Cirque Periculum

Chapter 10

Connor raced out of his tent after a few hours of sleepless rest at the beckoning of the smell of cooking bacon. He scanned the crowd for Riley, Adam, or Kirk, but he didn't see any of them.

The top of the mound was packed with tables and chairs scattered haphazardly, and Connor spotted his friends and weaved through them to sit next to Adam and Riley.

"What's going on?" Connor asked, glancing at the bustling performers, still searching for Kirklane.

"Mr. Summertin called for a meeting, so we're having a banquet," Riley said.

Connor lowered his voice. "Do you think it's about last night?"

"Why would it be?" Adam said. "I'm pretty sure Mr. Summertin was trying to keep that on the down low."

"True," Connor said. Then what is it about?

The performers gathered at the top of the hill, chattering until Mr. Summertin stood and silenced them.

"Hello everyone," he said. "After an eventful night I'm sure that most of you are exhausted. I apologize for calling this meeting so early in the morning, but it can't wait."

"Here it comes," Connor hissed in Riley's ear. "He's gonna tell them about the artifact."

"I received word last night that we have some friends of the circus visiting the magician city in the North, and I think it would be to our best interest to meet them and take them with us for a time."

Riley giggles and leaned in close to Connor, her lip brushing against his ear. "Nope, that's not the artifact."

Connor blushed, not knowing whether it was from the fact he was wrong or the fact Riley was in such close proximity.

Mr. Summertin continued, "They won't be up there long enough for us to go back to camp beforehand, so as soon as we pack up here we'll head over there. I'm hoping we reach Port Clinton, Ohio tonight."

"The magician city is in Ohio?" Connor whispered in Riley's ear, hoping she wouldn't hear his heart pounding.

"Where else would it be? It's right off of Lake Erie."

"So we'll be on the beach?"

"Nope. Pelee Island."

***

After breakfast the camp was broken down at a fast pace. Shuttles returned in front of the Flower Mound, along with a big semi truck to carry the performing tent.

By the time they arrived at the train station, Connor was more than happy to get out and stretch his legs. Adam prattled on about Pelee island the whole car ride, spewing off useless facts about the stone surrounding the island while Riley attempted to read his mind and say the useless facts before him. Needless to say, Connor was glad to get out from in between them and breathe again.

They boarded the train, leaving the job of loading the tents to Largo and a team of workers. The car they sat in was more secluded than on their way there. This one was separated into rooms that were connected with a hallway that led from one end of the car to the other. Connor and Riley sit across from each other and Adam pushed past them both, plopping down by the window.

The rest of their day was filled with treats and laughter. They played games and made their own with their gifts. Connor and Adam realized that if a pulse hit Connor's flaming hand, the flame would change colors and hum. Riley taught Adam how to block her from reading his mind with his pulses, which made Connor wish that he had the pulsing gift.

Night seemed to fall quickly, ending their fun.

"You cheated!" Adam shouted, counting the total printed on the pair of dice Connor had just rolled. "These are weighted."