Cirque Periculum

Chapter 11

The Speckled Owl was hard to miss. Walking on the other side of town, a person would be able to see the large brass owl perched on top of the gargantuan, round tower made of glass. Spotlights shone on the figure, making it a bright beacon that led Connor and Riley back to the building.

The glass tower was only a portion of the restaurant. A two-story stone building, covered in ivy, stood attached to the tower, its roof sloping up against the glass. Riley led Connor to an entrance in the stone building.

Inside, music played softly, echoing off of stone pillars. More of the energy orbs floated close to the ceiling as the only light source in the room. Owl figurines were set up everywhere. Still hand-in-hand, Connor led Riley to a large figurine of a snowy owl. Carved in silver, the animal stood with its beak turned to the sky and its wings spread.

"It almost looks alive," Connor said, touching the statuette. The cold metal vibrated under his touch, and with a shudder, the small owl beat his wings and flew around his head before flying off, letting out a soft screech.

"What?" Connor said, watching the statue perch on a rafter above them.

"It's rune magic," Riley said.

"It's amazing," Connor said.

Kirk and Adam approached them, and Riley dropped Connor's hand.

"You're late," Adam scolded as they walked.

"Mr. Summertin was worried," Kirk added.

"He'll understand," Riley said. "We got lost."

Connor nodded, not saying anything. He was still calculating whether holding his hand meant that Riley liked him or not.

"I'm going to the bathroom, tell Summertin I'm here," Riley said to Connor, "and that you can't make your decision without me there."

She smiled at him before walking away. Connor waved and smiled like a goof.

"What was that about?" Adam asked.

"Nothing," Connor responded, jerking his hand back down to his side. "Don't worry about it."

"I thought so," Kirk said. "You guys dating?"

Adam's eyes widened to the size of bowling balls. "What?"

"No, no we're not- we just-"

Adam smiled mischievously before yelling at the top of his lungs. "CONNOR AND RILEY, SITTING IN A TREE. K-I-S-S-I-"

"You three! Quiet down and get over here."

Mr. Summertin had walked around the corner and was now standing before them, his face in a tight smile.

"Sorry sir," Adam said, bowing his head.

"I accept your apology. Now if you'll all come and join us. Where's Riley?"

Connor spoke up before Adam could start another chorus, "She's in the bathroom. She said to start without her, but not my bit."

"I don't see why not, but alright," Mr. Summertin said, chuckling.

Mr. Salem approached them behind the three boys. Without acknowledging any of them, he walked up to Mr. Summertin.

"Your guests are outside," he said. "They request that you introduce them soon. They missed lunch and are rather... ravenous."

"Thank you Salem," Mr. Summertin said before turning to the boys. "Adam, Kirk, why don't you show Connor to our table? Mr. Salem and I will be up in a moment with our guests. Connor, it sounds like Riley will get her wish. You can do 'your bit' after dinner."