Saturday, September 29, 2018
It’s another “Revealing” Straightlaced Saturday. The first blogger I got acquainted with — back in November of 2012, for National Novel Writing Month, was Mary J McCoy-Dressel. In 2015 she provided the “things/ingredients” for Wednesday’s episode and for this one. Mary made an off-handed, fanciful comment about destiny… and as you saw in episode 8, I ran with it. You’ll also find “Destiny” in her collection of cowboy romance novels.
Today I’m giving a shout-out for Mary’s cover reveal of Hooked by Sundown. Keep an eye on her blog for details. At this writing, I know the book is almost ready. It might even be available by the time this post goes live.
This episode brings us to the third of the three things from Mary J McCoy-Dressel. Let’s see how “ceramic statue” came into the story.
Previously with Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers
The bobbing lights of torches in the night told us that multiple parties were moving toward the Hixon estate. Our heroes had to hurry. Copper over-burdened herself with a heavy bag of “necessities,” but the mindful moppet actually had chosen important things. Felicity and Copper headed back to Cornelis, where the alchemist was trying to get (the still missing) Calvin Hixon’s road locomotive in working order. And then…
All aboard!
Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers
9 — Ceramic Statue
A simian scream split the air. It came from the far end of the lawn, in the direction of the shade tree where I had tied my borrowed horse when I arrived at the Hixon estate. At that moment I could have wished for a fast horse, but Ignatius Belle had taken his dapple mare back into town with him. I heard simian screeching in the distance, growing closer and ever wilder. It made my skin crawl.
Two pinpoints of light seemed to stare at me from the high branches of the tree. I shuddered when I realized it was one of the chimpanzees. It must have come ahead of the others, like some kind of advance guard. I was amazed at how well the creatures were trained. Who could possibly train and control animals in such a remarkable way?
The chimp must have seen me looking back at him. It started wreaking havoc in the branches of the tree, jumping up and down and screeching bloody murder. His fellows in the distance screamed back excitedly. It sounded like there were a lot of them. I remembered nervously how strong they were. I hoisted the carpet bag, putting its strap over my shoulder so I could take Copper’s hand. I had to make sure we weren’t separated.
An earsplitting screech made me look over my shoulder. However, the noise was not simian, rather it was a metallic sound. Then I heard the shrill whistle of escaping steam. The doors of the outbuilding where Cornelis was working burst open. The road locomotive moved toward us with a loud clickity-clack, clickity-clack. As it increased speed, the clicks and clacks blurred together into a continuous noise.
Copper squeezed my hand. I followed her gaze. The chimpanzees had amassed at the shade tree. They milled curiously as they watched the road locomotive. One and then another would chatter to the others. I had a bad feeling that they were working themselves up for an attack.
One very large chimp moved far ahead of the rest. Standing alone, he gesticulated wildly. He paused, screeched and repeated what seemed to be the same set of motions. It did seem a little odd to me, but the antics of angry apes were not something I had time to consider, not in those circumstances.
“Daddy…” Copper murmured.
Poor Copper, I thought, pleading for her missing father. “Everything’s going to be fine,” I shouted to be heard above the chimpanzees and the noise of the approaching road locomotive.
Cornelis built up speed with the engine and charged directly into the group of chimps. The apes scattered with wild complaints. The accident of alchemy that left him in his strange state, also gave him some otherworldly powers. When he blew the locomotive’s whistle, it belched a long gout of green flame with a sound so shrill and loud my ears rang long after the noise was gone.
“Don’t hurt them!” Copper shrieked, and I supposed she hadn’t grasped how strong and dangerous a pack of attacking and very large adult chimpanzees actually were.
“Those are no organ grinder’s monkeys!” I cried.
“Chimpanzees!” Cornelis reminded me.
Yes, he corrected me at a time like that. The alchemist could be absolutely insufferable with that kind of thing.
The Dutchman blew the locomotive’s whistle a second time and it went to an escalating pitch that climbed until I could no longer hear it. However, I could feel that the awful sound was still there. The chimpanzees screamed in pain. The group of them scattered and ran away. Or I thought they did.
The alchemist brought the road locomotive back around to where Copper and I stood. He jumped down from the engine, grinning ear to ear. He was quite pleased with himself.
“Isn’t it an amazing machine!” Cornelis exclaimed.
“How did you do that? With the green flame and the sound,” I asked as I rubbed my fingers inside my ears.
“You liked?” he said with bobbing eyebrows. “I could have done more if I’d thought to bring the harmonic tuner.”
At that comment, Copper retrieved the device that looked like a decorative silver bell and handed it to the Dutchman. He bowed and thanked her effusively. I saw that she also held the monkey bell her father had given her.
Cornelis lithely climbed back onto the locomotive. He held out his hand for Copper but she couldn’t quite reach, so I gave her a boost from behind as I climbed. Then I saw the apes. Three of them remained, undeterred from whatever their mission was. I had to assume they meant to capture Copper.
A very human-like, extremely strong hand grabbed my ankle before I could get onto the engine. When I looked down, all I could see were the big chimpanzee’s bared teeth.
I struggled to hang onto the locomotive. Copper grabbed my arm to try and help, but then I feared that if the chimp pulled me free, that she would be dragged down with me. I was relieved to notice that Cornelis still had her other hand.
“Cornelis! Go!” I yelled and he saw the three chimps.
The locomotive jolted back to life. I was afraid I would lose my grip if I moved, but I kicked backward with my other foot. My boot heel thudded softly against something and the chimp’s hold on my ankle loosened enough for me to dislodge him.
In the commotion our lantern fell to the grassy ground. A small fire spilled around the torch, but it was slow to spread, as the weather had been damp throughout the week.
The three chimps looked at one another and chattered. One of them motioned with his simian hands. I recognized him for the same chimp who had gestured so insistently before. He fiercely looked right into my eyes. Was that really the same set of motions he made earlier? I saw their muscles bunch as the trio of adult chimpanzees readied to jump onto the locomotive. I knew we could not fight off all three of them.
The alchemist began muttering odd sounding words that I quickly recognized for the strange language he used when he was about to do something that would either end horribly or be extraordinary.
He held the harmonic tuner in one hand, but still held protectively onto Copper with his other hand. The “bell” began to make that strange multi-level sound it had generated before. I could see an aura vibrate around it. The sound and sensation doubled. I realized half of it was coming from a second source.
That was when I saw that Copper held the cherished “mystic monkeys” bell her father had given her. It was the second source of the harmonic sound. A tri-colored aura made a rainbow around the bell and the girl. The sound seemed to vibrate through the entire world. Then I felt it inside my throat, and wondered if my voice would take on that dual harmonic sound when I spoke.
“Dear God,” I said in a strangely pulsating voice that sounded odd to my own ears.
Cornelis only glanced at me, so focused was he on his task.
“It’s another harmonic tuner!” I said just as the alchemist finished the magic he was working.
He looked at me with a wide-eyed expression of shock at my words. I was jolted and nearly fell from the engine as an aura that matched the one surrounding Copper quickly engulfed the three of us and the road locomotive too. I felt more than saw something radiate out from the aura. It stretched, expanded, and then contracted abruptly.
The harmonic sounds staggered as they dwindled. The auras vanished. The world was incredibly quiet after the bombardment of sounds. Nature did not stir. The noises of night were silent. As I looked down from the engine the first thing that caught my eye was a shining spot of celadon green. It was our lantern, it lay where it had fallen with flickers of what once had been flames in the grass around it. The little fires were cold and unmoving.
I started to climb down from the road locomotive. Cornelis reminded me to use caution. I scanned the area, but I didn’t see the chimps anywhere.
Then I saw it.
I jumped down from the engine. A large celadon green ceramic statue rested on the ground. Three wise monkeys, see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil stood transformed.
“Are they still alive in there?” Copper wanted to know of the transmuted chimpanzees as she looked over my shoulder.
Cornelis and I exchanged a knowing glance. Copper looked inexplicably dismayed, considering how the creatures had been attacking us.
“Possibly so,” the Dutchman told the girl and she looked less upset. “Quite possibly so.”
She brushed a tear from her cheek.
“Daddy!” Copper cried. “He was saying ‘daddy’ when he waved his arms around,” she said to my astonishment.
“Do you mean sign language?” I asked incredulous, but Copper nodded.
“I think so,” Copper said. “He wasn’t doing it right, but it looked like he was trying to say daddy.”
The idea of an ape communicating through sign language was preposterous. I thought it was wishful thinking on Copper’s part. I could have thrown something at Cornelis when he made a comment that basically encouraged the fantasy. I frowned and made a face when my next thought was that the Dutchman would just use one of his tricks to let anything I threw pass right through him.
“He likely wanted you to believe he could lead you to your father,” Cornelis said. “But you know they were naughty monkeys, and you could not trust them,” he added and Copper nodded her reluctant agreement.
“Chimpanzees,” I said because I couldn’t resist turning the Dutchman’s correction on him.
His eyes narrowed but he didn’t respond to my taunt. Instead, he looked past me.
“We’ve no time to doddle,” Cornelis reminded us. “The other two groups are mere minutes away.”
When I turned to look I saw the torches again. There were two groups, one larger than the other. They still approached from different directions, but they were indeed much closer.
***
To be continued…
***
Real World Notes
Chimpanzee Sign Language. Washoe was a female chimpanzee, the first non-human to learn to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). It was part of an experiment on animal language acquisition. Washoe learned approximately 350 signs of ASL. She also taught her adopted son Loulis some signs.
The question remains — who controls the chimpanzees? Was it Copper’s fertile imagination, or did the chimp really try to use sign language to say something about her father? Who are the other two groups of pursuers?
I’m not sure whether Cornelis Drebbel meant to turn the chimpanzees into statues, or if it was one of his accidents of alchemy. Our trio narrowly avoided capture by those naughty chimps, but two more groups of what must surely be villains are almost there.
The next set of things are Muff Pistol, Sourdough Pancakes, and Airtights. Tune in for Hidebound Hump Day to see where those take Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers. I’ll be looking for you at the station.
Hugs!
***
Now some shameless self-promotion.
The Glowing Pigs, Snort Stories of Atonement, Tennessee
Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I
The Three Things Serial Story: A Little 1920s Story Kindle
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2015 and 2018 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
Teagan's Books 
Loving the revisit!!
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I’m so glad, Kirt. TGIF hugs!
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That video about the sign language is amazing, Teagan – chimpanzees are so intelligent. I’m also suspicious of the meaning of the chimp signing ‘Father’.
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Ooooh yes… that will be revealed — but not for a while yet. 😉
I found the video amazing too. Have a thriving Thursday. Hugs.
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Fun read! Adventure at every turn and chimps and sign language too… 🙂 Well Done!
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Thank you kindly, Bette. It’s good to see you. I appreciate your visit! Hugs
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Hugs right back to you, dear Teagan! ❤ xx
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Thanks so much for including me, Sally. Mega hugs!
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Holy Chimp Daddy!! This was an interesting twist!
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Haha! More twists and curves in the road to come, Joanne. Hang onto your seat! Thanks so much for being on this train. Hugs!
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I can always count on that with your stories 🙂
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Well, Copper’s dad possibly being one of the chimps was a twist I did NOT see coming. Looking forward to the next installment, Teagan. Good work!
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Hi Staci. I’m so glad you’re on this crazy old train! I think the chimp was probably trying to let Copper know something about her daddy — or perhaps to trick her into believing he did.
Next episode Wednesday. Then the story takes a break Saturday when I do my own cover reveal! Huge hugs!
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Can’t wait!
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This may be one of those instances where perceived foes may actually be friends. It will be very interesting to see where you take the chimps, Teagan.
All caught up now. I’ve been out helping a neighbor dig a 600 foot trench, but that is a long story in itself. I am looking forward to winter. 🙂
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That is true, Lavinia. We shall see — eventually. LOL 🙂
Holly Hannah! That is too much digging. You certainly deserve the good neighbor award, although I’m sure that would be true even without that trench-digging. Wishing you an outstanding October. Thanks for taking time to get caught up with this story. Great big hug!
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And a happy October to you, too! 🙂
Digging keeps me young. 🙂
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I missed a few episodes, Teagan, but it’s fun to read and I’ll catch up. I think the chimp was trying to communicate. We shall see. And I’m curious to learn who’s headed their way. Everthing is happening so fast and then the cliff-hanger! Happy Writing!
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You are so kind to visit here, Diana. I hope things are better. Thanks for your encouraging words. I think he was trying to say something too. Huge hugs. 🙂
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I’m enjoying this story and the way you present it, Teagan. As I read it I see it an animation. I hope you know that’s a compliment. 🙂
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Rob, that’s music to my ears. Anime is my guilty pleasure. (Some of it anyway, there’s some horrid truly objectionable anime out there, just like there is with TV and movies.) I haven’t thought of this story animated, but I do take it as a compliment. I appreciate you visiting, my friend. Again, I’m sorry about your friend Buffalo Tom. Hugs.
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There is no shame to admiring anime. It may be why I have such an easy time visualizing your characters. Like Cornelus twitching his eyebrows. It’s an action and a detail and element of fantasy.
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Wow! What a scene, Teagan! You had me holding my breath. You gave us lots of clues to ponder in this episode. I can’t wait to see what happens next! Great job!
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Hey Jan. It’s great to see you. Thanks for taking time to drop by. I’m happy you enjoyed this episode so much. 🙂 You gave me a big smile. Have a great new week. Hugs!
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I am so late in reading this weekend, but I got to this at a good point. Sipping coffee, eating a muffin, with Maddie at my feet (waiting for some muffin to fall). A perfect chapter to read. Concern and relief and more concern, but I’m fully engaged now.
“Yes, he corrected me at a time like that. The alchemist could be absolutely insufferable with that kind of thing.” I love that – it adds a very human dimension to her. Looking forward to Wednesday – have a great rest of the weekend, Teagan.
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It’s great to see you at any time, Dan. Thanks again for picking a line from the episode. I’m particularly glad that one stood out to you. To me, it represents the core of the fun, slightly aggravating relationship between Cornelis and Felicity.
Horsefeathers! I don’t have the Wednesday episode ready yet. I’d better stop playing with my cover reveal and get to work!
Huge thanks for being on the train for this second run. Hugs.
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I’ve been busy trying to get the siding phase of my garage rebuild underway. If the weather holds, I’ll be taking Th/Fr off. Trying to balance that and work and fun stuff gets crazy. But I really enjoy the blogs I follow, and I so like this story.
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Dan, I shake my head at that garage project… Horsefeathers! It’s such a huge undertaking. Take care.
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Thanks Teagan. It’s a nice change from the work I do most days. It’s fun to see progress.
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Sheer brilliant. This episode moved at a frantic pace, Teagan. My heart was in my stomach (so to speak) as I read to the end. A near miss, but still those two groups approaching.
Have a great Sunday.
Hugs.
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Dear Hugh, that is such wonderful feedback about the pace. I appreciate you taking time to read and comment. I’m so glad you are on this train. Happy weekend hugs!
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Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine.
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Many thanks for sharing at your magazine, Dyanna. I hope you are enjoying a beautiful autumn weekend. Mega hugs!
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Reblogged this on Today, You Will Write and commented:
Check out the latest episode of Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers 9 — Ceramic Statue…you know you want to…thanks, Teagan!
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Hi Melissa. Many thanks for sharing from your place. I’m so happy you are on this train. Hugs!
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This was an exciting episode! Can’t wait for the next!
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Hi Fraggle. I’m so glad you could visit. It means a lot to me that you enjoyed this chapter. Hugs!
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DH foes the same thing when I substitute a word I can’t think of, so irritating! 🙂
You have me wondering what those Chimps are trying to convey, Teagan. Enjoyed this!
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Hi Jacquie! It’s great to see you. I appreciate that feedback. It helps me to know what details stick with people. Thanks for being on this train. Hugs! And chin rubs to Harley!
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Lol, thank you 😊
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Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
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It’s great to see you, Viv. Many thanks for sharing from your owlery! Hugs.
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I love your hear no evil, see no evil, say no evil touch, Teagan. A clever idea that.
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Thanks Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed this bit of monkeying around! 😀 Thanks for taking time to visit. Hugs.
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Another fine mess you’ve gotten us into Teagan. 🙂 I love how you integrated harmonic sound, auras, and animal communication. Very fun and creative as usual my friend.
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LOL. Brad, it just gets messier from here. Wait until you see where “sourdough pancakes” took me… now that’s messy. 😉
I’m so glad you’re on this train. Great big hug!
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Uh oh! 🙂
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I stopped in to check on the gang and loved reading the chimp sign language part again. I promise I would give anything away to myself. Happy Saturday, Teagan.
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Ha! A happy Saturday to you too, John. I owe you a visit. I missed my Twiggy fix this week too. The office workload has been crushing lately, and I’ve missed a lot of lunch break visits.
I’m so glad you found time to visit. Great big hug!
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Never fear. You are never late. Only delayed.
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I didn’t remember how you used “ceramic statue” in this post. It was good to read this episode. The excitement was still the same in reading it again. I’d be more terrified than the crew if those chimps were after me. I love Copper. Teagan, it’s sweet of you to share my cover. Yes, the book has been released. Thank you for sharing. ❤ Hugs.
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And here’s the link to the release: https://maryjdresselbooks.com/2018/09/28/release-day-hooked-by-sundown/#comment-9116
It’s my pleasure, Mary. Wishing you huge success. I’m delighted to know you’re enjoying the story a second time around. Great big hug right back! 🙂
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Thanks for adding the link, Teagan.
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Oh, the excitement of it all!! And to think that the chimpanzees might be trying to communicate. And who else is approaching? Such a cliffhanger. I love it!
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Hi Jennie. This story kept quite a few elements running throughout. I’m delighted that you are picking up on them. Heartfelt thanks for visiting. Great big hug!
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It was terrific! And yes, I’m picking up on all that’s happening. See you on the train next Saturday! Hugs to you, Teagan. 😀
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Fabulous episode. I love the road locomotive and have always been intrigued by animals’ language… Thanks, Teagan!
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Hi Olga, that’s a wonderful point. Animals do have their languages, we just don’t understand the “words.” I try to show some of that with how I describe Lilith the cat in her role as part-time narrator in the Atonement novels.
I’m delighted you enjoyed this episode. Thanks for being on the train for these reruns. Hugs!
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Reblogged this on lampmagician and commented:
Great read, Women rock, no doubt 🙂
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Thank you so much, Magician. I appreciate you sharing this post from your place. Hugs.
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❤ ❤ ❤ 🙂
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I’m still having issues with reblogging some sites, including yours, Teagan (I don’t see a reblog button, even though I’m signed in to WP) so I’ve made a linking post to this article ❤ ❤ ❤
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You are so very kind. Mega hugs!
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Heartfelt thanks for sharing from your tree-house, dear Ape. I realize you went to extra trouble. Mega hugs!
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Glad they got the locomotive going. I’m very curious to what the chimpanzee was trying to say! Or who the others are with the lights.
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Hi Denise. It’s great to see you. Oh… there is so much more about the chimpanzees. Hang on tight though, there are sharp curves and slippery curves ahead! Hugs.
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Great review
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Thanks for visiting, Priyasha.
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