CHAPTER 12
The man did not turn around as she neared his fireside. Instead he stabbed each fat, juicy sausage with a barbaric-looking fork and shared them between two wooden plates.
He offered one of the platters to her without a word. Harmony approached cautiously. He seemed friendly enough but she knew appearances could be deceptive. Friendly or not she didn’t want to be rude and she was exceptionally hungry.
Harmony reached out and accepted the food. She sat down on a log beside the fire and prodded the sausages with her finger. Despite her gnawing hunger she did not dare to eat. Considering the food was given by a four-armed stranger, she thought it wise to wait until he took the first bite.
“Thank you, Mr…?” she enquired.
“Heckler Spinks, at your service,” he replied, tipping his hat again. “I’m sure you’ve heard of me before? I’m infamous amongst witches. There are few mordinary who haven’t required my talents or reagents at one point or another, my dear.”
His last two words were slick with a strange inflection; it made Harmony's skin crawl. She fought back the heebie-jeebies and scolded herself for being so judgemental. “Well. Thank you for your hospitality, Mr Spinks. I fear I would have wandered all night had I not heard your music.”
“I’m glad I could be of service. These woods can be dangerous at the best of times. And you can double that danger past dusk,” he remarked with a wink. He took a bite from one of the sausages. With the meat still rolling around his mouth he asked. “May I inquire as to your name? Why you are out here alone?”
Following his lead Harmony shoved half a sausage into her mouth. This was not in keeping with her typically impeccable table manners, but she needed time to think of an answer. She had not given her alibi much thought.
So far telling the truth had gotten her eaten by a lion and practically bullied into become a queen. Nevertheless she simply could not condone lying, no matter how dire the consequences. By the time she finished chewing and swallowed the colossal-mouthful she had formed a plan. A version of the truth would be the safest way to proceed. Augmented-reality, her mother called it.
“My name is Harmony, and I'm… Well, I’m lost,” she revealed feeling confident.
“That much is evident, my girl. What a fortunate stroke of luck you had in finding me, Harmony. There's all manner of beast and villain lurking in these woods. It’s not a safe place for a youngster like you. Not at all,” Heckler warned with a wide grin. The expression exposed an unruly sprawl of warped, yellow teeth.
A loud crashing sounded from deep in the woods. Alarmed, Harmony jumped to her feet. Panic fluttered in her chest, her stomach knotted. Was it Leoracle and Belladonna? Or could it be the howlers? Had they really caught her so quickly?
She scanned the edges of the clearing, fear causing her to imagine the wolves already at its border. Another, louder and much closer, clatter echoed through the veil of shadows. She didn't know what to do. Which way should she run? Would Heckler protect her?
Harmony did not have to wait long to find out. Whoever made the noise was heading straight towards them. In seconds they would break through into the clearing. She was out of time. She would have to put her trust in Heckler.
The trees parted roughly as a huge snail raced into the fire-lit camp. The creature barged past Harmony, who was cowering by her seat, and skidded to a halt next to the four-armed man. The snail immediately began nuzzling at his hair and face.
Heckler stared at Harmony with an expression of utter bafflement. He was quite confused as to why she was so jumpy. This little witch did not seem at all normal. She was most definitely hiding something. By hook or by crook he was going to find out what it was.
Harmony sat back down as Heckler smiled again. She returned the friendly gesture and then quickly returned her attention to the food. Though her eyes were averted she could still feel him watching her.
“Is this your pet?” she asked.
“You mean, Sidney? He’s no pet,” Heckler responded, tickling the snail under its chin.
The lovable creature sniffed his hand like an inquisitive dog in search of a treat. Harmony hoped Heckler didn’t have and salt on his grubby, outstretched hand. The last thing she wanted to see was a giant, frothing snail. Sidney was far too cute to meet such a grizzly end. Cute was not a word she had associated with snails before. They were usually disgusting, slimy horrors hiding in her shoe.
“He’s more of a companion really. He pulls my cart and I scrape the moss off his shell,” Heckler dabbed a tear from his eye. “I found him years ago. Poor, little mite was just a baby, he was all alone, his mother dead by his side. So we adopted each other really. It’s been the two of us ever since.”
“Well they say every cloud has a silver lining. Even though he lost his mother, he found you,” Harmony said, as she finished the last of the sausages on her plate. “Thank you for the food, Mr Spinks.”
“Think nothing of it, my dear,” he replied. “I must say, I’m quite impressed. Most youngsters can’t stomach Arthro larvae.”
“Arthro larvae? What are… actually, don't answer that,” Harmony said. She suddenly felt very sick. She was doing her best to ignore her mind’s attempts to recall exactly what an Arthro was. Unfortunately for her stomach she already knew what the word larvae indicated.
“I hope it’s not too bold a question,” he began whilst lifting the accordion from its box. “But is there a reason you’re acting strangely? Hmm?”
Once more the tune began to drift through the air. At once she felt her thoughts become syrup-thick, a burden she wished to be free of. The music offered an escape. The tinkling melody carried away all doubt in glittering clouds.
“Your accent is a little odd. Remind old Heckler, where did you say you were from?”
“I didn't say,” Harmony replied astutely. Her eyes closed, though she fought to keep them open, as she listened to the blissful composition.
“My mistake sweetness and where are you heading?” he asked, his gaze still intently fixed on her.
“I'm… I don't really know.”
“I see,” he said, beginning to chuckle. “A runaway are you? Off on some grand adventure?”
“Yes… I suppose I am,” Harmony laughed along with him.
“Then, my sweet friend, why don't you travel with me. I’m bound for, Helmghast. There is no better place in all of Darkfern to find adventure.”
“What’s Helmghast?” Harmony asked, before she could stop herself.
“Why it's the capital city, my girl,” Heckler responded with suspicion ringing in his tone.
“Oh yes. How silly of me,” Harmony giggled, she made a mental note to always think before speaking in future. “Do you think I can find a trustworthy guide there?”
“I dare say so my girl. Do you wish to be guided somewhere in particular? Old Heckler has travelled to all corners of this world…and even into others. Oro Axiom, tell me what you seek,” Heckler whispered softly. The music melted into his words. The two joined to form an irresistible command. A compulsion surged through her, forcing her to speak. Truth was on her lips and she could not stop it from tumbling out.
“I seek a forest of black-glass trees.”
“Why do you search for this place?” Heckler continued in his buttery-tone.
Harmony fought the wrenching urge to share her secrets. The sense of danger was a very sobering one, even against whatever trickery he was using. If it was the truth he wanted then truth she would give him. To Harmony, reality had always been subjective to experience. Like witnesses to an event, each person recounts a different version of what happened. Although the stories may differ greatly, each one is true; their own truth.
“I’m trying to find my way home.”
“And where is your home? There are no villages or houses in The Black Briar,” Heckler questioned further, still playing the hypnotic tune.
“Not a house. A web,” she was beginning to play him at his own game now.
“A web? Oh you mean The Webway. Then you must be mundaine,” Heckler chortled. This was an assumption Harmony was happy to let him think.
“Tell me, girl. How did you come to be in Darkfern?”
“I received a letter,” she answered truthfully.
“That old trick. Ha!” he laughed. “It must’ve been a Stiltskin, bringing you over for the… Well, never you mind what for. How did you escape?”
Harmony had no idea what he was talking about, but it certainly sounded better than the whole truth. It was better he thought one of these Stiltskins brought her here, than the lion and Nova. He was creating her alibi for her. The plan was working perfectly.
“I fled down a river. Then I found you.”
“What an adventure you’ve had already,” he chuckled.
She smiled coolly. She had learned a considerable amount of information from Mr Spinks. Firstly, the web was located in The Black Briar. Secondly, other mundaine were in Darkfern for some unknown reason. Lastly, and most significantly, Heckler spoke in the same language Nova used in her dream. This was the second time Oro Axiom had been said to her. On both occasions she unwillingly uttered the truth.
“You have nothing to fear from me child. I will keep your secret,” Heckler announced. He stopped playing his accordion and put it carefully away. “Sadly I have to inform you that The Webway will be long gone by now.”
“Are you sure?” Harmony demanded. Her mind her own once again.
“Assuredly so, my sweet,” he nodded. “I hate to bring you more bad news, but you face an even greater hindrance. A new web cannot be spun without the command of Nocturna or Natura.”
“Is there no other way?” Harmony questioned abruptly. This was most upsetting news. It was not the update she wanted to hear, not at all.
“The Webway is controlled by royal command. But, as I said earlier, I have travelled to other worlds.” Heckler stopped talking and looked around to make sure they were alone. “There are ways, secret ways, across the divide. Old Heckler will take you home, for a price…”
“How much will it cost? I don’t have any money to pay you.”
“The cost will be something and nothing, I shouldn’t wonder. Let’s not worry about payment for now. I’m sure we’ll think of fair price along the way,” he replied, flippantly.
“In that case I’d be happy to accept your invitation, Mr Spinks,” Harmony concluded, holding out her hand. “Please, help me to get home.”
“On my word, I will convey you to where you belong,” he replied, shaking her hand to seal the deal.
Though his offer seemed genuine enough she needed to tread carefully. Clearly he was clever and generous, but also devious and decidedly creepy too. Not to mention his ability to lull the truth from her. That particular talent warranted more investigation.
All the same, providing she kept her wits about her she should be safe with him. She had already outwitted him once; with a little luck she could do the same again.
“Well, you must be tired, my sweet. As my guest, and a visitor to these shores, it’s only proper I loan you my caravan. I prefer to slumber under the stars anyway,” Heckler insisted. He stood up and stretched his stiff limbs.
His arms reached an impressive and rather intimidating distance. Harmony noticed this as she watched him stand to his full height and yawn at the star-speckled canopy. His shabby clothes, his simple life, cooking on a campfire, it all felt so familiar…
“Come on now, my sweetness. Off to bed with you,” he said, gesturing to the open door of the wagon.
Harmony walked over to the caravan and climbed the little steps. She thanked Heckler again for his assistance and wished him pleasant dreams. He removed his hat and bowed deeply as she entered the carriage and closed the door.
The caravan’s interior was simple and uncluttered. The soft, warm light from a candle cast heavy shadows over the piled boxes covering the walls and littering the floor. She was reminded all the more of home. She felt safe (relatively safe that is) for the first time since arriving in Darkfern.
Harmony climbed into the bed fully clothed, too tired to even kick off her shoes. She snuggled into the soft, lavender-scented pillows and sleep found her moments later. She felt lucky to have met Heckler. Perhaps her adventure had taken a promising turn?