Chapter 10

“This is where I leave you, miss,” Remfrey says with a bow from the bottom of the large stone steps. “I must give you a warning. The door to inner chamber will only open once the doorman’s name has been called.”

“That doesn’t sound like a warning,” the witch says, frowning at the knight. “That sounds like advice.”

“The warning is for you to expect the unexpected,” he says, his eyes dropping to the ground. “I cannot say more than that as I am bound by the laws of this island. I can say that you have the chance to turn away now and never feel the shame with what awaits.”

That sounds ominous. Maybe we should listen and find a different way off the island.

“What is the name, sir knight?” Penelope asks.

“Thyme,” he answers. Then without another word, the knight turns and begins to walk away.

“That’s it? How will I know when to say it?” the witch asks, but Remfrey doesn’t answer. He doesn’t stop. He doesn’t even look back. “Well, you’d think after blowing him, he’d be more helpful.”

You say that as if it wasn’t fun.

“Oh, it was fun,” the witch agrees.

No, it was disgusting.

“That’s your opinion,” she counters smartly.

Mine and probably the majority of the world.

“I don’t know,” the girl says thoughtfully. “I know a few studying to be necromancer that would disagree.”

I’m sure if the school knew why, they’d put a halt to the program.

“You’re no fun at all,” Penelope says sourly. “I don’t know how my mother put up with you.”

She didn’t do half the things you do.

“That’s because she was obviously not adventurous like me.”

No, you get it from your father.

“My father?”

Of course. Your mother sought power. Your father likes anything he can stick his dick in.

“And what’s wrong with that?”

What isn’t?

“This isn’t going to end with either of us right, is it?”

I’m glad that you’re finally seeing reason.

“Shall we?”

Continue the conversation or go inside?

“Well, I doubt we’re getting off this island any other way,” the witch says bitterly.

You sound like you want to stay.

“You know I wouldn’t mind a little exploration.”

And by exploration I know exactly what you mean. I rather not stay here for the rest of my life, certainly not attached you. But you are more than welcome to return afterward.

“That would be hard with you as my familiar,” she says smartly.

Tell me, haven’t you learned anything?

“Of course I have,” Penelope says, placing her fist on her hips. “I do actually pay some attention in my classes.”

Yeah, when you’re not looking dreamingly over your teachers.

“And what’s wrong with that?”

What isn’t?

“This isn’t going to end with either of us right, is it?” she asks, folding her arms across her chest.

Ever get the feeling of déjà vu?

“Touché.”

Shall we then?

Penelope unfolds her arms and pushes at the door. Inside it is dark, the only light coming from where she stands, the outside. “Pretty dark in here,” she whispers. “Maybe we should find a torch or something.”

Or you can use that little light trick you know.

“Oh, right,” she whispers.

Why are you whispering?

The witch shrugs. “It just felt right,” she says, still whispering.

Well stop it. Whoever is here probably already knows we’re here.

“Why do you say that?”

Isn’t that how it usually works?

“I don’t know,” the girl says with a shrug. “I’ve only been on one adventure so far.”

One too many if you ask me.

“Well, I thought it was fun.”

Of course you do. Were the roles reversed you probably wouldn’t.

“If they were we’d probably would have never been separated,” the witch remarks.

I don’t know, I would have figured something out. And of course we wouldn’t be here right now.

“Alright, alright,” Penelope says in a high whisper. “I get the point.”

Finally seeing reason. I like it.

“Well, you’re never going to give it up unless I agree with you.”

I’ll take my wins where I can get them, especially with you.

The witch huffs and steps inside.

The light trick?

“Right,” she says, having already forgotten it. But before she can cast the spell, the long hall suddenly light up. The touches along either side erupt in flame, bathing the long hall in light.

Did you do that?

“No.”

Well, that’s creepy.

“You’re telling me,” the girl whispers again.

Again, there isn’t a need to whisper.

“It’s a habit,” she answers in a whisper.

Then break it.

“Okay.” Again a whisper. “Sorry...”

Penelope walks through the hall, looking this way and that, even back several times. The place has a creepy feel to it, but so far there isn’t a sign of anyone or anything. There are no doors or windows. There doesn’t even seem to be an end to the hall. If eels like an endless progression of touches and stone.

I’m beginning to wonder if this was the right thing to do.

“It’s not too late to go back,” the witch offers, looking back the way they came in, but the light that once illuminated from the outside is no longer there.

I get the feeling that that won’t matter.

“Remember what the knight said?” the witch suddenly questions.

About the doorman?

“Yes,” she hisses.

Well yeah. What about it?

“What was the name we have to call out?”

You’ve really forgotten it?

“Well yeah,” she admits. “I really wasn’t paying attention.”

Where was your mind at? Never mind, just forget I asked that.

“You don’t want to know?”

No, I don’t want to know.

“Why?”

Because I already know.

“Then why did you...”

Thyme! He said it was Thyme!

“Thyme,” the witch whispers. “It kind of has a nice ring to...”

Suddenly the light from the touches dim and flicker.