Free The Loved and the Lost by Lory Kaufman

“Come. Let us go to our home and pray for our benefactor. All of us.”
    The smallest of smiles came to Ugilino’s face and the group continued to trudge home.
    â€œWhy did God take Father Aaron?” Ugi asked.
    â€œI don’t know,” Agistino replied. “I guess it’s as the priests say. It’s a mystery.”
    â€œIt’s not a mystery,” the Signora said out loud. “Archangel Michael said it’s a test for us. Especially the orphans.”
    â€œThat Archangel can kiss my. . .” Agistino began angrily, and then he stopped. They were almost out of earshot, but Lincoln heard the Master add, “Maybe he’s right.”
    â€œSo, how did you enjoy your first serious mind-delving?” Medeea asked Lincoln.
    â€œI don’t know if the word enjoy is the right way to describe it.”
    â€œYou did fabulously,” Medeea assured him. “I’m so proud of my new lov. . . lovely student. So, shall we follow Ugi and, after you’ve had a wee rest, try him again?”
    â€œHonestly? I learned a lot from being in his head, but I don’t know if I can take any . . .”
    Medeea put up a hand for silence. “I’m getting a message from Arimus. He’s moving Hansum a bit forward in time and wants us to stay in the same day as them. He’s sending a vortex for us and we can continue to mind-delve there. Ready?”
    â€œI guess,” Lincoln said.
    â€œHey,” Medeea said brightly. “We can check on Ugi there.”
    â€œI told you . . .” Lincoln started, but Medeea was already throwing her arms and legs around Lincoln. He felt himself toppling backwards. He would have hit the cobblestones, but the ground disappeared and a rush of the Sands of Time zoomed up. Like two people falling through the sky without a parachute, Medeea and Lincoln tumbled backwards in slow summersaults, Lincoln’s arms pinioned at his sides by the insubstantial Medeea.
    â€œYippee!” she shouted like a cowgirl, and then she broke out into uncontrolled giggles.
    Lincoln felt himself stop abruptly. He was now lying on his back, his backside smarting. Medeea was on top of him, all cuddled up. She raised her head and looked at him.
    â€œI thought you knew how to land on your feet, but this is more fun.”
    â€œYou, you caught me by surprise,” he said. “Ow, my butt.” Then he looked around and saw he was in an alley he recognized. “Hey, we’re just down the street by the Master’s house. Who are they?” There were two men standing with their backs to them, peering around the corner towards the della Cappa house. Lincoln worked his way onto an elbow and stared. “Is that . . .” and then one of them pulled back into the alley and spoke.
    â€œThat girl has swift legs,” Feltrino Gonzaga said, and he pulled on his companion’s ear hard, yanking him back into the alley. It was Ugilino. “Andiamo!” Feltrino ordered, and the two quickly got on a wagon with two horses. “We’ll get ahead of her at Piazza Bra,” Feltrino said, snapping the reins. “You’ll run and snatch the looker from her.” Then they were out of earshot.
    â€œHoly jumpin’,” Lincoln said. “This is when Feltrino kidnapped Guilietta and stole a looker.” Then he looked doubly shocked. “Jeepers. We didn’t know Ugilino helped him. He came back to the house like nothin’ happened.”
    â€œWell, do you want to see what else went on or just lie here with me on top of you?” She looked like she could agree to either proposition.
    â€œBut they’re so far ahead,” Lincoln said. Medeea looked up with a mischievous grin and pointed a finger. “Oh, you’re going to transport us?” he said.
    â€œYes,” she said roguishly. “But in a different way. I call it . . . the magic carpet, without the carpet.”
    â€œDo I have a choi .