Free His Black Wings by Astrid Yrigollen Page B

the middle of the lawn. There were lily pads dotting its surface and stone benches placed at different intervals where one may sit, to watch the fish I presumed.
     
    When the house itself came into my view I felt my heart give a start. It was the house I had dreamed of. The front of the house was in a traditional salt box style, yet had battlements on the roof. If you looked at it straight on, it was box shaped with a flat roof with many windows decorating the front. Its gray exterior seemed to lend to a brooding and depressing air.
     
    “Now cast your gaze to the top battlements, my dear.” Mr. Lowood said as the carriage stopped in front of the house. Naza jumped out of the carriage door as Mr. Lowood opened it. He smiled good naturedly at her then followed suit. He turned and held his hand out to me. I took it and stepped out. My legs felt stiff from the long train ride and I longed to take my shoes and stockings off.
     
    I looked up at the battlements and for a moment. I thought I saw movement, something dark between the embrasures.
     
    “The gargoyles actually do work as rain spouts. They were the main reason why I had to purchase this house. Of course. if you stand directly underneath one you will get very wet and very pummeled by a spout of rain.”
     
    Though it was now dark I studied the six gargoyles that had attached themselves underneath the battlements. The moonlight being cast was bright enough to allow me to see their expressions. They did not appear sinister to me with their horns and fangs, rather they looked sad.
     
    “So what do you think? Frightening? Repulsive?” Mr. Lowood chided as he took my arm and led me to the front door.
     
    “No, not at all. I have a fondness for statues with character.”
     
    “So they don’t frighten you?” He asked while looking intently into my eyes. The front door was opened by a servant who bowed. Mr. Lowood nodded in acknowledgement to the old man but continued to look at me, waiting for my answer.
     
    “No. They look rather sad and lonely to me.”
     
    “Just so Claren. Just so.” He squeezed my arm and led me into the house.
     
    As you entered the house the huge curved staircase demanded your attention. There seemed to be a large living room to the right with a fireplace that you could roast an elephant in, if you so chose to. Straight ahead of the front door there were several large, thick wooden doors. I could barely cast a glance around to the left side of the house before Mr. Lowood was pulling me up the stairs with the servant following. Naza, as was her custom, bounded ahead of us and reached the second floor. She turned back and looked at us “slowpokes” wagging her tail.
     
    “She does seem to have mended beautifully under that splint.” Mr. Lowood said as we reached the top of the staircase. I knew that I would remove the splint soon. Perhaps I could take her to a real animal doctor when I become settled. My employer led me down the hall to the right where there were two sets of arched wood doors that stood opposite of each other. He pushed open one set of doors and led me into the room.
     
    The room was large with a beautiful, dark king size canopy bed, a writing desk, fireplace and dressing room off to the side.
     
    “Well here it is. Thomas,” he said addressing the servant that had followed us up, “set her bags down there please.” Mr. Lowood pointed to the floor near the fireplace. The servant, who was an older man with sparse white hair growing out in all directions from his head and ears, grunted in reply. His face old and full of crags, wrinkled in to a smile that did nothing to soften the appearance of what seemed to be a milky white eye.
     
    “As you say Sir.”
     
    “After you bring my things up you may go home for the night. The steam carriage is waiting. Thank you.” Thomas set my two bags down and left the room.
     
    “Friendly fellow, but deaf as a donkey and blind in one eye. Keep that in mind or you might