The Enchantments: Book 4 - The Key of Mulastef

Chapter 6: Aldernone

Dr. Miller had been extremely nervous all day. He supposed it was probably because of what Sly had said the night before he had escaped. Something nagged at him, and he couldn't put his finger on what. He turned to shake off the thought but no matter what he did the feeling began to fester throughout the day. He knew what he wanted to do but saying and doing were two different things.

He left the living room and his pacing and found Fin sitting at the table staring at an unopened envelope that he was nervously turning between his shaking fingers.

"What's that?" The doctor asked with trepidation.

"It's a telegram," Fin said in a slight whisper.

"Does it say from who?" He asked pulling up a chair and sitting across from the troubled boy.

"It doesn't..." Fin couldn't say what he thought. Instead, he handed the envelope to the doctors equally shaking hand.

The doctor felt the pit of his stomach drop as they looked across at each other. It was obvious they were thinking the same thing. What if the telegram was to tell them of some impending tragedy related to Simeneon?

The doctor shook his head to remove any idea of her demise. There was no reason to believe anything had happened to their friend. She was the strongest person the two of them had ever known. Anything this telegram stated would never make him believe Simeneon was not still continuing her search.

Letting out the breath he didn't realize he was holding onto he ripped open the edge of the envelope and pulled from it a small sheet. He read and breathed out.

An incident at Aldernone requires your immediate presence (STOP) Take notice of 360 (STOP) No further correspondence will be forthcoming (STOP)

"WHAT DOES IT SAY?" Fin yelled startling the doctor from his haze.

"I'm sorry my young friend; it has nothing to do with Simeneon." The doctor with a smile.

Fin let out a large breath then fell back into the chair his muscles now feeling like every ounce of energy had left them.

The doctor sat back down in the chair before continuing. "It seems there's a problem at the Bank of Aldernone that requires my immediate attention. Would you like to accompany me?"

"Taking a ride is better than sitting here worrying about her." He said getting up from the chair and heading into the kitchen.

"Any idea what this is all about?" Fin asked.

"I think it has something to do with an account, but I'm not sure." He looked at Fin with a confused air about him. "It makes me wonder why I'd be getting an anonymous telegram. Usually, correspondences come in letter form on company letterhead. I'm starting to think someone doesn't want others to know what they're up to."

"Something tells me this is more to do with Simeneon than we think," Fin said pouring hot water into a couple of thick mugs. He busied himself for a few moment then handed the doctor a steaming mug.

The doctor said nothing as he took a long sip from his cup then returned it to the table. Picking up the telegram and reading it again Fin saw the lines on his face return, and he knew this was his concerned look, and he instantly felt the tightness in his chest return.

"I'd better get ready," the doctor said, and without another look back he shuffled up the stairs leaving Fin staring into his cooling cup.

"Damn," Fin whispered then shot the cup across the room.

The doctor wanted to say more to Fin but couldn't find the words. He heard the breaking of the cup but decided to leave him, nothing he could say would help the young man now. He realized what Fin had said earlier was probably true, this was definitely about Simeneon. He shuddered to think that her world could plunge into darkness, but deep down he knew she could be lost in the dark for a very long time unless they did something. He hated the path this was all headed in, and he knew it was only going to get darker before it got light.