The Odd Job

  Chapter 14

  Belinde and Wellington stood before her dressing closet. The closet doors were open and an array of shoes was set out on the floor before of her. "So these are the only shoes without that symbol?" Belinde asked.

  "Indeed," Wellington confirmed.

  "Why do some of them not have the symbol?" Belinde asked.

  "Those without the symbol are primarily used for functions and ceremonies where one cannot transition, or 'step' as the elders call it, to a protected destination. The circle of standing stones is the oldest of these places," Wellington explained. Belinde looked down at the slim black shoes that she wore. They looked like a pair of indoor climbing shoes but were more comfortable than slippers. "I think I'd rather just know where I'm not allowed to go," she said as she thought about the limitation.

  "Only the elders and the guardian can transition to and from a protected area. It's a reasonable security precaution," Wellington offered, spreading his hands in front of himself, palms upturned in placation.

  Belinde frowned in thought. "What happens if you try to 'step' through one of the shields?" she asked.

  "You are thrown back forcibly. That force multiplies exponentially with the velocity with which you approach the shield."

  "So if I picture myself moving slowly through the shield, I'll just get thrown back like I've been thrown from a horse?" Belinde asked.

  Wellington held up a hand to forestall any foolish action on Belinde's part but she was gone in a blink only to return with wide eyes. "That was amazing!" she blurted. "Wait here!" and she was gone again. An instant later she reappeared looking worried. "I'll be back in a few minutes," Belinde said quickly. "Don't worry about me." And she was gone again.

  Wellington sighed and removed a slim phone from his coat pocket. "Merrill, please make sure that tactical garments for Miss Dagmar are sent to Smith for final alterations and adjustment as soon as possible,” Wellington advised his assistant. “Oh, and please let the elders know that the shields are inoperable."

  Wellington disconnected the call as he heard Merrill gasp on the other end. Once he had returned his phone to its usual place, he transitioned to his room and opened a drawer in the antique roll-top desk that sat majestically beside the fireplace. Removing a leather bracer and two rings, he closed the drawer and transitioned back to Belinde's room to wait.