Chapter Two
Taryn grimaced as
her feet finally touched solid ground. Energy crackled. Tiny
whimpered behind her ear hidden in the small compartment she’d
built into her mini hat. She really should have left her home. The
sky lit up with blue light. The hair on her neck rose with the
static. They’d had to land early because of the storm. It seemed
fitting with the whole trip.
From the moment her publisher had handed
her the packet with tickets and information about her destination she’d had a bad feeling. She’d had nightmares and disturbing
dreams so bad she’d barely slept for more than two hours at a time.
She was sure she looked horrible under all the makeup she’d
slathered across her face to hide the exhaustion.
“As
soon as the storm passes we can be on our way.”
Taryn glanced to the
pilot as he picked up her carry-on. He had been polite enough though
he clearly didn't want to be going where she was headed. Quiet a
few times he’d muttered something about a curse on the town that he
wanted nothing to do with. It had intrigued her.
“How
far away are we?”
“Bout
three hours.”
“Oh.”
To long to call for a ride. She bit her lip uncertain what she should
do.
“I’ll
get ye set up at the B&B for the night. Storm should pass by
morning.”
Tiny chittered
softly against her ear. Taryn nodded. She’d at least have to call
and let them know she’d been delayed. She nodded and followed him
off the small runway just before the rain came. Luckily the B&B wasn't far from the little airport. She was also grateful that she packed extra clothes in her carry-on and she’d been sure to carry
cash with her this trip. Hopefully this B&B had decent food.
The building would
have been quaint if she hadn't felt the energy spiking into her
from the moment she went near it. It was all she could do to stand
next to the pilot at the welcoming front desk while he got them rooms
for the night. Her fingers twitched as if she had a live current
flowing through her. Even Tiny was nervously bouncing around in her
little jar.
“I
don’t have much room. This storm seems to have stranded many
tonight.”
“Please
don’t worry about me. I don’t sleep much anyways.” Taryn
shifted her bag glancing around the front hall. There was no way
she’d be able to sleep anyways. “I’m just going to call and let
them know we've been delayed.”
The pilot nodded
signing for a room. She pulled her cell phone out as she found a
quiet isolated spot in a front parlor. Despite the unnerving energy
she had to appreciate the Victorian decor mixed just right with the
modern convinces.
“Hello?”
The deep voice
startled her so that she pulled the phone away to double check the
number. It was the correct number.
“Hello?”
“Oh,
uh, yes. I was looking for Paul Vorrick.”
“He’s
busy. Want me to give him a message?”
“Yes,
please. Could you let him know that I was delayed. There’s this
nasty storm and the pilot said we can’t fly through it.”
“And
who are you?”
“Taryn
Bowyd.” There was a pause as if her name had surprised him.
“Where
are you?”
“According
to the pilot about three hours away, but the storm’s supposed to be
pretty bad.”
“I
haven’t heard anything.”
“It’s
been all over the news. They were even telling people to leave work
as soon as possible. Their expecting power lines to go down and possibly
flash floods.”
“Hold
on.” Taryn pulled the phone away again looking at the phone as if
it had grown a head.
“Everything
alright?”
“Yes.
I think so. I’m just letting Mr. Vorrick know we’re delayed. I’m
on hold actually.”
“You
there?”
“Yes.
Yes, I’m still here.”
“Look,
Paul really needs you here by the morning so I’m going to drive out
to get you.”
“Do
you think that’s safe?”
“Safe
or not it’s the only way. Where are you at?”
“The
Rose and Tea Bed and Breakfast Inn.”
“Perfect.
I know it well. Have your things ready to go.”
“And
who exactly are you?”
“Al.
Paul’s twin. See you in a couple hours.”
The phone
disconnected before she could ask for a description. Tiny chittered
next to her and she groaned.
“I
know. He does sound sexy, but that’s not why we’re here. No
relationships. Besides, can you imagine his reaction to you?” She
paused and glanced around the room. “To any of the others? He’d
think I was insane, try to lock me up and throw away the key. No
thank you. Look at Sarah. Nope. Not for me.”
The hair raised on
the back of her arms as the air boomed with thunder. Out of the
corner of her eyes she caught movement. She turned but nothing was
there. Tiny squawked loudly in her ear making her jump.
“Enough
of that.” She whispered to Tiny. Tiny shrank down pulling her
energy close enough to be hidden. Chills chased over Taryn’s body.
Tiny didn't usually act so frightened.
“Did
you get through?”
“Yes.
Do you think we could run over to your plane and get my baggage out?
Mr. Vorrick is sending someone to pick me up tonight.”
The pilot frowned
looking out the window at the rain pouring down. He grimaced but
sighed. “I suppose we could.”
“I’d
be happy to help.” A young man, a teenager really, spoke from the
door to the front hall.
Taryn looked up
surprised at the intrusion. The boy blushed and stuffed his large
hands into his dark jean pockets. His crisp black shirt contrasted
with the lime green vest. Taryn smiled. A fellow Steampunk. The
energy in the room lightened just a little, enough that Tiny pressed
up against the glass jar.
“Your
her aren't you?”
“Who?”
The pilot twisted his head between Taryn and the boy his face
scrunched in confusion.
Taryn laughed
standing up. “How do you do?” She held out her hand with her
fingers facing the floor. His chest puffed up and he stepped into the
room as if he’d just been made man of the house. She was very glad
she’d kept her persona in place while traveling. Even if traveling
in a corset wasn't the most comfortable.
“You
are her.”
“Who?”
“Miss
Bowyd. Uhm…” He blushed bright red dropping her hand as if it had
burned. Taryn laughed at the pilot’s face.
“I
gather you've read one of my books.”
“All
of them. You’re my favorite.”
This was one of the
things she loved the most about writing. Getting to meet the people
who make writing a full time job gave her pleasure that would last
for weeks.
“What’s
your name?”
“Oh.
Uh. James. James Willingham.”
“It’s
a pleasure to meet you Mr. Willingham. I’m sure my pilot would
appreciate your help.”
“Are
you staying here?”
Taryn hated to
disappoint the boy. “I’m on my way to Graves Hall. The storm
stranded us for the night, but I have someone coming to pick me up in
a couple hours.”
“Oh.”
His shoulders slumped a little.
“But
I wouldn't mind some company while I wait. If you’re staying
here.”
“My
parents own it.”
“How
wonderful.”
Electrical energy
zapped through the air. Taryn felt her shoulder blades twitch with
unease. The house shook with the next boom of thunder. Tiny fluttered
so fast the jar trembled against her hat. Taryn reached up with
shaking fingers and removed the hat. Tiny would do better freed and
she would feel more stable with her companion able to communicate
freely.
“I
think we’ll have to wait.” The pilot nodded to the window.
The rain was hitting
the glass with such force Taryn thought for sure it would chip the
thin covering. She swallowed.
“I
think the storm hit in full force.” James spoke stepping up to the
window. He looked more fascinated than scared. Although Taryn had to
admit she didn't care for storms. Storms brought up a lot of
energy. She glanced around the room. That excess energy was
definitely stirring up stuff.
“In
that case, I’m going to bed. I’ll drop your baggage off first
thing in the morning.”
Taryn nodded her
gaze locking onto a shadowy form in the right corner of the room. She
gulped. Tiny moved behind her. That wasn't a good sign.
“So
what are you doing at Graves Hall?” James spoke moving around her.
“I’m
speaking at a charity event.” Taryn turned trying to put the shadow
person from her mind. She wasn't sure it had sensed that she could see it, but she really didn't want to deal with it at the moment.
She sat back down rearranging her skirts and bustle so that she could
lean back somewhat. James frowned.
“At
Graves Hall?” She nodded. “I haven’t been there since last
summer, but it didn't look very nice.”
“What
do you mean?”
The shadow pulled
away from the corner as if it had just realized she could sense
things. James turned his head toward the motion, scowled then turned
back to her. He either had sensed movement or he’d seen it.
“There’s
this rumor about the town.”
“Do
tell. I love stories.” She smiled trying to break the tension
starting to suck the air from the room.
She wasn't sure how she’d
be able to sit in the building for next couple of hours. James
laughed but his gaze kept drifting to the shadow circling them as if
getting a lay of the land. Tiny slipped into her hat hiding her
presence.
“Well,
I don’t know the exacts. It had something to do with that guy and
his son who made the wings-”
“Icarus?”
Taryn swung her full attention to James. He smiled nodded.
“Icarus
and his father were stuck in the Labyrinth in Crete. In order to
escape his father constructed wings for them out of wax and feathers.
He warned his son not to fly too close to the sun for the sun would
melt the wax. Icarus didn't listen enjoying his flight too much. The sun melted the wax and he fell.”
“Yeah.
That’s the story.”
Taryn frowned.
Icarus had been to start of the idea from her publisher. Supposedly
Greek mythology was going to be the next big thing and the house
wanted her to try it. She’d figured it might have merit, but almost
three months in she was starting to lose hope. But perhaps not now.
Glass shattered to
the left. Taryn jumped off the couch twirling to the sound. James gasped jumping up as well. The shadow form came forward and
stared at Taryn. Someone ran into the room.
“What
happened Jammie?”
“I
don’t know, ma. Something broke.”
Taryn couldn't pull her gaze from the figure. She swallowed. Thunder boomed again
shaking the house. A child cried out in fear. She wanted to leave.
Desperately. She even took a step back.
“Did
one of you knock something over?”
“No,
ma. Honest.”
The room lit up with
blue light. Someone else screamed.
“Oh
lord!”
“Do
you think we should move everyone to the tv room ma?”
Another bout of
thunder and this time the couch slid across the wooden floor boards
knocking into Taryn’s legs. Her knees buckled and she plopped down
onto the cushions. The energy changed turning darker.
“That
would be a good idea.” Taryn spoke turning her back onto the shadow
trying to portray that she wasn't afraid when in fact she was terrified. She hadn't had dealings with something like what was
clearly trying to scare everyone in the house. The need to leave was
even stronger. She glanced over her shoulder. Something white
flickered behind the shadow. Taryn bit her lip. Damn!
Then all hell broke
loose. Thunder slammed through the air. Lightening pulsed through the
tree right outside the window. With a groan and what sounded like a
scream the old oak split crashing right into the room. Something, Taryn
assumed a branch, smacked her in the temple throwing her to the
floor. For a brief second she thought she heard laughter.
Alarik grimaced at
the thunder shouting warnings as he drew closer to the bed and
breakfast. The author had been correct. Even now the radio was
broadcasting reports of power outages and flash floods. It had taken
him half the time to get to the town, but there had been some close
calls as the rain had made the country roads slick. Sirens wailed in
the distance and occasionally he caught glimpses of lights flashing
but as he pulled into the city he was amazed at the amount of
neighborhoods with no power.
He slowed before
turning and grimaced as his shoulders began to itch again. He rubbed
against the leather seat but it only seemed to make it worse.
Alarik glanced
around the neighborhood as he pulled in. The once bustling area
looked deserted until he rounded the last corner. Fire, ambulance and
police hustled and bustled around the B&B. His stomach dropped.
His mouth went dry. His shoulder blades burned.
He parked the old
American Mustang behind the emergency vehicles. As he emerged from
the car a young teenage boy stumbled from the old Victorian front
porch looking dazed. Alarik pushed his way past onlookers as the sky
opened up again. The temperature dropped while his othersenses
opened. He paused for just a second. He shouldn't be able to sense
anything more than the usual ghosts, which was common for an area so
old.
“I’m
fine. Really.”
Alarik spun towards
the female voice. The woman glowed like a beacon in the dark hectic
night. His othersense screamed at him to move towards her and protect
her back. His gaze lifted to the windows of the second floor. Half of
an old oak had crashed into the building on one side.
“Miss
Bowyd-”
“Honestly.
Please spend your energies on the pilot. No one seems to have seen
him in a while. He mentioned going to bed.” She moved away from the
ambulance worker and staggered. Alarik found himself instantly by her
side steadying her before the other man could touch her. He frowned.
He hadn't thought to teleport and the show of power unnerved him.
So did the spike of jealousy that pulsed through him at the thought
of her touching another man.
“I’m
fine.” She insisted pushing away from him.
Blue light blinked
from under her tangled hair. Alarik blinked thinking his eyes played a trick on him.
“You
look a little unsteady.”
She spun, her blue
eyes wide in surprise. He wrapped an arm around her to steady her.
Light from a torch flashed over her face and he caught his breath. He
understood why the paramedic had been concerned with her. Blood
trailed down her face from a large gash along her right temple. Her
eye was already starting to swell.
“Miss
Bowyd, you look like hell.” He spoke trying to relax her. She
blinked up at him.
“I
feel like it. You must be Al?”
“At
your service.”
“That
was fast. Or did I loose more time than I thought?” She frowned
then winced when the motion pulled on the wound. Fresh blood began to
roll down making a new trail.
“I
was fast.”
“Oh.
Good.” Her knees buckled as her eyes rolled back. He gulped down
the instinct to using healing energy on her. That would be dangerous
not only for her but for his people.
“She
should be looked at.”
“I
completely agree. I’ll take her over. What happened?”
“Lightening
strike hit the old oak. Split it straight into the old inn. Seems the
lady here was in the front room. Took a branch to the face. It could
have been worse. The lady who owns the building was hit in the chest.
Broke several ribs and punctured a lung.”
Alarik whistled
scooping her up into his arms. He carried her over to the ambulance.
“I
can clean her up and stitch her, but she really needs to be at the
hospital for observation. She very likely has a concussion. She was
lucky. Another few centimeters would have killed her.” The
paramedic nodded to the gurney while pulling out supplies.
“I’ll
take care of her once your done.”
He shrugged but
cleaned the wound. The teenager stumbled to the open doors looking
less confused.
“Is
she?”
“She’ll
be alright. You know her?”
“She’s
Miss Bowyd. American Steampunk writer. She’s the best.”
“You
sound like you read her stuff.” Alarik glanced at the boy. His face
flushed red in embarrassment but he pulled his lime green vest over
his stomach and puffed up his chest.
“Every
book.”
“Do
you drive?”
“Yes
sir.”
Alarik pulled out a
business card. “My brother and I are hosting an event next week. If
your mother can spare you for a few days you should come. I’m sure
Miss Bowyd would enjoy your company.”
“Uhm,
thanks.” He took the card as if it was an invitation to a royal
event.
Miss Bowyd cried out returning to awareness as the paramedic stitched the wound close. Alarik
turned back to her wanting to slug the guy for hurting her. A
completely irrational emotion. She tried to move away from the needle
still in her skin. Without thinking he set a stillness spell to her
while the paramedic finished.
“You
sure you want to take her in?”
“I
promise to take care of her.” He let the spell up as police and
firefighters raced around the ambulance grabbing equipment.
“Found
the pilot. Doesn't look good. Need you now.”
The paramedic
grabbed a bag and the end of the gurney as Alarik swung her up. She
groaned. Electricity jolted through his hand as if he’d touched a
live wire. His othersense screamed. He almost dropped her.
“Are
you taking her tonight?”
“Yeah.”
“They
were talking about getting her baggage from the plane before the
storm really hit. She had one bag with her when they came in. I think
I can go find it.”
“That
would be great. Thanks.” Alarik watched as the boy weaved his way
back into the building.
“He’s
sweet. Remind me to send him a card and a signed copy of my books.”
