A Twist of Fate

Chapter Five

The sun was setting below the horizon by the time Michael was back on the edge of town, the setting sun had colored the house in a reddish-orange tone, making one think the house was on fire or the fields around it were. Aside for the setting sun, nothing else looked different about the house. Thinking it was early and the guests haven't arrived, he went to the front door, package hanging in his hand. Just as he reached the top step, the door opened to reveal Charlotte standing with a shocked expression. Something twitched around her head that made Michael look at it again, nothing different or usual.

"Michael!" She explained, stepping back and looking back into the house. "You're a bit early; I was just coming to greet you at the gate." She said, as she stepped out of the house and pulling the door close behind her. She joined him on the front step, which wasn't made to have two people standing on it.

Michael stood back on reflex, bringing their heads closer to the same level. She didn't look any different, same hair style and business vest with a long skirt. What was it that caught my attention with her hair? Why did she look behind into the house? He thought to himself.

"Sorry if I'm too early, or did you want to talk with me for a bit? It's still a little nice out." Michael said while looking down the length of the house.

"Yes. That was something I wanted to do, Michael" she whispered, working on bringing her business pose together. She took his hand and led in silence until they arrived at an old tree directly behind the house. Michael looked back the length of the house and distance they had traveled. His vision was beginning to swim when Charlotte's voice brought him around.

"There is word among the residents that something is coming." She started in a stern voice.

"Some say one thing; others are leery of the fair that is due to arrive soon. They talk of something dark that would bring ruin to all places that it travels. If that is to come here, then they insist we depart with much haste."

"If the people here know that something dangerous is coming, I'm sure we could get the fire power to kill it. I know people here who love to hunt big game." Michael said, trying to understand what she was talking about.

Shaking her head, she spoke humbly. "No. The thing that may come, the weapons of this world would only destroy the lands, only to give it a fertile breeding ground." Gazing at the house, she dropped her shoulders. "We have already cast ourselves adrift; most have families and loved ones that they haven't heard from in decades. This place is so peaceful and wonderful, we had almost forgotten them."

Michael didn't know what to say, he just listened to what she said. If what she said was true, it was apocalyptic. The people here were just going to run away, and abandon people?
"I heard that you have had contact with the fair. Is it true Michael?" she inquired, looking young and innocent.

"Yeah." He agreed. "I ended up with a ticket for the show. I think that is what the talk is about."

"The things that come into your possession." She said with astonishment. "Mind telling me how you came to get it? And did you bring it with you tonight?" she asked with eager intent.

With a glance at the house, the feeling of eyes that he had expected to show never came. So he told her what he told Master Xin, wondering what he knew of the people here. Better what he may learn tonight.

After telling the tale, he pulled out the ticket from an inner pocket of his vest. She stood still, gaze on the slip of paper. She reached out her hand ever so carefully, as if it may burn her, an touched the ticket.

"It cannot be," she whispered to herself. A look of fear and longing crossing her face. "Why does he travel this way?" and then looked into his eyes. "We need to show this to the master, soonest. Stay close to me, we'll get there using the passages."