87

Nicolas Flamel’s shop

March 21, 1355

The small group was rushing up the stairs when the front door splintered under the blows from outside.

“Run, Flamel,” Tuz said. “I’ll keep them back.”

Flamel, Lady Perenelle, and their employee hurried into the attic, which had a window that opened to the next street over. Flamel opened it and helped his wife and worker onto the rooftops. The sound of swords and threats rose from the stairwell. He heard Tuz tumble into the bedroom beneath them and move a chest to block the door.

“Whoever said being a scribe was dull?” Flamel shouted, hoping Tuz could hear him. “Get up here!”

Tuz joined them, and they jumped out the window, joining Lady Perenelle and the worker. As they ran across the rooftops, Flamel saw Feublas stick his head out a window. He shouted insults but didn’t follow them.

They continued running, motivated by the clamor of the frightened crowd in the streets. Some three hundred meters away, the cries below died down. The group stopped and rested against a chimney. The nobleman dusted off his doublet, and Flamel put his arms around his wife.

“I’m so sorry, my love,” he said. “Please forgive me. You are everything to me. That book is nothing, compared to your love. And as I told them where to find the book, they must have it by now. It’s God’s will.”

Lady Perenelle wiped her eyes on her embroidered sleeve and smiled.

“After the fight comes the cooing,” the baron said. “Let’s not stay here. I see a ladder we can use to get down to the street. If we can get to Châtelet, a friend of mine will hide us until I can get you to my place. Between the English and that rascal Rhenac, your life isn’t worth much.”

“Thank you for your kindness,” Flamel said.

The group arrived in an alley that smelled of burned wood and rotten garbage. They stopped at the Rue de la Neuvaine, which was deserted.

“The Louvre garrison must have been alerted and gone out as backup. Those British are smart. They get in and out in a flash. Come on. My friend lives three blocks from here.”

Flamel took his wife’s hand and started following Tuz. But Lady Perenelle resisted. “No,” she said.

Flamel gently tugged her. “There’s no danger. Don’t be afraid.”

She stood her ground. “I didn’t tell you everything. I hid the book in a safe place so that it wouldn’t destroy you. But I didn’t understand. I realize now that God wants you to have the book. You’ll be able to get it back.”