Chapter 31 escorted

Cairo, November 1890 Everyone more or less allowed the Murray twins to live in what is often called the backstage (a space as large as a sprawling mansion, scattered in countless deep corners and hidden passages, where the members of the circus performed outside of the performance period). living), but if they wanted to wander inside the circus during show hours, they had to be accompanied by an escort.They often protested loudly against the rule, but their father insisted that they be obeyed until they were at least eight years old. Wage often pressed whether it would count if the combined age of the two men was eight years, because then they would already be eligible by now.

Everyone reminded them repeatedly that they were the only children in this big family that escaped tradition, so the schedule of evening activities must be arranged in advance. For the time being, everyone will take turns serving as their companions, and the responsibility of supervising the twins tonight falls to the illusionist.Although she was not often assigned this duty, the twins liked her very much.Tonight, she has enough time between performances to escort them for a while. Celia was recognized without her top hat and black-and-white gown, not even by those who had seen her perform earlier that night.If people passing by notice her, they are just curious about her dark hair, while the child next to her has red hair.Otherwise, she was just a young girl in a blue coat, wandering around the circus like the other guests.

They started in the ice garden, Celia's preference for strolling among the frozen trees at a leisurely pace, but the twins grew impatient.Only halfway through the space, they begged to go to the carousel. They originally competed to ride the griffin, but when Celia told them the story of the nine-tailed fox in the back, which made it more attractive, Weiji's attitude softened.As soon as they got off the horses they had just ridden, they immediately asked to ride again.For the rest of the trip, they rode boa constrictors and rabbits without complaint, through loops of silver clockwork and tunnels.

After riding the carousel, Wage wanted something to eat, so the three of them headed for the atrium.Celia bought him popcorn in black and white striped paper bags, and he insisted on adding caramel instead of giving in to the original taste. To satisfy him, the vendor dipped skewered apples into the gooey dark caramel and sprinkled the tops of the popcorn, and several nearby customers asked to do the same. Poppy said he wasn't hungry.She looked distraught, and Celia asked if anything was bothering her as they took the quieter corridor away from the atrium. I don't want that nice lady dead.said Poppy, tugging at Celia's skirt.

Celia stopped in her tracks and put out her hand to block Weggie, who was oblivious to anything other than popcorn, and kept walking past her. What do you mean dear?she asked Poppy. They're going to put her in the ground, Poppy explained: I think that's sad. What a nice lady?Celia asked. Poppy frowned as he thought about it. I don't know, she said: they all look the same. Poppy sweetheart, Celia said, pulling the twins into the pavilion and bending over to talk to her face to face, where is this lady from the ground?I mean, where did you see her? in the stars.Poppy said, pointing up to the sky, and standing on tiptoe.

Celia looked up at the starry sky and watched the moon disappear into the clouds before turning her attention back to Poppy Do you often see things in the stars?she asked. Only once in a while, said Poppy: Weggy sees things in everybody. Celia turned to Wedgie, who was gorging on caramel-stained popcorn and getting his hands dirty. Do you see things in people?she asked him. It's time to twist (sometimes).He muttered with his mouth full. what kind of thing?Celia asked. Weggie shrugged. Where they've been, he said: what they've done. He stuffed another handful of sticky popcorn into his mouth.

interesting.Celia said.The twins had told her strange things before, but this time they seemed to be talking about more than childish fantasies.can you see anything in meshe asked Wage. Weggy squinted at her as he chewed his popcorn. A room that smells of powder and old clothes, he said: a lady who is always crying.The ghost man who follows you, wearing a frilled shirt, and Wage stopped abruptly, frowning. Driven away by you, he said: There is nothing to read, how did you do it? There are some things you shouldn't be looking at.Celia said. Weggy pushed his lower lip out into an eye-catching pout, only to hold on for a moment before grabbing a fistful of popcorn and stuffing it into his mouth.

Celia looked away from the twins and looked back into the atrium, where the light from the campfire shone brightly around the edge of the tent, casting dancing shadows on the patrons across the striped tent fabric. The campfire never goes out, the flames never die down. Even when the circus moved, it never went out, and it moved around intact.Smoldering throughout every train journey, it is safely stored in a large iron pot. The burning has continued steadily since the lavish lighting ceremony on opening night. Celia has always been very sure that at the same moment when the fire was lit, something started to start, which fully impacted the circus and everyone in the troupe.

Including newborn twins. Wedge was born just before midnight, just when the old days were dying.A few moments later, Poppy fell to the ground, just as the new day was just getting started. Poppy, Celia said, turning her attention back to the little girl playing with the cuff of her jacket, if you see something in the stars that might be important, I want you to come and tell me, understand? Bobby nodded solemnly, his red hair rising and falling like a cloud.She leaned forward to ask Celia a question, her eyes solemn and solemn. Can I have a caramel apple?she asked. My popcorn is gone.Wage grumbled, handing out the empty bag.

Celia took the bag from him, folding it into smaller and smaller cubes, and the twins stared until it disappeared without a trace.As they applauded, Weggie's hands were no longer stained with caramel, though he didn't notice. Celia stared at the twins for a moment, Wicky tried desperately to figure out where the bag was, and Poppy threw his gaze skyward thoughtfully. This is not a good idea.She knew it was a bad idea, but given the objective circumstances and the fact that they both clearly had special gifts, it might be better to keep them around as much as possible and guard them carefully.

Do you two want to learn something like that?Celia asked them. Wage nodded immediately, so eagerly that his hat slid forward over his eyes.Bobby hesitated a little, but nodded accordingly.Then, when you are a little older, I will start to teach you, but it is a secret between us, Celia said: Can you two keep the secret? The twins nodded in unison, and Wage had to straighten his hat again. They happily followed Celia back to the courtyard.