Anna Grayson and The Order of Merlin
Christmas Magic

Christmasat the Graysons: For those who knew the family for many years, it was somethingthey looked forward to by special invitation. For Anna, it was always a magicaltime long before she knew of the workings of witches or wizards. It was thetime of year when everything in their busy lives finally seemed to slow andtake into account their many blessings, and for the first time in her life Annafound herself wanting for nothing. Her dreams of going to Castlewood had come true.She had made several new friends and revived her friendship with Gwen; she haddiscovered more about her mother in the last few months than in all of heryears before; she was with her father and her family, and she was home. It wasmore than enough.

Still,there was a strange longing left in her heart after her fall in the Shadowed Forest. Like a lost-love unforgotten,she found herself aching for something far off and unattainable. It was thelullaby that had brought these deep feelings of desire out of her; themysterious, soft hum in her mind she first remembered hearing while recoveringin the hospital. It had come to her several times since then, invading hersleep like a gentle haunting. The voice was familiar, the words echoing andtender, as if sung from some lonely and deserted heart. As troubling as thesong was to her, Anna always longed to hear it again in the moments beforedropping off to sleep, and found her spirit continually disappointed at thedawn if it did not come.

Inthe years going back as far as Anna could remember, Christmas Eve wascelebrated in the stone chapel on the Grayson estate. The interior of that holyplace, half buried like a grotto, was different in its setting and decorationevery year, but always beautiful. Mister Grayson never trusted these holidaypreparations to Widwick or Gabby, but insisted the details be left to himalone. There was always a steady buildup of anticipation in the children asthey watched their father leave to prepare the chapel in the mornings leadingup to Christmas. Inevitably, each of them would take a turn trying to sneakundetected into the site with the hope of stealing some preview of his joyouswork. However, they never succeeded. One by one, each would be caught creepingtoward the chapel only to be chased off with ruthless dispatch by the mostpowerful wizard on the mountain.

ThisChristmas would be no different; only the children’s level of cunning anddetermination had changed. They decided to band together this year, equatingtheir plans for conquest in much the same way Professor Van Doorn had definedsuccess in a mountaineering expedition: the success of one meant victory forall.

Ericbelieved an act of distraction might lead to their getting one of them insidethe chapel before the allotted time, and so the children set to work. WhileEric and Anna kept their father busy on the other side of the mountain,searching for the family Christmas tree, the other children made their waythrough the woods in three different directions and then circled back toconverge on the chapel. Their strategy had worked to perfection, and by thetime the Christmas tree was standing upright in the Grayson family room, Ericand Anna were smiling gleefully in anticipation of their siblings’ success.

Suddenlythere were flustered screams of panic at the kitchen door and the sound ofapproaching footsteps. Eric and Anna stood and stared in stunned amazement asTencha and Dowla burst into the family room howling at the top of their lungs.There were thin, root-like tentacles protruding out of their cheeks and weltslike woody knots bulging from their neck and foreheads. Anna covered her mouthin shock, trying desperately not to laugh.

“Lookat us!” Tencha yelled. “I’m turning into a shrub!”

“Daddy,what is this? Make it stop… make it stop!” hollered Dowla, who started tosprout a leafy branch from one of her nostrils.

“Ohdear…” Mister Grayson said in mocked surprise. “What could you have possiblydone to cause this?”

“Itwas you!” Dowla screamed, stomping her foot in frustration. “I saw you near thechapel — hexing us from behind that tree!”

Theirfather looked taken aback. “I…? But I wasn’t there, my dear,” he said in afaked put-upon voice. “As you can see –– I was tending to the joys ofChristmas.” He pointed to the large tree standing in the corner, still wet fromthe morning cold.

“Itwas you!” Tencha yelled, pointing an accusing finger.

Therewas another bang as the front door burst open and the family could hear Cookiecackling with delight in the next room. “What in tar-nation happen’d to ya,boy?” laughed the ghost. “You look a might light on yer feet.Ha-ha-ha-ho-ho-ha, snort.”

Therewas something of glass crashing, and a series of bumping-thumping soundstraveling through the hallway. Mister Grayson quietly sat down in his favoritechair by the fire without a care, it seemed, to ascertain the reason for thecommotion in the next room. Then the doorway was unexpectedly filled by Damonwho was floating like a balloon across the threshold with a look ofstress-filled pain on his face. He reached out to grab the knob of the doorwith one hand and the underside of the table nearest him with the other, andthen used both to pull his hovering feet down to the floor. He seemed to beducking and twisting his head around, trying to avoid something buzzing madlyover his shoulder. He released the table to swat at the thing and instantlyfound himself rising off the floor again.

“Whatin the world?” shrieked Anna, cupping her cheeks in disbelief.

“Wouldyou please…” Damon sneered contemptuously, “get this thing away from me?”Struggling himself to the floor once more, he made another angry swipe at atiny, creature-like insect buzzing like a small bee above his head. The little pest was a vivid blue, about aninch in length, with minute wings attached to the top of its head that spun ina whizzing blur. It darted over one ear to avoid Damon’s swat, zoomed aroundhis nose, and then turned to zip into his neck. It gave off a loud fizzzz asit struck.

“Ouch!”Damon cried out, smacking himself on the neck again. The moment he was stuck,Damon’s feet began to rise off the floor once more.

“Whatis it?” yelled Tencha, pulling away the growing roots to the side of her faceso she could look out.

“It’sa billywig,” Eric said, amusingly. He looked at his father and smiled.

“Isit, now…?” Mister Grayson said, looking at Damon in false surprise. “Well… Iwonder where that came from. You know, it’s said that billywigs are native to Australia,but there have been stories about them guarding magical places againsttrespassers when enticed with the proper food and habitat.” He grinnedamusingly. “Their sting is said to cause uncontrollable levitation.”

“Ouch!”Damon was still swatting at the little creature whose propeller-like wings werespinning its body like a top. Damon’s feet began to hover once more. He made agrab at the doorknob again, missed, and began to float toward the ceiling,hitting his head with a dull thud on one of the beams. The menacing little billywig,spinning and buzzing angrily, continued to chase after him.

“Nastylittle devils, aren’t they?” said their father, who started to crack under thepressure of holding in his amusement. The children started to giggle as MisterGrayson’s serious façade completely broke down.

“Get me down!” Damon roared, angrily.

SlappingEric on the back and laughing, Mister Grayson pointed at Damon bobbing up anddown against the ceiling, “It would seem your brother is in for a very happyChristmas after all.”

“Whywould you say that?” asked Eric, trying with all his might not to laugh at hisbrother.

Theirfather leaned in. “Well… another side effect of the billywig’s sting isuncontrollable fits of giddiness.” Mister Grayson looked up at Damon again andsmiled. “He might look angry now… but he should be properly merry within thehour.” The family suddenly erupted into irrepressible howls of laughter.

TWO

ChristmasEve was everything the children had expected it would be - wonderful. At eleveno’clock and wearing their best holiday robes, the family made their way downthe wooded path toward the chapel, each carrying a simple candle that seemedmagically oblivious to the biting evening breeze. Widwick lead the group. Hewas dressed in a shortened red jumper and hose, and covered in a white outergarment that belonged to his father and his grandfather before him. He carrieda gnarled staff of wood, which he used as a walking stick. Gabby was followingthe family in a white dress and matching leggings. Cookie floated far behind,looking back and grumbling aloud about having to leave the house unguarded.The closer they came to the chapel, the more the path in front of thembrightened by the light of tiny pixies and forest fairies. Along the way, theywere met by the Porchdow family with two of their nine children who had come tovisit their parents for the holiday.

“MerryChristmas, Samuel,” said Mister Grayson, shaking the stable master’shand.

“And to you, sir. You remembermy son John and my daughter Emile, of course,” Mr. Porchdow said, motioning tohis children.

“Of course. We’re so happy youcould join us. It’s wonderful to see you again. Edith, you look absolutelystunning tonight.” Mrs. Porchdow smiled broadly in her satin robes of powderblue, and returned Mister Grayson’s compliment with a formal dip of thanks.

Several ghosts singing Silent Night joined them as theycontinued down the path, and when the chapel finally came into view, everyonegasped in surprise. The structure seemed almost alive with tongues of flame, silver,and gold, outlining the stone archway above the entrance. The front doors wereopen, emitting rays of heavenly light from within, and when they finallyentered everybody agreed Mister Grayson had outdone himself as never before inall the years past.

What looked like a simple stonestructure pushed into the side of the hill from the outside, opened into amagnificent cathedral within. Portraits from both the Grayson and Porchdowfamilies lined the walls, filled with happy faces waving excitedly down atthem. Fairy light filled the ceiling above, filling the room with a goldenradiance. Twisted garland was wrapped around marble pillars strung with glass.The bobbles were filled with colored flame that winked and sparkled as far asthe eye could see. There were tapestries depicting scenes of miracles past, andsaintly statues lit with a brilliance that only the fairies could provide. Awhite alter sat to the front of the church below an ornate cross of gold. Alarge marble fireplace was set to the inside of the entranceway, emittingflames of emerald green that bloomed with a WHOOSE as wizards and witches cameforward to join the midnight celebration. The Grayson children fell in linenext to their father and shook hands with everybody who entered the magnificentchurch.

“Merry Christmas, Daniel,” saidMister Grayson to a stout man dressed in magnificent robes of red and gold. Theman’s wife had her arm looped in his as they entered, and Anna could hear hergasp in surprise when she looked up into the space around them.

“OhBoris… how marvelous,” the woman whispered, touching his arm.

Aflash of green behind them blazed hot as another couple stepped into thechurch. A tall witch with silver hair and a dazzling gown with red and goldembroidery, stepped across the hearth holding her husband’s hand. Anna heardDamon gasp this time, and then saw him bump Eric toward the couple. Eric lookedat him and smiled back eagerly. The woman shook Mister Grayson’s hand and thenmotioned him toward her husband next to her. Mister Grayson then casuallyturned to his family.

“These are my children,” hesaid, proudly. “Eric, Damon, Tencha, Dowla and my youngest, Anna.” The womanbowed to them respectfully, before locking her eyes upon Anna.

“Such a lovely family, Boris,”she said, still staring at the youngest Grayson.

“Attention Graysons,” theirfather barked, “I would like to introduce the Minister of Magic, the graciousHelawena Barkelnap.” Anna’s mouth dropped. The Minster of Magic? Shebegan to nervously smooth her robes as the Minister made her way down the line,shaking each of the children’s hands in turn. “And her husband,” Mister Graysoncontinued, “the Director and American Representative to the InternationalMagical Cooperation, Mr. Bernard Barkelnap.”

“Good to see you again, Boris.Merry Christmas to you and your family,” said Mr. Barkelnap jovially.

The Minister of Magic steppedin front of Anna. “So, I understand from speaking to your father that you havestarted your studies this year at Castlewood.” Anna was taken aback. She hadn’texpected to speak to the Minister of Magic.

“Uh… yes, ma’am,” she repliedsimply. She looked at her father who was beaming with pride.

“Are you fully recovered thenfrom your recent injuries?” asked the Minister. Anna was almost struck dumb.

“My — what? Ohhh… yeah… I mean…yes, ma’am. I am, thank you.”

“Oh,Boris. She is so lovely. The perfect image of Victoria,”the Minister said, giving Anna’s chin the slightest pinch.

Annaalmost gasped out loud as the woman turned to gather in her husband. Sheknew Victoria Grayson? She knew my mother? Anna almost reached out thinkingto ask, but the Minister was soon surrounded by a number of Ministry officialswho were all trying to escort her down the center isle to a seat next to them.

As themidnight hour approached, the Christmas service finally began. There was achoir dressed in satin robes of white, singing the holiday favorites in Latin.A ghost named Friar Dannon was wrapped in a hooded robe and delivered thereadings to the assembly, and then a sermon on the brotherhood of man –– Wizardand Muggle alike.

At theend of the evening, the family bid their visitors farewell and then returned tothe manor filled with an exuberance that only Christmas could bring. Theystayed up late into the morning decorating the Christmas tree before resigningthemselves to a few hours of sleep before the dawn.

As themorning sun cleared the eastern rise, the family was awakened again by themanor portraits singing Hark the Harold Angels Sing, and before the laststanza had echoed its way through the house, the Graysons were together againin the family room adding their voices in song.

Soon,they were grabbing at the gifts under the tree, and wildly ripping at theirwrappings. Anna opened a large box from Eric, which contained a complete volumeset of the writings of Merlin. She noticed one of the books with a marked pageand opened it to a chapter on the Guardians. She looked at Eric and smiled.

“I getdibs after you,” he said, with a grin.

Thetwins had gone together this year, and gave Anna a beautiful black eveningcloak with a purple velvet collar and extra pockets in the lining. “If you haveto wear that awful purple color, you might as well try and be a bit morestylish,” Tencha bristled, appraisingly. Anna thanked them. If for nothingelse, she did envy her sister’s excellent taste in clothing, something sherefused to acknowledge to anybody in public. Holding up the cloak, sheconsidered herself lucky. It was much better than the terrible pink sweaterthey had given her the year before. Anna watched in amusement as the twinshugged each other for the earrings they had bought for themselves and given toone another to wrap.

“Ohhh,you have such wonderful taste!” they sang in unison.

Damonhad given Anna another book. The Proper Way to Duel, by WandellaSpellish. At least Damon had finally accepted the fact that Anna was in thedueling club to stay. As she paged through the book’s chapter on properstances, Mister Grayson sat next to her and pushed a small box under her gaze.The box was wrapped in silver paper and a sparkle-red bow.

Annalooked up and grinned. “What’s this?” she cooed, eagerly.

“Somethingvery special I wanted you to have,” he replied in a rather mysterious tone. Heleaned back to pick up his tea, and then peered apprehensively at her over itsrim as he sipped. Anna knew that look well. This was going to besomething special. She carefully unwrapped the gift and found a wooden boxsitting neatly in the palm of her hand. Eric noticed the package immediately.

“I’dwatch out if I were you, Anna. You know what Father’s ‘little boxes’ cansometimes do,” he said, with a chuckle. Anna smiled and opened the lid. Inside,she found a simple cross of gold with a green emerald mounted in its center.

“Oh,daddy…” Anna lifted the delicate chain from the box, “it’s beautiful.” She heldthe adornment up to the window and could see the light reflecting into her eyesthrough the back of the gem. It was dazzling. She hugged her father. “It’sreally very lovely.” Her father held her tight in his arms.

“It belonged to your mother,” he said, setting herback and taking the chain from her hand. “Here, let me…” he whispered, undoingthe fragile clasp and holding it up to her. Anna stared at him in disbelief,and then turned to pull her hair away from her neck where he carefullyconnected the two ends back together. Anna gazed down at the cross of gold inmarveled wonder. Tiny whispers began to sing unnoticed through her mind as shestudied the simple gilding and beaded stone.

“Your mother always said next to her faith and her familythis was her most cherished possession. I wanted to wait until you could fullyappreciate what it meant to her before passing it on.” Her father lookedlongingly at the necklace as if unsure he wanted to let it go. Anna took hishands in hers and pressed them lovingly against her cheek.

“Thankyou, daddy. I know how much it must mean to you. I’ll wear it, always.”

Hesoftly stroked her hair and nodded. “It looks beautiful on you. It matches youreyes.”

Therest of the day was spent laughing and remembering the many holidays past. Asalways, Uncle Sarasil joyfully retold the story of their father’s fifthChristmas when he was caught sneaking out of bed in an attempt to steal an earlypeek at his presents. Apparently, their grandfather had sent him screaming backup the staircase with his buttocks in flames.

Two days later, Doctor Pearl joined the family fordinner and allowed Mister Grayson the opportunity to lavish his praise upon herunder several raised glasses of his finest wine. Even in her giggling-tipsystate, the good doctor was able to confirm Mister Grayson’s admiration wellplaced when she was able to brew an anti-billywig concoction to relieve Damonof his barking fits of laughter.

The celebration continued to draw old friends to theestate throughout the remaining days of the holiday, and Anna and her fatherspent their evenings looking through the family archives and pictures. Awedding day photograph of her mother and father confirmed why everybody keptsaying Anna looked so much like Victoria. Itwas uncanny. The moving photographs made Anna feel like she was watching anolder version of herself in some happy future yet to come.

WhenAnna asked her father about the comments the Minister of Magic had made abouther mother, she was surprised by his reply.

“Becausethe Minister is… your mother’s aunt,” he said, informatively. “Her maiden namewas Helawena Meliflua, your Grandmother’s sister.” Mister Grayson’s eyes rolledup to think, “I guess that makes you… the Minister’s grand niece.” Her fatherlaughed as Anna’s mouth dropped. “If I remember correctly, your grandmotherused to call her sister Helen most of the time. The Minister married very latein life, and had no children of her own. She kind of adopted Victoriaafter your grandmother passed away. Victoriaused to stay with Helen in Englandduring her summer breaks away from Castlewood. This was long before Helenbecame the American Minister of Magic, of course. She used to hold theDirector’s post in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and was our acting ambassador to England at thattime.”

“Isn’t that the post Mr. Barkelnap holds now?” Anna asked him.

“That’sright. In fact, that’s where Helen first met Bernard. Clever boy, old Bernie,always knew how to take advantage of the obvious opportunities surroundinghim,” her father chuckled. “He married quite well, wouldn’t you say?”

THREE

Thenext day, Anna and Apollo reached the Jennings’ruins just as the sun was making its final decent below the distant horizon.The evening clouds were purple with subtle hues of bright pink blushing againstthe remaining sky. The smell of the old house reminded Anna of a smolderingcampfire. The sharp smell of latent smoke was always heavy during the wetweather.

Annaslid down the side of Apollo’s saddle to the spongy ground and dropped hisreins. She patted the horse on the neck and gave him a hug. “I really missedyou, you know…” she told him lovingly. Apollo raised his head to lip her on theforehead and she giggled as she pushed him away. She turned around and walkedover to the foundation; its charred and massive beams lay at odd angles amongthe stones. So this was my mother’s home… the Jennings’ family estate, she thought,reaching out to touch one of the burnt timbers.

“Carefulthere…” came a voice behind her. She looked around and saw her father crouchinglow under some branches to enter the clearing on his favorite stallion he likedto call Catahecassa. Anna smiled. She loved seeing her father mounted on ahorse. To her, he almost looked regal, like some honored knight making hisprotective rounds. “The foundation there is very weak,” he warned, loweringhimself to the ground. He walked his black horse next to Apollo and casuallydropped his reins. The two stallions barely seemed to notice each other as theydipped to sample the wet grass.

“Well— well,” Anna chimed brightly. “Look who’s taking the time to enjoy a ride!”Her father grinned. “You look good in the saddle, handsome knight. You mustallow yourself these pleasures of the spirit a little more often.”

Steppingover a mound of muddy ash, her father shrugged. “Believe it or not, I’ve beenriding a lot more since you left.”

Annafrowned back at him. “So… I leave… and then you ride? Makes it kind ofdifficult for somebody to ride with you, doesn’t it?”

Herfather gave her a somber smile as he reached over to put a hand on hershoulder. “Let’s just say, I’ve missed you desperately. Sometimes a father doesn’trealize how much he’s neglected his children until they’re away.” He lookedback at his horse. “Cat helps me to remember our time together.” Anna smiledand gave him a hug. She loved her father very much.

“So…what are you two doing up here so late?” he asked, looking around. “It’ll bedark soon.”

Annagazed into his questioning eyes. “I found out this was my mother’s house,” shesaid, looking back into the ruins again. Her father frowned and then releasedher. “Professor Titan told me at school,” Anna explained.

“Ididn’t realize… you never knew,” her father replied, sadly. He grimaced. “Thenagain… how could you have known, since I’ve been such an idiot in not talkingabout your mother or her family?” He looked pensively at the charred remains.“You should have seen the place, Anna. In its day, it was absolutely beautiful.It was much older and a lot bigger than our home.” He raised his hands in frontof his face to form a frame, and began to peer through his fingers with acritical eye. “It had very strong architectural links to the old country.” Hedropped his hands and looked at her. “It was the only house I’ve ever seen thatI liked better than the Grayson estate.”

Annareached out and broke off a pieced of burnt wood. “There’s something about thisplace that’s special to me.” She looked up at her father. “Something draws meto it… like… I belong here.” Her father smiled.

“Really?”he said, intrigued. “I’m really happy to hear that.”

“Why’sthat?”

Herfather looked at the ruins again and took a deep, sighing breath and then shookhis head. “You’re all growing up so fast. I suppose it’s natural for a parentto wonder how much time he has left with his children before they leave to maketheir own way in the world.” He looked at Anna and grinned. “It would make myheart sing to know you might someday live here.” Anna was stunned.

“Areyou saying… that might be possible?”

“Ofcourse. This is the site of your ancestral home. You are the last in theJennings’ line.It makes sense that you should eventually take control of the site.” His eyesbored into her. “And what would the last of the Jennings do with this piece of land if giventhe opportunity?”

Annaquickly looked at the toppled chimneys, the scattered stone and rubble. Shepeered up at her father again and a startling blaze erupted in her eyes. “Iwould rebuild it!” she said, determinedly. Her father straightened, almostglowing with pride.

“Wouldyou now? It would probably cost your entire inheritance and then some,” he saidcoolly, as if testing her resolve.

Annasmirked. “I never thought about an inheritance. But if true…” she stopped tostare into the ruins again, “it would be worth it.”

“Allright then, when the time is right, I’ll do everything I can to help you makeyour future home what it once was.”

Annabrightened. “You promise?” she said, grabbing him by his robes.

Hesmiled down at her and nodded. “But, in all fairness, I should tell you I havemy own selfish reasons for helping you do this,” he said, firmly.

“Oh…and what’s that?”

Hepaused, looking at her with an ambitious determination stealing over his face.“Isn’t it obvious? If I help you build your home here… we’ll always betogether. It would be a father’s dream come true.” Anna blushed. “And… Icouldn’t think of a better neighbor to have, Miss Grayson,” he said, in aserious tone. He stepped back and reached out to shake her hand, as ifcommitting the two of them to the deal.

“Norcan I, Mister Grayson,” she said, confidently. He pulled her roughly to him andthey both laughed.

“I’mgoing to head back down for dinner. Are you coming?”

“Notyet. I want to brush Apollo and this might be my last chance. I’ll be back assoon as I can.”

“Nottoo late,” he warned, tapping her gently on the nose. She smiled and nodded. Hewalked over to his horse, took the reins, and with a tired groan he saddledhimself. Turning toward the gap in the trees, he said, “I’m going to hold youto your promise, Anna Grayson. Good neighbors are so hard to replace these days.”

Annalaughed as she watched him gig his horse and trot out of sight. Delightedbeyond belief, she looked back at the ruins and smiled. “I can’t believe it!Some day… the Jennings Manor will rise again. And I’ll live here –– next to myfather!”

Afew minutes later, Anna was galloping wildly through the woods. As much as sheloved riding Swooper, deep down her heart still belonged to Apollo. His gentlethumping stride was like a drug to an addict’s body as he moved with easethrough the familiar pathways of the Grayson estate. His canter was effortlessand casual compared to that of flying on a great winged horse.

Theyfinally skidded to a stop in front of the stables and Anna jumped down. Sheremoved Apollo’s saddle, found her grooming kit, and lovingly set to work withher cleaning chores. She grabbed her currycomb and, with a practicedside-to-side motion, began to brush Apollo’s coat, stopping occasionally toknock the dirt off of the tool on the sole of her boot. When she finished, sheswitched to a softer brush and expertly swept over his body with short snappingstrokes, penetrating his coat down to the skin.

“Howdoes that feel, boy?” she cooed fondly. Apollo shuddered, quietly enjoying hislong-awaited brushing. Anna finally moved to her favorite finishing brush, andthen started the process over again until Apollo’s coat bloomed with a uniformglow. She worked on his tail against her inner leg, brushing out the tangles,starting at the tip and working her way up. It was, in Anna’s mind, every bit a labor of love.

Aftercleaning his hooves, Anna set Apollo in his stall and, waving goodbye to Mr.Porchdow, she headed up the darkened path toward the mansion. The light of thefull moon penetrated the winter-thin leaves straight to the ground as far asthe eye could see. The scene made Anna smile. As much as she liked living atCastlewood, it was wonderful to be in the familiar forests of her home again.There was a wooded aroma here that didn’t exist in Spellsburg or in the Shadowed Forest.

Shecontinued up the hill until she came upon a fork between the moonlit trees. Theleft path would take her up the final bend toward the house; the right cut atrail deep into the forest below. Anna turned left and had barely taken twofull steps when she stopped. She turned back and looked down the other path,frowning and cocking her head as if to listen for something absent to somehowrepeat itself. A strange feeling began to descend over her body. Something wasout there, but at the same time she somehow knew that whatever it was hadn’tactually arrived yet. She squinted, peering appraisingly through the gloom.

“Whatis that…?”she mumbled, listening hard for anything strange or unexpected. Sheunconsciously stepped into the right fork.

Asshe walked, Anna concentrated on the trail in front of her, twisting into thedarkness like a serpent between her feet. There was a recognizable presence allaround her, everywhere. It was the strong and familiar feeling she had felttwice before at Castlewood, when she thought something unseen had been watchingher. It was an eerie haunting, like a stranger’s face staring out from apassing train. Then, with a sudden jerk, she felt the train stop. Anna stoppedtoo, carefully looking for whatever might be lurking in the dark to step out.She could almost feel the energy emanating from the darkness, a surge ofsomething powerful pressing every hair on her body against the grain. Whateverit was… it was close… very close, andAnna suddenly found herselffeeling terribly vulnerable.

And then, what seemed asnothing more than vague existence scattered throughout the forest began toconverge. It was as if the thing suddenly realized that Anna knew of itspresence. It was coming together from all around her, and Anna quickly headedin the direction she knew it would eventually appear. Her quickened paceabruptly turned into a jog, as her mind located the exact spot she knew thething would be. Rejecting all caution, she began pelting through the trees witha strange and eager hope of one not wishing to miss something vital to herbeing.

As she ran, a soft buzzingbegan to signal in the back of her brain. Just on the other side of thosetrees, she thought, ducking under another branch and then leaping over afallen tree. The buzzing in her head was now growing into a high pitch wail. Rightthere… it’ll be right there. She flew around another tree just as the wailturned into a scream – a warning. Without thinking, something made her reachback and grab a branch just as the ground beneath her dropped away. Anna screamed.Frantically reaching up with her other hand to grab the limb again, she foundherself dangling in midair over a rocky precipice. Panicking, she looked intothe abyss below her and could see the ocean crashing into the jagged andmoonlit rocks covered in glowing foam. She had run straight off the edge of thecliff.

“Oh my God!” Anna screamed, looking upagain to check the strength of the limb above her. She wheeled aboutdesperately searching for something else to grab and found another branch nearher knees. She threw her legs around it and then looked down once more. Thesurf smashing into the base of the cliff was joined by a howling windtraversing up the face of the wall. Her horrified mind was screaming, Howcould I have been so stupid?

She thrashed her body around tolook back at the tree. Its many branches were stretched out before her, like awanting mother fearful for its child. The base of the tree was anchoredprecariously between two massive boulders set into the side of the cliff. Annahad never had been afraid of heights, but now she felt terrified, hanginghaplessly over the cold blackness below her. She thought of her wand. Whatwould I do? What spell could I use to save myself if I fall?

Anna tried to take in a calmingbreath and then, summoning all of her remaining courage, she began to move onehand over the other, back toward the cliff and praying she wouldn’t replacesomething wet under her grip.

When she felt close enough toconsider swinging herself to safety, she suddenly became aware of the presenceshe had sensed earlier was now taking visible form. Threads of luminous lightwere approaching from all directions and gathering themselves over the cliff’sedge in front of her. She immediately knew what it was before she heard itspitting its recognizable hiss.

“Ssssssssssssssss,” the thingsizzled angrily, and the remaining blood in Anna’s tired arms swiftly drainedout. It was the thing calling itself the ally. Anna moved quickly, alreadydeciding in which direction to run before she flopped down on the wet dirt nearthe cliff’s edge and dashed behind the trunk of the nearest tree. Shecautiously peeked around to watch the thing transforming into a humanoidoutline of radiating coldness that pulsated in a white-dazzling glow. Annalooked behind her through the forest, mapping within her mind the quickest pathback to the house. The last time she had seen this thing, it had threatened herin a manner she just as soon not have repeated. She decided on the bestdirection to escape and was slowly starting to back away when the ally spoke toher.

“So, Guardian, have youprepared yourself for the battle to come?”

“Getaway from me!” Anna shouted, stumbling back as the phantom began to glidethrough the air toward her. It crossed over the cliff’s mossy edge, a narrowband of pallid energy following her through the trees. What seemed as nothingmore than a token outline of some human form was now evolving into somethingmuch more detailed as it finally touched down upon the earthen path.

“Fear not, Sithmaith, we areallies against the approaching chaos,” it said, benevolently, reaching out withboth arms as if contemplating an embrace. Anna was having none of it.

“Isaid, get away! You attacked my father! I want you to leave me and myfamily alone!” she screamed, whipping out her wand and pointing it at thething. The apparition stopped and then slowly dropped its arms. To Anna’ssurprise, its reply contained a sorrow-filled tone of sympathy and remorse.

“I… grieve…” it said,painfully.

Anna frowned but did not dropher wand. She peered at the figure appraisingly, watching the light twistingitself into a more solidified form. She could see its features becomingthinner, more distinct around its edges within the light surrounding it. Thething looked much frailer than it did before, tall and thin, a woman. Anna’seyes widened. The mirror said the ally was a woman… a murdered woman.Anna’s curiosity was erupting forward. She wanted to understand who this personwas and what had happened to her. The apparition slowly turned and walked backto the cliff’s edge where it folded its arms, as if bracing itself against thecold wind. It stared almost fearfully at the jagged rocks below.

Anna lowered her wand andstepped forward. “Why did you attack my father?” The ally did not respond. Itseemed almost lost in the view below her. Anna could hear the sound of thewaves pummeling the rocks as they crashed forward and then pulled back. Shecautiously took another step closer. “You said magic sent you to help me, but howcan you help me… if you continue to attack my father, or my brothers andsisters?” In a blur of brightened light, the thing suddenly turned to face her.

“Iwould never harm the children!” it said in an appalled and echoing voice. Theghost began to walk toward her again. Anna could see the face of the thingclearing now, its features becoming distinct and more refined. Anna’s mouthdropped in disbelief; she knew that face. She had seen it before in her home,in a painting inside the Grayson manor. She recognized the woman standingbefore her now.

“Iwould never harm my children!” the ghost screeched menacingly.

Annastumbled back in shock. She tripped and fell backwards. “Leola? Leola…Grayson?” she said, in astonishment. The white, luminous specter abruptlystopped, as if surprised at the sound of its own name.

“Ssssssssssssssss,” it hissedsoftly. “Yesssss… yes…” it said, in surprise. “My name… is Leola. THAT’S MYNAME!” it yelled, covering its face with its hands and dropping to its knees.Anna watched in terrified wonder as the thing began to bloom into a nearblinding radiance. The light from its body shot through the darkness of theforest, illuminating everything brighter than the day. The birds around themwere instantly awakened, and began to squawk and chatter madly in fright.Finally, the light began to withdraw and settle home within the thing fromwhich it came. Anna squinted to adjust her eyes to the gloom once more. Theghost was still on its knees, rocking back and forth. It was sobbing.

“How have I come to be thisway?” the ghost of Leola Grayson said, staring disbelievingly at its luminoushands. She glared up at Anna and then stood to reach out to her; her eyes wereglowing. “You are Sithmaith, the one created by magic to fight in its noblecause. Surely you must know what happened to me?” she said, almost pleadingly.

Anna didn’t know what to say.“You don’t remember –– what happened to you? You’re only just now rememberingwho you are… who you were?” she asked the ghost, suspiciously.

“I’ve been trying…” it replied,“to remember, but my past has been denied me. The magic that brought me to youwould only reveal that I should rest and gather my strength for the oncomingstorm. My role was to help prepare you for what was to come, to be your guide.Everything for you; nothing of myself was given to me. I’ve been roaming thediverse layers of the world, trying to understand my nature, what I am, who Iwas, searching between the whispers of magic that sent me and gave me mymission. I found myself very close to you several times since our lastmeeting.”

Anna frowned. “Hold on…” Sheremembered the odd feeling of being watched while at Castlewood, “it was you Ifelt watching me at school! Why? Why were you there?”

“Familiar faces of a family lostto me were near you…” Leola continued, “but I could not reveal myself to them.I could not remember who I was, until now.” Leola looked at Anna pleadingly. “Iwould always return here to walk the cliff’s edge… looking… searching for…something. There is much… that magic has not told me of my cause, or… of myapparent death.”

“The Mirror of Enlightenmenttold me… you were… murdered,” Anna said, watching the ghost of her father’sfirst wife carefully for a reaction. Leola seemed to stumble back and then turnedhesitantly toward the cliff again. Her hand passed through the branch of thetree next to her and then stopped as if to grasp it tight. Another flash oflight shot through the forest again, this time illuminating the tree next toher in a shimmering glow; every branch, every root, was a bright dazzlingwhite.

“Yes… I remember now. I remember!” she shrieked. Leola lookeddown over the edge of the cliff. “It happened here,” she said, despondingly.“It attacked me here, in this very spot.”

Anna’s mind was buzzing. Shetried to replace the right words, but couldn’t seem to string them togetherproperly. How does one ask a person how they were killed? Anna stepped forward.“Who was it that… attacked you?” Theghost looked back at her.

“I… don’t… remember,” she said,looking through Anna as if her misplaced memory was somehow standing behindher.

“Do you remember anything aboutwhat happened?”

Leola’s gaze turned to meetAnna again. “I remember… someone. It was…” shelooked out over the cliff to the rocks below and then back to Anna once more,“… a voice!”

“A voice? What voice?” Eventhrough the veil of blurred light around her face, Anna could see the ghostlooked terrified.

“It was… a demon!”

“What do you mean? Did you seeit?”

“I don’t…” Leola struggled, screwingup her face to remember. “I can still hear its voice, a woman’s voice. Thescreeching cackling sound –– of evil.” Anna’s eyes widened.

“The evil one…” Anna whispered,and in that instant, she knew who it was Leola was describing. It was the samewoman her brother Eric had heard with her own mother that night in his room;the same woman who seemed to have some controlling power over Victoria Graysonalmost two years after Leola’s death. The same evil Sarah had said was beingheld in Drogo castle. “But… how could this be?”

“I was murdered by a devil,”repeated the ghost miserably. Anna moved closer. She could see the light withinthe ghost was weakening, its center dimming and beginning to fade.

“How did it happen? How didthis evil one,” Anna paused again. She wanted to say kill you, butthought better of it. “How did it attack you…? Leola…? Can you hear me?”

“I… weaken. I must rest… and…gather my strength.”

“No, please… what did thisperson do? What do you remember?”

“I… was walking here… looking for…something… something I must have lost. I was searching… trying to replace it. Iwas hit by a spell that paralyzed my body,” she said, wrapping her hands aroundher arms. “My wand was taken from me, and then…” Leola looked up as if tryingto see the face of her murderer. “She was there… I could see its face hoveringover me… I knew her… she rolled my body to the edge of the cliff, and then… thething cast me down. And… I… died.” She started to whimper, and then a longlamented cry echoed into the space around where Anna stood. “Lost to sleepforever… until my awakening again for magic’s sake.”

“But who was it? Who?” Annayelled back desperately.

Leola looked terrified. “Idon’t… remember… I can see her standing over me, I knew her, but I can’tremember her face.” The light from Leola’s form was now pulsating rapidly; thevividness of her body flickered like a candle on the verge of blowing itselfout.

“Leola? Please… I have to know…you have to tell me who it was!”

“Don’t tell my children.” Theghost said, looking up at Anna. “Please don’t tell them… how I died,” shepleaded sorrowfully. “And tell him… I’m sorry.” The beseeching form started tofloat backwards over the edge of the cliff. It hovered just out of Anna’s reachabove the wave-drenched rocks hundreds of feet below.

“No… please… I need you to staywith me. I need to know more. The evil one is still out there –– at Drogocastle. The mirror said she would kill me if she knew of my existence, but Idon’t know why. You have to tell me more about her! Leola please!”

“Tell him…” her misty voiceechoed in saddened reply.

“Tell who? Who are you talkingabout?”

“Tell Boris I didn’t mean to…to hurt him. I was angry. He was my husband, and you said he was your father. Ithought he had betrayed me, betrayed our love with another, with Victoria… mybest friend… Victoria.”

Suddenly, Anna understood. Whenthe ghost of Leola attacked her father, she could not remember the details ofher own death. Surely, the news of another child by her father would have beenconfusing to her.

Anna reached out to the ghost.“Please come back. I need you. I want to speak with you about my mother…please…. come back. Don’t leave me now!”

“Tell my husband… I understand,and… I’m glad he has found love again… with another… with Victoria.”

Anna was frantic. “No… youdon’t understand! My mother is dead too. She died soon after you. She…” but itwas too late. The ghost of Leola Grayson flickered and then bloomed.

“Tell him… please tell him… Ilove him…and… I am sorry. So very… sorry.” Her translucent body began tosputter; it turned, and then suddenly fell.

“AIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!” Leolascreamed, and Anna watched in horror as the ghost tumbled end over end and downinto the blackened sea. The ocean crashed into the wall below, and as it pulledaway, a body could be seen lying motionless upon the weed swept rocks. The glowof her lifeless form faded into the depths as another wave spilled forward, andwhen the water pulled away, the ghost of Leola Grayson was gone. A dizzyingwave of nausea hit Anna’s stomach as she lurched back, her eyes clinched tightand wet with tears. She wrapped herself around the base of a tree and retched,she heaved, and then vomited.

“Oh… my God,” she whispered tothe moonlit sky above her. “Leola Grayson… my father’s wife… was murdered.” Why?What was this evil killing and controlling members of the Grayson family?