Chapter Six

 

Peter’s fingers slid over the bare patch of silky wood. He contemplated boredom and loneliness as he sat in the crook of the ancient willow tree. His best friend, Kelso, couldn’t come out to play. Plus, his sister refused to let him tag along when she went to the library.

This morning Kinzie had gone with Mazzie and their new friend Mark. He had asked to go but since the Mums weren’t nearby, Kinzie said no. He leaned back and looked up at the canopy of leaves, “Why does she have to be so mean?” He wiped his tears with his grubby sleeve.

“Why do you cry?,” hissed an exotic voice.

Peter swiveled his head frantically, but could not locate the speaker. “Who are you?” he asked, fear gripped his belly. 

“The only friend you’ve got it appears,” mused the voice.

Instead of answering, Peter decided it was time to go home. 

“Oh, come on! You’re not running away, are you? No wonder your sister is mean to you!”

“Shut up!” shouted Peter angrily. “Only bad strangers hide!” He continued to make his way down the tree.

“So if I show myself, you’ll stay?”

Peter stopped his descent and waited. Frantically he scanned the branches above him. A tap on his shoulder made him lose his grip. Fortunately, he didn’t fall far and landed on his back. The large head of a brown snake loomed over him. He tried to get up but a solid weight held him down.

“Still want to run, I see.” The snake flicked his cheek with its tongue.

Peter wanted to scream, but merely managed a gurgled protest instead.

“Look,” said the snake, “I’m not here to hurt you. If I wanted to do that, you would be dead already.”

Peter tried to wriggle out from under the snake.

“Stop it!” commanded the snake. 

He went limp, as frustrated and fearful tears streamed down to pool in his ears.

“I am going to let go, but don’t run.” the snake warned. “I really don’t want to harm you. I need information, and my sources say you are the one who can answer my questions.”

Peter nodded his understanding. He remained still, afraid a sudden movement would cause the snake to strike as the weight lifted.

“Get up.” said the snake testily.

Shaking, Peter sat up. He shuddered as he watched the snakes body slide through the grass. It coiled loosely in front of him. He scooted backwards until the tree blocked further escape. He whimpered as the snake’s head, glided down to his level. Nictating lenses slid over the golden brown eyes as it examined him. 

“Who are you?” asked Peter in a small voice.

“I am Namabas, assassin of the gods.”

Peter’s teeth chattered, “Assassin?”

“Look boy, I don’t have time to recite history. You must answer my questions now!” 

Peter shrank away from the hissing snake. “What questions?”

“What do you know of the Tree Song? How many tulips do the Yefets pluck? When did Hephrix enter this plane? What is an emoji?” fired Namabas machine gun style.

Peter answered. But it wasn’t him. An ‘other’ presence had taken over control of his body. He noticed his voice whispered like wind through leaves. “Basilisk, by what authority do you question me through my Apotheosis?” **

Namabas hissed, “I was told to seek this boy out for his answers. I was not told of his nature!”

“His nature is of no concern to you. He is protected by Gaia and is one of her children. He will grow into his wisdom. Now Breath of Venom, who sent you?”

Namabas undulated, her dull brown scales shifted revealing an oily blackness. Diamond spikes lifted on her head forming a glittering diadem. Leathery wings beat the air as they sprouted from her back. Lizard arms and legs grew from her torso ending in razor taloned claws.

Peter stood and crossed his arms. In his head he watched, amazed but completely out of control of his body. The leafy voice laughed, “You lie.”

An unholy screech echoed through the park. Peter wanted to cover his ears but the other inside him ignored it. 

“Calm yourself, Princess Acid. I will answer one of your questions and you will provide me with the “Spectacles of Porilochi”.

Namabas writhed, like Peter had when caught under her bulk. He knew the ‘other’ held the basilisk, but he couldn’t determine how.

“Very well!” spit Namabas angrily, “I get to choose.”

“No,” commanded Peter, “You lost that right when attempting to control me and further when you lied.” He pulled his mobile phone from his pocket and turned it so Namabas could see the screen. “This is an emoji: .”

The basilisk cocked her head in confusion. “What mockery is this? That’s the worst hieroglyph I’ve ever seen!”

Peter shrugged. “You asked. Now, the spectacles please.” He held out his hand. The look on Namabas’ face would have caused him to jerk his hand back if he had been in control of his body, but the other calmly waited.

Namabas snarled. She disappeared, by emitting a noxious, black cloud. The ground was blackened and dead, where her body had been coiled. 

The leafy voice addressed Peter, “Put the spectacles on.” It was then he realized he had control over his body again. He leaned against the tree trunk, heart pounding and gulped for air.

“Shhh,” soothed the voice, now outside his head. Somehow he knew it came from the tree.

“What happened? How?” was all he could say.

“We don’t have time Peter. Mark needs your help. Put the spectacles on.”

Peter looked at the delicate wire framed glasses in his hand. They were so light-weight he hadn’t felt them appear. With a deep breath, he slid them on his face. He was no longer in the park, but standing before an ornate elevator. Quickly he pulled the glasses off. Once more he stood under the familiar tree. 

“Peter, hurry! Put the glasses on. We have to rescue Mark.” 

He looked at the tree. Did it really talk to him? Through him? “Will you be with me?”

The leafy voice laughed, “Peter, I am you! Put the glasses on. You will remember in time.” 

He put the glasses back on. Only one thought made sense to him. If he could rescue Mark, maybe Kinzie wouldn’t be so mean to him.