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  Copyright © 2011 Rachel Humphrey – D’aigle

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  Cover Photograph by Danielle Page Photography

  Shifting

  Book Two

  1

  Meghan and Colin Jacoby fell through an archway, thudding onto a cold stone floor. On one side of the archway, the silhouette of the Scratcher enclosing its wings around their Uncle Arnon’s body faded, while on the twins’ side of the archway, they were met by suspicious stares from the Svoda Gypsies.

  Colin, his back to the Gypsies, glanced at the culprit that had caused him to fall through the pine tree. It was his book, Magicante. Instinct told him to hide it under his sweater.

  Why had his uncle done it?

  Meghan sat on the icy stone floor, her face blank. Words would not formulate in her mind.

  “Let me through, let me through!” a familiar voice called out.

  Colin faced the Gypsies, searching through the staring eyes as Jae Mochrie appeared in a stone doorway about ten feet away; he held his arms against each side of the stone wall, as if holding it up, out of breath.

  Meghan raised her head, becoming aware of the suspicious stares.

  “I don’t believe it. This is bad! This is really bad!” Jae darted across the room. “You’re not in any immediate danger,” he whispered.

  Meghan bounced off the floor and jerked her confused head back and forth between Jae and the other Gypsies.

  What did Jae mean?

  The twins’ only concern was to get home. Meghan finally found the strength to speak, but she couldn’t form a complete sentence.

  “The Scratcher…wings … our uncle…go back.”

  The crowd inhaled at the same moment. Murmurs spread like fire.

  “Wings …”

  “He’s dead for sure.”

  “It would take a miracle…”

  Meghan’s breath drew heavily as she tried to comprehend what was happening. Colin trembled as the truth began to sink in. Then, Colin’s head shot up.

  “Jae! Your dad and the other guy, are they…” he didn’t finish.

  “The guy that helped my dad is fine. Dad is hurt pretty bad, but he’ll be okay thanks to you two. Which makes what I have to tell you even harder.”

  Meghan could not get enough air. Colin attempted to keep his mind focused on the current moment, which was difficult, as their desire to get back to Uncle Arnon was mounting. Jae dropped his head, heaving a great breath, preparing for what he needed to say to them.

  “By now, your uncle is most likely…”

  Meghan cut him off, finally knocked out of her stupor.

  4

  “Don’t even say that! Open it back up! Now!” Meghan jumped back through the archway.

  Nothing happened! Jae grabbed her and forced her to make eye contact with him. Colin took hold of her hand, as comprehension of their situation became clear.

  “We can’t go back, can we?” he confirmed. His face tightened; he did not want to lose it, not here, in front of complete strangers.

  Jae did not have the heart to answer and instead kicked the wall angrily.

  “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

  Meghan slowly sank down to the floor. “Can’t go back,” she repeated.

  The crowd buzzed. It was clear that something like this had never happened before and no one knew what to do. Jae leaned in to Colin’s ear.

  “Did any one see you use magic?”

  “Only the Scratchers and my uncle, I think,” answered Colin in a low, trembling voice.

  “Keep that and your book secret! This doorway won’t open again for three years. That’s why I had to get home tonight. It only opens during the blue moon, which only happens…”

  “Three years, every three years,” finished Colin, dazed. Meghan heard him and stood up, angry, instantly mindful of her stupidity. Why hadn’t she just listened to Jae and not come to his aid? Then their uncle would not be…

  Outside, the crowd quieted, parting down the middle, serving as a corridor for someone hurriedly approaching.

  “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Jae muttered apologetically. He backed away from the twins. They waited breathlessly, unsure of what was to come next. A woman’s voice reverberated through the stone room.

  “Jae, you are safe.” She said it as though it was simple fact and promptly moved on. Her fierce gaze bored into the twins. It was Juliska Nandalia Blackwell, Banon of the Svoda Gypsies. They saw Jae do a slight head bow as she spoke to him. Meghan and Colin decided to follow Jae’s lead and performed a small bow. Juliska Blackwell’s face softened, but remained stern. She did not speak right away.

  “Excuse me, Banon Blackwell, if I may speak on their behalf,” said Jae, coming to her side.

  She did not acknowledge Jae and slowly stretched out her thin, pale arm; beautiful silk red gloves covered her hands. She stroked Meghan’s cheek, who didn’t breathe, wondering if this was some kind of curse or spell she should be wary of.

  “What are your names, you first?” she demanded from Colin.

  “Colin Jacoby, ma’am.”

  Her gaze then swept to Meghan.

  “And you?”

  “Meghan Jacoby, Colin’s twin sister.”

  “Speak,” the Banon ordered Jae. Her eyes never left the twins.

  “If it hadn’t been for Meghan and Colin Jacoby’s assistance, my father would be dead. Saving him got them stuck here.”

  Her eyes drilled into Jae, and she interrogated further.

  “Did they offer or did you seek their help?”

  Jae was noticeably losing his nerve.

  5

  “They came to me, and being on my own, I accepted,” he explained.

  Juliska Blackwell whisked herself around to Jae.

  “We will need to speak further, but I will allow you to go home to your family tonight.” Jae knew this was his cue to depart, but the worry on his face sent the twins’ already weak strength plummeting. Impending doom, they both felt it.

  The twins realized that the stone room had emptied, except for Banon Blackwell. She paced, speaking coolly.

  “You must realize that this situation is most uncommon and will not be easily accepted amongst my people. I have taught them, perhaps too well, not to trust outsiders. We cannot survive if our safety is compromised! And no matter how good your intentions or Jae’s, your uncle, if not dead, is likely being tortured and questioned about us.” Meghan’s legs faltered. Colin, in only slightly stronger shape, leaned to steady her.

  Juliska Blackwell helped her first.

  “I am sorry. But the truth is all I can speak. Nothing else has kept us alive for this long,” her voice grew kinder.

  The thought of their uncle being dead was horrible enough, but being tortured for something he did not know about was more than either of the twins could bear.

  The Banon released her steadying grip on Meghan and whisked around, motioning for two women, who stood near the entrance, to enter.

  “Bring them! Nothing will be decided tonight. Tomorrow, the Viancourt will decide their fate.” She dashed away, her deep red jacket flipping in the still night air behind her.

  Two women grabbed the twins, not unkindly, pulling them from the stone room, out into the darkness. A crowd of at least a hundred shot untrusting glares at the duo, followed by unwelcoming voices.

  “She will not let them stay!”

  “No. No way, it’s not right.”

  “Where then will they go?” another one asked. “They can’t go home.”

  “Spies!” someone shouted viciously.

/>   Two things were certain. One: they could not go home! And two: they were not welcome here!

  The twins came to an abrupt stop. A tall man with spikes in his hair, dressed in a long oversized coat, blocked their path. His eyes were unkind, showing no mercy. The twins recognized him as the man named Garner Sadorus.

  “Who are you?” he demanded.

  The twins did not answer.

  “Oh get out of the way, Garner,” spat the woman holding Colin’s arm. “You heard the Banon.

  This will be decided by the Viancourt, the entire Viancourt, Garner, not just you.” Her eyes flashed, enjoying the confrontation.

  “And I, as a member of this most high position, have the right…”

  “Excuse me, Vian Sadorus, sir.” Again, Jae came to their rescue. “I will speak for them.” The man named Garner glared down at Jae, scowled annoyingly, and then gave up, stalking away.

  6

  “Wouldn’t be good to get on his bad side,” whispered Jae. “Although, most believe that’s the only side he has.” Neither twin could reply at that moment.

  The two women shook their heads at the confrontation and forged onward. Jae followed them a few steps before a forced goodbye left him in the shadows.

  The murmurs of the crowd faded. The women held lanterns to light their way; the twins had not even noticed where they had gotten them. There was no moon or stars, only black night.

  They stopped at the entrance to a wagon. Inside, it was similar to the one Jae had stayed in back in Camp Cobbscott, though smaller.

  The twins waited near the entrance as the two women disappeared into another room. They were gone only a minute and came back with blankets.

  “You will have to stay in the wagon for the night, but its safe here,” the first woman said. She was a small stout woman and went to the fireplace, waving her hand over it. “Fire will keep you warm. Food you can find in the kitchen.”

  The twins sank into a sofa next to the fire, overwhelmed. The stout woman exited the wagon.

  The other lagged behind, taking a seat across from the twins. She was a rugged looking woman with short, somewhat curled hair. Her voice was not what the twins expected. Colin’s thoughts said it best – a woman right out of a black and white movie, over-dramatic and to the point, and he thought her face was pretty.

  “I’m positively ashamed for such harsh treatment, especially after you helped our Jae get home. I’m sure you’re picking up that the Svoda aren’t so trusting to strangers.”

  “Jae warned us to be careful,” mustered out Meghan. She couldn’t think of anything else to say, and worse, she thought, the more we say, the more we could get ourselves, or Jae, into trouble.

  “Yes, he’s a good boy. Hope the court isn’t too hard on him. What do they expect from a kid?”

  “Jae will have to go before a court?” questioned Colin, feeling oddly comfortable around the woman.

  “'Fraid so. It’s the only way to get the whole picture, see. But don’t go frettin’ about that. Jae can handle himself fine. My name is Billie by the way, Billie Sadorus.”

  “Sadorus? Are you related to the man named Garner?” asked Colin without thinking.

  “He’s my brother, sure. Stink of a man!” she said, winking. “But my brother none the less.” She stood to depart. “I realize it won’t be easy, but do try and get some rest, will you?” She then muttered to herself all the way out of the wagon.

  “What a way to treat two youngins. Shameful, that’s what it is. Sometimes I don’t know what’s becoming of us all?”

  The door shut and they heard a lock clink into place. They were alone.

  Neither twin spoke.

  The desire eluded them.

  Colin moved to the other couch. Sleep came in waves, and included nightmares of their uncle’s unknown fate. It was not until light began to fill the wagon that they got up, slowly realizing that the previous night had not been a terrible dream. Colin was the first to speak.

  “What do they need to decide exactly, anyway?”

  “I think, whether we can stay with them or not.”

  7

  “Why can’t we stay?” he whispered as if someone may be listening.

  “They’re obviously not fond of outsiders, Col.”

  “But what would they do with us?”

  “Like I’m supposed to have some idea?” she snapped back. “Sorry,” she added a second later.

  “I wish we knew how long we’re going to have to wait here,” Colin replied.

  Meghan finally said what was truly on her mind.

  “I cannot accept that there is NO way to find out about Uncle Arnon. I think as soon as we do get out of here, we need to find a way.”

  “We don’t even know where here is! How are we going to find a way home?” asked Colin.

  “I don’t know. But we have to! The Scratchers follow these guys, so there must be a way!” she said decidedly.

  With nothing more to say, they attempted to eat. They found bread for toast in the kitchen; it was dry going down their throats no matter how much butter they spread on it.

  After hours of waiting, and not knowing their fate, the lock clicked open on the wagon door.

  They sat down trying not to appear too eager and did not look up until they heard the familiar voice of Jae Mochrie.

  “Guys, it’s me. Sorry I couldn’t come sooner,” he apologized, slumping down next to them.

  “They wouldn’t let me come until after I’d met with the Viancourt.”

  “I hope it wasn’t terrible, Jae,” said Meghan, concerned about their only friend in this unfamiliar world.

  “It was like filing a report. They needed a list of anything I’d done that could have compromised our safety.”

  The twins were horrified.

  “Look, it’s not that bad. If I were in serious trouble I would not be allowed here.”

  “What about us? Have they decided anything?” she asked cautiously.

  “I’m not sure. I have to bring you to the court in thirty minutes, though. They held a private meeting after I left.”

  “How far do we have to go?” asked Meghan.

  “That’s hard to answer.”

  “Where exactly are we?” asked Colin, hoping for a clearer picture.

  “A place called Grimble.”

  “Grimble? Where’s that?” Colin asked.

  “It’s a bit hard to describe. Maybe I’ll get to show you around,” Jae said, attempting to sound positive.

  “How far away from home are we?” Meghan then asked.

  “It’s difficult to explain. When you go through a doorway you’re in another place.” None of this made sense to Meghan, but Colin had read many books about portals to other worlds.

  “So, its not a matter how far,” he said, “but finding the right doorway to the right place,” he confirmed.

  “More or less,” said Jae, catching on to their thoughts. “Unfortunately, from Grimble, there is no way back to Cobbscott.”

  “You’re absolutely sure?” questioned Meghan, losing hope. Jae nodded.

  8

  “We better get going,” he said. “We don’t want to make the Viancourt wait.” The twins, though not eager to discover their fate, were desperate to get out of the wagon.

  “It’s not far,” Jae told them, as they followed a fog-covered path.

  “Are we going into a town?” asked Meghan, struggling to see Jae.

  “Yes and no,” he answered, confusing the twins. The fog cleared enough to see a group of gypsy wagons lined up in a circle; as they climbed up the stairs to one of them, the twins’

  attention was taken away by a ghostly shadow two wagons over.

  “C’mon, we gotta keep moving,” urged Jae, reclaiming their attention. “Once inside we have a ways to go.”

  “A ways?” questioned Meghan.

  “You’ll see,” said Jae, with a slight smirk on his worried face. He opened the door and motioned for the twins to enter ahead of him. They expe
cted to see the same thing they had in the other wagons, but this one was much different.

  It was a small village. It reminded the twins of the old fishing villages they often visited off the coast of Maine. A few Gypsies hustled about, but mostly, it was deserted.

  “What is this place?” asked Colin in a stunned voice.

  Jae led them deeper into the village.

  “This is Bedgewood Harbor,” he explained. “It’s a small replica of our real home, in the Bedgewood Isles, which is actually off the coast of Northern Maine.”

  “So your real home is really in our world?” confirmed Colin.

  “Yeah, it is,” answered Jae, as he directed them down a cobblestone street.

  Two older, proper-looking ladies sat outside of a small brick building. A sign dangled over them: The Jackal Lantern. They wore 1930’s style dresses and sipped from delicate looking teacups.

  “Those are the Jackal sisters,” said Jae. “They put out our local paper. And, whatever they’re drinking, it’s definitely not tea!” He laughed, nodding to the sisters as the trio walked by. The sisters nodded back, politely.

  Moments later, it began to sprinkle.

  “Our weather here is the same as on the real Bedgewood Isles. I’m not sure how it all works exactly. But it’s a small connection to home.” They had stopped in front of an ominous brick building.

  “I can’t go inside,” said Jae, holding open the door. The look on his face said, I hope I see you again.

  The twins stepped inside the building, gulping hard. Before they shut the door Jae explained where they needed to go.

  “Take the winding stair up two levels,” he instructed. “Then take the staircase to your right and go down three levels.” His voice cracked at the end.

  Colin wrinkled his brow. Why not just go down one level to begin with? Meghan heard his thought, but ignored it, dragging him inside. One lone picture hung on an otherwise bare wall.

  “Nethanial Bedgewood, founder of the Svoda Gypsies,” read Meghan.

  “I guess that explains why it’s called Bedgewood,” said Colin nervously.

  9

  Once up the two flights of spiral stairs, they reached a hallway leading to the right. A few steps away another staircase headed downward. Upon arrival they came to an archway, with a hanging sign.