The Nowhere Emporium by Ross Mackenzie Read Free Book Online Page B

eyes.
    “It is perfect for the Emporium,” he said. Then he gazed up at the column of secrets, and smiled. “May I have the honour of leaving the first secret?”
    Daniel felt a rush of pride.
    “Go right ahead,” he said. Leaving a secret was a very personal thing, so he turned away while Mr Silver climbed further up the steps and searched for the perfect globe.
    When he reappeared, Daniel asked, “Did it work?”
    A pause.
    “I feel lighter,” said Silver.
    “I think that means it worked. So … did I pass the test?”
    Mr Silver seemed to be amused by the question. “You have talent,” he said.
    Daniel could not hide his proud smile. He felt giddy and important.
    Mr Silver’s face became very serious. He went on, “The
Book of Wonders
is a very powerful thing, Daniel. It is tied to me, entwined with my soul – so entwined that we are almost one and the same. Your connection to the book is something new, and unexpected. If, by some tiny chance, you ever come across the book when you are alone, I must ask that you do not write a single word in its pages without me. You are inexperienced, raw; the results would be unpredictable. Dangerous even. Understand?”
    “I mustn’t write in the book without you,” said Daniel.
    Silver smiled, and bounded down the steps two at a time.
    “From now on, you will write one page in the book every night after closing time. If you continue to show skill, I think there is much I can teach you. But be on your toes; at some point I will test you again, and I promise you will not see it coming.”
    Then he was gone, leaving Daniel alone with his secrets.

CHAPTER 10
THE GIRL AT THE DOOR
    Mr Silver was true to his word – he allowed Daniel to write one page in the
Book of Wonders
each night – and soon Daniel’s mind was overflowing with ideas and possibilities. He dreamt up plans for new Wonders as he cleaned the shop, and he followed customers as they entered the labyrinth of corridors, watching and learning all the time. He was determined to show Silver that his first attempt had not been a fluke. His connection to the book remained strong, and Mr Silver seemed impressed and delighted as each new Wonder appeared – though he tried to hide his excitement, rarely giving any compliment other than, “It will do.”
    Daniel also formed a routine to ease the fear of his dreams. Whenever he woke from a nightmare, he’d climb from bed, walk to the shop front and gaze at the stars above Venice. The stillness of the city and the beauty of the night sky comforted him.
    One night, as he stepped through the red velvet curtain, a cool breeze blew in from the canals. The shop door was already open.
    Daniel recognised the girl at the door right away; she was the first person he’d seen when he woke up in his room in the Emporium. She stood in the doorway, curls of hair swaying in the breeze as she gazed out at the city on water, oblivious to Daniel’s presence.
    He watched her curiously. She was gripping the doorframe so tightly that her knuckles had turned white as bone. Her whole body seemed to shake as she lifted one foot from the floor and tried to step forward, out of the shop. She gasped and became breathless, straining as though she were struggling against something very powerful. Then she pulled her foot back and slumped against the doorframe. She began sobbing into her hands.
    Daniel shifted from foot to foot. He was not very good with girls. Girls who cried were well out of his range of experience.
    “Are you all right?” he asked, because it was the only thing that came to mind.
    The girl jumped at the sound of his voice. She shot him a look so sharp it could have burst a balloon.
    “Do I look all right to you?” she said, rubbing her eyes.
    “Well…” Daniel fumbled with the words. “Is there anything I can do?”
    The girl shook her head. “You? There’s nothing you can do.” She sniffed, and narrowed her eyes. “What are you playing at anyway … spying on