Anna Peregrine--Library of Souls

Chapter Six

 As much as I wanted to ask my younger uncle many questions, I already figured out the type of person he was, and that was exactly like my other uncle.

"Back away slowly," I whispered in Jacob's ear before turning to my uncle. "We don't want any trouble, mister. Just let us go and no one gets hurt."

Myron spread his arms and smiled, "You're free to leave anytime you like. But that would be such a disappointment. You've only just arrived, and we have so much to talk about."

"Yeah? Maybe you can start by explaining that girl in the case over there!" Jacob said.

"And the Siberia Room!" I added.

"You're upset, you're cold, and you're wet. Wouldn't you rather discuss all this over a pot of hot tea?" Myron said.

"We're not going anywhere with you until we know what's happening here."

"Very well. That was my assistant you surprised in the Siberia Room--which, as you likely gathered, leads to a time loop in Siberia."

"But that's impossible. Siberia is thousands of miles away."

"Three thousand four hundred and eighty-nine. But making interloop travel possible has been my life's work," Myron turned to Jacob. "As for the case you uncovered, that's Sophronia Winstead. She was the first peculiar child born to the royal family of England. Fascinating life she led, if a bit tragic in the end. I have all sorts of notable peculiars here in my peculiarium--well known and unknown, famous and infamous--any or all of which I'm happy to show you. I have nothing to hide."

"He's a psycho," Jacob murmured to me. "He just wants to stuff us and add us to his collection!" My uncle laughed, "They're only wax models, my boy. I am a collector and a preservationist, yes--but not of humans. Do you really think I waited so long to meet you, only to pull out your insides and lock you in a cabinet?"

"I've heard of stranger hobbies. What is it you want with us?"

"All in good time. Let's get you warm and dry first. Then, tea. Then--"

"I don't mean to be rude," I interrupted, "but we've spent too much time here already. Our friends--"

"Are all right, for the moment. I've looked into the matter, and it isn't as close to midnight for them as you might imagine."

"How do you know? What do you mean, it isn't close--"

"What do you mean, looked into it?" Jacob asked, talking over me.

"All in good time.", Myron repeated. "I know it's difficult, but you must be patient. There's too much to tell all at once, and in such a sorry state." He reached out an arm towards us.

"Look. You're shivering."

"Fine, then, let's have tea," Jacob said.

"Excellent!", Myron said, rapping his cane twice. "PT, come!"

The bear grunted in an agreeable way before walking over to my uncle before scooping him in the air, holding him like an infant.

"I know it's an unconventional way to travel, but I tire easily," Myron said before pointing ahead with his cane. "PT, library!"

Jacob and I watched, amazed, as PT walked with my uncle.

"PT, stop!" Myron said before waving to us as the bear stopped. "Are you coming?"

"Sorry," I apologized as we ran to catch up.

* * * * *

"Is your bear peculiar?" Jacob asked my uncle as we walked with him.