Always Darkest before the Dawn: The Askinar Towers, #3

Permission to steal? Somehow, that just seems so immoral.

~Denbar Karma, Master Thief

CHAPTER 1:

We Want Answers!

Sara and Erika stood staring at the face of their own father.  They had agreed to meet with the shapeshifter to form an alliance, even gave them the key back as a sign of good faith, plus told them his name, which was Proteus.  Now here they stood with the shapeshifter and it turned out to be Dad.

Dad, you’re the shapeshifter? asked Sara.

I don’t understand, why you would do something so cruel, said Erika as tears formed in her eyes.

I’m not your father, said Proteus.  I chose his form so you could look at a familiar face.

You stole our father’s identity? demanded Erika as she wiped the tears away.

Not stole, said Proteus gently.  I just copied it.  I put my hands on the subject’s face and concentrate. By doing this, I draw all of the information of that individual; thoughts, desires, goals, et cetera to recreate that person.

Sara stood there a moment trying to understand everything that she just heard. Can you do it to me?

Sara no! pleaded Erika.  We don’t know anything about him and he comes to us looking like Dad.

Erika, if we are to trust him, said Sara.  he won’t trick us.  He has the knowledge to get into the fifth tower. Without it, we’ll wander the four towers forever.

I can do it, but you will fall unconscious for a moment, explained Proteus.  It won’t hurt but if you try to resist, it may give you a real bad headache.

Let’s move behind the church, Sara suggested.  We don’t need to attract any unwanted attention.

The three of them slipped further back into the shadows of St. Anthony Thomas Church and stopped next to an old oak tree.

I’m ready, said Sara. 

Erika covered her eyes. I can’t watch.

Proteus put his hands on the side of Sara’s head and concentrated.  She felt the hairs on her neck and arms stand up and could sense someone inside her mind.  Then everything in front of her went dark as she felt herself crumple to the ground.

When Sara woke up, she could have sworn she was looking in a mirror.  Right in front of her was another Sara.  Erika also was next to her...err...the other Sara.

Are you all right? asked Proteus.

You sound just like me, replied Sara.

It’s part of the copying process, said Proteus.  Not all shapeshifters can do the voice, in addition to the facial features, body and memories.  But since I have done it for a long time, I can copy everything.

But why did you have Talbot’s ring on as Johnny Secret? asked Erika.

Because he was wearing it when I made the copy of him, replied Proteus.  In order to lose the ring, I would have to get a new copy of Johnny when he wasn’t wearing it.

So the ring doesn’t slide off? asked Sara.

No, it’s part of the copy.

Do me now, do me! shouted Erika.

I thought you didn’t like the idea, said her sister.

Now that I’ve seen it, it looks so cool.

Proteus smiled and then did the same to Erika. 

Moments later she woke up and saw herself standing there.   Very cool!

But why is Zahira hunting you, Proteus? asked Sara.

You can call me 'Proty'.  It’s easier to pronounce, said Proteus and then he transformed into the likeness of their father again.  Zahira is a galactic bounty hunter and she was contracted to bring me in along with my four shipmates.  We were accused of extortion and bribery in the Antarus Galaxy.  It's her job to bring us back to stand trial.

You’re a criminal then? asked Erika.

They think we are, but it’s just a huge misunderstanding, said Proty.

Why not just go back, stand trial, and explain the misunderstanding, suggested Sara.

Because Antarus law does not understand ‘mistakes’, he replied.  If I stand trial, I would be put to death.  Zahira has already captured my shipmates and had them put to death.  If I can just get back to my home planet, we can contact Antarus from there and get the matter solved.

So that’s why you took the key, said Erika.  You want to get home as bad as we do.

Exactly!  And that is why I gave it back, so we can work together and all go home at the same time, said Proteus.  But first, you probably should get some different clothes, 

Why?  What’s wrong with the way we look? asked Sara.

Your clothes are not from this world, replied Proteus.  And you could very well get in trouble with the local law.

Remember Sara, when we were here with Johnny, Mercedes, and Sir Talbot, we had those raggedy type clothes to be on the street corner to sing? said Erika.

Oh, that’s right, said Sara.  But we don’t have any money from this time period.

I’ll take care of it, said Proty, and he transformed into the likeness of Curtis Kirgis.  No one can say ‘No’ to the Lord Mayor of Thistle Hurst.

The three of them moved back out on the street and visited a couple shops in which both girls bought dresses of the early eighteenth century, a large leather bag to put their old clothes, and the backpack, inside and then purchased a wicker basket.  They stopped at Mistress Muriel’s house of fine hair, and both girls had their hair done in the period style.  At each stop, everyone was very happy and helpful in regards to assisting the Lord Mayor of Thistle Hurst.

When they finished their purchases, they moved back behind the church and Proteus transformed into a raven and then flew over and sat on Erika’s shoulder.

Why a bird? asked Sara.

This is one the reasons I have been able to avoid Zahira for so long, said Proty.  As far as she knows, I can only copy humanoids and mainly sniffs for them.  Her eyesight is not very good but her sense of smell is excellent!  When I learned this, I took the form of a raven and used it most of the time.

Johnny thought you were a were-raven, said Sara.

As you can see, I can be more than that, replied Proty.

Let’s go visit Curtis Kirgis, said Erika.  I wonder how long it’s been since we were last here.

We’ll hire a carriage and travel there, suggested Proty.

Won’t it look strange for two little girls and a raven to try and hire a carriage? said Sara.

Good point, said Proty.  He flew off of Erika’s shoulder and transformed into Johnny Secret.  It would be very difficult to explain if I arrive to the Kirgis residence as Kirgis himself, if he’s already at home.

Very true, said Erika.

Plus, Lord Kirgis would already have his own personal carriage and not need to hire one, added Sara.

They moved out into the street again and hailed a carriage.  As luck would have it, it was Harper, the man who brought the girls from the tower into town.

Afternoon ladies!  I trust you found your friend? he nodded to Proteus.

Yes we did, thank you, replied Sara.  Then she curtsied as an afterthought.

Mr. Secret, said Harper looking his way, good to see you again.  On another case?

Yes, I am.  Would you please take us to the Lord Mayor Kirgis’ residence? said Proty.

Of course!  Climb aboard, said Harper.

They got in and the carriage departed Langstrath.  It was only a couple miles to Thistle Hurst and then on a few more out to the Lord Mayor’s house.  They noticed a small village just across the road from Thistle Hurst, hidden behind a line of trees.

Proty, what town is that? asked Sara.

I’ll have to change into Curtis Kirgis to retain his memory, said Proty.  He changed into Kirgis and then sat in concentration for a moment. 

According to his memories, that’s Winthrop Village, a religious group of people made up of Kinsmen.  Their rivals in Thistle Hurst are called Jamesians.

What’s the difference? asked Erika.

It’s simply their preference of a book they call the bible, said Proty.  Apparently, there is more than one translation of this book.

We’re familiar with the bible, said Sara.

I didn’t know that there were different translations, added Erika.

It would seem that this is the very thing that separates these two groups, said Proty as he changed back into Johnny Secret, sat back, and enjoyed the rest of the ride.

#

About ten minutes, later they stood outside the front door of the stately manor of the Lord Mayor Curtis Kirgis.  They rang the bell and a servant appeared.

Detective Gianni Leoné and friends to see the Lord Mayor, said Proty.

I am sorry Sir, but His Lordship has taken ill.  He is not receiving visitors, replied the servant.

Is Samantha home?  May we see her? asked Sara, who then curtsied after speaking.

Miss Kirgis is present and she is taking visitors.  May I announce you?

Sure, said Sara.

The servant stood there a moment as if waiting for something.

Aren’t you going to announce us? asked Erika.

You have not given me a name, replied the servant.

Oh! Sara and Erika Hamilton, said Sara.

Very good, said the servant.  He stepped to the side of the door and invited them inside.  If you would wait here in the parlor, I shall announce your arrival.

Sara, Erika, and Proty entered into a room off to the left and took a seat as the servant departed further back into the home.   The girls looked around the room at the various pictures of the Kirgis family.  Samantha didn’t look much older than they last saw her, maybe a year or so.  Erika ran to the window and saw some well-maintained gardens with a fountain in the middle.

I wonder if Samantha plays in the garden, said Erika.

Yes, she does, said a female from the hallway.

Erika quickly turned and saw Samantha standing in the hallway.  The servant stood next to her.

Miss Samantha Kirgis, he announced. 

That will be all, Jensen, Samantha said.  The servant bowed and departed.

You said you wanted to me see, she said.  Then she studied both girls and smiled.  I remember you two.  You helped Mr. Leoné here, solve the mystery with Lord Stephen Raleigh of Langstrath.

That’s us, said Sara.

Almost three years ago, but neither of you have gotten older, continued Samantha.  She walked around each girl, looking at their faces and their new dresses.

Actually, we’re from the towers, said Erika.  It would appear that some of the places we have been to have a different speed of time.

That would explain your dresses, said Samantha.  They definitely are not something worn here in Thistle Hurst.  More like Bainbridge or Langstrath.

Yes, we got them in Langstrath, said Sara.  Will that be a problem?

Not exactly, but you may turn heads here.  We’ve just entered the eighteenth century a few months ago.  Bainbridge and Langstrath are closing out the nineteenth century.

Oh. We won’t be staying long, said Sara.  We just wanted to see your father while we were here.

Father is ill, but I am sure he would be happy to see all three of you, said Samantha.  I believe he is in his study, let me take you to him.

Samantha led the way out of the parlor, down the hall, and into a study on the right.  The Lord Mayor was seated in a chair next to the fire.

Father, some wonderful news.  Mr. Leoné is here with his friends, Sara and Erika, said Samantha.

Kirgis looked up from his chair.  His nose was very red and his eyes had a saggy look to them.

How nice to see you again, said Kirgis and then coughed hard.  Do forgive my appearance, but I haven’t shaken off the winter weather.  It was a hard one this year, but I believe I can fight it off all the same.

We just wanted to stop by and say ‘hello’, said Sara.

That is very kind of you.  Very kind, said Kirgis.  I am truly sorry I could not be a better host.  Is my daughter treating you all right?

Very much so, said Erika.

Kirgis looked a Proteus.  You haven’t anything to say, Mr. Leoné?

Sorry, I am just a little distracted.  I had asked Sara and Erika to meet me here so that we might travel together, said Proty.  We are a little behind schedule.

Sara and Erika shot him a glance of disapproval.

Then I must not keep you from your journey, said Kirgis.  I do hope you will stop back when I am well.

I will show them out father, said Samantha.

Good-bye, said Kirgis followed by another cough.

Samantha led the way back to the front door. I am sorry you couldn’t stay longer, she said.  Perhaps if you return, we might play in the gardens.

I would like that, said Erika.

Samantha opened the door and they left the house.  They all three waved as they departed.

Was that necessary? asked Sara to Proty.

What? he asked.

The hint that we needed to get back to the tower that’s what! she answered.

I’m sorry, but I’m anxious to get home, said Proty.

So are we, added Erika.  But we figured while we were here, we could at least say hello to an old friend.  After all, you did agree to that.

Yes I did, didn’t I? said Proty.  But now we should head back into town and get a carriage to the tower, said Proty.

I suppose you’re right, said Sara.  The longer we’re gone the less chance we may have to get to the fifth tower.

As they got to the edge of town the girls requested Proteus transform into their selves again so they could see it again.

Look, I’m not some kind of play toy to do as you wish, said Proty.

We know but we think it’s neat when you do it, said Sara.

Yeah, added Erika.  I’ve always wanted to have a twin sister.

Okay, said Proty.  But this is the only time I will do it as a simple request.

#

Olaf Mortensen, age fifty-eight and chief adviser to the town watch of Thistle Hurst, was walking down the road towards the mayor’s residence to give his monthly report.  He had been part of the town watch for over a year; first assigned in October 1698, by Reverend Edward Warwick.  He would pay him a visit as well to give an update concerning the town watch.

As he got closer, he saw three girls standing on the edge of the Kirgis property; a set of twins and a younger girl. All three had blond hair.  At first, he thought that they belonged to the Payne family, but recalled that they didn’t have twins.

Then the most extraordinary thing took place.  One of the twins suddenly blurred and then looked exactly like the younger girl to where they looked like twins.  Olaf rubbed his eyes.  He had been having trouble with his eyesight for months now and has visited Ol’ Doc Bradley concerning it.  He approached further, making sure he wasn’t seen by the three girls... well, two girls and he wasn’t sure what the third was.  He could just make out their conversation.

That is so neat that you can do that, Proty, said the older.

Yeah, we can fool all kinds of people with your power, said the other girl.

Power? Thought Olaf.  The only powers I know of come from either God or The Devil.

Proty, can you show us what you really look like? asked the older.

I don’t think I should, replied the second twin.

Why?  We won’t be scared if you look like a monster, said the older.

We know that you’re an alien so we’re prepared for anything, said the younger girl.

Alien? Thought Olaf.  This is definitely the work of the devil.

All right, said the twin.  But just remember, you’re the one that asked.  It blurred again taking a much bigger shape, like an adult, and when it became clear, it was definitely demonic in appearance.  Olaf quickly pulled out a small copy of a bible and began to read some passages to give him the strength.

Well, what do you think? said the creature.

Not as scary as I expected, said the older.

Agreed, but I can see why you'd want to blend in, said the younger.

In these different worlds, it’s best not to look like myself, said the creature.  He blurred again and became a black bird and perched on the younger girl’s shoulder.  They began to walk into town.

I must report this to Reverend Warwick immediately! said Olaf aloud to himself.

Chapter 2:

The Thistle Hurst Witch Hunt

Olaf hurried across the road, through the line of trees, and into the meetinghouse in the center of Winthrop Village.  Inside were The Reverend Edward Warwick and two other men; elders of the congregation.  They were discussing sermons for the upcoming month, plus other needs of the town.  As Olaf entered, all three looked his way.

The Devil has come to Thistle Hurst! exclaimed Olaf.

What you do mean ‘devil’? asked Warwick.

I’ve seen him with me own eyes, said Olaf.

The two elders almost smirked at this announcement, as they knew of his frequent visits to Ol’ Doc Bradley.

Reverend Warwick paused a moment taking in the nature of the old man before continuing. Elder Butcher, draw some water for Brother Mortensen here, he instructed.  "Elder Oliver, bring over the cushion bench from the side there.

Olaf sat down on the bench, but refused the water brought in by the other man.

Now then, said Warwick, tell me exactly what you saw.

Olaf Mortensen proceeded to tell them about his walk to Kirgis house and seeing what appeared to be three girls.  He described that one of them changed right before his eyes into the other girl, then a demon, and finally a raven.  None of the three men could smell alcohol on his breath, as he was known to secretly take a drink from time to time to ward off the cold air.

Reverend Warwick, I know what you are thinking, said Olaf.  That I have bad eyesight, and might also be drunk. I assure you, I know what I saw.

Reverend Edward Warwick nodded and grabbed his hat. Elder Butcher, you come with me and bring your gun.  Elder Oliver, stay here in case anyone from town needs prayers or spiritual guidance while I’m gone.  The three of them left and crossed over to Thistle Hurst. 

On the way, Olaf started to babble about the town watch and how he wasn’t crazy.  Reverend Warwick assured Olaf that he believed him, but wanted to see for himself.

It’s Elizabeth Cooper all over again, isn’t it? asked Olaf.

Now Brother Olaf, said Warwick.  We need not draw any conclusions until we see for ourselves what is going on.  Mistress Cooper went too far last year when she turned a whole group of girls away from the Lord to conspire with The Horned Beast.  She hanged for her crimes as will any who do likewise.

Once in town, it wasn’t long before they found the girls.  They were attempting to hire a carriage to take them to the large tower located a mile away near the woods.  The raven, as described by Olaf, was indeed sitting on the shoulder of the younger girl.  As they approached the two girls, the raven flew off and into a nearby tree.  Reverend Warwick assumed this to be a warning sign and had Elder Butcher apprehend both girls.

What’s happening? said the older girl.

Sara, what are they doing? said the younger.

I am the Reverend Edward Warwick of Winthrop Village, said Warwick, and Witch Hunter for this area.  You two have been accused of witchcraft and consorting with The Dark One.  You will be held under house arrest until a trial can be conducted.

Witchcraft? said Sara.  Do we look like witches?

Yeah, added Erika.  We don’t have green skin and warts, nor do we wear pointy black hats and fly on brooms.

Witches have been known to change their appearance, said Oliver.

This man, Olaf Mortensen, added Warwick, "saw you talk to a