The Golden Quill by Michael Wallis

Author:Michael Wallis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: destiny, family, optimism, siblings, bullying, selfconfidence, diversity, resilience, computer programming
Publisher: Michael Wallis

“Don’t even think about it. There’s no way you’re getting inside this body again.”

With this, Cassandra picks up her sister’s spirit and places it on top of her sleeping frame. The forms unite instantly. Naveed watches in envy.

Cassandra approaches her sleeping self. She lowers herself into the frame like a person getting into the bathtub. She awakens groggily, and then, as if called to arms, springs up from the bed. She picks the Golden Quill and the scroll from off the floor.

“Hold these, if you can.”

Naveed takes them. This is not the time to explain how Feints affect physical things. Cassandra moves to slide her arms under her sister’s legs and back to pick her up. Naveed moves in, wanting to help.

“Drop dead, Spirit Boy. This is my responsibility. Yours is to get Madame Beatrice here as fast as possible. She’ll know what to do.”

“I’ve already called her using this watch. I’ve explained everything and she’s on her way.”

“Good. I’m going downstairs. Don’t wander around the house. The last thing we want is for you to spook my parents. What are you waiting for? Vanish already.”

* * * * *

“That’s it! Stop the recording. Rewind. Go back to very start.” Atropos’ arms are gesticulating. “Perhaps you’re not as dumb as you look.”

Atropos has regained her mood. Lachesis presses a button and a white horizontal line appears on the screen. There are four silhouettes now. One of them is human.

“Play the audio, sister. Hurry now. You’re keeping our guest waiting.”

“Madame Beatrice, we have a problem.”

The white line jumps into action. With every spoken word, the line pitches and descends, producing an accordion of high and low spikes.

“But Naveed, this line . . . it’s not secure.”

“Yes, I know. I’m sorry, but I had no choice.”

“What’s the matter?”

“There’s been a breach.”

Clotho roughs up Jefferson Gains as she moves him closer to the front of the room and to Atropos.

“And the instrument?”

“The Quill is intact, but exposed.”

“Naveed! Watch your words. They may be listening.”

“I’m sorry, but things have got out of control. First the manticores appear in the tunnels, then we discover Mr. Gains to be a prisoner of the Fates, and now the girls are using the Quill to write on walls.”

“Naveed! Control yourself. Are the girls . . . are they with you?”

“Yes. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. The youngest, she just picked up the Q— . . . the instrument . . . and started writing on the chamber walls. She created some sort of tunnel . . . like a porthole . . . to her bedroom.”

“Stay where you are. I will track you by your watch. I’m on my way.”

“You must hurry. I can’t manage this alone.”

“Did you hear that, Mr. Gains? Seems you’re a prisoner, in their eyes,” says Atropos with a demonic laugh. “Of course you are. What other explanation could there be? What kind of man would sell out his own kind, eh? What kind of human would do business with monsters like us?”

“Mr.

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