I turned at the next alley, and made my way back on course. I felt far too exposed on the wide street. Shops lined either side of the street, though there weren’t many people in sight, only those popping in and out of the doors, ignoring my presence. I was just another body on the street. I looked at the signs that hung over the shop windows; Palm reading, Messenger service, Jewellery, Armoury, Herbal Medicine, Psychic.
Sitting just beyond the last store, a scrawny boy completely dressed in ragged black clothes was leaning on the stone wall, his head between his knees as though he were crying. He was probably homeless I assumed, not to mention freezing to death. Pity welled in my heart as I came level with the boy. My walking slowed to a stroll as I gazed at him. To my surprise his head snapped up in the instant that I became level with him. His face was contorted into a scowl so menacing I actually tripped over my own feet in shock. He had a pale, severe face that was far too thin and dark rings around his eyes as though he had not slept for weeks. The boy was glaring darkly at me, and I was sure that my heart had stopped completely for a brief second. My mouth became dry, and I couldn’t find my legs anymore. I couldn’t move. What was he doing to me? I stared into his pitch black eyes, obvious fear across my face. My body shook as I tried to force it to move, but I was frozen to the spot against my will, my eyes glued on this boy who looked no older than myself. I needed something, anything to break my gaze away from those disturbing eyes. Next I couldn’t breathe. A clamp as cold as ice came down on my lungs, choking me.
As if my prayer had been answered, the next second someone had grabbed hold of either side of my face, a stood between me and the boy. I gasped, but to my relief it wasn’t Jefferson coming after me like I had assumed. I didn’t know this face. This person was a stranger, though I was instantly grateful. A great weight lifted from my lungs and I could breathe again.
“Don’t look at him.” The stranger said urgently, holding my face between his hands, “Just look at me.”
I stared into the deep blue eyes off the young man before me. I was aware that my body still wouldn’t budge, though several seconds later, inch by inch my body became aware of itself again and I found that I could move.
“Can you move now?” The young man said.
I nodded weakly, my lips trembling. I had no idea what had just happened.
“Do not look at Seth Swaggart again. Are you crazy?” He hissed at me, pulling me down the street. I gulped, and kept my eyes glued to the path in front of me.
“Wh-what happened?” I stammered, tripping over my numb feet.
“No one looks at Seth Swaggart. Not unless they have a death wish.” The lanky man dragged me further down the street, his deceptively strong hand gripping my arm.
“I felt … so cold.” I shivered, “I never feel cold. I couldn’t move. It was like I was frozen. I couldn’t take my eyes from that boy. Like he was mesmerising me. Choking me.”
“He was cursing you.” The man said harshly.
I tripped again, but his hold on my arm kept me from falling to the ground.
“He what? How? Why? I didn’t do anything!” My body temperature rose alarmingly as I became panicked.
“It’s his Power.” The man said, his hurried pace slowing to a walk as we rounded a corner, the shops and Seth Swaggart out of view. “I don’t know if he means to do it, he rarely makes eye contact with anyone. Except …” He trailed off.
“Except?” I pressed.
“Except when someone is fated to die very soon.”
I froze on the spot.
“Don’t worry. I think I got in the way just in time. You seem fine to me.” The man looked me up and down, “any longer and you would have been a goner.”
My heart beat furiously in my chest, “I don’t understand. Why would he want to kill me? I was just walking by, and his eyes locked on mine the instant I crossed his path. I don’t even know him!”
“I don’t think he is aware that he does it. It’s like an involuntary action. His Power is drawn to certain people. No one is quite sure why he chooses particular people. I don’t think even he knows. It’s as though he is a missionary for some higher force.”
I gulped, “But you’re sure you got in the way, just in time?” I couldn’t hide the panic in my voice.
“I’m certain.” The man nodded, now letting go off my arm. He seemed convinced that I wasn’t going to pass out.
“I thought the Power Seer didn’t let anyone with dangerous Powers live here.” I huffed.
The man rolled his eyes, “Would you approach Swaggart, now that you know what he does?”
“I guess not …Thank you.” I breathed.
“That is quite all right.” He said, stuffing his hands into his pockets, “Where are you headed?”
“Oh, um.” I remembered that I had a purpose, once again, “The Forsythe Manor … I think that’s what it’s called.” I swallowed.
The man nodded, “Great. That’s where I’m headed now.” He turned to face me and his eyes narrowed as he studied my features, “Have we met before?” He asked suddenly.
I frowned, “No.”
“Humph. Maybe … No … You just look a lot like someone I used to know.”
“Okay.” I averted my eyes, uncomfortable.
The man chuckled and outstretched his hand, “I’m Jack.” He introduced, “Jack Greenwood.”