39
Thursday, April 26, 1792 – 7:36 p.m.
Fairhurst Castle, England
Spike was panic-stricken.
“What’s going on Ailsa? What did you find?” Spike’s voice indicated fear and excitement, terror and exhilaration. He had no idea what Ailsa had found, but she sounded thrilled. Spike was standing behind Ailsa who was blocking his view. She was standing in the doorway looking into the expanse beyond.
“Ailsa, what is it?” Spike said in desperation.
“Huh?”
“I said, what is it? What do you see?”
Dumbfounded, Ailsa just stepped inside and allowed Spike to enter.
“Whoa! This is great! Where are we?”
Ailsa looked around the entire room and then back at Spike. “You’re standing in my bedroom.”
“What!”
“Yes. This is my bedroom! I never knew there was a hidden stairway that encircled the inner stairway that descends to the castle below.”
Looking back at the door through which they’d come, Spike noticed that a large bureau had been sitting in front of the hidden door. That’s why it had been so hard to push open. Fragments of stone and dust were scattered on the floor and bureau where they’d come loose from the wall when the door was opened. A cool, musty breeze filled Ailsa’s room as air from the hidden stairway wafted in. Looking around the room, Spike was awe-struck by the view and the size of Ailsa’s home. Looking out one window Spike was able to get an overall view of the castle and the bailey below. Looking out the other window, Spike was able to see far into the distance where the lighthouse stood. Somewhere in between and under several feet of dirt lay the lab where Slick had perfected his vile cocktail.
Spike turned on the video recorder that was hanging from his neck. Looking through the viewfinder, Spike noted that he had several hours of recording time left. Starting in Ailsa’s room, he began to record. Narrating as he went, Spike recorded the view from both windows as well as describing their escape and the hidden stairway through which they’d just come. Ailsa stayed to the side watching. Although intrigued by this machine, she was nevertheless still wary of its’ potential. Since she didn’t understand how it worked, she wasn’t sure if being photographed by it would do something to her or not. To be safe, she avoided most of Spike’s shots.
“So, are you going to show me around?” Spike asked as he shut off the recorder.
“Well, I guess I could. People are definitely going to wonder where you came from though. How am I supposed to explain that?”
“Just tell them I was wandering on your property as a traveler and you got to talking with me and decided to show me around.”
“And how am I supposed explain your appearance?”
“I don’t know. Just tell them I come from somewhere far away and our style of dress and grooming is different.”
“I don’t know if they’ll buy that.”
“Well, come on Ailsa. I’m probably stuck here. I’m going to have to live here, somewhere. You may as well introduce me to your household and neighbors now instead of later. Besides, I’m starving, aren’t you?”
“Now that you mention it, yes, I am.”
“If you wouldn’t mind, may I get something to eat here in your home? I don’t know anything about the area. I can work for it or do something in exchange.”
“Of course. I’m not that inhospitable. I’d love to have you eat with us. And, for that matter, you can stay here too.”
“Well, I don’t know. I feel like I’m imposing.”
“Nonsense. You have nowhere to go. My house has plenty of empty rooms. I’ll have some of my staff fix one up for you.”
“You’re very kind Ailsa. I do want to do something in exchange though. I don’t want to be a freeloader.”
“I don’t mind. I’ve got plenty.”
“No, I mean it. I need to do something to feel like I’m contributing my share.”
“Well, I suppose I can find something for you to do.” Ailsa paused. “What did you say you did in your time?”
“I was a nurse. I worked in a hospital.”
“So you cured people and such?”
“Well, kind of. I wasn’t a doctor, but I did much of what doctors do. I’m sure I know some things that your people haven’t learned yet. I could share some of those with them.”
“That might just work. I don’t have a doctor or medical person in my household. It might be nice to have the convenience of having you around.”
“I’d love to help out wherever I could.”
Ailsa smiled at Spike and gave him a big hug. “I thought for sure we were dead. If it hadn’t been for you tripping, who knows what would have happened.”
Spike said nothing. He smiled back at Ailsa and then looked out the window again. The sun was setting. Beautiful colors of red and yellow, orange, blue and violet filled the clear night sky. Here and there on the walls of the castle as well as at various points along the walkway between the towers large torches burned illuminating the ever-darkening sky. The commotion of a group of people coming from the direction of the lighthouse caught Spike and Ailsa’s attention. Tiny balls of light bobbed along the trail as the group made its’ way back toward the drawbridge.
“They’re probably looking for me,” Ailsa said. “Come on. Let’s meet them at the gate.”
Ailsa bounded out the door and down the long flight of steps toward the bailey below. Spike followed donning his flashlight to see better. Upon emerging from the bottom of the stairs, Spike was greeted by a hallway. Ahead of him, Ailsa was running toward the next room. Spike followed her into the great hall at which point they exited into the courtyard through a side door. Crossing the bailey, they arrived at the gate that was currently open. Coming toward them from the other side of the drawbridge were several people carrying torches high overhead.
“I’m okay!” Ailsa yelled to the group. “I’m okay!”
“Ailsa?” a loud voice cried out. “Is that you?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
A few seconds later, the group of people crossed the drawbridge. Upon seeing Spike, they stopped dead in their tracks.
“Who’s that?” they yelled with incriminating voices while pointing at Spike.
“It’s okay. He’s a friend. Really. His name is Spike Michels. Come on in and I’ll introduce you.”
Warily, the group crossed the drawbridge. Once safely inside, the large gate was raised into place. The group crossed the bailey following Ailsa and keeping a close eye on Spike. They entered the great hall that was brightly lit by torches and a roaring fire.
“Please, everyone. Have a seat. Have you eaten yet?”
Several murmurs from the group indicated they had not. Ailsa quickly found the kitchen help and explained what was needed. A few minutes later, she returned.
“Okay. Where should I start?”
“How about telling us about this Spike?” Cuthbert said in his usual laid-back manner.
“Okay. I will.” Ailsa began to explain how she’d been out by the lighthouse when Spike had come by on his sojourn. Ailsa wasn’t one to lie or make up stories, but in this case, she felt it would be best. Not only would the group before her not understand the real situation, they might even think of her as a lunatic. If that were the case, who knows what they would do. She didn’t want to find out.
“I went out and took a walk to look at the drain in the lighthouse. After examining it carefully, and pushing it back in place, I went outside to enjoy the morning sun. It was close to noon. About that time, I saw Spike wandering across the field from the direction of town. I didn’t know who he was of course, so I stepped back around the edge of the lighthouse to hide myself. I waited until he got closer and I could get a better look. Although his appearance was strange, I had this feeling that he was okay. There was something about him that said he was safe. Cautiously, I stepped out from my hiding place and confronted him. I think I startled him when I did.”
Spike nodded an affirmation while the group continued to keep a wary eye on him.
“Anyway, I stopped him and asked him who he was and what he was doing. He explained that he was traveling and meant no harm. I talked to him for a while and things got more comfortable between us. As the day progressed, I started showing him around. I showed him the lighthouse and the ocean. We took a walk down to the bottom of the cliff. Then I showed him the pond, and the castle.
“So why didn’t we see any of this?” Cuthbert asked, his words leaving his mouth as if impeded by thick cotton.
“Because, I avoided everyone. I knew you’d all be suspicious, so until I knew more about Spike, I didn’t want to alarm anyone.”
“Why didn’t you show up for dinner then? We were all worried sick and that’s why we all headed out to look for you.”
Ailsa looked at the dark-haired woman who worked for her in the kitchen who’d asked the question. “That’s my fault. I lost track of time and when I realized how late it was, I immediately came looking for anyone to let them know I was okay. I apologize to you all for worrying you.”
“Well, at least you’re safe. That’s what counts,” Cuthbert said. His sincere, easy-going, non-rushed demeanor always seemed to make time stand still. No matter what happened, Cuthbert seemed to live in a time zone of his own. Nothing seemed to worry him. As water runs off a duck’s back, worries and stress seemed to run off Cuthbert. He turned and looked at Spike. “So, tell us about yourself. Where are you from?”
Spike hesitated. Ailsa spoke up. “Oh look. Here comes some dinner. Why don’t we all take a break and eat something. After we’re full, we can get back to the day’s adventures.”
Everyone agreed since they were starving. Gathering around the large wooden table, the group sat down to enjoy a hot meal. Conversation was minimal as everyone concentrated on eating. Eventually, they finished and regrouped in the great hall. Sitting around as the flames from the fireplace left flickering flashes of light and heat glowing on the faces in the room, the group was eager to get back to their conversation with the new visitor.
“So,” Cuthbert said, picking up exactly where he’d left off, “where are you from?”
Spike cleared his throat. “Well, I don’t imagine anyone here has ever heard of where I’m from. It’s far away in another land. It’s called Alaska.”
The murmured sounds of the word “Alaska” filtered through the crowd.
“I’ve lived there most of my life. A couple of years ago, I decided to do some traveling. Today, you found me amidst my travels.”
One of the gardeners spoke up. “So what land is Alaska in?” Spike wasn’t sure how to answer. For one Alaska didn’t exist yet as a state. Secondly, if anyone tried to check out his story, they’d never find it.
Spike asked, “You’ve heard of the United States?”
“Well of course. Who hasn’t,” someone said.
“Well, Alaska is above the United States and farther west. I doubt you’d find it on any map though. It’s just a tiny area. Only a few people live there. I was fortunate enough to inherit a large sum of money that has enabled me to travel. However, I’m now down to the bottom of the barrel so-to-speak. It looks like I’ll be staying around here for a while. I’ll need to get some work to make ends meet. Any suggestions?”
Ailsa said, “You can stay here, at the castle. We have plenty of rooms and there’s always work to do. You work for me, and I’ll provide the room, food and necessities. I’ll even pay you.”
Spike looked around at the group, the flames of the fire flickering in their eyes. He noted several of them mumbling amongst themselves and nodding their heads. Finally, Spike spoke up.
“Okay. Sounds fair. However, so as not to intrude, how does the rest of your family feel about it? After all, I am a stranger.”
“What do you think?”
Several voices emanated from the cluster of people affirming the decision.
“We’ll be watching you.” Cuthbert’s molasses voice and years of wisdom penetrated the eager crowd’s enthusiasm. “You’re new, you’re different, and we don’t know you. So, we’ll be keeping our eyes on you.” Cuthbert’s tone of voice told Spike that he said this with caution not condemnation in his voice. He was just being careful for the sake of Ailsa and her household. Several of the group quickly nodded in agreement with Cuthbert. Spike found it amazing at how fast a group of people could be persuaded to change their minds from thinking one way to thinking another.
“I think that’s a wise decision,” Ailsa said. “No offense,” she said turning to Spike.
“None taken. I understand completely.” Spike smiled at her and the group. A pinpoint of light reflected off his tongue stud and earrings. Everyone looked at him with awe and wonderment as they tried to ascertain what kind of person he really was.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m tired,” Ailsa said. “I think I’m going to go to bed.”
The rest of the group agreed and all rose to their feet. A few came up to Spike and introduced themselves. Others just nodded a goodnight and left.
“Come on Spike. I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping.” Ailsa turned to leave and Spike followed.
“Good-night Ailsa,” Cuthbert said. His voice was almost as comforting as a fluffy pillow.
“Good-night Cuthbert. Thanks for the insight. It is appreciated.”
Cuthbert smiled and left.
“I’m going to give you the bedroom in the northeast tower. It’s opposite mine, but it will be far enough away that people won’t start talking about any improprieties between us.”
“Okay. Whatever you want. It is your home.”
Leaving the hall, Ailsa led Spike down the hallway headed east toward the kitchen. Upon reaching the kitchen, she turned left and then immediately right as they walked another hallway that bypassed the kitchen, pantry and breakfast nook. This back hall led to various other rooms and eventually turned south where it ran along another hallway and connecting rooms. At this corner was a stairway that led upstairs via a spiraling staircase to the northeast tower.
“So, are there any hidden stairs in this tower?” Spike asked light-heartedly.
“Not that I know of. I didn’t know about the one in my room.”
“I suppose there could be a lot of things that are hidden throughout your castle that would be hard to find.”
“I’m sure of it. Over the years, I often find new or interesting areas or objects that I didn’t even know existed. This lab and hidden stairs is just another example.”
“Well, to tell you the truth, I think it’s cool.”
“Is it too cold for you? I can get some more blankets.”
Spike laughed. “No, no. I mean it’s interesting, neat, fascinating. Cool is a word we use to describe those conditions.”
Ailsa gave him a funny look. “I don’t see how that describes interesting.”
“Well, it does where I come from. Anyway, I think it is fascinating. I’ve always loved castles and always wanted to explore one. I never thought I’d get to live in one.”
“So, are you telling me there are no castles in your time?”
“There’s a few, but most of them are just historical. People go and visit them to see what it was like to live in them. There’s a few that are still occupied, but for the most part, there aren’t any. As I told you earlier, many people live in apartments or houses. I’ll have to draw you some pictures later and show you what I mean.”
“Sounds awful cramped to me. I like my room.”
“Well, I must say, it is roomy.”
“Okay, come on. I’ll show you to your room.”
Opening the large wooden door, Ailsa took the lead and Spike followed. They climbed several steps before reaching the top. Ailsa opened the door. She shined her flashlight around the room that she’d been using ever since they’d left the rest of the group.
“Okay, do you want me to light a torch for you?”
“I’m okay. I have my flashlight. Thanks though.”
“These are so, what did you say, cool?”
“What’s that?”
“These flashlights. No smoke, no flame, just a bright light contained inside one small unit. They are so perfect.”
“There is one drawback though.”
“What’s that?”
“They run on batteries which is their power source. That means that when they batteries go dead, the light will no longer work.”
“Can’t you put in new ones or re-fill the old?”
“You can if you have access to new ones or if they’re rechargeable. However, we’re in the 1700’s. I don’t think I’m going to find any batteries here.”
“Do you have extras?”
“I may have a few. Maybe there are some in the lab. But once they run out, that’s it.”
“Maybe you could figure out how to make them here. We have access to different materials. And I have a friend who’s a scientist. Maybe he can help.”
“Maybe. Nevertheless, we still have to be careful about changing history. Remember, these are items that won’t exist for quite some time yet.”
“I know. Well, we’ll have to talk about it more later. I’ll see you in the morning. When you hear the bell in the old chapel that means it’s 7:00 a.m. and time to get up for breakfast.”
“Okay. I’ll see you then.”
Ailsa turned and shut the door behind her. Spike could here her as she descended the stairs down into the bowels of the castle. Spike sat down on the bed, his flashlight in hand. He shined it around the room looking at his surroundings. He was still in awe and disbelief. Just a few hours ago, he was at work. Now he was in 1792, sleeping in a castle with a woman he’d never known before. Maybe this was all a dream. He figured that when he awoke in the morning, he’d know for sure.
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