The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel

Author:Kenneth Oppel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

THE PLAYERS

* * *

They don’t look like circus performers as they step off the train in Kirkton. No clown makeup, no sparkly clothes. Will thinks they must look as solemn as a funeral party. There is Mr. Dorian, a sleek raven in his suit and top hat and silver-tipped cane; Maren’s braids are tucked modestly inside the collar of a navy-blue greatcoat that goes to her ankles. And Will himself wears a dark wool jacket over his shirt and trousers, and a cap atop his black head of hair. Only Mr. Beauprey stands out, on account of his awesome size. Even though he won’t be performing with them on the Boundless, the giant insisted on walking them up to colonist class, and carrying their bags. Will wonders if he’s secretly hoping for the chance to throw someone.

If he is, it looks like he’ll be disappointed. As they tramp along the gravel, Will spots several brakemen smoking atop boxcars, or inspecting the couplings—but they keep their distance.

The afternoon air carries the cold promise of snow. They’re farther north now, and the trees are spindlier. The ground is rocky and grudging. There’s no sign of a town in the distance—or the noise of a trackside market. Will figures the stop is too short, or there just aren’t enough people in Kirkton.

With Maren at his side, Will walks after Mr. Dorian, trying not to appear too hasty. One car after another they make their way forward. Even with Mr. Beauprey nearby, Will worries they’ll be confronted by Brogan and his cohort any second.

It seems incredible to him he hasn’t been recognized. His face is the same shape, his eyes the same color. But he supposes people never look that closely at things. As Mr. Dorian might say, We’re easily fooled by our eyes.

Still, Will is pretty sure some of the brakemen are staring hard at him as he passes. Maybe they’re just curious about all the circus performers. The brakemen can’t all be working for Brogan, but judging by the crew that broke into the circus cars, there are plenty—and how can Will tell the honest from the wicked?

His disguise isn’t the only thing he’s worried about. He has to remember not to speak when they’re around other people, which will be pretty much all the time. He’s quiet by nature, so maybe it will be easier than he thinks. But he’s not so shy around Maren, which is one of the reasons he likes her so much.

As they make their way, Mr. Beauprey cheerfully bellows out the names of all the different types of trees, and the birds flitting between their branches. From the roof of a livestock car, a brakeman wolf-whistles at Maren.

“Come whistle for me, you brazen fiend!” Mr. Beauprey roars up at him. The brakeman cringes and slinks away.

Maren doesn’t seem at all bothered. Will realizes she must be used to this kind of attention. For the first time he understands what a rough world this must be for a girl.

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