4
768 Words
4
Drusilla rubbed her hands together, greedily and studied the children. They were dressed far too neat for what she had planned. “We will need to dirty you up a bit,” she said, with a sly smile. “Basil, muss up that hair. Birdie, loosen that bow atop your head.” The children gave her an odd look, but did as instructed. “Just a few more touches,” she said. She stood over Basil, menacingly and his gray eye grew wide with fear. She grabbed his shoulders and tore the sleeves of his velvet suit jacket.
“Hey, what was that for?” he cried. Birdie clenched her fists together. Her small frame tensed with anger.
“Dear boy, how are we to play this game, if you do not look the part?” asked Drusilla, as she approached Birdie.
“You said all we had to do was get the stones for you and you'd take us to mother and father,” said Birdie, backing up. “I don't believe you.”
Drusilla lips pursed as she stared down at the girl. “Trust in your Auntie Drusilla.” she said, through gritted teeth. She reached out and tore the collar of Birdie's dress. “One look with those eyes of yours should do the trick.” Drusilla clenched her fist, then opened it. A fireball burned in the palm of her hand.
“What are you doing with that?” asked Basil. He reached out and grabbed his sister's hand.
Drusilla rolled her eyes and sighed impatiently. “Just hold still.” She set the fireball adrift and watched it singe the hemline of Birdie's dress. Birdie jumped back and swiped at the smoking fabric. When she looked up, her face was red with fury. Her gray eye glared at the older woman, but her other eye flashed. Its solid black surface quickly burned red hot. Drusilla's eyes bulged in their sockets. Her hands flew to her throat and she gasped for air.
Basil tried to pull his hand away, but Birdie held on tighter. He shook her by the shoulder. “You promised we wouldn't do that anymore,” he said. Drusilla fell to a knee and clawed the ground. “Birdie, stop it. Now,” he demanded. The fire in Birdie's dark eye went out. She crossed her arms in front of her and sneered at the woman. Drusilla wheezed and gulped air. She stood up and growled at the small girl. The tips of her fingers glowed like hot pokers. A silent dare crossed Birdie's face. Drusilla tamped down the fire in her fingertips and clasped her hands in front of her.
“Now, where were we,” she said, hoarsely.
“I don't want to play this game,” whined Basil. “Can't you take us to mother and father now?”
“In order to get you home, I need the stones,” said Drusilla. “They are somewhere inside Merrihaven. You will find them and bring them to me.”
“Why can't you do it?” asked Basil.
“Because they'll kill her,” said Birdie. “Isn't that right....Auntie?” Drusilla cleared her throat and waved her off.
“How are we supposed to get inside?” asked Basil.
“I have already taken care of that. It should be along any minute,” said Drusilla. “There is one more thing.”
“No more ripping our clothes or fireballs,” said Basil, stomping his feet.
Drusilla raised an eyebrow at him. “I think it best if you hide those eyes.” She reached out and clamped a hand over each child's face, then mumbled something they couldn't understand. She released them, then stood back to admire her work. “There, now. See for yourselves.” Basil and Birdie turned to each other. Their mouths hung open in surprise.
“Your eye is normal,” exclaimed Basil.
“So is yours,” said Birdie.
Basil turned to Drusilla and hopped with excitement. “Will it stay this way. Can we keep them?”
Drusilla shook her head. “It is temporary...a disguise. Should anyone find out about your true eye, you will be in terrible danger.” The children glanced at one another.
“The spell will stay as long as you remain with them,” said Drusilla.
“What happens if Birdie gets mad?” asked Basil. “She always gets mad.” Birdie elbowed him in the chest. He winced and rolled his eyes at her.
Drusilla's face scrunched up in a weird, wicked grin. “Birdie may get as mad as she likes. Her stone eye will show through its disguise, but it is unlikely anyone will live long enough to see it.” The ground shook and Drusilla clapped her hands.
“W-What was that?” asked Basil.
“A little assistance and the next phase of our....game,” said Drusilla. The ground shook again. Trees cracked and slammed to the ground. Something huge was coming through the Downs. The children looked over at Drusilla with wide eyes.
“What do we do now?” asked Birdie.
Drusilla smiled and bared her teeth.
“Run.”
- Writer
