Amber by Dan-Dwayne Spencer (e book reader .TXT) 📕

All of a sudden, feeling completely lost, I looked back to find Flower. She stood, her arms out, preventing Homer and Calypso from catching me. Everyone stopped. There was a certain satisfaction to Homer’s smile, like he won some insidious victory.

The clock chimed seven and eight.

Homer cackled, “I told you he has grown in power. Even the gifted are no challenge for him now.”

I approached Flower

She stood tight-fisted. Her arms dropped to her side. “What do you get from his harvest of souls? Have you taken up the role of a footman to the ignoble Phoenix for reward or pleasure?”

Homer glanced at the clock. “What joy is there here? It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced the mere semblance of pleasure, Phoenix has promised his day is at hand when he will again be free and I intend to stand with him when his glorious time comes to pass.”

“Then you will wait through eternity,” Flower sneered.

The clock chimed eleven and twelve.

In the next instant, everything became normal. The washed-out colors of the carnival returned and the ever-present barrier receded from view.

I pointed past her, and said, “Look there. One of your commune residents, Mr. Carter.”

I’m not sure what I read in Flower’s eyes. It could have been regret—or maybe sorrow.

“What is he doing here?” she asked.

“I told him we were coming to Eudora. He sounded so interested, almost jealous we were coming and he didn't get invited.” I locked my gaze on my new sandals. “I honestly don’t know why he came. He told me the residents of the commune are forbidden to come here, but he must have followed us anyway.”

Homer smugly said, “The smell of selfish desire is all over that one. He’s here because he belongs here—with the cursed.” He pointed at me. “And, your prophet knew it. That’s why he invited him to come see the angel.”

I bellowed, “I didn’t invite him. I didn’t.” Facing Flower, I asked, “Is it true? Did I do something to make him break the rules?”

“Don’t fret. He knew what he was doing. All long-time members of the commune have been warned.” She walked toward Kelly Carter, took his hand, and led him away from the crowd. He shuffled behind, like a man in a drunken stupor.

“Is Homer right? Are we forever cursed like the carnies?” I asked.

“Whether we are or not is out of our hands now, only the Creator of the angels knows our fate. No curse has power over his will.” Flower said. With her free hand, she took mine, and we three walked toward the metal arched gate.

Chapter Fourteen

Kelly Carter

As I approached the archway; the memory of how my hand pressed against the barrier unable to pass through played over and over in my mind. The air I breathed filled me with despair. Would it block my way—like before?

Homer yelled after us, “Phoenix’s power has almost peaked. You are forever trapped here with the damned.”

I whispered to myself in an effort to quiet my nerves, “This time will be different. This time Flower is holding my hand.” I closed my eyes and forced one foot in front of the other. With my eyes shut, the rancid smell of the stale popcorn and burnt grease filled my nostrils.

Another step.

I pushed negativity out of my mind.

“Look what you’ve done,” Mr. Dark growled. “There’s no use trying again. We’re doomed.”

“No one asked you,” I silently replied, clinging to the fading threads of hope.

Another step.

Flower gently squeezed my hand. Usually, her touch sent waves of warmth up my arm. I could hardly feel her grip.

My leg felt like lead as I lifted it to step again.

Calypso called out, “Boy, when you bounce off the barrier like the last time, come and see me. I’ll make a man out of you.”

My limbs grew heavier with each step, but my feet went numb. I tripped, staggered, and fell. After face planting into the gravel, I looked up at Flower. From her optimistic vantage point, my depression must have been painfully obvious. I wiped away the tiny pebbles sticking to my skin and clothes.

Homer and his dancing girls thought my clumsiness the funniest thing they had ever seen. They howled with laughter.

“The baby doesn’t even know how to walk,” Homer crowed.

“Come to me baby, I’ll kiss it and make the boo-boo all better,” Calypso yelled before she burst out in riotous laughter.

Flower whispered, “Arland, don’t listen to her. Have faith. You must have faith. Faith is our doorway of escape.”

“I don’t think I can do it. I tried, but the charm is too strong,” I professed.

She reached down, “Then take my hand and trust in my faith. If yours is too weak.”

I clasped hands with her. She helped me to my feet without letting go, and we started our march toward the gate.

Another step and another, my chest pained with anxiety. I couldn’t look.

Eyes tightly closed, I breathed in and the smell of the meadow flushed the staleness from my senses. I opened my eyes. Jimmy, Rose, and Roger ran my way with beaming smiles.

Jimmy reached me first. He lifted me off the ground and all but threw me in the air like I was a four-year-old. Rose and Roger welcomed Flower with exuberant hugs. Next, Roger grabbed me up in such a grip I could barely breathe; I certainly didn’t think he had so much strength in his skinny frame.

Rose threw her arms around my neck and landed a kiss right on my lips. I thought I might faint.

For the first time since opening my eyes again, I looked around, seriously studying my surroundings. Mr. Carter wasn’t with us.

Even though everyone else stood hugging