Rumors

Choo…choo

The train horns blared as Alex walked into a compartment in the train and made himself comfortable.

Wearing a simple black suit, he sat at a corner and waited patiently for the train to depart.

Just outside his window, Nadia alongside Arthur stood with one carrying a big smile while the other seemed to be in deep thought.

Alex smiled back as he remarked. "I'll be back soon."

"Take care," Nadia replied.

Alex met Arthur's piercing gaze and after a knowing nod between the two men, Arthur took Nadia and left the platform.

Relaxing in his chair, Alex let out a sigh. "I wonder how she's doing."

He had already sent a telegram ahead to be delivered to his hometown yesterday, informing Emily of his arrival.

He didn't expect an immediate response and merely sent it across so she'd be ready to go once he got there so that it would be a quick in-and-out operation.

Choo…choo

With another blaring of the horns, it looked like the train would soon be setting off.

Alex took a deep breath as he closed his eyes and meditated.

Not too long after, the train began to move.

***

"Ugh." Alex had a nauseated look on his face as he disembarked from the train with a small bag.

It was strange how someone capable of moving at speeds far surpassing that of sound couldn't handle rail travel but regardless it seemed to be the case for the young man as he stood in the entrance to Copenhagen.

It was already close to nighttime yet the streets were still lively with people going about their business.

Despite the dirty streets and rather questionable smells, Copenhagen was still a wonderful locale with a bunch of amazing things to take in, from the food to the beer…mostly the beer.

After overcoming his motion sickness, Alex casually made his way into the town and navigated his way across using the memories of the previous 'Alex'

"Sir, would you like to buy a few trinkets?... I can promise they are original."

"I'm sure," Alex revealed a smile at the salesman trying to scam him.

Normally he wouldn't take such disrespect but he didn't have the time to waste.

He soon arrived at a rather nice-looking building with a sign upfront that said, Larry's postal service.

He walked in and strolled over to the counter before tapping on the bell placed on the table.

A short girl with ponytails and a petite figure, dressed in a maid's outfit walked out from the backdoor while adjusting her dress.

Walking over to the counter, she remarked. "Hello sir, how may I help you?"

"I was hoping to ask if there would be any postal heading to Townsend village tonight or early tomorrow?"

The young lady replied. "Let me check."

Picking up a book placed on the table, she opened it and after a brief search, spoke up. "Well sir, not directly, but our carriage will be passing by Townsend village."

"That's fine. When does it leave?"

"The carriage will be leaving here by 7 AM. I presume you would like to hitch a ride to the countryside?"

"Yes."

"Ah, I see. Are you going there to see family?"

"Right again," Alex revealed an amiable smile as he spoke.

The young lady nodded. "Alright then. I will book a spot for you. That will be 10 Kobo please."

"Here you go." Handing over the note, Alex received a ticket from the young lady.

After muttering a low thank you, he turned to leave only to be stopped by the lady.

"Uhmm, sir."

"Yes?"

"You said you are going to Townsend, right?"

"Indeed, any problems?"

"Uhmm… well, it's just a rumor but I think it's best to let you know so you aren't surprised by anything you see there."

"Hmm?" Alex raised a brow. "Did something happen to Townsend?"

"No…" the young lady shook her head before revealing a complicated expression. "Well, I don't know… it's been said that, for over two months now… Townsend has been deathly silent."

"Silent?"

"Indeed, no cries of children, no animal noises, no laughter… no nothing." The young lady replied before adding. "It's almost like Townsend has become a Ghost town."

Frowning deeply, Alex inquired. "And this rumor started when?"

"It's been going around for a while now but the rumors have picked up steam since the beginning of this month."

"Why?"

"It's said by those that have passed by that at night, strange apparitions can be seen wandering the streets of Townsend."

"I see."

"If I were you, sir, it's best not to go there but if you have no choice, then do be careful."

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Alex nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

With that, he walked out of the building and made his way over to one of the motels nearby to book a room for the night.

As he lay in bed, Alex found himself unable to sleep as he couldn't help but worry about Emily's situation.

He had thought she would be safe in the countryside but if he was to take the rumors to be the truth, then she could be in mortal danger.

Of course, he couldn't believe everything he heard but still, the fact that the possibility remained was enough to keep him awake.

However, he soon fell asleep with the hope that all would be well.

Else… it would be quite troublesome to deal with.

***

Waking up the next morning, Alex bathed and got a change of clothes before dropping off the keys to his room at the reception.

After having a light breakfast, he made his way over to Larry's postal service and exchanged pleasantries with the young receptionist before taking a seat to wait for the carriage to arrive.

Thankfully, He didn't have to wait long before the familiar clip-clop of a horse pulling a carriage was heard outside the establishment.

Boarding the carriage after greeting the coachman, the latter received the letters from the receptionist before embarking on the journey with Alex in tow.