The Alchemist's Starling

Errands... Or Threats?

Chisa's POV

Stepping out into the sun's warm glow was something I thought I'd never do again. I stood still for a moment, relishing the feeling. I looked up into the sky, which was a beautiful sapphire blue; I felt a peace which I hadn't felt since Joseph and I made that Pact. I gazed at the buildings around me too, hoping they would give an indication as to where I was... but I recognised nothing.

Well, there goes that plan...

I was in a daze, that much was obvious; I wasn't moving. Then, as if on cue, Joseph grabbed my hand, startling me.

"Goodness! You're easily distracted, aren't you, girl? Well, no matter, let's get going," he said, tugging me forward.

He didn't let go of my hand as we continued to walk down the street. It made me feel uncomfortable.

As though he sensed my unease, he spoke again:

"I can't have you getting lost on these busy streets, Sleigh Beggy! And we must hurry if we want to reach our destination!" He began to increase his pace.

"If you don't mind me asking... where are we going?" I was out of breath already, and I could feel my heart beat inside my head.

"Ah, just an errand. There's another Alchemist that I wish to see about work. You see, there was a seed I planted long ago in the Kingdom of Cats that has ripened wonderfully! It must be harvested now, before the Mages get involved... I'm also curious about the properties of this blight..." he suddenly stopped in his tracks, I almost walked into him. He bent down to my ear, whispering only for me to hear:

"The possibilities of combining the blight with your blood are endless!"

I instantly felt sick. I knew whatever he had planned was not good. But what could I do? I can't stop him...

He resumed his quick pace, dragging me with him. Soon, he took a sharp left; I couldn't hide my shock when I discovered that we were suddenly on a bustling London Street. I involuntarily gripped Joseph's hand, I've never been able to handle large crowds very well.

This did not go unnoticed by Joseph, who turned to face me, reading the nervousness in my eyes.

"I see you don't like crowds. You need to get used to them; I do most of my errands in the daytime, and you'll always be accompanying me."

He was blunt and to the point. Nevertheless, he unexpectedly patted my hand which I think was meant to be in a reassuring way. So I did my best to swallow my nerves. I definitely did not want to make him angry out in the open like this.

We weave through the crowds with ease (well, mostly because he was fast on his feet and I didn't want to get lost). It wasn't too long before he had led us away from the bustling street and into a deserted one - I still had no idea where we were. Nothing stood out as recognisable to me.

Where on earth are we going?
This doesn't feel like an errand...

The narrow streets were cluttered with houses of variable sizes. They were the traditional red-bricked houses; almost all of them were identical.

Joseph stopped outside one of the many doors, keeping a firm grip of my hand. I watched him curiously as he waved his hand around slightly... what is he doing? Is he looking for the doorbell? It's literally right in front of him, to the left.

I found my voice: "The doorbell is there," I mumble, pointing at it.

"Well spotted, puppy!" He beams at me, patting my head like I am a puppy - it's so unnerving. His hand lingers for longer than necessary, making me uncomfortable. I avoid all possible eye contact, studying every inch of the black-painted door.