Extract from my second novel, The Travelling Circus of Lacrimosa - Act II Scene II.

“And now I shall try my skill with nature and the elements.”

For the first time, the conjuror’s face was overtaken with a look vaguely resembling concentration. He raised his arms, leaned back his head so that the sleek, black curls tumbled from the face, and spoke some rapid incantation in a language so hidden that William could not even hear it, least of all comprehend whatever words were rushing, frenzied, from Lacrimosa’s mouth. Within moments, the impossible occurred and a storm rattled a...