Bound by Blood & Fate (a novel)

Chapter Three

Adventure Awaits

The next day Kate was bleary eyed and yawned incessantly while reading one of her favorite novels. She fingered the crisp pages of the novel while trying to clear her head of the alchemical book and her unnerving dream from the night before. Whenever Kate was troubled she took solace by losing herself in her favorite novels. Books were her darlings. They allowed her to be anyone she wanted. To experience any adventure, solve any crime, save any and every damsel waiting to be rescued. She was a pirate king sailing the high seas, a great detective solving crimes using the power of deduction, and she was a warrior fighting endless battles for honor and glory. She was all of these things without ever leaving her room and they allowed her, even if only temporarily, to escape from her troubling thoughts.

She sighed when she looked up from her book and realized that she was going to be late for dinner again. Kate’s Uncle, Lord Joseph Blackwell though Kate referred to him simply as Uncle, never minded when she arrived late to the dinner table with a book tucked under her arm. He would wait for her to sit before he began to dine, and he found it amusing how lost she could become in those lines of texts within her various stories. He often brought her home first editions when traveling because it was the only thing that ever seemed to truly please her. Jewels, dresses, and baubles were not the type of gifts that suited his young niece.

As Kate rushed into the dining room, breathless with a slightly embarrassed expression, as she always did, remarking how time got away from her yet again, he thought of how much she looked like her mother, his beloved younger sister, Eleanor. He marveled at how similar Kate and Eleanor were. Kate was a spitting image of her mother. They had the same dark curls, the same fair skin, and they both could lose themselves in the pages of a good book, completely forgetting the outside world existed.

Kate had only been a few years old when she came into her Uncle's care. He was a young bachelor at the time. A young child was not something he had foreseen for his future though Kate had been his greatest blessing. Having no children of his own he raised her as his own daughter. Lord Blackwell was an explorer consumed with an insatiable desire for knowledge. He traveled the world, fascinated by other cultures, always looking for the next exciting adventure. He was an adventurer to the very core, seeking things that longed to be found. Still, no matter how long he was away, he always remembered to bring his niece, his little star, back presents from the various countries he spent time visiting. He would never forget the awestruck look on her sweet little face when he brought her home a leather-bound book with gilded edges, its crisp pages full of hot air balloons and mystical creatures. Her eyes practically danced with merriment when she traced her little finger over the intricate details carved into the leather cover. He thought of how strange she was as a child. Sometimes she would keep to herself and lock herself away in her tower to read and other times she would pester the servants with never ending questions. Always the curious one blessed with a vivid imagination which he witnessed firsthand from the many times he would pass by her little library. She would be wearing a makeshift pirate's hat while reading in her fort built out of chairs and linens. Other times she would sneak into his study and play with maps she found proclaiming proudly that she was searching for Atlantis when he would ask what she was up to.

He chuckled to himself at that memory.

When she turned seventeen, he half expected her to want to have a grand party such as any girl turning such an important age would. Instead, she simply asked for a room to herself that she could turn into her library. She argued that her room could no longer hold her enormous collection of books without Beatrice taking a tumble here and there. Her vivid curses could be heard throughout the manor when those instances occurred.

"Uncle, are you feeling alright? You look as if you have a lot on your mind?"

The sound of Kate’s voice stirred Lord Blackwell from his memories. She was staring at him with a puzzled expression, a slight tilt to her head. He sometimes forgot how perceptive she was. Her keen mind and sharp eye was far more deadly than any weapon she might wield. He noticed that her eyebrows were knitted together which she only did when she worried.

"I am fine, my girl, you mustn't worry about your old Uncle, or else you will age yourself far above your years even if you are an old soul at heart," he teased, chuckling.

Kate studied his aging face, once extremely handsome, now aged from many days abroad. His once raven-black hair now peppered with white which matched his rather impressive mustache. His eyes, although a dark color, still held a youthfulness and boyish charm.

She smiled tenderly at him, rolling her eyes at his teasing. He was her closest family left after her parents died, and the thought of losing him too was simply too much to bear.

"Have you given any more thought on what you will do with your free time now that you have completed your studies?" he asked.

Kate had been attending lectures at Oxford, even though women were not permitted to receive diplomas like the male students she still studied with vigor reveling over rare and ancient books only found in the Bodleian library. She studied history and literature but she was surprised as were the professors when she took a keen interest in learning the history of alchemy. Alchemy and its philosophy interested her because it danced a fine line between the forbidden practice of magic and the practice of modern science. She had even published a few papers under a false name, Alec W. Bell, on the similarities of alchemy philosopher’s stone and religion’s take on rebirth and reincarnation. Kate had always been clever and her success while attending University made her popular with her professors but an outcast with her schoolmates. Being told that a woman did not belong at Oxford by her male peers only made her work that much harder.

Kate shrugged slightly. Picking up her soup spoon, Kate began swirling it in the chowder that sat before her in a white porcelain dish. "No, not really...I suppose I should do some traveling, you know. I have thought about spending some time in London. Maybe I will get into publishing or continuing writing,” she said, giving her Uncle a small smile.

She knew he would support whatever decision she made, but she also knew that Uncle would want her to at least go out into the real world and experience an adventure or two instead of borrowing one from Jules Verne or Sir Conan Doyle.

"Tell me, my dear, what are you reading today?" Uncle asked between bites of his dinner.

"Well," she said, "I am reading a story on Atlantis. You know that Atlantis is one of my favorite stories! I have always thought that a modern and technologically advanced city vanishing from the face of the Earth was a rather splendid story."

"What makes you think that it is just a story?" Uncle asked, raising an eyebrow teasingly at her.

Laughing at his ridiculous statement Kate exclaimed, "Uncle! Of course, it is just a story! Wouldn't the entire world know about Atlantis if it did exist?" Really the idea was utterly absurd. Yet the possibility gave Kate great pleasure. A city so mysterious and with so many secrets is one Kate wished she could visit in real life and not just in stories. She often thought the myth of Atlantis was similar to the great and mysterious philosopher’s stone. They were both considered as myths but there had been mentions of the two dating back thousands of years.

"Possibly, my dear, but maybe it has been waiting for someone to discover it," he said with a wink.

Kate laughed at her Uncle, whose eyes lit up with the mention of Atlantis. She had developed an interest in the mysterious lost city when she was playing in his study years ago, and she came across an old book with tattered pages. The text spoke of an ancient civilization, thousands of years ahead of its time, had mysteriously disappeared from existence and it captured Kate’s attention only nursing her endless curiosity.

"Well, my dear, I am glad you still love the story of Atlantis as much as I do," he smiled warmly at her. After a few moments Lord Blackwell cleared his throat. “Listen, Katherine, I have a proposition for you.” He only called her Katherine when he was trying to be serious with her. Curiosity piqued, she set her soup spoon down so she could give him her undivided attention. Lord Blackwell continued, "I will be making another expedition to Egypt in a month or so, and I would like for you to go with me. We will be at the excavation site for several weeks, but I believe you would truly enjoy yourself and I could really use the help. You know just as much about ancient Egyptian history, if not more, than some of the experts I employ."

Lord Blackwell waited patiently for her answer. Kate wondered why she had a sudden pang of fear run through her. She knew that she always avoided her Uncle's expeditions even though it would delight her Uncle immensely if she tagged along, yet something still held her back. Her Uncle told Kate that her parents had died while traveling when she was just a small child. Stolen from her when they were off having an adventure. Now adventures and danger seemed to be the same thing in Kate’s eyes. Kate noticed how much older her Uncle looked, especially now that she was aging into a young adult woman. She was nearly 20 years old now and knew that her Uncle wanted her to go on an expedition with him before he was too old to make the journey overseas again. “Alright,” Kate said quickly before she could change her mind, “I will accompany you on your next trip to Egypt. Let us see the mummies and pyramids together and who knows perhaps I will even get a little sun!" Kate thought her Uncle's eyes would bulge out of his head from her sudden proclamation.

"Why, my dear, that makes an old man extremely pleased! You will have a splendid time, and you will learn so much of the real world, and you will see how many adventures you can have on your own without books!" Uncle said delightedly.

Chuckling, Kate said, "Oh, Uncle, you know I will still bring along a few books for the journey."

"Of course, Kate dear, but you won't want to sink our ship from the weight of all those books you plan to bring so maybe bring a few favorites, and if you can promise to do so then I promise you can spend some time in London pursuing whatever you please." Uncle beamed at her before taking a sip of his wine. Kate’s face broke out into a radiant smile as she got up from her seat and went to kiss her Uncle on the cheek.

At the same time in London, moans filled a dark room, lit only by candlelight. The two intertwined figures moved together on the stone altar while robed figures watched, their chants in perfect rhythm. The chanting grew louder as the moans reached their crescendo, figures swaying with the arms outstretched. The room fell silent and a robed figure stepped forward handing the two naked figures a goblet. They drank and bowed to the robed figure.

“Soon brothers and sisters we will have the book,” the robed figure addressed the room. “When that time comes we will finally complete the elixir, the philosopher’s stone.” Voices murmured their approval and the robed figure smiled. “Soon,” he said to himself.

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Chapter Four

The Fear of Fate

Kate sat in her window seat overlooking the grounds. The sun was shining and she had opened her window to let fresh air in. Whenever Kate was bored she would sit at her window and watch the staff work. She was unusually perceptive of people and Kate could learn so much from simply sitting and watching. Sometimes she would make a game out of it like she did when she was in London. She would usually find a quiet bookstore or café where she could sit near a window and watch the people around her. Kate would try to imagine what their lives must be like and who they were. Making up stories about people that caught her attention. Giving strangers adventures of a lifetime. Giving them riches and glory. Though if Kate saw someone who she thought looked arrogant and pompous she delighted in making them the villain in her story. Defeated by a young heroine.

She stirred from her thoughts when she heard firm footsteps ascending the stairs to her room. She chose the highest chamber in one of the towers that overlooked the hilltops where she felt exactly like a princess residing in her tower ready to throw down a rope when her knight came to rescue her from loneliness. However, to Beatrice it was a daily nuisance having to climb so many steps. Kate’s Uncle spent a good deal of time traveling abroad which left Kate solely to Beatrice's care when he was away. Uncle did not like to keep a large staff due to his erratic schedule and lifestyle. Beatrice not only took care of Kate but managed Blackwell manor and the entirety of it’s staff. This led to Kate learning to entertain herself at a young age. Kate quickly grew accustomed to being on her own and instead preferred it.

Beatrice came bustling in with Kate's breakfast that consisted of oatmeal, two poached eggs, and coffee. Beatrice always scolded her for drinking too much coffee instead of the tea she took great pains over brewing, but Kate could never entirely acquire the taste for tea. "Mornin’, Miss Katherine. Tis a lovely day today, won't you take a break from your packing and take a stroll through the gardens?" greeted Beatrice while setting the breakfast tray down on a table near the window. Promptly busying herself picking up discarded items Kate had carelessly thrown to the floor and picking up books half read off the bed.

Kate smiled as she watched the woman who was muttering to herself as she tidied up the room. Beatrice was an older woman now in her late 50s with broad shoulders and stout stature. She would put her hands on her hips and scold Kate whenever she found Kate reading by candlelight when she should have been sleeping. Scoffing whenever Kate dressed up as a pirate instead of a princess. Secretly Kate’s rebelliousness as a girl often caused a great deal of laughter from Beatrice. Actually, everyone in the Blackwell household would smile as the peculiar young girl would make ships out of stacks of books and yell, “walk the plank ya filthy traitor!” Making the poor house cat become the filthy traitor. The grumpy kitty began to hide whenever the girl came into the room and disturbed its peaceful afternoon nap. Kate sighed, she knew if she didn't comply, that Beatrice would eventually concoct some scheme to get her outside, which was never pleasant, so she might as well give in. "Good Morning, Beatrice. I was thinking about taking a stroll down to my favorite tree and taking a book with me. I have some reading I need to do if I plan on helping Uncle during his excavation," Kate responded beaming at her second favorite person in the world. Beatrice smiled her wide toothy grin. She was not hard to please, Kate noted.

"I am glad to hear that Miss Katherine, now eat your breakfast and be a good girl and wear a hat. Don't want to get burned before you even make it to Egypt. I hear it is quite hot and sunny there," she said, cackling at her own little joke.

Kate smiled after Beatrice, who was already making her way down the stairs arms full of Kate’s discarded clothes and books. Kate really needed to stop being so careless. She sat down to eat her oatmeal and sipped her coffee. She could hear birds chirping outside and knew it would be lovely out. It was mid-spring, and the weather was wet and cold this season, so they had to take advantage of the few dry days that came about.

After breakfast, Kate made her way down to her Uncle's study. She knew he would be in there, preparing for their journey. "Uncle, are you in here?" Kate asked, surprised when she heard rustling but saw no Uncle.

"I am down here, dearest Kate!" came her Uncle’s voice, loud and cheerful as it always was.

Kate shifted her gaze to her Uncle's desk and saw his salt and peppered hair poking up as if he had repeatedly been running his hands through his hair. This was common when Uncle was preparing for one of his travels abroad — always checking maps, taking notes, and arranging the transportation of himself and his excavation team. Even though he had assistants and team members to do this for him he still couldn’t help himself with checking everything at least once. Lord Blackwell sat cross-legged behind his desk with his back leaning against his mahogany bookshelf. He had some old parchment laid out in front of him while holding a magnifying glass. Kate thought he looked like a little boy with a treasure map and roared with laughter at the sight of him.

"Uncle, what on Earth are you doing?" She giggled down at him.

"My dear girl! I am discovering the deepest secrets of our world, and I will not rest until I uncover every last one! I am also checking our expected inventory for our trip one final time," he said, winking at Kate.

Kate stifled a giggle. "Uncle, you silly thing! I wanted to let you know that I was taking a walk down to our favorite tree and wanted to see if you wanted to accompany me in soaking up some sunshine?"

Kate and her Uncle walked arm in arm through one of the gardens where buds were starting to bloom, the morning dew still evident on the tiny flowers. The air smelling of Spring. Reminding Kate of a long ago memory but unable to recall clearly. A peacock crossed their path ruffling its feathers as it strutted. Their home, Blackwell Manor, was a beautiful estate that sits on top of a hill with a little valley behind it. The grand house had been in Kate's family for generations, and she thought the old home was full of quirky charm. Her great-grandfather had built it. Lord Blackwell had eccentric taste and he was always adding or changing aspects of their home. The manor couldn’t decide if it was a Victorian manor or a downright medieval castle. Stone towers, one used for astrological purposes and one used as a bed chamber. A greenhouse, full of exotic and poisonous plants and flowers, ran along one side of the house and connected to a conservatory. Multiple studies and sitting rooms. A room featuring a massive round table that could easily fit twenty men because if King Arthur had one then so did the Blackwell's. Exotic animals could be found wandering the grounds. Peacocks, alpacas and even a few monkeys were daily views.

Kate smiled when she heard her Uncle whistling to himself and admired how young he seemed. “You know, Uncle, you make me feel like such an old maid while you appear as youthful as ever,” Kate teased.

Lord Blackwell chuckled. "My dear, you are too beautiful to be considered an old maid, but you do seem to worry more than a girl of your age should. You have the whole world at your fingertips, and you could do anything you put your mind to, you know. The world is changing, and women have more choices than they ever have. I do hope you take more chances, create an adventure for yourself, visit friends, fall in love, and see the beauty in this grand world of ours.” Kate reflected on his words for a few moments before her Uncle said, "tell me what's on your mind, dear?"

Kate sighed. "You know, Uncle, I don’t really know what is troubling me. I am finally finished with my studies, and I will accompany you to Egypt, but I feel as if I have a story of my own that has yet to be written. Does that make sense?”

Her Uncle smiled. A smile that showed he did understand. Understood a great many things experienced throughout the years. Unable to ease her mind with a few simple words but he tried anyway, he said softly, "Dearest, your story will unfold in ways you could never dream of as long as you open yourself up to it. I have faith that you will find your way, and if you can't, then you shall create your own path."

“My own path,” Kate marveled at the three simple little words. The thought had never occurred to her. She always imagined a path as already being written like doors that already existed; you could choose only one. The idea of a path being unknown seemed both frightening and exhilarating. Where would that path lead her? Could she find her way back if she got lost? "Thank you, Uncle. You always know how to cheer me up," she grinned up at him.

He beamed at her and announced that before they depart to Egypt, they would be stopping in London for a few weeks so he could tie up some loose ends with some business affairs. Kate was ecstatic. She loved the city of London because it was always so lively and the streets were bustling with people of all ages. They lived about an hour's carriage ride from London, and although they lived close, Kate seldom made the journey into the city unless she needed new dresses. Those trips usually consisted of Beatrice pestering her to look more ladylike with the latest fashions. She never had much leisure time while in the city. With Uncle attending to his business affairs then Kate would have ample free time to explore. She also needed to pick up suitable clothes and shoes for trekking through the hot climate and dry sands of Egypt. Most important of all she could find bookshops. A girl needs her books.

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Copyright, Jessica Burns Piraino, 2021