Hideaway

By Gregory Pshide

Five children have been brought together to work in a traveling circus and are about to discover that learning how to walk a tightrope hundreds of feet in the air, teaching an elephant to balance on a ball, and sawing a woman in half is the least interesting part of their day. Sydney, Carlos, Augustus, Annie and Nathaniel have three things in common. They are all orphans with no recollection of their family or where they come from; they were each found and brought together by Thelonius Drake, Ringmaster of the traveling Drake Circus, and finally, each has a very special gift.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483548067

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Chapter One

June 1, 1932

The moon shown brightly in the night sky, coaxing hesitant shadows out of the forest to sway along the burlap walls of circus tents dotting the ground. A Northern wind joined the moonlight and the shadows began to dance from one tent to another jumping and twisting before meeting at one small tent at the farthest end. The flap of tent C-101 (known as Hideaway by those who used it) gently fell open, allowing the rhythmic sounds of crickets and the smoky smell of meat that had been cooking over a fire inside. Clouds passed in front of the moon, forcing the shadows to scatter back into the woods, although a few flew into the tent for protection. The children inside were surprised by the intrusion, and a little suspicious, as it was rare for anyone to disturb their inner refuge. This was because Thelonius Drake, Ringmaster and owner of The Drake Traveling Circus, had decreed that the tent was to be used only by the very children who at the moment were playing inside.

From the outside Hideaway looked like any other tent found on the circus grounds. It was tan and well-oiled; stained in some parts, dusty and dirty in others. One large pole in the middle drew the canvas up to the sky, the corners tied by ropes to smaller stakes pounded into the ground to keep the structure from flying away. It certainly looked plain to the casual passer-by. Inside, however, was a different story. At the direction of Drake, artists who traveled with the circus had painted exotic and colorful scenes on the walls with special paints that had been specifically provided. Pictures of dragons and castles, far away lands with mysterious figures, animals that existed only in the imagination, and woods shrouded in darkness and mist swirled around the interior. Walking past it, the tent appeared rather drab and certainly small, but once entered the walls seemed to stretch a great distance and it felt as though it were possible to become lost if you didn’t pay attention to where you were going and where you had been. Overhead was a painted night sky: constellations shimmering, planets shining and shooting stars tracing their way across the burlap surface. This was the children’s domain, where any hurt could be healed, any fear put to rest, and any problem solved (or at least shut out and forgotten for a while).

It was into this realm The Ringmaster stepped, heavy mist trailing him like an obedient puppy. Although a tall man, he did not need to stoop to enter because the entrance seemed to sense his presence and simply widened to accommodate his frame. He smiled as he looked at the disorganized chaos around him. Large pillows in vivid colors were strewn everywhere, short tables with various treasures perched precariously on top were scattered around as well, sitting on shaky legs of one size or another. Chairs that had long been discarded as worthless had found new life within the walls of Hideaway. The laughter and shouts heard just moments before he entered fell silent as the four children inside looked expectantly at the man who was the power behind the circus they called home.

As always, Theloneus Drake was amazed at the amount of energy and commotion four young people could generate. He was also mindful of the latent power he had brought together under one roof. Each child in the tent was one he had personally found and brought into the fold of his circus. Up until that moment he had not doubted himself or the overall purpose of his actions, even though they had been forbidden. He had been chosen as The Protector, and believed that his actions up until that moment had been in furtherance of this post even if he was uncertain others would see it that way. The power he was about to unleash had remained dormant up to this very minute, locked within each unsuspecting child, so it had been easy to push aside doubts and concerns. He wanted to believe that he had debated long and hard as to whether or not he should bring the last piece that would be the key to unleashing unimaginable gifts. Or were they curses? He wanted to believe that he had considered all of the consequences not only to this world but others as well, debating what he should do. In reality he always knew he would be standing in this very spot – preparing to drop what many would see as a lit match on a puddle of gasoline.

The children who looked at him had not led easy lives, which was a rather sad statement given the fact that the oldest was only fifteen. The ember of doubt within Draker was stoked by the fact that he was about to send the children down a path that would certainly be exciting, but also very dangerous. It was a path that could bring power and greatness, but at a price he wasn’t sure was fair to ask, especially from ones so young. He shook his head as if to physically throw off his fears and doubts. It was too late to change course now, the strings were being plucked and there was no longer any way to stop the tune from playing.

Chapter Two

The Ringmaster cleared his throat and gazed at the four children in front of him. As always they were impressed at the man’s ability to make the smallest action seem like a major production, as if life and death hung in the balance. They had no idea how right they were. He looked at each one of them before he spoke, as if by waiting he could hold onto their innocence for just a moment longer. He knew what he had to do though and finally opened his mouth.

My friends, he began (one of the things the kids loved the best about Drake was that he never talked down to them but instead spoke to them as he would to anyone). I have brought one last member to round out your circle.

Annie Devlin, the animal trainer’s apprentice, thought to herself I didn’t realize that we needed any rounding, what were we before, a square? She kept this comment to herself and instead exchanged quizzical looks with the others in the tent.

I present to you Nathaniel Case, who has come to join our family. I am sure you will make him feel as welcome as you felt when you first came to us. With that The Ringmaster stepped aside to reveal a young boy.

The first thought one of the children had was not with regard to the boy at all but rather the overall effect that Drake had in everything that he did. There were no two ways about it, the man simply personified style, and while Augustus Haven was supposed to be learning his craft from the older magician to whom he was apprenticed, he desperately wanted to be just like the Ringmaster. While the young magician was confident that he was well on his way to achieving a certain stylishness of his own he realized that he could always learn something from a master. Turning his attention to the boy, the second impression Augustus had was that the kid in question was a little scrawny and really didn’t look like anything terribly special.

The child under scrutiny was a bit on the short side, with brown hair, fair skin, a few freckles and skinny. In fact, the word average seemed to have been written specifically to describe this particular boy. At the moment he also looked incredibly uncomfortable and seemed to want to be just about anywhere other than in that particular tent. He attempted to pull off a smile, but this made him look and feel even more uncomfortable so he quickly put it away and instead pretended to study a speck on the tent wall.

The Ringmaster was not sure what exactly he expected to happen when he revealed the boy to the others, but he expected something. He believed at the very least there would be an instant connection between the children, but there were only mildly curious stares. He thought maybe further explanation was needed, As you can see, Nat is in training with the clowns.

While everyone focused on the extreme ordinariness of the little clown-in-training they appeared to miss the rather profound effect his presence seemed to be having on Hideaway itself. The moment The Ringmaster revealed Nat to the others the tent began to hum and crackle ever so slightly. Sydney Dyle, the oldest of the group, was the first to notice. While it was true that she was practicing to become one of the fortune tellers, she wasn’t sure if it was just her rather active imagination or if the trees painted on the walls had actually begun to sway back and forth ever so slightly on their own. She also considered the dragon on the opposite wall. She couldn’t recall if she had ever noticed it before but did its eyes actually seem to be glowing? In fact, while the tent had always been a lively place to be in, ever since the boy was introduced it actually seemed to come alive ever so slightly. Sydney shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind. One of the dangers of her position was a tendency to become a bit fanciful - something she was trying to avoid at all costs. But even after telling herself to stop being silly, she was amazed to look into the forest painted on the far wall and see what appeared to be a deer walking through the trees toward a pond she had never noticed before (and she had been with the circus the longest). It certainly seemed as if something out of the ordinary was happening, even if she wasn’t sure exactly what it was.

Chapter Three

Sydney was about to nudge Annie Devlin, the only other girl in their group, and point out what appeared to be a shooting star traveling across the roof of the tent when she realized that everyone was now looking in the opposite direction toward the back of the tent where The Ringmaster had walked.

Who here likes a mystery? Drake asked the five children as they gathered around him. Eagerly, all hands shot up into the air. I thought so, he chuckled, I hold in my hands a gift for each of you. He began. A gift that is probably a bit mysterious, and will likely create a lot of questions, but I’m afraid that I won’t be able to provide you with many answers. You must pursue those on your own. The gift is something for you to keep forever and will help you throughout the rest of your lives.

My entire life? muttered Nat. I’m only 10, I can’t even keep track of my own shoes most of the time!

Shhhhh whispered Sydney. This is important!

The Ringmaster continued quietly I am trusting you not to show these gifts to anyone except for those who are here now. If you do, I will know and there will be consequences.

Oh, for the love of Pete, how will he know? asked Nat to Annie.

Shhhh she whispered back. I want to hear everything he says.

Drake smiled, You are not allowed to ask anyone about the gifts, with the exception of your friends here.

Friends? I don’t even know you guys! exclaimed Nat to Augustus.

Silencio! commanded the young magician (rather pompously Nat thought), I must hear to learn!

The Ringmaster seemed to consider something for a moment and then nodded his head, I will give you one clue but I will only say it once so listen very carefully.

Nat strained forward to hear every word. Unfortunately he strained so hard that he lost his balance and toppled over onto a pile of wooden chairs that had been stacked at the side of the tent. As Nat fell the chairs came crashing down one on top of another until they all lay around or on top of him. The crash drew the attention of the other children away from The Ringmaster and they all looked at Nat in varying degrees of surprise, disgust and amusement. When they turned around to face The Ringmaster again he had disappeared, with no trace that he had ever been in the tent at all.

Thanks a lot! growled Carlos Ferrante, the acrobat of the group, at Nat.

Did anyone hear what the hint was? asked Sydney.

"It was kind of hard to hear anything with him knocking all those chairs down," Carlos pointed out.

O.k., before everyone gets out the tar and feathers, exclaimed Annie, look! and pointed to the ground where the Ringmaster had been standing. Later the children all agreed that the gifts hadn’t been there moments before, but five brightly colored books now lay on the ground. Orphaned at an early age, the kids didn’t have many of their own personal possessions, but instead shared treasures with their extended circus family, so this was an unexpected and special surprise. As everyone raced forward to grab a book, Nat realized he couldn’t get to one because the others had formed a tight circle around the area.

Hey! I want one too! he shouted, but being smaller than everyone else it was difficult to move them aside. When he finally got to where the pile had been there was only one book left. He picked it up and glared. Black, he muttered. Great color for a clown. As he looked up, he noticed the others laughing at him. What? Do I have a bugger on my face?

Nope, grinned Annie. We just noticed your feet!

What about them? Nat asked defensively as he looked down at them. It only took him a moment to realize what was wrong, he had forgotten that he still had his giant red and white polka dot clown shoes on. He wore the shoes for a couple of hours each day in an effort to get used to them. When he had first put the shoes on earlier that day, the toes had become caught in the floorboards and when he stood up he fell right onto the giant tray that the Head Clown, Burt, was using to apply makeup to his own face. The tray went flying into the air and as Nat and Burt tried to scramble out of the way, it came down with a crash right on his mentor’s head. Not a very funny moment, even for a clown, he had thought grimly as he tried to wipe red paint off of Burt’s ears.

Nat snapped back to the problem at hand Ooops! he laughed. I guess I forgot to change ‘em in all of the excitement.

Apparently said Sydney with a bemused look, "I’d hate to think that you wear them all of the time, or that your feet are actually that big. Although you know what they say about clowns with big feet?

Nat wrinkled his brow, What?

They need big socks!

Nat shrugged, I guess.

Sydney sighed, Sorry, I heard one of the dancing girls say that and everyone laughed, I didn’t think it was funny either but thought I’d give it a try.

Augustus shook his head and turned to Nat, So Clown Boy, why don’t you enlighten us as to how your presence came to grace us.

Nat stared blankly back at him huh?

Carlos smiled, he means tell us how you got here he explained. Auggie likes to use twenty-five cent words when five cent ones would be better.

Nat sat down and began to pull his shoes off as he explained, I just got here a couple of days ago. Your circus was in my town for a week and when I saw you guys running around and having so much fun I knew this was the place for me.

What did your parents think about that plan? asked Carlos softly.

Nat set his jaw and mumbled They were fine with it.

Bull pucky said Auggie you ran away from home didn’t you?! Go on, admit it. Suddenly fire flashed in his eyes. What, your parents wouldn’t let you stay up late so you thought you would run away and join the circus?! Thought you’d have a little adventure?!

Nat was stung by the other boy’s sudden anger that seemed to come out of nowhere and began to turn red, No, I. . . .

But Augustus wouldn’t let him continue, You should thank your lucky stars you have parents who care about you!

Nat opened his mouth again to say something but it had gone dry.

Augustus picked up a ball that had been lying near him and threw it at the small boy, Go on, go back home, get out of here!!!

You don’t know anything about me you red butted baboon! shouted Nat, finally finding his voice and suddenly not seeming as small as he did when he first appeared.

Carlos burst out laughing before Sydney shot him a look. The young Acrobat tried to look sheepish, but couldn’t pull it off Well I’m sorry but that was funny!!

The tension broken, Sydney tried to suppress a laugh, which only made it more difficult and was soon laughing out loud as well. Auggie tried to think of a comeback, but couldn’t and so simply started laughing as well.

That was a pretty good one Nat, I have to admit it. Sorry, when it comes to family I get a little sensitive. He fished in his pocket and tossed a piece of metal to the young boy, Coin’s to you.

Nat, who could not let the anger of the moment go as easily as the other four, caught the coin in mid air and looked at it. It was about the size of a half dollar and on one side had the name of the circus and on the other a picture of stars. What the heck does that mean? he demanded, thinking he was once again being attacked or worse, mocked.

Carlos threw himself onto one of the overstuffed pillows in the room, It’s kind of a tradition, whenever one of us overcomes something or ‘one-ups’ someone else in the group they get the coin you’re holding. It’s sort of like ‘you win the prize’ or ‘hero/heroine of the day’ like that. Next time someone else does something neat or impressive you get to ‘coin’ them yourself. I know it sounds corny but it’s just something we do.

Nat now had the makings of a small grin on his face I don’t think that’s corny at all!

Carlos started tossing a ball in the air, So, I think you were about to tell us how you got here.

Nat was about to open his mouth again when Sydney held up her hand and shouted Wait! I bet I can tell all we need to know about him. Give me your hand.

Auggie plunked down next to Carlos and sighed Lord, here we go again.

Before Nat knew what was happening Sydney grabbed his hand and was tightly scrunching her eyes closed. The circus came to your town!, she cried triumphantly.

He already told us that Syd laughed Annie.

Oh, right. She rubbed her hands together, well hold on, I’m just getting started.

Auggie rolled his eyes, We know you are, but why don’t we just let him tell us?

Sydney frowned at him, Shush, how am I supposed to get any better at this if I don’t practice? She peered at Nat’s hand again, cocking her head to one side. Now let’s see, you live not far from here. Nat opened his mouth but Sydney waived her hand at him, no, wait, you actually come from far away. In fact, you are actually being chased by slave traders who want to ransom you back to your family who are rich beyond imagination.

Nat opened his mouth again no, I . . .

Carlos stopped him save your breath my friend, she’s on a roll.

She indeed seemed to be on something because she scrunched up her face even tighter than before, Your family has sent out bodyguards to find you but it’s still not safe because there is a traitor in your household and until they are revealed you won’t be safe, so you are hiding with us until you get the sign that you can go back home! She suddenly dropped Nat’s hand and looked at him expectantly, How did I do?

Nat gave her a weak half smile Well, I did use to live close to here.

Sydney looked crestfallen, Anything else?

Afraid not. But, hey all that other stuff sounded really great. Honest!

Sydney shook her head sadly, I really stink at this

The other three kids jumped up from their pillows and hurried over to her,

Hey it actually sounded like it could have been true, said Carlos encouragingly.

You did much better than the last town when you told that girl she was a frog in a past life and made her cry, said Auggie

Annie smacked him on the back of his head, Nice one, we’re trying to make her feel better remember?

Sydney suddenly laughed, plopped down on one of the pillows and settled in, Oh well, I tried. So, why don’t you tell us yourself Nat?

Chapter Four

Nat shrugged his shoulders, There’s really not much to tell, he said. I don’t have no family that I know of and I’d been living on the streets after I ran away from the last place I was in. I sort of made my way from town to town and ended up here. I saw the circus and just felt like I had to be here. I found the Ringmaster and told him that I wanted to join the circus and I didn’t have no other place to go. It was weird but he didn’t seem all that surprised to see me, he just nodded his head and said ‘So it begins.’ Or something like that. That was on Monday.

You’ve been around here for two days and I’ve never seen you? asked Annie. How is that possible?

They’ve been running me ragged that’s why, sighed Nat. I told them I wanted to learn to tame tigers but the Ringmaster just looked at me and said, ‘You’ll be a clown.’ When I started to argue with him, he raised his finger, pointed it at me and repeated, ‘You’ll be a clown’.

That’s what happened to all of us, shared Carlos. I wanted to train animals too, but he just raised that finger, pointed it at me and suddenly I felt like I couldn’t even talk.

Nat nodded his head, I’ve spent the last two days learning where everything is and getting a few lessons in being funny from Burt, and I’m here to tell you, none of it is funny. The wigs and make-up make you itch everywhere (and I mean everywhere), the nose makes it hard to breathe and the shoes, well, look at them. They’re big, clumsy and ridiculous. I feel stupid.

Well, you look stupi... began Auggie but stopped as Sydney dug her elbow into his ribs.

I finally catch up with you guys, which is pretty difficult to do in this getup, the Ringmaster comes in, I fall on these chairs because of the stupid shoes and ruin everyone’s chance at hearing the clue. . .

Yup. You sure did tha... started August again before Annie smacked him with her book.

Would you people knock that off?! cried Auggie

Sure, as soon as you stop putting your foot in your mouth, grinned Carlos.

Nat looked at all of them, "Well that’s about it. So you know everything about me, but I don’t know anything about you

Let’s begin again then, smiled Sydney. My name is Sydney Dyle and I am training to be a ‘teller of the future’. With varying degrees of success as you have seen. she added. But while I may not have gotten much right regarding the town you are from. . . She closed her violet eyes, swept her blond hair to the side and held her thin hand to her forehand before pointing at the young clown. I see that you are originally from the South!

Nat’s eyebrows shot up and he nodded, impressed. Wow, that’s pretty good! You’re getting better already!

Sydney laughed and plumped one of the pillows she had been holding, Not really. I can tell from your accent.

Carlos smiled, "Yes, but the important thing is you made him think you were able to feel the answer. I’m thinking that shows real progress!!!"

Annie cleared her throat and held out her hand shyly. She typically tried to melt into the background which was difficult with her dark red hair made even more pronounced against her fair skin and blue eyes. Hi, I’m Annie Devlin. I’m the one the Ringmaster decided was going to try to be an animal trainer, and if it makes you feel any better about being a clown, I shovel poop out of their stalls for most of the day, so the glamour has been lost on me so far!

Hmmm. Thanks, that actually does make me feel a little better Nat said with a smile.

Don’t forget me! shouted Carlos.

As if we could do that, grumbled Auggie.

Right, so my name is Carlos Ferrante and I’m training to be an acrobat. Watch this! The dusky skinned young man turned, started running and did three flips before landing not so gracefully on his rear end. He brushed dark hair out of his eyes and started to laugh.

He’s still working on his landings, offered Annie. He’s getting better though, believe it or not. He used to land on his head.

Auggie couldn’t hold himself in any longer. He threw his pudgy arms wide open dramatically, Voila! You must not forget me! I am the incredible, masterful, ever magical, Magician. My powers reach far beyond the here and now and the normal pull-the-rabbit-out-of-your-hat trick. I can reach deep into the mystical world casting amazing and powerful spells AND do deeply imaginative tricks that you will never ever, ever, ever, be able to figure out. I am AMAZING!

Mr. Amazing, will you tell him your name please?

The amazing, the incredible, the masterful...

Enough Auggie! Sydney, Carlos and Annie shouted at the same time.

Augustus Haven is my name and magic is my game.

He’s pretty impressed with himself, isn’t he? asked Nat.

You have no idea, murmured Carlos under his breath.

Nat laughed and looked around the tent. "Ok, so I heard some of the other circus folks talking about this place. Why do you guys call it ‘Hideaway?’.

Annie shrugged and replied quietly, It’s the place where forgotten, lost, and damaged goods are kept safe and prevented from simply being thrown away. She motioned to the assorted chairs with shortened legs, tables which seemed to lean precariously, mismatched pillows and other odds-and-ends, we hide them away because they can still be useful even if they don’t fit in and have been forgotten by everyone else.

The mood shifted for a moment as everyone considered the fact that this description fit more than just the furniture in the tent.

Hey, now that the introductions are over, let’s look at those books, interjected Sydney, trying to break the somber moment.

They each opened their books and gazed in amazement at what they saw inside.

Chapter Five

As each child opened the flap of their new books, they saw that inside the covers their correct names had been stenciled in gold: Nathaniel Case, Carlos Ferrante, Sydney Dyle, Augustus Haven and Annie Devlin. Was it just by chance they had each grabbed the correct book, or were there other forces at work?

Mine has a sentence in it! shouted Auggie.

Mine too!

Yup.

All five books had a sentence written on the very first page, each one different from the next. As they all started reading theirs aloud, Sydney help up her hands in protest.

Stop everyone! We’ll never be able to hear if we all talk at once!

Grumbling, the others realized she was right (again) and they each plopped down onto pillows of various colors.

Alright, Sydney commanded. You go first Auggie.

Ladies, gentlemen, and little clowns with big shoes, he began.

Auggie, just read the stupid sentence, Carlos said.

Fine, fine. No sense of mystery or intrigue around here, the young magician complained.

Get on with it! pleaded Nat.

Keep your shoes on kid! And I quote, ‘Conquer this and it won’t be the only thing to disappear.’

Hmmm. Interesting, said Sydney.

Auggie cocked his head, What do you think it means oh wise one?

Ummmm. Yes, well...absolutely no idea comes to me whatsoever, it’s just interesting, said the young Fortune Teller. Let’s move on, she added.

Carlos was next to Auggie and read outloud, Faith in this will break the fall.

I got it! shouted Nat.

They all looked at him with anticipation on their faces.

A net, he said proudly. When they all kept staring at him, he looked puzzled and said, What? Don’t you get it? Faith in this will break the fall...a NET.

Maybe, but how is that supposed to help Carlos for the rest of his life? He can’t very well walk around with a net all the time. said Annie doubtfully. Next please. She looked around expectantly. Oops, that’s me! She licked her lips anticipating the clue. The tongue of this beast must be silenced before you can be heard.

Maybe to figure that out, you’ll need one of your pretty kitties to give you a big smackeroo, said Auggie.

Highly unlikely, although they are darn cute! said the young Animal trainer.

Sydney smiled and turned, Nathaniel, it’s your turn.

Nat read what the book said to himself first and then shook his head, "Mine doesn’t make any sense. It says ‘Only you can hear it, yet everyone else can hear it as well.’

Wow, that’s as messed up as your shoes said Augustus.

ha, ha, retorted Nat.

Sydney rolled her eyes, Alright, it’s my turn. She paused dramatically and looked around.

Oh my Lord spit it out, laughed Auggie.

Behind closed doors, you may be able to see; but first you must locate this key.

Auggie sighed and looked at his fingernails, Well that’s easy, the door probably has glass in it and probably doesn’t have curtains so you can see outside.

Sydney shook her head "Wow, for someone ‘shrouded in mystery’, you certainly have a way of stripping all the fun away from something. Plus that doesn’t make any sense at all. Does