Bookworm frowned after Beryl departed into the gloomy darkness outside, but her friend was gone before she could say anything. Book envied her friend’s escape while she reluctantly returned to the letter a second time. It was true someone had requested her by name, but they were had not signed the telegram.
Part of her wanted to rip the letter apart and leave the anonymous writer to their own devices. She was going through enough right now, suffered through a tragic loss, and did not want another mystery, nor a reminder of her previous failure talking to Itsy. She and her brood made her skin itch.
Mr. Wright drummed his claws on the desk as he growled quietly, betraying deeper troubles brewing beneath the surface of the usually collected veteran. Russell wore his own frustrations on his shoulder for everyone to see, cursing under his breath. The children watched her excitedly, hoping to be taken along for an adventure while more of them wandered over to see what the commotion was about. Only the Professors gave the outward appearance of calm collection, but they were hardly men of action.
Finally, Book returned the letter to the Professor, making her decision, “Very well, but I will decide who goes on this… little trip.”
The Professor did not argue, he clapped his hands together with a metallic ring, “Who is your team?”
“Yew know ya knead a goo’ tinkar on yer team!” Loki stepped forward and thumped his chest proudly. “Oi Voilentar!” The Professor quietly pulled Dr. Falcon’s horn towards his side of the counter, away from the excited lad who had moved closer to it.
“Loki will go,” She fixed the Professor with a meaningful stare. “I believe he’s right in saying he has the best chance of communicating with Itsy.”
Book was in no mood for arguments, and Quinn gave her none, thankfully. “Yes, anyone else?”
She wished City Hall was half this considerate. Turning to Wright she added, “We…would welcome your help too, if the asylum can spare you.”
“Certainly,” Professor Rance replied as the wolf cracked his knuckles. “Damocles can take care of things until Wright returns if he wishes to go.”
“Seein’ as the portal will cut down travel time, I think I can make it there and back in time for tea tomorrow,” Wright replied while his drawl became more pronounced. Book had several theories about why, but she was certain he did it deliberately. “’sides, I’d like to know more of what Itsy knows about Progress, if anything.”
There were several other volunteers from the urchins including Blossom, but Book shook her head firmly. If she had seen someone as resourceful as Tepic in the crowd it would have been different, but these were all new faces to her, “I’m sorry, but no. It would likely be too dangerous.”
She ignored the pouting faces – the children’s at least, since Russell’s was almost as sour as theirs. However, she knew he could handle himself in a fight. “Captain Firecrest, you would also be welcome if you so choose.”
“I have a window in my schedule,” His eyes darted at Wright momentarily. “Do I have time to grab my rifle?”
“I’ll need to go back and arm myself as well.” She hoped he would be able to put their previous argument out of mind when the time came.
“It will take me a few minutes to get the machine ready,” Quinn offered as he gestured humbly towards the door. “Take your time.”
Loki reached over the counter to grab another apple and ran out the door saying he needed to get his own supplies. The crowd dispersed as Quinn ushered them out. Book noted that Professor Rance looked amused as his eyes followed Loki’s departure.
The Captain took a glance back at the counter. She wasn’t surprised to see Loki had liberated Dr. Falcon’s horn while he snatched an apple.
Be First to Comment