Sky Pirates

Chapter 14

Mildred wiped a cobweb from her face. The thick gloves that she'd removed during their walk she now put on again as she surveyed the small dank room. The light was dim and specks of dust danced in it. Spiders, Mildred knew, where at that moment peering at them from the dark corners and recesses created by the exposed wood framing of the tower.

"I've placed all the big pieces here against the wall, and all the small pieces in this spot on the floor where there's more light." Cole surveyed his work, hands on his lower back, elbow sticking out, without looking directly at his sister.

Mildred first surveyed the frame for the clock. She took a long moment studying it, both with her eyes opened and closed. When her eyes were closed, she could see clearly where each piece belonged. She could, if she chose, see the clockworks in motion, or stopped. She knew hers was an amazing gift. She'd once tried to explain it to her brother, but it was obvious that he didn't understand and that he thought she was a little crazy. Because of that, she never shared with anyone what she saw or how she saw it.

As she pieced the clock back together and then took it apart in her mind, she questioned which piece or pieces were missing and those pieces, two small circular gears, glowed in her mind.

"Okay," she finally said, her eyes open, looking deep into her brother's face. "This is the first one to go in. She touched the biggest gear leaning against the wall. It fits over this long pin. Just be careful as you insert it not to damage any of the other pins or brackets."

With great effort, Cole lifted the gear that was bigger than his chest and moved it toward the pin. With a bit of instruction from Mildred, he managed to slide it on to the large pin. Once it was in place, Mildred gave the thing a gentle spin. The sound was metal upon metal and sent chills up her spine.

"You'll want to oil this as we go." She surveyed all the pieces. "In fact, I think that should be your task this afternoon. Clean and oil all the pieces you've taken off and provide a good cleaning for all the pins and spokes that are here in the clockworks." As she spoke, she pointed to each place that she knew should be oiled.

"Really? We can't simply put it back together and then oil it?"

"Cole, you've gone through all the trouble of taking the thing apart. It will be easier to clean it all like this, don't you agree?"

"I do, but..." he chose not to finish his thought.

Mildred was losing her patience. "You've asked for my assistance in your project. This is my recommendation. If you choose to follow it, I will continue to help you. If you don't want my help, I have plenty to do myself." She wanted to turn and stomp down the stairs for effect, but decided to wait and see what her brother's response would be.

"Fine, fine," he said, his head hanging down low enough for his chin to touch his chest.

They both heard Lorain's call: "Children! Time for lunch!"

"I'm tired of being called a child by that woman," said Cole.

"Me, too, but what are we to do? I am a child. Well, I will be for a few more years."

They looked at eachother and offered small smiles of support before making their way back down thenarrow staircase and out once again into the fresh air.

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