Hi, my dear readers!
I'm really, really sorry that the new update comes so late, but private matters hindered a sooner publishing. Yet I hope you're still out there, waiting for the story continues.
As you can certainly imagine, Hook's abduction will lead to a lot of chaos and brings not only Red-Handed Jill but also the boys and the pirates to the scene. And Mr. Darling shows one time more that the 'decent banker' has also another side in him.
I hope, you're going to like it.
Have fun
Yours Lyhwn / Starflight
Chapter 67 – The Darlings, the Crew, the Manor
About an hour ago, Wendy Darling began to feel nervous. Not the kind of nervous you might expect facing a formal dinner when the man she loves meets with her family (and her childhood-friend), but rather the 'something-is-wrong'-kind of nervousness. Maybe her contact with magical beings, maybe her fine woman's intuition, or possibly her experiences in Neverland now told her that something was off-center.
The moment Victoria announced from the front window, "Here they come!" Wendy hurried to the door, praying all was well. She had pictured the evening as thus: As soon as James, Peter and Daniel arrived, they would begin the rescue, starting with the hatching egg and the professor from the manor. When her father returned only an hour ago without James and Peter, they'd learned that Daniel had taken the two out sightseeing while Mr. Darling had been busy investigating the viscount's tainted business affairs.
On the bed in Wendy's room (which the two girls still shared) lay the Elven clothes Nibs had rescued from the Nevertree, including the dagger Giliath had given her. On the other side of the bed were the trousers, shirt and jacket John was loaning to Victoria. Of course, the redhead refused to remain behind during their upcoming adventure. Wendy tried to talk her out of it, but Vicky had pointed out that she was the 'key to the manor' and her friend had relented.
Wearing a violet dress she could quickly shed as it became necessary, she gathered her skirts and hurried down the stairs. Victoria, wearing a cream dress appropriate for dinner, followed on her on the heels. Wendy' sweet face clouded with determination. As her aunt would put it, she 'felt it in her bones' that this evening would be crucial. Along with saving the little dragon and putting Ashford once and for all in his place, she also wanted to get Peter back to Neverland – his home, unaware that he had nearly made his mind up to leave the eternal playground behind for the love of his friends, Hook and her, and a new awareness of immortality's curse. Additionally, he was deeply affected by the betrayal of the only beings he always had trusted blindly: The fairies.
Wendy sighed, seeing the lovely table setting in the dining room as she passed the door. She truly desired dinner in her home together with everyone dear to her: Mother and Father, the boys, James and Peter, and Victoria and Daniel (who was invited, too, as Mr. Darling told them). Even Aunt Millicent. Wendy could picture it all: Vicky's and Daniel's eyes straying to each other, James and herself doing the same, Peter with the boys, Mother and Father pretending to be oblivious, Aunt Millicent glaring sternly at anyone not behaving as if it were a state dinner. She sighed again. This wasn't going to happen, not this evening, and for that, she was truly sorry.
Mrs. Darling preceded her through the hallway. She and Millicent had seen the motorcar's arrival through the dining room window. Mary had worn her loveliest wine-red gown that made her look like a lady of the peers; Millicent followed, clad in dark blue, the dress in fashion ten years before. (As always, George's sister was behind the times.) At the same moment the doorbell rang and Nana began to bark, quieting as Mary gave her a serious look and a raised finger. At the door, she gave the two girls the look that commanded them to behave. Mrs. Darling opened with a warm, sweet smile. "Welcome!" she greeted her guests. Immediately all knew that something had gone wrong. Captain Hook was nowhere to be seen, Daniel was anxious and Peter looked caught between despair, fear and fury – and he was completely rumpled.
"What happened?" Mary cried, holding Nana back (she was sniffing in Peter's direction, growling softly. The loyal dog knew that smell well enough, after all she had tried to catch this boy twice as he flew away with her charges. But as neither her mistress nor the others reacted that way at boy, she sat expectantly, warily. She smelled anxiety.)
Daniel began "Ashford has-" but Peter was quicker.
"That dark and sinister man captured Hook – and almost got me, too!"
"WHAT?" Wendy gasped, feeling as if a bucket of icy water had been emptied down her back. Hadn't she felt it? Something was wrong! She appeared beside her mother, pushing the dog behind her. Peter Pan looked flustered. James abducted by Dalton Ashford? This couldn't be! She shook her head – what a nightmare! She only had to wake up and everything would be all right again! But seeing them, she knew this was no dream.
"It's true," Daniel confirmed with a tight voice. "Ashford ambushed Hook and Peter north of Kensington Gardens, and forced the captain into his motorcar on gunpoint. Then two of his men tried to catch our little hero here, but they couldn't because of a relative who came to help -"
"What's going on?" George Darling appeared, dressed in his dinner suit, neatly parted hair still damp. He pushed past the four women who had gathered in the entrance, and the boys came thundering down the stairs, too. He gazed at a disheveled Peter Pan, whose eyes were large and black with … fear? worry? Behind him, Daniel stood, obviously angry and concerned. But no pirate. "Where is Captain Hook … uh, Captain Andrews?" he asked.
"Ashford got him," Peter blurted, tears in his eyes, appearing unusually helpless. "We went around in Kensington Gardens, then, outside on the street, Hook saw Ashford coming and …" he paused, seeing Wendy's eyes filling with tears, knowing he had let her down, too, making him even more miserable, "… and James ordered me to run," he whispered. "He threw me over the fence into the Gardens from the street and ordered me to run. I didn't want to, but …" He bit his lips. "I gave him my word that I wouldn't ignore his orders again after the last time. And when I saw them grab him, I … I knew that Ashford might kill him to make me surrender, so … I did what he said. I ran." He lowered his head, seeing tears on her pale cheeks. "I'm sorry, Wendy," he pleaded. "I ran – and James stayed behind. I should have fought for him, but … I gave my word. I knew he'd use Hook to get to me! And I so wanted to get help!"
All heard Peter's short recital, shocked by the captain's capture and the obvious emotional turmoil the boy was feeling.
Wendy could hear her blood thrumming in her ears – but ice seemed to flow through her veins. James was Ashford's prisoner! She knew that this was a part of Ashford's revenge. And more. It was clear that dreadful man would use James as a pawn, and knowing the captain, he would be no one's pawn. He would surely be injured if not killed, and it made her sick to consider it. Her mother wrapped an arm around her, as Mary became aware that Wendy was trembling.
For a few beats no one reacted; Nana whined quietly. Then Mr. Darling took a very deep breath, his blue eyes behind the spectacles narrowed as he said to no one in particular, "That's the last straw! This 'nobleman' has not only ruined his father's business reputation, but also drugged my daughter, lied to us all, chased my wife through half of London, and kidnapped my future son-in-law! That boy will rot in prison!" He turned, walking to the telephone on the wall.
"George, don't do anything rash," Millicent called, but he ignored her.
"What are you doing?" John asked in alarm.
"I'm calling the police, that's what I'm doing!" George said sternly.
"NO!" Peter shouted, half stumbling over Nana, who growled at him. For once he had listened to the conversation between adults, Daniel and Cora, as to why the police couldn't be involved. "No, don't call them! That would get Hook into even more trouble!"
Daniel had followed him. No one had noticed he was carrying a smaller suitcase. "You can't, Mr. Darling," he said quietly, placing the case next to the wall beside Victoria. Nana was now quite attracted to the case. She knew that someone, something was in there! And she could smell the magic again. She whined again. Ignoring the dog, Daniel added: "The police would only worsen the situation."
George had taken the receiver, but replaced it again. "How so?!" he demanded. "The viscount is a criminal by anyone's definition -"
"Hook and his crew have no official papers, nor does Peter," Daniel told him. "And if Peter is noted by the authorities, which would surely happen if the police intervene, there would be no plausible explanation as to where he has gone when he returns to Neverland. And with Captain Andrews posing as his father, he would be suspected of foul play regarding his son."
Millicent stared at the young reporter, then at the youth, windblown and disheveled. And even if she had misgivings about him after luring Wendy and the boys away not once but twice, she now grew sympathetic. Seeing Wendy's white teary face, she felt true pity. She finally saw how deeply the girl loved the one-handed captain.
Slightly and Nibs looked at each other, both thinking hard. Then Peter's former strategist cleared his throat. "We'll have to do it ourselves!"
"I see it the same," Slightly nodded.
"You have to do what yourself?" Mary asked while her thumb drew calming circles on Wendy's shoulder. She already knew the answer.
"We have to rescue Hook from the manor," Tootles put in. "Him, that baby dragon, and the professor who helped Wendy and Peter."
"The dragonling … is hatching? Now?" Peter asked. What else could go wrong?
"The professor called this afternoon with the report," John explained, pushing his spectacles up on his nose. "So we have three reasons to go to the manor."
"You aren't going anywhere!" Mr. Darling said firmly, joining them. Instantly protests arose, as did his voice. "I said NONE of you! This is not one of your little fairyland adventures, this is a serious crime, perpetrated by someone who is obviously insane and lacking any scruples. Therefore –"
"We have no time," Peter interrupted, new fire in his eyes. "Ashford's thug told me I have to be at the manor by midnight or they kill Hook!"
A cry was torn from Wendy; Millicent gasped "Oh my goodness!"
"Dalton demanded you hand yourself over to him – what for? One of Brynna's crazy brews?" Victoria asked, her green-grey eyes were narrowed. "I never trusted that woman."
Peter replied, "I think so. At least Ashford isn't after Wendy anymore." His fairy spoke up from under his jacket. He made a face. "Yes, Tink, I know. Maybe he is seeking revenge because Wendy turned him down." He opened his jacket and the two fairies took to the air. Nana sniffed but remained quiet. She could sense the magic in the little beings and sat down, looking back and forth between them.
Daniel took a deep breath. "I'll go to the ship and alert the crew."
"Good idea," Mr. Darling nodded. "I think, for once we'll have to use more … drastic methods. Knotty trees require sharper axes."
"You want to break the captain out of the manor – like Mary and the captain did yesterday with the boy?" Millicent asked, alarmed.
"I see no other way," the young reporter replied.
"Has everyone in this house gone crazy?" The older woman threw her hands up. "Even if the captain has no official documents, I'm sure the police would act on his behalf – after all he was taken by force!"
"Haven't you been listening, Aunt Millicent?" Wendy asked; her pallor slowly turning to a heated pink. Red-Handed Jill had arrived. "It's not about James' missing papers, but that Peter shouldn't be acknowledged by any authorities or we'll all be investigated when he returns to Neverland! So, I agree, no police!"
Peter doubted that the uniformed men with the high, round black hats could really help. At the very least, the existence of the dragonling would put those serious, sensible men seriously off-balance. And, besides, he owed Hook. The man had abandoned Neverland and gotten him out of that terrible house with the unhappy children. Now it was up to him, Peter Pan, to repay James Hook. So he nodded in agreement.
"Alright," Daniel started again, "I'll drive to the docks and alert the crew. I don't know how I shall get a dozen pirates to Surrey -"
"I have eight seats in my motorcar. And yours has two, so we can take at least that many with us," George offered.
Instantly Millicent protested: "We were more than lucky that Mary's little adventure yesterday with that ill-planned rescue didn't lead to an investigation by the police. But if this family's car is now seen in connection with … with another wild west escapade, then our family's reputation-"
"Is that all that's important to you?" Wendy retorted; eyes ablaze, cheeks reddening as she dashed a tear away, her shock now changing to anger. How dare Dalton abduct James and blackmail Peter! How dare he threaten the love of her life and her childhood friend! How dare he try to destroy everything she held dear! And her aunt's biggest problem? Some loose tongues? Red-Handed Jill lashed out. "Does your whole world revolve around 'what will the neighbors think'? The man I love might die tonight! Hell and damnation, Aunt! I care nothing about neighborhood gossip or a policeman's ticket when we're doing his job! All I want is to get James out of Dalton's clutches – healthy and alive!"
Millicent, hand to her throat, lifted a brow. She could understand her niece's reaction, still … "I know that you're upset because your fiancé is in danger, but the Lord gave us all a mouth and a brain. Perhaps we might use both for once and talk with the viscount. I refuse to believe that he will kill the captain. We're not in the American wilderness here, but in England, the seat of modern civilization."
"Perhaps you would remind Dalton Ashford of that!" Wendy growled.
"I have to agree," Victoria said, angry now and ashamed that they had the same family name. "I don't think that my absurd cousin remembers how to act like a well-bred nobleman. He's cornered, you might say, and reacts like he used to when he didn't get his own way: By using force. Maybe we really have no other chance than meeting him on his level."
"Yet Millicent has a point here" George said, his calm demeanor returning. "We could try to talk to the viscount, and we're not as helpless as you may think, Wendy." He turned to his seething daughter. "I've discovered some interesting information about Dalton Ashford – facts he certainly would not desire to be made public, for the reputation of his family would be destroyed. I'm sure he doesn't want his father nor the company partners to know about his corruptive business affairs. I can offer him a deal: My silence for the captain's healthy return."
"And the dragonling," Michael added, wondering how long this discussion was going to take. "If it isn't returned to Neverland, his father will burn down the island."
"When you say 'dragonling,' do you mean a … a real young dragon?" Millicent mused and got annoyed glances from all the young people. She finally caught on!
"And the professor!" Curly added. "He helped Peter, and Wendy, too, when she got out of the manor. I'm sure that shameful viscount has some evil plans for him, if he knows the scholar went behind his back."
George nodded. "I'm sure I can help him, too. I'll demand that he comes with me. But the dragon …" He hesitated. "How do we handle that … little beast?"
"Leave the dragonling to me," Peter cut in. "Tink and Aurora can sprinkle him with fairy dust, then take him back to Neverland. That's if the portal in the old ruin remains closed."
The two fairies looked at each other. Did Peter just say that they would transport the dragonling back to Neverland? Was Peter coming, too, or not? Tink gulped at the dreadful thought that Peter chose those words because he wasn't returning.
George sighed. "Then we first have to bring this … this creature to London."
"What do you mean? I'm coming with you – and the fairies, too!" Peter said, frowning at this new development.
"Me too!" Wendy added.
"None of you will come with me," George stated in his firmest, father-est voice. "It's too dangerous!"
"I know danger – I live for it," Peter replied almost arrogantly.
"James needs me!" Wendy added fiercely. "He defended and protected me. And I love him more than life! I won't stay here!"
"I said 'no', and that's final!" George repeated, this time with a snarl. "You WILL remain here – every one of you! I have some very good arguments Ashford has to listen to. If he doesn't, I have enough proof of his criminal deeds so that his father will certainly disinherit him – and the authorities will handle the rest. I'm sure he will see reason if I speak with him. So, you all stay here. THE END." He went to the wardrobe to slip into his coat, but was stopped by Victoria.
"But I have to go with you." Before he could decline, she said reasonably: "I'm an Ashford. I have access to the manor any time. If Dalton should deny you entrance, you'll need me to get into the area. And, by the way, he is my cousin. We aren't on the best of terms just now, but we were once close. Maybe he'll see reason if I can talk with him, too. And if not, Hook's crew can free him using their own methods."
George Darling examined her through his spectacles, then shook his head in disbelief. "Victoria, your cousin seems to have lost his mind. And if it really comes to a combat between his henchmen and Hook's crew, it will be … ugly. I will not put you in danger. Your aunt and uncle -"
"- would understand," she finished for him, then gave him a smile. "I'm the key to the manor – and you know it!"
"That's all well and good," Daniel rose to speak. "But your cousin already overstepped all boundaries of a gentleman's behavior toward a lady yesterday, Vicky. He shook you like a doll and was a hair's breadth away from striking you, I'm sure of it. What if he overdoes it again and threatens you?"
"He won't dare," Victoria replied. "And even if he is unbalanced enough to manhandle me, a few of Hook's men and Mr. Darling will be nearby. Also, Dalton would have to answer to my Aunt Catherine and his parents. And if I understand Mr. Darling correctly, Dalton is already in hot water with his parents about his businesses, so it's in his own benefit to play along." She glanced at George. "Dalton may be an arrogant spoiled brat sometimes, but he is not generally stupid. He won't dare to assault me."
Nervously, George exchanged a glance with his wife, who nodded encouragingly. Then at Wendy, who had crossed her arms, looking daggers at him and sulking. He didn't notice that her sulking was only for show – that she was surely up to something.
But then he glanced at Peter, who also glared daggers at him. "I owe my life to him, too – and I left him behind. I'm going!" To Wendy's ears, he sounded much like a grownup as he added: "It's only good form! Furthermore Hook is my friend. And it's my duty to save the dragonling. I'm still responsible for Neverland's welfare." He frowned. "By the way, Ashford demanded that I come -"
"And that's why you will stay here with your friends and Wendy," George directed, wrapping his scarf about his throat. "If that woman really is a witch, you're in danger, too. When I was reading those kinds of books, I could tell that witches can be good or very, very nasty. And his so-called 'housekeeper' obviously one of the latter, AND after your blood. Hook will hold me accountable if anything happens to you." He gazed at Peter who looked even more defiant, if that were possible. Remembering how the captain handled Peter the evening prior, he tacked against the wind. "Peter, Hook loves you like a son," he told him calmly. "He admitted it to me after we left his cabin to talk on deck. I'm sure you feel for him as a son for his father. He would – rightfully – accuse me of putting you in danger. It's my duty to keep you safe while he cannot. So stay here and let me handle this. You might find that even grownups sometimes have good ideas, and we can fight our own battles."
George didn't see the other boys' surprised faces, for he did not simply order Peter to obey like he did with them, but explained himself and a new way of looking at the situation. For George knew that he had to confront this wild child differently than his boys. He instinctively recognized that Peter Pan was something like an equal – for this 'child' was very old and seasoned, a veteran of many battles.
Peter moistened his lips. Hook loved him like a son? James hadn't said this explicitly but the way the captain had acted towards him told him much. An unaccustomed warmth spread through the youth; a deep feeling he had never had before. He had felt safe when Hook took him into his arms and comforted him as he wept. And he had felt understood when the man bent his ear toward him, gave him advice. Even knowing that Hook had risked his life to protect him revealed much.
So. Would he remain behind while this same man was in danger?
Eyes both damp and fierce, he replied: "Hook told me about an old secret passage and where I can find it. I can guide his crew into the manor from there while you and Victoria try to talk sense into him. And another pair of hands would be more than helpful should it come to real combat. I'm sure Victoria doesn't know how to handle a sword or cutlass."
"Sword fighting? Sweet God in Heaven, we're not in the Middle Ages!" Millicent exclaimed.
"Yet, Miss Darling, fights are still battled with weapons," Victoria told her pointedly.
"Weapons can be very different. There exist more than swords and pistols. Sometimes the pen is even mightier."
"Maybe," Peter said, "but even if you can convince Ashford to give in, his men would refuse. They harbor too much anger and a lust for little victories to see reason. And they know how much is at stake for them. If Ashford goes down, they will go down with him. I'm sure they're going to fight. And, another question: Do you know how to handle a witch? I'm familiar with magic – the good and the bad kind. And I wouldn't be alone. Tink and Aurora will be with me, and so is Kailen. He was still in his pocket as James was abducted."
"Kailen is with James?" Wendy asked, and sighed as Peter nodded.
"Aye, he is. Two fairies, a pixie and an experienced brownie. Not bad odds when confronting a witch."
George truly looked at the two fairies for the first time. He was momentarily awestruck – tiny, beautiful, winged, clad in leaves and dusting everything around them with gold. And they held great power, as he knew from his children's tales. Yet … "I appreciate your desire to help, Peter," he said , "but my decision is made. I'll put none of you in danger. And concerning this Mlle. Lunette – I'm sure Captain Hook's men know how to handle a sorceress, being so long in Neverland."
"Sure thing – Alf Mason is the man you're going to need when facing down a witch," Peter replied sarcastically. The Neverlanders all snickered, even Wendy. "I'm not sure, but I think he would provide you a handy Mason-sized hole in the wall at the first glimpse of her!"
"He's the most superstitious pirate who sailed the Seven Seas," Slightly explained; grinning.
George wasn't amused. "I'm sure there are others of the crew who are ready to face the risk. You and Wendy remain here. I'm sure she needs a good friend by her side just now." His looked again to his daughter, eyes full of sympathy. "And when we return with Captain Hook, we can celebrate our victory and perhaps set that date for the upcoming engagement party. And nuptials. And finally have dinner." He slipped into his coat and held Victoria's for her in silent agreement to her arguments.
Millicent wasn't finished. "George, should you really take Victoria with you?"
"No, but Victoria is right. She is an Ashford after all, and has every right in our world to demand access to the manor. We will work out the rest after that."
Wendy inched closer to Peter and whispered quickly, "Play along. I have a plan."
Peter barely nodded. He too had come up with a plan, and he was almost certain that Wendy intended the same: Fly to the manor. With enough fairy dust they could do it.
George gave Mary a kiss. "If we're not back by midnight, then call the police and tell them as much of the truth as you dare. I trust that you come up with a good story." Looking toward Wendy, who stood innocently by Peter, "I'm sure, our daughter the 'storyteller' can support you."
He took his hat and glanced at his eldest son. "John, the papers and documents I gathered today are in my work folder in the nightstand. They hold summaries of the offers Ashford used to wrangle bank loans, and a list with the names of the companies he used for his stained business methods. Furthermore, there are a few transcripts of conversations which will also prove his underhanded practices. If you don't hear from me by midnight, make sure that Sir Edward gets them. Originally I was to give them to him this evening, but he had already left his office when I returned to the bank. Call him; read the documents to him so that he knows about everything. He will want to pick them up – no matter how late it is. He promised me his support, and if it becomes necessary, I'll call in that promise."
He waited for John's agreement, then he walked to the door, gave Peter's shoulder a squeeze as he passed and allowed Victoria to precede him out the door. A pinkish gold flash appeared beside him and Aurora spoke to George Darling, who only looked at her in surprise.
"Aurora wants to come with you. Kailen is her husband and she wants to help him," Nibs translated. "And, you should know, a fairy is the perfect spy," he added with a wink.
George swallowed. A fairy would accompany them. Of course. "Uh …. if you insist, Miss Aurora, then I can't stop you. But please don't make more trouble."
The rose fairy rolled her eyes, shaking her pretty head – what was this human thinking of her? – then she flew to Victoria and vanished beneath the fur collar of her coat. The girl began to giggle like a twelve-year-old and smiled: "Thanks for trusting me." She glanced at Wendy, who gave her a hint of a wink. Vicky's face remained neutral. She knew what Wendy was up to. Quickly she left and walked to the two parked motorcars.
Mr. Darling nodded at his wife, his sister and Wendy, then he followed Victoria. Daniel hesitated a moment. "Peter, I know it irks you, but Mr. Darling is right. You really should stay here. If you fall into Ashford's hands, too, then everything is lost."
"Traitor!" Peter grumbled.
"No, I'm just adult enough to worry about your safety." His glance found a pale Mary. "Don't fear for your husband, Mrs. Darling, he won't be alone in this. I'm sure a handful pirates are better than two dozen bodyguards." Then he gave Wendy an encouraging smile. "We'll get him out for you – and Peter." He opened the door, then turned one last time. "Maybe you can tell your friends about your relative, Mrs. Bailey," he said to Peter. "I'm sure they'd love the story. And should Mrs. Bailey show up here, the ladies will know who is at the door."
"A relative?" Curly asked. All the rest stared expectantly at him.
"Yes, a lovely older woman who came running when Ashford's men were chasing our little hero here," Daniel explained. Then he raised an admonitory finger. "And Peter? Don't try to talk Mrs. Bailey into taking you to Surrey! A woman her age has no place in that situation!" He nodded at the women. "Ladies, Miss Wendy, boys," he touched his hat then left, closing the door. They heard the cars start up and drive away.
The corner house at no. 14 in Bloomsbury was suddenly silent, the slow ticking of the old grandfather clock seemed intrusive. Mr. Darling's farewell and sober instructions as to what to do if he didn't return promptly made everyone aware how terribly serious was their situation.
"Well!" sighed Nibs loudly, breaking the silence. A moment later Peter found himself surrounded by all the boys, bombarding him with questions about this relative.
Mary, too, reached a conclusion. "I'll tell Liza to cover the dinner and put it on the back porch where it's cool. We heat it again later – when the men are back."
"We should eat at least the soup," Millicent suggested. "Surely the boys are hungry."
Wendy stared after her mother and aunt, wondering how someone could seriously think of eating just now! Then she looked at Peter, trying to answer everyone's questions. But all activity was interrupted by the sounds from the suitcase beside the front door. "Bumblyn?" Wendy guessed, running to the suitcase. Quickly she opened it. Nana sniffed and began to bark as an unfamiliar head with oversized ears tumbled out.
"Bad dog! Not be frightening poor Bumblyn!" the Hobgoblin squeaked, and quickly Wendy took him into her arms. Nana growled at the new stranger but sat down as Michael stroked her head.
John pinched his nose and grimaced. "Liza, lock the kitchen door or we'll be out of food before you can say Jack Robinson!" The little Hobgoblin stuck his tongue out at John, which the boy returned. Some things would never change!
*** PP *** PP ***
Mr. Smee sat on a coiled rope on deck, listening to the conversation of the crew, sipping his tea. Usually it would have been rum – or the captain's wine, seeing as Hook was not aboard – but he was uneasy. Dark Owl had told him only an hour ago that he had seen other images. 'Iron-Hand' being in a dark room of stone, and 'Little White Eagle' flying through the evening sky, leaving London. And there were those 'invisible eyes' again. If Smee hadn't known that his captain was having a leisurely dinner with his future in-laws, this might have worried him.
He heard church bells chiming the half hour, now half past seven. In the west, the April sun was down and a last spring sunset bathed the few clouds into a soft glow, the sky in the east now already dark. He could hear workers on the docks getting ready to leave for the evening, so he ignored the droning of a motorcar, but then noticing two vehicles had stopped directly beside the ship. Was the captain back already? Strolling to the starboard rail, he heard a man's voice. "Ahoy, Jolly Roger!"
Skylights, by the railing told Smee, "Iss tha' youn' writer," he said; pointing down. "An' th' storyteller's da."
Writer? Daniel Kempton? And Mr. Darling? Smee hurried to look down at the quay, and there they stood: reporter and banker side by side, waving up at them somewhat frantically.
"Skylight, Lin, let doon th' gangway," the old Irishman ordered and would have descended, but Kempton was already coming up, Mr. Darling hot on his heels. He could see Victoria in the car below – what was it this time?
Before he could ask, Kempton breathlessly told him, "Gather a few of your men, Mr. Smee. Your captain was kidnapped by Ashford -"
An attack by the flagship of the Royal Navy couldn't have galvanized a crew faster. Every man on deck left what he was doing and ran to the two men. Smee gripped Daniel's arms. "Wha' happened?" he demanded; eyes suddenly fierce behind the spectacles.
Daniel and George gulped, finding themselves surrounded by cutthroats, while even more were soon on deck, alerted by the tumult. Even the Klabautermann popped up next to Daniel looking knowingly at him with his sea-colored eyes. Quickly, Daniel and George told what had happened and fielded a few questions, pleased that the crew's outrage and anger weren't directed at them. Still, they were very aware that they were not there to fight with these men, but being surrounded by ferocious pirates was certainly an experience you wouldn't forget. And for the first time ever George almost started to consider a training with sword and pistol.
"We've ter get 'im out!" – "Get yer weapons, brutes, ar capt'n needs us!" – "Tha' Ashford boy's fish food!" – "'E'll no see th' sun rise again!"
These and other similar declarations were shouted. The only ones remaining calm were Smee and Herb. "Ye be no' only 'ere t' give us th' news," Smee said slowly, and Daniel nodded.
"Yes. Like I said, Mr. Darling and Victoria want to speak with Ashford-" cries of dissent "- BUT perhaps you could free your captain while the two are talking sense into the viscount. So if you and a few of the men could come with us -"
"We dinna fit all in those coupla wheeled boxes ye 'ave," Herb pointed out.
"No, but six or seven of you will fit -" Daniel paused as on the dock, a large vehicle was honking, then driving away.
"Somet'in' like tha' would go better," Skylight sighed and pointed at the departing lorry.
Smee frowned, then he began to grin cunningly. "An' ah know where t' get one," he said, not without some pride.
Herb, Akeele, Skylight, Mason and Kempton stared at him. "You do?" Daniel asked.
The old bosun chuckled quietly. "Aye!"
*** PP *** PP ***
Much had changed since James Hook had left England behind – far too much for his taste. But there was much that he still recognized as they drove through the north of Surrey. As the Austin turned from the main road after Godalming and headed west, James knew that this was the same route Wendy had used in the dark only yesterday morning. He shook his head, seeing the risk the girl had taken while steering that vehicle over the uneven roads in the middle of a miserable night. And this to prevent him making the journey he was now making – he could only pray that she wouldn't dash off after him on her own. But knowing her and Peter Pan, the two were certainly already 'hip deep' in a new plot, if Peter had indeed escaped the hunters.
Closing his eyes, he pictured Wendy's sweet, wide smile. He had so hoped to return to the manor together with her – a free man. He wanted her to see his old home from a different perspective, not as a prison. But this was not to be, not yet. Yet James felt his excitement growing, recognizing the countryside after traversing a little village – Elstead – where he only recognized the church and the mill. Despite his situation, he anticipated seeing his family home again. He knew things had changed there, but there would be much familiar. It rose a storm of mixed emotions in him. He was returning captive. The fate he'd once escaped seemed to have caught up with him. These henchmen of Ashford's were just like those horsemen his father's murderer had sent after him. And they were as ruthless as those men two hundred years ago.
The road led up the wooded hill and finally passed near a stone wall, some weathered, some newer. He knew they were nearing the gates. Throughout the ride, there had been no chance to attempt an escape. Two vigilant captors with pistols in his face, he remained seated, like it or not.
When they'd first started, Ashford had taunted him, but after a quarter hour of Hook ignoring him, he had quit. Now the viscount sat beside him, pistol in hand, and seemingly lost in thought. 'Getting nervous, are you?' James thought mockingly. 'Now that you have the tiger by he tail, you have no idea how to end this without becoming a loser or a murderer.'
The motorcar slowed as the iron gate came into view. James tensed as the vehicle stopped and the driver left his seat to open the gate.
"Don't try it!" Ashford warned him quietly
"And yet people saw you take me by force, which would make you the one they look for if I don't return to my ship." Hook sneered quietly. "And … you need guts to kill a man in cold blood, boy. And after that decision, there is no going back."
"Those witnesses? A few passersby no one knows and a stupid little boy no one will listen to – if he lives to see another day. And killing another man? That's something you would know about, right?" Dalton returned with narrowed eyes.
"And in case His Lordship hesitates to use the gun," Alistair growled, "I won't!"
The captain glared at the hunter. "I know. You're as ruthless as one of my crew, with a difference. My men follow a code of honor. It separates us from common thieves. I suspect you couldn't even spell 'honor'."
Oscar Alister frowned at him. "I went to school!" he objected.
"Really? I pity your teachers," James shook his head. "Wasting all of that good knowledge on someone as hopeless as you must have been frustrating."
Before Alister could formulate an answer, Fulsom slipped behind the wheel; the Austin passed through the gates, stopped again. The boy got out to lock the gate again, then steered the vehicle down the drive.
James attention was immediately captured by the sight of the manor.
After his escape on the merchant ship heading to the Caribbean, he had often imaged how it would be to return home – to see it once again. He had dreamed of freeing it from the thieves living there, to restore his family's reputation, to make amends wherever he could. He had hoped to find his father's and brothers' graves – or perhaps bring his mother and sister home. Sometimes he had even dreamed of conquering the manor with a squad of loyal men, chasing the lying Ashfords away, to found a new branch of the Shalford-family. But when the ship he'd hired on was captured by pirates and he joined with them, the chances of such a return disappeared. And when he arrived at Neverland, and eventually realized that he was linked with invisible chains to the magical island, he had given up all hope of returning home.
Now it was finally happening – he was returning to the manor, but not as a liberator, but a captive of the same thieving family that took it all away. The sight of the estate was a pain in his chest; warmth, pride, melancholy. Sadness. And a renewed determination to get it all back again. He breathed deeply of the loamy smell in the wet earth around him.
The exterior was much the same. Windows had been replaced in the new style he'd seen in other parts of the city. The door was new, too, as were the tiles on the exterior stairs. The drive was paved with gravel; new flower beds; a few new trees; the rest looked the same. He examined everything in a glance, knowing any detail might help him later.
The motorcar stopped at the steps. Hook was forced out of the the vehicle by Alister's pistol pressed into his back. Kailen – amazingly silent the whole time – used the brief opportunity to slide like a slick green shadow from the captain's pocket and hide under the seat. He carefully watched the humans leave the horseless coach, then climbed onto the seat when alone. Carefully he peeked out of the window and watched Hook being prodded up the stairs.
The door opened as they approached; one of the hired men, accompanied by an aging woman wearing a long black dress met them. Kailen gulped, ears drawing back. 'The witch!'
Hook quickly inspected the woman, wondering about her age; black hair with streaks of silver; face much older. She stared at him with burning eyes, and as he was forced to follow Ashford up the stairs, he felt it: The prickling of magic. He knew instantly who this woman was, who now barked at the viscount. "You're late." Were there two voices in that statement?
"I invited a guest," Dalton replied.
Then both looked at Hook, who remained silent, forget-me-not blue eyes darkened. Ashford frowned. "I thought you went to Eton. Didn't they teach you how to greet a lady properly?"
James looked icily at him, and Dalton suppressed a shudder. "A lady always receives my courtesy; I see none here."
Ashford tried to think of a pithy reply, but Lunette stopped him. Her pale eyes raked over captain's handsome face and tall body. "Still proud and militant, I see." She looked at him thoughtfully. "And your resemblance to the boy on the painting is quite … astonishing. No wonder Miss Darling recognized it." She turned to Dalton. "Where is the boy?"
"I sent Anders and Wickham after him. He escaped over the fence in Kensington Gardens," Ashford began.
"You let him escape?" Brynna demanded, voice rising.
"No, he'll be here," Dalton corrected her. "Shalford helped him get away, but the boy can't fly at the moment or he would have taken the air. Anders and Wickham are certainly on their way with him."
"Peter is on his way back to Neverland," Hook told them, hoping it wasn't true. He knew Pan wouldn't let him down. And it wasn't in the boy's character to turn his back on a friend. But this arrogant blueblood and the witch couldn't know this.
Lunette shot him a glare. "That's a lie!" she said bluntly.
"No, old hag," James answered as calmly as he could. "He promised to obey my orders and I sent him back to-"
"- to someone named Mab," Dalton interrupted.
"The fairy queen," Brynna said disgustedly. "I've heard of her in old tales and poems." Then she chuckled. "She supposedly rules in Kensington Gardens – not in Neverland." She glanced at Hook. "Nice try. I'm sure the boy will be here sooner rather than later."
"No, he won't. Mab offered to send him back to Neverland when we met her in the Gardens, and I'm sure she'll happily keep him safe," James lied. "You won't lay a cursed finger or your demon knife on him again!"
Lunette turned toward him, looked him straight in the eye. "I'm not sure if you're telling the truth. You're stubborn and caught in those old-fashioned rules of good form and an outdated code of honor. A pirate at heart but also a nobleman fallen from grace. And you have grown soft. You fought the boy for so long, now you fight for him. But, as I said, it won't change anything. He'll be mine – and your hours are numbered."
Hook only smiled like the crocodile he'd bested in the end. "As are yours. In my time someone like you was burned at the stake! But even today murderesses hang. Keep your hands off my boy, or all the witchcraft in your arsenal will never save you – neither from my men, nor from England's hangmen!"
Lunette now closed the space between them, pressed up against him. He could feel the magic brimming in her. But where the fairies' and even Peter's magic was filled with warmth, mischief and wonder, hers was cold and dark. James shuddered with disgust. "Remove your vile self from my person, witch! I bathed this morning!"
She snarled soundlessly at him and deep in her eyes something black appeared – the eyes of her master. Hook was too familiar with dark magic not to recognize the source of those black spots, but as always – just like Peter – he covered his unease with mockery and disrespect. "Made a deal with the devil, have you? Has no one told you: Darkness falls when the sun rises? Just like another wizard I once met, you'll pay for becoming the devil's unseelie."
"I will make certain that you die this night," Lunette spat. "Even if -"
"Begone, witch! You have no power over someone who trusts in the blood of the Lord!" Suddenly Hook's belief had taken on a new strength. After all those endless years, decades – centuries – at Neverland's shores, where he had lost almost himself, he felt the power of true Belief waking in him, mixed with his deep love for the one girl who saved him in so many ways. And it gave him a power that had become frightening for Lunette.
She hissed and felt herself pushed back, while Dalton snapped, "What are you doing, bastard?"
"Ask your witch-nanny, boy!" James replied sharply. "She can't stand the Name of the Son of God. Maybe you should think twice about whom you trust. What's the old saying? Show me your friends and I tell you what you are. And you, Ashford, are a fool if you think this sorceress won't drop you the moment she doesn't need you anymore."
"Liar!" Dalton raged. "Brynna is-"
"Whatever she was, now she is a witch, the devil's servant," James gave him the unpleasant truth, his eyes fixed on Lunette. "And she only keeps you around to get what she truly wants: Peter Pan's blood to become immortal and remain forever young." He saw her eyes narrowing into small, glistening slits, and continued mercilessly towards Ashford: "The dragon egg you so foolishly kidnapped? Her promise to cure your illness from its blood? It's no longer important to her – perhaps never was. All she cares about is her own selfish goal – and you've become her servant, Milord!"
Dalton was about to lunge at him, but Lunette was quicker. A rush of syllables poured from her mouth as she lifted a hand, and Hook felt himself being hurled back. He crashed against the open door, Fulsom dodging him, thunderstruck. For a moment the captain saw stars, falling on the marble floor. His hair was loosed from the ribbon, black mane curling about his face. Before he could regain his feet, Jackson and Alister were beside him and gripped his arms. Hook gathered himself to throw them off, another invisible blow hit him, and he felt his knees turn to jelly. With great effort, he swallowed an outcry.
Breathing heavily, whole body now hurting, he hung in his captors' hands, yet he found the strength to lift his head and to look at the shocked viscount. "See, that's what I meant," he rasped. "Is this your nanny – the woman who lovingly raised you? Look at her!" he demanded. "She is an agent of hell -"
Brynna raised both hands for the killing blow, but this time Dalton intervened. "Stop it!" he said and took her by the wrists. "I need him alive." He wasn't protecting Shalford – his rival and enemy. A part of him was indeed shocked to see his old nanny using such skills. Looking in her eyes, he saw they'd turned pitch black; her teeth were bared like an animal. A shiver ran down his spine.
Dalton knew he had done too much, risked too much to go back. He was stuck with her now – if for better or worse, he would know later. For a long moment, they only stared at each other, and he wondered if she even saw him, then she lowered her arms. Pulling out of his grip, she stepped back and scowled at him, but this time Ashford didn't give in.
Barking at his thugs, he told them, "Take Shalford downstairs, lock him up. I'm sure we're going to need him later." Then he turned again to Lunette. "And you need to calm down. Everything we've waited for so long is now within reach, but we have got to stay levelheaded until we are finished." Holding her gaze, he nodded encouragingly, yet he felt his hackles rise as a part of him now saw how much she had changed – not only on the outside, but also on the inside. Unwillingly, he had to admit that Shalford was right. Brynna Lunette was no longer the woman he knew.
Jackson and Alister forced Hook through the hall towards the door to the cellars. They had to support most of his weight, for the second magical blow had almost robbed him of all strength.
And unseen by the actors in the entranceway, the kitchen door was softly closed, while Olivia tried to process what she had just seen.
TBC…
Well, finally James Hook returns home but in a complete different way than thought (or hoped for). As it seems, for now Ashford has the upper hand, but help will be soon on the way.
In the next chapter Smee shows one time more what he is made of, Cora shows up at the Darling-house and Red-Handed Jill is back. The nice boys change back into Peter's gang of Lost Boys and our little hero becomes himself again.
I hope, you liked the new chapter. I know, a lot is going on now and the story is moving towards the big showdown, so I think the whole thing still holds your interest. I would be very happy to get some feedback (smile).
Have a nice weekend,
Love
Yours Lywhn / Starflight