Pem’s departure

“I will not!” Pem says.

“Come on, Pem,” I say. “They’re going to let us check them out. It’s okay.”

Pem’s fur stands up, and her back is on the arch. Again, she hisses with all her might, as she had at first sight of Stephane.

Rogger keeps her rifle trained as she takes the stairs in sidesteps, then points the barrel skyward as she rushes to the gate jawline.

“No!” Pem cries, then darts away—after Rogger is what I think.

The dwarf’s seasoned fingers stumble around the toothy controls, but she finds them well enough, and Van Buren yawns, parting what we call the West Gate.

Stephane again holds their staff, though easy in the grip, and as soon as they are in, they lean it against a wall, put their hands up.

Once they are clear, Rogger tickles the teeth once more, and Van Buren snaps shut.

I climb down and walk up to them.

Within a step or two, I’m stunned by their features. Such beauty concealed by the harsh environment, the rags wrapping them and keeping them safe from the elements, while restricting their pure good looks.

I blush at this, not expecting it, and then offer my hand as casually as I can. “I’m William.”

Stephane looks at my hand, mimics the motion, but their fingertips fall shy of mine such that we each have our hands extended for a shake.

I laugh and put my hand in theirs.

They seem amused and confused by it, but follow my lead, and we shake.

“Well met, William. I am Stephane com Lox, from Stationary.”

Catch up on the story:

Start the First cycle: “The Station”

Start the Second cycle: “Van Buren”

“Bah!” Rogger says, drops to a knee, rifle beading down. “There be no Stationary Isle! ‘Tis rubbish!”

I put my left hand between them, imagining the sightline, though probably not correctly. “Rogger, peace. There is no need for this. Let them speak and us hear.”

Rogger tightens her lips, bounces her beard, then gives me the eye, a nod.

“I did not mean to give offense,” Stephane says, “particularly not by stating who I am and from whence I hail.”

“You said Crystaline was from whence ye hail, by godems!” Rogger says.

“I said Crystaline, as of late,” Stephane says.

“It’s true, Rogger,” I say. “That is what they said.”

Rogger remains uncertain, but lowers the rifle, then looks about. “Where is Pem?”

Panic seizes me. “She’s not with you?”

“How does it look, ma’boy? See a cat on my shoulders?”

I frown. “Not helpful.”

“Neither is your witless question.”

“I believe I saw her dash that way,” Stephane says. “I can help you find her, if you wish.”

Again, Rogger raises the rifle. “You stay right where you are, Stationary Islander.”

Stephane smiles, hands still up, takes a step back. “As you wish. I shall wait here.”

“I’ll take the Southern veins, you the Northern,” I say to Rogger.

“What? Are you daft? Stay here and guard the guest.”

“Guard the guest?” I repeat to emphasize the silliness of such a thing.

“I’ve no time for semantics with you, William. Watch ‘em. I’ll find Pem.”

“Okay.”

Rogger darts off, calling out, “Pem! Pem, where are you?”

I look to Stephane, who is smiling at me.

I, too, smile.

Next time: “Exposure” ← click to keep reading!

Read the first cycle in installments on the Adventures in Secrecy website: 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5 > 6 > 7 > 8 > 9 > 10 > 11 > 12 > 13 > 14 > 15 > 16 > 17 > 18 > 19; or, in a continuous scroll on Tablo: https://tablo.com/t-van-santana/gaucho/.

Navigation for second cycle (Van Buren) installments on the Adventures in Secrecy website: 1 < 2 < 3 > 4 > 5

Gaucho #22