Cirque Periculum

Chapter 21

Alcatraz was much smaller than Connor had imagined it. As the ferry pulled up to the dock, the performers went silent, almost reverent. Connor's family was never one to frequent any church. He remembered only one time he went, on Easter Sunday. Though the room was packed with people and children, a solemn silence was settled over the audience. His mom played with his hand, and he asked her why it was so quiet. She told him that everyone was thinking about Jesus.

Connor didn't think the performers were thinking about Jesus right then. He wondered how many knew the real reason they were at Alcatraz, and what dangers lay ahead of them.

"They definitely could use Jesus in their lives right about now."

Connor looked up to find Riley staring at him, the source of the thought. He quickly looked away.

I don't want to talk to you.

"Connor, I'm sorry. You have to trust me. I don't have a lot of options. Mr. Summertin would've killed Adam if I didn't step in."

I did trust you and look where I am now. Why are you helping him get the mirror?

"I don't have time to explain. I can only block out Amanda for so long. Connor, I need you to trust me. I- I don't want to lose you."

Connor's stomach was in knots, and unwillingly the thoughts he used to hide from Amanda resurfaced. He pushed them away, but too late to prevent Riley from seeing them, confirmed at a glance at her.

The ferry was tied to the dock and the performers began unloading the circus equipment. As Connor was dragged off the boat he searched for Kirk, for Adam, for anyone that could help him. He was alone.

Mr. Summertin did not waste much time with the rest of the circus. After deeming a large slab of concrete as the place to set up the tent, he ushered Amanda, Riley, Adam, Mr. Salem, and Connor inside the main building. Rows upon rows of cells extended before them, stacked on top of each other, the upper levels with only narrow walkways on the outside of the cells. The bars were so close together that Connor would be unable to fit his hand through. Light filtered in through the ceiling, casting dark shadows on most of the cells.

Once inside, Mr. Summertin stopped them.

"Alright," he said, his lips pressed in a straight line. "You all know why we're really here. The Alchemist's Mirror is near, I can feel it. After years of searching, the puzzle pieces are finally all in place." He smiled. "You are about to experience one of the biggest events in history. Mr. Salem, Amanda, if you would please ensure the children don't do anything... dangerous. Adam, because your mentor has decided to defy me, I've been forced to bring you along. Let's hope your pulse magic is up to par, and you do not choose the same fate as Mr. Barge has. Riley, a promise is a promise, you'll get your wish. And Connor, you're the one that has made all of this possible. Thank you for bringing me everything that I needed."

"Trust me Connor, please."

I'm trying, but it's just getting harder and harder to do.

"Now, cell 67 is where the Alchemist was kept. That's as good a place as any to start our search."

"Do you even know what you're searching for?" Adam said, scoffing. "Face it, you'll never find it, if it even exists."

Mr. Summertin's face flashed anger, then was back to a tight smile in an instance. "Adam, even though I said we needed you, you're still expendable. I would watch my tongue if I were you. Now, if no one has anything else to say, let's hurry. Camp Caute could swoop in at any minute."

"May I walk now?" Connor asked.

"No, you may not."

Connor was dragged behind by an invisible hand to cell 67. The cell was locked.