The Magician's Vow: A Retelling of The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Part III - Chapter XXV: Droves & Discovery

November, 1888

The weather in London did not change too much during the autumn season. No snow had yet fallen and the skies had not drastically darkened during the day. The wind had grown sharper and its bite dug deeper into the skin of whoever walked about in the streets. Thick woolen coats were worn, and walking became an unnecessary chore. Black cabs filled the streets where people had once walked. No one wanted to be out in the cold if they did not have to.

Business was carried out indoors and visiting neighbors and family grew rarer. Most, especially in the poorer districts, were content to simply stay at home with the family, keeping warm, and keeping safe.

Eugene enjoyed the lack of human contact as he walked among the sea of cabs. He had grown weary of his stay in London and every night wished that he could move on to the next city. Or perhaps travel the country side and find the descendants that lived in the solitude of farms or cottages. But there were still many in London that had not been taken care of. Perhaps before the the beginning of summer he would be able to leave the smog and grey of London behind.

The park that Eugene walked through, though, was quite different than its bleak surroundings. It was fresh and smelled like rain. The trees covered much of the overcast skies and the only stones were the small boulders that dotted the fields that stretched out on the left side of the dirt path. On the right, a little forest of perfectly lined trees separated the little paradise from the rest of London.

Despite being only a few meters away from the rest of the dense, smog filled city, there was a freshness to the air that Eugene could not ignore.

In spite of the refreshing atmosphere, Eugene gaze, thoughts, and intentions were solely fixed on the man walking a few lengths ahead. Not too far that he could get lost should crowds suddenly invade the park, but not near enough that suspicion could arise.

In fact, Eugene felt quite comfortable simply tailing the man until they could be left alone. Even if it took hours, Eugene was content to bide his time, knowing that there was nothing he could do just yet.

His cane hit the path like a third leg and each set of his footprints were accompanied by a small circular mark. His leg had begun to act up in the past week and although the feeling was more of a deep throb than actual pain, Eugene was already on the search for more hake-root, hoping the rare plant would be able to help.

"Eugene? Is that really you?"

Eugene glanced up from where he had been watching his cane with a frown, and his face suddenly relaxed.

He hadn't seen Charlie since they had said their farewells at the Montgomery home. The young assistant had changed in the weeks they had been apart. His hair had grown a little shaggier and there were circles marring his eyes. He looked older. Weary.

"Charlie...it has been some time."

Charlie smiled and quickly closed the distance between them. "Some time? A month is more than some time. I would have thought that our paths would have crossed before now."

"My business does not wander near the Montgomery's home nor near any medical facilities," Eugene lied. "My work has little to do with doctors or healing."

Charlie's brow furrowed. "What did you say your business was?"

"I did not say." 

Charlie waited for Eugene to elaborate but the man stayed silent.

"How are you?" Charlie finally said. "Health-wise, that is."

"I'm doing much better. Other then my leg, I feel as I did before the attack."