Voyagers!: Asylum

Chapter 6: Brooding hearts and torture

Owen dragged Jeffrey and Firth into the grand library. Jeffrey knew what was coming next when the ruffian pulled them to an immense bookcase lined with moldering volumes. Owen pulled out a large, dark green book and the shelf clicked. He pushed it open to reveal a pitch, black passageway. A gust of chilly air swept over them. Firth's eyes went wide and he cowered behind Jeffrey, refusing to look inside. He began to cry.

"Shut yer yap, or do I have to cut out the rest of that tongue!" Owen threatened, yanking the child by his collar.

Jeffrey shoved him off Firth. "Get your hands off him, jerk! Who do you think you are? Leave us alone!" He tried to kick him, but Owen jumped away.

"Your going to lose it next, ya brat!" Owen backhanded Jeffrey's cheek and Jeffrey grabbed his face, feeling blood drip from his nose. He wiped his tears and the blood away with his sleeve and glowered at the brute.

"Just you wait! My friend Bogg will come back for me and you're all gonna to pay for this!"

Oh really, Bogg ya say? Well if he does come, I hope he knows how to fight, because that's what we'll do and he can have a whirl in our dungeon…maybe 'The Pear' device would be somethin' to give him! Now, shut up and move!"

Owen shoved the two boys into the passage and lit a lantern. He made them lead the way while he tugged on the rope, forcing them to walk fast. Jeffrey looked at his shirt, blood seeped through the thin fabric. The whip wound and the scrapes all over his body hurt like crazy. He'd never felt anything like it. He bit his lip and kept the pain to himself, not wanting to feel Owen's rough hand again.

Owen stopped in front of a large wooden door, similar to the asylum entrance. He pulled on the door ring until it opened wide. Through the lamplight Jeffrey saw a winding, stone stairwell, laden with slimy moss. With Firth still clutching his waist, he walked down. He tried to avoid slipping and guided himself by the stone walls.

Owen put the lamp to rest at the foot of the stairs and lit up a few torches, illuminating the interior room. Jeffrey's jaw dropped at the startling array of medieval torture devices strewn everywhere. Jeffrey felt Firth tremble and he did too.

"Firth here is very familiar with one or two of these, aren't ya, boy?" Owen patted his head and Firth nodded without removing his face from Jeffrey's back.

Owen undid the ropes and took Firth to the far right corner of the room; there was a giant lead lined box with just one tiny window for air. He pulled out his keys and opened it, then shoved the little child inside.

"You wait in here, while I give this one a tour!" He smiled wickedly at Jeffrey and Firth pounded his tiny fists on the door.

Owen led Jeffrey to a wooden table with shackles and put a pair around Jeffrey's wrists. "That's so ya don't try any tricks! Now, let's start with this little doohickey!"

Owen picked up a rusted metal bar; on its end were four sharpened spikes. He brought it to Jeffrey's face and ran the spikes over his cheeks.

"Now, what do ya suppose this is called?"

"A…a…claw?" He nearly whimpered.

Owen laughed and dropped it. "Good guess, it's called a 'cat's paw' used to tear the flesh off. Moving along then!" He picked up an iron, muzzle shaped device. "This here thing is called a 'Scot's Bridle.' When a boy's acting up and makin' noise, we put this contraption over his head. It's harmless really, more for humiliation, but does a number on the cheeks, ooh…now this is one of my favorites, take a guess!"

He placed the cold object in Jeffrey's hands; it had a round top with a dozen holes. "It looks like an over sized saltshaker." He mumbled.

"No! It's called a 'Lead Sprinkler.' and we fill it with molten lead, tar, boilin' oil or water, the kiddies love that one!" He laughed aloud. "Daryl sure does!"

Jeffrey's stomach churned from the man's ruthlessness. He thought how this vicious asylum should've never existed in the first place. Owen continued his macabre lecture, and teased him about the 'The Pear' again. It was a horrible mutilating device for the more sensitive body parts. With fiendish glee he pointed out the giant torture contraptions like 'The Rack', 'The Iron Maiden' and 'The Wheel' on which they beat children into submission. Jeffrey couldn't control himself from crying and vainly tried to wipe his eyes as he imagined their suffering. Owen mocked him.

"Awww, what's the matter, boy? Am I scaring you? Good! A boy needs the fear put him! Spineless, ungrateful little rats…they all deserve to be down here! All of them!"

"Why do you hate children so much? What did they ever do to you?" Jeffrey struggled to keep his demeanor from fully crumbling.

"Children are worthless little devils that need to be taught harsh lessons!"

"So they can become worthless adults like you? Jeffrey shouted.

Owen's yellowed eyes blazed and he grabbed for the cat's claw. "What did you say to me?"

"You heard me! Maybe if you clean all that wax in your ears, you might have!" Jeffrey couldn't control the anger brewing in his heart. His gaze landed on the thumbscrew device and he cringed, imagining Wick's torture. He darted toward the stairway and tried to run up, but Owen caught him. He thrust out the cat's claw and scraped it down Jeffrey's leg.

"Auuughhhh!" Jeffrey fell onto his hands, and his cheek banged into the cold stone. He'd definitely get a bruise. He sobbed, then in an angry fit tried to beat at Owen with his shackles, he managed to get in a few blows.

"Stop it, you monster! If I had the go ahead, I'd put ya through every torture in this room!"

Owen gripped the chains and lifted Jeffrey up. Jeffrey's knees weakened as an intense throbbing shot up his right leg. Owen brought Jeffrey to the box and threw him inside the cramped space. Jeffrey banged his head against the wall and he slid down. He was forced to keep his knees up and little Firth was practically on top of him.

"Now you'll both stay in there until Brocklehurst gives me orders! No food, no drink! It gets pretty hot and I'd save my breath, because the air will be spent fast!"

Owen slammed the door, and the clanging metal shook Jeffrey's entire body. It gave him the vile taste of lead on his tongue. Jeffrey maneuvered his arms around his legs and put his head down. He couldn't do anything about the blood that trickled from from the four, deep scratches on his calf. His wrists were in pain from the weight of the shackles. He worried about infection. He wasn't sure if Bogg would ever find him. Firth patted his head in a small gesture of comfort and curled up close to him to at last get a moment's rest.

~Oo~

Lilly rose with the sunrise and left Phineas to sleep while she went down to the river to wash their clothes. She came armed with a laundry basket, detergent and washing board from Mr. Rutherford. She'd considered waking Phineas, but felt he needed just a few hours more. When she'd woke, he was face down, his cheek buried up against her collarbone and his arm draped over her. She was on her side, facing him, her legs entwined with his and her arms across his waist. It took her a few minutes to figure out how to maneuver out of the pretzel-like pose without waking him. He barely even twitched when she slid out from under his arm and replaced her chest with a pillow for his head.

By the river, Lilly sang a few songs as she scrubbed his pants and wrung them out, moving on to his billowy, white shirt. She hadn't gotten a chance to tell Phineas her idea to make money for the trip to Gravesend. She wanted to put on a street act, singing, dancing; whatever craziness came to mind so people would at least throw them some farthings and pennies. She knew he'd balk and complain, but that was the best she could think of. She wasn't looking forward to walking ten miles. They ran the big risk of getting lost and caught up in some other wild adventure that'd waste more time. She figured all they needed was two hours of entertainment, and they could be on their way.

Fifteen minutes later, she finished her task; happy that at least his 'original' outfit was sparkling clean. She still mourned the loss of her favorite jeans and blouse in the molasses flood and missed her brown leather guidebook. Lilly had written some specific notes and dates inside. She had names of friends she'd made along the way in case she'd ever wanted to visit them again. She rose to a standing position with a giant stretch, her legs were cramped from squatting and her arms ached from the vigorous scrubbing.

"Nothing beats modern conveniences. If only I had a washer and dryer." She said aloud. She cast a fleeting look around, the river waters were calm at this hour and the birds tweeted their morning songs.

"I wish you all would've helped me like Snow White!" She grumbled to the woodland animals and picked up the basket.

Lilly heard twigs snap within a few feet of her and stood her ground, hoping it was just a rabbit. The noises increased. Standing in the midst of the brush was one of the cutest little boys she'd ever seen. He held his sullied, brown cap in trembling hands, his black and large, winsome eyes gazed at her. His pouted lips quivered. He was a wretched looking child, no older than nine, with scrapes on his face and tattered holes and dirt on his pants. He looked exhausted. Lilly set the basket down and ran to his side. It was very possible he came from the Brocklehurst Asylum.

"Hey little guy, what's wrong? Where did you come from? I want to help you." She offered gently.

The boy's tears spilled and he grabbed her in a tight hug. Lilly was taken by surprise, but quickly embraced him and rubbed his back. She whispered soothing words until he calmed down. She held him at arms length, her face awash with pity.

"What's your name? My name is Lilly."

"My name's Daryl." He whispered in a low tone.

"Aww, Daryl, you look so hungry. Come with me, I was just about to have breakfast."

Daryl took her hand. He'd lost the sack of food as he ran through the woods and couldn't stop to go back for it. Brocklehurst's men were on his tail for over an hour and he had to keep moving or get captured. This time, his escape meant everything. If not for him, then at least for Jeffrey Jones. He remembered the promise to find Jeffrey's friend.

"Bogg!" He said bluntly.

Lilly's eyes widened and she knelt down. "What name did you just say?"

"I said, Bogg. I need to find Phin…Phineas Bogg. He 'as to save his friend Jeffy!"

Lilly bounded up excited. "Daryl, I'm traveling with Phineas Bogg and we've been looking for Jeffrey! Are you from Brocklehurst Asylum?"

"Yes, I am! Jeffy and the boys tried to escape, but it was 'orrible! They got caught! I made it out and Jeffy screamed his name to me. I traveled all night. I'm so tired and hungry…it's so far away!" He started to cry again.

"Don't worry! We're gonna find him now, thanks to you. I'll take you to Bogg and you can tell him the whole story."

~Oo~

Phineas woke up fast and rubbed his face. He stared out the window and wondered how long he slept. It seemed to be around nine o'clock. The last thing he remembered was a wonderful kiss with Lilly and she'd sang a nice song that lulled him to sleep. He stretched his limbs, and realized that Lilly was missing. He washed up in the ceramic basin and hurried down the stairs. After a quick good morning to the owner he walked outside. The village bustled for hours already. He peered down the road and noticed Lilly walking to the Inn with an unkempt child and holding a basket with their clothes.

"Now what is she up to?" He groaned.

She caught his eye and broke into a run.

"Phineas! I'm glad you're awake, this is Daryl and he knows where Jeffrey is!"

~Oo~

Phineas helped the tired boy bathe and dress while Lilly reserved them a table and meal. While he gently sponged the child's wounded back and stomach, his story of the asylum rang true and Phineas started to despair. Daryl greedily ate the eggs and sausage at the breakfast table. Lilly tried to eat, but her stomach was in knots over Jeffrey. Phineas' face darkened and he rested his cheek in his hand and brooded over everything Daryl told him. His leg bounced under the table nervous and impatient. He had to get to this place fast, but no one had a spare wagon or wanted to lend one out. He slammed the table upset, causing the other patrons to glance over. Lilly clutched his hand reassuringly, now was the time to mention her plan.

"Phineas, I know this will sound ridiculous and you won't want to do it, but I have an idea to make money."

"Lilly, I'm going by foot. Daryl made it overnight, I can probably make it in half the time. I'll take the kid with me and he can…"

Lilly shushed him. "No Phineas! Look at him! He's ready to keel over, it's a wonder he even made it out here. You can't put him through that again. If you'll just listen to me, I know how to get us money for a wagon."

Daryl finished off his meal. He wiped his mouth and systematically picked up his plate, ready to bring it to the boiling cauldron. Lilly held his arm with a smile.

"Hey, where are you going with that? The waitress will get it for us."

"Huh? Oh yeah, she will? I forgot, usually we bring our own plates up." Daryl took his seat and yawned. He put his head on his arms.

Phineas pushed his chair back annoyed. "What Lilly, what great idea do you have for us now?"

Lilly stared him down, holding back her embarrassment.

"I suggest we do a few song and dance numbers in the Village Square or pub, where they'll throw us some money, Phineas. Then we can rent a carriage and whatever provisions we need."

He looked at her incredulously. "Are you kidding me? This isn't time for Ziegfield follies! Jeffrey's trapped in a dungeon and being tortured to death and you want to put on a show. That's just like you, Lillia!"

Lilly leaned across the table and grabbed his shirt angrily. "Don't talk to me like I'm a moron! I was making a suggestion. You think you have all the answers, don't you? Well you don't. Sometimes you're nothing but a blonde bimbo!"

Lilly jumped from the table, before he could respond. She struggled to keep her emotions nonchalant, but inside she knew what happened. Her heart ached and she'd fallen in love with him. Big surprise. The kiss they'd shared last night sealed it. With one hand on her hip and the other wagging a finger she carried on venting.

"You go then! Go on walking down the yellow brick road and see how far you get without a horse! I care about Jeffrey's safety too, but I wanted to be practical for a change. This place sounds like murder, Phineas! You try showing up at their door after running ten or more miles! Go ahead! They'll have you in the Iron Maiden before you could say holla! Now, I'm going out there and get money my way!"

Lilly turned on her heels and stormed from the restaurant. Daryl looked at Phineas sullen, not sure what to say next. Phineas sucked in a deep breath. He allowed her to get on his nerves again. What she proposed wasn't ludicrous; but he wasn't in the mood to frolic and couldn't see the usefulness of it. He patted Daryl's shoulder.

"Listen, kid, thank you for all your help, it means the world to me. You are one heck of a boy, Daryl. Don't ever lose that ambitious spirit and keep yourself on the straight and narrow. Otherwise, you'll grow up just like those men at the asylum."

Daryl shuddered to imagine it and nodded, drinking up his juice. "Where'd she go, Phineas? I like her, she was nice to me. I don't remember the last time a pretty lady was so kind." He blushed.

Phineas watched Lilly as she marched to the Square. Her coppery hair swayed with the gentle breezes. There was something about Lilly that endeared him to her. Every time they were together they were like awkward teenagers, afraid to admit their real feelings for one another. Phineas wasn't even sure what they were, but he knew the more time they spent together, the fonder he grew. It was as if he were building a solid foundation for a time when he could actually say…

"I love her!" He blurted out. His eyes widened and he held his mouth sheepishly. Daryl smiled at him.

"Ya don't need ta be a teacher to see that! If ya love her then why don't ya tell her?"

Phineas was stumped, but he knew he had valid reasons somewhere.

"I…it's…it's complicated…look, let's forget about that now. I have to save my kid and help your friends!" He added quickly. He didn't want Daryl to think he wouldn't try. The very idea that children were tormented so much repulsed him to no end.

Daryl was getting a second wind after the food and he wanted to help Phineas.

"Phineas, I'll show you the way to the asylum. I know a few shortcuts. I can't leave them behind. Please let me come with ya!" He begged.

Phineas stood up and took Daryl's hand. Being with Jeffrey had softened him up to children and helped him deal more patiently with them.

"Okay, Daryl. I'll let you come, but try not to get in any trouble, we've got a lot of work to do!"