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Dec 12

In the Company of Angels: Episode 1.2 – A Rumpus in the Library (cont.)

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In the Company of Angels, Episode 1.2 – A Rumpus in the Library (cont.)

 

A half hour later Sam, Luke, and Jill were sitting in the kitchen sipping on tea and eating chocolate chip cookies. Jill had gotten some ice and wrapped it in a washcloth and Luke was holding it against his forehead. The knot was still noticeable, but the swelling was going down.

“I’m afraid I was a bit too dazed to take a closer look,” said Luke, “but I saw that you had some very nice pictures in your library. From fairy tales, I think?”

“Yes, most of them,” said Jill, “my mom thinks I’m too old for them, but I like reading them a lot better than what we read for school.”

“Well, it shows good taste on your part. But, I’m sure you don’t just read books. You have plenty of friends — other than Sam here, I mean — to spend time with, don’t you?”

“Well, a few. But most of my girlfriends are just interested in dressing up and shopping.”

“And you don’t like doing those things?”

“Well, they’re alright, but I’d rather…I’d rather be walking in the Shire! Or time traveling with Meg Murry, or riding to the edge of the world on Fledge!” Jill was suddenly animated. “I mean, these are places where things really happen…where things really matter!” She paused and sighed. “Not like around here.”

Sam beamed at Luke. “See, I told you she was my friend!”

“Well, strange things can happen right here, too, you know,” Luke said, ignoring Sam.

“Not to me they don’t.”

“Well, look here, that’s not strictly true, is it? After all, we showed up in your house this morning. That isn’t something that happens every day, is it?” Luke smiled.

“No, but you’re not even supposed to be here. My mom is going to have a fit if she comes home and finds me home alone with a stranger, even if he did come with you, Sam. And, by the way, who exactly was it you were both chasing, anyway?”

“Well, I’m afraid that’s a long story,” said Luke, ”And, since I’m feeling better, and since you’re quite right that I shouldn’t be here at all, at least not without your mother’s permission, perhaps we’d best save that tale for another time? We’ve finished our tea, plus the cookies; many thanks for both! Come along, Sam, we should be going.” Luke stood up.

“But, Jill, don’t be surprised if were to meet again. This…hmmm…person that we were after, he has a habit of showing up in the strangest places, and has thus far led us on many a wild goose chase. If he comes again…uh…into your back yard, don’t be too surprised to find us right behind him.”

“But, what does he even look like? You never told me.”

“Well,” said Luke as Jill walked them back to the front door, “he’s a boy of about your age, or maybe a bit younger. He has curly black hair and a mischievous smile. He’s all about mischief, I think.”

“That reminds me a bit of Sam,” said Jill with a grin.

“Well, that’s somewhat true…” Luke looked at Sam and smiled.

“No, I’m just kidding. Sam’s alright,” said Jill, “even if he has been getting more and more into odd things. You know, like Star Wars and Star Trek and Doctor Who….”

Doctor Who? Aren’t you a bit young for Doctor Who?” asked Luke, looking at Sam.

Sam shrugged.

“But don’t you like such things?” Luke turned back toward Jill.

“I don’t know; I’ve never watched them. I don’t like space stories that much.”

“Well, they do have their own challenges, to be sure,” said Luke. “But, the person we’re after certainly isn’t Sam, and he’s not from outer space. One thing you’ll definitely notice about him, should you run across him, is that he is never without his pipe.”

“Wait, he’s a little boy, and he smokes a pipe?!”

“No, not that sort of a pipe. I mean like a flute, but not played sideways. You know, more like a recorder. Do you know the sort of thing I mean?”

Jill thought of the painting in her library. “Oh! I do! I have a picture of someone playing something just like that. would you like to see it?”

Luke hesitated for a moment. “Well, I suppose, but we don’t want to get you into trouble….”

“Come on!” said Sam, “We can at least have a quick look!”

Jill raced back down the hallway and Luke and Sam followed. Inside, she pointed triumphantly to the painting of the boy beneath the oak tree. Luke looked at it aghast, then smacked his head, forgetting for a moment about the knot.

“Ouch!”

“Are you alright?” asked Jill.

“Yes, I just forgot about my head. But, that’s the very fellow!”

“What, the one you’re after?”

“Sure is!” said Sam.

“But, this is just a painting; he’s not a real person!” said Jill.

Luke looked closely at the painting. “This isn’t a painting I’ve seen before. Wherever did you find it?”

“At an old antique shop with my mom. I’m sure it’s just a print, but it looks so bright and real….”

“Yes, it does.” Luke gazed at the picture.

“That also explains where he went after we came through,” Sam said under his breath. Luke nodded.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, nothing; nothing, dear. But we should go speak to Azarias about all of this….” he said to Sam.

“Azarias? Who’s he?” asked Jill.

“Oh, a very good friend of mine; rather a mentor of sorts. A wise old fellow; you’d like him, wouldn’t she, Samuel? But, many thanks for showing us the picture. If you happen to see someone that looks….” Luke turned and looked hard at the picture once again, “…that looks exactly like this fellow, you’ll be sure to let us know, won’t you?”

“OK, but how do I do that?”

“Well, you can call Sam, for one thing. But also, you can reach me here.” Luke handed her a business card. On it was a painting of a man standing by the seashore and gazing at the ocean. It looked like this:

Framerunners_business_card_500

“You can email me from my website. You use email, don’t you?”

“Of course! Doesn’t everyone? But, what’s a ‘Framerunner’?”

“Oh, just a special type of artist. Some day you should visit my studio and I’ll explain it a bit more; I think you’ll like my paintings!” They walked back to the front door. “But by now you’ve had quite enough of us! Thanks again for the tea and cookies!” Luke bowed to her.

“You’re welcome. You know, I’ll have to tell my mom about your coming by.”

“Certainly! If she is at all concerned or wishes to speak with me, do have her ring me up. I’d be happy to meet her! And now, we’re off….”  Luke stepped down to the sidewalk.

Sam looked down at the floor and shuffled his feet for a minute. “See ya,” he said, and followed Luke. They both walked briskly away.

Jill stood for a moment looking at the business card, and then she tucked it into the pocket of her frock. She closed the door and started back toward the kitchen, but then she noticed something on the floor by the stairs. She went over and picked it up; it was a piece of broken chain with a pendant. The pendant was of simple silver wire, and clasped within it was one of the prettiest jewels she’d ever seen; it was deep blue, and it reflected the light in the room in the most amazing way. Jill touched the stone; it felt almost slippery, and a tingle went through her fingertips, like electricity.

That’s when she heard it; a sound like a bird. No, it wasn’t; it was a flute! But coming from…from where? She turned around, still holding the gem in her hand. The music was coming from the library!

Jill stood completely still for just a moment. Her first thought was to run after Luke and Sam, but then it occurred to her that maybe she should grab the broom again and find out who else might have stolen into the house.

She hesitated for just a moment more, and then knew exactly what she’d do…..

     [ To read Episode 2.1, click here…. ]

 

1 comment

1 ping

  1. Grace

    I can’t wait to keep reading! I am so hooked!

  1. Στη Συντροφιά των Αγγέλων, Επεισόδιο 1.2 – Ένας θόρυβος από τη βιβλιοθήκη (συνέχεια). | tolkien.gr

    […] For the original text, please visit: http://jefmurray.com/framerunners/general/episode-1-2-a-rumpus-in-the-library-cont/  […]

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