s not worry about that, because right now, we have more important things to figure out, like what we’re having for lunch.” Lady D cleared her throat, “Speaking of which…” she squinted, trying to understand the name of the dish, “I can’t quite make out whatever the hell that is, and as delicious as I’m sure it is, I won’t eat something I can’t pronounce or understand. Mm-mm, no way.” she shook her head.
“Subtle.” I shook my head, hearing her unintended humor.
Two minutes later, I hit the buzzer. Turning around, hearing Ellen’s cheerful voice laughing with those at the bar, she made her way back to our table.
“Ready now, loves?” she smiled.
“Yes, but before we order, can you tell us what this is?” I pointed out the meal my mom had commented about, “Does that say what I think it says, CHACCA-CABRA?” I looked up at her with wide curious eyes.
“Yes, that’s right!” Ellen boasted, “That’s our meat-lovers pie, we call it the BELLY OF THE BEAST back in the kitchen. It is inspired by the legendary beast, you know, Chupacabra, because it has a bit of everything thrown in it. And when I say everything, ladies I mean EVERYTHING thrown in it.” she nodded, then added the server’s pitch, “It’s quite tasty.”
“I’m…” I muttered, trying to contain my nausea, “sure it is, but I think we’ll stick to the American BLTS, please and soda, no lemons. I’m allergic.”
“All right.” It’ll be ten, maybe fifteen minutes.” Ellen smiled.
As the server walked away, both my mom and I reached for our glasses of water, taking long sips that helped settle our stomachs. Searching through my bag, placing the card next to my mom’s place mat, I suggested maybe asking Ellen if she had seen the business Mary praised.
Tucking the card under the mat, Lady D nodded. Looking at her watch, it must have been twelve minutes, when she gestured her head toward Ellen who came up behind her daughter, carrying two plates. Her service was courteous, friendly, and professional.
“Thank you.” we both replied.
“Enjoy.” Ellen cheered.
Enjoying the sandwiches, taking our time tasting the fresh flavors, we finally piled our plates on the ledge of the table, hitting the buzzer for another round of service. Ellen quickly returned, presenting the pricey digital check on her notepad, before fetching the dishware.
My eyes widened at the overall total of almost thirty pounds, plus change and tip.
“Ouch, that’s breaking the bank.” I joked, scanning the card, applying the digital payment.
“But it was worth every bite.” Lady D added, then spotted the business card peeking out from beneath her place mat, “Oh, um Ellen?”
“Yes?” she glanced at the woman, while her hands reached for the plates.
“Do you know how far this address is from here?” she handed the server the card with the address 666 WEST ALCHEMY ROAD written in someone’s hand.
Ellen’s eyes grew wide, studying the strange address written. Laying the plates back on the table, she reached for the card.
“Bloody hell, that’s a bloke’s bonkers idea of a joke. Is this for real?” she studied their faces, receiving nods in reply, “Oh, I see, well…I don’t believe I’ve ever seen this, no. And I pass by that stretch of shops everyday to and from work and I’ve never seen this place.” she turned, walking toward the bar, “Do any of ye’ blokes know if there’s a business at…bloody hell, 666 West Alchemy Road?” she finished, waving the card above her head.
“You’re barking mad, Ellen!” a man muttered while several of the others whispered among themselves and other patrons flashed facial expressions at the three digit number, because all of the building addresses run with four numbers.
The man in the booth toward the back, tipped the corner of his paper, studying the situation and catching Ellen’s eyes, he shook his head before raising the corner, hiding his face.
Walking back to the table to her customers, she returned the card.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more, loves. I mean, it could be possible there’s a business there but I doubt it. A lot of the storefronts open and close around these parts, so perhaps that one closed a long time ago and the person who gave that to you, is unaware of it. Or maybe, they had forgotten a number, but bloody hell, 666 is pretty odd..” her tall, broad shoulders shrugged.
“That’s all right, thank you.” Lady D appreciated, watching as Ellen walked away carrying their plates. Tapping the card on the table, she looked across the table toward her daughter.
“I know what you’re thinking.” I leaned in.
“Hmm?” she ceased tapping the card.
“I know what you’re thinking.” I repeated, “Why would Mary give us an address to a place that possibly doesn’t exist, or just the wrong string of words and numbers? But seriously though, 666 is pretty weird.” I sipped the last few sips of my drink, avoiding the awkward slurp.
“You, dear girl, need to stay out of my head.” Lady D teased.
“Comes with the territory.” I smiled, “Half-breed, remember?”
The man in the booth, a little hefty in the middle, sipped his tea in between reading his paper, when he suddenly heard a mild buzzing coming from the inside jacket pocket. He laid the paper down, reaching inside, retrieving a small hand-held futuristic radio-phone gadget; its screen displayed a woman’s face waiting. Accepting the call, not drawing much attention to himself, he listened as the woman greeted him in a friendly, but serious tone, engaging in a brief conference with a fuzzy, unclear connection.
“Hello, William.” she spoke quickly.
“Mary.” he replied in a low, raspy English accent.
“This isn’t a social call, I’m afraid. Long story is this, you must setup your storefront, making it presentable. I have sent a mother and daughter to you, and they should be arriving at your…” she hesitated a moment, “establishment, however, by this time, I’m sure they have realized the address I provided, doesn’t exist.”
William nodded, sipping his tea before answering softly.
“It’s funny you’ve called, because I think I’m looking at them right now.” he observed the two women, “Do they both have raven colored hair, with the young woman dressed more on the Gothic side of steampunk and the woman with bohemian flair?”
“Indeed, yes.” she nodded, “They’re there? With you?”
“With me, no. But they’re sitting across the room at the Inn but…” he took a deep breath, exhaling softly, “very well. I’m having tea at the moment but I will prepare as soon as I am finished here. And Mary, I think they might have already figured out you had given them the wrong place, they’re asking questions here in the pub.”
“Bloody hell, they’re more attentive than I thought.” Mary’s voice sighed over the speaker, “Just the same, accommodate them accordingly and make sure their needs are met, and one more thing, William. Be wary of the young woman, she is a half-breed but there is something very special and important about her.”
Laying the cup on its place, William frowned curiously.
“You don’t think she’s the one he’s looking for, do you?”
“That old friend, I do not know, but be cautious. She’s very smart and can read you as easily as you read the words of your paper.” she looked around her, “I must go.”
“Pleasant evening.” he nodded. Watching as she ended the call, with his screen turning off, he tucked the gadget back in his pocket then scanned his payment on the notepad on the ledge of his table. Standing, adjusting his belt and jacket, he folded his paper, tucking it under his arm, then made his way through the maze of tables across the pub, in the direction of the door, leading outside. While he navigated around the tables, he veered around the two women, wanting to assess their energies but passing behind the young woman, he sensed something out of the ordinary. Especially when she looked at him, feeling him accidentally bump into her chair.
“YOU’RE AN ODD GIRL.” he thoughts screamed.
“Excuse me?!” I called out after the man, but he didn’t answer as he kept rushing toward the door.
“What happened, what was that about?!” Lady D questioned.
“I don’t know. I just could’ve sworn I heard the man’s words up here.” I tapped my temple, indicating the telepathic skill. Shaking my head, shrugging my shoulders, I pushed it aside, “So now what? What do you want to do now?”
“Well, it’s early enough, so we can head into town and get the supplies we need for Freya and Zanzabarr, then figure out the mysterious address.” Lady D smiled, “Or go here first.” she referred to the address.
“All right. I’ll go upstairs and make sure the babies have what they need.” I stood, “Be right back, don’t go anywhere.”
“Oooo, I went somewhere!” Lady D teased.
Shaking my head, I laughed softly.
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