Secrets of Ravenstone: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book One
ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟛

Four days passed, and Billy’s arrangements were made, but it was transportation he still waited for, and since we had extra time to spare, both my mom and I decided to drive through the small town of Whitehaven. The vehicle, awkward enough as it is, was difficult to maneuver because of all of the gears for this and that. I missed the American cars or those in the Great City. Shopping, we bought minor items for our journey, more adequate pet supplies. Taking in more of the town with several shopping bags in the cramped backseat, we slowly, and I mean slowly, because townsfolk walked in the street, approached an old bookshop with its name alone painted on a large wooden sign in medieval print, catching out attention. Even a little book art added to the sign’s attraction.

Times of Olde: Rare Books & Volumes

“Need some new books?” I asked, looking at the shop.

“As a matter of fact, yes I do.” Lady D smiled, looking at her.

“Gothca.” I searched for a nearby space. Parking, the car fit just between two others. Making sure it was locked securely, we crossed the busy street, almost getting into an argument with a driver that arrogantly honked his horn as we crossed.

The outer structure was built of old wood and brick, faded windows but glancing up and down the street, it claimed its place among the rustic flair. Books, however, were barely seen through the glass panels that needed a desperate and heavy cleaning.

“Wow, look at that, more dirty windows.” I joked.

“You’d think with all the rain the U.K. gets, they’d all be, you know, spotless?” Lady D teased.

“Right.” I smiled, holding the door open for her. This time, no bell announced our entry and closing it behind me, inside was quiet. At least a dozen men and women sat at the tables, or scanned the shelves, while two bookkeepers greeted with friendly smiles. Four children ran around, playing a game of hide-and-seek up and down the aisles, while their parents did nothing to discipline them. Looking at my mom, we shared a moment of rolling our eyes. Scanning the closest shelves and signs neatly and alphabetically categorized by genre and subject, electric wall sconces gave off adequate lighting. Tapestries on the walls of dragons and other mythical beasts hung without notice. I smiled, looking at my mom, for the ambiance proved to be inviting. Glancing at the desk, taking in the sense they were more mortal, my eyes scanned the tables for everyone in the shop were mortal. Even the brats.

Lady D’s eyes scanned the signs above the tall shelves, and immediately became anxious with excitement.

“I knew they would have an occult section, you know where I will be.” she looked at her daughter with a wide smile.

Catching an aisle that interested me, I answered.

“Okay. I’ll be in the Demonology and Arcanism. Meet me in that aisle when you’re done, or vice-versa.” I looked at her.

“All right, but be careful. And Yza, sweetheart…” she turned, approaching her, “try not to burn anything or anyone. The books are rare, and perfect kindling for a fire.” she teased.

“Gee, thanks, but I’ll try not to.” I chuckled, then took steps back, “And don’t get all angry Mama on the kids.” I teased, then we turned, parting ways down the aisles of our choice.

Approaching the occult section, Lady D went wild over all of the titles and subjects, some of them she heard of but were rare to replace, and others were books she left behind in the city. She didn’t have to flick through their old pages to know their contents, placing them in the basket she retrieved from near the door. Laying the basket near her feet, she mumbled softly to herself,

“Oh Lady D, keep this up and you’ll wind up broke.” she then turned her head toward a book with the captivating title of ANCIENT HERBS, OILS & SALTS,“Sh*t.” she reached for it. Taking her time flipping through the pages, she made sure the herbs listed were ones she possessed or could replace. She was pleased, gently closing the cover, placing it atop the other books in her overloaded basket, “Oh no, what is that?” she saw another book, then side-eyed to her left, hearing the kids laughing and the sound of their feet approaching, “Don’t even think about it.” she groaned.

I strolled up and down the aisles of my choice with an armful of books that interested me. In that moment, I felt like I was in a school library, forgetting my backpack in my locker. My dark eyes hidden behind my glasses, scanned the shelf to my left where a sign was posted, continuing the medieval font:

Old and Rare Books: Be cautious in handling please! For high-level Demons, Shayds and expert magical practitioners ONLY! Not for amateurs!

“Mmm.” I muttered, laying my armful of books at my feet. I knew I wasn’t a high level Demon, Shayd or practitioner, but there was no harm in just skimming through the titles, right? My fingers skimmed over the spines until my eyes spotted one at the end, jutting out slightly from the others. All of the books were brown, gray, beige, dark blue and green leather bound, so seeing the ONLY black book among them, caught my interest slightly. On the spine, were silver etchings of an ancient script carved into the leather but faded from age. My fingers gently slid it off the shelf and holding it my left hand, I ran my right hand over the hardcover surface for embedded on the front, was a symbol of unknown origin with a single word etched beneath the symbol in the English language, strangely enough. I wasn’t sure if it was meant that way, or maybe the Demon half helped me read the word: Nin.

Staring at the word, muttering it over and over softly under my breath, a woman’s voice sounding very much like my own, whispered in my ear as if she stood behind me,

“Queen of Demons.”

“What?!” I answered. Lowering the book I jumped, turning around, thinking maybe someone was there but there was no one. I glanced up and down the aisle but didn’t sense Demons. Just then, all of the thoughts of the mortals reading the books, became too loud in my mind as they read the words from the pages of the books they held in hand or laid on the tables. Closing my eyes, shaking my head, I blocked them out then turned away, listening to the voices fade away. Opening my eyes, concentrating on the book in my hands, I traced the symbol with the index finger of my right, then felt a sharp spark fiercely strike my hand, “Ow, what the f*ck!” I winced, shaking my hand, feeling the sting.

“Shh!” voices hissed.

Looking over my shoulder, I frowned, then looked down at the book. The readers were worried about me hissing loudly, but yet the screaming kids weren’t a distraction? Bullsh*t! Knowing the fragility of the volume, I was afraid of handling it any further, much less flipping through its pages, but my curiosity got the better of me. Carefully, I opened the cover, seeing old parchment pages were blank. Appearing to be a large 11-by-9 inch journal, 5 inches thick, I thought that a lot of writing could be done on these pages. As I gently closed the hardcover, ready to return it back to the empty space on the shelf, I felt a strong surge of energy rush through my hands, causing me to drop the journal, “All right, I get it…I get it.” I spoke to the book as if it were alive.

“Shh!” voices hissed once more.

“Shh!” I hissed back, then knelt down, “Great, I’m talking to a book.” I picked it up, dusting off the back cover, and before I could react any further, I abruptly felt a strong tingle up my spine. A Demon was nearby and they were powerful by the sense of magic surging in the air, like invisible strings of a spider’s web. I approached the end of the aisle that openly overlooked the tables, but saw no one suspicious, “Okay Yza, relax. You’re paranoid, just relax.” I whispered to myself.

Suddenly, a man cleared his throat.

Startled, I turned, holding the book close to my chest, for a man stood at the opposite end of the aisle closer to the wall. I studied him quickly. Black hair flecked with gray, was combed back, and his trimmed goatee was also flecked. He was handsome, somewhere in his mid-to-late 50s, give or take, standing a little over 6 feet tall. His piercing Hazel-brown eyes, stared intensely. Scanning his appearance, he wore his white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow, beneath a black steampunk-double-breasted vest that matched his trousers. An employee’s name tag with no name, except the initial M was pinned to his lapel, and the chain of his silver pocket watch hung hidden in his left pocket. He raised an eyebrow before speaking softly with some sort of a Spanish accent that I couldn’t identify.

“Good afternoon, my lovely. May I be of assistance, or are you replaceing everything well enough to your liking?” his eyes gazed at the book in her hands, “Oh, I see you found that one. Beautifully made, don’t you think? It gets quite the reaction.”

Clearing my throat, replaceing my words, I replied but my eyes kept cautiously looking around.

“Y-yes, I suppose it is, but I think it’s misplaced, since all of the journals are two aisles down.” I casually pointed over my right shoulder.

The man grinned.

“Funny how you refer to it as a journal.”

“The blank pages gave it away.” I affirmed, lowering it.

“And it is. Of sorts. Some things are written here and there, but only appear to those who wish to see them, while the rest of course, are blank pages for one to simple write in. Which do you prefer?” he leaned his head forward, waiting for her to reply, “What’s there, or what isn’t?”

“Um…” I frowned in mockery, “not everyone wants to know what’s here or there, nor are they capable of seeing it, right?!”

“I don’t know. Do they? Aren’t they?” he smiled.

“I don’t know, you tell me!” I groaned.

“Why?” the man taunted, faintly squinting his eyes, while he grew a faint grin. Taking steps toward her, he continued, “All isn’t what it seems, my lovely, ALL isn’t what it seems, and I think you should remember that.”

“If so, you’re not what you seem. Demon.” I announced.

M chuckled heavily, gently pointing his finger toward her, as if she had stumped in words.

“You’re good, very good. And perceptive, but you could be you’re wrong…or maybe you’re right.” he riddled.

’No, I’m right.” I took a step forward, gripping the book tight, “Now what do your riddles have to do with this journal?!”

“Nothing and…” he held out his hands, “everything.” his eyes stared deeply into hers, “Half-breed.”

I gulped quietly, not knowing if he were one of the Lord’s dark Shayds that tracked us down. Backing away, my eyes glanced over my shoulder, thinking of what words to say or actions to take. How I missed the protection of my wolf, Zanzabarr, but I was capable of protecting myself. Taking a deep breath I turned to the man.

“I don’t know what games you’re playing, but I’m not in the mood, nor am I alone, Demon.” I deliberately mentioned.

“Aren’t you though, my lovely?” he riddled.

“No!” I affirmed, “And I’m not your lovely!” I began steaming.

“SHH!” voices hissed a third time.

I turned, leering at a woman that peeked her head around the shelf.

The man’s eyes grew wide, unknowing of the occurrence that was taking place from his point-of-view.

“Dear girl, I’m not here to do you or your mother any harm.” he muttered, attracting her attention away from the woman, “So just calm down, don’t want to set this place ablaze, hmm?”

Slowly turning my head toward him, I took another step back, remembering what my mom had said about being careful, and not setting things ablaze. Glancing over my shoulder around me once more, I had no choice but to face the man and his intentions. Staring directly into his Hazel-brown eyes, I knew I had never mentioned my mother.

“I never mentioned anything about my mother.” I warned.

“You didn’t have to. I saw the two of you enter the shop, and you since resemble each other greatly, it doesn’t take much to figure out.” he grinned eerily.

“Really? That’s funny, because I didn’t sense a single Demon when I came in, so where the hell did you come from?!” I boldly confronted him, then thought silently to myself,“HE’S VERY CLEVER, ALWAYS HAS AN ANSWER FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING.” I continued to stare into his eyes, and I could have sworn in that single moment, they had flashed a reddish hint before returning to their Hazel shade.

“Clever is one thing, attentive is another.” the man disrupted her thoughts.

“Stay out of my head!” I warned. Dropping the journal, I felt my hands clenching tightly while I studied the man in front of me, “Who, or what, are you?!” I demanded deeply.

Before the man could reply confidently, he turned to the kids that ran behind him. Standing in their path, his eyes scanned their faces before he leaned in, muttering deeply with dislike,

“This is NOT a playground, stop your running around or I’ll send Krampus to your rooms at night.” he watched as their eyes grew wide, “Oh yes, that’s right, and he loves little ones like you that don’t listen, and screech like Harpies.” he stood tall, adjusting his vest, “Now go…” he pointed down the next aisle affirmatively. Stepping aside, he watched as the children ran past him, crying and mumbling under their breaths.

“Um…” I rasped, “I don’t know who you are, but…nice.”

“Thank you.” the man answered with a nod, “There are kids, and then there are little monsters like those.” he shivered as if not liking children.

Suddenly, Lady D, watching as the four children ran away from the aisles, thought maybe her daughter had done something to frighten them.

“Yza…” she whispered, then appearing around the corner, startling her daughter who shrieked, the sign above the shelf ignited in a burst of red fire that was quickly extinguished by a snap of the man’s fingers. It was such a rapid occurrence, the bookkeepers had not noticed the fire, “Yza, there you are, what’s taking you so long to replace books?!” she observed as her daughter stood in steam before catching a glimpse of the man at the other end of the aisle, and the lingering embers of a fire from above, “What’s going on, who is he?!” she stood in front of her, pulling her daughter behind her, “Who are you?!” she wanted his answer. She always has been a protective mother, that’d never change.

Sensing the mother’s protectiveness, he backed away slowly.

“My name is Marxus Castillion.” he held his right hand to his chest, “I was just helping you daughter choose a book but I can see she’s fine and more than capable of handling her own business.” he paused, taking notice the young woman was about to interrupt, but he continued, clasping his hands behind his back, “And it was not your daughter that said something to those children, it was only I. There are times to play, and this place is not appropriate for such activity. Now, it was a pleasure meeting you my lovely, do have a good day. My lady.” he nodded toward the mother’s direction then stared into her daughter’s wide brown eyes, “I will be seeing YOU again, very soon.” he pointed at her, then lowered his hand behind his back. Nodding respectfully he turned, backing away then disappeared around the corner into the next aisle.

Stepping around my mom, rushing toward the aisle, I wanted to question him but he was gone, he disappeared. I didn’t sense the use of magic, but he left the scent of sulfur behind. I knew Demons teleport by portal but dominantly teleport by fire.

Lady D also rushed forward, peeking around the aisle.

“Who was that, and where did he go?!” she searched but he was gone, “And what did he mean by seeing YOU again?!” she looked at her daughter with worry, “Do you know him?!”

“No, I don’t know him, I have no damn clue who he was!” I shook my head, “I was looking through the books and then…” I waved at the shelf behind me, telling her that he had appeared out of nowhere, speaking in riddles, “he seemed harmless enough in the beginning, but when he mentioned I was here with you, that’s when the mood changed.”

“Me?” Lady D laid her basket down, “How did he know about me?” she listened as her daughter relayed what he had said. She glanced in all directions, making sure no one else was taking interest in their presence, “But he didn’t make any sort of inappropriate advances with you, did he?” she became very concerned.

”No, nothing like that, no.” I shook my head, “Can we just get out of here and get back to our room at the Inn before he, or someone else, comes back? This time from the Great City!” I nodded then knelt down, grabbing the armful of books, “Here, you carry these and I’ll carry that.” I reached for her basket, “What hell, Mommy…” I complained, “what do you have in here, the whole bookstore?” I teased.

“No. Just half.” she teased, walking ahead of her.

I chuckled softly, following after her, but I kept looking at all of the faces of the men and women, sensing only mortals. The children weren’t present, so I’m guessing they must have left.

Approaching the counter, the bookkeepers greeted the two women. Scanning their books, the man inquired, wanting to know if the young woman wanted to purchase the journal.

“Um, no.” I declined.

The man turned, placing the book on a cart of books awaiting to be returned to the shelves. Bagging all of their books into paper bags, he asked if they had found everything they were looking for.

Glancing at the shop behind us, I answered, looking back at the bookkeeper.

“Yes, thank you. Especially from your, uh…clerk, the older gentleman with the black hair and goatee. He was weird but helpful. Demon too.” I looked around once more.

“I’m sorry, a black haired man with a goatee? We don’t have anyone fitting that description working here.” he seemed very confused, “And a Demon you say?” he added with fascination as if he had never met or encountered Demons before, “This is a family business, so it’s just family workin’ here but what was he like?” he leaned on the counter.

“Like all Demons, I suppose.” I shrugged, “And if he didn’t work here, why did he have a name tag with the shop’s name on it?” I leaned forward on the counter, “With the initial M to be precise.”

“I saw him too.” Lady D added, removing her wallet from her purse, “He was strange, asking too many personal questions, and we’re aware Demons are tricksters.”

The bookkeeper sighed.

“I’m sorry but, as the Manager, I’ve already said I don’t know who you’re speaking of.” he shrugged, handing the women their bags, after one scanned her card for payment, “Again, I am so sorry but I hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you for the business, come again and next time, maybe you can tell me a bit more about Demons, yeah?” he leaned forward, winking at the young woman.

“Thanks, but uh…we’re only passing through.” I smiled, as I pulled my bags off the counter, “But since you help run your family’s bookstore, maybe you can catch up on some reading and if I ever pass through again, you can tell me about it.”

“Cool.” he seemed hopeful.

Reaching her bags, Lady D looked at her daughter with such surprise then argued telepathically, stating that it wasn’t fair to lead him on.

“Better than just saying no, don’t you think?” I looked at her.

“True.” she nodded.

The young man stood behind the counter, watching as the women left, growing a faint grin. He was oblivious to an unseen presence that stood next to him, and the cart where the black journal laid atop. M smiled, reaching for it, then casually strolled through the counter as if its solidity didn’t phase him, then walked out, following after the women who stood on the street, speaking quietly among themselves, but he couldn’t help but listen to their conversation.

“This is a strange world we love in.” Lady D commented, “I know when occurrences like what just happened in there come around, it shouldn’t surprise me, but that man was not what he seemed. Not one bit.” she shook her head, adjusting her bags, “One moment he was there, and then the next he was gone.” she looked at her daughter for answers, “What was he? Demon, Shayd, or Immortal? I’m only asking cause there’s no way he was just a warlock, no matter how powerful some of them are.”

“I sensed he was a Demon, but far more powerful than any I have met, so I can’t say for sure. But whatever he was, he gave me the heebie-jeebies.” I answered, “All he did was talk in riddles.”

Heebie-jeebies.” the man mouthed the words curiously.

“Well then, the moment has passed, so let’s get back to our babies.” Lady D suggested, “I’m sure they’re both hungry and need to be walked.”

“Sure.” I grinned, shifting my bag.

M stood next to her, invisible from their sight. Having just a moment’s access to the half-breed’s bag in her hand, swiftly he slipped the journal inside then stepped back, watching as she bounced the bags’ weight in her hand. He stood silently, as she turned to him; her dark eyes scanned the area where he stood. Squinting his eyes with a slight tilt of his head, still he watched her intensely as she scanned the space between him and herself.

“Yza!” Lady D called out to her, “What is it?”

“I don’t know.” I answered, “Something or someone, I think, is standing there but…” I continued to stare, seeing a faint shimmer like heat rising off concrete during the Summer.

Lady D’s eyes grew wide, seeing nothing, but didn’t question her daughter’s senses or intuition. Gently placing her hand on her shoulder, she urged her across the street back to their vehicle that sat parked alone.

“Mm, yeah.” I groaned, turning away with her, but I glanced back one last time.

Watching as the women crossed the street and climbing into their rental car, M grew another smile as he whispered softly, with a perfect diction making it appear as if he had an accent.

“Oh my lovely, I WILL be seeing you again. Indeed I will, and I will tell HER that I have delivered her gift onto you.” he chuckled then shook off his current appearance as if a chill tickled his nerves. He rolled his shoulders and neck, taking on his true form that was revealed; mid-back length black thick hair hung combed back nicely, his perfectly carved features looked as if he were carved from clay, and his red eyes turned dark brown. Tattoos of ancient symbols ran down the right side of his jaw, down his neck and a bit onto his shoulder. He stood at a godly height of 6’4 and his powerful Herculean build was magnificent; his tanned skin was smooth as if oils were recently applied. His attire was elaborate, with a dark red velvet knee length coat fitting his frame, detailed with gold stitching, and fastened at the waist with a silver pin. A hairless muscular chest displayed silver chains with their pendants dangling from them. Fitted black leather pants had been hidden beneath his coat’s length, tucked in leather lace-up boots, “Things are now set in motion, so now we await the final result. This will be amusing for me.” he let out a soft chuckle then turned, walking down the quiet street, with his long red coat elegantly flowing behind him as he strode in masculine strides that commanded respect.

“MOLOCK!” a voice summoned him loudly.

He paused, turning to glance back down the street behind him then disappeared in a burst of red flame, chuckling loudly with mischief.

Two more days transpired; we wondered how much longer it would take for us to receive our promised transportation, we hadn’t heard a word from Billy regarding the arrangements.

However, oddly enough that evening, we received a message via courier explaining brief details about the ride that was arranged. Billy mentioned in a note that was tucked inside the envelope, that we were to be downstairs no later than 5:00 in the morning, and to look for a coach.

“Coach?” I joked.

“Well, it’s better than another train, taking us to a hidden dimension this time, don’t you think?” Lady D teased, laying the letter on the table between the beds, “I don’t think we can handle all of that Hogwarts wish-wash.” she teased.

“That’s not funny.” I threw a pillow at her, receiving a laugh.

Scampering around the room, gathering all of our belongings, I began packing the books I purchased from Times of Olde, ones I haven’t yet read, and it was then I discovered the black journal I knew I had returned to the bookkeeper behind the desk. Glancing at my mom, folding her dresses neatly so they wouldn’t wrinkle, I decided to keep the strange occurrence to myself.

“PERHAPS MAYBE I’VE DISCOVERED A NEW SKILL, MANIFESTING PHYSICAL THINGS I WANT? IT’S AN ABILITY SOME DEMONS AND SHAYDS POSSESS, IF PRACTICED ENOUGH, WHILE OTHERS NATURALLY POSSESS IT.” I thought, “HMM.” I quickly hid it among the other books, along with Zanzabarr’s toys, which I purchased for him, “Don’t worry, I won’t forget these.” I watched as the wolf carried them over, dropping them onto the bed, “Fetch!” I tossed one of them across the room, watching as the large wolf lept mid-air, catching it athletically.

Placing our luggage and pet supplies near the door, my mom and I took advantage of the rest, because we didn’t know how long our morning travel would be. After hot showers and a movie, we fell asleep, but morning quickly came withing a few hours.

Again, the alarm rang loudl, but this time, at 4:45 am.

Moaning, we climbed out of our beds, shuffling toward the bathroom to splash cold water on our faces like zombie rising out of the ground, unaware of everything around them.. Afterwards, we both dressed quickly, making sure we looked presentable, and once so, we made our way downstairs. Freya, in her carrier, meowed loudly as my mom carried her, while our luggage and her trunk were brought down moments later. Sitting in the pub, with our luggage by the lobby desk, we both accepted cups of hot coffee and tea, waiting for our ride.

The cold weather outside, made the morning hours miserable.

Glancing at my watch, hiding a yawn behind my left hand, the time was 5:15 and both of us wondered if Billy’s contact had remembered or arrived at the right Inn. We would wait another ten minutes before trying to contact Billy when suddenly, a vehicle pulled up outside, coming to an abrupt stop, with a screeching stomp on the brakes; steam escaped the hood. I stood, glancing through the frosted-wet window, studying the car then I turned to my mom, asking for note written in Billy’s hand, describing the vehicle. Looking at the words written, I raised a left eyebrow.

Older model black Sedan

Barred windows

Iron metal sheeting and rivets

Driver’s name is Robert

Moaning softly, I glanced back out the window, handing the note back to my mom behind my back, watching as a driver climbed out, approaching the Inn.

“I think that’s him.” I whispered, then turned, standing close to my mom who remained sitting.

Watching as a man entered the lobby, his shadow crept along the ground, rubbing his hands together.

An icy breeze grazed the clerk’s face and neck, as she folded her arms momentarily.

The man was in his late 60s with a gray bushy beard and blue eyes. He was dressed warmly with a dark gray coat and black knitted cap covering his head and ears. Once the doors closed behind him, he entered the pub standing by one of the tables. Scanning the interior, he observed two women sitting at one of the nearest tables, with luggage and a trunk by the desk behind him, and their four-legged companions by their feet. Smiling, he strolled toward them, greeting in a jolly English voice.

“Morning, loves. Sorry, I’m late. My vehicle was a wee bit difficult this morning, bloody old thing. Billy sent me, are you the lovely birds who are looking for a coach?”

“That would be us, yes.” Lady D stood.

“Unless there’s another mother and daughter waiting around with a wolf and pet carrier.” I added sarcastically, looking at the pub around us. There was no one present, except for the server preparing the tables, booths and bar for service.

“Aye, you’re a sassy little half-breed.” the man ranted.

There it was, I sensed it. The driver was a half-breed like me.

“Likewise. Half-breed.” I studied him.

“My name is Robert, but most blokes call me Bobby.” he had ignored the tension between himself and the young woman, “Are you ready?” he clapped his hands together once more, bouncing on his heels, gathering body heat before venturing back out into the icy morning, “It’s bloody cold out there, so you should cover your necks and heads, yes? Your wee pets too.” he looked at the carrier then over at the black wolf, “Aye, well, I wouldn’t say he’s a wee pet.” he turned, hoping there’d be enough room in his vehicle for the large wolf.

Following his advice, we made sure our scarves, hats, and gloves were in place, as well as making sure Freya’s carrier was covered with a blanket, keeping her warm. Zanzabarr, I dressed in his heavy sweater and boots; he sat with his ears back slouching slightly, letting out a few soft whines.

“Sorry baby, but you have to keep warm too. Wolf or not.” I whispered, kissing his snout through his muzzle.

Whimper.

Bobby pushed the trolley stacked with their luggage outside, then turned, holding the door open for his two passengers.

Stepping outside, he wasn’t kidding. Dampness hugged onto our clothing, and our breaths fogged in the morning air.

A faint drizzle fell from the sky, leaving small water droplets on our coats and luggage bags, even the blanket covering the carrier and Zanzabarr’s sweater, but he shook off the water.

Both my mom and I were surprised to see that our ride was accurate, a comfortable black 1926 Chevy Sedan converted with thick iron metal sheeting, securely bolted around its entire body. There were sturdy bars on all of the windows, giving it the appearance of a prison transport vehicle. There were chains wrapped around the heavy-duty all-terrain tires, protecting them from rough roads and weather conditions.

“What the hell?” Lady D whispered.

“This isn’t creepy at all.” I complained, heeling Zanzabarr, “Um, excuse me Bobby?!” I looked at him, “I’ve got to ask, if you’re a half-breed like me, doesn’t all of this iron sheeting bother you?”

“Aye, but if you’re around it as much as I am, I guess you can say I’ve developed an immunity to the effects.” he replied in a huff, walking around the Sedan toward the trunk, opening its small door, “Doesn’t mean I don’t feel it from time-to-time.”

“Hmm, makes sense.” I whimpered, shivering from a breeze.

Bobby turned to the trolley, reaching for their luggage, and placing them behind the backseat along with the pet supplies of dog food, cat litter and food, he was surprised to see the young woman offering her assistance with the heavier items. Accepting the offer, he managed with ease without needing to catch his breath. He was in good shape for a man of his age.

“Thank you.” he smiled at her.

“You’re welcome.” I returned the smile, “And I’m sorry about my sarcasm or occasional snappiness that might happen now and in the future during the ride. It’s just, being a half-breed, it’s…it’s tough, you know?”

“All too well, love.” he nodded, “All too well, but I’ve learned to accept that it’s who I am. After all, we were born this way for a reason and there’s no magic in the world that can or will ever change that. You’ll be fine, and thank you for the upfront warning. Now…” he glanced over her head toward Lady D, speaking a little louder, “let’s get you packed inside and ready to go, hmm? We need to arrive before dusk approaches, we don’t want to be and about then. Nasty things come out when dusk approaches where you’re going.” he turned, closing the trunk door in a hard slam.

Watching as he locked the trunk, Lady D fought the morning fatigue. Noticing Bobby kept making the emphasis, repeating himself twice nervously, she made her inquiry.

“Why?”

“What?” Bobby looked at her.

’Why shouldn’t we be out at dusk? Does something wicked come out?” I added humorously with underlying sarcasm.

“Yes. Something wicked, indeed.” Bobby’s voice was stern and blunt, “Nasty beasts from nightmares.” he stepped near the doors, leaving the women standing in a moment of dead silence.

“He knows I was joking, right?” I walked toward my mom.

“I don’t think so.” she complained, “But I think he’s trying to tell us that…no one ventures out at night alone. In the night. In the dark. On the island.”

“Isn’t that a line from a movie?” I looked at her.

“Not word-for-word, but close enough.” she teased.

“Right.” I laughed, “More like Storm of the Century.”

“That too, good one.” she smiled.

“Come on now, we must get going!” Bobby urged loudly.

Shaking off the distraction of our meaningless conversation, both my mom and I veered down the street to the East; we watched as the sun rose over the hills. It was gorgeous, seeing mother nature displaying her colors of gold, pink, and red. Announcing again, that it was time to head out, Bobby kindly helped us inside the roomy, yet warm Sedan with its maroon leather upholstery.

Placing Freya’s carrier under her seat, Lady D adjusted her coat as she sat, strapping the seat belt across her chest, while Zanzabarr awkwardly sat between herself and her daughter, who struggled to snap her seat belt into place, with fears of pinching her wolf’s large tail.

“Got it?” she reached out, holding Zanzabarr’s tail aside.

“Got it!” I answered, hearing the loud click.

“Good.” Lady D nodded, then watched as Bobby climbed into the front seat, courteously adjusting the vents, before turning on the engine.

Bobby slammed his door, then immediately turned the key; the two passengers mumbled behind him, commenting on the sound of the steam spitting from the Sedan’s tailpipes, then held onto the doors, feelings a rumble as the entire vehicle powered up. The wheels slowly drove down the cobblestone streets among the drizzling rain, creating a soothing sound.

Reaching the borderline of Whitehaven, Bobby and his two passengers engaged in small talk along the way then turned into a series of questions about where he was taking them and how long it take. He was vague, keeping his answers short and blunt, explaining the place was beautiful and safe.

“Beautiful and safe.” I groaned, “Wonderful.” I complained, for that wasn’t the answer neither of us expected, “And how long is this drive?”

“A full day.” Bobby answered, glancing at her through the small rearview mirror, making eye contact with her, “Trust me, it’ll be worth it once you get there, I promise.”

Nothing more was said after that, leaving us no choice but to trust him. Glancing behind us through the small trunk blurry window, there was no turning back because we were in the middle of nowhere on a desolate paved road. However, the effects of the iron was beginning to take its toll with the faint, nagging headaches, dizziness, and nausea.