Golden Braids and Dragon Blades: Steampunk Rapunzel

Chapter 13: Willowbrook Park

Ewan left messages for his colleagues with the upstairs maid, and then we loaded back into his auto. He topped off the cylinders under the hood with water, and we were off once more.

There was something both terrifying and magical about riding in the auto with Ewan across a countryside. The trees, fields, and small villages felt foreign and familiar all at once. I had read about such beauty in my books, imagined it so well it had come to life in my mind. As I gazed out onto the land, I could feel its energy. It felt alive within me. And when I listened, really listened, I heard the softest of songs.

The breeze from the auto, however, did not respond well to my excessive locks. In no time, long strands were blowing wildly in the breeze.

“Here,” Ewan said, pulling a scarf from his glove compartment. “Try this. You’re waving your banner.”

I attempted to hem in the untidy strands, stuffing them under the pretty scarf. It was a lovely thing, large enough to be a shawl, really, with pink and blue flowers. I couldn’t help but catch the scent of perfume on the soft fabric. To my surprise, it evoked my jealousy.

“Your betrothed’s?” I asked as I stuffed the last strand under the silk.

Ewan shook his head, and for a moment, an odd, dark expression crossed his face. “No.”

“Oh,” I said, sensing I’d stumbled upon something I should not have.

Ewan smiled gently at me as he looked me over. “Looks pretty on you.”

I grinned stupidly which made Ewan chuckle.

Oh, Elizabeth Bennet, I am terrible at this game. My fine eyes hide nothing. Hidden away in my cave, I never had a need to mask my feelings. Everything I thought was written plainly on my face. At least I was honest. That was a positive attribute, right?

I fingered the silk tied at my chin. Okay, so if not a girlfriend’s scarf, then whose?

We rode throughout the day. At some point, I must have nodded off because it was already dark when Ewan made a turn through a set of elaborate, wrought-iron gates and down the winding lane.

Trapped in the carrier all day, the girls were meowing loudly, complaining of tiredness and hunger.

“We’re almost there,” I reassured them. “As soon as we’re safe, I’ll let you out. I promise.” I turned to Ewan. “Back in Agent Hunter’s office, why didn’t you tell him about the dragons?”

Ewan shrugged. “Fancied he wouldn’t believe me, I guess. As you may have noticed, not everyone in my division is respectful of our work.”

I had noticed the teasing, but Agent Hunter was the serious type. He most definitely would have believed Ewan. That meant either I had misjudged the agent, or Ewan wasn’t telling the truth. If he was lying about his reason, why so?

We made the last turn around a large pond, and the three-story mansion at Willowbrook Park appeared on the horizon. It was a massive stone structure built of blond-colored bricks with arching windows. Beautifully manicured grounds surrounded the place. A pond close to the front door reflected the night’s sky above like a mirror. There was the soft scent of jasmine in the summer breeze. Behind the mansion, I spotted the tops of trees in what looked like a thick forest.

“Just like Pemberley,” I whispered.

Ewan turned and looked at me. “Pemberley?” he asked with a chuckle. “You know there is no such place, right? She made that up.”

“What do you mean?”

“Jane Austen got the inspiration for Pemberley from an estate called Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. We’re not that far from it, in fact.”

“And just how do you know where Miss Austen got her inspiration?”

“I read the book. Liked it. So I just poked around a bit to learn about the author.”

“Wait, you read Pride and Prejudice?”

Ewan shrugged. “What? It’s a popular book—a bit dated now though—but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

Ewan pulled his auto to a stop near the front entrance.

There were only a few lights on inside. I watched through the windows as a man carrying a lamp approached the door.

“Stay here,” Ewan said as he slid out of the car. He scanned the surroundings, making sure everything was safe, then went to the house.

A butler arrived just as Ewan approached the building. The two spoke in low tones. A moment later, the butler disappeared, and Ewan returned.

“All set. The butler went to rouse the maid and cook. They’ll get rooms ready for us and a bite to eat. My colleagues will probably arrive sometime tomorrow.”

I nodded tiredly then follow Ewan into the massive estate house. It was every bit like I had imagined it would be. The floors were made of polished marble and covered with luxurious Turkish rugs, the walls painted pale blue, oil paintings and portraits on the walls. Everywhere I looked, I saw wealth and comfort.

“Are you sure Willowbrook wasn’t the inspiration of Pemberley?” I whispered to Ewan.

“I agree, it does seem reminiscent. The better question is why my boss works at the agency when he’s this rich.”

I chuckled as I gazed around. Ewan had a point. From the grand piano to the blown glass lamps, everything was exceedingly beautiful. Not a bad place for a cave dweller like me to stay for a while.

“Agent Goodwin? Please allow me to show you to your rooms,” the butler called. “It’s you and Miss…”

“Penn,” Ewan answered for me. “Miss Penn.”

“Very well,” the butler said then reached out for my bag. “May I, miss?”

I clutched the bag containing the dragon egg close to me. “No, sir.”

The butler look confused but only smiled and nodded. “As you wish, miss. Now, please, come along. I am very sorry we were not prepared. Master Hunter didn’t inform us that you were coming. The cook is making some dinner.”

“Please, nothing elaborate. It was a long ride from London, and Miss Penn needs some rest.”

“Very well. We’ll have it delivered to your rooms,” he said then waved for us to follow him up the steps. Candlelight cast blobs of light on the glimmering marble stairs, making the crystals hanging from the wall sconces shimmer with incandescent light. We wound our way up the steps to the second floor then down a long hallway.

“Per your request, Agent, I have given you and Miss Penn adjoining bedchambers. Fresh linens have been put on the beds. The maid will be by after a bit with towels and other items for your comfort. And you said to expect two more agents?”

“Yes, within the next few days.”

“Very well. We’ll prepare rooms for them as well.”

“Can I bring you anything, Miss Penn?” the butler asked.

“Maybe… Do you have any fish? For my cats,” I said, motioning to the crate Ewan was carrying.

“Of course.”

“And some tea?” I asked.

“Naturally,” he said with a friendly smile then opened the door to the prettiest bedroom I had ever seen—well, imagined, more like.

The large four-poster bed had pale pink and gold curtains, the blankets and pillows matching. The walls were painted in a soft gold color. Windows opened up to a balcony that looked out on the back lawn. Though it was dark, the moon cast silver beams on the expansive gardens and fountains.

“Is that a hedge maze?” I asked, looking out on the deliciously manicured grounds.

“Indeed it is. Tomorrow, be sure to take in the grounds. They are quite lovely this time of year. And you, Agent Goodwin.” He indicated a door at the back of my room. “Through here you will find your own room,” he said then gave a slight cough.

“Thank you. Miss Penn is my ward,” Ewan told the man, but there was a hint of discomfort in his voice.

“Of course, Agent,” the man said.

My back turned to them, I hadn’t seen the looks that had been exchanged, but I’d heard the unspoken words. Two unmarried people sharing an adjoining bedroom was scandalous. That was obvious even to a cave dweller like me.

I stared out at the lawn. Lightning bugs glowed as they flew through the flowers. I opened the latch on the window and let in the fresh summer air. I felt the wind on my face. It reminded me of the sea breeze that always blew into my cave.

Mother—Gothel—where are you?

The door to my bedchamber clicked shut as the butler left.

I knelt down and unhooked the latch on the wicker case. At once, Luna, Estrid, and Wink appeared, still in cat form.

Luna rushed to me at once, crawling into my arms. The others looked around, uncertain what to think. I sat down on the floor with them, petting them to comfort them.

Ewan approached, a water pitcher and basin in his hand. He poured some water into the bowl and set it down. Luna scampered out of my hand and went to get a drink.

Sitting cross-legged, Ewan joined me on the floor.

Estrid gave him a sidelong look. Even in tabby cat form, her golden eyes sparkled with menacing light. She and Wink also went to get a drink.

Ewan reached into his pocket and pulled something out which he handed to me.

It was his shard from Excalibur.

“I didn’t tell Agent Hunter about the dragons because you, Miss Penn, are a descendant of King Arthur, a real and true descendant. I am a Pellinore—in vocation and lineage. I am descended from King Pellinore himself. Pellinore once defeated Arthur in a duel, but in the process, Pellinore damaged the holy blade Excalibur. Pellinore and Arthur made amends thereafter, but Arthur let Pellinore keep the shard as a memento of the only time Arthur had ever been defeated in battle—save when he was defeated by Mordred, his own son. King Pellinore passed the shard onto his daughter Dindraine who was—”

“The Grail Maiden.”

Ewan nodded. “Dindraine passed it on to her son, and him to his, and down and down until my grandfather, my father, and then me. Everyone in my family has served this realm. As one of the Knights of the Round Table, King Pellinore swore to protect Arthur. We Pellinores existed before the Red Cape Society, even before the Rude Mechanicals. We are the original guardians, the last Knights of the Round Table. I didn’t tell Agent Hunter about your dragons because I have sworn my blood, my life, to protect Arthur’s legacy. It is a promise that extends beyond my badge. For the first time in nine generations, a dragon caller has been born—as Merlin prophesized in his scrolls—and I am bound by blood and honor to protect you.”

“There was a prophecy? About me?”

Ewan nodded. Tepidly, he reached out and pet Luna, who gave him a sidelong glance but permitted his touch. “Yes.”

“And what does it say?”

“That the blood of Pendragon will awaken, and that you will change the course of history. Others will try to stop you. But the line of Pellinore—and the Knights of the Round Table—will keep you safe. So, you see, I was destined to find you and to protect you. I won’t let any harm come to you. I won’t do anything to put you at risk. Do you understand?”

“I… Yes.”

There was a knock on the door. “Miss Penn?” a soft, feminine voice called.

Ewan rose. “I’ll go freshen up a bit,” he said, motioning to his face. I had noticed that there was a ring of dirt around his eyes where he’d been wearing his driving goggles. “I’ll be right next door. If you need anything, just—”

“Scream?”

Ewan laughed. “Please don’t scream. I’ll probably accidentally end up shooting someone.”

I giggled as I rose to my feet. “All right.”

With a nod, Ewan turned and left. I went to the door to greet the maid, who dropped a curtsey when she saw me. She then entered pushing a cart. “I’ve got tea, biscuits, and the cook is making some fish. Mister Lawrence said you came in with just one bag. No matter. Have a look,” she said, walking quickly past me to a wardrobe at the side of the room. She pulled open the doors to reveal a row of dozens of pretty dresses.

“Oh,” I gushed happily. Just like all the young ladies wore.

“Wear any one you want. Master Hunter, Sr. had a young ward who ran off to Europe to become an artist or something. She won’t be back. Oh! Are these your cats? I love cats,” the maid said, rushing over to the girls and scooping Estrid up before the little dragon had a chance to protest with more than a meow and flick of her tail. “Oh, little fuzzy girl. Fuzzy baby. Aren’t you the sweetest?”

I tried but failed to suppress a laugh.

Estrid turned and looked at me, an annoyed expression on her face. She squirmed, quickly untangling herself from the maid.

Grinning, the maid looked back at me. “Oh, Miss Penn, your hair is so lovely. My word, it looks like spun gold. Let me draw you a bath, and we’ll wash those lovely locks!”

Before I could protest, the girl briskly got underway. I sat down on the bed and petted Estrid, who was watching the maid suspiciously. I cast a glance toward Ewan’s door, thinking about my knight in dusty armor on the other side.

A knight.

A real Knight of the Round Table had come to protect me.

Something told me the Bennet girls would approve.