Cirque Periculum

Chapter 13.1

Connor's palms wouldn't stop sweating. He hadn't been this nervous for anything in a long time, and certainly never when he performed with Meridian.

This however, was a different story. The stage intimidated him, with the plush rows of seats that had quickly filled with other magicians. He was sure that there were other people out their that had the same gift as him, and they were going to think of him as quite a joke when they see the way he is using it tonight.

But that wasn't what scared him the most. Neither did the threat of Camp Caute. No, what scared him the most was Mr. Summertin's act.

The stage loomed in front of him, curtains separating the wings into three different entrances on each side. Performers stepped on and off the stage in a blur, performing and receiving applause after each one. Largo began with the same routine as the last show, and Adam caused the entire audience to glow with the same pulse that had brought them to the circus. Mr. Barge put on a light show, and Amanda and Riley blindfolded each other and ran through the audience, pulling people to their feet and organizing them by their gift.

Connor felt the show was lackluster without a flying act. They were in a magician's city after all, they didn't have to hide their gifts behind ruses that the average human could wrap their mind around. He wanted to fly over the audience, maybe even soar through rings of fire like he had seen a performer do when he was much younger. That performer didn't fly of course, but at that age, Connor couldn't tell the difference between leaping and soaring.

He wiped his palms on his pants for the fiftieth time since the show started. So far there was no sign of Camp Caute, and that was a good sign. He felt that he just had to make it through his act with Mr. Salem and Kirk, and he would be safe.

As Riley and Amanda exited the stage, Riley passed him with a small smile. He wished that she would stop to talk to him. Had she been avoiding him? It was true that he was embarrassed, but at least he still wanted to talk to her. He hoped that she would change her mind soon.

He watched as Mr. Salem strutted onto the stage. Adam walked up to him.

"We've almost made it through the whole show without any trouble," he said, loosening his bow-tie. "We just have to get through Salem and then the triplets and then you."

Connor nodded but didn't say anything. He was too busy reviewing the act in his mind. He wiped his palms on his pants again.

Adam noticed. "You're going to be fine Connor. There's no way they could get in here."

"That's what we thought in Flower Mound," Connor responded. "And at the Speckled Owl."

"Look, do you want me to sneak out? I could take a look around, make sure nothing's happening."

Connor glanced at him before returning his eyes to the stage where Mr. Salem was currently shooting flames above the audience's heads. The way Adam suggested that made it seem more for him than for Connor.

"You better stay here," Connor said. "The security guards have it taken care of."

Adam nodded, than froze. "No, I need to get some fresh air. My head is pounding."

Connor opened his mouth but Adam didn't wait for a response. Instead, he turned and walked away.

That was strange...

The audience cheered as Mr. Salem exited the stage, bumping into Connor as he passed. Connor looked up into the man's grimacing face, but said nothing.

The triplets' act came next, and Connor made a point of watching them. Their act ended quickly check and the audience clapped politely. Connor guessed they didn't find it as impressive when they knew the roaring lion and the bucking horse was just Blake.