《Moonflower Inn》


 The first visitor

    "This was an excellent idea," Coral slurred. She squinted a little at the lit fireplace in front of her, the flames dancing in a way that made her head swirl. Definitely not the amount of alcohol she had consumed. There was still half a bottle of wine to finish off.


    "Told you," her younger sister, Pearl, said somewhere by her elbow. They were sprawled on a blanket, a barrier that did little to soften the cold floorboards beneath. The cold didn''t matter. Coral had a full belly of wine fighting the chill of the air. The fireplace let out enough heat that, with the doors closed to the formal salon, it was enough to forget vexing issues like bone chilling drafts that wafted through the dark hallways. The salon was beautifully decorated, even with moth eaten furniture. If she didn''t turn her head, looking away from the back of the room, expensive, annoying issues like mouldering walls didn''t matter.


    Coral lifted her wine glass imperiously and sipped. The wine coated her tongue and washed away those pesky, trifling thoughts. Because she and her sister had most definitely exemplary ideas.


    "And you were all worried this was abadinvestment," Pearl waved her hand above her, motioning towards the intricate, cobwebby decals along the ceiling. "Just look at this place. So beautiful, so ¨C" she floundered for a word to describe it, and failed.


    Coral understood what she meant. There really wasn''t a word to describe the old mansion. A gothic, five story high mansion at the end of a long road from the village. Complete with three towers and peaked roofs. Coral''s more logical part of her mind did dig up ''creepy'' as an apt description, but that was only in the throws of deep night and the old mansion creaked and moaned around them.


    They had spent almost their whole fortune buying this place. Which wasn''t really much. Their dowries combined to buy it in its entirety. Coral was sure their father was cursing their names from whatever cesspit his soul had been sent to.


    She took another, deep pull from her glass. Oh yes. That was what was needed to wash away thoughts of her father and his abhorrent notions of arranged marriage. Coral was strangely thankful, in the end, for his odd mistrust of banks. It was a simple matter, really, to steal away the coin from the safe in his study. And more importantly to steal away with her sister. Early in the morning no less. She had thought the cover of night had been preferable, all cloak and dagger-esque. Instead of her carefully thought out plan to sneak away when her father''s coughing fits fell silent, she had fallen asleep with Pearl huddled beside her. They had both been lulled by the warmth of another body in the blustery autumn night and a musty blanket over their heads to keep their noses warm.


    It had barely mattered at all what time of the day they had crept away from their fathers little house in the middle of the city. Their father was bed-ridden with fever and had barely days to live. Her fathers house would be going to Coral''s intended, as part of the dowry. She couldn''t quite recall her betrothed name. Something along the lines of Silver?


    Well, Coral thought smugly, he can deal with her father''s rotting remains in that wretched house. She had a better, far grander home now. Well placed too, far from the city. Once he discovered that she had fled, the insult should be enough to deter him from finding her. Who would want a flighty wife?


    Wife. She shuddered at the thought. No thank you. She was to young for that, though some would say that twenty ought to be well and wed. Coral wanted to be more than a wife. She wanted a bustling home, yes, but more.


    What better way to have a bustling home, than to run an inn.


    No one had wanted this old mansion. The locals had steered clear of it, backing away when either Pearl or herself had enquired in the local tavern. It had been sold to them cheaply, though it was against many of the ladies and gentle-sir''s better judgement.


    In Coral and Pearls eyes, it was a miracle. In disguise, of course. There was quite a lot to fix. Rotting floors and falling roof tiles. Odd smells coming from the upstairs attic that Coral quite frankly did not want to know what was inside. It was somehow colder in the mansion than it was outside. There was plenty to use for firewood and kindling from the small forest that lined the very high walls that encircled the estate. In fact, Pearl and herself had cleared the long drive from the elaborate gate to the house, chopping and earning blisters on their fingers.


    Fallen logs took longer to clear than dried shrubs. A necessary evil, Coral thought, wincing as she felt her sore muscles. But she had slowly gotten better at chopping dead trees into smaller, more manageable pieces. Barely.


    It had been a completely necessary and tedious chore, and probably the best decision. With doing so, they had managed to secure a delivery straight to their doors with this most excellent, and cheap, wine.


    Yes, the mules had kicked up a fuss at the gate, their ears flicking back and stamping agitatedly while the cart-man unloaded their wares and many excellent boxes of wine. A vital necessity for running a hotel. And yes, the poor delivery chap was too frightened to partake in any conversation. He was thoroughly focused on unloading as quickly as possible, leaving naught but an odd "I beg yer pardon mistresses, but its best not to stray too long here. It''s cursed land." And then he had been off like the devil himself were nipping at his heels.


    Pearl hiccoughed from beside Coral, pulling her from her drunken musings. "Here''s to you, my darling sister," she held aloft her cup. "For being brave enough to leave some toad of a man, for a more practical and profitable occupation."


    Coral blinked a couple of times to clear away images of weary donkeys from that afternoon. She doubted that this endeavour was more profitable, they had yet to have more than a few rooms in a liveable state. She gently clinked her glass against her sisters and spilling a little out of the rim.


    "Now all we need to do is attract some customers."


    Pearl shifted beside her, leaning against her elbows and daintily sipping from her own cup. Her butter-blonde hair falling from it''s pinned updo, curling over her shoulder. She was radiant in the glow of the firelight. As pretty as a delicate flower, petal soft and gentle.


    Coral herself was never able to replicate the elegant way Pearl carried herself. She was more sharp, biting ¨C quite like cheese, she thought contemplatively as she selected a slice from a platter by her feet. If she were a cheese, perhaps she was closest to a sharp, aged Cheddar.


    Unfortunately, Coral''s hair just wasn''t as lustrous as Pearls. She ought to spend more time on it, like her sister. Perhaps she could now, that she didn''t have to scrupulously look after their wretched father. Oh, she was doing it again, souring her thoughts by thinking of her father.


    "What do you suppose we should call the Inn?" Pearl wondered aloud. "Perhaps we should name it something to match this odd little village?"


    It was an odd village. Settled in a deep valley, the village of Direbrook was most, well ¨C morbid. There seemed to be a fog that clung to the houses like a mourning veil, hiding the very full cemeteries situated on both sides of the river. The Dire river, as it was so called, cut through the village, splitting it evenly. All the shops were rather ominously named. Who had decided that an appropriate name for the local apothecary should be ''The Widows Poison''? The bakery boasted its name as ''Witching Flour''.


    It was as if the whole town had embraced its namesake. All the towns'' shops and the only tavern almost celebrated it in an odd fixated way. It was this, more than anything, that had drawn Coral and her sister. Who would have thought to find them here, in a shadowy mansion complete with its own gargoyle upon a peeked, patched roof. She really ought to find someone to patch that hole in the roof.


    On the whole, despite leaky roofs, cold floors and mouldering walls. Buying this old mansion on the outskirts of creepy Direbrook was the best decision she had in fact made.


    "Perhaps we should. If we were to name it after ourselves, our sunny disposition would likely give us away."


    "Give us away" Pearl said, intrigued. "What would that matter? We would certainly stand out. Even attract customers."


    Coral pursed her lips. "Oh, well. I wouldn''t want to upset the locals. Not when we are so new. Besides. This mansion is set among the forest, rather than the seaside. It would be rather odd to name it something like...Summer Horizons."


    She sipped at her wine again, as if it was what preoccupied her. Yes, there we are, let those worrisome doubts float away with the heady scent of wine. That deep pull settled a little too heavy in her stomach. So, she nibbled at another piece of cheese while she was at it.


    "I suppose you''re right." Pearl said, her eyes wide and innocent. "But I do dread naming this place something so unworthy as, well. ''The Dog House''".


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    Coral snorted most un-lady like into her cup. "I agree. We are not naming our hotel that." Oddly, it was the least gothic name in the whole village. Perhaps it was aptly named. On the late evenings that she had strayed in the village, The Dog House tavern became more raucous within the hour. It was one of the closer establishments to their hotel, so perhaps she may even come into competition. She definitely needed to sort out the cellar. Except even she feared to go into the depths below the mansion. Something felt so, well, off.


    At this thought, the room felt icier and Coral tugged at the shawl across her shoulders tighter. The fire in the hearth had died, though the glowing embers were shimmering with heat. Coral would bet that none of the windows in this whole mansion were double glazed to keep out the chill.


    They had already burned through the pile of logs they had collected, so it was with a resigned sigh that Coral got to her feet. The room spun.


    "I think I''ve had a bit too much to drink."


    "You''ve finished off the whole bottle," Pearl lifted it up and drained the last few drops into her own cup.


    When had she finished that off?


    Coral stepped forward, wobbling. "This floor is not level!" She mumbled as she shuffled forward in her slippers. A giggle left her as she bounced off the back of the chaise and then suddenly, she was upon the doors to the salon, clinging to the handles. They opened under her touch and she went tripping over the hem of her velvet dressing robe, found in an upper floor cupboard and only slightly moth-eaten.


    Pearl let out a bell like chuckle behind her, carefully carrying her glass of wine like they were on a viciously rocking ship.


    "Where are you going. You know I can''t stand being left alone in this place. It''s too. Mmhmm. Too much," Pearl said.


    "Yes," Coral agreed. "It is much, and it''s cold. I''m getting some more firewood."


    "Oh, good."


    They linked arms and together made their careful way down the dark hallway. Shadows moved, and Coral diligently disregarded them. She was drunk. In houses like these, it would be expected to have odd shadows cast about the rooms, with moon light refracting off odd shapes and glass.


    Besides, she couldn''t show fear in front of her younger sister. She was responsible for Pearl now. She would not show fear of shadows. There were much scarier things in the world than that. Like arranged marriages. Another involuntary shiver ran down her spine at that thought. Pearl pressed closer to her.


    Together, they found the lantern by the kitchen door. Coral quickly lit it, and Pearl collected the wicker basket and gathered her own pale pink dressing gown about her arms, so it didn''t drag in the dirt. Coral copied her after a moments pause. She didn''t like sleeping with a collection of leaves and twigs caught about her legs.


    From within her pocket, Coral produced the large ring of keys and squinted in the dark to find the right one for the back door to the garden.


    There were still broken windows, and the whole of the east wing needed the wall repaired, but she felt safer somehow, locking themselves in from the forest without. Even if something could break in through an open window.


    The keys clattered as Coral inspected, tried, and failed to find the right one. Pearl was adjusting her hair in the reflection in the window when she paused.


    "Coral. Did you see that?" She asked.


    "Hmm?" The key slid into the lock, and it clicked satisfyingly. "Found it."


    "Something moved out there," Pearl said, a shiver of fear entering her voice.


    Coral collected the lantern and wrapped an arm through her sister''s. "It''s probably an owl or something. Don''t worry. We''ll only be a few minutes." She assured her.


    She pushed the door open, with some difficulty as the hinges were stiff with age. Then together they practically tumbled down the three steps and on to the cobbled back courtyard. The pile of logs was stacked near the greenhouse, an outbuilding clad in curling ironwork and remarkably un-shattered glass.


    "I''ll be sure to collect wood during the day next," she told Pearl. Though, she would not get to enjoy the beauty of all the moonflowers that lined the paths.


    Movement caught her attention and she turned her head to look out across the overgrown garden beds, past the fence line. Out in amongst the forest. Coral''s toe connected hard with a dislodged stone and she winced.


    She had seen large, solid shapes too fast to be discernible . More substantial than the shadows from the darkened halls. She lifted the lantern higher in the hope that the light spilled further. It did little but settle the fear in her.


    What did it matter? Coral thought, lightly. Shadows couldn''t hurt them. So it was with a grin that she walked, further from the mansion and into the night with her sister clasping her arm just a little too tightly.


    "Coral," Pearl whispered. "I can hear something."


    Coral could hear barely anything other than the rustle of her slippers and, -oh how the world swayed. Deliciously freeing, it was.


    The greenhouse only just a few more paces. Which was odd, now that she thought about it. It felt closer somehow. Then Coral heard it too. Shuffling, by what couldn''t be mistaken as animal feet. A rumbling growl from afar. Oh, perhaps there were wolves in the forest.


    Coral let out a nervous laugh. "The fences around the mansion are solid. And the gate was fixed last week. I made sure to shut it this evening. Nothing is getting in here, not unless it has opposable thumbs and can read the welcome sign."


    Pearl hadn''t asked. She said all of this for her own assurance just as much for her sister, who was much more prone to fear than Coral herself.


    Rather more hurriedly, they made it to the greenhouse. Pearl set her basket down, reaching for the thinner of the logs first.


    "Ouch," she snatched her hand back. "I think I''ve got a splinter. Ow, yes."


    "Your hands are like butter, everything sticks to them," Coral told her, taking her hand. She squinted in the lamplight to find the damage. "Look, you''re even bleeding."


    Pearl tsked, then froze.


    The sound of growling had broken out even louder now. This time coming from the front of the property. It was awfully close. The snarls were violently angry, making the hair stand up on the back of Corals neck. She let go of Pearls hand and scrabbled for whatever firewood she could get. Wolves or no, she was not going back into that frigid house without ample wood to beat back the chill.


    With the basket stocked, she handed the lamp to her sister, and took up the basket in her arms. "Lets get inside, quickly."


    Pearl was already half shuffling, half jogging in her slippers back towards the kitchen. The clang of the iron gate, and a muffled yell pulled her up short. That was the unmistakeable sound of someone entering their property. They hadn''t had the mansion long, but she was familiar enough with the sound to not mistake it.


    "Surely not," she said.


    A bellow, and more clanging of iron as though something hit hard against it.


    "Coral, someone''s in trouble. We must help them."


    "I''ll help us first. Get inside, quickly." She told Pearl.


    "But," Pearl protested.


    "Quickly!"


    Together they burst through the kitchen door in a tumble of skirts and skittering firewood. Somehow Coral found herself on top of the island bench, inches from the array of pots and rusty knives she had pulled earlier to perhaps restore. Ah, a rusty knife. Woebegone was her skills in defending herself, but a rusty knife could leave a lasting impression on a would-be attacker. Or wolf. A wolf wouldn''t scoff at the choice of weapon. Even drunkenly wielded.


    Coral scrabbled for the hilt of the biggest knife. Oh, no that was a wooden spoon. She tried again, caught up the knife and then blinked at it a few times. Drunkenly carrying a knife was decidedly not a good idea.


    "Pearl, the basket." Coral motioned at her sister, who had somehow managed to remain upright.


    "What?" She squeaked.


    "The basket, bring it here."


    Pearl handed her the basket, almost empty now of its contents. She thrust the knife in it, then hurried down the hallway, Pearl on her heels.


    "Stay in the salon, where it''s safe. I''ll see what the trouble is." She told Pearl. In her hurry the doors they passed creaked and opened in their wake. Her breath came out in puffs of white before her, the air was so cold.


    "I- I''ll not stay here without you." Pearls scared voice stammered out.


    Coral did not want to risk her sister getting hurt. She opened her mouth to say as much, but a hallway table draw slid open, catching her thigh and making her stumble.


    "Ow. Bloody house. I''m looking after you, that was awfully rude!" She snapped at the shadow that darkened the doors to the entrance hall. So what if it took on the shape of a tall, looming silhouette. It was a shadow! And there was someone in need at the front gate. She rushed forward, through the shadow and doors. Her skin felt like she had just taken a dip in icy water. She dug into her pocket, fishing out her keys and found the most ornate one ready to unlock the door in the entrance foyer.


    From inside the room there was snatches of growls, yips, and yelling. Her fingers found the lock, and the door swung ajar, another shadowy shape standing on the other side. Pearl gasped from behind her, but Coral was not going to let shadows scare her away.


    "Stop it." She snapped, then hurried down the steps. She lost a slipper, but never mind that. The person could be in serious trouble. She ran as fast as her legs allowed, tangled in her night dress and robe, basket crooked at her elbow.


    There was a man half sprawled in the driveway, pale as moonlight. He had moved away from the fence line, thank goodness, from where the largest wolves Coral had ever seen. They paced back and forth, snarling and teeth pulled back in anger. She stopped short, her hand flying to her mouth. She must be very drunk. Wolves were not that big. There were so many, too many bodies moving and snapping for her to make sense of one from the other. Their eyes reflected in the lamplight that came bobbing up from behind her as Pearl came to a gasping halt.


    Their growls intensified, and some even threw themselves against the gate. She was glad then, for the height of the especially tall gate. Four times her height, the same as the iron and stone fencing that surrounded the property. Nothing was getting past that.


    The gate itself trembled beneath the wolves weight but held fast. Whenever a wolf met with the silver inlay of a flowering vine intertwined with the iron, they yelped and pulled back. A part of her hurt when she witnessed this. She wanted to reach out, to reassure the beasts in their frenzied haste. To calm them. They were angry, yes. She could see that with the flash of teeth and raised hackles. But there was an urgency to them that she wanted to soothe.


    "Are you alright," Pearl asked.


    Coral blinked away from the wolves. Where had her mind been at? Cautiously, she slipped her hand into the basket and pulled out the knife. It was rather pathetic, comparing it to the wolves snarling at the gate.


    Pearl knelt down beside her, and that was when Coral realised there was a man sprawled on the ground. A breathtakingly beautiful man, with a sharp jawline and mesmerizingly dark eyes. He was also distractingly covered in a large dark stain upon his person, and it splashed across that jawline.


    Pearl perched near him, her hand reaching out for the collar of his shirt. She pushed it aside and gasped at the deep puncture wounds from a wolfs bite. The man''s eyes were fixated on Pearls face.


    Behind them the wolves snapped, jowls pulled back, ferocious in their intent to enter the grounds.The man''s eyes didn''t stray from Pearls, as though the world had fallen away.

 Introductions and ogling

    Coral had the good sense to box the man¡¯s ears. That was her sister he was giving eyes to. What was worse was that this man, bloodied and hurting, was far more interested in ogling her pretty sister than he was for his own safety. There were wolves literally throwing themselves at the gate!


    She had taken very little stock in the stories she had heard in the cities of the monsters and creatures that roamed the outskirts of towns. Hob goblins, trolls and bandits were normal occurrences she had expected.


    That was why adventurer guilds were set up in small towns on the outskirts of civilisation. The town guards only ever bothered with handling the townsfolk problems.


    However, Coral had thought a lot of the stories gossiped about were rather embellished. Like wasps the size of your head, undead popping up out of the ground in old cemeteries, large dragons hoarding treasures.


    Coral stared at the massive teeth, the foaming saliva dripping from their maws and was now seriously considering adding giant wolves to her own repertoire of gossip. And, she considered snidely, pretty men that fell on people¡¯s doorsteps.


    The iron gates clattered loudly against the onslaught of a giant wolf barging into it, intent on getting inside. Coral took one look at the beast, then her drunken brain seemed to kick back into gear. What on earth was she doing standing dumbstruck in front of a barrage of angry wolves? Deftly checking the rusty kitchen knife in her hand, she felt rather silly now. A rusty knife was useless against people sized wolves.


    She turned lopsidedly back to the injured man. He was still transfixed by Pearl, who was torn between being terrified and mesmerised. Coral noted to herself that she ought to have a serious talk with her sister later.


    Coral stumbled a little as bent over the man, intending on finding a way to get him to his feet. In the lamplight the man was a mess of blood, and as she caught sight of his eyes once again, they looked as deep red as the wine she had been enjoying.


    "Can you walk?" Coral asked him, glancing back at the gate at the sound of flesh and teeth hitting the iron. "I don''t know if the gate will hold. It''s not safe to be out here. Come inside."


    The wolves, if possible, sounded even angrier. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and her feet were itching to get moving. There was more running and scrabbling at the gate. Three wolves had gone to run alongside the fence, sniffing at the ground. They had marked their prey and they weren''t willing to let it get away so easily. Coral did not intend to get between them.


    "I''ll help, if you need the assistance?" Pearl offered in a small voice.


    He offered Pearl a smile that quickly turned into a grimace as he struggled to his feet. He leaned against Pearl and Coral hurried to his other side to assist.


    The wolves went wild as she touched the man. She had never heard such fury come from an animal. It promised teeth, ripping and pain. Coral didn''t know how she knew, but she did. With great drunken determination, she wrapped an arm around the pretty man¡¯s upper body. Pearl¡¯s arm slipped slightly lower beneath Coral¡¯s. The man struggled to his feet, wincing as he moved his injured shoulder. He favoured his left leg as he finally stood. Together they set forward at a slow, stumbling pace.


    Mostly it was Coral who stumbled, and the man hobbled. He was solid enough even with his limping that it helped her on her trajectory to the ornate entrance. The front double door was left ajar, and the man paused before the steps leading up onto the terraced landing.


    "Are you alright?" Pearl asked, her voice breathless from the effort of half carrying the man.


    It was then that Coral realised she hadn''t heard the man pant once. He was very good at keeping quiet about the pain. Perhaps he was in shock. She turned her head to peer closer at him.


    He looked disheartened. "Is this where you live?" he asked in a silvery tone that slid over Coral like satin.


    Coral stiffened. What could be so disheartening about her mansion? She blinked up at it, with it¡¯s towering windows and broken fa?ade and ¨C oh. It did look rather ominous from this angle.


    "It is. It''s also the safest place to be with wolves at our door." She reminded him.


    "Please, come inside." Pearl said, her voice high with tension. His gaze pulled away from the front door and onto Pearls face.


    "If you insist." He said with an undertone that Coral was sure she was reading too much into. The man was in pain and bleeding.


    She and Pearl assisted the man up the steps. With every yard they pulled away from the wolves and the forest, she heard them pining and growling amongst themselves. Silly, angry wolves. From this distance they blended in with the shadows, but she could feel their eyes on her back, watching.


    She pushed forward, stumbling again as she knocked her shoulder into the door. The man winced at the sudden movement, breathing in sharply.


    "Sorry," Coral apologised. "We''ll go to the salon. I''ve already a fire going. Pearl will you fetch the medical supplies from the kitchen?"


    Pearl let the man go, her fingers hanging hesitantly in the air, waiting to see if he could manage with only Coral supporting him. He smiled at her again, a signal that he was well enough to keep moving. Coral handed her the lamp, and she hurried down through the corridor, slippers slapping lightly on the wooden floor.


    Coral guided the man to the salon and set him down on the chaise before the fire. He did not comment on the blankets sprawled out over the floor, or the heady scent of wine and cheese. She raised an eyebrow as he observed the room, his eyes lingering on the darkened parts of the room that was not lit up by candle or firelight.


    "I intend to install electricity, but I''m afraid this place is so old that we must abide by flame for our light" she told him.


    "I''ve no complaints," he said lightly. As if for all the world he were here on a friendly visit, and not in fact, injured.


    "You ought to," she told him. "It looks as if you''ve been dragged backwards through the bushes."


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    "I believe I have," he said, a half grin on his face. Coral blinked and shook her head. She could have sworn for a moment that his teeth were a little too pointed.


    "Yes, well. I''ll see to that. I''m afraid we weren''t expecting guests. It just so happens that I have plenty of wine to share, and I can offer a room free of charge for the night. I''ll send for the doctor in the morning."


    With the current situation, Coral thought it would be rather rude to charge for the night.


    "Thank you, for your hospitality." He said, with a slight dip of his head as a substitute for a proper gratifying bow.


    It was this, his sincere gratitude more than anything, that Coral decided that she did in fact like this man. A man who thanked her for her help. It ought to be there regardless, general human decency and all. But Coral had grown up with a cold-hearted father who was dramatically caught up in the old ways of women being servile to the male species. Hospitality was expected, not deserved, according to her father.


    She also wanted to make a good impression, should he ever want to return and pay for a room. This was going to be a hotel after all. Perhaps he would, judging from the enraptured look that crossed his face as Pearl entered the room.


    Coral pursed her lips as Pearl hurried over to them, her arms laden with the basket of medical aid and a jug of water. She set them on the chaise beside the man.


    "This is my younger sister, Pearl." She introduced. "And I''m Coral Seaver. Please feel free to address us casually, under the present circumstances."


    "Caspian Acheron," he dipped his head again more animatedly, not quite a bow but showing polite respect.


    Pearl set out a bowl, pouring water and then dipping a cloth into it. "If you please, sir." She tentatively held the cloth up, and she looked worriedly at the blood over his face. He nodded, and Pearl set about dabbing. At her touch his fingers spasmed, but other than his fixed gaze on Pearl, he did not move.


    Deciding that the budding interest between Caspian and Pearl was too much for her to watch. Coral made a mumbled excuse she was sure went unheard and hurried to the kitchen. A few moments of privacy for her sister could be afforded. Pearl wasn¡¯t under the constraints of hiding away from an unwanted marriage with a man she did not know. Besides, she doubted the Mister Acheron, injured as he was, would not harm Pearl.


    Coral was reminded again now that she was away from the slightly warmer salon, that it was freezing. In the glow of moonlight streaming through the window, Coral selected another bottle of wine. This would do nicely to take the edge off the chill on her skin. She already was rather relaxed, considering. If she didn''t already have half a bottle of wine warming her belly, she would rather be anxious, knowing a whole pack of wolves stalked her very home.


    They hadn''t knocked down the gate, and she was inside. Unless the wolves knew how to open latches. Coral paused, frowning at the cork she had just popped. Hadn''t the gate been locked? Surely the man hadn''t climbed the fence, it was ridiculously high! Purposely built to keep intruders out if she were so bold to make assumptions.


    Coral poured herself a fresh cup, muttering about being more diligent. Here she was, worrying over her sister making the wrong choice in men, love at first sight indeed, and she hadn''t even locked the front gate.


    Well. She better chastise herself first before going to nag her younger sister. She had a very good reason to be more diligent now. Leaving the front gate open seemed to welcome in unexpected guests.


    First, though, more wine and to warm her steadily freezing feet. Coral set about collecting the wood strewn about the kitchen. There was an awful mess she would have to fix in the morning. She figured ten minutes alone were enough to appease her sister''s sudden interest in the man. He was rather handsome. She just hoped her years of teaching Pearl practical sensibility would be enough to set her thinking straight against that swoon worthy visage.


    She sipped at her drink, noticing that the floor hardly swayed as much as it had earlier. A late-night adventure definitely was a sobering affair. On her return to the salon, she only knocked into the wall once, only jostling herself slightly as she caught the opened bottle of wine.


    Pearl stood abruptly on Coral''s entrance, her face aflame. Well, look at that, Coral chuckled to herself. Pearl¡¯s cheeks were so flushed Coral could warm her hands on them. Clearly, she must have interrupted something between the two of them. It took an abnormally large amount of self-control to not say anything.


    Don''t. Say. Anything. Pearl would not appreciate her needling she reminded herself.


    She set the wood down by the fire''s hearth and piled another thick log on top. Purposely her back turned to Pearl, giving her a moment to cool her cheeks. Coral prodded the coals, the log caught alight. She sipped her wine, and she was not going to say anything.


    "So, Master Acheron," Coral said, noticing her words were still a little slurred. Pearls eyes widened at the grin that Coral couldn''t help. From her place beside the man, she silently begged her not to do it.


    She lifted the bottle of wine. "Now that you''re patched up, care for the wine I mentioned earlier?"


    Pearls shoulders relaxed.


    "You can tell us more of yourself. How you got here. Where you''re from. Should you have a beloved waiting for you to return home to?"


    Pearls eyes flashed in alarm. "Coral, let''s not hassle him. He needs something for the pain. I still need to bandage his arm." Though her words were considerate, Coral could see the curiosity in Pearl.


    "The wine will help," Coral assured her, pouring them both a cup. It was best to get the question of his availability out of the way. His answers were best to be heard first, and then she would consider how truthful he was. The drink should loosen him up a little.


    Caspian took the offered cup gingerly, drank, and sighed. "I''m afraid the story isn''t as dramatic as you''re hoping." He told Coral. "I was returning home from an evening out for supper. On my journey home, I was accosted by the wolves. My horse is dead, ran down by the beasts along the road. I was thrown from it. The wolves were at my throat, and I fought them off-"


    A small gasp from Pearl interrupted Caspian. "You fought those wolves." She said, both awed and horrified. If Coral was truthful with herself, she too felt a little awed. Taking on those beasts would have been terrifying. They were the largest wolves she had ever seen. Their backs came level with her eyes, and that didn¡¯t even consider the brute strength they would have.


    "It wouldn''t be the first time" Caspian said.


    Pearl looked to Coral, eyes large with worry. "Have they killed people from the village before?"


    Caspian considered before answering. "I''d like to say no, but I''d be lying."


    Pearl''s fingers tightened around her cup, and she drank from it deeply.


    That was particularly unsettling news. Was it safe to venture out at night at all? She would have to be very sure to lock the gate from now on.


    "So how did you happen upon our estate?" Coral asked. There''s no lamp set up at the gate, and she doubted the light from their fireplace would have led him to their door. The mansion was hidden in dark shadows, and the outside itself was dark and imposing.


    "Pure chance, I suppose. I had heard the manor had been bought recently, and I found myself further down the road than I had intended. I ran, and somehow I was able to squeeze through the gate without too much harm."


    "You''re extremely lucky to not have been caught." Pearl said. "And that Coral was unusually lax in locking the gate. She is so diligent in that sort of thing that I¡¯d have thought her back would break if she didn¡¯t. She is quite rigid in that sort of way."


    Coral lowered her cup long enough to shoot a discouraging look at her younger sister. Pearl wanted to make fun of her, did she?


    "You''ve yet to answer my other questions. Particularly if a beloved is waiting for you to return. Should there be a message I can send in the morning?" Coral asked lightly.


    Pearl bit her lower lip and returned her attention back to the handsome man sitting beside her.


    "Only my direct family. They would be grateful for a letter informing them of my whereabouts. Though, I wish to trespass on your hospitality until I can safely return home."


    "Of course," Pearl said instantly. She seemed hopeful, and somehow Coral regretted her earlier question of a beloved. Perhaps Coral accidentally fanned her sister¡¯s interest into sparking embers. The kindling was perched mere inches away from her as it was, sitting there with his dark eyes and pretty hair. Mister Acheron looked refined even in soiled clothes. Perhaps leaving Pearl alone to develop her own opinion of the man was the wrong thing to do. Her father would certainly have thought so, gentle ladies being unsupervised in the presence of a man.

 Hangover

    There was an awful, filmy taste to her tongue. A bird chirped from outside, the high trilling enough to send a sharp pain into her skull. She scrunched her eyes harder, as though this act alone could block out the wretched morning songbird.


    It didn¡¯t.


    Coral shuffled further into the blankets. Her feet slipped over something scratchy in the sheets, poking her ankle. The movement was a bad choice. She was awake now, her tongue chalky with thirst, and for the love of everything good, her head felt as though it were ready to split into two.


    Groaning with reluctant acceptance, Coral sat up. She squinted, the dim light too much for her sensitive pupils. She haphazardly slapped a hand about, pushing aside the drapes from the canopy bed, and found the pitcher her sister thoughtfully placed for her.


    Coral disregarded the glass completely and drunk straight from the pitcher. There was no need for useless decorum, not when she was on her own. The icy water slid over her tongue, washing away that sticky feeling. It didn''t settle in her stomach too well.


    Today may prove to be challenging.


    Coral let the pitcher fall to her lap and slowly, opened one eye after the other. It took a few moments to let her eyes adjust to the brightness. She was sure those curtains had been closed properly at some point in the evening. Now, there was a slither just wide enough to let the morning light spill right over her pillow, right where her head would be in the centre of the bed. She suspected Pearl''s doing. When had she gone to bed?


    She rubbed at her face. Vaguely she recalled the wolves at the gate and she shivered. What kind of fool totters down to the gate when wolves were out prowling?


    Well, Coral thought, clearly this drunken fool. Next time, she¡¯ll be locking the door to the room to limit any un-lady like foray¡¯s. She could hear it now, what her father would have said.


    ¡°Absolute damnation to you, harlot. I did not bring you up to be some kind of loose woman. What did you do, show your skin to the clodpolls at the tavern.


    I garner you enjoyed that attention, didn¡¯t you. Look at you, smelling like the backstreet of a brothel.¡±


    Coral could feel the lashings against the skin of her back anew. She huffed. Set the pitcher down hard on the bedside table and cast aside her blankets.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show whatever skin I dare, you wretched old sack of ¨C¡° Whatever Coral had about to mutter was cut short by the sound of heavy footsteps running along the room above her.


    She looked up, surprised. There wasn¡¯t any reason why someone should be in the room above. After a minute of silence, she grumbled ¡°Bloody rats.¡±


    She needed something more robust than water. Perhaps a bracing cup of tea and a hearty breakfast. Fatty bacon and eggs to coat the lining of her poor stomach. She really ought to have drunk more water before going to bed. Alcohol certainly did wonders to the body and dehydration was not one of them.


    With a slight shiver from the chilly morning air, Coral padded straight to her closet. She dressed quickly, donning a high-waisted skirt in a flattering dark burgundy and a white blouse. Preferring slippers over her shoes for the morning, she shuffled them on before tottering still slightly drunkenly about the room. She threw the curtains wide, fixed the bed, and then stared morosely in the floor length mirror at her hair. It was an odd shade of flaxen, and an absolute mess.


    She picked up her brush and attempted to brush out the knots from the ends. It was a wild thing her hair. It did whatever it pleased; and it pleased to look as messy as possible at all times.


    When she had her hair swept up in an intricate bun atop her head, weary of a few strands that had already escaped, she finished the look with a ribbon for good measure. It hid the frizz and matched her skirt. More importantly, it was out of the way for her tasks of the day.


    With more cheer than she had expected of herself, Coral left her room. The hallway was gloomy, barely any morning light penetrating the wood panelled walls. She was needing to do something about that. Perhaps mirrors would help reflect more light? Candles. If she had the money, she¡¯d prefer the use of crystal lights. But that was when she had the inn working with a more superfluous income. They were so expensive.


    Coral quietly stepped past Pearl¡¯s room, and into the beautiful landing that the grand staircase led to. She purposely ignored the tattered paintings torn and aged. The cobwebs had been vigorously swept away, though there still seemed to be a permeating dusty smell even after Pearl and herself had spent a solid week cleaning the landing.


    There was so much work to be done that she felt a little overwhelmed. She felt uncertain on her feet, and her head gave a particularly awful throb. She felt wretched. Coral picked up her skirt and stepped onto the first of the steps leading down.


    Head held high, shoulders back, graceful movements. Another step down, and she could see the hard work that she and her sister had done in just the staircase itself. The banister gleamed, with its intricate wood carvings. She didn¡¯t know what wood it was, but it was a handsome deep drown. That alone let her negative thoughts push down. Scrubbing walls and what could very well be a lifelong endeavour to renovate the manor, was a significantly better choice than rubbing some man¡¯s smelly feet.


    He would have smelly feet, of course, her betrothed. And an ugly handlebar moustache with mutton chops. Not that she¡¯d ever met or seen the man. Coral entertained herself a moment as she imagined a faceless man tweaking an awfully large moustache.


    Then she missed the next step. Her stomach flipped as she caught herself on the polished banister. It took a moment for it to settle enough before she trusted herself to keep her riled stomach down. She blinked down to the ground floor below, focusing on the way how shadows seemed to move about in the darkened landing below. A round table had been set up at the centre of the room, a homely array of moonflowers floating in a crystal bowl atop it. When had Pearl found the time to arrange that?


    It was lovely, actually. A homely touch in a large mansion was humbling. Even if said mansion was in severe need of workmanship. At the very least, they had five perfectly serviceable bedrooms on the first floor.


    Of course, there was the usual clean out of moth-eaten blankets and the removal of broken furniture. It had been very lucky indeed that the bed frames were serviceable and were elegantly appointed too. Five bedrooms, and currently three were occupied.


    Coral was almost giddy with the thought. If she made a good impression on the Mister Acheron, perhaps word would travel around town. This was not an opportunity that Coral was not going to squander.


    Coral paused halfway down the sweeping staircase to pull open the large velvet drapes. The window let in the most beautiful sunshine, splashing an array of colours from it stained glass at the top of the arch. She coughed a little as dust stirred up. That was going to need attending to, and very soon. Perhaps that was where the dusty smell had been coming from. Though, the rooms in the opposite end of the corridor were significantly in more urgent attention.


    She made her way to the kitchen through the landing and down the dark corridor, cringing as she saw the remains from her flight through the hallways during the night. How drunk had she been? There was a drawer hanging limply from a hallway table. Another vase of flowers Pearl had set up had been knocked over, the flowers sprawled everywhere.


    Coral peeked into the salon, hoping the mess wasn''t too bad. Her eyes swept over the room and was relieved to see the blankets had been neatly folded and set atop the chaise. The fire had dwindled down to coals, the residual heat keeping part of the room warm. Overall, it had been tidied and set right. Even the platter of cheese and wine had been removed.


    Odd, considering Pearl rarely stayed too long in any part of the manor on her own. It was only on Coral''s insistence that they didn''t share a bedroom. Pearl, her sweet and responsible sister, must have known this would need attending to before Mister Acheron rose in the morning. Though, she had a hard time imagining her sister tidying in the dark. It was very creepy most days, and more so at night.


    What had happened last night? Obviously apart from those silly wolves.


    Coral rubbed at her temples, the throb of her head making it difficult to recall the night''s antics. When had she even gone to bed? Had Mister Acheron wanted a letter sent to his home? Was she to fetch a doctor?


    Her stomach gave another lurch. After breakfast, she decided. She would fetch a doctor after filling her coiling belly with something that wouldn''t taste as bad coming back up a second time.


    Coral hurried down the hall, collecting a piece of kindling here and somehow a few pieces of cutlery there. Why was a wooden spoon in the hallway? Coral swung the kitchen door open, blinking rapidly from the flood of light that filled the absolutely destroyed room.


    Pots and pans littered all over the benches. Piles of logs and kindling scattered everywhere. The items she had gathered and placed on the island table to be sorted was in shambles. Coral lifted her hand to her cheek as she took in the mess. This was going to take some time to tidy.


    She probably ought to stop drinking.


    Vaguely, Coral recalled getting the firewood and being cold. There was the ever-present moving shadows. No, that wasn''t right. She frowned, thinking hard. She and Pearl had been frightened. There had been noises that drew her to the front gate, that was how Mr Acheron came to be in their household.


    Coral let out a huff as she remembered the wolves. Even in her fuzzy memory their giant forms and terrifying growls sent a shiver down her spine. Not that she had been terrified at the time when she had seen them. Alcohol had a way of giving her courage she did not usually feel while sober. If she had been uninhibited, there would not have been any chance that she got that remotely close to the wolves.


    Oh that had been a dangerous game she was playing last night. Thank goodness she hadn''t delayed the repairs to the gate.


    Coral had just taken the kettle off the stove as Pearl opened the kitchen door. She was particularly resplendent in a soft blue dress that hugged her gentle curves. She had coiled her hair into an elegant bun, knowing that the style made her look older than her eighteen years.


    "Good morning," she said.


    Coral bobbed her head in greeting, not particularly wanting to open her mouth this very moment. Her stomach was violently protesting, and it was all that she could do to stop the upheaval she could feel coming. The chamomile tea couldn''t come fast enough.


    "That bad?" Pearl asked knowingly, then gave a tiny sympathetic smile as Coral placed the whistling kettle down and whisked herself to the kitchen sink.


    Pearl rubbed Coral¡¯s back in soothing circles. Coral heaved into the sink. A minute later, gasping at the relief from nausea and the indignity of it all, Coral lifted her head. Pearl pressed a steaming cup of chamomile into Coral¡¯s hands. She sipped delicately.


    "I''ll handle breakfast this morning," Pearl told Coral.


    Coral couldn''t protest this. For one, Pearl was a much better cook than she was. And for a second, her stomach roiled at the raw smell of bacon that she had procured. Instead she nursed her cup of tea from the table, letting the tea help settle her stomach.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Pearl hummed prettily as she worked, quickly clearing a spot to prepare breakfast. She set a tray down, adding small touches such as a moon flower from the garden, one that hadn''t sustained any significant damage from being thrown in the hall. A small handkerchief, a knob of butter for the toast. She set about cooking, fussing over the state of her tray and bacon.


    It was then that Coral caught sight of Pearl''s bandaged finger. "Oh, that''s right. How''s your finger? That was a nasty splinter."


    Pearl fidgeted with the bandage. "It''s much better. Mr Acheron removed it for me last night." Her cheeks were slowly beginning to glow red.


    Coral felt her eyebrows lift without meaning to.


    "He, well. He noticed without me bringing attention to it. The splinter. He insisted he attend to it before I cleaned his head wound."


    "Oh?" Coral said, sipping at her tea and watching her sister fuss more with the bacon. "I suppose we should be thankful for his ministrations then. I wouldn''t have been able to remove it. I could hardly see straight."


    "Yes," Pearl said, her voice breathy. "He was very gentle. And, well-,¡± She paused, prodding the egg with her spatula. ¡°He had an unusual way of removing it too."


    "What do you mean?" Coral asked. The tea was starting to sooth her stomach. This conversation wasn''t though. How was she going to keep her little sister safe when the first attractive man gives her any attention? Pearl was fanciful. She believed in happily-ever-afters and love at first sight.


    Coral knew better. Love was a choice, and it was built on a foundation of respect and compatibility. An arranged marriage was not the groundwork for a respectful and compatible relationship. She hadn''t even seen her betrothed. Oh, she was thinking about herself again.


    Pearl looked up under her eyelashes at Coral, her cheeks vibrant with embarrassment. "He said the best method would be to use his mouth."


    Coral choked on her tea. "What?" She spluttered.


    "He put my finger in his mouth," she said, her cheeks going redder than ever.


    Coral set her cup down hard, the tea splashing out. She was going up there, injured man or no, and wallop him with that wooden spoon she found earlier.


    "Pearl," she said trying hard to keep the consternation from entering her voice. She didn''t get very far, as her sister interrupted her.


    "I hadn''t intended to let him do it. He held my hand up and saw that it was bleeding. He just popped my finger in his, uh, his mouth" Pearl whispered the last part, as though it would lessen the ungentlemanly behaviour. Somehow Pearls ears were as red as her face.


    Coral breathed in, steadying her nerves. So that was why Pearl had been so flustered when she returned to the salon the night before. Well, that certainly settled things. Coral drained the last of her tea and got to her feet.


    "I will speak to Mr Acheron."


    "Oh, no. Please don''t Coral," Pearl said. She set the fine china on the tray, the tinkling noise still loud enough to make Coral''s head throb.


    "He apologised right after. And it worked. It stopped the bleeding, and the splinter came right out. It doesn''t even hurt." Pearl said all in a rush. She hurried around the table and picked up Coral''s hand.


    "I don''t want to ruin this opportunity. I could make a good impression on him, I could-"


    Coral didn''t need to say anything more, because she knew her suspicion was written all over her face. Was Pearl already thinking she was in love with this man?


    "Coral, please," Pearl begged, tugging a little harder on Coral''s hand.


    She was using her big blue eyes on her. Coral hated that; Pearl knew it worked on her. All she ever had to do was beg in this way and Coral gave in, almost every time. Coral pursed her lips. Pearl looked imploringly at her.


    Who was she, all up in arms because her sister met a pretty man. It would have caused a frightful amount of gossip back home. Coral sighed inwardly. She was being too protective. After all, she didn¡¯t want to be like her father, so rigid in his ways that a flirtation could never go unchallenged.


    Besides, they were here because they both couldn¡¯t stand the unyielding rules of her father¡¯s household. They were born of gentle birth, even though Coral had essentially been sold to recover what money her father had squandered on gambling. Toad racing, seriously, of all the things to lose money on.


    "Alright. But you better be on your best behaviour. I¡¯ll not find you in some dark hallway wrapped in his arms and sucking his face."


    Pearl broke into a smile, and she twirled on the spot. That was not a good sign. Perhaps she needed to buy some chocolate to help heal her sisters broken heart once she learns the flirtations of a man she just met were of little value.


    Coral set the task of serving breakfast to Mr Acheron while she made her way to town. She figured his stay with hospitality at its finest was best, and a doctor was in fact needed for one having been mauled by man-sized wolves.


    It wasn''t a particularly enjoyable task, even if her head was no longer at risk of imploding. It was a rather miserable day. The sun that had greeted her had hidden the fact that clouds smothered the sky. It was drizzling when she had collected her coat, and what was worse was that she had no umbrella.


    Coral had no choice but to walk in the rain, mild as it was. Her coat mostly protected her from the chilly wind. When she got to the gate, she was reluctant to leave the safety of the Manor''s grounds. What if the wolves were still out?


    She checked either side of the road, the tall tree''s dripping with moisture and shivering in the brisk wind. The usual blanket of mist obscured everything in a ten-foot radius. She listened intently, her hand resting on the gate. The cold metal bit through her glove.


    Silence. Not even a chirp from a bird. Coral let out a nervous breath, then pushed the gate open. Nothing jumped out at her, nothing startled from the swing of the gate. But Coral could swear she felt eyes on her.


    Regardless, she couldn''t stay inside the mansion''s walls forever. She wouldn''t let wolves deter her from fetching a doctor, or buying chocolate, or any other necessity to fix up her inn. Coral rallied her nerves and set a brisk pace down the road towards Direbrook. The sooner she got to town, the better.


    Disregarding the monsters, Coral found the forest that lined the road to her mansion beautiful. The trees grew large and old, with sweeping branches over the road. It helped with keeping the drizzling rain off her. One or two times she thought she saw something move in the mist, but it was more likely her fear was letting her imagination run away with her. She followed a sweeping corner, where the Dire River snaked past, and the ground dropped steeply. It was here that Coral caught a glimpse of the town below, nestled between two towering mountains. Smoke was rising from chimneys, and though she was too far away, Coral knew its residents were getting ready for the day at this early hour.


    When she entered town, the streets were abuzz with people. More than she had seen in the previous month that she had lived here. She was new to town, so it didn''t surprise her that she hadn''t learnt the faces of the people who lived here well.


    Only slightly damp, Coral slowed as she passed Witching Flour, where the baker had a rather delicious display of fresh baked bread and pastries. There was already a rather large line of customers out the front door of the shop, and Coral''s stomach still wasn''t the same. She lingered only for a moment longer, staring longingly at the display of treats.


    Behind the display cabinet Coral could see inside the shop. Her eyes caught on a large, broad-shouldered man. He had the type of build that exudes authority. It was obvious in the natural way people parted way for him as he made his way to the front counter, lithe and unhurried. His black wavy hair had been messily arranged, as though he had just come from rigorous exercise. She supposed he had, judging by his attire. Coral had rarely seen a man so casually dressed, and yet look so dignified. He spoke to a baker behind the counter, and motioned to the display, turning his head to look at what he was gesturing at. Their eyes met.


    Oh my goodness. His eyes were pools of silver, and Coral was lost in them. He was breath-taking. Literally, for a moment there she could not breath. Her world narrowed down to that instant that their eyes met. An involuntary shiver flitted over her as she stared mesmerised as his eyes widened. His full lips parted slightly, and he said something that was silenced by the window separating them.


    It was then the rain brought her back to her senses. The drizzling rain worsened into a torrential downpour. Thank the heavens above for saving her from herself. She was caught ogling the man, and she didn''t even have the good sense to pretend she wasn''t appreciating the spectacle before her. Coral didn''t have time to be standing here, drenched as she was ogling men. She was busy enough hiding from one who was supposed to be her betrothed and finding a doctor to remove another particularly troublesome man currently waylaid in her mansion.


    She tore her eyes away and ran. Dignity and ladylike behaviour be damned. She was getting out of this rain and thanked that it washed some sense into her. First Pearl, and now her. What was getting into them? Should she have flashed some skin at Mr silver eyes?


    Coral berated herself all the way to the Apothecary, The Widow''s Poison. In a month¡¯s stay, Coral had learned that the doctor who owned the Apothecary could be reached there. Whether or not they were in residence at the time.


    The shops name did not promote confidence in their ability to mend or heal.


    Regardless, Coral burst through the door in a desperate attempt to escape the rain. A bell tinkled overhead, and she dripped water heavily onto the foyer. It was gloriously warm inside.


    A tall man behind the wooden counter peered up over his spectacles at her. He looked positively alarmed at her appearance. She couldn''t blame him. She sniffled a little, brushing away the drops falling down her cheek with her sleeve.


    "Good morning," she said, and smiled at the man who was now looking at the puddle of water slowly expanding by her feet. "I''m in need of a doctor."


    "You''ll be in the right place then. If not at an unfortunate time." He said. This man''s voice was particularly unpleasant to hear. Like a lemon that had grown too sour. Regardless, Coral left her pleasant smile on, as if she wasn''t making a mess of his shop. She shouldn''t judge another by that fact alone.


    "True. One can hardly expect to not tempt the weather by adventuring out without an umbrella."


    He hmphed in reply. Coral took this as an invitation into his shop. She looked around in the lantern lit room. Row upon row of shelves lined the walls, corked bottles holding an assortment of liquids and oddities. Behind the man was a floor to ceiling cabinet made entirely of small draws.


    The man had a set of scales in front of him. On one side there was a large red stone that glowed dully. The other, a small pile of twigs piled high. The man lifted a pair of copper tongs, plucked out another small twig from the box beside him, and placed it on the pile. The scales evened out fractionally more. His mouth set into a grim line as he squinted at the scales, examining what Coral could not tell.


    "Are you the doctor? I have a-."


    ¡°Sshhh¡± he hissed. His cheek twitched.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± Coral said, a little taken aback at the sneer she received.


    ¡°Sshh¡± he aggressively shushed again.


    What kind of backwards town hospitality was this? The open sign on the front wooden door meant they were available for business. Didn¡¯t it?


    Coral walked the few feet up to the counter, where she could examine the man more closely. No wonder the sour lemon was focusing so hard. The dim lamplight did little to illuminate the scales he was squinting hard at, his face contorted as though he was holding in a bad bout of gas.


    Coral partially regretted coming so close. Not from the eye roll he tossed her way, but because from this distance she could see the man''s long hairs poking from his arrow-head nose. He had a wrinkled forehead, probably from frowning so much at his scales. His shoulder length hair, unusual for the trend as most men keep it trimmed, was tied back with a black ribbon.


    He placed another half-twig on the scales. Coral hadn''t seen the shift in weight, but this evidently was what the man was looking for.


    "There. One Cinnabar stones worth of stinging root." He said a little more happily. "My apologies, miss. I''ve touched this to my bare skin before, and I dare not do it again. Itching for days! Concentration is crucial when dealing with this blasted root."


    At that, Coral took a tiny step back. A little distance between herself and the stinging root was preferable. She hadn¡¯t heard of the root before, she hadn¡¯t frequented an apothecary before, having had servants to do it for her. Coral eyed the root dubiously.


    ¡°Would it not be better with more light?¡± She suggested.


    The man tsked, shook his head, then busied himself by carefully pouring the scales contents into a paper bag. He wrapped that further with more brown paper. Finally he placed it into another small box, and tied it off quickly with twine.


    He looked up from his parcel, his brown eyes assessing. "Now, what ails you?"


    Without waiting for Coral''s answer, he began his own assessment of her. "Your complexion is flushed a little, but see, there. Puffy eyes, and I suspect-" He tugged off the gloves he wore, lifted a section of the wooden countertop and came straight towards her.


    Before Coral could step away, he lifted her hand in his, pulled her damp glove from her fingers and pinched the skin near her knuckles.


    "Ouch," She tugged her hand away, holding it to her chest for good measure.


    "Dehydrated. See how the skin remains and doesn''t fall back to place." He motioned to her hand. She didn''t look at her hand. Instead she settled a disgruntled frown on the man. He was much taller than Coral had first suspected, the floor behind the counter stepped down by several inches. He stood almost a whole another foot higher than her.


    Grudgingly Coral supposed his height wasn''t that uncommon. She was slightly below average in height. But only by an inch. She hadn''t needed to tilt her head so far back to look at anyone in the city.


    Regardless, there was a significant height difference that emphasised exactly how threatening Coral''s frown could be. Very little it seemed. He did not look apologetic. She was going to have to work on that it seemed. An Innkeeper couldn''t very well run an establishment without being severe when facing questionable individuals.


    "That would be the previous night¡¯s indulgences." She told him. "I may have drunk more than I thought I had."


    "Haven''t we all," he chuckled.


    Coral marvelled at how someone could make a chuckle sound so sour. It didn''t sound right.


    "I''m not here for myself. I need to request a house call. I have a guest who was attacked by wolves last night."


    The man stilled and the upturned corners of his mouth settled into that straight tight-lipped line again. "What?"


    "My sister and I cared for him as best we could. But he needs proper medical attention. Mr. Acheron was unable to walk without assistance, and I fear he may have broken something."


    "Mr Acheron," the man said, his face paling in the golden glow of the lamplight. He blinked down at her again, frowning. "Where did you say you were staying?"


    "At the old mansion. I just bought it with my sister last month."


    "Oh," his face paled more, and he looked more alarmed than when she had first burst through the door.

 Still an excellent idea

    ¡°Orvil,¡± A woman called out from the back room of the shop. Gentle footsteps tapped on the polished floorboards. From behind the counter a door swung open on creaking hinges. A beautiful woman stood in the doorway; a bundle of dried herbs cradled in her arms.


    "You better not be diagnosing my patients again." The woman''s voice was warm and heavily accented. Coral couldn¡¯t place the accent, but it put her in mind of the tropics rather than gloomy Direwood. While the pitch of her voice felt like warm honey caressing her, the inflection of her words was no-nonsense. This was a woman who didn''t have patience for timewasters.


    "I''m not doing anything of the sort!" The man said sourly. "Miss Seaver here was insisting on you, doctor."


    Coral was surprised the man, Orvil, knew who she was. Coral had some experience with how gossip could spread like wildfire, but it was a little unnerving hearing her own name spread about. The town wasn¡¯t that small. It seemed it was common knowledge for her having bought the abandoned mansion.


    Maybe she should have thought of changing her last name? Would it be possible to be found if she had become unintentionally noteworthy? Would her mutton chop, handlebar moustache betrothed travel the four weeks it took to even get to Direwood?


    Coral shook herself mentally. Of course he wouldn¡¯t. He hadn¡¯t even stopped by to have tea as a courtesy introduction meeting.


    The woman raised a beautifully sculpted eyebrow at Orvil, scepticism written all over her face. There was not a single blemish on her richly umber skin. Which made Coral feel all the more self-conscious of her morning hangover and bedraggled clothes. She sniffed a little as a droplet of water dripped down the back of her neck.


    In the medical profession, it was widely accepted that witches were the best doctors. They spent most of their lives dedicating their lives to the craft, combining their magical abilities with a scientific practices.


    A healing balm applied didn¡¯t quite work as quickly or efficiently as a witch doctors own concoction. Of course, anyone could become a medical practitioner. It wasn¡¯t exclusively a witch¡¯s role. There just weren¡¯t enough witches in the world to go around.


    A witch radiated an aura of energy. It was how they were distinguished from ordinary people, like Coral. That energy could then be transferred into the magic needed for healing practices. Or, far more nefarious antics. But that rarely happened, and when it did there was always devastating results. Who wanted to go up against someone who knew where to cut to cause the most damage? What poisons to use to cause you agony.


    While most people could technically learn to use magic, a witch is born, not learnt. They use their own energy to transform and manipulate natural elements, which was what made them so good at healing. They enhanced properties that were beneficial for the body. If they advanced enough, they could even heal the body without herbs or poultices.


    Their covens are a tight community of witch families, both male and females. Forging bonds between the most powerful individuals, which had the unfortunate circumstances of arranged marriages and planned births.


    Every now and then, two perfectly average people could bring into this world a child blessed with a witches ability. It was more common for two powerful witch families to join together to produce a baby with significantly higher chance of a witchling with raised levels of magic.


    Coral was impressed then, when she felt the aura of the woman emanate across the room, soothing her awful hangover. She hadn¡¯t expected a witch doctor in Direwood.


    The woman¡¯s brown eyes travelled from the tall man, and then on to Coral, taking in her alarming appearance. ¡°How can I help you?¡±


    ¡°If you please, I have a guest that requires a house call. He was attacked last night, and-¡°


    ¡°Attacked?¡± She said alarmed. ¡°Orvil, watch the shop for me while I¡¯m gone. Give me a moment and we can be on our way Miss Seaver. You¡¯re fortunate that I had no appointments this morning.¡±


    Did everyone know who she was? Clearly Coral was at a disadvantage not knowing anyone in the village. The delivery boy hadn¡¯t wanted to speak with her, and the shop for supplies was content with taking mail orders.


    ¡°He appears to be well enough. Though he needed assistance to walk. I would have come last night for help; however wolves had chased him to the estate. It wasn¡¯t safe.¡±


    The woman dropped her bundle down on the counter and hurried behind to fish around below for a moment. She emerged with a large bag, her eyes round with shock. ¡°Wolves, did you say?¡±


    Coral bobbed her head.


    ¡°Orvil,¡± she snapped, her eyes flashing. ¡°Why did you keep Miss Seaver waiting with something like this. Goodness knows their bites are terrible.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Mr Acheron,¡± he said indignantly.


    The woman paused in her stride past the counter, her face paling. ¡°What? But what on earth is he doing out?¡± She turned to Coral, her shoulders stiff. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I may not be of any assistance. Mr Acheron would have me hanged for even attempting to look at any injuries he may have sustained.¡±


    The woman braced her hip on the counter, crossing her arms. ¡°Oh, this is terrible news. Wolves. Are you sure it was wolves that attacked Mr Acheron?¡±


    ¡°Quite sure, though I¡¯ve never seen wolves quite as large as the ones at my gate last night. He said that they killed his horse too, but they seemed uninterested in the carcass, and more about killing Mr Acheron.¡± Coral shuddered at the memory, though that could have been the incredulous stare Orvil was giving her.


    ¡°His horse?¡± Orvil said, a note of surprise piquing his sour voice. ¡°Mr Acheron doesn¡¯t need a horse.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what he told me,¡± Coral said. Perhaps Mr Acheron wasn¡¯t being completely truthful with Pearl and herself. Coral wouldn¡¯t have been surprised.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s Mr Acheron? Octavian Acheron that is.¡± Orvil asked, squinting at her.


    ¡°No,¡± Coral said, finally realising they were reacting to someone different. ¡°Caspian Acheron. My apologies, I¡¯m not familiar with anyone as I¡¯ve had my hands full since arriving.¡±


    Orvil threw his head back, sighing, and the woman visibly relaxed, slumping against the counter further.


    ¡°Caspian,¡± the woman said breathily. ¡°He¡¯s back? Well, that changes thing¡¯s. Goodness, for a moment there I thought we were about to have a massacre on our hands.¡±


    ¡°A- I¡¯m sorry, a massacre?¡± Coral repeated.


    ¡°You gave us a heart attack. Do you realise that, Miss Seaver?¡± Orvil grumbled at her. ¡°I¡¯ll be charging you a further ten percent for your sheer nerve.¡±


    ¡°Excuse you,¡± Coral said heatedly. ¡°I can hardly be at fault if you did not clarify whom I was referring to.¡±


    ¡°It is you who is at fault here.¡± Orvil scoffed. ¡°Do you have any idea what you could have done? No, you just waltz in here with not a care but for yourself. Dripping all over my floors. Bought that mansion when no one here would dare step in that place, against our town¡¯s wishes, and-¡°


    ¡°Orvil!¡± The woman snapped.


    ¡°Spouting wishy washy lies about the wolves and the respectable Acheron family head.¡± Orvil¡¯s voice grew louder as he continued his rant. He pointed his finger at Coral, jabbing it with emphasis.


    ¡°Orvil be quiet.¡± The woman warned. Orvil was not listening.


    ¡°You wait until The Dog House finds out about this. They¡¯ll-¡°


    ¡°You¡¯re not the doctor.¡± Coral pointed out, voice even and unrattled. Poise, and control. Let them see what kind of lady takes this kind of ridiculous heat. Coral had heard enough, and she was not going to stand there and be berated.


    ¡°And as much as it clearly irks you to not have the education or skilled qualifications of,¡± Coral gestured towards the woman, who was busy looking bemused at her.


    ¡°Sirona Thornheart,¡± the woman supplied.


    ¡°Doctor Sirona Thornheart,¡± Coral made sure to emphasis the doctor title, ¡°I believe patient confidentiality is still a priority for all medical fields. Have some professionalism, sir.¡±


    And, if Orvil even remotely tried to charge her an additional ten percent on whatever he was selling, she¡¯d be sure to find a way to get a snippet of stinging root down the back of his trousers.


    Coral had been right to guess that Orvil¡¯s sore spot was his lack of witch abilities.


    Orvil stood there with his sour face; his mouth pressed so firm he appeared lip-less. He clenched his fists, the knuckles going white. In stark contrast his neck became blotchy and red. He opened his mouth but was cut off with a gentle tone that had an undercurrent of warnings laced in every syllable.


    ¡°You are my employee, Orvil. I¡¯ll not have you harass Miss Seaver, and I have a patient to attend to.¡± Doctor Thornheart said simply. She picked up her bag, and with a gentle, ¡°Come along,¡± she left the store, into the rain.


    Coral spared no further time on Orvil, turning on her heel and gliding out the shop with her head aloft, dignified as any high-ranking lady. Her hair dripped down the back of her blouse, hair ribbon sticking to her ear.


    Outside, now that Coral had a moment to appreciate where she was, she took a moment to compose the agitation she still felt at not yelling at Orvil.


    Coral would very much have liked to yell. Even, dare she think it, throw in a bit of a tantrummy foot stomps. Oh she hadn¡¯t done that since she was five. She was too hungover to be berated of a mistake. Maybe she could calm her anger with a bit of cheese, or even some cake.


    Across from the entrance to the Widow¡¯s Poison, the Dire River cut through the centre of the town. It was just a stretch over from the cobbled path that lined the shop fronts. Several arching bridges had been set up to allow people to flit between either side of the river. A steady mist rose up, spreading a fog beneath the bridges like one were to cross a cloud rather than water.


    They weren¡¯t the only ones standing out in the rain, though they were the only people without an umbrella. A young man had been leaning up against the stone wall a couple of shops down, using the eave of a roof to protect him from the rain. He had a shock of red hair and a set of piercing blue eyes that Coral admired even from the distance. He grinned at her.


    ¡°What are you doing, eaves dropping outside my shop?¡± Doctor Thornheart called out to the young man.


    He pushed away from the stone wall and jogged up to them. This close, Coral realised that he was tall, much taller than her, and still had boyish roundness to his cheeks.


    ¡°??I heard Orvil going off again,¡± he said, unrepentant. ¡°What was he yelling about this time?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have better things to do other than snoop into other people¡¯s business. Keep that unnaturally good hearing of yours to yourself.¡± Doctor Thornheart said good naturedly.


    ¡°If it has anything with stirring up Orvil Norwood, I¡¯ll find the time to be there.¡± He promised solemnly.


    ¡°Best find that Orvil doesn¡¯t find you there.¡± Doctor Thornheart told him. ¡°Now lend me your umbrella, and head back to that guild of yours before the old master finds you gone from your duties.¡±


    Doctor Thornheart looked down at his hands expectantly, only to find them empty.


    ¡°I would, if I could. But I don¡¯t have it on me.¡±


    ¡°You really did run over just to eaves drop.¡± Doctor Thornheart said bemusedly.


    The young man shrugged a single shoulder, then motioned his head towards Coral. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Coral started. By now she was assuming Direbrook would have started to recognise her as the new face in town. Though she had spent the majority of the month feverishly cleaning and sorting the manor.


    Realising that she was gormlessly standing there like a sodden frog, she bobbed her head in greeting. ¡°I¡¯m Coral Seaver. Lovely to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Elwin Hunt,¡± the young man said, offering up another grin. ¡°So have you truly bought that old mansion?¡±


    Alright, maybe her face was unfamiliar, but her name was noteworthy. ¡°I have,¡± Coral told him.


    ¡°Must be brave, buying an old necromancer¡¯s house.¡±


    What.


    Doctor Thornheart scoffed. ¡°You know the house was cleared out of anything even remotely nefarious. Don¡¯t scare her like that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Elwin,¡± Coral told him, her heart in her mouth. For a moment there she thought her most excellent idea, was in fact awful. So that must be why no one wanted her to buy the manor. The locals had protested her purchase when she first enquired and had thought it had something to do with a closed off community.


    Necromancers were awful. If she had known prior, it would have weighed in on her decision to purchase the estate. Regardless, it was hers now. In the month that she had been under its roof, nothing untoward had happened.


    ¡°It strikes me as odd, that no one mentioned that to me when I did buy it.¡± Coral said thoughtfully. The estate was valued at an extraordinarily good price.


    ¡°Probably because it scares off any extra business from a fresh coin purse. What with the annual undead night, apart from the additional adventurers, not many people actually come to Direwood.¡±


    ¡°The what?¡± Coral asked, her voice now hushed.


    Doctor Thornheart sighed. ¡°You were bound to find out eventually. Its just before the mid-winter festival. If you remained in Direwood that is.¡±


    Elwin¡¯s eyes sparked with a light enthusiasm that Coral couldn¡¯t quite understand. On the odd occasion when necromancy was still legal, now rightfully against the law for the rotten practice, they sometimes caused cemeteries to become overrun with suddenly animated corpses.


    It hadn¡¯t ever happened in the city she was from. Every now and then a far-off village would still be having trouble with the undead and would require the help of an adventurer to deal with them. They required a special type of weapon designed to destroy the spirit inside the corpse, otherwise it flitted off into the next available carcass. Usually, the town or village just ended up abandoned if the source of the problem couldn¡¯t be found. The source was almost always a necromancer was taking up residence and still practicing the evil magic.


    ¡°Once a year, the cemetery becomes overflowing with them!¡± Elwin explained, his excitement palpable. ¡°It¡¯s the best night all year.¡±


    ¡°I beg to differ,¡± Doctor Thornheart said dryly. ¡°Those that can¡¯t fight are locked up in the Adventurers Guild or The Dog House until the night is done.¡±


    ¡°O ¨C Oh, I see.¡± Coral stammered. It was the middle of autumn, so did that give her another two months to prepare for a night of the undead? Her manor was a good distance from the very large cemetery. Perhaps she would be fine if she stayed in her manor. The gates did hold up against the wolves.


    Doctor Thornheart held her bag aloft as a shield to keep her head from getting too wet. ¡°I need an umbrella; it¡¯s pouring too much to walk to your estate Miss Seaver, or we¡¯ll both be soaking wet.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come with you,¡± Elwin said eagerly, offering an arm to both Coral and Doctor Thornheart. They set a quick pace down along the path, all the while Elwin chattering happily.


    ¡°I¡¯m with the Adventurers Guild, Miss Seaver. Been training since I was eight years old. Old Master Winters has been seeing to my training himself. I¡¯m going to be the greatest hero this world has ever seen. You wait and see,¡± he jostled Coral a little, shaking his arm enthusiastically.


    ¡°I still have a fair way to go, I¡¯m still an apprentice. Three more years and I¡¯ll be a fully-fledged adventurer.¡±


    Three more years put Elwin at around fifteen years old. Adventurers were only fully qualified when they turned into an adult at eighteen. Albeit they generally were never able to take on the more treacherous tasks. Even if an apprentice was brought along on expeditions into caves and dungeons, fighting creatures, and dealing with the occasional bandit, they were still considered inexperienced. They earned a title with their accomplishments.


    Coral herself would be more inclined to select a titled adventurer, or Hero, as they sometimes like to call themselves, to placate any monster that deemed to give her trouble.


    With Elwin''s long legs, his stride was significantly larger than theirs. Both Coral and Doctor Thornheart had to jog to keep up with his pace. Not that she was complaining, Coral didn¡¯t want to walk in the rain. Her hangover hadn¡¯t quite let up yet.


    Elwin was leading them straight to the far end of the street, where she could see a wooden sign swinging lightly from the rain, the name of the shop, Cravings and Delirium painted across the surface.


    ¡°Always wanted to be a hero, fighting monsters. Their more common around this part, or so I¡¯ve been told. Do you get many monsters from where you¡¯re from Miss Seaver?¡±


    ¡°Please, call me Coral. And no, not many. Of course, there are thieves, the usual thugs in the city, and bandits. But they weren¡¯t much of a problem for me. The town guards kept them out, and I was almost always within the city.¡±


    ¡°More pickings for bandits closer to the cities,¡± Elwin surmised. He propped open the bright red door to Cravings and Delirium, motioning for Coral and Doctor Thornheart to enter first.


    Cravings and Delirium was a hodgepodge of edible goods, general supplies and bric-a-brac. Candles were stacked of all shapes and sizes at the first display, followed by lanterns and two chandeliers. Rugs were rolled and set vertically against a wall; their vibrant hues only able to be seen by peeling back the corners. Coral, Elwin and Doctor Thornheart walked by these, and past a neatly stacked pile of firewood.


    Doctor Thornheart broke off from their little group to examine the cloaks and hats hanging from an ornate rack. Coral made a note that this place would be good to peruse once she had more coin to spare on that sort of thing. The shop itself was wonderfully warm.


    Towards the back there were chairs and bedding, kitchen utensils and of course there was food goods as well. Sugar, chocolate, perfume and music boxes. Dried flowers hung from the ceiling, with drapes and an assortment of glittering crystal chimes.


    Beside the apples and berries, was a decent display of swords and hunting bows. Coral blinked and reached out to touch one.


    ¡°Looking to get yourself a sword?¡± Elwin asked, inspecting them. ¡°They aren¡¯t terrible, these. Between you and I,¡± He leant close to whisper in Coral¡¯s ear. ¡°You¡¯re better off getting them from the blacksmith.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never held a sword in my life.¡± Coral told him. ¡°And I should hope to never need one.¡±


    Elwin winked a stunning blue eye at her. ¡°I¡¯ll keep you safe.¡±


    Coral silently choked with surprise. Elwin was all courage and smiles. It was also a shock adjusting to the relaxed lifestyles smaller towns were used to. Not that she was complaining. She preferred down to earth mannerisms. She wanted to be humble and smile easily and not worry about proper aristocratic etiquette. It hadn¡¯t suited her. It wasn¡¯t her.


    This place isn¡¯t your tight-lipped, snobby nosed general goods store, Coral reminded herself. This was the real world. She better start getting used to it.


    Coral wandered back towards the counter where an array of pamphlets and orders had been left. Advertisements were displayed here, for all sorts of goods. She had stopped here once before for her first order of cheap wine, which still, was an excellent decision. She was about to turn away when a flyer caught her eye. Colours of lemon, violet, orange, crimson red, royal blue and pink splashed across the parchment. Flower petals were dotted throughout, providing a lovely texture. Coral picked up the advertisement and she pursed her lips thoughtfully. It read:


    MOTHERS NATURE


    Snap-dragons of all varieties. Perfect for gardens, parties or to liven up your home. Available in an array of colours and mixes.


    Tea-cup, Butterfly, Candy, Double Supreme, Night and Day, Intermediate, Frosted Flames, Dwarf, Trailing


    Pearl would love some snapdragons for the garden, and it would help to break up the hundreds of moonflowers covering every inch of space it could grow.


    Coral could afford to buy some as a surprise for her sister. The flowers could be cut and used in the bouquets Pearl was so fond of making. She quickly placed an order, along with a few other standard necessities, like more cheese for herself. She felt like her morning hadn¡¯t been completely wasted, though her purse was considerably lighter. She was going to have to work faster to get the inn set up to attract customers.


    Doctor Thornheart approached the counter with a cloak instead of an umbrella, having been all sold out.


    ¡°Elwin, are you familiar with the wolves in the area?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± he grinned. At what, Coral didn¡¯t know.


    Doctor Thornheart shot him a cautionary glare from over her shoulder. Coral briefly wondered at the hard look, then went on with her line of questioning.


    ¡°The reason of my need of Doctor Thornheart today is that there was an incident at my estate.¡±


    ¡°I know, heard all about it early this morning from my Pa. Pretty riled up he was.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°He knows? How?¡± Coral asked shocked. Coral had definitely underestimated how quickly news spread in a small town. How did anyone keep a secret in Direwood? Everyone seemed to gossip worse than little old men.


    Next time she came into town, Coral was not going to be hungover, and preferably not soaking wet. She was too uncomfortable to deal with all this rumour mongering. Perhaps the stories she had heard had some truths to them, like extra-large wolves. But now she couldn¡¯t help but feel the stories get emphasised by those who live small town lives.


    Elwin just shrugged at her. ¡°He was in the area. He¡¯s a hunter.¡±


    Coral disregarded her next question of ¡®What on earth do you feed those things¡¯ and replaced it with ¡°Have they ever killed anyone?¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t in any danger of those wolves, Miss Seaver. Let me assure you now. They won¡¯t attack you.¡±


    ¡°Somehow I don¡¯t believe that¡± Coral scoffed. ¡°They attacked Mr Caspian Acheron last night. His horse is dead.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Elwin said, rubbing the back of his neck and inspecting a large painting of a busty woman. ¡°I can¡¯t say that they haven¡¯t ever attacked anyone. But the wolves only ever attack if they have a reason to.¡±


    Coral sighed. ¡°That¡¯s not very reassuring. What if they ever find me threatening? I¡¯m the one that must trapse in and out of the place.¡±


    More importantly it would be terrible for business. How would she ever get any customers if they had to dodge wolves to get to the front gate.


    Elwin snorted. ¡°Lady Coral you¡¯d be tiny pickings for them. Even so, how about this.¡± He puffed his chest up and gave her a charming grin. ¡°I¡¯ll escort you should you ever need it. The wolves will leave us alone as soon as they see I¡¯m with you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, please Goodness help me,¡± Doctor Thornheart muttered from beneath her breathe. She busied herself by pulling on her new cloak.


    Coral agreed wholeheartedly with this sentiment. She wasn¡¯t quite sure if Elwin was flirting with her. Or, and she was more inclined to believe, it was his daring to become a hero that he offered his protection. While she appreciated the gesture from Elwin, it didn¡¯t sit right with her having a young boy escort her. Or even winking at her for that matter.


    Coral stared as Elwin took a wide stance, and she was sure he was trying to flex without being obvious about it. She didn¡¯t know what was worse, to let him continue his stance or to stop watching the display. In a way it was almost, well, endearing. He still had a long way to go to build up some muscle, he was closer to the spindlier end of physiques. But his ambition to be more than what he was now, Coral saw a piece of herself. She wouldn¡¯t discourage his dreams. She was following her own after all. Perhaps she could gently guide him to pose less awkwardly.


    When Doctor Thornheart had her cloak wrapped snuggly about, her medical bag tucked underneath, they set off, finally, back towards the manor. Elwin followed along, and at the third bridge he waved goodbye and parted, headed to what was clearly the Adventurer¡¯s Guild tucked against the curve of the stream.


    The building was beautiful. Three stories high, with a steepled roof and an enormous round window at the centre of the building. An enormous arched entrance embellished with intricate stone carvings. From this angle Coral could see the back of the building was built right up to the Dire River, with balconies overhanging the water. A deep blue banner was set on either side of the building, flapping gently in the rain. The Adventurer¡¯s Guild sigil emblazoned at its centre in gold. Each guild had their own individual sigil, and with it, a unique spell designed only for the guild members.


    Coral had always been intrigued by magic. Though she had never had to opportunity to learn the practice itself. Mage craft was notoriously difficult to master, and significantly dangerous to handle. Many lives were lost each year from apprentices during their study from something going wrong. Coral, having the father that she did, had viciously warned her off it. A gentle lady didn¡¯t use magic. A pocked face or missing limbs would detract from the price dear daddy could sell her for at the highest price. However, it didn¡¯t stop Coral from learning what she could. Under complete secrecy of course.


    Only a member could activate the sigil of their guild. She wasn¡¯t sure what Direwood¡¯s sigil did exactly, but generally it was used in combat for defence. Coral made a note to learn what this was next time she spoke with Elwin.


    A small dock had been set up slightly further down from the bend in the river. Stairs led up from this dock to a small garden set to the side, and trailing ivy and moss dripped down from the decorative stone railing.


    A lone boat was docked at the pier. From the tangerine sails and a squiggly sigil, Coral could see another adventurer was visiting Direwoods Adventurer Guild.


    Directly opposite the guild, another imposing building stretched up from the river embankment. This too was three stories high, and clearly went further down, as the stone that had been built into the river had small windows poking just above the water line.


    A smaller wing poked out from the side, positioned over the road they walked. An archway had been set below the building to allow use of the road. The local grey stone was used in the construction and the architect had incorporated the lumber from the surrounding forest. Arching timber trusses had been set at the peak of the gable roof, another story higher than its wing. It was a very handsome building and was particularly odd that it was the local tavern, called The Dog House.


    The tavern was closed at this hour, which let Coral feel just a little bit more dignified in what she was about to do. She hitched her skirt up, stuck her leg out and wiggled it a bit. There. Now her father really could roll over in his grave. It wasn¡¯t that scandalous, really. Women these days were starting to favour shorter skirts. Coral obviously was banned from this too. She wholeheartedly intended to obtain a skirt that was above her ankles. But this one act in defiance of her father¡¯s memory felt more freeing than when she had first run away. Now Coral really could say she flashed some skin at the local clodpoll¡¯s tavern.


    ¡°Something wrong with your leg?¡± Doctor Thornheart asked. She stood a few paces in front of Coral, her face carefully blank.


    ¡°Shaking out some bad memories.¡± Coral told her.


    The walk back to the manor was brisk. Doctor Thornheart set a quick pace, which Coral only half minded. She wanted to be back home to dry off. Her shoes were filled with water and with every step she could feel squishing between her toes. The road back to her manor was covered with rain-slicked leaves, so she slipped and slide every few paces. She was also starting to sniffle a bit. Runny nose, sodden shoes, wet skirts slapping her legs, a hangover and an argument. It wasn¡¯t even midday yet!


    She should have a slice of cake for lunch to balance out the lousy morning.


    Relief flooded through Coral as she spotted the manor¡¯s peaked roof over the treetops. Propped between the chimneys stood a mass of darkened stone that was barely discernible from this distance. The gargoyle. A great stone monstrosity of a thing, with outspread wings like a bat, the front chest and legs of an eagle and a face of a lion. Much like a Chimera. However, Coral had thought it perched over the tower roof, hanging from the edge with its head outstretched. Looking at the manor from this angle provided a whole new view she hadn¡¯t seen before. It really was striking, even with the manor¡¯s crumbling walls. The ivy growing up it¡¯s walls hid a lot of the damage the building had suffered from being abandoned and exposed to the elements. Coral was still sure, despite her morning, that buying the manor had been an excellent idea.

 Scratched Messages

    Pearl, her face pinched with worry, was just leaving Caspian Acheron¡¯s room, a silver tray in her hands piled with breakfast things. She stopped at the sight of Coral and Doctor Thornheart walking up the grand stairs to the first floor.


    ¡°Good morning. You must be the Doctor.¡± Pearl greeted. She walked the few steps away from the door she had just vacated, as though she were disturbing the man inside.


    Coral hurried up the stairs, eager to depart as soon as she were able to rid herself of her wet clothes. Doctor Thornheart on her heels. ¡°This is Sirona Thornheart.¡± Coral introduced as she made the last five steps and motioned to her sister. ¡°And this is my sister Pearl.¡±


    The Doctor bobbed her head in greeting.


    ¡°Mister Acheron is awake. Though he doesn¡¯t seem too inclined to eat breakfast.¡± Pearl said, a little crestfallen.


    ¡°I can assure you this is perfectly normal for him. Caspian Acheron has never been a big eater.¡± Doctor Thornheart said in a reassuring way. A calmness brushed over Coral, and Pearls shoulder¡¯s visibly relaxed. Coral¡¯s headache eased slightly, and the cold that had settled into her bones no longer felt as though it was terrible. As Doctor Thornheart stepped up towards the door, Coral realised the calming feeling had radiated from the Doctor. With each step that separated Coral, the feeling dissipated.


    That was a convenient trick Coral wished she could do.


    Doctor Thornheart knocked smartly on Mister Acheron¡¯s door and without waiting for permission, she pushed the door open and strode in. ¡°What trouble have you gotten yourself into this time,¡± she said serenely, her voice a soothing lullaby to Coral¡¯s ears. The door swung closed, cutting off Mr Acheron¡¯s reply.


    No longer within the Doctor¡¯s calming aura, Pearl worried at her lower lip. A moment later, they both seemed to realise they were standing mesmerised on the landing, looking vacantly at each other. Pearl released her lip, blinked and then gasped.


    ¡°You look like a drowned fish,¡± she said, surprised as though she had only just taken in Coral¡¯s dishevelled appearance.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little rainy today,¡± Coral said needlessly. The gentle patter of rain drops on the window emphasised the needlessness of her statement. ¡°Don¡¯t let that go to waste,¡± Coral motioned at the untouched food before turning on her heel and headed to her bedroom, finally in search of some warm clothes.


    Coral had the luxury of a bathroom connected to her bedroom. She had selected it specifically, even if it were one of the smaller rooms. She closed the door to her room, not bothering to lock her door, and stripped off her sodden clothes with vigour. The material clung to her like a second skin, and it took a great deal of shimmying to peel everything off. She left the clothes in a damp huddle on the floor, pulled out a spare towel from her cupboard and wrapped it around herself. When towelling dry did little to warm her, she decided that she was due a soak in the tub.


    The bathroom was freezing when she swung the wooden door open. She padded quickly over the icy tiles and turned the copper taps on full blast for hot water. She stood back, shivering slightly, admiring how even in this derelict old manor, there were luxuries like running hot water. A most excellent surprise, as there was little else in the way of good fortune when looking at the state the manor was in.


    The style of the bathroom wasn¡¯t to Coral¡¯s taste, but it was convenient. The white tiles were inlaid with small black diamonds spotted throughout. The basin was soiled with a stubborn stain that refused to be scrubbed away. A mirror set in a handsome wooden frame had a spiderwebbed crack running from the top, shattering her image back in multifaceted reflections.


    The claw foot tub was set against the wall across from the sink, and in between these two bathing necessities was a floor to ceiling window. Completely filthy from the outside, it marred any clear view she may have had if she were to gaze from her position in the bath.


    If it were cleaned, a long soak in the tub with a beautiful view of the forest would be wonderful. She should use that for advertising.


    The walls were lined halfway with a dark mahogany wood. Above this was a hideous floral wallpaper. It peeled away on sections of the wall above the bath. She was going to have to replace the wallpaper, even if it wasn¡¯t peeling. The lime green leaf and pink flowers clashed terribly with the rest of the room.


    Coral picked at a piece that was hanging limply from the wall while the bathroom filled with steam. A small section peeled away neatly, the paper ripping upwards. A large chunk fell away and almost landed in the tub before she caught it, her hand brushing the surface of the water. She hissed at the heat, quickly pulling her hand back and dropped the wallpaper to the floor. The room was steaming up quickly, so she turned back to the faucets and adjusted the temperature. The bathroom was cast in a gloomy light from the window, so while she waited for the water to no longer be scalding, she lit the standing iron candle holder to light up one section of the room.


    The draped curtain from the window, also a monstrous lime green, fluttered gently as she turned around. Coral watched it a moment, searching for a draft from an askew piece of glass or crack in the window. There wasn¡¯t anything. Not even the candle flames flickered. The steam in the bathroom didn¡¯t swirl. The only thing that moved was her shivering body.


    Uncaring that the water was still quite hot, Coral began to place one foot after the other into the water, wincing at the heat. After a moment of adjusting to the temperature, she lowered herself slowly. Blissfully, she submerged her whole body, letting her head sink below the surface. The water thundered in her ears from the running tap, so she turned it off and relaxed, letting the warmth seep into her half-frozen limbs.


    The tap dripped, the rain had picked up again outside, pelting against the window, and it was soothing her headache. Bliss.


    Except now in the quiet hush, there was a scratching noise that the water faucet had hidden. A small scritch of a noise like a mouse worrying away at something. Coral was going to have to get a cat, she didn¡¯t need mice making their home in the walls of the manor.


    She still needed a name for the Inn as well. Coral really didn¡¯t fancy naming it something gloomy, as much as Direwood had embraced its namesake. She wouldn¡¯t go with anything that had anything to do with the sea either, as much as she would like to. Coral¡¯s mother had been fond of the sea. It was unfortunately a giant flag to the world of ¡°Here I am, come find me father.¡±


    Coral frowned. No, her father was dead. She was sure of it. Whatever her betrothed felt he was entitled to, he would be more than welcome to the house that terrible excuse for a father had in the city. She would never nudge a single toe over its threshold.


    It didn¡¯t have mice though, she thought as the scratching became more insistent. She shuffled a little, the water trickling as she pulled a washcloth from the edge of the tub. She soaked it and then slung it over the top of her head, covering her eyes. The scratching stopped.


    Coral needed a name that matched Direwood so that she didn¡¯t stand out too much. Her name and face had already been gossiped about clearly. It was reassuring to know that no one visited often. None of her acquaintances or friends would find her, she was safe. It would pose a challenge to entice visitors to her doorstep. The scratching started up again.


    Quiet Hollow? No, she didn¡¯t want a quiet place. She wanted the inn to be bustling with guests. Shivering Spire? Oh, no that wouldn¡¯t work, it made the manor sound cold. It was, but that wasn¡¯t the point.


    ¡°Ssh mouse, I¡¯m trying to think,¡± she said aloud. It didn¡¯t really work; the mouse was back scratching enthusiastically, chewing away at the wall above her head. She sunk lower into the tub, the washcloth pushed back off her face and she took up the bar of soap resting on the lip. She lathered her feet, taking care with her tender toes.


    Scratch. Scritch. Drip. Scratch.


    Coral scrubbed at her legs, working fast so she could dip them back into the delicious warmth. Even with all this steam, the bathroom was still cold.


    Maybe she could take advantage of the manor¡¯s dark past? The Undead¡¯s Rest. Coral shivered at that thought. Definitely not. The Olde Inn? The Mouses House? Direwood Guesthouse?


    None of these worked either.


    She worked the soap up the rest of her body and rinsed off in the water. She lay there staring at the peeling wallpaper blooms, the steam swirling around her face as she breathed. A section of wallpaper lifted slowly from the wall. Coral watched the edges curl up.


    Perhaps Coral could call the manor something that she liked. Then, what did she like? She stared blankly for a moment, realising that she wasn¡¯t sure. This last month had been the first time in her life she could do whatever she pleased. It was hard, discovering things about oneself when freedom had been all that she craved. She had that now.


    Her sister Pearl had always been fond of beautiful things, being a beauty herself. It had been Pearl really that had made her take that leap of faith and escape her father¡¯s clutches. She hadn¡¯t wanted that gentleness in Pearl to die at the hands of a man she didn¡¯t know, sold off like she was a lamb. Coral had sought their freedom for Pearl, really, more than for herself.


    The moonflowers covering the grounds was beautiful. They trailed over everything, flowering in masses of white and blue. Pearl had fawned over them on their first arrival. Perhaps, Moonflower Inn?


    This sounded right. Coral had a name now.


    Satisfied, Coral let the quiet and the warmth wash over her. The rain had quieted again, and now that she was paying more attention, the scratching was quite close to her. It was increasingly irritating. She slapped the water¡¯s surface, splashing about just to disturb the mouse, hoping it would stop in its fright. It didn¡¯t cease. The wallpaper she was mindlessly watching twitched. Coral stopped moving, her eyes trained directly at the wall.


    It hadn¡¯t really moved, had it?


    Slowly, the curling paper lifted further, peeling up and away from the wall. The end stretched as though something pulled at it, anchored with weight. The wallpaper fell away. Beneath, there were scratched marks.


    Coral didn¡¯t dare move. When nothing else happened, she decided it was just her fanciful imaginations. The bathroom was gloomy, and the discovery that her Moonflower Inn had been the home of a necromancer had sat horribly in her stomach. No one wanted to deal with death magic.


    Although, there had been those shadows. She had seen them flit about the house in her time here.


    Hesitantly, Coral reached over her head. She picked at a torn piece of wallpaper, then peeled it back. Beneath, more marks were scratched into the wall. Letters. Messy, as though it had been done by a child. The paper tore off in her wet fingers. Coral got to her knees and worked at the next piece. It came away with some work.


    HELP


    Coral didn¡¯t dare breathe. Her heart hammered in her ears, and she could feel her pulse thrum in her veins. Slowly, a line scratched unevenly below the word in small sections, right before her eyes.


    Coral cried out, slipped and fell. Bathwater spilled over the sides of the tub as she floundered in panic. She heaved herself out of the bath, her feet slipping on wet tiles. She reached for a robe and threw it around herself as she ran from the bathroom. She slammed the door closed and backed away from it, never turning away. The back of her knees hit the canopy bed, and she plopped down, afraid to look away.


    The scratching had happened right above her head. Right as she was bathing. Completely unclothed!


    Her fright was overruled by her outrage. How dare some spirit invade her privacy. Coral was still entitled to her privacy regardless of if it the individual interrupting her was alive or not.


    ¡°That was atrociously rude of you!¡± Coral called out. The bathroom remained quiet. Whatever spirit was inside the bathroom ignored her, as far as she could tell. ¡°At the very least, you could wait until it is midday, sunny and I am fully dressed. Not Bathing.¡±


    Coral ignored the fact that it was in fact an hour and a half away from midday. It was gloomy outside, which didn¡¯t help matters by casting the manor in a pallid excuse for sunlight. Midday, in a bright room with the sun¡¯s warmth at her back, perhaps Coral would be less nervous to discuss niceties with a departed spirit. Talking to the dead wasn¡¯t something Coral had ever thought herself to do. That was a job for adventurers.


    She was going to need to put in a request to Direbrook Adventurers Guild. Coral¡¯s heart plummeted somewhere below her navel.


    Adventurers were expensive. What was more, was that her purse was running dangerously low on coin. She would never be able to afford the fee to remove any ghosts.


    Coral watched the warm glow of candlelight from beneath the door groove, breath baited for any flicker of movement. When nothing further happened, she steeled herself for a moment and cleared her throat.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°This is my estate now. Every square inch of earth, stone and tree. I¡¯ll not have you trespass. You keep out of my bathroom, or you¡¯ll be sorry.¡± Coral said, gripping the sheets in her hands. She had hoped her voice would come out strong, but to her own ears she sounded washed out and there was a quiver in a few syllables.


    Silence greeted her ears. After another two minutes of uneventful sitting on her bed, Coral huffed in impatience. Not even a tiny scratch at the wall broke the quiet. She didn¡¯t know what she was expecting, but it really hadn¡¯t been nothing. A protest at the very least at being yelled at, ghosts didn¡¯t take kindly to aggravated yelling. Or so, she had read once in a textbook she had picked up regarding the different schools of magic. She had briefly touched upon Necromancy and death magic, the book giving an explanation that spirits were unruly and difficult to control as they had their own agenda¡¯s. If they were tied to this world, they would become irritable at best, and deadly at worst. Coral had lost that morbid textbook quickly after the first few pages. On purpose, of course.


    Coral couldn¡¯t withstand the anticipation any further. This nothingness was going to set her on edge and she would rather something happen already. She released the bed covers, slipped her feet back into slippers, and then inspected the bathroom door from a good five steps away.


    The door looked fine. So, she stepped carefully up to it, turned the brass handle and gently pushed it ajar by an inch. She pressed her head up against the door and peaked through the gap.


    The bathroom was quiet. She searched the shadows and found no silhouette of an unearthly entity. Only a full steaming bathtub. Coral inched the door a little wider, peering wide-eyed about the room. Nothing, not even a ghostly whisper.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She said quietly into the empty room. She hadn¡¯t really expected a verbal response, however, the flames on the candelabra flickered in her direction.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I would appreciate it if we could cooperate whilst I am the Lady of the manor. I kindly request you vacate my bathroom to another section of the house.¡±


    No response.


    ¡°And, to not intrude upon my person whilst I am using the bathroom.¡± She added.


    The condensation on the mirror parted as a single line drew down the centre of the mirror. Then another line, forming a jagged ¡®Y¡¯.


    Coral stared at the finger marks and clenched her shaking hands into fists. She felt both too frightened to move and outraged that this ghost had seen her in the buff. How long had it been leering at her? Surely it hadn¡¯t been lecherously perusing her bathing since she arrived. Coral was about the explain to the ghost why exactly she required privacy for herself, when another line next to the Y wiped across the mirror.


    Coral remained stock still as the word ¡®YES¡¯ formed slowly.


    Yes? Yes to what? That the ghost would leave her bathroom?


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Coral said quickly, assuming that it was agreeing to her request. Feeling a little more confident she added, ¡°I appreciate that this is a difficult move for you, and,¡± Coral stopped talking when the letters fogged over, and new letters began to etch onto the glass.


    HELP.


    Coral didn¡¯t like where this was going. The dead were able to communicate with those that they thought could assist them with unfinished business. Coral did not understand how or even why the ghost thought that she could help.


    She went to say as much, when the mirror started to display another array of letters across the surface.


    BASEMENT


    Oh no, that was a terrible idea. Coral would not follow some ghost into the basement. That was a fool¡¯s errand. She wouldn¡¯t be tricked by the undead, and now that she had a better grasp of what the ghosts¡¯ intentions were, she certainly didn¡¯t trust it.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Coral said in what she hoped was a sympathetic sort of tone, rather than terrified anger. ¡°I have a guest to tend to right now. Perhaps at another more convenient time.¡±


    There was a shudder to the room and the hair on her arms stood on end, as though she just passed through a static aura of energy. The flames on the candelabra went out. The bathroom was still bright enough in the pale sunlight from the window that she could see, but the shadows set deeper into the corners of the room. Without bothering to empty the bath, Coral stepped back and firmly closed the bathroom door.


    This ghost was going to become a serious issue. This must have been why Pearl was set on edge when she found herself alone. Coral tried to recall a time in the last month if she had mentioned anything about ghosts. She dug her fingernails into the bed of her hands, fists clenching and releasing as she tried to bring any part of their conversation forward.


    Pearl had never said anything. She had wanted to share a bedroom, and rarely was Coral left to her own devices within the confines of the manor. If they were outside Pearl was significantly more relaxed. Pearl had been by her side whenever she could.


    Coral sighed. Her duty as an older sister was becoming lax. She had been so caught up in making a new life for herself, that she had waylaid her sisters¡¯ behaviours. Well, not anymore. She would let Pearl sleep with her at night, and if Coral were to ignore the fact that she herself didn¡¯t want to sleep in her own bed any longer, that could all be pushed under the rug.


    She would find a way to remove the ghost and keep her sister safe at Moonflower Inn. This was her home now, and she wouldn¡¯t let anyone, dead or not, get in the way of that. Annoyingly, Coral found herself somewhat thankful that Caspian Acheron was currently residing in the manor, as it provided a brief interlude for Coral to come up with some sort of plan to deal with the dead pervert. Pearl could be preoccupied with being moon-eyed by the pretty man, even if it did put a twist in Coral¡¯s undergarments.


    A quick rap at her door made Coral squeak in surprise. Pearl swung the bedroom door open.


    ¡°Coral, are you decent? The Doctor has requested an audience with you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, uh. Yes, I just need to get dressed. Actually,¡± Coral hurried to collect some clothes without actually looking at what she was selecting from the wardrobe and said ¡°I saw a big mouse in here earlier, so I¡¯ll dress in your room.¡±


    Doctor Thornheart was waiting in the salon, which Coral was quickly becoming inclined to name ¡®The winter Salon¡¯ due to that was where she and Pearl had often found themselves relaxing at the beginning of the winter equinox. Coral adjusted her dress, a frilly affair that she had stuffed into her trunk from when she was under the control of her father. The dress was a peach-coral colour, matching her name but not in personality. She intended to remove all frills from its outer layer, to reveal the silk cloth beneath which was much more flattering on her. Coral suited smooth, slick lines. Frills did not offer her anything other than to look like an overstuffed pillow.


    Her hair was still wet, though thankfully it no longer dripped down her back. Pearl had retied it into a coronet and had tucked in a white moonflower to adorn the braid. Coral felt overly dressed, considering Doctor Thornheart was wearing a sensible blouse and high waisted skirt in shades of dark blues.


    It was with only a smile that she was able to hide her embarrassment as she walked into the salon. Doctor Thornheart was sipping on a cup of tea that Pearl had procured for her from one of the fine porcelain tea-sets found in the manor. Caspian Acheron sat across from Doctor Thornheart on the chaise, looking significantly healthier. There was some colour returned to his pale skin, though his dark eyes still had that sheen of deep red to them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cut to the chase Lady Seaver,¡± Doctor Thornheart said briskly as Coral set herself down comfortably on a single chair. Pearl chose to stand behind her, hands clasped demurely.


    ¡°Caspian Acheron will need several days of bedrest to fully recover. It would be best that he did not move and certainly not to travel. Even if Master Acheron were to return home, he would jeopardize all that I have done for him today.¡±


    ¡°It is my request that he remain in your hospitality until I am certain he is able bodied enough to return to his estate.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Caspian Acheron said, interrupting Doctor Thornheart, ¡°Miss Pearl has advised that you are in the beginning stages of opening an Inn. I would be much obliged to pay for my lodging throughout my stay.¡±


    Coral would have allowed the man to stay rent free, having fell on her doorstep in such an unfortunate state. She was not cold-blooded. Caspian Acheron¡¯s offer to pay set her at ease, knowing that there would be some further benefit that he could serve other than distracting Pearl.


    ¡°You are welcome for as long as you require a room.¡± Coral said to Mister Acheron. ¡°I¡¯m sure you will find your stay most comfortable.¡±


    Coral hoped at the very least. She focused her attention back on to Doctor Thornheart, determined not to let her eyes drift up to the ceiling and back in the direction of her haunted bathroom.


    ¡°While Mister Acheron will be staying here, you will need to know a few of his requirements to ensure his recovery. He is at the moment very sensitive to sunlight.¡±


    Coral thought this was an odd statement, considering he was sitting here in the salon with the curtains thrown wide open. His back was mere feet from the window. As though this thought were written across her face, Mister Acheron said ¡°Bright direct light, I should specify. My eyes are sensitive.¡±


    ¡°We will keep the curtains drawn for you then,¡± Pearl said. ¡°This is a simple enough request.¡±


    ¡°He must also rest. I know he has a penchant to not listen to my medical advice, so I must insist that he not move around too much. No heavy lifting, and he is to keep that arm of his strapped to his chest until I return to inspect how it is coming along.¡± Doctor Thornheart said. Her words were directed at Coral and Pearl; however, she was giving a hard look at Mister Acheron as she said them. Mister Acheron was unfazed by the Doctor¡¯s hard stare.


    ¡°We wouldn¡¯t dare enquire Mister Acheron do any physical work. As he said, he is now a paying guest.¡± Coral assured her.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Doctor Thornheart said. ¡°I feel a little more assured to keep him under a watchful eye.¡±


    ¡°I do not require coddling,¡± Mister Acheron said mildly.


    ¡°Under no circumstances. No physical activity other than walking.¡± Doctor Thornheart said, ignoring him. She sipped from her tea. ¡°Lastly, and this is more for your benefit rather than Mister Acherons, give him something to do that keeps him in his seat.¡±


    ¡°Sirona, you¡¯ve gone too far.¡± Mister Acheron snapped.


    ¡°I doubt that¡± she said mildly, then sipped her tea again. ¡°I say all of this, as Mister Acheron had procured some rare ingredients I required. Unfortunately, they were on his horse on his return home. I will be searching for said ingredients in the hope that the wolves haven¡¯t eaten them. Mister Acheron, whilst noble in his efforts, is not in any condition to return for them. Please do not let him convince you otherwise.¡±


    Mister Acheron began to protest, though before more than a few disgruntled words were said, Doctor Thornheart spoke over the top of him.


    ¡°I can take care of myself, thank you. While I appreciate that you have gone to a great deal of effort and risk to yourself to get them, I won¡¯t allow you to parade through the woods injured. That¡¯s just ridiculous.¡±


    Mister Acheron clenched his jaw.


    ¡°He likes numbers,¡± she told Pearl. With that, she drained the last of her cup and got to her feet. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in two days¡¯ time. I won¡¯t be going alone so please say nothing, Caspian.¡± She gave him a sharp look.


    ¡°It was lovely to meet you both, Coral and Pearl. I hope you find Direwood to be, well, homely I suppose. Take care.¡± She bobbed her head in goodbye, and Coral walked her to the entrance hall.


    ¡°Before you go, Doctor,¡± Coral said, stepping through the entrance door. Doctor Thornheart took one look at the dreary sky then swept her cloak up from her bag, now looking significantly less full, and fixed it about her shoulders. Coral made sure to close the door so that her words couldn¡¯t travel back to the salon. Though now that she was here, she felt awkward in the wake of this sensible woman. Coral breathed in, and then changed her question altogether.


    ¡°Mister Orvil Norwood, is he really your associate?¡±


    ¡°He is my alchemist and while he has the manners of an irritable old man, he is very good at what he does.¡± Doctor Thornheart said.


    ¡°Oh, right. And is he likely to charge extra should I need to purchase anything?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°I should think not. I don¡¯t take kindly to taking advantage of people like that. Though I won¡¯t put it past him to try.¡±


    Coral stood on the ornate landing, her tongue twisting in her mouth to form the words that she wasn¡¯t sure she really wanted to ask. Doctor Thornheart looked at her expectantly. Coral stared at her, and if she hadn¡¯t spent years of training not to do so, she would have been twisting the frills brushing at her fingertips.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Doctor Thornheart prompted.


    ¡°Earlier,¡± Coral began, her voice hesitant. She turned and looked at the intricate carvings on the entrance door and decided that she would be very silly not to ask. ¡°When Elwin said that a necromancer had occupied this manor. How long ago exactly was that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Maybe fifteen years or so.¡± Doctor Thornheart said.


    ¡°Do you know anything about what happened? Do you know if they left on their own, or perhaps they were caught?¡± Coral prompted, hoping for any hint at what had happened here in the past. It was likely that the reason for the ghost was because of a necromancer. Natural hauntings do happen, but with death magic about it was almost certain that it was linked.


    Doctor Thornheart shook her head. ¡°I wasn¡¯t here at the time. I¡¯ve only been in Direwood for five years now. I wouldn¡¯t dream of moving, it¡¯s too entertaining here. Odd,¡± she said thoughtfully. ¡°I never thought I would say that about a small town. But there you are.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Coral said, a little disheartened.


    Doctor Thornheart must have read this because she tsked at her. ¡°You should speak to the Adventurer¡¯s guild should you have any concerns. I only really know that they swept the place clean of anything that would be dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I will, thank you.¡± Coral said, a little brighter. That was a good idea, though she didn¡¯t know how exactly she would arrange such a meeting.


    ¡°If you¡¯re ever in town, call in to see me. If, that is, I¡¯m not away on a house call.¡± Doctor Thornheart said. ¡°But I really must be going now.¡±


    Coral bobbed a polite curtsey and watched as Doctor Thornheart lifted her cloak¡¯s hood over her head, stepped lightly down the steps, along the driveway and to the front gates. A gentle wind ruffled her dress, and Coral shivered as it cut through the material.


    It had been a most eventful morning, and more so for one still suffering from the after affects of alcohol. The front garden, if Coral could call it that, it was more of a wilderness even at this point, was awash in blue and white flowers. She took a moment for herself and envisioned the future she had sought out.


    The manor would cut a striking figure in amongst the forest, walls clean and mended, windows gleaming in the sunlight. The manicured garden filled with more than just Moonflowers, though they would remain in abundance. Briefly Coral pictured tall, colourful snapdragon flowers, and pictured Pearl selecting a few to cut. Her new home would be charming, and patrons would be chuckling merrily as they thanked her for their time staying in her most beautiful inn.


    There was a clatter, and Coral looked up just in time to see a few roof tiles fall to the ground from the west wing. Her vision dissipated quickly. She had a long way to go. This of all things didn¡¯t deter her. She looked forward to the challenge if this was what her freedom cost her. Renovations and hangover¡¯s notwithstanding, she turned on her heel and went inside, looking for a piece of cake to sweeten her mood.


    Pearl¡¯s tinkling laugh spilled from the salon as she walked through the entrance hall and down the corridor to the kitchen. It was nice, hearing her sister laugh. She was interrupted quite abruptly as the hall table¡¯s draw slid open and caught her hip. Wincing, she shoved the draw forcefully back into the table, paused, then slid it open again. There, scratched at the bottom of the wood was the word BASEMENT.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± she hissed. ¡°I¡¯m much too busy to go there,¡± she said aloud. Coral didn¡¯t need to say that she didn¡¯t want to go down to the basement. She wasn¡¯t brave enough for that just yet.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± Pearl asked from behind her. Coral started, not expecting her sister to be there, Mister Acheron by her side. She hadn¡¯t noticed them following her. They had walked so quietly that she hadn¡¯t heard them.


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Coral said, pushing the draw firmly shut. If she recalled correctly from her fuzzy memories, this was the second time the draw had tried to trip her up. She was going to glue the draw in if it did it again. Then she wouldn¡¯t need to see vague messages.


    ¡°Mister Acheron has requested a tour of the inn,¡± Pearl explained.


    Coral hesitated at this. The manor was still in disrepair. If anything, Coral wanted to be proud of her home, not ashamed.


    ¡°I did explain that we have only been here a month,¡± Pearl continued, interpreting Coral¡¯s hesitance correctly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always admired this building from afar. I had wanted to purchase this estate myself. I would love to explore.¡± Mister Acheron explained. ¡°I¡¯m well aware of what unfortunate state it has fallen into, though I¡¯ve never entered the building itself.


    ¡°You wanted to purchase it?¡± Coral asked surprised.


    Mister Acheron nodded. ¡°I would if I had the opportunity. The estate would never have been sold to me, regardless. I¡¯m grateful that ownership has been taken up by capable ladies such as yourselves.¡±


    Pearl blushed and looked away to hide her cheeks.


    Coral raised an eyebrow at Mister Acheron, ¡°Flattery, Mister Acheron, will only get you a piece of cake,¡± she told him.

 Unbelievable Expense

    If Coral had expected her afternoon to go smoothly, she was sorely mistaken. She shouldn¡¯t have gotten out of bed. Just should have rolled back over and let herself sleep away that wretched hangover.


    At least lunch had been pleasant. Caspian had implored that he was well enough to go traversing throughout the whole manor. At this declaration, Coral took in the whole visage of Caspian Acheron, who¡¯s arm and shoulder was bandaged heavily, smelling slightly of medicinal herbs and still was able to look infuriatingly put together in a bloodied shirt. On the whole, Coral listened to Doctor Thornhearts¡¯ advice, advising that he could keep to the salon and kitchen downstairs, but to not go any further.


    Coral wondered if his attractiveness could be diminished if he rolled in mud and smelled of horse dung, though somehow, she didn¡¯t think so. There was an alluring quality to him that masked any dishevelled dirtiness, and warped into something more, well, appealing. It certainly appealed to Pearl. It was almost embarrassing to watch.


    Even if Mister Acheron was whole and healthy, Coral still held reservations to allow anyone to go wandering through her manor¡¯s halls. There were still many rooms left unexplored in the manor. Some area¡¯s Coral had only given a cursory glance on her first investigation. There was an abundance of rooms with gaping holes in both the walls and flooring, broken windows with shattered glass. Those rooms she didn¡¯t dare step inside in case she fell right through to the room below. In the few rooms that she had poked around, there had been some treasures collected and employed for immediate use.


    Coral was now the proud owner of a sky-blue teapot with an ornate handle, hand painted wildflowers in an array of colours, and was enchanted to keep tea warm for hours. A most pleasant surprise when both she and Pearl had returned after one afternoon of clearing the driveway to the manor and found the tea still steaming, as fresh and full bodied as though it were freshly brewed.


    Mister Acheron had tried to insist that he was in fact well enough to simply walk about and look, but as Pearl beseeched him to rest for the day, and provide her companionship should he so wish, he changed his tune immediately. Coral had stuffed a particularly large piece of cake into her mouth then to keep it from spiling words she was sure her sister would not want to hear. She reminded herself, again, that Pearl was as free as Coral was to divulge in wanton romances.


    Lunch had passed quickly, in which Coral found herself overlooked as both Pearl and Mister Acheron engaged in a conversation that left no room for her. It was if she were an ornament, witnessing a secret exchange, and more than once did Pearl blush, giggle and looked up beneath her eyelashes. Coral could only hope that should she ever become moon-eyed by someone, she didn¡¯t look half as ridiculous as her sister did. At the very least, Coral made do with the company of her cake, as short lived as it was from plate to her mouth.


    They had returned to the salon, now named the Winter Salon, and were discussing what method was best to remove mould from old buildings. A conversation topic Coral had never imagined herself discussing, yet here she was. Surprisingly, as she was invested now in making Moonflower Inn as habitable and pleasant a home could be, she found the conversation engaging.


    As it turned out, Mister Acheron was quite knowledgeable when it came to carpentry and had offered a wealth of information that Coral was keen to learn. Pearl was clearly bored by the topic, but it allowed her to observe Mister Acheron unabashedly while he spoke non-stop for fifteen whole minutes about types of timber and what application they were best for.


    A heavy, ringing knock on the front door permeated throughout the manor interrupting their conversation. Coral sat quietly, looking in the direction of the entrance hall, so astounded that she had a visitor that it took Pearl to say, ¡°Should we answer?¡± to prompt Coral to her feet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer. Stay here if you please,¡± Coral said before heading to the entrance hall.


    Both Pearl and Mister Acheron followed. Pearl, she was sure came because of pure curiosity, and Mister Acheron, as he was anxious to be doing something.


    Coral swung open the entrance door and found Elwin upon the portico with his hands in his pockets and looking pleased with himself. ¡°Good afternoon, Lady Seaver.¡± Elwin said, dipping into a quick bow.


    ¡°Elwin,¡± Coral said, still mystified at his visit. He was dressed differently from this morning. He now wore Direwood¡¯s Adventurer sigil upon his right shoulder, a golden pin holding his blue cape in place that was drapped around his shoulders. Beneath he wore a black tunic with a dark blue overcoat, buttoned down one side of his chest. Black trousers were accentuated by polished boots. It was a stark contrast to his general rough spun cotton shirt and trousers from earlier that morning.


    ¡°Could I come in for a moment. I believe I may have something that belongs to you.¡± Elwin asked, his eyes bright as they flicked over her face. Coral had the distinct impression he was scanning her, and she too became aware in her own vastly different change of appearance.


    Coral stepped back, allowing Elwin entrance. He stepped inside then stopped as he found Pearl and Mister Acheron standing a few feet back in the darkened entrance hall. Instantly, his face dropped from friendly openness to closed off hostility. His shoulders set and he took a stance that Coral thought he would rather like to reach for the sword strapped to his waist.


    Who gives a fifteen-year-old a sword?


    Mister Acheron remained still, and he watched Elwin with something akin to a predator¡¯s weary gaze. The room fell silent as the two sized one another up. If the room hadn¡¯t already been frightfully cold, Coral would have thought the temperature had dropped purely from the frigid enmity.


    Pearl looked between the two, a small crease forming between her eyes as she watched the exchange.


    ¡°Coral?¡± Pearl asked, unsure of what was going on.


    Coral herself was just as perplexed as Pearl. Deciding that this awkward tension was too much, she would turn the situation around. Coral didn¡¯t particularly like being the one to host a potential fight, which looked increasingly likely with every passing second. ¡°This is Elwin Hunt, I met him earlier today. I assume, then, that you know Mister Caspian Acheron.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately,¡± Elwin said.


    ¡°We are acquainted,¡± Caspian said in a calm manner, and Coral was thankful then that at least one of the men standing in her home seemed to have some decency.


    Ignoring Elwin¡¯s rudeness, Coral pressed on. ¡°Mister Acheron is my guest.¡± Coral told Elwin.


    ¡°A guest,¡± he said darkly. His blue eyes deepened at this statement, and in the dimly lit hall they looked almost black.


    ¡°Yes. A guest.¡± Coral said curtly. ¡°As much as you are.¡± She added as a reminder that he was the one who had knocked on her door.


    This seemed to have the correct result that Coral had been looking for, even if Elwin let out a low growl of frustration. He turned to Coral then, his face now pulled into a blank mask.


    ¡°Forgive my rudeness, Lady Seaver. I¡¯ve come on Guild business. If I could have a moment of your time, I would be most grateful.¡±


    ¡°Of course, this way¡± Coral said, more warmly this time. Whatever animosity that Mister Acheron and Elwin held for each other, Coral could tell that it cost the young man more to stand quietly by and do nothing to bring their fight to a head.


    Coral led Elwin back towards the salon, where it was much warmer by the fire. Elwin went to sit on one of the chairs closest to the fire, then paused as he watched as Pearl entered the room.


    ¡°My sister shares everything with me,¡± Pearl said prettily, ¡°We have no secrets between us.¡± She sat down on one of the chairs.


    Pearl was correct. Whatever it was that the guild wanted, Coral had no intentions of keeping it from her sister. What was more, Pearl was terrible at keeping secrets. Which, in retrospect, was why they hadn¡¯t concerned themselves with creating new identities. A new name would have been too much for Pearl. It was Coral, not Pearl, who was hiding away from a man who she had never met, or even recalled his name for that matter.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Elwin said. He reached inside the front lapel of his overcoat and pulled out an envelope. He held it out, and Coral took it with some trepidation. It had been sealed with red wax, an indication that the note for the addressee had been magically spelled to withhold the information within until the intended recipient had received it. The seal had split open as soon as Coral¡¯s fingertips brushed the envelope. Coral stared at in a horrified stupor at the familiar spiky ink written across its surface.


    The letter was from her father.


    Elwin looked gratified for a moment at the cracked seal, then faltered as he saw Coral¡¯s face.


    ¡°How?¡± Coral croaked out. Her tongue had become very dry.


    Pearl hurried over and read the inscription on the envelope. She gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. ¡°No,¡± Pearl whispered.


    ¡°A letter has arrived at every Adventurer¡¯s Guild across the country, along with a description of your likeness. At first, we hadn¡¯t of thought to send this to you, as you can see, the last name is addressed as Coral Farley.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Farley was my father¡¯s name. However, both Pearl and I were given my mother¡¯s maiden name at birth.¡± It had been much to her father¡¯s disgust. It seems though he took little stock in it. Briefly Coral wondered at the ego of her father, to think that she would keep the name of Farley, even after she had escaped him. She had only been addressed as Coral Farley in the city, as her father had been within the nobility factions, garnering favours and flitting away coin like he was made of money.


    So, that boil of a man had sent a letter to every Adventurer¡¯s guild in the hope to find her, but for what? Surely his sickness had taken him by now. Coral had been certain of his demise.


    ¡°What description was given?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°Flaxen hair, hazel eyes, slender build. A sketch of your likeness was provided as well. Every guild was provided with a sketch with each letter. The sender lacked your address, but insisted whoever delivered the letter, you would pay the reward.¡±


    ¡°And how much is that?¡± Coral said in a hushed tone.


    ¡°Well, for this type of thing, twenty-five gold coins.¡±


    Coral choked. ¡°Twenty-five, for a letter?¡±


    ¡°For each letter. The guild doesn¡¯t like to take on these types of jobs. We aren¡¯t a postal service. We¡¯re busy enough as it is with keeping monsters at bay.¡±


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Coral was weak at the knees. ¡°Elwin,¡± she said breathlessly. ¡°I don¡¯t have twenty-five gold coins. I don¡¯t even have ten.¡± All she had were a handful of silver coins, and a few bronze, enough to see them through until summer. Coral hadn¡¯t taken into account for this kind of extravagant expense.


    Elwin didn¡¯t look disheartened. ¡°The Guild offers repayment plans. We understand our fees can be expensive.¡± He offered.


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t want those letters.¡± She told him. ¡°Here,¡± she thrust the letter back at the boy. He held his hands aloft, unwilling to take the letter.


    ¡°You¡¯ve already opened the seal. There¡¯s little I can do. Someone went to a great deal of effort to contact you. And I¡¯ve already let the old master know this letter is for you, he¡¯s sent for the other forty-two.¡± Elwin countered.


    ¡°I can¡¯t afford the fee. Take it back.¡± Coral said, shaking the envelope at him.


    Elwin looked a little worried now. ¡°I really can¡¯t.¡± He told her. ¡°You need to read it now, or the letter will burn up in my hands. It won¡¯t change that Old Master Crowcaller knows I¡¯m giving it to you. If I come back empty handed, he¡¯ll know you have it.¡±


    Coral got to her feet and paced in front of the fire. What in the name of goodness was she supposed to do. The single gold coin they would earn from Mister Acheron¡¯s stay would not suffice. ¡°What of the sender? Can the charge not be reversed?¡±


    ¡°It would be impossible, Lady Seaver. I¡¯m afraid the sender has passed away not long after the letters were received. I¡¯m sorry to bear such news.¡±


    ¡°So am I,¡± Coral huffed. So, he was dead after all and he still found a way to make his money problems, hers. She froze. Oh no, what if her father still had outstanding debts and this was his way of passing on the buck to her. To ruin her further. She glanced at the envelope, crinkled now as her fingers pressed the paper in worry.


    ¡°He¡¯s really gone, then.¡± Pearl said softly.


    Coral hoped his soul was being stewed in boiling pus in the afterlife.


    Elwin nodded his head solemnly. ¡°My apologies in bearing this heavy news. As I understand it, he was your father?¡±


    ¡°He was.¡± Pearl said, her hands still pressed against her mouth. ¡°He was very sick when we left. I can¡¯t say I¡¯m sad to hear of his death. I am not sure how I feel about it.¡±


    ¡°He was little more than an abscess on a hob-goblins arse,¡± Coral snapped.


    ¡°Coral,¡± Pearl gasped reproachfully.


    Elwin looked thoroughly taken aback. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard someone so proper swear like that.¡±


    Pearl was frowning as she watched Coral turn her back to them and grumble under her breath. Coral made sure her sister couldn¡¯t hear the continued foul mouthing she was keeping up, most of which she was sure her sister didn¡¯t know the meaning of.


    ¡°Coral has a problem with her manners sometimes. Please forgive her.¡± Pearl begged.


    Elwin chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s the politest insult I¡¯ve ever heard someone say. Beg your pardon, Miss?¡±


    Pearl let her fingers drop and blink in surprise. ¡°Oh, my apologies. My name is Pearl,¡± Pearl offered.


    ¡°Lady Pearl,¡± Elwin dipped his head again in greeting. ¡°Under the circumstances, I would have preferred to meet you with better news.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s to be expected,¡± Pearl said lightly. ¡°Our father was always persistent. We should have known it wasn¡¯t as easy as we thought to run away from-¡°


    ¡°Pearl,¡± Coral cut her sister off, spinning on her heel to shoot her an exasperated grimace.


    Pearl¡¯s hands shot back to cover her mouth. ¡°Oh, no.¡± She looked at Elwin worriedly. ¡°Please pretend you didn¡¯t hear that Elwin.¡±


    ¡°Run away?¡± Elwin said, looking between Pearl and Coral. ¡°Are you in some trouble, Lady Seaver?¡±


    Coral sat heavily in her chair and let her eyes close briefly, pushing her frustration down. She¡¯d let that frustration out later when she was destroying some crumbling wall.


    ¡°It appears I may be in some trouble. For one, I don¡¯t have the money to pay you.¡± Coral said, lifting the offending envelope and waving it about.


    Elwin looked, finally, appropriately troubled by this. He crossed his arms, eyebrows pinched together as he tried to discern the problem. ¡°Is there anything I can do?¡± He asked tentatively.


    ¡°Can you make the fee go away?¡± Coral sighed.


    Elwin tapped his fingers against his forearm for a moment, before finally saying. ¡°If I were to say that the letter got destroyed. That you aren¡¯t Coral Farley. That¡¯s a mark against me. I¡¯ll be passed over for another trainee to be taken on expeditions.¡±


    ¡°For as something so small as misplacing a letter?¡± Pearl asked. ¡°That¡¯s quite harsh. You won¡¯t get experience that way.¡±


    Elwin shrugged. ¡°If I¡¯m irresponsible with tasks set by the Guild, then I can¡¯t be counted on with difficult, far more important assignments. Irresponsibility is not acceptable behaviour for hero¡¯s.¡± He tapped at his arm again, then leant back in his chair, looking crestfallen.


    ¡°I can see that this has caused you quite some trouble, and it doesn¡¯t sit well with me. It¡¯s my code to help others. I¡¯m willing to say that the letter was burned by accident.¡± Elwin said, looking thoroughly crestfallen but determined.


    Coral watched the young man, his shoulders drooping slightly in his disappointment. Damn her bleeding heart. She hated the affects her father had inflicted upon her and her sister from his bad decisions. Bankruptcy, abuse both physical and mental, they had an ongoing effect that would potentially last a lifetime. This young man didn¡¯t need any of Coral¡¯s problems settled on him. Not from an act of goodwill. She didn¡¯t want Elwin¡¯s dream to be set back because he thought it was the right thing to do. Oh, she hoped her father was suffering in limbo.


    ¡°No. You won¡¯t.¡± Coral told Elwin sharply. ¡°If our father is dead, then whatever rot he has spread I will have to deal with. I¡¯ll pay the Adventurer¡¯s Guild back, but I cannot afford it right now.¡± Coral said, disgruntled. ¡°And only for this one letter. All the rest can be considered unwanted.¡±


    Elwin looked unsure. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t undo what I¡¯ve started. They have your description, even a picture of you. The fee would be due, regardless.¡±


    Coral glared at the envelope in her hands. Oh, she was having an extraordinarily bad day. Coral sat there quietly for a moment, imagining what exactly she would do if her father were standing here this very moment. The iron poker for the fire would make a satisfyingly solid thwack to clobber him with.


    ¡°I think we could all do with a strong cup of tea,¡± Pearl said. She left the room quickly in a scurry of skirts, her feet tapping lightly on the floor as she hurried down the corridor.


    Coral thought she needed something much stronger than tea right now. Like some lovely, heady wine to make her forget her troubles. But no, she didn¡¯t want a repeat of a day like today. She had an enormous workload waiting for her, scrubbing walls and de-cobwebbing cornices. Moonflower Inn needed to be presentable to encourage customers. She needed to lavish extraordinary service on Mister Acheron to encourage a good review. A second night of too much indulgence would be very foolish, though very much wanted, on her part.


    Elwin cleared his throat and Coral looked up at him, pulled from her musings.


    ¡°Are you in some kind of trouble?¡± he asked again. ¡°I can¡¯t help but feel I have inflicted this upon you.¡±


    Coral smiled at him with some difficulty. ¡°It¡¯s nothing that needs the help of a hero,¡± she said reassuringly. ¡°Eirek Farley, my father, was a terrible person. Though, if it isn¡¯t too much trouble, can I count on you to keep this information to yourself. I would like to keep the name of Farley as a long-distance memory.¡±


    Elwin shifted in his seat, not meeting her eyes.


    ¡°Elwin,¡± Coral said, a little concerned. He became very interested in the hem of his overcoat, his crossed arms twitching.


    ¡°This is important to me; can I trust you with this secret?¡± Coral was not about to let up on this. Elwin opened his mouth, then stopped mid word when Mister Acheron walked into the Salon, a tea tray balanced on one hand, and a forlorn looking Pearl holding the door ajar.


    Elwin stiffened, his eyes darkening as Mister Acheron walked across the room and settled the tray on the small table before them. Pearl helped him, pushing it to the centre and then began pouring drinks for everyone.


    ¡°I thought everyone could benefit from some tea. How do you like your tea?¡± Pearl said, adding an extra helping of sugar to Coral¡¯s and her own.


    ¡°One sugar for me, please,¡± Elwin said eagerly. Pearl passed him his saucer, and he took it quickly, sloshing some of the contents out of cup and on to his lap. He winced.


    ¡°Careful, Elwin Hunt. The tea is quite hot. I had to carry it for Lady Pearl.¡±


    Elwin¡¯s mouth twitched into a snarl before he sipped from his cup, glaring heatedly over the top directly at Mister Acheron.


    ¡°On his insistence,¡± Pearl said reassuringly to Coral. She perched herself on the seat beside Mister Acheron, sipping daintily from her cup.


    The two men stared at each other.


    Coral sipped at her own tea, resolutely ignoring the hostility growing between the two. After a moment of quiet, in which the sweetened tea did little to brace Coral from the cruel joke her father had forced upon her, there was a clatter as Pearl set her teacup down on its matching saucer.


    ¡°What does it say?¡± Pearl asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can stand to not know.¡±


    Coral slowly placed her cup down and then, slower yet, she opened the envelope. It didn¡¯t take much of an imagination to guess what was written, though it did come as a surprise that there was only a single word. It was messier than her father¡¯s usual tidy script, like he had struggled to hold the quill in his last dying days. The word was written in the centre of the parchment.


    Filth.


    As soon as she read the word, it flickered. Light bloomed from the ink, spooling into a glittering mist of black and brown particles before swirling up and hovering in front of her. Coral flung the letter away and dove sideways. In her haste she toppled Pearl to the floor too. The mist formed a spiky sigil in the air and then shot towards her.


    Elwin yelled, reaching out to grab Coral. His hand found her arm and pulled hard, hauling her backwards with strength she hadn¡¯t thought he could possibly possess.


    On the other side Caspian was sheltering Pearl with his own body, bandaged arm thrown from his sling and held aloft before him, fingers and palm stretched out.


    The cloud of shimmering particles altered its course, following Coral as Elwin lifted her back to her feet. The mist still came at her, and she struggled to move. Those damn frills slipped beneath her shoes.


    Elwin, his hand still clamped around her arm, hauled her backwards. Coral tripped on the hem of her dress, not used to being manhandled and thrown about as she was. She dropped from Elwin¡¯s grip and sprawled on the floor. The mist coalesced above her. Coral flung her arms up as the particles plunged into her chest, absorbing into her body.


    She cried out of fear more than from the sensation of stinging pins and needles filling her body. She laboured for breath, then the sensation disappeared.


    ¡°Coral?¡± Pearl¡¯s frightened voice called out.


    ¡°Stay back,¡± Caspian warned Pearl, still standing protectively over her.


    Elwin came crashing to his knees beside her, face wild with worry. ¡°Are you hurt¡± he said, patting her down. ¡°I¡¯ve seen a curse like that once before. Do you hurt anywhere? How do your fingers feel? Move them for me.¡±


    Coral huffed a little as Elwin didn¡¯t wait for her to move on her own. She batted him away as he pulled at her wrist and forcefully moved her fingers for them.


    ¡°Curse?¡± Pearl quipped, her voice high and frightened. ¡°What¡¯s going to happen to her?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. How is she cursed? Who did it?¡± Pearl asked.


    Mister Acheron toed the letter with his boot, flipping it so the ink was facing up. Coral tried to struggle to her feet and was unable to find her voice to protest him reading the vile letter. No one should have to witness the drivel in that letter. Elwin held her down with a stern ¡°Stay still.¡±


    Mister Acheron¡¯s face grew disgusted as he read the message. Coral couldn¡¯t bare the shame. She looked away, her eyes prickling with unshed tears. She felt so disorientated, laying there on the floor with Elwin¡¯s hand on her shoulder.


    ¡°Right now, it¡¯s more important to know what she has been cursed with,¡± Mister Acheron said.


    ¡°Anything that gets sent to the guilds are scanned for dangerous spell work. If it was meant to really hurt her, the spell would have taken into effect immediately. Her limbs aren¡¯t rotting off. I can¡¯t say for sure on anything that affects the mind.¡± Elwin said. He was busy looking her over, tilting her head one way, then the other to look at her neck.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± She told him. ¡°Just a little shocked.¡±


    Elwin allowed her to sit up, though he made sure to keep a steadying hand on her shoulder. Pearl hurried around Mister Acheron and to Coral, her eyes wide and brimming with tears. ¡°Please don¡¯t be hurt,¡± Pearl prayed. ¡°I couldn¡¯t stand it if something happened to you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Coral said reassuringly. ¡°I don¡¯t hurt anywhere, and my brain doesn¡¯t feel addled. I¡¯m just a little shocked.¡±


    ¡°Even so, I¡¯ll send for Doctor Thornheart. She¡¯ll be able to see what¡¯s been inflicted on you.¡± Elwin said, looking more troubled. ¡°I¡¯ll also have to report this to the Guild Master.¡±


    ¡°Really, Elwin. There¡¯s no need. I can¡¯t afford the fee¡¯s for the Adventurer¡¯s Guild.¡± Coral said. Pearl helped her back up, and then she was promptly deposited on the chaise. Coral hated the fussing that her sister made, bracing pillows up behind her. She felt perfectly fine.


    ¡°If I report the incident, the Guild will be more inclined to not deliver the letters to you. Are you sure you still don¡¯t want me to report anything.¡±


    Coral looked over Pearl¡¯s shoulder, trying to ignore her hands brushing away a strand of hair that had gotten loose.


    ¡°If it means I don¡¯t have to pay, then yes, please do report it. What was it again? Forty-two letters? How much exactly is that?¡± Coral asked. She tried to do the math in her head, but she was answered immediately.


    ¡°One thousand and fifty gold coins,¡± Mister Acheron said mildly. He was sat on the chair opposite her now, wincing as he moved his arm to uncork a small black bottle. He tipped the contents into his teacup. The liquid smelled strongly of iron.


    ¡°That is an absurd amount of money to pay for letters,¡± Coral said, alarmed. ¡°That¡¯s nearly what I paid for this manor.¡±


    For every gold coin was a hundred silver coins. To every silver coin was two hundred bronze coins. Most small items only cost a few bronze coins, the higher the quality, the higher the price. Twenty-five gold was an exorbitant price to deliver a letter. But no adventurer wanted to go looking for someone who may or may not exist just to hand them a letter. They were more concerned with keeping people safe from monsters.


    ¡°And if any more of those letters hold further surprises like the one today, I would rather not pay for them!¡± Coral huffed.

 Demands

    Twenty awkward minutes ticked by in which Pearl fretted over Coral with frequent applications of tea, blankets, and inspections of her hands. The curse was not making itself known, and so there was nothing really to report for symptoms to Doctor Thornheart. Curses didn¡¯t always take when applied through the medium of paper.


    ¡°Why exactly do we need to check her hands?¡± Pearl asked, gently tugging on Coral¡¯s littlest finger.


    Elwin was sprawled out on the chair closest to the fire. On occasion he would turn his head slightly so that he could watch Mr. Acheron from the corner of his eye.


    ¡°In case they start to rot,¡± Elwin explained. ¡°The curse that got one of the apprentice¡¯s had his hands decay within minutes of it happening.¡±


    Pearl pulled her fingers from Coral¡¯s quickly, as though she could catch the rotting curse herself. ¡°Then we should fetch Doctor Thornheart right away!¡± She got up and made towards the salon door.


    Witches¡¯ skills extended to identifying curses and spells that affected the physical and mental body. It was a necessary skill, as there was no use in trying to heal someone who¡¯s blood had been cursed to boil without removing the affliction first.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Caspian said. He hurried across the room and caught Pearls arm before she could take a single step further out of the door.


    Pearl tottered to a stop, then turned in his grip to look at his hand then up at him with wide eyes.


    ¡°I doubt this is the same curse.¡± His tone had a settling effect on Pearl that Coral would never have been able to replicate. A soothing caress that eased the worry line from between Pearl¡¯s eyebrows. Coral herself could feel the tightness easing from her own chest, and she wasn¡¯t even the intended recipient of those calming words.


    Coral sipped at her extra sweet tea, contemplating the way Pearl gazed at Mr. Acheron. How Mr. Acheron stroked his thumb just a little over her arm. Their close proximity, barely a handful of inches between them.


    How soon would she need that chocolate? Her poor sister would be pining for the man by the end of the week.


    Mr. Acheron blinked, then released Pearl¡¯s arm. ¡°Coral hasn¡¯t shown any sign of disintegration. The Adventurer Guild is thorough when scanning for harmful spell work.¡±


    ¡°Then what has she been cursed with?¡± Pearl asked anxiously.


    ¡°Knowing dear papa, it may have been a curse for putridity, if the letter is anything to go by.¡± Coral mused aloud. It certainly would be something that he would want to inflict on her. Something to make her life more unpleasant than he already had.


    ¡°Who sends their daughter a message like that?¡± Elwin muttered. He held the note up at arm¡¯s length, pinching the edges of the parchment so he didn¡¯t have to touch any more of it than he had to. ¡°At the very least he could have included more. Not even a signature. Are you sure it¡¯s from your father? You don¡¯t have any enemies, do you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my father¡¯s hand. I¡¯d recognise it anywhere.¡± Coral said, purposely leaving out that she could very well have a man stilted by her flight from their engagement. He may have bought Coral, but he would never own her. She was certainly not a commodity that could be auctioned off, financial transactions notwithstanding. Honestly, toad racing should be illegal.


    ¡°Father never approved of magic. He never learned, and mages aren¡¯t cheap. How could he have afforded this?¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°No idea.¡± Coral said quietly, then drunk more of her tea to keep her tongue busy rather than muttering ¡®gambling¡¯ or, and she hated to think it, went to her betrothed and demanded even more money. She pictured them now, one faceless man with a terrible mutton-chop beard, and her withering, sickly father chuffing in indignation that a woman would dare go against them. They probably discussed in great length of all forty-two options to curse her in a way that would make her life miserable.


    ¡°We should burn it. I doubt any trace of the curse is left in the ink.¡± Pearl said. Without waiting for protest, she picked up the sugar cube tongs and used them to pluck the parchment out of Elwin¡¯s grip. She tossed the note into the flames, setting the tongs on top of the fireplace mantle as though they too were now dirtied.


    Coral watched the paper burn to ash in seconds. She felt a strange pang again behind her eyes, the watery kind that came on unbidden. Which was infuriating. Her father did not deserve her tears.


    Why was she so upset? Truth be told, she had never expected her own flesh and blood to stoop to this level of vindication. Of course, she had endured his lashings when he wasn¡¯t satisfied with her endeavours. He was never satisfied with anything else for that matter. When she grew old enough to be paraded like a fine delicacy ripe for plucking, Coral would never be beautiful enough, she didn¡¯t smile enough, she hadn¡¯t stirred the interest of the prince with a single glance.


    She protected Pearl as much as she could, but her sister too bore deep scars that would never heal properly. Her father had worked his way through the aristocracy with both Coral and Pearl as bait.


    All this reminiscing was making her angry.


    ¡°I¡¯m done with this waiting. My hands aren¡¯t going to fall off and even if they started to turn black now, Doctor Thornheart wouldn¡¯t arrive in time to prevent it.¡± Coral said. She would have liked to throw the blanket from her lap and stand in emphasis of this statement, but it was cosy and warm, so she remained tucked comfortably on her seat.


    ¡°I am not speaking in riddles, nor am I spouting filthy nonsense, so clearly my intelligence hasn¡¯t been tampered with. I think we have waited long enough for the curse to make itself known, and so far, nothing has happened. Elwin, I would be much obliged if you could call upon Doctor Thornheart and request another house call. There is no rush. Either the curse has run its life expectancy in the time it took to reach me, or it hasn¡¯t taken affect. The Doctor is at her ease to return when it is more convenient.¡±


    Elwin stayed where he was, uncertainty keeping him momentarily speechless. Then, his head bobbed down in a single nod. ¡°Very well. Though I think it¡¯s better if Doctor Thornheart see to you sooner than later.¡±


    Coral was glad that she didn¡¯t need to insist Elwin leave before nightfall. He may be convinced the giant wolves wouldn¡¯t attack if they remained unprovoked, however Coral was less inclined to believe this. A predator quickly learned its standing in the hierarchy of monsters.


    It was with a regretful sigh that Coral set the blanket aside. The room, despite the blazing fire was still frigid. As she guided Elwin to the entrance hall, she cast about for any shadows that were moving when they shouldn¡¯t.


    A haunted bathroom didn¡¯t mean the ghost stayed in there for good.


    She, Pearl and even Mr. Acheron walked Elwin to the front gate. Elwin was evidently uncomfortable leaving. He walked with his hand clasped around the pommel of his sword and he searched the grounds with an intensity that surprised Coral. There was little that he would be able to do if she were set suddenly with a curse. Not unless he too were learning to become a mage as well as an adventurer. He set a slower pace so that they dawdled down the drive, with Mr. Acheron limping still quite heavily. Pearl stayed by his side, as though she could possibly break his fall.


    ¡°So many moonflowers around here,¡± Elwin said, his eyes skimming over the grounds. He lifted his head and sniffed. ¡°It¡¯s a very subtle scent. I can barely smell anything over the rain, er, damp earth? What¡¯s that word when you can smell rain?¡±


    ¡°Petrichor,¡± Coral supplied.


    ¡°I think the flowers are beautiful,¡± Pearl chimed in. ¡°It¡¯s a shame they only really bloom at night. I think I would like to have a garden filled with all sorts of flowers.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to call the Inn after them. If you like it.¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Moonflower Inn,¡± Pearl said. Hearing her say it aloud, Coral knew it fit perfectly. They hadn¡¯t been here long but with each passing day, Coral knew that she had made an excellent decision when she purchased this place. She was full of excellent decisions. Coral hid a smile, knowing her sister was going to love the present she bought for her.


    ¡°I like it,¡± Elwin said appreciatively. They reached the gate, and he paused before leaving the grounds. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want me to return tonight with Doctor Thornheart?¡±


    Coral checked through the ironwork for any wolves. She didn¡¯t expect any. It was better to be cautious than not. She still felt like she was being watched when she went near the gate. The surrounding trees were quiet, a crow perched nearby and cawed loudly. The sky retained heavy clouds overhead and the rain had eased up, which made the afternoon feel later in the evening than what it really was. Fog had begun to drift through the trees in whisps, and while it was eerily beautiful, it also made her feel wary.


    Coral smiled at Elwin. ¡°I¡¯ve learnt that curses will show up straight away if they are terrible. Whatever affliction I may not even have will eventually show itself. I don¡¯t believe there is an immediate threat to my wellbeing.¡±


    ¡°We will send for Doctor Thornheart immediately should Lady Coral begin to fester,¡± Mr. Acheron said.


    Her smile wiped from her face. Fester? Is that the kind of descriptions she would be subjugated to if she did end up with a rotting sickness.


    ¡°You won¡¯t get far on that leg.¡± Coral reminded him, prickling.


    ¡°I will go to the Doctor,¡± Pearl said sincerely, placing a hand against her heart. ¡°I trust we can call on Doctor Thornheart any time night or day?¡±


    ¡°Night or day. You can count me in that as well,¡± Elwin said. He bowed to both Pearl and Coral, frowned at Mr. Acheron, then turned on his heel and left through the gate.


    Not wanting to risk late night visits from any giant wolves that found their way on to the estate by accident or not, this time Coral made certain that she locked the front gate.


    Coral was keen to begin renovating another bedroom, and if she were lucky, this one would not be occupied by a spirit.


    She still had no idea how to evict the ghost from her bathroom, and her inaction made her feel like she wasn¡¯t moving forward. Instead, it was best for her to focus on what she can do, and that was to prepare another bedroom for potential guests.


    Pearl eagerly agreed to entertain Mr. Acheron. He offered his help once again, and Coral had to remind him that he was supposed to be healing. He accepted this reluctantly, which worked Pearl up in a frenzy to ensure his continued entertainment. She even went as far to pull out a ledger for him to peruse, basing this from Doctor Thornhearts suggestion. Coral was unconcerned with him seeing costs she had meticulously recorded. There was no money coming in, aside from Mr. Acheron¡¯s own coin, and so there was no information that could be gleaned other than the cost of cleaning supplies, food and tools. Terribly boring if you asked her, but she still had receipts and costs to enter, and Mr. Acheron had eagerly offered his service.


    The first-floor corridor had five completed bedrooms, three of which already occupied by herself, Pearl, and Mr. Acheron. Mercifully, the bedroom suits had required little more than a fresh coat of paint, mattresses, linen and a good dusting of the wood panelling. It was reassuring to see that some parts of the manor required little work. They were all located on one section of the corridor to the right. The left end of the corridor was much longer. This part of the manor led deeper in, and more than once she had gotten lost. Both Pearl and Coral once found themselves unable to find their way back to the entrance hall for several hours, somehow going in circles as they went from corridor to room. The manor was essentially a maze, and there had been no plans provided with the purchase of the estate. Coral thought it best if she familiarized herself with one section at a time.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Coral had spent plenty of time at the front of the manor on the ground floor, where she and Pearl had swept, dusted, mopped, mended, and dusted again. Slowly, over her first month they had coaxed the front parlour, entrance hall, kitchen and Winter salon into a suitable state that was fit for living. The winter salon wasn¡¯t quite to her taste for acceptable entertainment suitability, but she could ignore the moulding walls on one section well enough if it remained unlit by candlelight. She would have to address it soon though. There was still a large sprawl of rooms she hadn¡¯t touched, and as she and Pearl were only a small team working hard against the effects of what time and abandonment could do to a building, it was a modest progress that would, hopefully, see them all returned to their previous grandeur.


    Coral selected the next door down, turned the handle and swung it open. She stepped inside, careful where she placed her feet. The floorboards creaked only a little under her weight. She was sure this room had a sturdy enough floor, based on the amount of furniture piled in. Old children¡¯s toys cluttered every other spare inch available. She sneezed when she entered a little deeper, her skirts sweeping dust into the air.


    This room too had been lined with a flowery wallpaper, making it feel overwhelmingly cluttered. That was certainly going, though the pale-yellow background did add a rather lovely warmth to the room she hadn¡¯t expected against the dark grain of the wood panelling.


    It took barely a few moments of checking to ensure this room¡¯s windows were not cracked and pushing aside more toys as she wended her way around, that this room was going to be filled with warmth and charm. Perhaps she should use it as a family room. It was certainly big enough to fit several beds and still have ample room for children to play.


    Coral bent and picked up a cloth doll, lumpy and stained from age. Had there been children here when a necromancer had owned the house? Or was this a relic from an earlier time? Coral couldn¡¯t imagine a home where a necromancer had children. It seemed so wrong.


    It would be good to know the history of the manor. It would be good to have a map as well, so she stopped getting lost. If Coral could arrange an appointment with Direwood¡¯s Adventurer¡¯s Guild head, hopefully more would be revealed to her.


    Coral brushed past a table set with a threadbare doily, her skirt¡¯s frills catching then tore as she kept to her stride. She tsked at the ripped material and considered briefly going back to her room to acquire more suitable clothes. Eventually she¡¯ll get herself a pair of trousers for this type of work. Clearing out rooms was so difficult with a skirt that she wanted to maintain and keep. She smirked a little at the thought of wearing trousers, which had also been forbidden from her. Her life was beginning to be all sorts of firsts, and she was enjoying it fully. She turned and headed for the door, then stopped.


    She had forgotten about that wretched, perverted ghost.


    Coral huffed, then uncaringly set about gathering all the toys into a pile, ignoring any snatches that caught on her dress. She was going to alter it regardless.


    With the toys gathered, ranging from a large wooden rocking horse to tiny toy soldiers, Coral had to guess that perhaps the room had been used as a nursery. There was a bassinet with moth eaten cloth, and she found a combination of both boys and girls clothing strewn about. At least, she assumed, as the cloth disintegrated into threads when she had collected them from a table.


    Coral sneezed again. The room was incredibly dusty. She returned shortly afterwards with a dusting rag and a fresh bucket of water. The furniture, mostly comprising of dressers and tables, were given a cursory wipe down and inspection for any wood lice or mould. They would be shuffled on to another room and found a new home for the pieces that were still in good condition.


    Gathering and dusting had taken only a few hours, and the room had grown so dark that Coral stood back and contemplated how much further she could do without wasting a candle for the evening. It would be supper time soon too, and Pearl would be beginning to wonder where she was.


    Coral crossed the room to one of the three tall windows. If she could let in some more light, as pale and dull as it was, she could get just a few more minutes of cleaning done. She gripped the window hangings, the material so faded now that the original colour was unrecognizable and tugged.


    The drapes dropped and fell on top of her, the rod holding them up smacking her hard on the head and clamouring as it struck a table and knocked the bucket of water over. She too dropped to her knees, a cloud of dust billowing around her. Clenching her teeth, she rubbed at the top of her head and sucked in a breath at the pain. This earned Coral a lungful of dust. Her throat closed and she started to cough and splutter in between wincing. The coughs so violent that she had to brace herself against the floor, half bent at the waist as her lungs protested.


    Coral sat where she was, her dress soaking in the dirty water as it pooled around her, and the dust settled. It took a few minutes before she could breathe normally, and once again she pressed the palm of her hand and rubbed at the top of her head, wincing. Coral could feel a lump forming already. Her eyes were streaming, and she wiped furiously at her cheeks, now gritty from the dust.


    The floor was damp with water and grime, and there, in the forming mush of years of accumulated dirt the beginnings of a word started to etch out in front of her.


    Frustrated, Coral reached forward and scrubbed with her bare hand at the letters. She smeared the dirt around before the letters could complete the word ¡®BASEMENT¡¯.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Coral snapped. Of all the times the ghost had to interrupt her, it chose this moment. Or had it been the perpetrator? ¡°I told you, I¡¯m too busy to go down to the basement.¡±


    There was a ringing silence as Coral held still, waiting for a response. The room was cast in darkening shadows as the sun began its descent, washing the space in a greyness that leaked the colour from the walls. A doll she had placed in the pile of toys stared back at her. She really ought to have put all the toys face first down. Why were old toys so disturbing? Coral got to her feet and marched to the door, having had enough of this day. She was going to eat supper and go to bed. In her sisters¡¯ room, of course, she did not like the idea of a ghost peeping out at her from her bathroom door.


    She grabbed at the door handle and twisted it. The door didn¡¯t open. Coral turned the door handle again. It was stuck tight. With a little worry edging her nerves, she rattled the handle for good measure, and still it remained closed.


    Coral stood back, took a steadying breath, then tried the handle again. She heaved her weight against the door, bracing her shoulder and hip against the door hoping to force it open.


    It didn¡¯t open.


    Coral let her head rest against the wooden door, then pressed herself hard up against it, as though doing this would suddenly let her pass through the very solid exit. ¡°Very well,¡± Coral said in a would-be calm tone, her voice coming out slightly muffled. She let her hand drop from the handle and turned to the room.


    There was no need for useless panic here. It was a shame, really, that her body didn¡¯t seem to quite get the message her brain was trying to logically tell it. Panic was a bad choice. Panic meant mistakes.


    ¡°You want me to go to the basement, I am listening. I hear you.¡± She searched the shadows and saw no flicker of movement. The room was darkening by the minute.


    ¡°If you let me out, we can talk about this. Let¡¯s be reasonable here.¡±


    A quiet scratching broke the stillness of the room. Coral couldn¡¯t make her legs move forward. She pressed her back hard up against the door and tried the handle again. The scratching became more consistent, and Coral recognised the sound of nails on wood.


    She searched the walls then, seeking out a flutter of movement in the wallpaper. There wasn¡¯t even a twitch of movement. She turned her head and pressed her ear hard up against the door, hoping for all she was worth for some sign that perhaps Pearl was searching for her. There was only scratching from inside the room.


    In this moment, Coral was more than ever determined to be rid of this ghost. It hadn¡¯t harmed her yet, but spying on her whilst bathing, and now, locked in a steadily darkening room was beyond rudeness. Except now she couldn¡¯t summon the anger that let her be brave. All she could feel was a cold sweat and the clammy feel of dirt on her hands. Of the fear slowly choking her into a stillness of her own, afraid to move. How her wet skirts clung to her legs, chilling her in a wintry room. Her breath fogged.


    She stood frozen, waiting for the scratching to stop. Waiting for Pearl to call out to her, to open the door from the other side. Surely, Pearl would come searching soon?


    Another minute, and the slow scratching stopped. There, in the last of the light bloom from the window, Coral finally saw more letters had scrawled out on the wet floor. She had never been good at reading upside down. She squinted hard, trying to read the letters without leaving the solid door from her back.


    ¡°Help¡± whispered a child¡¯s voice, high pitched and sweet, in her ear. From the space between windows, the darkness moved. Gradually, dark fingers reached out, piercing the light. There was nothing but the shade of an arm.


    ¡°Help,¡± called out a little boy from her other side. Coral started, then turned her head, desperately trying to find the source of the noise. This voice was louder, more demanding.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Coral whispered.


    ¡°HELP¡± Chorused the children¡¯s voices. Coral jerked forward. Her arms were locked in an undeniable pull that dragged her across the room, straight towards the window. Coral screamed. She couldn¡¯t help it. It ripped from her chest unbidden, the shock of being rushed over the floor jolting her out of her frozen state. She hauled to a sudden stop. Her head was forced down, straining her neck. Coral blinked at the words at her feet.


    Upside down, she read the words ¡°HELP IN BASEMENT¡±


    ¡°Coral?¡± Pearl called out.


    ¡°I¡¯m in here!¡± Coral bellowed. ¡°Get me out.¡±


    ¡°Help,¡± whispered the voices, ¡°Help. Help. Help.¡±


    The door to the room rattled. ¡°Are you hurt? The door is locked.¡± Pearl called out.


    Coral fought against the hold on her body. She felt pressed on all sides, an invisible force locking her in place. ¡°Let go of me,¡± Coral rasped through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Help..uh. Base..Hel. uss.¡±  The voices flickered in and out of hearing. Coral felt as though every muscle were straining against the pressure on her body.


    ¡°Stand back,¡± the silvery tone of Mr. Acheron permeated through the door. A moment later the door shuddered, though did not break open.


    The crushing stress on her limbs was intense, constricting her chest so that Coral could only take smaller and smaller breaths.


    The door shook again.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll help. I¡¯ll go to the basement. Let me go!¡± Coral gasped. Her body was released instantaneously, and she fell face first to the floor before she could brace herself. Pain exploded in her nose, a searing heat that forced another cry from her.


    ¡°CORAL,¡± came Pearl¡¯s terrified voice.


    The door smashed open, splintering against the wall and scattered over the floor in chunks. Coral rolled to her side, clutching at her nose, and hoping it wasn¡¯t broken. She pulled her hand away, cringing. Her face felt wet.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Mr Acheron asked, his eyes scanning the room.


    Pearl hurried across the room, and for a second time that day, Coral was helped to sit up. From the corner of her eye, Coral could see two vaguely human shaped silhouettes slip through the door and down into the corridor.


    Coral sat there, unable to make her voice work. Then Pearl said something that Coral would never have thought she would say.


    ¡°Is it the ghosts again?¡±


    ¡°Again.¡± Coral exclaimed. ¡°What do you mean.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Coral. Or are you blind? There are ghosts here. This was an abandoned, creepy manor. I do know some things.¡± She threw her arms wide, looking exasperated.


    ¡°O-oh,¡± Coral croaked out. She felt a little sheepish then. It wasn¡¯t that she thought Pearl was unobservant, or stupid. Pearl was too soft and gentle for a hard world with things like the inevitable death that faced them all. Sure, she had experienced hardships at her fathers¡¯ hands, and navigating the absurdity of nobility and the upper class, Pearl was aware of those kinds of dangers. The kind that came with friendly smiles with hidden threats tucked away in the corner of their mouths, doubled edged words and cruelty.


    Outside of the city, beyond the walls of societal predators, were more dangers that they had never faced. Dangers Coral had wanted to keep Pearl safe from. A new home had meant safety, of leaving behind their rigid life of expectations and rules. It had also meant monsters and creatures that stalked the darkness, giant wolves and massive wasps. She wanted to keep them all from her sister, even if that meant Coral was the shield.


    Some shield she was.


    Coral had been completely naive with this notion. Of course, Pearl would notice the shadows. Coral hadn¡¯t thought she would actually consider them ghosts, and that was a disservice to her sister.


    ¡°Your nose is bleeding,¡± Mr. Acheron said sympathetically. ¡°Let¡¯s get you downstairs and into the warmth. It¡¯s freezing in here.¡±


    ¡°What happened? You¡¯re covered in muck.¡± Pearl said, looping an arm through her arm and leading her out the door.


    ¡°Uh, well.¡± Coral stammered. Goodness her head hurt. A fresh wave of pain washed over her as she brushed the back of her hand gently against the bottom of her nose. It came away red and sticky.


    Coral didn¡¯t want to tell Pearl anything. She didn¡¯t want to explain the details of the haunting to Mr. Acheron either. He was a paying customer, and haunted Inn¡¯s did not fare well.


    ¡°I¡¯ll explain later,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°What, no! You¡¯re going to tell us now.¡±


    Coral whispered beneath her breath as quietly as she could. ¡°I don¡¯t want to upset our guest any further.¡± Coral widened her eyes, pointedly expressing for Pearl to read between the lines of her sentence. ¡®Don¡¯t scare our money away.¡¯


    Pearl frowned back at Coral, her lower lip jutting out slightly.


    ¡°Please be assured the only thing I find upsetting, is that my host is clearly hurt from a haunting that she is mysteriously keeping the details from me.¡± Mr. Acheron said, following close behind them.


    Coral was aghast. That was it, she had ruined her opportunity for a good review and now it was going to take even longer to encourage clientele. If word spread around town, and it surely would, that Moonflower Inn was disreputable, Coral would never be able to get her business up and running.


    She spun on her heel to face him, Pearl wobbling beside her. ¡°Please, let me offer my sincerest apologies. I wasn¡¯t entirely aware of the haunting myself until today. I understand that this is disappointing for you, Mr. Acheron and I will compensate you for the disruption you have experienced in your stay.¡±


    ¡°I have two conditions, and I won¡¯t accept anything less.¡± Mr. Acheron said simply.


    Coral looked at him expectantly. She braced herself against what she might hear. Whenever she had offended someone of high status, it had come with severe downfalls and humiliation. Mr. Acheron was clearly from fine standing. Coral could tell from the cut of his clothes, even if they were worn and his shirt was soiled with blood ¨C oh for the love of all goodness, why hadn¡¯t she laundered his shirt? It hadn¡¯t even occurred to her.


    ¡°Please, disperse of the formalities. I get enough of that from my family. I would appreciate it if you could use my first name.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± Coral said, taken aback.


    ¡°Caspian,¡± he offered.


    ¡°Of course, I understand if this is too forward. I can continue to maintain honorifics should you prefer.¡±


    ¡°I would be honoured, and please, call me Pearl,¡± Pearl said breathily.


    Coral was stunned. She vaguely took note of the elation lighting up Pearl¡¯s face, her eyes wide and pupils dilated. Although that may have more to do with walking down a dark corridor with only dim candlelight at the landing over thirty feet away.


    Coral wasn¡¯t a fool. She wasn¡¯t going to dissuade Mr. Acheron ¨C Caspian from being on friendlier, albeit less respectful terms.


    ¡°Caspian, then. It would only be right for you to call me Coral, as well. What is your second request?¡±


    ¡°That you include me in the details of the hauntings and allow my assistance in dealing with the ghost. I can¡¯t think of anything duller than to stay at another Inn without something interesting happening.¡±

 Basement

    If Coral were to describe what just happened, she wouldn¡¯t have said ¡®interesting.¡¯ Perhaps Moonflower Inn lacked the usual entertainment for guests, however she hadn¡¯t planned on housing clients until she had procured the most basic of necessities ¨C A plentiful supply of alcohol. She was working on that already.


    ¡°There really isn¡¯t much to tell.¡± She said honestly. She wiped her bloody nose with the back of her hand.


    Caspian watched her expectantly.


    ¡°I want to know as well,¡± Pearl demanded.


    Coral was unsure of what to do. She had inadvertently found herself at a crossroads. One option was to pretend nothing serious had happened. Despite the very obvious incident that had just happened.


    The other option was accepting Mr. Acherons request. Which would sit easier in her stomach. She didn¡¯t like lying.


    She had seen the ghostly figures flitting throughout, and purposely brushed them away with a dismissive wave. This was an old place. Coral didn¡¯t want to have to deal with ghosts, and it had been easier to blatantly ignore the odd creaks and bumps she had heard. It was reasonable to expect these things in a dilapidated manor.


    If she revealed the truth, it could be disastrous for the reputation of her Inn before it even begun.


    Regardless of what Mr. Acheron had said, people avoided haunted places. It was much too dangerous. Of course, some ghosts could be gentle and friendly in their approach, but their spirit had been trapped in a single location. That was wearing even on the kindest of souls. Eventually as time moved on, the dead would grow desperate to move on to their final rest. Most resorted to more aggressive means to encourage people to work out how to fix their problems.


    If she told, could she trust Caspian Acheron to keep the secret?


    ¡°If this is your request,¡± Coral said slowly, watching carefully for his reaction. She wasn¡¯t particularly good at reading people. Or perhaps that was reading the body language of nobility who all had learnt to hide their habits. ¡°Regardless of my answer, know that the Inn¡¯s doors were not open to clientele when a room was offered to you. We are still in the very early stages for renovation work.¡±


    ¡°Of course. However, what better way to test your facilities than by firsthand judgements. By all accounts, opinions from your guests should be taken into consideration. It is of my greatest concern that Inn¡¯s are all the same. Unless you have something unique and exciting to offer.¡± Caspian said.


    Coral couldn¡¯t detect any sense of insincerity. He kept his focus straight on her as he spoke. There was no twinge of a finger, or slight adjustment of his body. Though, sometimes if one emphasised their statements even harder, Coral had found they weren¡¯t being completely truthful.


    She must have looked uncertain, as Caspian hurriedly said, ¡°My opinion would not be harsh. On the contrary, I would find Moonflower Inn to be interesting at the very least. At worst, you will find guests like myself both satisfyingly fed, rested, and wholly bored.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hesitant to accept that your taste in entertainment is the general standard. Personally, I would avoid any establishment if I knew it was haunted.¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Then at the very least you could satisfy your single guests¡¯ peculiarities,¡± Mr. Acheron said. There was that gentle nudge again against Coral¡¯s consciousness.


    Coral took a moment to assess Caspian Acheron. The people in Direwood were most peculiar. The men here seemed to thirst for excitement. Although, Coral had only met a handful of people. In general, they were vastly different from city folk. Except for sour Mr. Norwood. His type could be found everywhere.


    Coral had her own suspicions of Caspian Acheron. People did come in all types and for now, Coral chose to ignore this flaw of ludicrous excitement over a haunting. She couldn¡¯t ignore however the deep red eyes and alabaster complexion. His white hair was most complimentary with his pallor, and the pointed teeth in an almost perfect smile. Or, the way his words affected Coral. She was certain Mr. Acheron ¨C Caspian, was a vampire.


    Strictly speaking, announcing your race or species in civilised society simply wasn¡¯t done. It was considered the height of rudeness to be asked ¡®What are you¡¯.


    Mostly people had to rely on outward characteristics to identify if someone could possibly be more than just human. Witches were easy to identify from their aura. Vampires burned in the sun, and mermaids very obviously had fins. Whether one was a vampire, fae, or werewolf, all were welcome in most reasonably educated social constructs, that was, if respect was given unto law and order.


    Naturally, it would be foolish to not be weary around such people. Most races came with a deadly set of skills. Coral would not like to find herself subjected to their ire.


    Caspian Acheron was a dangerous individual. Of course he was pleasant and charming too, if one were to ask Pearl. Perhaps the reason Caspian was intrigued by a somewhat dangerous situation was because he posed just as much of a threat himself.


    His last words had settled over her like a warm blanket, filling Coral with certainty the more she contemplated accepting his request.


    Why was she even questioning him? Of course, Caspian was correct, it would be better to gain insights from her first guest.


    ¡°If it were a question of providing the hospitality you would find entertaining, I can see I don¡¯t have a choice. Let me clean up first, then I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s been happening.¡± Coral said.


    Instead of heading to her room, Coral picked up her torn and dirtied skirt and descended the stairs to the ground floor. Pearl and Mr Acheron walked with her, both taking up a place on either side. Pearl looped her arm through Coral¡¯s for comfort, and she was unsure if it was more for her sake or her sisters.


    Caspian opened the Winter Salon doors and stepped aside to allow Coral and Pearl to enter first. Coral stepped into the warmth quickly and took the seat closest to the fire. She caught her reflection in the large mirror at the far end of the room.


    Oh, she was a terrible mess. Blood had smeared along her cheeks and chin where she had wiped it with her hand. It had also dripped and stained the front of her dress, where the frills once reminiscent of a flower, looked more like a trampled weed, smeared with dark stains. The dress was a minor loss, perhaps she could save it yet.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be having much luck today,¡± Pearl said. She poured out a measure of water from a silver pitcher on the table and used a napkin to dab into the cup before passing it to Coral.


    Coral gently wiped at her cheek, the napkin coming away dark with blood and dirt. Her whole face was throbbing fiercely, and it was with a sinking feeling that she recalled that Pearl had used the last of the pain medicine. Coral was going to have to take a trip to the Widow¡¯s Poison.


    ¡°No,¡± Coral mumbled beneath the cloth as she wiped at her face again. ¡°This is the second time I¡¯ve gotten soaked.¡±


    ¡°Your dress is ruined. Look, it¡¯s torn down the skirt here.¡± Pearl dropped into the seat beside Coral and pointing out the three-inch-long tear at her ankle. It was only possible to see it through the mass of frills by the drape of the dress.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know how that happened.¡± Coral said grumpily. ¡°I¡¯m unconcerned with that. What I am concerned with, is that I can¡¯t return to my bathroom just now. I¡¯ll have to use yours Pearl.¡± Coral pulled the cloth away from her nose, wincing. ¡°We should probably restore a communal bathroom.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Pearl asked, her tone all sorts of suspicion.


    ¡°That is where I was first accosted. I¡¯ll not change or sleep in that room again.¡±


    Pearls eyes went wide. ¡°You told me there was a mouse.¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Coral sucked in a breath. She had prodded her nose a little too hard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for lying. I didn¡¯t want to scare you.¡±


    Pearl looked particularly annoyed. ¡°You don¡¯t need to keep protecting me. I can look after myself, and you know I can¡¯t stand being left out of things. We moved here to start anew, and I don¡¯t want you to shoulder everything on your own again.¡±


    Coral stared at the soiled cloth in her hands, unable to look at her sister. She felt an odd mixture of guilt, and still, an overwhelming need to keep Pearl safe.


    ¡°I know. Old habits are hard to break.¡± Coral said quietly.


    ¡°Well break them.¡± Pearl crossed her arms and scowled at her. Even irritated, Pearl was about as threatening as a daisy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡± Coral assured her.


    This was enough of a promise that Pearl dropped her arms into her lap and let the irritation melt away from her face. ¡°Thank you. Now, tell us what happened.¡±


    Caspian sat awkwardly on the lounge opposite them. He had politely looked away during Pearl and Coral¡¯s brief exchange, feigning deafness. At Pearl¡¯s prompting for Coral to explain herself, he turned his attention back to them.


    In between cleaning up her nose and drying her dirty skirt, Coral summarised the visit she had first encountered in the bathroom, glossing over how she had been bathing, and the unpleasant experience just in the last hour before.


    ¡°Why do they want you to go to the basement?¡± Pearl asked. Coral had expected her sister to be terrified. Instead, she just looked thoughtful.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m not keen to discover why either.¡± Coral fluffed out her skirt so that the wettest parts of the dress were exposed to the warmth of the fire. She couldn¡¯t wait to be out of the wretched thing. She should turn it into a pair of silken trousers, not a frill left in sight.


    ¡°It¡¯s too dark to go now. Exploring the basement at this time of the evening is silly.¡±


    "You have a lantern.¡± Caspian said.


    ¡°Yes, one lantern. There are three of us, and we all can¡¯t explore in the darkness.¡±


    ¡°Then use a candle.¡± Caspian pointedly said, angling his head slightly at one of the candelabras housing several beeswax candles.


    ¡°You¡¯re certainly eager to go exploring at this time of night. When ghosts are most active.¡± Coral said. She was not eager at all.


    ¡°I fear if you don¡¯t go tonight, you may find yourself at their mercy again.¡± Caspian warned.


    Coral watched the flames flicker in the hearth, contemplating Caspian¡¯s words. ¡°I want whatever spirit that resides in my manor to be removed as soon as possible. For that reason alone, I¡¯ll go to the basement.¡±


    She had also agreed when they were holding her hostage. If she didn¡¯t follow along with her agreement, Coral hated to think what they would do next.


    They remained in the warmth long enough for Coral¡¯s dress to dry. Having collected a lantern and a candle for each person from the kitchen on their way, they stood side by side in the hallway as they examined the door that led down into the basement. It was in an adjoining cold room from the kitchen, where access to the cooler temperature was ideal for storing vegetables. If more people other than Coral and Pearl resided in the manor, she had considered using it to keep said goods. Mostly it was cluttered with haphazardly placed bottles of cheap wine. Maybe they could all do with a little bit of that delicious, liquid courage. Her nose gave a particularly strong throb that made the rest of Coral¡¯s head ache. She decided against it. One terrible, bad-luck hangover was enough. If she started to drink now, she¡¯d probably gulp down more than strictly necessary.


    ¡°Maybe we should get another lantern,¡± Pearl offered.


    Coral would have loved to jump at the opportunity to delay going down into that dark, creepy basement. She also didn¡¯t want to face having to go outside, where it was just as eerie. ¡°The other lanterns are in the greenhouse,¡± she said.


    ¡°Oh, well. Maybe the candle will do.¡± Pearl said quietly, she too just as reluctant to return outside in the dark.


    Coral swapped the lantern she held with Pearls candle. ¡°Here. The lantern provides the most light, so you can stand back and Mr. Acheron-¡±


    ¡°Caspian,¡± Caspian interrupted.


    ¡°Yes, sorry, Caspian and I will look around.¡±


    Pearl nodded, her eyes wide and frightened, but her shoulders were stubbornly set with determination.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go before you lose your nerve,¡± Caspian said in his silvery tone.


    If Coral wasn¡¯t so nervous, she would have had to refrain from rolling her eyes at the look he had just given her sister. These two were over the top in their flirtations.


    Caspian walked forward, opened the door and waited. When neither Coral nor Pearl stepped forward, he turned back to the door and entered the blackened corridor. A moment later, Coral forced herself to walk forward. Pearl scurried along beside her.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Her candle was pitiful against the darkness that enveloped them. Pearl¡¯s lantern provided a small halo of light that permeated about ten feet before them. The corridor quickly led down to a set of stone steps, the walls changing to large blocks of granite. At the end of the stairs, they entered a vast room, the walls hidden in the void of darkness.


    Cluttered here and there was old shelving and wooden boxed. Large wine barrels lined one side of the wall. They were so big that Coral could have gone swimming in them. Twice as round as she was tall, and all with taps. On the very brief inspection when Coral had first poked her head into the basement, she had been sorely disappointed that none held any wine. Or Ale. Or any kind of liquid at all. There was still that very subtle smell that she couldn¡¯t identify, somehow sickly sweet but pungent with rot.


    ¡°It smells like something has died in here,¡± Caspian said. ¡°I can¡¯t pick up where it¡¯s coming from.¡± He held his candle higher, leaving their sphere of light to follow his nose.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably a dead rat. This was an abandoned house, there¡¯s bound to be something that has scuttled in and died.¡± Coral said, deciding on exploring the wall closest to her left. There were some empty crates piled in the corner, but otherwise there was mostly cobwebs and years¡¯ worth of dust.


    Whomever had commissioned and designed the manor spared no expense. The ceiling was ornamented with intricate carvings set into the stonework in a scalloped design. Archway pillars were spaced evenly throughout the open area, also accented with the sculpting to a fine degree. Most places rarely went with this type of decoration in quarters meant for the hired help. Coral had to hand it to the benefactor, they too seemed to have a fine appreciation of wine. Oak barrels of this quality deserved to reside in such a fine place while their contents matured.


    Once the ghosts were gone, Coral was going to make use of this space. One day she might be able to fill those barrels with a fine mead, or delicious red wine. When that day hopefully comes, she will ensure that light filled every inch of this space.


    Near her head was an empty sconce that she made a note of for when she was down here next. Preferably, Coral wanted to use magelight for all the lighting in the manor. It activated on movement, so there was none of this fussing with electricity switches or wires. However, it was significantly more expensive than electricity, even when compared to the cost of labour and materials to install electrical wiring to a manor such as hers. Not to mention the cost of repairing and damage inflicted in the walls from installation.


    Magelight was elegant in both application and design. A simple sigil set in the heart of a crystal to amplify the light. Lamplight couldn¡¯t replicate the ethereal glow and luxury of magelight.


    Coral searched the walls, which were blank, and moved on to glancing at the floor before taking the next couple of steps. Slowly Coral crept her way forward, Pearls feet scuffing on the flagstone several feet behind her.


    ¡°Have you found anything yet?¡± she asked in a hushed tone. The light bloom came closer as Pearl came over to her, and Coral shook her head.


    ¡°No. You?¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Pearl whispered. ¡°I half expected a ghost to appear. It¡¯s very cold in here, like you said when they were around you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s cold, but not as icy as that. Maybe I should have announced my intention before coming down here. Then they could have led us right to whatever it is they wanted us down here for.¡± Coral pushed aside a dusty bottle. As far as she could see, which was very little, there was nothing here. At the very least the ghosts could have told her what they wanted instead of sending her on a wild chase through the bowels of her home.


    ¡°They¡¯ve only approached you when you are alone. Maybe our presence is deterring them.¡± Caspian suggested. He moved along the far wall on the other side of the room, his candle illuminating a small section as he held it aloft and inspected the wall like Coral had been doing.


    ¡°What ever it is they want; I hope they don¡¯t show up.¡± Pearl said quietly. ¡°I¡¯d much rather find something down here without them. Have you much experience with the dead Caspian?¡±


    ¡°Some. I once came upon a haunted town, which was fascinating. The majority of people were trying to discover what the hauntings were about. It is hard to decipher messages of the dead. Especially during the day. The cover of night seems to make it easier for them to appear, penetrating the veil that keeps the physical and metaphysical realms separate.¡±


    ¡°What kind of messages?¡± Coral asked, hoping that it could lead to some clue other than the scratching¡¯s of ¡®BASEMENT¡¯ in her walls and furniture.¡¯


    ¡°Some were like your experiences, Coral.¡± Caspian said, now turning so that his voice could be heard clearer as he inspected a pillar. ¡°Messages left in odd places, and some were thrown about the room. It wasn¡¯t isolated incidents either, sometimes multiple things happened around the same time. That¡¯s when it was discovered it was more than one spirit they were dealing with. A gentleman lost an eye at one point, another fell down a well and died.¡±


    Caspian rapt his knuckles over a chunk of missing stone on a pillar, then moved on. Coral studied the pillars near her, all mostly smooth except for small scuff marks.


    "Did they discover what it was they wanted?¡± Pearl asked. Her voice quivered a little, and she edged closer to Coral.


    ¡°No,¡± Caspian said, clearly disappointed. ¡°The village got together and paid for some adventurers to exercise the dead from the village. Of course, the mass grave they found not long after explained why the ghosts had shown up suddenly. It was a family of traders.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s terrible.¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°So, really, whoever is haunting this place could be anyone?¡± Coral said. ¡°And they don¡¯t want to lead me to some hidden treasure.¡±


    ¡°If only,¡± Caspian smirked. ¡°More would be encouraged to follow along with the dead¡¯s attempts to communicate if there was a pile of gold waiting for them. It¡¯s unfinished business or resentment that keeps them stuck. Whoever is remaining here could be anyone. Who knows. It could be a wandering vagabond who took up shelter in the manor and died of a cold.¡±


    He paused for a moment, pushing aside a shelf, the wood scraping against the stone and echoed through the room. ¡°I vaguely remember that there was a family here once, and the children were killed in one of the very first few undead risings.¡±


    ¡°Can we talk about this when we¡¯re in daylight, instead of this dungeon.¡± Pearl asked. She was keeping close to Coral who had moved to the centre of the room, searching the pillars.


    Pearl tripped forward and squeaked; her foot having caught on something. She caught herself before she hit the ground.


    Caspian crossed the room quickly to her, his candle flickering then sputtered out as he reached her. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Pearl spun back to look at what she tripped on. ¡°Oh. I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t like this.¡± She whimpered.


    ¡°Calm down, it was just a stone.¡± Coral said gently as Pearl¡¯s breath hitched up in pace.


    Caspian bent to peer at the notched floor. He brushed his fingers along the surface and flicked the piece that was raised slightly. ¡°This has something scribed on it.¡± He said, inching closer to the floor.


    How he could see that much detail in this dim light, Coral didn¡¯t know. Then again, being a suspected vampire, he would have better eyesight than they did.


    Caspian let out a deep hum, then muttered. ¡°No, surely not.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Pearl gasped.


    ¡°Step back,¡± Caspian said, thrusting his uninjured hand out at Pearl.


    Pearl quickly took several paces back, dragging Coral along with her.


    Confused, Coral searched the floor, trying to see what it was. Her heart beat hard in her chest. All she could see was uneven flagstones, and her mind filled in the gaps of nothingness by conjuring up images in her mind¡¯s eye of the floor opening beneath them from a hidden door. Or a ghostly shadow reaching out of the floor, clawing its way to them.


    ¡°What is it,¡± Pearl asked, clutching at Coral¡¯s arm and half hiding behind her.


    Caspian looked up at them from beneath his lashes, his face hard as stone. ¡°It¡¯s a spell to trip beautiful women.¡± He said, flashing them a smile from where he crouched.


    Coral groaned.


    Really, that was the line he went with. The fear that had been building in her chest was replaced quickly with annoyance and relief. Mostly, annoyance.


    Caspian¡¯s joke had worked on Pearl. She let go of Coral¡¯s arm and clenched her hands into fists. ¡°Caspian!¡± Pearl cried indignantly.


    He grinned back unrepentant. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to fear with me here.¡±


    Oh, for goodness¡¯ sake. Could he at least keep these displays for when Coral was not present? She did not want to be witness to their entanglements. She was going to have to make herself some chocolate cake just to nurse her own woebegone love life.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to find here to begin with,¡± Coral said, stepping haughtily away from the two. Some distance might be good for her, surely their whispered sweet nothings won¡¯t reach her from the corner of the room they hadn¡¯t explored.


    There was no way she was jealous. Not at all.


    ¡°Now is not the time to be making jokes,¡± Pearl admonished, her voice hushed as though she too felt Coral¡¯s embarrassment.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t scared now, are you.¡± Caspian stated.


    ¡°I. Well. A little. But,¡± Pearl spluttered, her voice getting louder in her frustration at being teased.


    Coral walked to the farthest reach of the basement, her candle only exposing more stone and the odd wooden box or shelving. She walked past the last wine barrel, possibly the biggest in the basement. Her candle flickered, and she felt a gentle shift in the air. She turned, and instead of more blank wall like she had expected, the stonework had crumbled away, revealing a large, ragged hole. The barrel had hidden the debris that littered the floor. The candle flame flickered again.


    ¡°I found something,¡± Coral called out, but her voice had lost its pitch. Her words were barely louder than a whisper.


    They hadn¡¯t heard her.


    Was this what the ghosts had wanted her to see?


    Coral stepped over the mess, stooped, then plunged her hand with the candle into the hole. A dark stone lined corridor led deep into more darkness. Cautiously, Coral reached in a little further, trying to see how far the it went. She listened hard, but all she could hear was the teasing, silvery tone from Caspian and the rising pitch of Coral¡¯s voice.


    Coral pulled her arm back, unwilling to stick her head through, and came out from behind the barrel.


    ¡°Caspian. Pearl,¡± She called. They were too involved in their teasing that they didn¡¯t hear her.


    Well, that was nice for some people.


    The candle flickered, then almost went out as she felt a gust of air flow from the opening. She cupped a hand around the candle, and the flame bloomed back to like. The flame was too close to her face, and the light blinded her, burning a bright spot in her vision. She held the candle above her head and blinked repeatedly to adjust to the dark room.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Coral raised her voice, her words carried clear and strong. If they hadn¡¯t heard the annoyance laced in her words, she was sure her face certainly expressed it. Not that they could particularly see it.


    Caspian and Pearl turned towards her; their own faces bathed in shadows.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve found something,¡± Coral told them. ¡°Come look. There¡¯s a great big hole here. I think there might be a room on the other side. It¡¯s been bricked up.¡±


    Caspian and Pearl started their way over to her, and it was then that she realised just how far this room was. They were at least walked over 80 feet away. The basement must stretch out below the whole front wing of the house. The wine barrel beside her creaked. She started a little, jumping at the noise and turned back around to look for the noise.


    ¡°Is that you?¡± Coral whispered to the darkness, dreading the moment the ghosts were to show themselves again. There was a putrid, rotting smell that wafted around her. She wrinkled her nose in disgust, then winced.


    There was no response, but she was sure she had heard movement.


    Pearl¡¯s lantern reached her first, revealing more of the space between the barrel and the hole. The stones that had fallen away was only four bricks high, hip height if Coral were to stand beside it. There was just enough room to squeeze through. Coral didn¡¯t relish that idea. If the ghosts had wanted her to go to the basement, this was likely the reason why. She was going to have to go in there.


    ¡°What do you think, Caspian. Eager to follow through with the dead¡¯s clues? You can go first if it pleases you.¡± Coral asked.


    Pearl looked aghast.


    Caspian took a step closer, then a dark mass dropped from atop the wine barrel, slamming hard into him.


    Leathery and snapping, it latched on to Caspian, and he crumpled under the weight and fell back into the darkness.


    Pearl spun, the lantern illuminating the creature heaving above Caspian. Long claws puncturing his already injured arm, tearing through skin and muscle. Canine maws snapping inches from his face.


    Caspian held it back with one arm, the other trapped in its sling. In a lithe, twisting movement, he kicked. The monster flew. It smashed a moment later into a shelf, the wood crumbling over the creature. Too fast for Coral to see, Caspian was on his feet again, facing the creature and his back to them.


    The creature got to all fours and snarled, it¡¯s face emaciated and pale. Coral recognised it then for what it was, a creature straight from a nightmare. A Ghoul.


    It was almost nothing but skin and bones, except for a bloated stomach from a fresh kill. It must have eaten recently, as fresh blood coated its rubbery skin. Its hooves clapped against the flagstone as it crouched low, legs coiling beneath.


    Pearl and Coral screamed.


    The ghoul lunged.


    Caspian caught it, his hand pressed hard against its throat. It scrabbled against him, slashing with bloodied claws and screeching. His shirt tore open, and a great tear of flesh stripped away from Caspian¡¯s shoulder to elbow. He let out a hiss of pain. Caspian threw the creature aside like it was made of nothing.


    It landed heavily against a pillar with a sickening thump. The ghoul was down for barely a second before it was running at them again.


    It leapt, and again Caspian shielded them with his own body. He caught it, then used its momentum to toss it away. Its claws tore into his back in the move, slicing deep. In the darkness there was a clatter of wood.


    ¡°Get out. Don¡¯t just stand there!¡± Caspian snarled.


    Coral¡¯s fear had frozen her in place. Caspian¡¯s anger urged her into action. She threw her candle in the direction of the Ghoul, grabbed Pearl and raced towards the basement door. Her feet slapping against the stone floor and the screeching behind her pushing her to run as fast as she could. She was blind in the darkness, the disorientating flashes of light from Pearl¡¯s lantern kept her from plunging straight into a pillar. Why was this room so big.


    ¡°We can¡¯t leave him!¡± Pearl cried, though she didn¡¯t pull away when Coral forced her forward with a terrified yank.


    ¡°We¡¯ll die if we fight it,¡± Coral huffed. A loud scream filled the room, and Coral looked back. Somehow her candle had remained lit, having rolled and stopped in a mess of wooden shelving. In the limited light, Coral could see the Ghoul on Caspian. His bad arm was free of the sling and was using both hands to hold the monster from biting his neck. Its hang above him talons gouging into his back. Blood dripped from Caspian¡¯s arms.


    Caspian threw the creature to the ground. The movement forcing the Ghouls claws to shred along his back. A second later Caspian had the ghouls hoof in his hands, gripping hard and snarling. He twisted violently. There was a sickening crunch, and the leg buckled at the knee. He let go and the leg fell in the wrong direction, flailing as the ghoul thrashed, screeching in pain or anger. Coral couldn¡¯t tell.


    What was she doing? She couldn¡¯t just leave someone to fend off a ghoul on their own. Caspian was strong and fast, even when injured. Fighting a ghoul meant almost certain death. They were notoriously deadly and their tough hide made them hard to kill. Removing limbs wasn¡¯t enough. Their skin was smothered in disease, poisoning its prey as they ripped into them.


    Coral couldn¡¯t just leave him.


    She couldn¡¯t let it get Pearl either.


    Coral¡¯s foot went out from under her, and she landed hard on a fallen shelf. She scrabbled back to her feet, prying up a bit of the wood to use just in case the ghoul came after them.


    Just a bit further, they were almost to the stairs of the basement. Her legs worked harder than they ever had before, her lungs burning. She dashed past a pillar, screeching and Caspian¡¯s yells filling her ears.


    Coral made it to the stairs first, Pearl still feet behind her and gasping. She forced Pearl to go up before her, shoving her to keep her moving as fast as possible.


    Pearl burst through the open door, hitting it with her arm as she ran. It swung out, knocking against the wall hard. Coral snatched the lantern from Pearls hands and reached for the door handle. She slammed it closed in front of her, then wedged the piece of wood under the door handle.


    Coral stood back, chest heaving. She stared at the door. The screeching hadn¡¯t stopped.


    She couldn¡¯t leave someone to die like that. Not unarmed. Coral spun and bolted for the kitchen. This time she wasn¡¯t inhibited and found the knives quickly.


    It wasn¡¯t much, but it was something.


    If they didn¡¯t kill it, the ghoul would come through that door at some point. Now that it knew fresh prey lived upstairs, it wouldn¡¯t be long.


    They couldn¡¯t risk the run in the dark through the forest to Direwood. There were massive wolves out there. Coral and Pearl would be marked as prey. The footing alone would be hard in the dark. They couldn¡¯t hide in the manor; the ghoul would scent them out.


    Coral couldn¡¯t leave someone to die like that.


    She turned back, down the connecting corridor and towards the basement door, hands shaking as she gripped as many knives as she could. Pearl was dragging a box along the floor and was about to brace it against the basement door. She stepped away at Coral¡¯s approach.


    She knew. Pearl couldn¡¯t leave someone to die like that either.


    ¡°Brace the door behind me.¡± Coral told her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go down there.¡± Pearl said, taking in a shuddering breath. ¡°Just. Just throw the knives.¡±


    ¡°Do you want him to live or not,¡± Coral snapped. ¡°He¡¯s at the far end of the room. He hasn¡¯t got a weapon, and he¡¯s our best chance of killing this thing.¡±


    This might be the stupidest thing she has ever done. If she didn¡¯t do something, then she was as good as dead anyway.


    Coral unstuck the door, collected her knives, and faced the screeching below.

 Dont bring knives to a ghoul fight

    This was definitely not one of Coral¡¯s most excellent ideas.


    A hushed ¡°Be safe,¡± came from behind Coral through the closed door. Coral squared her shoulders, lifted her head and made a mental promise to both her and her sister that she would make it back.


    Coral didn¡¯t run away from an arranged marriage to die in the dark to some monster.


    She took her first steps down into that darkness.


    ¡°COME ON,¡± bellowed Caspian, his voice gravelly in its call for action. There was an answering shriek.


    The monster¡¯s call had Coral hurrying down the stairs. Why for the good of everything did she not invest in buying something to defend herself. If she survived, she was going to have to fix that right away. She may not know how to defend herself, but she swore then and there that she was going to learn.


    Coral stopped just before the brickwork opened into the basement. There was an awful, wet thud. Then another. A clatter of wood on stone.


    Angling her lantern away so that she didn¡¯t draw attention, Coral pressed herself up against the wall, then peaked around the corner. At the far end of the basement, the candle she had thrown had caught alight on a shattered wine barrel. Flames lit the area, casting light over the bloody mess that was Caspian and the Ghoul.


    Caspian¡¯s skin on his left shoulder had peeled back in chunks. Blood dripped from his arm in rivulets as he lifted the ghoul, snarling, then threw it. The ghoul flew several feet then collided with a pillar and slid down to the floor. Caspian was on it a moment later, his hands going around the Ghouls neck. Quick as lightning, he smashed the ghouls head into the pillar. Again, he yanked it forward and beat it into the pillar, another wet thump.


    It was now or never.


    Coral dashed forward, careless of the stinging on her arms as the jostling knives nicked at her skin.


    The ghoul flailed, its blackened claw tips slicing through anything they touched. The stone, Caspians shirt and flesh. Caspian yelled out as the ghoul stabbed its claws right through one arm that had pinned it down. Caspian jerked, using his other arm to half lift the monster up, he threw it bodily over his head and slammed it head first into the pillar behind them.


    Its claws had come free from Caspian¡¯s arm. He gripped it with his hand, jaw clenched, and half hunched as he glared at the ghoul.


    The ghoul used its working leg to shove itself forward. It caught Caspian¡¯s leg and then dragged itself up his body, climbing as though he was a fleshy pin board. It stabbed its claws into him, its arms working fast as it pierced Caspian with each handful of flesh, pulling itself closer and up.


    Caspian struggled to free himself as it clambered up him. The ghoul reached Caspian¡¯s chest; its maw widened then snapped shut. Its teeth sunk into Caspian¡¯s neck, blood dripping from the ghoul¡¯s haggard mouth.


    Oh, cursed shit!


    Caspian couldn¡¯t die! She needed him to kill it. Both Coral and Pearl were guaranteed death if he didn¡¯t.


    Coral ran up behind, grabbing any one of the knife handles and dropping the rest. She raised the knife and stabbed as hard as she could. She didn¡¯t aim, and its toughened skin resisted the knife. The Ghoul didn¡¯t react to her, it kept biting into Caspian.


    Coral pulled her arm back, gripped the handle with both hands and put her entire weight against it as she struck the beast again. The knife sunk deep into the crook of its armpit. She jumped back out of reach, ripping the knife out as she went. She could feel severing muscle through the knife as it tore free.


    The Ghoul threw its head back, screeching. It sent sharp pains through her skull. The noise was so horrible Coral was sure her ears were bleeding.


    It dropped from Caspian, who was somehow still standing. He swayed heavily, blood dripping down his neck.


    Coral scrabbled back, hands shaking.


    The Ghoul crawled towards her, one of its arms dragging loosely behind, it¡¯s shattered leg just as useless. It still came for her. The ghoul¡¯s black eyes locked on to her, its jaws pulled back in a snarl, dripping with blood. A piece of flesh dangled from its teeth.


    This was it. She was going to die.


    She raised her knife, ready to strike. She wouldn¡¯t go down without fighting. She would fight for every second she could. For herself. For Pearl. Even for Caspian, for however many minutes he may have left. Even when she didn¡¯t know how to fight.


    Coral¡¯s back hit against something hard.


    The ghoul scuttled feet away from her. It¡¯s arm stretching out over the flagstones and shunting itself forward with its back leg. Even injured it moved fast.


    Coral darted to the side. The thing at her back had been a pillar. She used it as a barrier to keep the monster from reaching her. A fallen shelf lay on its side, and she braced a foot against it then kicked. It barely moved forward. It was braced on one side by a wine barrel that had been shattered. If the monster was going to crawl for her, she was going to put every obstacle she could in its way. Those claws would tear through anything, and it wouldn¡¯t be held back for long, but any few seconds would be enough.


    Coral grabbed a bit of wood one handed and chucked it at the monster. It bounced off its back, unharmed. She grabbed another piece, this one long and splintered at one end. She hoisted it up, awkward with the knife in her hand and wedged it under her arm, pointy end sticking out.


    The ghoul clambered over the pile of wood and broken things. It was close now, too close. It leapt for her, and Coral screamed as it came down at her. She thrust the wood up. She was knocked back with a sudden weight from a direction she hadn¡¯t been expecting. Her head hit the stone hard, the pain knocking the breath from her.


    Snarling erupted above her, and she felt something wet flick over her face and down her arms. She blinked and realised there wasn¡¯t the pain she had been expecting either. Her head thrummed with pain ferociously, but there wasn¡¯t the sharp agony of cutting or crushing force from a bite.


    Caspian stood before her, shaking hard as he held back the ghoul. It stood now on one hoofed leg, snapping and roaring as it leant into Caspian.


    The piece of wood Coral had held was now in Caspian¡¯s hand. He rammed it hard into the monster¡¯s chest. An agonised yowl ripped out of the beast. He thrust the wood in further, shoving the ghoul back. Then with an awful, sucking sound he pulled the wood free, tossed it aside and dug a hand deep into the monster¡¯s chest. Caspian¡¯s arm flexed, a snap, and a bloody rib was tossed aside. He went in again. The Ghoul still clawing at him. Caspian¡¯s head snapped back as the ghoul slashed him across his chest and over his face.


    Caspian bit down on the ghoul¡¯s arm and tore away a chunk of the monster¡¯s flesh, spitting it back at the creature. His arm drove into the ghoul¡¯s chest. The Ghoul wailed, the high pitch ringing of pain. Then he pulled his arm free, dripping in red.


    The ghoul dropped to the floor, twitching.


    A blackened heart still beat in Caspian¡¯s hand, sinew and flesh dangling between his fingers. He clenched his fist, driving his fingers into the heart, blood squeezing out in a sickening squelch. Caspian let it drop from his hand. He shook violently as he stared down at the ghoul, its chest an open cavity of blackened muscle and broken bones.


    Caspian dropped to his knees.


    ¡°Caspian!¡± Coral cried. She scrambled over to him, pushing aside bits of wood as she went. He was still breathing, though he was in an awful way.


    ¡°Its dead,¡± He gasped.


    ¡°It is,¡± Coral said, not bothering to look at the decrepit thing. Her hands brushed over his neck, his chest. She didn¡¯t know where to put her hands to staunch the flow of blood.


    ¡°What do I do?¡± she asked, more out of helplessness than anything.


    Caspian was bleeding everywhere. There was so many punctures and open wounds that she didn¡¯t know what to do. Did she even try to staunch the bleeding? Was it to late? Was he bleeding out? Coral held a hand against the place where he was bleeding the worst, a deep gash right over his shoulder and right near his neck. She could feel the blood spill over her hands.


    ¡°Blood,¡± he gasped.


    ¡°I know. I¡¯m trying. I don¡¯t know what to do.¡± She cried. She gathered up her skirt then pressed it against him, hoping the material would help to cover more than her hands could.


    ¡°Blood,¡± he rasped. His hand came up and rested weakly against her wrist.


    She blinked down at him. He stared up at her, his eyes dilated to the point there was no whites left. Then she realised. She didn¡¯t wait for him to say anything more. She just acted.


    Coral pressed her wrist against his mouth.


    Caspian¡¯s fangs bit into her wrist, the pain slicing through her like a knife. She cried out, but she didn¡¯t pull away.


    Caspian had saved her. He had saved Pearl. Now, Coral could save him.


    He sucked at her wrist, and the feeling of her blood being pulled forcefully from her veins was awful. It hurt more than she thought it would, and she grit her teeth as she let him drink. Caspian gripped her arm with more strength. He breathed in heavily through his nose, his eyes closed, and the sensation of suction eased to where she couldn¡¯t feel it. He lapped at every drop, careful not to let it escape from his mouth. He broke away. His head fell back.


    He didn¡¯t move.


    Coral pressed her wrist up against her belly, afraid to look at it. She was afraid to look anywhere except for his lacerated face.


    ¡°Caspian?¡± she said quietly. He didn¡¯t respond.


    He just lay there, and Coral placed her other hand on his chest to see if he breathed still or not. The flickering firelight was filling the air with smoke, and now that the adrenalin was leaving her, she coughed. She needed fresh air. The back of her throat burned.


    She bent over Caspian, wondering if she should look for a heartbeat. Did vampire¡¯s even have a heart beat? Did they even breathe like normal people? Coral placed two fingers against his neck, searching for a pulse. She wasn¡¯t sure, maybe it was foolish hope, but it appeared he wasn¡¯t bleeding as heavily as now.


    ¡°Are you alive?¡± Coral asked, voice trembling.


    His closed lids fluttered open, his eyes now a bright red. ¡°Barely,¡± he croaked.


    Coral breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Thank goodness. I don¡¯t want another dead thing in my Inn,¡± she told him.


    Caspian twitched one of his arms. ¡°I¡¯ll haunt your gate. If you move me from here.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± Coral snapped. ¡°You¡¯re not going to die. I won¡¯t let you.¡±


    She carefully stood so that any movement she made didn¡¯t jostle him. He didn¡¯t move or protest at this, and she wondered if this was a good sign or not. She didn¡¯t know what to do. She looked down at Caspian, knowing she had to get him at least somewhere warmer. The fire eating its way through the alcohol soaked wood was smoking heavily, and she didn¡¯t know if she should leave it to burn out or try to stamp out the flames.


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    Deciding she needed the fresh air more, and that the basement was made of stone, the manor was at less of a risk from catching alight.


    She hurried back to the stairs, calling out ¡°PEARL¡± as loud as she could in between coughing. The air was thick with smoke, and it made her eyes burn.


    There was a bang and moments later a terrified ¡°CORAL?¡± called out from atop the stairs. There was a great deal of banging, and when Coral reached the stairs, it was to find Pearl halfway down them, arms raised with a wooden chair hanging over her head. Her face was set into a hard line that Coral had never seen her wear.


    Pearl checked over Coral¡¯s shoulder, then back at her. ¡°Where is it?¡±


    ¡°Dead,¡± Coral told her, the relief making her sound breathy.


    Pearl sagged in relief, letting the chair fall behind her. ¡°Thank goodness.¡± She sunk her head into her hands, a sob escaping her. ¡°I thought you were dead!¡±


    Coral rushed to her and was shocked to when Pearl pushed her back angrily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever do that to me again. Do you hear me!¡± Pearl yelled. ¡°Ever, you stupid idiot!¡±


    Coral nodded. She reached out and wrapped her sister in her arms, and Pearl rested her head beneath Coral¡¯s chin.


    ¡°You stupid, cursed jobbernowl!¡± Pearl moaned.


    Coral wasn¡¯t sure if she should be impressed that her sister¡¯s vocabulary extended to insults when she was this upset, or that she had somehow come across the term ¡®jobbernowl¡¯. Perhaps she should swear more around her. Then Coral would be treated to these types of comments more often.


    ¡°I am,¡± Coral agreed wholeheartedly. She didn¡¯t regret what she had done. If she hadn¡¯t, would Caspian have had his opening to kill the ghoul? She shuddered.


    ¡°You can insult me all you want, but I need you to help me move Caspian.¡±


    Pearl lifted her head and stared at her. ¡°He¡¯s dead?¡± she said flatly.


    ¡°Not yet. Come on.¡± Coral let Pearl go and led the way back to Caspian.


    Pearl gasped as soon as she saw his unmoving figure sprawled out on the ground. She coughed, her eyes flitting over to the fire.


    ¡°Leave it. It will burn itself out.¡± Coral said, kneeling beside Caspian and motioning for Pearl to do the same on his other side.


    Pearl made a distressed noise as she took in his person. ¡°What do we do?¡± She asked.


    Caspian¡¯s eyes fluttered open again, his hand reaching out for her. She grasped his hand in both of her own. Then froze at the sight of his blood red eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯re a vampire?¡± she said, her voice hitching and edged with fear.


    How had Pearl clued in on the manor being haunted but hadn¡¯t suspected that Caspian was in fact a vampire. Maybe Coral had been right in assuming Pearl was too na?ve to pick up the things that happened around her.


    Caspian said nothing. His face becoming strangely crumpled and then closed off at Pearl¡¯s exclamation. He pulled his hand from hers.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to move you,¡± Coral told him, impatient at this exchange. ¡°Do you think you can stand, or will we have to carry you.¡±


    For a moment Pearl looked like she would argue that she wouldn¡¯t touch him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I think so.¡± He rasped.


    It took a phenomenal effort on all parts to get Caspian to his feet. Coral and Pearl had to take most of Caspian¡¯s weight as they helped him across the basement floor. Getting him up the stairs was an ordeal in itself, where they had to brace him on either side and take one step at a time. If Coral hadn¡¯t worked herself hard in the last month clearing the driveway, she doubted she would have had the strength to help him. She grit her teeth and heaved, holding hard on to one of Caspian¡¯s arms across her shoulder, her other tightly wrapped about his back. It was sticky from the blood, and while she tried to avoid touching his open lacerations, there was little else she could do to help hold him upright.


    Caspian panted and groaned as he forced himself to keep moving. He tripped and stumbled, dragging his foot up to the next step, then stopped to gather determination for the next agonising rise.


    The air was freezing in the corridor ahead, and there was gentle whispering, barely audible that buzzed in Coral¡¯s ears. The basement door swung open more as they reached the top of the stairs, and they passed through. Coral ignored that the door swung open on its own. Or that a pattering of footsteps sounded down the corridor, rushed past them and down into the basement below. The light from the fire ebbed and then disappeared, leaving them in complete darkness. Coral had left the lantern down below.


    She and Pearl heaved Caspian down the corridor, past the kitchen and back to the winter Salon, where they had warmth and firelight to work by. They lay him on the floor by the fire, where the light revealed the devastation the ghoul had marked across Caspian¡¯s body.


    Pearl darted away, and returned a minute later with a sheet she had pulled from some furniture, and began cutting it into strips with a pair of scissors. Coral hastened to pick up the first of the strips, then shuffled forward to wrap the worst of his bleeding.


    She was amazed he hadn¡¯t bled out yet.


    He let her work, and she wasn¡¯t gentle about what she did. It was desperation that drove the blood and open flesh from her mind. Single-mindedly determined to not let the man before her bleed out or die.


    ¡°More,¡± he groaned. Coral had just finished tying tight a strip of cloth around his arm, where the ghoul had pierced right through with three claws.


    ¡°I don¡¯t. I¡¯m not sure. You already took some.¡± Coral said, unsure. She knew what Caspian was asking. Coral wanted to help, but she didn¡¯t want it to cost her own life. She wasn¡¯t that thankful that she would throw her own life down above his.


    Just how much blood could she give away? She was exhausted, and lightheaded. Surely that was a sign that he had already taken enough.


    ¡°More what?¡± Pearl asked. She held scissors in her hands and was carefully cutting away his shirt so that they could bandage his back. The shirt was little more than tattered rags.


    ¡°Blood,¡± Caspian gasped.


    Pearl dropped the scissors and stared wide eyed at Coral.


    ¡°I already let him drink from me.¡± Coral told her. ¡°I think that¡¯s why he isn¡¯t dead yet.¡±


    Pearl stared down at Caspian, her face pale. ¡°I thought you had albinism.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he mumbled. He closed his eyes, whether from pain or unwilling to see the accusation on Pearls face, Coral wasn¡¯t sure.


    Coral ripped away the last bit of his shirt from his neck, trying hard not to look at how deep those puncture wounds were. The ghoul had teeth like a dog, and a rotten tooth had broken off and wedged itself into the bite. Coral pulled it from his skin, the tip sticking like it was unwilling to let go of its host. Fresh blood beaded out of the hole.


    ¡°Caspian. Will our blood help you heal?¡± Coral asked.


    Caspian¡¯s lips moved but no sound came out. She was sure it was a yes.


    Coral looked at Pearl, then decided she could spare some of her own blood again. The last thing she wanted was for her first guest to die.


    She breathed hard through her nose, and then offered up her wrist once again to Caspian. His eyes flew open, his pupils a tiny pin-prick in a sea of vivid red veining out into the white¡¯s of his eyes. He reached for her wrist, mouth open and he pulled her wrist to his mouth.


    Another sharp bite, and this time Coral couldn¡¯t hold back a shout of pain as his teeth sunk into her wrist. Pearl watched on, her face gaining colour.


    She sat still, watching her sister, focusing on anything other than the gory mess they were. Pearl watched on, and she could tell by the pull of her eyebrows that she was not happy.


    There was nothing intimate at all about this. Often Coral had heard romanticised murmuring of what it would be like, to be bitten by a vampire. Whispers of being lured and gentle bites.


    There was nothing gentle in being bitten. It still hurt. The room was beginning to sway before her. Coral felt like she was going to be sick. At what point should she try to pull away?


    Well, this was not a pleasant feeling. If there was any reason why Coral wanted to be dizzy, it would be from the wonderful, freeing feeling she got from drinking wine. Not blood loss.


    Caspian released her wrist.


    Coral pulled it back towards her, wrapping her hand around the bite mark for good measure. She didn¡¯t want to lose any more blood.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t drink as long as before,¡± she said thoughtlessly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. You¡¯ll die.¡± Caspian said.


    ¡°Is¡­Is it enough?¡± Pearl asked. Her eyes traced the slashes across one side of his face and down over his chest. It had stopped bleeding.


    ¡°No,¡± he said simply.


    Pearl bit her lower lip, then thrust her arm at Caspian. ¡°Then drink from me.¡±


    Caspian turned his head away. ¡°No.¡±


    For a moment, Pearl looked deeply offended. Then she schooled her face into a blank mask. ¡°Why not?¡± Pearl demanded.


    Caspian didn¡¯t answer.


    Pearl tsked, then forcefully shoved her wrist up against Caspian¡¯s mouth. ¡°I¡¯m thankful for what you have done, and if my sister will let you drink, then so will I. Take the offer.¡± Pearl snapped.


    Caspian bit into her wrist, a look of disgust on his face. Pearl winced as he bit, but she pressed her lips together hard and looked away. Tears sprung into her eyes as he drank from her.


    Coral slumped back, her head and shoulders resting against the chaise behind her. The room was cold, but she found that she didn¡¯t mind so much. It was a struggle to keep her eyes open. A heaviness had settled over her, a weighted thing that was pulling her consciousness down into a rest that she was eager for.


    She forced her eyes open, not realising she had let them close, when Pearl sighed. She shuffled a little, which only let her slip more comfortably onto the floor. A pillow half hanging from the seat dropped over her head, and Coral tiredly moved it below her. The chill in the room didn¡¯t bother her. From one side the fire was blazing hot, the embers glowing brightly.


    Pearl clutched her own wrist in her hand from across Caspian¡¯s bloodied body. They were all quiet, except for the crackle of fire and a distant howl.


    The howl awoke her senses enough to glance at the door to the salon. ¡°Pearl,¡± she mumbled, pointing at the door left ajar. Pearl was up and across the room in a second. She closed the doors firmly. She looked around, then for good measure she brushed off the top of a table, flipped it on to its side. She had to drag it bodily to the door, tugging and pushing hard. She panted as she finally pushed it up against the doors.


    ¡°Do you think there¡¯s more than one?¡± Pearl asked, now breathing hard as she picked up the log poker.


    Coral shook her head. ¡°I think ghouls are solitary. But I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s safe?¡± She asked. Pearl slumped back down on the other side of Caspian, who seemed to be out cold.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Coral said quietly.


    They sat in silence for several minutes, listening for any signs of life. There was nothing. Not even the usual creaks and groans of the house. Pearl kept watch of Caspian, who appeared to be dead.


    ¡°Did you know?¡± Pearl asked suddenly.


    Coral had to shake herself, having found herself on the precipice of sleep. ¡°What?¡± She breathed, rubbing at her neck. Her head throbbed, and all she wanted to do was surrender to the blissful ether of sleep.


    ¡°That he¡¯s a vampire,¡± Pearl said.


    Coral shrugged one shoulder. ¡°I thought he might have been. Couldn¡¯t have asked without being rude. I¡¯m not sure how you didn¡¯t notice. Albinism, really?¡±


    Pearl was clearly too tired to blush. She let herself lean back against the chair behind her, and let her head drop back on to the cushion. ¡°I think I was fooling myself. How could Caspian be a vile vampire?¡±


    ¡°Easily,¡± Coral said. ¡°He¡¯s too pretty.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯s instantly a monster,¡± Pearl said, defensive.


    Coral shrugged again. She was too tired to care if Pearl was offended or not. In most cases, Coral had found the most attractive people to be heartless. Which wasn¡¯t that different from a monster, really. It wasn¡¯t a stretch for her imagination to suspect. Though, it was cruel of her to say it. Pearl was stunning, and she was also gentle and kind. It was why Coral had fought so hard to keep her safe when exposed to those who would use her sister¡¯s nature against her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a monster,¡± Caspian mumbled.


    Coral was shocked that he was still conscious. He had been quiet for so long that she thought him to be asleep. She certainly wanted to be.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be like this,¡± he said again.


    If she and Pearl were anything else but exhausted, they might have had the good sense to be ashamed. Coral was too tired to care.


    ¡°Are you going to live, then.¡± Coral asked. She wiggled a little further on to her pillow, her neck angled so that her chin rested on her chest and her head was still propped up. If she kept upright, then maybe she could stay awake.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Caspian said. He shifted then, turning his head so that he now looked up at the ceiling. ¡°I can feel my body stitching itself back together. Horrible feeling. Like pins and needles all over.¡±


    Pearl gasped.


    Coral looked over at Caspian, really looking rather than the checks from the corner of her eye she had spared him. She found that the slashes down Caspian¡¯s face and chest was in fact slowly mending. The cuts weren¡¯t as deep and haggard, even if they were still open and weeping in some sections, the skin puckered and inflamed. One claw had cut him from scalp, down the right side of his face, over an eyebrow and had miraculously missed his eye, and started again just at the corner and dragged down his face.


    ¡°Good.¡± Coral said.


    Quiet fell upon them again. Pearl tried to look anywhere but at Caspian. It took Coral several long minutes to understand why. Caspian was shirtless, and had a very nice torso, if she were to look past the smattering of blood and oddly closing cuts. She watched fascinated as the fleshy fibres of his muscle and skin grew back together.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a monster,¡± Caspian said again in the wake of the silence. ¡°Thank you. For what you did. If circumstances were different.¡± He didn¡¯t finish his sentence.


    Coral didn¡¯t need him to. She knew other races faced prejudice, and in the case of vampires with good reason. Caspian was dangerous. She had witnessed how deadly he could be. But he had also saved them.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Coral said. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t been here, Pearl and I wouldn¡¯t have survived the night.¡±


    ¡°In a heartbeat,¡± Caspian said, his eyes on Pearl. She was still trying to keep her eyes away from his naked torso.


    Coral adjusted herself again, so that she could lay with her head propped on the pillow without cricking her neck. Decorum could be bothered with tomorrow, when she had the strength to clean herself up.


    Her eyes opened again, noticing that she had let them close. She listened hard, and still heard nothing.


    ¡°There was only one ghoul, right?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of two ghouls residing anywhere. But I¡¯m not an adventurer.¡± Caspian said quietly. ¡°When I¡¯ve had a chance to heal up, I¡¯ll go to the adventurer¡¯s guild right away. We¡¯ll need to report it.¡±


    ¡°What if there is another one?¡± Pearl said just as quietly.


    ¡°We should stay together until the night is done. I¡¯ve heard that daylight hurts them.¡± Coral said, still trying to keep her eyes open.


    ¡°Daylight will hurt Caspian,¡± Pearl pointed out.


    Coral hummed in acknowledgement; her brain was overworked and her body too heavy to bother with another counter comment.


    ¡°Do you think the ghosts were trying to lure you down there, or warn you?¡± Pearl asked after another minute of quiet.


    ¡°They¡¯re just kids, I don¡¯t think it was intentional.¡± Caspian said thoughtfully.


    ¡°They could have just written Ghoul or something less obscure than ¡®basement¡¯. They wanted me to go down there.¡± Coral said darkly.


    ¡°They also said help,¡± Pearl reminded her.


    Coral rolled over, too uncomfortable and exhausted to want to accept that they had. If they wanted help, they went about the whole situation in an awful way. Her nose throbbed, and Coral let her eyes close, and let sleep take her.

 Another bad morning

    Coral stood upon the threshold of Moonflower Inn. It was lit up like an autumn festival, every window spilling golden light out onto the garden. Her Inn was full of guests, and they were all scrambling to get through the open doors.


    Coral had to push her way forward through the crowd, which was hard, as she was wearing a floor length evening gown. It glittered with jewels, and the layers of silks and chiffon made it heavy and almost unmanageable with the enormity of the skirt. People kept stepping on the train that flowed out behind her, forcing her to stop her progress. A tiara kept slipping down the back of her head.


    There was a chorus of cheers and yells, and Coral pushed her way forward to the entrance hall of her inn, to find her guests hosting a toad race, and bets were swinging high. ¡°Fifteen hundred silver.¡± A man called out, and papers were passed around.


    Coral stared across the makeshift ring, past the toads all piled at the centre of the floor and at the crowd of people. Her father stood there, waving a betting slip and jostling his suited gamblers.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t got seven hundred Silver!¡± the crowd cried.


    ¡°Have my daughter then,¡± her father yelled, laughing as he did so. ¡°Triple or nothing!¡±


    A clanging tolled over the yells of the gamblers, the toads were released from their bindings, and the race started. Some leapt forward one or two paces towards the outer ring of the finish line. Others instantly began to fight, spurting poison and biting into eyes. A smaller toad was bitten in half instantly.


    ¡°NO!¡± came her fathers cry, and his betting mates laughed and jeered. Of course, her father would bet all odds on the toad least likely to win. Eirek Farley rarely won anything. She stared with disgust at her father, curling her top lip.


    ¡°She¡¯s your problem now,¡± her father said. His shoulders started to droop and sweat broke out over his forehead.


    ¡°How could you?¡± Coral yelled. She crossed the open circle and hoisted up one of the toads then slung it at him. Her father didn¡¯t react. He started to double over now, and his skin began to grey and droop from his cheeks, his eyes darkening.


    The clanging still tolled, drowning out the jeers from the crowd. Coral tried to move forward but her skirts were stuck under the feet of the gamblers, keeping her in place. She stooped and picked up another toad, this one sticky and acid green from the poison frothing from its glands. She threw it at her father¡¯s face.


    The ringing broke through her dream, and Coral cracked an eye. Her head whirled for a moment, confused and disorientated. Where was she? She moved her arm to rub the gritty feeling from her eyes, and instantly regretted it.


    Oh, how her head throbbed. She hadn¡¯t even indulged last night, and she still felt rotten this morning. Coral was still, thoroughly exhausted. That stupid dream didn¡¯t help either. She still felt lingering anger at her father despite knowing that wasn¡¯t what happened.


    The clanging bell still rung out, and Coral lay where she was listening to it. Was that her gate bell?


    Pearl rested beside her, using her stomach as a makeshift pillow. She was warm, and the extra weight made Coral feel secure. Coral shifted one of her legs, grunted slightly and returned it to it¡¯s original place, where the wood beneath her was warmer. The movement unfortunately made her even more aware of her body. She could feel grime covering her. Her dress felt stiff, her wrist ached, her nose throbbed.


    It was much easier to just lay where she was. Even if she was getting cold.


    Footsteps padded along behind her head, a scrape of the iron poker and a crunch made Coral blink blearily. There was a small flicker of light, and Coral realised that the fire was being restoked. She may be cold, but the warmth from the fireplace was wonderful.


    Coral tried to raise her head but could barely do more than groan groggily.


    ¡°Go back to sleep. You need to rest.¡± Caspian¡¯s silky voice washed over her. Coral let her eyes close, and she sunk back into a dreamless sleep.


    <hr>


    That same sharp bell clanging roused Coral for a second time. It was distant, but persistent. Coral shifted, and this time she couldn¡¯t ignore the throb in her head.


    Groaning, she forced herself up by her elbows and sat there for a moment trying to pry open her puffy eyes.


    The bell tolled again, chiming incessantly. What blessed shit was calling at this hour?


    Coral looked about and noted that Caspian was no longer in the room. Coral panicked slightly, which fully pulled her into wakefulness and became more aware of her surroundings.


    Pearl snored gently beside her, one arm draped over her own head and feet splayed out in each direction. She looked comfortable, for the most part. That was how Pearl liked to sleep ¨C taking up every available inch of the bed. Or floor, in this case.


    The late afternoon sun filtered through the half-drawn curtains, blocking the light from reaching her and Pearl. The dust floating in the air was more apparent, like they were magnified by the sun¡¯s rays. Had there always been this much dust in the room? Had she slept the entire day away?


    The fire had been rekindled and was blazing in the hearth, warming the room to a pleasant degree. She wasn¡¯t cold, thankfully, though Coral did feel like she had taken a hard tumble through the wilderness. The wood smoke lingered thickly in the Salon and Coral could detect a subtle scent of raw meat underlaying it, presumably from the kitchen. She hoped at the very least.


    Her senses felt sharper despite feeling like some wretched old woman. Normally Coral had never been able to hear the old gate bell this far in the manor. The bell hadn¡¯t stopped ringing. Whomever was waiting to be let in was quite determined.


    Coral adjusted herself to sit up properly and gently coaxed her sister to one side, so she wasn¡¯t disturbed. If Pearl was anywhere near as tired as Coral felt she wanted to let her sister rest further. Pearl¡¯s snoring ceased as Coral moved her. Some sunlight reached the edge of Pearl¡¯s sleeve and Coral could see the finer details of her sister¡¯s dress and the weave of individual fabric threads. Her sister¡¯s skin was flushed, but more, like she could detect the thrum of blood through her veins with every heartbeat.


    Oh. Coral groaned at the pull of muscles in her face as horror dawned on her. She had let a vampire feed from her. Did that mean she too was going to turn?


    She pressed her fingers to her neck, finding her own pulse. Her panic made her fingers fumble, then after a moment, she felt it. Her heart still beat. For now.


    She braced an arm against the chair beside her and shuffled to her feet. Her whole body was stiff from a night spent on a wooden floor. Perhaps she ought to add a rug to the decoration. At the very least it would add an additional layer for next time.


    Coral scowled at that thought. There won¡¯t be a next time, if she could help it.


    She caught her movement in the mirror across the room and then did a double take.


    Coral gawked in absolute horror at her reflection. Blood splattered her from head to toe. Literally. She lifted a strand of loose hair, stiff with dried blood. The braided coronet was a frizzy halo about her head. Coral had to congratulate her sister on managing a braid that her hair had yet to completely escape from.


    The throbbing in her nose was testimony to the purple bruising around both of her eyes. She crossed the room to the mirror and leaned in closer to inspect her swollen face, gently prodding at the area. She hoped her nose wasn¡¯t broken. It didn¡¯t look broken. Perhaps if she used ice then the swelling would go down? No wonder her eyes felt so puffy.


    Her dress had been a disaster before she had put it on. Now, it would take some serious work to make anything out of the garment. A long rip from floor to knee opened as she pulled at her dress in disgust. It was sticky somehow and the blood stained the coral material. She was absolutely filthy.


    Coral¡¯s stomach rumbled. The tiredness and shock from her own atrocious appearance had wrought her temporarily unaware of how hungry she was. Her hunger wasn¡¯t enough that Coral would forego washing first. She had to choose one physical comfort to take care of first up, and Coral had never liked being dirty.


    The door to the Salon was no longer barricaded. The table was still upturned on its side and pushed away with the candelabra and a shattered vase scattered across the floor. Which meant that Caspian had gone traipsing around the manor while she and Pearl were asleep on the ground.


    Coral didn¡¯t know if she should be relieved that Caspian was well enough to move about, or if she should be concerned that he had been taken by another ghoul. Coral really hoped there wasn¡¯t another ghoul. She took some comfort that they could escape outside this time and hopefully not be eaten by wolves.


    The bell clattered again. Was it Caspian who was playing with the bell or did she have visitors that wouldn¡¯t take the hint and leave? She wasn¡¯t presentable for company, first she was going to clean herself up, ghost or no, it wasn¡¯t going to stop her from entering her room. Not this morning at the very least, and she was going to have a few choice words for the ghost children and expand their vocabulary for the worst. Coral didn¡¯t take kindly to things trying to kill her.


    Coral tiredly made her way through the door and down the corridor. When she reached the entrance hall, she paused. There was a distinct sound of a pan being placed on the stove top, that heavy cast iron sound clearly distinguishable. Coral turned in the direction she heard, staring confusedly down the corridor to the kitchen. She was so far away, how could she hear that? A moment later, there was a faint sizzle. Caspian was definitely in the kitchen, cooking by the sounds of things. ¡°Then, who¡¯s at the gate?¡± She asked aloud.


    Shadowy movement flittered over the stairwell. Coral tensed as she watched it, waiting expectantly for whispers or hands to rise up and pull her around. The shadows coalesced into two indistinguishable forms, then disappeared.


    ¡°I went to the basement like you asked. It¡¯s not my fault your ghoul didn¡¯t kill me.¡± Coral told the ghost children.


    The front door shuddered in its frame.


    Coral¡¯s heart thudded in her chest as she searched the entrance hall, waiting for something further to happen. She jumped when there was a squeal of metal from the front of the property.


    Did the ghost children just unlock her gate? Was that how Caspian was able to get in? Coral knew she hadn¡¯t forgotten to lock the gate; she wasn¡¯t lax in her nightly security routine. Safety was imperative. Which was now proving in many ways exactly how unfitting her security measures were for her situation. Locked gates and doors were evidently not enough to withstand monsters in her basement or ghosts parading around her manor.


    Coral deliberated about going out there to re-lock the front gate for good measure. That was her gate after all. Then she heard Doctor Thornheart¡¯s muffled voice outside. Did the ghosts just let anyone into her estate?


    This was her manor, and Coral decided who could come in or not. Not the dead. She was going to have to deal with the ghost children before the week was out. At this rate her manor was going to be full of visitors and monsters before she was even ready for them.


    At least it was someone she was somewhat expecting, even if it hadn¡¯t been this afternoon. She had requested Elwin to send Doctor Thornheart for a house call as a non-emergency situation. Although, this was Direwood, how many scraped knees and bitten adventurers could there be for the Doctor to keep busy? After everything that had happened last night, Coral had temporarily forgotten that her father had cursed her. She was relieved then that she didn¡¯t need to wait longer for her appointment. Coral could have her nose and blackened eyes looked at too.


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    She opened the front door and squinted into the sunlight. The portico shaded the entrance, but the bright afternoon light felt like she was having her eyes burnt out of their sockets.


    Doctor Thornheart had reached halfway down the drive when she stopped and stared up at Coral, shock etched across her face. Unfortunately, Doctor Thornheart was not alone. Beside her, that stunning man she had seen in the bakery yesterday stared back at her.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Doctor Thornheart said, picking up her skirt and rushing down the drive to her. The man followed suit, taking longer strides to keep up with Doctor Thornheart.


    Coral didn¡¯t say a word. All she could do was stand there, mortified. Here she was, half blinded in a bloodied gown, rumpled, frizzy and sporting two magnificent black eyes. Could she have given a worse first impression? Why did she have to look like this in front of that man?


    They reached the edge of the portico, and the man sniffed then visibly withdrew. ¡°You smell like a vampire.¡± He snarled.


    Well. There went her chances of salvaging any reputation with this absolute stud of a man.


    If her father cursed her, maybe it was to do with always looking dishevelled in front of potential suitors. Not that she wanted to be courted by anyone just yet. She had bigger plans than being a wife. But an admirer would have been nice. She wasn¡¯t ugly, but everyone always had eyes for Pearl¡¯s classic beauty.


    Doctor Thornheart gripped her roughly around the neck then pushed her head to the side, searching. She had expected Doctor Thornheart to become handsy at her bloodied appearance, she did look terrible. She hadn¡¯t expected the man to inspect her as well. His eyes searched every space that Doctor Thornhearts hands searched. Thankfully he kept his hands to himself.


    ¡°Check her over thoroughly,¡± he said roughly to Doctor Thornheart.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Coral asked. Doctor Thornheart chose this moment to peer directly into her eyes, blocking Coral¡¯s view of the man.


    ¡°Silas, I¡¯m with the Adventurer¡¯s Guild,¡± he said. He stepped to the side so that he could continue examining her. Coral felt her cheeks heat under his gaze. Of all the people to meet today looking like a dishevelled corpse, it had to be him. He stood alert, his adventurer¡¯s uniform matched Elwins, except Silas cut an imposing figure with his broad shoulders and trim waist. He suited the colours, the blue overcoat bringing out the silver of his eyes. He too had a sword sheathed at his hip.


    ¡°She¡¯s outside, so she can¡¯t have turned,¡± Doctor Thornheart said. She pushed back the sleeves of Coral¡¯s dress and flipped her hands over revealing the two matching puncture wounds on her wrist, puckered and red with irritation.


    Oh, yes. That will require some explanation.


    Doctor Thornheart frowned then squinted at Coral¡¯s chest. ¡°Bitten twice and cursed,¡± Doctor Thornheart said darkly. ¡°I¡¯ll need more time to examine her.¡±


    A low rumble reverberated at Coral¡¯s back as Silas stepped around her in a circle, scrutinizing her from every angle, then came up behind her. He was a full foot taller than she was so that he could simply peer over the top of her head to look down at her wrists.


    ¡°I¡¯m well, really.¡± Coral started to say but was interrupted.


    ¡°You¡¯ve come under the influence of a vampire,¡± Doctor Thornheart said hurriedly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid to say that I trusted Caspian. I never thought he would-¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s several dead people and you trusted him?¡± Silas rumbled. ¡°I still can¡¯t fathom you helping that leech.¡±


    Coral turned her head so that she could stare at Silas from over her shoulder. Several people were dead?


    ¡°Where¡¯s your sister, Coral?¡± Doctor Thornheart asked.


    ¡°Pearl¡¯s inside. She is well too; however, we had an incident.¡± Coral began again to explain, trying to pull her arms free of Thornheart¡¯s grip. She could understand now why they were acting like this. Coral looked like she was the victim of a blood lusting vampire. Coral too would have the same reaction, one couldn¡¯t just assume a bloodied person wasn¡¯t under some kind of enchantment or spell. Majority of the time, they were. What was more, was that adventurers had a responsibility to do damage control in these types of situations. It was their job.


    ¡°We need to restrain you until we know what beguilement you¡¯re under.¡± Doctor Thornheart said. Her hands had tightened painfully around Coral¡¯s wrists.


    ¡°I¡¯m not beguiled,¡± Coral said, still trying to free herself. She was willing to cooperate to clarify the situation, but she didn¡¯t need to be restrained. That was ridiculous.


    ¡°Coral,¡± Doctor Thornheart said sharply. ¡°I understand you¡¯re confused right now. That you must have been through a lot. We are doing this for your safety. We may still be able to save Pearl.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the sister. Keep her here until I return.¡± Silas said.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Coral said, a little taken aback. Coral snatched her hands away from Doctor Thornheart and turned to bar the entrance hall. She wasn¡¯t letting anyone inside until she could explain what had happened last night.


    Coral managed to take two steps before she was swept up behind the knees and lifted into Silas¡¯s arms. ¡°Put me down!¡± Coral demanded. ¡°I¡¯m not under any vampire influence.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what they all say,¡± Doctor Thornheart said sadly. ¡°I think it best if we keep you from harms way. Whatever allurement has been set on you could potentially mean danger for us all.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no point explaining this to her. Keep her out here while I find the other girl or deal with the murderer.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know if it¡¯s him,¡± Doctor Thornheart said, walking up beside Silas and looking through the to the foyer inside. ¡°I know this is trying for you Silas but keep a level head please. You can¡¯t go in alone. Let me tie her up and I can go in first.¡±


    ¡°Put me down. Now.¡± Coral snapped.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t time. We¡¯ll be lucky to get her sister. She¡¯s likely dead,¡± Silas growled.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Coral said, her voice quivering with indignation. She stared up at Silas striking jawline, furious that she was even noticing it. ¡°My sister is not dead!¡±


    Doctor Thornheart glanced at Coral. ¡°Alright, but you¡¯re going to have to hold on to her. Probably need to keep her quiet too.¡±


    The two resolutely continued to ignore Coral as she tried desperately to free herself and turned to face the front door where it had been left ajar.


    ¡°What are you doing? Put. Me. Down.¡± Coral hissed. Coral writhed frantically in Silas¡¯s arms. She managed to elbow him solidly, though he didn¡¯t react to this other than to tighten his arms around Coral and hoisting her up higher so that she was near his upper chest. He hooked one of her arms as she tried to push herself away from his face and then forced her against his body.


    What in the cursed shit was happening? Coral really needed to work on her strength. In addition to that, she was going to get herself the sharpest dagger she could find just for situations like these.


    They pushed the front door wider, and Silas allowed Doctor Thornheart to enter first then followed closely. Coral tried to pry her arm free to grab a hold of the door frame, but the man held her tight. Silas¡¯s chest rose as he inhaled deeply. ¡°I can smell blood,¡± he said, then walked down the corridor towards the Winter Salon. For such a huge man, he did not make a single sound.


    ¡°Put. Me. Down.¡± Coral snarled, emphasising each word. That was it. Coral had enough. She threw her head back trying to force her weight out of the man¡¯s arms, thrashing violently. She wrenched one of her arms free, then slapped Silas right across the face. Her palm stung from the impact.


    Silas looked down at her, his eyebrows raised and tightened his hold on her. Coral could barely move, his arms like iron bands holding her in place. Her one hand was still free, and even though her palm stung from her first hit, she balled it into a fist then punched. She got him in the throat.


    ¡°OW,¡± Coral cried. Silas was like an unyielding brick wall. She had never resorted to punching anyone before and was not impressed that it wasn¡¯t anything like how she imagined. Her hand now hurt almost as bad as her nose.


    Silas spluttered and let go of her legs. She swung uncomfortably, the breath heaving from her lungs as Silas¡¯s arm braced vice tight around her middle and propped her up against him like she was merely a doll.


    The kitchen door swung open, the hinges creaking, and the smell of freshly seared steak permeated down the hall. Coral raised her head in that direction.


    ¡°Time to wake up girls,¡± Caspian called. He had shouldered his way past the door and balancing a breakfast tray with two plates heaped with steak and egg. He turned towards them in the corridor as he got past the door, then stopped. His eyes darkened as he took in Coral trapped in Silas¡¯s arms, her own arm still raised awkwardly as she attempted to hit him with her other hand.


    ¡°Stay where you are,¡± Doctor Thornheart told Caspian.


    Caspian looked as confused and alarmed as Coral felt. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Hold this,¡± Silas said, thrusting Coral bodily towards Doctor Thornheart. Both Thornheart and Coral fell to the floor. Coral had to throw her arms out to stop all her weight from landing on the woman.


    ¡°You witless mongrel!¡± Coral bellowed. ¡°Both of you shut up and listen to me or I¡¯ll have Caspian throw you out of my home. There was a ghoul!¡±


    ¡°I will?¡± Caspian said, bemused.


    ¡°A ghoul?¡± Doctor Thornheart huffed as she tried to sit up and shot Caspian a sharp look from beneath Coral.


    Coral untangled herself from Thornheart and got up from the floor for the second time that afternoon. ¡°I don¡¯t know what this is about, but Caspian saved us last night from a ghoul. Back off now, or I¡¯ll be issuing a formal complaint against both of your guilds.¡± Coral warned. She was already half decided that she would lodge a complaint.


    ¡°Caspian was able to kill it. Though not without sustaining some serious injuries. I offered my blood up willingly. I am not under any influence, nor was I beguiled into anything that I did not freely want to do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve no interest in beguiling anyone.¡± Caspian said.


    It seemed that Coral was finally being listened to. She took several steps away from Thornheart and Silas so that she now stood beside Caspian. A maintained distance would do her good. She would very much like to see Caspian punch Silas, considering she clearly lacked the strength to do any damage herself.


    ¡°If you want to see for yourself, you can go down to the basement. While you¡¯re at it, you can arrange to remove it from there too. I don¡¯t fancy having a rotting corpse under my roof.¡±


    ¡°You already do,¡± Silas said, eyeing Caspian. ¡°Show me the ghoul and I won¡¯t take you into custody.¡±


    Silas turned his attention to Doctor Thornheart, and then tilted his head in Coral¡¯s direction. She didn¡¯t know what message was being conveyed between the two other than Coral was the source of the topic.


    Doctor Thornheart stepped forward. ¡°Lady Seaver, under the current circumstances and from last night¡¯s incidence, I need to examine both you and your sister. I¡¯m sure you can understand that we must take these situations seriously.¡±


    ¡°Why you couldn¡¯t have done that in the first place,¡± Coral muttered under her breath. Coral led them to the Winter Salon. Silas motioned for Caspian to go ahead of him, then followed.


    Pearl was already sitting up when Coral poked her head into the Salon, having been roused by the noise. Thank goodness she looked less of a mess than Coral did. Doctor Thornheart pushed past her and went to Pearl.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Pearl asked. She hid a yawn behind her hand, her eyes scrunching closed.


    ¡°We¡¯re suspected of being a vampire¡¯s thrall. We have to be subjected to an examination.¡± Coral said, crossing her arms and turning to look at Silas.


    ¡°As you can see, my sister is not dead.¡± Coral stated.


    Doctor Thornheart knelt before Pearl, placed her hands on either side of Pearl¡¯s head to inspect her neck. Pearl allowed Doctor Thornheart to guide her head and then check her pulse. It wasn¡¯t long before Doctor Thornheart found the bite on Pearls wrist. After several more minutes of checking vitals, Doctor Thornheart pulled Pearl¡¯s wrist towards her. With her fingertip, she drew a sigil. The fingertip trail left a faint grey glow on Pearl¡¯s skin. Doctor Thornheart watched it for several minutes before dropping Pearls wrist.


    ¡°Well?¡± Silas asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s clear. No spellwork or beguilement. Coral, come here.¡± Doctor Thornheart said, rising to stand and gesturing to Coral to come closer. She performed the same inspection again over Coral and drew the sigil on her wrist twice. When nothing more than a gentle tingle pulsed through Coral¡¯s body, Doctor Thornheart sighed with relief.


    ¡°I feared the worst, when I saw you. I¡¯ve got something for that bruise.¡± Doctor Thornheart rummaged around in her bag she carried and withdrew a small tin and handed it to Coral. ¡°Dab this on.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my nose mostly that bothers me.¡± Coral told her.


    Coral gave a very brief explanation of how she had hurt her nose, making it sound that she had slipped on her tipped over bucket and landed on her face. She would rather this version be told than confirm her manor was haunted. When Coral spoke of the ghoul, Silas and Thornheart listened carefully, and made sure to praise Caspian.


    It didn¡¯t take a genius to see that Silas was prejudiced against Caspian. Specifically, that Caspian was a vampire. Vampires were some of the strongest and dangerous people to deal with. When vampires went savage, it was adventurers who had to deal with them. Coral could see the tense muscle in Silas¡¯s jaw as she described her going back down into the basement to help. She could practically hear his teeth clench.


    ¡°You¡¯re incredibly fortunate to have survived. Ghouls are horrible monsters. It might also explain the disappearances.¡± Doctor Thornheart said thoughtfully.


    ¡°What disappearances?¡± Coral asked, looking between Silas and Thornheart. ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡±


    ¡°Last night, there was an attack and several people have gone missing. Three people have died. I won¡¯t go into detail how.¡± Silas said, his eyes still on Caspian.


    Caspian stood several feet away, his hands resting behind his back. He had waited patiently throughout the examination and seemed to be unconcerned with Silas glaring at him.


    ¡°We¡¯re on high alert.¡± Doctor Thornheart explained. ¡°It¡¯s uncommon for this type of incidence to happen in Direwood.¡±


    ¡°How did you kill the ghoul?¡± Silas asked.


    ¡°I tore out its heart,¡± Caspian said simply, as though it were nothing special. Coral shuddered at the memory.


    ¡°Then what? Did you light on fire. Or decapitation?¡± Silas prompted.


    ¡°Neither.¡± Caspian said. ¡°I was, admittedly, doing badly. I have only recovered early this morning thanks to both Coral and Pearl¡¯s assistance. I am indebted to them.¡± He dipped his head in a small bow of thanks to Coral and then Pearl. Pearl for once did not blush.


    Silas stood stiffly as he stared down Caspian and said darkly. ¡°You haven¡¯t killed it. Ghouls resurrect if they aren¡¯t dealt with accordingly. The ladies are likely to be its next marked prey.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still in the basement. We can take care of it now.¡± Coral said. It was disturbing to know that she was still in danger. She headed straight for the door but was stopped as Silas stepped in front of her.


    ¡°You lead the way,¡± Silas said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he glared at Caspian. ¡°Lady Seaver, stay behind me.¡±


    Caspian didn¡¯t argue and despite being ordered about by a man she had just met, Coral listened to Silas. Only to ensure that if the monster had resurrected; it would get to him first.


    Pearl was ushered along by Doctor Thornheart to walk beside Coral. The doctor took the rear of their group as Caspian led them back down the corridor. Coral¡¯s stomach rumbled hungrily as she walked past the breakfast tray that had been left atop the corridor table. It was no longer steaming, having grown cold while Doctor Thornheart had examined her.


    That was the last of her steak as well.


    Caspian led them through the cold room, picked up the lantern that had been discarded on the floor, lit it, and then went down into the basement. Silas followed along quietly. He held a hand out to keep Coral back several paces before he descended the stairs, then motioned with his head that she was to keep following.


    The basement was still smoky. Coral coughed as the air smothered her lungs. She held a scrap of frill to her nose to breathe through it, hoping to filter out the smoke. The basement had no windows, so no light penetrated the space, only the lantern illuminated a small area about Caspian as he walked deeper, picking his way past ruined wine barrels.


    He stopped near the far end of the room, and he looked about. There was the smashed pile of wood that had been a shelf, a wine barrel torn to pieces. The ground was slick with blackened blood, and void of any carcass.

 A necromancers lair

    Coral stared down at the empty space, pretending that the dark ick on the ground was not monster blood. There was an extraordinary amount of it, spread across the flagstones. Just how much blood did that kind of creature have? It made her uncomfortable to think about that because it led to other unsavory questions like where was the bloody body?


    No one spoke. No one moved.


    Coral searched the dark shadows surrounding them, suddenly very thankful that she had an adventurer, a witch and a vampire with her. She pursed her lips. That sounded like the beginning of a terrible joke.


    ¡°Where is it?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s reanimated.¡± Silas said in a hushed voice. It sent a shiver of fear racing down Coral¡¯s spine. ¡°Stay behind me.¡±


    Coral did not need to be told twice. She already stood behind Silas, and she shuffled her feet so that his body would hopefully block any attack straight on. She refused to feel guilty about using Silas as a human barrier, he had after all manhandled her.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we go back upstairs?¡± Pearl whispered back. She clutched at Coral¡¯s arm; her face terror stricken.


    ¡°No. We don¡¯t know where it is. It could be anywhere.¡± Silas said, his fingers tightening around the pommel of his sword.


    ¡°If we go back to the Winter Salon, then we can hold up in there until you can deal with it. We¡¯re going to be in the way. I can¡¯t fight.¡± Pearl said, looking between Doctor Thornheart and Silas. She gave Coral¡¯s arm a tight squeeze.


    ¡°No.¡± Doctor Thornheart breathed. ¡°You¡¯ll get yourself killed doing that. Wooden doors don¡¯t stop ghouls. Only death will stop them.¡±


    ¡°In one clean sweep.¡± Silas said, turning his head to check beside him. Coral had caught his expression as he moved and was shocked to see elation on his face.


    ¡°Are you... excited?¡± She asked, staring at his profile.


    Silas answered with a predatory grin. What was with the men in Direwood? First Caspian with his delusions of ghosts being exciting, and now Silas. The men in Direwood were of a class all their own. Handsome and deranged. Coral¡¯s younger self might have been delighted.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a little while since I¡¯ve taken out a ghoul.¡± Silas said. He raised his head and sniffed.


    Seeing him do this, Coral copied him. Her nose picked up on an array of smells she hadn¡¯t recalled being this pungent. There was a damp earthen smell, laced with the remains of charred wood. A vague raw meat smell, sickly sweet and rotting. Coral wanted very much to blow her nose. It was like the scent clung to her nostrils and now she couldn¡¯t take the action back.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that ten years ago?¡± Caspian asked mildly. He had taken up a place beside Pearl now that Silas was more concerned about the ghoul than he was of Caspian turning blood-crazed. Or that Pearl and Coral weren¡¯t to become Vampire thralls. Coral tried hard not to roll her eyes at that. She understood even the weakest person could be of use to a vampire. Most of society worked throughout the daylight hours. But it was hard to imagine herself succumbing to the will of a vampire. Coral considered herself quite strong-willed.


    ¡°Fourteen and untrained. I suppose I should be grateful you didn¡¯t have any sense to lop off its head and burn it. I¡¯d probably go another ten years before I got to kill another one of these damned things.¡± Silas said.


    Silas looked young, possibly around Coral¡¯s age or even a little older. For him to have killed a ghoul ten years ago, that would have placed him in his mid-teens. Coral was instantly impressed, and somewhat disturbed to know that Silas faced off a ghoul and came out the victor. That encounter was likely to spark quite a few nightmares for Coral. Caspian had been injured severely, yet Silas didn¡¯t appear to be scarred from the encounter. His face was whole and unmarred.


    So was Caspian, now that she thought about it. Vampirism had many drawbacks as it did benefits. One such benefit was beautification.


    ¡°I can¡¯t feel any other auras.¡± Doctor Thornheart said, sweeping the darkness before her with focused concentration.


    ¡°No. I can¡¯t sense anything either. Light up the place Sirona.¡± Silas said.


    Doctor Thornheart muttered beside them, her words low enough that Coral couldn¡¯t distinguish them. Thornheart held her cupped hands in front of her, where a small light was beginning to form. It hovered an inch above her palms, a silvery grey that shimmered, then grew. The light brightened as Doctor Thornheart mumbled into her palms, the words sparking the spell into life. The light pushed back the darkness in the basement as the orb tripled in size.


    Coral made sure to stay quiet as Doctor Thornheart worked. Spell casting took a great deal of concentration. Magelight was tricky to master with disastrous results if done improperly. Most spell work was. It was why magelight was so expensive.


    With light filling the basement, the fear eased the tiniest fraction from Coral now that she could see more. There were still many long shadows the pillars cast, and the arched stonework made her feel like she was in an mortuary rather than her basement. The light revealed that the room held nothing more except for wine barrels, charred shelving and the splatter of blood before them.


    ¡°Coral, you said it came from a hole. Show me.¡± Silas asked.


    Coral motioned towards the back of the basement. Silas stalked in that direction, his steps light. Coral practically blundered her way behind him. Her footsteps sounded heavy in the quiet basement even to her own ears. Especially as she was picking up the subtleties of a dripping tap from the kitchen and the way the house seemed to breathe.


    They reached the mouth of the hole and Coral made sure to watch the top of the wine barrel this time. It took a great deal of courage to lift her head to that dark space overhead, she half expected to see the creature perched there again, its chest gaping and heartless. There was nothing there. Relief flooded her, only to be replaced just as quickly with fear once again.


    Coral really didn¡¯t want to be down here.


    Silas took his time inspecting the rubble, and the bricks that had fallen away to reveal the corridor hidden behind. He robbed them temporarily of the lantern as he sank down and stuck his head through the hole, light held aloft. Silas was too large and had to pry back another brick to allow enough room for him to squeeze his shoulders through. He forced his way in, and then stood on the other side.


    ¡°Stay there. Sirona, watch the rear.¡± He ordered.


    ¡°Will do,¡± Doctor Thornheart said, nodding her head once in agreement though Silas could not see her.


    Silas¡¯s legs disappeared as he stepped away. Coral had to praise his bravery. It took a great deal to face something as terrifying as a ghoul on your own.


    ¡°Stand back over here Pearl. We don¡¯t want anything to come running out at you if it goes straight through Silas.¡± Caspian said, stepping closer to the hole. Pearl dragged Coral along so that they stood several feet away.


    They stood in silence for several minutes. Coral could feel the hair on the back of her neck raise as she swore she heard a breathy whisper somewhere from a dark corner. She looked around though saw nothing. Now would be most inconvenient if those ghost children made an appearance. Coral lifted a hand and gently touched her nose, scowling.


    ¡°When this is done, come see me at my shop. I can give you something for the pain and speed up the healing process.¡± Doctor Thornheart said, catching Coral gently prod her nose.


    ¡°Thank you, I appreciate it.¡± Coral said, then jumped. From the corridor behind the wall came a horrible scraping sound of wood on stone. Coral stepped back further, tense and waiting for the ghoul¡¯s screeching to start. There was only quiet, hitched breathing. Then, a soft pat on the flagstone.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Silas said before the toes of his boots came to a stop before the hole¡¯s entrance. He bent down so that he could talk to them without the upper half of the wall blocking him. ¡°It¡¯s not here. There¡¯s another tunnel leading off from the room. I¡¯ve blocked it for now, I¡¯ll put together a team to track it down. Ladies, we can¡¯t leave you here. The ghoul could be in the manor for all we know. I¡¯ll accompany you to the Adventure¡¯s Guild where you can stay until a full investigation is completed.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Coral agreed easily.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need a clean up too. I think I¡¯ve found the reason why the dead keep coming back every year. You¡¯ve got a necromancer¡¯s lair back there.¡± Silas said, sidling back through the hole.


    Coral took a step away. ¡°I thought this place was cleared out?¡±


    Silas didn¡¯t say anything. Coral stared back at him, horrified. For the last month, she and Pearl had been living above dangerous magic. Magic that required blood rituals, pain, and death. Were there curses in that room? Bodies?


    She didn¡¯t want to know. Coral was very glad that an adventurer had come today.


    <hr>


    Coral walked quietly behind Silas, still too tired to do much more than shuffle her feet forward down the road to Direwood. Arrangements for Caspian to be able to leave the manor safely had to be made. While he had survived his encounter with the ghoul, he wasn¡¯t keen to meet it again. Doctor Thornheart had offered to stay with him until a carriage could be sent to the manor to collect them both.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    The chill afternoon air helped to wake Coral up, though she did have to squint into the daylight. Silas was gentlemanly enough to allow Pearl to pack the steak that Caspian had thoughtfully cooked for them, and some bread. She attempted to be delicate and proper while eating the sandwich, but her hunger out won her finer mannerisms and she was stuffing as much of the food into her mouth as fast as she could.


    Before they left, Coral had insisted on cleaning herself up. She had taken the briefest bath possible, spurred on by the fact that she felt like she was being watched by the dead, at any moment a ghoul could attack them and that someone had to stand guard at her door while she did so. It had been an argument that she had barely won, with a well-placed statement that she didn¡¯t want to go through town and raising the already distressed townsfolk further. There was no sense raising an alarm, yet.


    There was a small part of Coral that wanted to dress herself in one of her nicer ensembles. She had thrown the two options she had kept for a formal occasion on her bed. At worst she could have re-sold them for some coin, but these two were the only dresses she had ever actually liked. Both would be completely impractical for walking to town in.


    Coral would have looked much more respectable if she had worn one of those instead of the frilly dress she had put on the day before. Why couldn¡¯t Silas have seen her in that? Not that it would have improved her face, puffy and bruised as it was. Her ruined dress now lay crumpled at the foot of the bathtub, where it could only offend Coral¡¯s sensitivities when she deemed to grace her bathroom again.


    Freshly dressed in a hunter green skirt and cream blouse, Coral pulled Doctor Thornheart aside before she had left with Silas and her sister. The whole morning her senses had been bombarded with sounds and smells that she was not used to experiencing. Even her own heartbeat felt too loud. When Coral had enquired to these symptoms, Doctor Thornheart had assured her that the effects were from Caspian¡¯s bite, and that the symptoms would wear off in a few hours. Coral was also given strict instructions to eat red meat and to drink plenty of fluids.


    Truthfully, Coral felt a little disappointed by Doctor Thornhearts¡¯ final advice of, ¡®no strenuous exercise¡¯. Even with her high upbringing, Coral had never been treated by a witch when she fell ill. It was known that witches held immense healing capabilities, and Coral had expected Doctor Thornheart to wave her hand over her and any afflictions would melt away.


    It was disheartening to know as well, that while Doctor Thornheart could tell that Coral had been cursed, it was unable to be removed until she understood fully what the curse did. Which Coral was not able to advise, as so far, the events over the last day had completely driven the curse from her mind. She hadn¡¯t noticed anything odd.


    So, there she was following behind Silas and her sister, her head cold from damp hair and thinking about how nice it would be to just settle down in bed with a good book and a hot cup of tea to soothe her soul. Or something a little bit stronger. Her steak would have been more well received too if it were hot and juicy.


    ¡°Stupid ghoul,¡± she mumbled between the last bites of her sandwich.


    Silas looked over his shoulder, then adjusted his pace. Coral had completely expected him to keep charging on ahead and get frustrated with her slow ambling. She was surprised when she caught up with him a moment later.


    ¡°You can rest when we get to the guild, the sweep of your manor will be a few hours, if not all day. There¡¯s plenty of comfy chairs and if you¡¯re hungry you can get something from the Dog House. You¡¯ll have to give a formal report to Crowcaller first.¡± Silas said, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Coral said, looking up at him and blinking back tears. The sun was so bright her eyes were streaming with the effort of keeping her lids open.


    Silas¡¯s mouth pulled up in a half smirk as he looked down at her, a knowing glint in his eye.


    Oh, no. She really hoped Silas didn¡¯t think her tears were for him. Yes, she was appreciative for somewhere to rest up while necromancer paraphernalia was removed from her home. However, Coral was not wanting to be mistaken for the blubbering type.


    The last two days had been the most her eyes had leaked than for the last several years. She couldn¡¯t even re-call the last time she had cried. Not truly. She might spare a tear for herself when she was in a pitying mood. But for a full-on cry? She couldn¡¯t even force the tears when she wanted to. It was all replaced with frustration and anger.


    There was a confident strut to Silas as he walked ahead, his head held high and chest pushed forward. This mystified Coral. Was this man¡¯s ego so high that he would preen at every teary-eyed woman in need.


    Coral suspected that Silas might actually be the heartthrob of Direwood. She had noted that both the men and women in the village were all above general beauty standards. While she had competed with high nobility for finest dressed and preened, it was harder not to feel a little self-conscious when surrounded by people who looked amazing dusted with the workdays grime.


    She had cleaned herself up, and as there was little time to do more than let her hair air dry, Coral still looked worse for wear. Pearl still somehow looked put together with minimal effort on her part. At least her sister fit into Direwood.


    Determined to not be embarrassed any further from her poor first impression, Coral wanted to fill the silence between them all with conversation.


    Unfortunately, all that Coral could think to ask was about her home. ¡°Do you know the history of the manor?¡±


    ¡°Not a lot. It was the home of a necromancer. About,¡± Silas rubbed at his arm as he thought. ¡°Maybe twenty-five or so years ago. It was cleared out a few years before I was born.¡±


    ¡°I find it odd,¡± Coral said, stepping over a large branch along the road and slipping slightly in the muck. A little bit of mud splashed over the hem of her skirt. Thank goodness she wore proper boots. ¡°How did a necromancer even get a mansion?¡±


    ¡°I think he might have been a lord before he was found out. I don¡¯t know his name was, but I¡¯m fairly sure he bought the land from the Acheron¡¯s and then built the manor.¡±


    ¡°The Acheron¡¯s?¡± Coral said, turning back to look at Silas. ¡°Caspian never said anything about this.¡±


    ¡°He tell you he was a leech as well?¡± Silas said pointedly.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect him to announce what he is when he has people insulting him for existing. As far as I am concerned, Caspian saved us from a real monster.¡± Pearl said insistently.


    ¡°He is a monster.¡± Silas stated.


    Coral agreed wholeheartedly with Pearl. She wasn¡¯t going to force Silas to change his mind just by arguing with him and telling him he was wrong. An awkwardness fell upon them, and for several more minutes they walked quietly with only the accompanying sounds of mud squishing beneath their feet and the leaves rustling in the wind.


    ¡°I suppose that explains the hidden lair. Whoever built the manor had terrible intentions. Was there many who died back when the necromancer was first discovered?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and many still do each year. Have you seen our cemeteries?¡± Silas said. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re aware but many flood to Direwood each year to fight back the dead. I don¡¯t know what the necromancer did, but each year the dead rise for a night. We¡¯ve searched that mansion so many times over the years and found nothing. Until now.¡±


    He looked back at her, frowning. ¡°You have been told, yes?¡±


    Coral had seen the cemeteries on either side of the river, brimming with headstones. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been told. I¡¯m hoping I can just lock my doors and stay inside for the most part?¡±


    ¡°If it please you. Most who can¡¯t fight hold up in their homes. Precautions are taken of course. Work has already started on most homes to ensure windows and doors are boarded up for the night. Some dead do find their way inside the homes that aren¡¯t protected well. Usually it¡¯s the older homes with a cracked wall.¡±


    Coral received Silas¡¯s message well enough. He didn¡¯t outright say that Coral should start boarding up all her windows and doors if she wanted to stay in her inn, though it was something that she ought to highly consider.


    It would take her and Pearl an extraordinary amount of time to go around blocking all points of potential entry the raised dead might squirm their way inside.


    ¡°When is this happening again?¡± She asked, wondering exactly how much she and Pearl could get done in winter.


    ¡°Midwinter. From the moment the sun goes down to the next light of day. One year we had a storm blow in. The sun didn¡¯t come out until that afternoon. We lost many people that year.¡± He said, his shoulders falling a little.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Coral said sincerely.


    ¡°Did you lose someone you were close to?¡± Pearl asked gently.


    Silas nodded his head once but did not elaborate. Not wanting to pry, Coral let him stay quiet for a moment. Midwinter was only six weeks away, while she and Pearl had managed to clear the drive in a week in the first month that they had arrived, the temperature had significantly dropped since then. Once the ghoul was taken care of, even if she and Pearl spent the next six weeks boarding up all the windows, they would lose valuable time in preparing rooms for the inn. They would be slowed from dealing with winter conditions too. Besides, Coral hadn¡¯t calculated in her budget for boarding up windows and doors.


    If she didn¡¯t board up the manor, how many skeletons would she have to pull from the rooms?


    "Is there somewhere safer to stay during the night?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°If there¡¯s room, you can stay at the Adventurer¡¯s Guild or the Dogs House. Usually, rooms get filled up quickly with adventurer¡¯s coming for the action. But townsfolk are welcome to spend the night inside if their home isn¡¯t safe. You¡¯ll be in the thick of it, but at least you¡¯ll be protected.¡± Silas said. He pushed back a branch growing over the road, so that Coral and Pearl didn¡¯t need to duck down to get past.


    ¡°Have the dead ever gone as far as my Inn?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes. A few stragglers that have gotten away mostly. The bodies and remains are accounted for. For what¡¯s distinguishable at least. A lot of bones have gone back into crypts, and none were ever checked if a particular part matched or not. They pull themselves back together midwinter the next year regardless.¡±


    ¡°Why not just move the cemeteries away from the village?¡± Pearl asked.


    They rounded the curve along the road. The view to Direwood opened up, and from this distance she could tell the town was in an uproar. People as small as tiny dots hurried from place to place. If Coral hadn¡¯t known about the deaths that had occurred that night, she would have thought the town looked idyllic in the late afternoon sun.


    ¡°We tried that. It made a lot of people unhappy. It also didn¡¯t work. Every dead thing within forty miles converges on to Direwood.¡±


    ¡°Even animals?¡± Coral said, shocked.


    Silas nodded again.


    ¡°Goodness,¡± Pearl said, raising a hand to her mouth and covering it with her fingers.


    ¡°Still. It brings good business to Direwood. I shouldn¡¯t complain too much.¡± Silas said. ¡°The only time we get visitors is when a big creature shows up, or people running from their problems.¡±


    Coral stared at the back of Silas¡¯s head. Had he figured her out and was passing a jibe at her? Or was he in fact serious. Coral turned and looked at Pearl with incredulity written all over her face.


    Pearl mimicked Coral¡¯s expression, except her mouth was slightly quirked up in one corner, a small dimple dotting her cheek.


    Coral squared her shoulders and mustered up her dignity. She may be running from her problems, but at least she wasn¡¯t married to a smelly, handlebar mustached dandy. She¡¯d rather lick a toad. Besides, Coral was making more of herself than what she could ever be as the wife of someone who bought her. She was going to become the prestigious owner of Moonflower Inn. Then Direwood would have more than just Adventurer¡¯s coming to town to chop a few skeletons down. Before then, she would have to find a way to annul the contract between her father and whomever he¡¯d sold her to.


    ¡°Silas,¡± Pearl said sweetly.


    Coral turned to look at her sister suspiciously. She had heard Pearl use that tone before. She didn¡¯t care for it, as it meant that she was on the receiving end of Pearl¡¯s mischief. Silas looked over his shoulder at Pearl to show that he was listening.


    ¡°Do you have an Adventurer¡¯s title? I¡¯d like to commend you for your efforts today. Is it customary to carry Ladies of gentle birth so attentively?¡±


    ¡°Attentively?¡± Coral said, rankled. Coral would not have called that anything remotely like attentively. She raised her eyebrows at Pearl, promising retribution should she continue.


    ¡°I¡¯m thankful you didn¡¯t tie my sister up; she would have been most distressed.¡± Pearl said, grinning back at Coral.


    ¡°I was distressed,¡± Coral said, crossing her arms and glaring at her sister.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t, even if I had wanted to.¡± Silas said. He was still looking forward and for the most part unaware of the entirely silent threats Coral was giving her sister.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have anything on me to restrain her. I couldn¡¯t leave her to come at my back once I turned. Vampire¡¯s force the pretty ones to do all depraved things. Besides I had to see if you were a risk too, Pearl.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my.¡± Pearl said. ¡°So that¡¯s why you took Coral in your arms.¡± Pearl sidled up to Coral and prodded her. ¡°He called you pretty,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Stop it,¡± Coral hissed and smacked Pearls fingers away.


    ¡°So, do you have an Adventurer¡¯s title?¡± Pearl persisted, looking back at Silas.


    ¡°The Unbroken Seolfor.¡± He called back to them.

 Direwoods Adventurer Guild

    Stepping within the Adventurer¡¯s Guild was like being transported into a whole alternate world. Outside, Direwood''s misty streets promised frost-bitten fingers; fog clung to the grey stone buildings in a wispy blanket and a deep chill had settled in well before winter had come.


    Inside the guild was deliciously warm, enough so that Coral extricated herself from the cloak she had wrapped tight against the autumn chill. She breathed in deeply. She felt her lungs fill with a scent that put her in mind of a warm summer¡¯s day. Her mind conjured thoughts of crisp apples and burnished grass fields. At the back of her tongue Coral could taste the remnants of a sugary pastry only ever served at the summer solstice festival. Either side of the entrance were two blossoming trees in vibrant vermillion, their twisting roots reaching between the cracks in the flooring.


    Coral held a hand out to the stone wall, which was radiating heat. This was magic. The kind that needed constant upkeep and power to maintain. Either Direwood¡¯s Guild master was incredibly powerful, or insanely rich.


    Coral had taken Direwood as a humble town. A place that liked to offer patronage to the Dire River that slivered through it using sombre names. A place so far on the edge of civilisation that it was sheer chance that she had stumbled across it. This building spoke otherwise.


    A slightly unsettling thought crept through the back of her mind. Coral drew her fingers back. If this kind of magic was used in this place, maybe Direwood wasn¡¯t as obscure as she had originally thought.


    The conversations held in the social circles always hedged towards boasting from which region nobles earned their fortune. Crystal mines, fishing towns, sorcery towers and adventurer guilds were tossed arbitrarily in conversations as though boasting was what the elite considered small talk.


    But Coral had not once heard of Direwood.


    Direwood¡¯s Adventurer Guild was opulence at it¡¯s finest. At least, for such a small town with no one to impress. From the ornate archways leading off in all directions in the perfectly circular hall before her, to the softly glowing gold sigil inlaid at the centre of the floor.


    Coral followed behind Silas and stepped over the sign. A small shiver of energy washed over her. More magic, and this time, the sigil had cast its spell over her.


    Deep blue banners of fine making hung on each wall and the circular window illuminated the space in a wash of cosy afternoon light. Opposite the entrance door, a large reception desk sat to welcome guests. Its legs had been carved to resemble the roots of large trees, and a single crow had been carved from a branching piece that curved up at one side. Behind this desk the wall was covered in small square wooden shelves, filled with scrolls and books. One section had a display case which held an assortment of daggers. Another was large enough to hold a wooden staff and a Direwood shield.


    Elwin stood behind the desk, a pained look on his face as he scrawled with a feathered quill on some parchment.


    ¡°Reception duty then?¡± Silas called out. ¡°I warned you were going to be late.¡±


    Elwin looked up, his eyes brightening as he saw Silas crossing the hall towards him. Silas was so large that Coral and Pearl were hidden behind his physique. Elwin stood straighter, then bowed.


    ¡°Master Seolfor, you¡¯re back. That was quick. Is Doctor Thornheart pleased you found her herbs then?¡±


    ¡°No. We didn¡¯t get that far.¡± He told Elwin, leaning against the desk. ¡°I need two visitor passes. Is Crowcaller in the office?¡±


    ¡°Yes. In a right bad mood, old Crowcaller. Reception duty from four o¡¯clock to midnight every evening this week,¡± he complained. Elwin dropped his quill and scuffled around in the shelves for a moment, then pulled two brooches from a wooden box before he shoved it haphazardly back on to a shelf, not in the same position. ¡°Normally I only get a night or two. A whole week is a bit much for being late.¡±


    ¡°If you showed up on time, you wouldn¡¯t be stuck with the job,¡± Silas said unsympathetically. ¡°You mess up Cecil¡¯s organisation, you¡¯ll be given extra duty too.¡±


    Elwin pouted and picked up the box and placed it back where it had been originally. ¡°I was getting in extra sword practice.¡±


    Silas held out his hand for the pins, shaped the same as the Adventurer Guild¡¯s sigil, except it had a brass ring around it. He turned so that he didn¡¯t block Elwin¡¯s view and passed one to both Coral and Pearl. ¡°Pin it to your right.¡± He instructed.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Lady Seaver and Lady Seaver,¡± Elwin said, finally spotting them. He bowed politely.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Elwin,¡± Coral and Pearl greeted, dipping their heads in a short, barely existent bow.


    Coral looked at the pin which thrummed with energy in her hands. On first contact it too had sent tingles rushing over her fingers and up her arms. She turned the pin, inspecting it closer. It looked like a normal brooch, though the power radiating from it was unusual.


    ¡°Does this work the same as your guild¡¯s sigil?¡± Coral asked, looking up.


    Elwin inhaled sharply. ¡°Lady Seaver,¡± he said, staring fixedly at Coral. ¡°What happened to your face? It¡¯s that curse, isn¡¯t it? I knew I shouldn¡¯t have left you alone.¡±


    Really, her black eyes were impressive and her face puffy, but she didn¡¯t think her cleaned up visage was that bad.


    ¡°Could have been the curse. It sounded more like the ghosts did it,¡± Silas said before Coral could answer.


    ¡°No! I fell over,¡± Coral insisted. She could throttle that man! How did he even know Coral was cursed? She looked back at Elwin, realising that he was likely the one to have told. He had been there and was the only one who had left the manor.


    ¡°Have you told everyone about the curse?¡± she asked, though she sounded more accusatory.


    ¡°I only told Master Winters! He told Crowcaller and Master Seolfor. Not Me!¡± Elwin said, defending himself.


    This wasn¡¯t particularly good. She had hoped the risk of news spreading of Moonflower Inn being haunted ended with Caspian. What was worse is now she seemed to be building a reputation for herself, thanks to her father.


    ¡°I thought this matter would have been handled more delicately,¡± Coral said more calmly this time. She had to remind herself that he had intended to help by reporting the letters to be dangerous.


    ¡°It¡¯s a small town,¡± Elwin said, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°Everyone knows everyone¡¯s business. Orvil Norwood calls you a scur upon Direwood.¡±


    ¡°He what?¡± Pearl huffed. She folded her arms across her chest and frowned at Elwin like he himself had insulted her. ¡°How could he possibly? Coral hasn¡¯t done anything.¡±


    Silas snorted. ¡°Orvil Norwood rarely has anything good to say about anyone. Best to just ignore it. Everyone else does.¡±


    ¡°What brings you here then? Is it the ghosts?¡± Elwin asked. ¡°Will you let me visit again? I¡¯d love to spend a night in a haunted mansion. Will you put in a request to the Guild to remove them? I¡¯ll volunteer.¡±


    Coral shot an exasperated look at Silas. He watched her right back, his face blank and uncaring. Did he even realise that he had just made her life more difficult? Sure it might be true that her Inn was haunted. For now. It didn¡¯t mean Moonflower Inn was going to be haunted forever.


    ¡°It¡¯s not ghosts,¡± Coral said sharply.


    ¡°It is ghosts,¡± Elwin said, looking thrilled.


    ¡°It¡¯s a secret,¡± Silas said furtively. At this, Elwin seemed to practically vibrate with enthusiasm.


    Did this man purposely stoke Elwin into a frenzy? Surely, Silas would have known what that would do to the boy. With how much he talked, she doubted Elwin could keep this to himself.


    Silas was certainly getting on her own nerves. He hadn¡¯t even consulted her whether he could disclose the information she had told him about her house. What happened to client confidentiality?


    She may not be paying, but if the guild was going to handle the Ghoul, then surely, she had a right to it. Technically she would be a client.


    ¡°Can I help?¡± Elwin asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need to speak to Crowcaller first,¡± Silas said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go notify her now,¡± he said, hurrying through an archway.


    Silas watched him go, sighed and then walked behind the desk. He picked up the quill Elwin had been using and pulled an open book towards him. He dipped his quill in the ink, then scrawled in a tidy script Coral¡¯s name, and then Pearls with the date. ¡°He always forgets to do this.¡±


    Coral pinned the brooch to her blouse on the right. ¡°What spell is on this?¡± Coral asked.


    Silas dropped the quill on the desk and then closed the book. ¡°It¡¯s just to ensure guests are protected and accounted for. Also, to prevent them from being too rambunctious.¡±


    ¡°Does that happen often?¡± Pearl asked, peeking over the top of the desk to look at the shield display.


    ¡°Not normally. Only on the Night of the Undead.¡± Silas gathered several scrolls from the desk and turned to the shelving behind him. He picked through the piles before he seemed to find the right shelf and slotted them in.


    Coral watched him continue to tidy the desk up. Whoever this Cecil was, she was glad Elwin was there to clear up whatever mess Elwin had left behind. ¡°Did you really need to work Elwin up like that?¡±


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡°He¡¯s a good swordsman and a terrible receptionist. Any paperwork at all and he¡¯ll shirk it. Trust me, working him up is the better option. He¡¯ll interrupt Crowcaller and actually complete the set work if there¡¯s the possibility of him tagging along on an adventure.¡±


    ¡°Would you really take someone along that young to fight a ghoul?¡± Coral asked. She couldn¡¯t imagine making her younger sister face a monster.


    ¡°He needs the experience,¡± Silas told her. ¡°The best way to learn is vigorous practice and study.¡±


    Coral still didn¡¯t agree with Silas, at least on the whole of exposing the boy to a dangerous animal that even Caspian had trouble dealing with. She kept her mouth firmly shut. It wasn¡¯t her place to argue with an adventurer on how to train. Instead she drew her focus to the two trees, and watched fascinated how the branches would gently sway as if rustled from a non-existent breeze.


    Elwin returned a few minutes later and guided them through to the story above and to Crowcaller¡¯s study.


    Silas asked for Coral and Pearl to wait outside in the corridor before he returned to collect them. With no chairs to rest on, Coral walked over to a window and wondered how much of her evening was going to be spent waiting.


    Silas knocked twice on the wooden door in the corridor, the only one as far as Coral could see, and entered. Elwin rocked on his heels, eyes bright and staring at the door.


    From this vantage point, the window overlooked the garden Coral had seen the day before. It was well kept, with a large area of clipped grass at its centre. A manicured garden had been planted with an array of cottage flowers taller than the stone wall that fenced it in. Coral was surprised to see that it was much larger than she had first thought. It was a humble garden, which suited the town more than the inner walls of the guild. At least whoever was responsible for the guild was sensible enough to blend the already tall building in with the rest of Direwood.


    Six boys and three girls all clustered in the grass, barely ten years old and all dressed in the Adventurer guild¡¯s uniform. They were being instructed by a teacher in the more traditional garb of a mages robe. She couldn¡¯t hear what was being said, though Coral did watch with interest as the teacher brought their hands together. A soft light-blue glow formed at their cupped hands. He released his hands, and a shockwave of that same blue light shot out and knocked all nine children to the ground.


    Coral pressed her hand up against the glass, staring at the children who seemed to squirm after a moment. The manicured garden behind the kids was stripped of its flowers.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± Coral said to Pearl. ¡°Come look, the teacher just used some kind of spell against the children.¡±


    Pearl hurried over to look. Coral had to move aside to let her see out the small window. ¡°Are they alright?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Coral turned at the unfamiliar sound. A beautiful woman stood behind them, dark brown hair cropped short. She had prominent cheekbones and long black lashes that framed violet eyes. Her lips, turned up in a friendly smile, were painted with a dark shade of red. Coral was unused to women with hair this short. It was societal expectations that women wore their hair long. This woman suited the hairstyle.


    She wore the Direwood blue, the same adventurer guild¡¯s overcoat and pantsuit suited for her frame. Even through the form fitting attire, the woman was clearly fit and strong.


    She walked over to where Coral and Pearl stood at the window and looked down. ¡°It¡¯s a force push. One of the first spells we teach them. They¡¯re getting in some extra training for the Night of the Undead.¡±


    ¡°Do they fight on that night, then?¡± Pearl asked, her eyes round with shock. These children were even younger than Elwin. How young was too young to face a monster when you trained to become an adventurer?


    The woman chuckled. ¡°No. But it doesn¡¯t hurt for them to learn now if they get into any trouble. We do our best to keep the young ones out of any danger.¡±


    She turned and bowed slightly to them, which Coral and Pearl returned.


    ¡°Crowcaller, at your service. Silas tells me you have a little bit of fun for us,¡± she said. Crowcaller stepped aside with a quiet ¡®thunk¡¯ and swept her arm back to the door in the corridor.


    ¡°Please come into my office.¡±


    Coral entered the room though her steps slowed as she walked across a lavish blue rug. A carved desk sat before a floor to ceiling window, with three chairs bundled around the desk. One of which Silas sat with his arms crossed and waiting.


    The room was made of the same grey stone as the rest of the guild. Framing two sides of the study was an impressive display of weapons. Coral was not educated on the different types of swords, spears or even axes, but the variety was astounding. No jewels glistened on any of the weapons, though a few did give off an ominous shimmer of magic. These were real weapons, not used for ceremonial purposes.


    Coral tried not to look like she was gaping at them. She likely failed at this, as she stopped at one particular polearm she recognised.


    She had seen it in the posters around the city for years. Three runes had been carved into the steel along the single edged blade. Longer than Coral¡¯s forearm and forged with a hook on the reverse side, the curved blade attached to the end of a two meter-long pole.


    Its name was Blacktalon. The glaive made of shadowsteel. When wielded, it sung with the souls it had taken. Or so, the flyers had said.


    ¡°Please Lady Seaver, take a seat,¡± Crowcaller said.


    Coral hurried over and sat furthest from Silas. She stared at the woman who took her place behind the desk. Coral had never paid much attention to the adventurers that earned themselves titles from their expeditions, though some had gotten famous enough that even she was aware of these names. Coral may not have known exactly who wielded Blacktalon, but she had known about the weapon. It had been the height of conversation topics. For a brief period not one day went by without mention of how many lives had been slain, or saved, by the sentient weapon.


    Hundreds of monsters killed. Countless towns saved. The king had even tried to appoint the wielder of Blacktalon as his champion, and much to the countries shock, the opportunity had been turned down. How could an adventurer with so much renown and experience, end up in a small town on the edge of nowhere?


    Regardless, Coral sat in awe across from the woman, now reassured that whomever the guild sent after the ghoul, they were more than capable to handle it. Did Crowcaller wield Blacktalon? Or was it on loan? Or was the polearm kept in Direwood for safe keeping?


    ¡°Welcome, Lady Seaver and Lady Seaver. Silas has told me about your unfortunate problem.¡±


    Pearl bobbed her head yes. Coral worked hard to force her tongue to not say something unrelated and stupid such as ¡®Can I have your autograph?¡¯


    She had never been big on names, and there would be ample opportunity after this meeting to establish a friendship. It would be convenient having an excellent adventurer on her side should she ever find the occasion to arise. Clearly, Crowcaller had impeccable taste. Once she had rid Moonflower Inn of its mould, Coral could invite her along for an evening of fine entertainment, whatever that may pertain.


    Coral tucked one foot behind the other. She had a lot of work ahead of her should Coral ever get to a point where she could lure Crowcaller to the manor. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll require someone to terminate the beast. Mr. Acheron has already slain the monster once, however Silas has informed us that it requires a particular way to be handled,¡± She said.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s reanimated. As unfortunate as our current circumstances are, we are obligated to report this to the local town guards. They are dealing with an unfortunate event from last night, and we have reason to believe that this monster is related to the attacks,¡± Crowcaller said, folding her hands neatly before her.


    ¡°Understandable, I have no objections.¡±


    ¡°Good. We will also require you to vacate your premises while we conduct a search. We cannot guarantee that the Ghoul will be dealt with immediately. Temporary accommodation can be secured for you. Ghouls tend to target individuals who manage to survive an attack, so it¡¯s in your best interest to remain here for now where we can keep you safe. Silas is unsure if the creature has burrowed into your basement, or if that is where it originated. Which would be incredible, considering no one has lived in that place for twenty-five years.¡±


    ¡°Do you know the history then? Of the mansion I mean,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°I take it that you¡¯re referring specifically to Ghouls being created by necromancers, yes?¡±


    Coral nodded her head, as if it was what she was referring to. She hadn¡¯t. She hadn¡¯t known that was how Ghouls came about. She had thought that they were the spawn of some monsters in a mishap coupling. She had hoped to enquire about the ghosts in her manor.


    ¡°That mansion has had any items confiscated, but considering a hidden room had been found¡­ It¡¯s a thought. Ghouls generally have a big appetite,¡± Crowcaller said, leaning back in her chair and looking thoughtful. ¡°I still doubt the possibility. We would have noticed if a Ghoul was pinching folk from around here. I would have noticed.¡±


    Silas had been sitting quietly, though his arms jerked at this. ¡°We have people go missing every year. Every Night of the Dead. People getting taken when travelling. Random monsters.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but those situations are different,¡± Crowcaller persisted. ¡°Ghouls have a distinct¡­pattern,¡± she finished, altering whatever she was about to say with a quick glance at Pearl and Coral. Whatever it had been, Crowcaller had deemed it too barbaric to be said in front of them.


    Coral found that she didn¡¯t mind. The distinguishable differences monsters left behind in their wake wasn¡¯t something Coral was particularly keen to learn. It was always death and disembowelment and a brand of agony that never sat well with her.


    ¡°I was hoping to speak to you regarding the manor,¡± Coral said. While her shoulders were pulled back and square, an old habit long enforced, she checked in mentally with herself before continuing.


    This next part was questionable if it would be granted. While Coral and Pearl were now the owners of the manor, it did not mean she was privy to any information collected for the estate. Coral was willing to pay a small sum if it meant she could review any documentation. Any information about the manor could potentially lead her to removing the ghosts.


    ¡°If possible, may I review the records kept from those searches?¡±


    Crowcaller¡¯s amiable expression turned cold. Her eyes cut into Coral like knives, and she had to work to not wither beneath that stare. Silas turned in his seat to look at her as well.


    "Why?¡± Crowcaller asked in a single, drawn-out syllable as cold as winters breath.


    Coral¡¯s fingers twitched to bunch the fabric of her skirt. ¡°Practicality. I intend to use the manor as an Inn. While I¡¯m not interested in any tools or objects, I am interested in the history.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s haunted,¡± Silas provided.


    ¡°Will you stop that,¡± Coral snapped. She was unsettled by the hardness that turned Crowcaller from amicable to hostile in a mere moment. So it felt good to release some of that pent up frustration. Besides, she still hadn¡¯t told Silas off for even revealing information that was not his to give.


    ¡°I intend to deal with the ghosts before any rumours can spread.¡±


    Silas watched her, unmoved by her frown. ¡°We can remove the ghosts too, but that will cost you. The ghoul is under our jurisdiction, considering it¡¯s the likely source of the recent murders. Unless it¡¯s some unfortunate pet you¡¯ve dragged along when you moved in.¡±


    ¡°We did not,¡± Pearl said indignantly, looking aghast at the mere thought of it. ¡°How would we even be able to move it? I don¡¯t even know where they live.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to say that the ghoul is what we¡¯re looking for,¡± Crowcaller interjected.


    ¡°I scent matched. The poisonous rot always has a distinct smell,¡± Silas said, shuffling back into his chair more comfortably.


    Coral had some idea of what Silas meant, having been progressively irritated by her enhanced senses from Caspian¡¯s bite. She had been close enough to the Ghoul to smell that sickly-sweet decaying flesh. She hoped to never have to smell it again. It was subtle, but there was a slight variation in the way that rotting corpses smelt compared to the Ghoul. It was more than decay. Whatever it was, Coral had no name for it.


    If Coral had been able to detect the subtleties in rotting flesh, then how was Silas able to? She couldn¡¯t imagine he would ever let a vampire bite him. Silas had said that she smelt like a vampire, though Coral had no idea what kind of scent he was picking up on.


    Did she still smell like a vampire now?


    Coral raised an arm and brushed away her loose hair curling by her face, then sniffed. She couldn¡¯t smell anything different. Maybe she couldn¡¯t smell herself as she was already used to her own scent.


    Did an adventurer hone their sense of smell to detect monsters? Silas certainly seemed to. Adventurers spent years becoming lethal hunters, constantly training with weapons and perfecting their skills. It was necessary. An adventurer had the highest mortality rate of any occupation. But scent?


    ¡°I will take your request under consideration,¡± Crowcaller said. ¡°In the mean time, please wait here until we return. As Silas said, we can include the removal of the spirits from the manor, for an additional fee. We can add it to the sum that you already owe us.¡±


    ¡°The money I owe?¡± Coral repeated.


    Crowcaller reached over and pulled open a draw. She withdrew her hand and dropped a stack of envelopes, all wax sealed, addressed to ¡®Coral Farley¡¯ in her father¡¯s familiar script written across the surface of the paper.


    She had forgotten about those. Damn her father into the deepest cesspit, along with that bloody ghoul. And curse that debt he forced on her. Hadn¡¯t Elwin said they could annul the fee of the other letters due to her experiencing a harmful curse?


    She let her shoulders droop a little. She didn¡¯t even know what the curse did. ¡°No. I¡¯ll handle the ghosts.¡±

 Perusing the competition

    Having learnt that opening the letters addressed to herself was as simple as touching the envelopes, Coral refused to be within three feet of the stack that was waiting for her. She got up from her chair and backed away hastily. This ensured that she didn¡¯t accidentally accept the letters piling up. The wax seal would crack open if she were to touch the letter, and as far as the Adventurer Guild was concerned, it was considered as acceptance of said letter. It was how the Adventurer Guilds still maintained some modicum of payment when the intended recipient was unwilling to accept. A steady ¡®touch it and it¡¯s yours,¡¯ type of policy. Not that many people chose to bother the Adventurer Guilds with something as trivial as a letter.


    The reverse fee was also an added insult that would have pleased her father¡¯s vindictiveness. Particularly when it came with messages such as ¡®filth¡¯. Vaguely, Coral wondered if the pile of envelopes also contained single worded insults, or if her father had deigned to write her a more detailed and specific summary of his deplorable theories on how Coral had failed him. Judging by the thickness on some of the envelopes, she hoped he had. Purely so that her father¡¯s hands ached from the effort. Eirek Farley¡¯s mind unfortunately was never short of insults and veiled attempts at guilt-trips.


    On refusing to take any of the letters, Crowcaller dismissed Coral and Pearl with a pleasant smile. Silas walked them back down to the ground floor. Coral followed along, her shoes feeling twice as heavy an hour ago. Instead of turning back towards the entrance foyer, he steered them down another corridor and stopped outside of a wooden door identical to six others.


    ¡°This is where you will stay for the night,¡± he said, turning back towards them. Silas¡¯s eyes travelled over Coral¡¯s face, a small frown line forming between his brows. ¡°We¡¯ll likely be some time and until we give our all clear, you¡¯ll need to stay within the grounds of the guild. If you must leave, you must be escorted by another Adventurer. Don¡¯t take Elwin.¡±


    ¡°What about supper?¡± Pearl asked, followed by a loud gurgle from her stomach.


    Coral felt that pang of hunger in her own stomach. The sandwich had done little to satiate her appetite. There was also the bone deep weariness that was weighing her down.


    ¡°Only members can eat from the hall. You¡¯ll have to go to the Dog House to get something,¡± Silas said. For a moment too long, he stared at Coral as though he couldn¡¯t decide if he should keep talking or not. He hadn¡¯t looked away to answer Pearl. Instead he kept his eyes trained on her, and Coral could almost see the thought forming behind those unnaturally bright silver eyes.


    She was used to people forming assessments of her, and Coral was familiar with the judgement that lined his face. She did not meet his expectations. Coral lifted her chin a little higher, undeterred. She had her own opinion of Silas, which equated to not much went on in the brawny man¡¯s head.


    ¡°You¡¯ll both want to water down your drinks. The mead is strong, and it¡¯ll knock you on your arse in one sip.¡±


    With that, he turned and walked back down the corridor. Coral crossed her arms as she watched him leave. She was not going to water down anything. Did Silas think she was some sort of delicate doll? She wasn¡¯t fond of mead, but she¡¯ll drink it just to spite him.


    Coral wasn¡¯t keen to go anywhere else, but she was hungry. The ache in her stomach protested the notion of sleep. Eating would be good, and it was a chance for her to explore the Dog House¡¯s menu. Previously she had been deterred by the raucous chatter and shouts. The Dog house would be her competition once Moonflower Inn was running, Ghouls and ghosts not-withstanding. While buying the mansion and its grounds had been an excellent idea at the time, having some foresight would have been welcome.


    Coral hadn¡¯t really considered what the implications hiding away in a small town would be. Not many people come to Direwood, it was a common enough complaint, that it solidified her decision to buy the manor tucked away in the forest. Which was great for keeping a low profile. It was also terrible for attracting customers. Coral and Pearl would have to work hard to build up a good reputation within Direwood first so that any visitor could, hopefully, be directed to her Inn.


    What she really needed was a competitive edge. If Coral sampled whatever was available in the town, perhaps she could find a way to enhance it? Caspian had been right about one thing. An Inn needed to be entertaining, though she seriously doubted Ghosts would be that answering call.


    While toad racing was popular within the city, Coral would rather peel her own eyes out of her head and feed them to hobgoblins before she let any form of gambling past her door. Which posed another tricky problem. There wasn¡¯t a lot around town to do other than get drunk, gamble and fight monsters.


    Pearl pushed the door open, revealing the modest bedroom within. Two single beds had been pressed up on either side of the room, with just enough space between to walk abreast. It was sparsely decorated, with thick blankets and single pillows. Having seen the type of detail that had gone into the guild, Coral would have thought it would extend to the bedrooms. Then again, the Adventurer Guild¡¯s were not meant to house visitors. They did house Adventurer¡¯s though. Perhaps this was for a trainee?  It was clean and warm, so Coral couldn¡¯t fault anything about the room.


    There posed another problem. Moonflower Inn was terribly cold. Now that she knew it was haunted, Coral suspected that the ghosts had something to do with the temperature within. Regardless, it was going to cost her a fortune just to keep the manor warm. Thank goodness she had an abundance of land within the estate. A hundred acres to be exact. The majority of it covered in forest. The availability of wood wouldn¡¯t be a problem, it would be cutting the tree up. Her hands hurt just thinking about the blisters she earned from clearing the driveway.


    Coral dropped down on to the mattress, the Direwood blue blanket bunching beneath her as she pinched the fabric between her fingers and plucked at it.


    Pearl sat on the bed on the other side and watched as Coral continued to wear at the blanket. ¡°I thought you couldn¡¯t squirm ever since you broke your fingers.¡± She said, holding up her own and tweaking the last two fingers. The same fingers that their father had broken under the guise of punishment for fidgeting. It was a true enough statement, but Coral wanted to break most of the habits her father had instilled in her.


    Coral sighed, though she didn¡¯t stop plucking at the material.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we will be safe in the guild,¡± Pearl said, misinterpreting Coral¡¯s sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the Ghoul I¡¯m worried about,¡± Coral told her.


    ¡°Your black eyes,¡± Pearl said, more of a statement then a question. ¡°We should see about getting a salve for that. Do you think Doctor Thornheart would be willing to make another house call?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what¡¯s bothering me either. I would rather go see Doctor Thornheart directly, rather than make her come out again on my behalf. She must think we¡¯re a terrible nuisance,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Probably. She wouldn¡¯t be wrong,¡± Pearl said. She didn¡¯t sound concerned about this. In fact she sounded almost bright. ¡°What is bothering you. Is it the money? I know the letter from father was unexpected, but the reverse fee is manageable. A payment schedule can be made up, and when we have more people staying at Moonflower Inn, I¡¯m sure we can pay the debt off in no time.¡±


    Now that her sister was mentioning it, it did feel like several problems were compiling. Coral had never really considered those things to be problems. There was an easy solution to the things Pearl had brought up already. With a Ghoul, while abhorrent and terrifying as the monster was, all she and Pearl had to do was wait in relative safety while the Adventurer¡¯s guild took care of it.


    Her bruises would heal, with or without the guidance of a witch. The curse placed on her had yet to reveal itself. The debt could be handled as Pearl had said with a monthly repayment schedule. She had already accepted that maintaining and repairing the manor would be an ongoing endeavour, though now from what she heard, it was best to hurry to blockade any windows and doors at ground level before the Night of the Undead. The coming winter would pose a challenge to complete this before that night. The ghosts were another issue she was going to have to find a way to remove without it costing her any further money she didn¡¯t really have.


    What was bothering Coral, was how would they make Moonflower Inn a serious competitor. What would it take to have people come to Direwood, specifically to stay at their Inn?


    ¡°We need to attract customers,¡± Coral said, refraining from picking at the thick weave of her blanket. ¡°And we need to do it well. What can we do to make Moonflower Inn exceptional?¡±


    ¡°Good wine for a start,¡± Pearl said seriously.


    Her sister had never been one to partake in drinking, though she did enjoy the more complex flavours wine could offer. All in thanks to Coral having introduced Pearl to her first sip of a vintage wine with hints of blackcurrants and mossdrop.


    ¡°Wine is a standard necessity. So is food, nor do we have funds to hire a cook just yet,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°We need something for them to do. What about the adventurer¡¯s that will come to Direwood for the Night of the Dead? Yes, they¡¯ll have plenty of the undead to slaughter, but they may want to stay if they had something else to do. Like removing the ghosts from the Inn? Caspian seems to think a haunted building is interesting,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be dropped on my face again,¡± Coral mumbled. It would be good if an adventurer took an interest in removing the ghosts. Caspian had, though he was more intrigued by the haunting experience rather than removing them. She stopped playing with the threads of the blanket. She had dismissed the bedroom as sparsely decorated, but the blanket was of fine quality and had warmed quickly beneath her touch. ¡°They¡¯ll want a reward. Have you ever heard of an adventurer doing anything without being paid?¡±


    ¡°The guild is taking care of the Ghoul for free,¡± Pearl said slowly. She turned her head towards the door, cocked slightly to the side.


    ¡°Only because it¡¯s likely to be the thing that killed the people in the village.¡± Coral pointed out.


    There were several footsteps now outside their door. She could hear how each step differed from others. Coral realised after a moment that their were many pairs of feet, not just one or two people.


    ¡°I¡¯m starving. Let¡¯s go get something to eat.¡± Pearl said, sliding from the bed to her feet.


    Coral didn¡¯t know where she get the energy to get up, because now that she had sat down on the bed, falling asleep was all that she wanted to do. She followed her sister regardless.


    When Pearl pulled the door open, they were met with the sight of five men and two apprentices strolling down the corridor. All of them were heavily armoured in scale mail, with an assortment of knives and swords strapped to them. When they stepped out, at the catch of the door they stopped and turned as one to glance back. A second was all they took to look at Coral and Pearl, eyes filled with curiosity before they bowed politely then returned to walking.


    Pearl looped her arm through Coral¡¯s and together they walked behind the group towards the entrance foyer. There, four more women waited, dressed similarly to the group of men. Though they were unarmed. From the fierce gaze they shot Coral from across the room, she felt like they didn¡¯t need weapons. Not with eyes like that. Coral could have turned to stone under their gaze. Her fingers wanted to twitch, and she refused to look affected by them. They dipped their heads in polite greeting, though they too did not say anything directly to them.


    Elwin was watching the crowd of people with a pained look etched across his face. He eyed the women, who¡¯s predatory gazes had not missed Elwin¡¯s unabashed longing. Coral made her way towards him with Pearl in tow.


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    Elwin turned his attention towards Coral when she reached him. ¡°I¡¯m being left behind,¡± he complained, thoroughly dejected.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be safe here with us,¡± Pearl said in what she clearly thought were comforting words.


    The two apprentices who looked around Elwin¡¯s age sniggered. A muscle in Elwin¡¯s cheek twitched. ¡°I¡¯d rather be facing the Ghoul,¡± he grumbled.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to get supper across the river,¡± Coral told him, trying to gloss over the muffled laughter behind her back. She felt sorry for Elwin, even if she didn¡¯t understand what drove Adventurers to seek out dangerous situations, she could empathise with being left out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll come with you. It¡¯s better than what¡¯s in the mess hall. There¡¯s never enough meat,¡± Elwin said, perking up slightly.


    ¡°You¡¯ll stay right there until your shift is over,¡± Crowcaller¡¯s sharp voice cut across the room as she emerged from another corridor.


    Elwin slumped a little against the desk, sulking. He picked up the quill he had been using and twiddled it between his fingers before resuming his scribbling in the open log book before him. He jotted down several names, and then wrote beside it in the notes section ¡®Ghoul expedition¡¯.


    Crowcaller approached them. The desk was tidier thanks to Silas earlier, but Crowcaller looked displeased to find that the there were still ink bottles, paper, and strangely, toadstools that had not been there when Coral first looked at the desk.


    ¡°Elwin, I need you to pull the files we have for Lady Seaver¡¯s estate. Ensure you filter anything untoward before handing it to her.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Coral said. She was grateful that Crowcaller was trusting her to peruse any documents at all. Necromancy was illegal and all information was strictly kept out of the hands of the public.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what information will be left. Hopefully it will be of some use,¡± Crowcaller said.


    Silas stalked from the corridor Crowcaller had come from, now dressed in the same scale mail as the others. He looked murderous. His eyes shot directly across the foyer, straight to Crowcaller. Whatever had transpired in the minutes that he had shown Coral and Pearl to their room, was not good news. Silas remained silent as he crossed to the main entrance door. The afternoon light was beginning to dim, and the last of the light was shining a vibrant orange and pink through the window. The men and women were busying themselves with fastening the Direwood blue cloaks around their shoulders, this time fastened with chain links.


    Crowcaller stood beside Coral and Pearl, watching them. ¡°That¡¯s one thing I miss. Being out in the field,¡± she said wistfully.  ¡°I don¡¯t miss the blood,¡± she added as an afterthought.


    ¡°Do you not join the expeditions,¡± Pearl asked.


    Crowcaller shook her head. ¡°No, though curses know I want to. Being the Guild Master has many perks, but it means I must be available at all times. If I had known what I was actually signing up for I might not have taken the post. Still, I can¡¯t say I don¡¯t like the role.¡±


    ¡°How long have you been Guild Master for?¡± Coral asked, curious to know how Crowcaller had gone from being a renowned adventurer, to hidden Direwood village Guild Master.


    Crowcaller looked thoughtful as she continued to watch the other adventurers. ¡°It can¡¯t be more than five or six years now.¡±


    ¡°The guild¡¯s never been the same since she came along,¡± Elwin said, finishing up his notes in the book. He dropped the quill and shoved the book aside a little too hard, so that the ink bottle was knocked over. He swore under his breath, mopping up the ink with a cloth he pulled from below the desk.


    ¡°It was a little forlorn when I got here. Definitely a challenge whipping you all into shape. There were a few exceptions of course,¡± Crowcaller flitted her chin in the direction of Silas. He was pointedly ignoring them.


    ¡°Still, it would be nice to go and have some fun.¡±


    The door to the guild opened, spilling a gust of frigid air into the warm foyer. Coral shivered as it washed over her, thoroughly glad that she wasn¡¯t going to be spending a cold night wrapped in blankets by the fire hearth.


    The two new arrivals went straight to Crowcaller. Their matching Direwood guard uniforms were very different from the Adventurer Guilds. They wore a light chainmail over thick padding, grey as the stone found along Direwood river.


    ¡°Duty calls,¡± Crowcaller sighed, leaving Coral and Pearl where they stood. She greeted the guards, though she didn¡¯t bother with bowing and engaged them in a hushed conversation.


    Behind them, Elwin let out his own sigh and pulled his log book back towards him. ¡°I hate reception duty,¡± he mumbled, scribbling down names.


    ¡°Do you know everyone in town?¡± Coral asked. He hadn¡¯t asked who the guards were, he just simply scrawled names down. There were a few neater entries listed at the top of the page, in comparison Elwin¡¯s writing looked like chicken scratch.


    ¡°Yes. Hard not to know everyone when you¡¯ve never left Direwood. That¡¯s Robard Dewbraid with the beard, and Arther Stoneshaper is the fat one. Though he says it¡¯s the uniform that makes him look that way. He forgets everyone watches him gorge himself stupid at the Dog House.¡±


    Arther Stoneshaper looked over at Elwin Over Crowcaller¡¯s shoulder, his eyes narrowing. Elwin grinned back at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s important to not cause alarm to the town at the moment,¡± Crowcaller said to the guards, her voice raised slightly so that it carried back to Coral and Pearl. ¡°Everyone is already on edge and we don¡¯t need to cause panic.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, if there¡¯s a Ghoul attacking citizens then we should be enforcing safety protocols. They should remain inside while you track down the beast,¡± the man Robard said.


    ¡°Do you really expect everyone to stay inside for another monster lurking about? Yes, Ghouls are deadly, but so are the rest of the monsters that come across this town every week. It¡¯s no different to every other day,¡± Crowcaller said waspishly.


    Coral tried to not look like she was listening in to the heated conversation between Crowcaller and the Guards. Judging from the side eyeing from the other Adventurer¡¯s gathered in the foyer, she wasn¡¯t the only one.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so concerned, then you should have voted for the town wall to be built,¡± Crowcaller told him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not boxing citizens away from their land,¡± Robard said, crossing his arms. ¡°It doesn¡¯t keep the monsters out, and you¡¯ll be locking us in with the undead at midwinter, where no one can escape.¡±


    ¡°The wall would help to keep the undead in town, rather than having to go hunting for bodies through the woods for weeks. Citizens wouldn¡¯t stay in town on the Night of the Undead,¡± Crowcaller said with a hint of restraint in her tone. She sounded like she had repeated this more than once.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to argue with you Robard. When Silas and his group returns, we¡¯ll report back to you,¡± Crowcaller said patiently. She raised her arm, indicating for the Guards to leave. Robard looked particularly sour as he turned and left, letting another bout of crisp air into the building.


    ¡°Is Robard on the town¡¯s council?¡± Coral asked Elwin.


    Elwin nodded his head. ¡°Every year we argue to put up a wall to keep the monsters out of the streets. But the town can¡¯t exactly afford it, even when Adventurer¡¯s pour in from all over the country at midwinter. Funding always goes to any repairs. And some think it¡¯s caging us in.¡±


    Coral recalled the night when giant wolves had attacked Caspian. He had escaped them by the tall wall that lined the manor. A wall would definitely be a benefit to have. Even a temporary wooden structure. She was very glad that at least her mansion had a wall to protect her, and hopefully if it could keep the wolves out, it would be enough to prevent any undead from clambering through her windows.


    Silas didn¡¯t say anything as he left through the door, followed by the adventurers. A group of twelve to hunt down a single, dangerous ghoul. Coral hoped it was enough, while she was sure they were all strong and had trained for this, she still recalled how haggard Caspian had been at the end of the fight. He was been blessed with supernatural strength and speed, and he still had struggled against the ghoul.


    ¡°Good luck,¡± she said under her breath, hoping they all returned whole.


    ¡°They¡¯ll clear out the lair and check for any other hidden crevices. That manor of yours is so big it might take a few days to search every room. It¡¯s unusual it was missed in the beginning,¡± Crowcaller said, walking back towards Coral and Pearl.


    ¡°Mistakes happen. I don¡¯t mind how long it takes. Some rooms are in complete disrepair, so they may not get access to every part of the mansion,¡± Pearl said. Her stomach gurgled again, and her cheeks flushed a pale pink in embarrassment.


    Crowcaller cocked her head to the door. ¡°Come on, Let¡¯s get you something to eat. I¡¯m famished. And you stay here. I¡¯ll know if you leave your post Elwin,¡± she said, her eyes crinkling with mirth at the petulant expression on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ve learnt my lesson. Can¡¯t you give me a break?¡± He said sullenly.


    ¡°No.¡±


    <hr>


    The Dog House was a large tavern, which Coral immediately understood why it was so popular besides being the only place in town to drink. The ground floor was lined with flagstones, like many of the houses here. The walls were handsomely decorated with wooden panels. A large bar sprawled across the end wall, bar stools occupied already by several patrons in the midst of drinking deeply from their mugs. The entire ground floor was open, dotted with round tables and wooden chairs in rich dark hues. A staircase lined two walls to the first-floor balcony that overlooked the ground floor, with wooden balustrades carved with wolves bearing their teeth in vicious snarls. It felt lively and warm, emphasised by an enormous hearth. Wooden arches braced the ceiling, also carved so that it appeared an occasional wolf peered down at them, each with their own movement and expression.


    Crowcaller ordered from the counter with her usual. Not knowing what was on the menu, and having felt the cold from the brief walk over the river to get to the Dog House, Coral asked for soup with crusty bread. She didn¡¯t care what kind of soup, and she didn¡¯t bother to ask. She was so hungry that she doubted she would notice the flavour while she poured it down her throat.


    Pearl was a little more selective, and took her time to read what was scrawled across a black board behind the bar.


    They followed Crowcaller up the flight of stairs and to the first floor. This too was filled with an array of tables and chairs, and along the windows were plush lounges.


    Crowcaller sat at one of these, propping her feet up at one end and lounged back so that her arms draped over the side of the plush red chair. They didn¡¯t have to wait long for the food to arrive, placed on the tall table between them. Crowcaller took a gulp from her mug before tearing into a large lamb shank.


    Coral barely registered that her soup was more stew than anything. It was hot and filled with potato and a meat she didn¡¯t recognise. It didn¡¯t matter. The rich broth filled her stomach as she spooned it into her mouth, uncaring of ladylike manners.


    Pearl showed some decorum, daintily cutting into her roast beef and vegetables. Which Coral was sure Pearl was grateful that she had. Not more than a few mouthfuls in, had Caspian walked up the flight of stairs and sat down at their table.


    ¡°Crowcaller,¡± he said, dipping his head in a slight bow.


    ¡°Caspian,¡± she answered around a mouthful of lamb. She swallowed hard before going on to say, ¡°You¡¯re looking well fed.¡±


    Pearl choked on her food. This comment was not considered savoury for a public conversation. In thanks to the people that sought out vampires for more perverse pleasures, it implied sexual debauchery. While Pearl was not immune to such conversations in the past, being the innocent type, she had never been privy to such remarks aimed about her specifically. Crowcaller knew that Caspian had fed from both Coral and Pearl.


    Pearl had to drink deeply from her mug, which she spluttered again as it had been filled with mead and not water like she had asked. She emerged with her face bright red, and unable to meet anyone¡¯s eyes. It was easy to tell where Pearl¡¯s thoughts had been at Caspian¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°Very satiated,¡± Caspian purred, his eyes smouldering as he focused on Pearl.


    Pearl glared up from beneath her lashes at Caspian from across the table. Coral was all for teasing her sister, but there was a line she would not cross. Caspian had just crossed it. He probably wasn¡¯t even aware that he had toed the line. Pearl¡¯s face blazed, and she stabbed at a piece of meat with her fork.


    Why couldn¡¯t a handsome man flirt with her unabashedly like that?


    Crowcaller raised her eyebrows. Thankfully she took pity on Pearl and changed the topic. ¡°Was your trip successful then, when did you get back?¡±


    ¡°I got back the day before, and have since been enjoying the splendid hospitality of these two delectable ladies,¡± Caspian said.


    Did feeding on both Pearl and Coral fill Caspian¡¯s head with the essence of stupidity? Was he purposely trying to torment Pearl? Had he used ¡®delectable¡¯ intentionally? Coral sipped at her soup, wondering how she could ¡®accidentally¡¯ spill it on Caspian¡¯s doublet. At least he was wearing clothes now.


    Coral looked down at the almost finished broth and scooped up the last of the potato. It was too good to pass up for a little payback. If Caspian even thought about getting any form of a refund as his stay was cut short at Moonflower Inn, he would have to think again. Saviour or not. Coral would not give up a single coin to him after he embarrassed her sister.


    Coral finished the last of her soup and tried hard to not imagine a mysterious handsome man making passes at her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure if it was successful. I lost my horse to the wolves and left behind what I went out for in the first place. If I can¡¯t track down my horse tonight, I¡¯m going to have to go back south,¡± Caspian said.


    ¡°You were gone for eight months,¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°Exactly. It took so long to find what I was looking for.¡± Caspian said. ¡°Southrest was the most difficult, how could somewhere be so sunny,¡± Caspian winced at the memory.


    ¡°What were you looking for in Southrest?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Rare ingredients for Doctor Thornheart. Sun Dust is only ever found in the south isles. Basgoil, Rotten snowdrop and Fluxroot, to name a few. I¡¯m going to be very disappointed to have to go searching for them again. Especially for Sun Dust.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t Doctor Thornheart going to look for your horse?¡± Coral asked, trying to recall their conversation when Doctor Thornheart spoke to her. So much had happened since then that it was hard to recall. Or possibly that fatigue was eating at Coral.


    ¡°She was. Doctor Thornheart took Silas with her today, evidentially her plans went astray. Finding the Ghoul takes precedence over some wilting plants,¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°Yes well, now that I¡¯m no longer incapacitated, I¡¯ll be hunting them down all night,¡± Caspian said.


    ¡°With the wolves still out there?¡± Pearl said, then looked annoyed at herself.


    Coral didn¡¯t think her sister had meant to say that out loud, as she still kept her eyes away from Caspian.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine, he¡¯s not incapacitated,¡± Crowcaller said through another mouthful of food. ¡°Did you really break your arm, and it didn¡¯t heal?¡± she asked curiously.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Caspian said, his eyes still trained on Pearl.


    Crowcaller was stunned to the point that she stopped chewing and stared at him. ¡°That¡¯s not normal.¡±


    Caspian leaned forward, picked up Crowcaller¡¯s mead and drank deeply.  ¡°No. Not a lot about me is normal,¡± he said mildly.

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    While Caspian and Crowcaller talked between themselves, Coral took her time to really take in her surroundings. The Dog House was going to always be a local hotspot, and she would never be able to compete with its popularity. It was in the right location, central to the town and easily accessed via cobbled roads. The food was hearty and comforting, the atmosphere was jovial, mead aplenty and who could beat the comfort of these plush chairs?


    Pearl¡¯s unwanted mead went to Coral. It was strong and sweet, with hints of honey, malt and a spice that she couldn¡¯t quite put a name to. Reluctantly, Coral agreed with Silas. The brute. The honey wine was strong enough to knock her on her arse. She drank it anyway, enjoying the lightening of her limbs and worries with each mouthful.


    Did the Dog House brew their own mead? Perhaps they would need a source of honey. Coral could start beekeeping; she certainly had the land for it. Once the flowers arrived, it would keep the bees happy, and Pearl.


    Coral knew next to nothing about beekeeping, but she could learn. Just like she knew very little about carpentry. She wasn¡¯t going to let something as trivial as not knowing what to do hold her back. Coral had never travelled before and look how far she had come now.


    She took another swig of the mead, holding the liquid in her mouth just a moment longer before swallowing to try to identify the spice. What ever it was, it was good. Not a contender for wine, but it was good.


    Despite knowing that Caspian had been forced to vacate his room at Moonflower Inn, and that Pearl was visibly irritated at him for being crude, she also became disappointed when they had finished their meals and began to make their way back to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. It had been a long time since Coral had enjoyed an evening dining out. Perhaps she should visit the Dog House more.


    As she made her way down the stairs to the lower floor, there was a raucous bellow of laughter. It was at odds with the otherwise quiet evening that had settled over the tavern. Normally the Dog House was filled with that kind of noise all evening. It was a stand out difference from the happy but subdued air from patrons.


    Coral looked down over the banister. A group of men and women stood before the fireplace, drunkenly tottering about. One was loudly telling a story, animatedly moving about and sloshing the contents of his drink from the mug. They were earning quite a few dark looks from the other people drinking heavily from their own cups.


    Coral had made it almost to the bottom of the stairs before one of the more somber customers staggered over to the loud group, clothes wrinkled and cheeks ruddy from the alcohol. Coral didn¡¯t hear what the wrinkled man said, but the group grew serious as they were berated. Then wrinkled drunk¡¯s fist flew and knocked squarely into the jaw of the one who had been telling the story.


    Caspian immediately steered Pearl towards the door, putting himself between her and the group. Crowcaller looked unconcerned and merely strolled behind Coral as she tried to hurry across the length of the room to the front door. There was a clatter of wood as the drunk slammed another one of the noisy groups into a table, shattering it.


    ¡°Oh, good one,¡± Crowcaller said, looking impressed. ¡°Never seen him fight before.¡±


    Crowcaller waited a moment longer, wincing as one of the group members hauled the drunk back and dropped him hard to the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m not staying to watch,¡± Coral said, hurrying past Crowcaller.


    Crowcaller turned and followed Coral out the front door. ¡°Poor man. He has every reason to be angry. His son was one of the people killed last night.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s awful,¡± Coral said, turning to look back at the closed door. The sun was well and truly gone for the night. The light spilled out of the windows on to the street and illuminated the fog rising from the Dire river into a white haze.


    They left the Dog House behind for the darkened streets. Even with Crowcaller and Caspian escorting them across the bridge, Coral still felt unsafe. What if the ghoul was still out here somewhere? There were lanterns posted at the end of each bridge, but it did little to push back the darkness.


    They stopped outside of the guild. Caspian stood back as Crowcaller and Coral walked up to the door. Pearl stood a foot from Caspian, her hands clutched in front of her chest, her cloak wrapped tightly about her shoulders.


    ¡°Be careful tonight,¡± she said softly to Caspian, her head tilted so that the moonlight illuminated her pretty face. The pale light wasn¡¯t able to wash away the colour in her cheeks.


    ¡°Those wolves were monstrous. Don¡¯t let them get you again. I won¡¯t be around to help, if you¡­ Well,¡± Pearl trailed off, her cheeks reddening further.


    ¡°I will be,¡± Caspian assured. ¡°Once I¡¯ve found my satchel, I¡¯ll return to be by your side.¡±


    Oh, blessings. Coral cringed and had to turn away from watching her sister and Caspian.


    First thing tomorrow morning, she would need to go purchase chocolate. She would also need to employ some form of distraction for Pearl. While Coral had grown to like Caspian, she was familiar with the type of men that lived for short and sweet romances. Caspian appeared to be the type. There was a significant lifespan difference between a human and a vampire, and both her sister and Caspian would be fools to entangle their lives together. One way or another, someone always ended up heartbroken.


    This time, it was likely to be Pearl. Coral could only hope that it was genuine emotions that Pearl could grow from. If it was beguilement, that never left unless it was willed by the vampire, or death.


    ¡°Good hunting, Caspian,¡± Crowcaller said, interrupting the moon-eyed ogling that was happening.


    Caspian swept them all a bow. ¡°Until we meet again,¡± he said, then turned and swiftly disappeared into the dark street.


    Pearl stood fixed in place, watching the space that he had gone. ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll come back?¡±


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s warm up inside,¡± Coral said, taking her sister by the arm and leading her to the door that Crowcaller had propped open.


    Elwin looked up from behind the desk, surrounded by scrolls and books. A couple of scrolls fell to the floor and rolled away. ¡°Welcome back,¡± he called out. He hurried around his desk to collect the runaway scrolls, scooping them up and uncaring that he crushed the rolled paper in his hands.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡± Crowcaller asked, prodding at a large stack of documents.


    ¡°It¡¯s the records for Lady Seaver¡¯s estate. Cecil brought it out so I can sort through it tonight,¡± Elwin explained. He dropped the scrolls back on to the pile.


    ¡°So far, this is all that I can provide,¡± Elwin pointed to a single page at the far end of the desk.


    Crowcaller picked it up and drew it close to her face, squinting. ¡°This only has some names and an address listed.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Elwin said seriously. ¡°Everything else reads like a necromancer¡¯s inventory list. There¡¯s a disturbing amount of bottled body parts. Listen to this. Seven jars of fingernails, twelve pounds of preserved bone marrow, fifty-two and a half feet of pickled human intestine, a whole preserved human nervous system-,¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Crowcaller said loudly, cutting over the top of him. ¡°We have just eaten.¡±


    Elwin blinked back at Crowcaller. ¡°I¡¯ve never known you to be squeamish.¡±


    ¡°Not me,¡± Crowcaller said tilting her head pointedly back towards Coral and Pearl. Coral was glad that Crowcaller had the courtesy to filter this information. Reading a list of body parts that had been found in the manor was rather unsettling.


    ¡°Oh, right. Sorry,¡± Elwin said, not sounding sorry at all.


    Crowcaller handed the page back to Elwin, who placed it back in its original place on the desk. ¡°I think it¡¯s going to take me a while to shift through all of this,¡± he said, examining the extensive pile of parchment, books, and the pile of boxes behind the desk.


    Leaving Elwin to his task, Crowcaller guided them back to their room for the night. From the soft scuffles and murmuring from the other doors in the corridor, Coral realized that she wasn¡¯t the only person staying in the guild tonight.


    Crowcaller left with a nod of her head and Coral and Pearl were able to finally retire. It took longer for Coral to prepare for bed than usual, as she had discovered that somehow her skirt had been soiled with the stew. Her boots were covered with splashed mud and her legs were streaked as well. Coral spent several minutes with the wash basin to scrub away at the grime, where the water turned dark and muddy.


    She hung her skirt on the door handle, hoping it would be dry by morning. Finally, Coral climbed into bed and almost immediately fell asleep.


    <hr>


    Direwood Adventurer¡¯s Guild had a library that Coral was increasingly jealous of. It wasn¡¯t large by any degree compared to the city libraries she had been to, nor were the books kept in finely carved bookcases like she had come to expect in the building. It boasted a surplus of books on many creatures and monsters, which was expected. It also had that well lived in feeling that Coral had associated with her schooling. There were dents in the bookcases, scuffed covers and pages dirtied with fingerprints. Four long, worn wooden tables sat at the center of the room with only a single window to let in light for reading. A low set chandelier hung over these tables strung with magelight instead of candles.


    There were several rows of bookshelves, filled with old and new books. Everything was in some form of disrepair from use. It was fantastic.


    Coral sat at the furthest table, waiting patiently for Elwin to return. She considered getting up to inspect the spines along the closest shelf, but instead was drawn to the conversation two children were having at another of the tables. They were whispering together, with three open books before them, and each with their own scroll of parchment.


    ¡°If we go here, we¡¯ll have our best chance,¡± a girl said. She pointed at something on the table Coral couldn¡¯t see. She had a mop of brown hair that cut off at her chin, and round chubby cheeks that made Coral want to pinch them. The girl was dressed in the Direwood Adventurer uniform, but it was more simplified for everyday use rather than the polished overcoats that were militant style for the older guild members. She couldn¡¯t have been more than eight years old and looked like she was playing dress up.


    ¡°That¡¯s too high up,¡± the boy said beside her. He was sturdier looking than his friend, less round and more angles than anything. His own dark brown hair was in desperate need of a trim, the uneven ends curling up around his ears.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± the girl said, rolling her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like heights Valorie. I won¡¯t go.¡±


    The girl, Valorie, tsked. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to be a Hero?¡± she asked, her voice petulant.


    ¡°I do!¡± The boy said, too loud.


    Valorie shushed him, then looked up to see if anyone was listening. Coral quickly looked aside at the bookcase, pretending to be interested in the volumes. A moment later, the two children resumed their murmuring, though it was so low Coral couldn¡¯t hear them. She watched as they flicked through the pages of another book. They stopped on a page that had an illustration of a corpse.


    The two children looked at the picture intently, before scribbling down on the parchment with a pencil. The door creaked open behind Coral, and the two looked up and hastily closed the book.


    Elwin came up beside Coral and dropped a large box on the table. ¡°Here you are, everything we can give you about the estate.¡±


    Coral looked it over, surprised to see that there was the edge of a rolled painting protruding out of the box. She reached over and carefully pulled it out and unfurled it over the table. A pretty blonde woman stared back at her with large, round eyes. She was elegantly dressed in green, the dress sweeping around her and a shawl gracing her shoulders. Behind her stood a man in a black suit, his hand resting lovingly across the woman¡¯s shoulders. At their feet were two small children, barely older than a few years. Each wore matching expressions of laughter as they played with a small brown and white dog. The background was a mottled grey, with the intent on highlighting the family with no other embellishments to the painting, emphasizing the love captured in the parents¡¯ expressions as they looked at one another.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Who is this?¡± Coral asked, her eyes skimming over the brushwork. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the family that lived there before. Here,¡± Elwin passed her the same slip of paper that Crowcaller had read the night before.


    At the top of the page was her own name and Pearls, followed by the date the deeds of the manor had been purchased.


    Below that was the previous owner. Lord Henry Rayner, and his wife Sabina Rayner. They had two children. The oldest was their son of seven, Emeric, who had inherited his father¡¯s stern look and dark hair. The youngest was six, named Ayleth, and was almost a twin to her mother with large green eyes and blonde hair.


    Coral lowered the paper to look at the painting, she had to push back one edge as it curled back over, the paint cracking like spider webs over the surface. It was a shame that the painting had been carelessly stored this way. Coral appreciated being able to put faces to the names she had just learned. There were many paintings in the manor, none of which in the front part of the house she and her sister had been working had these people. Though there had been darker patches on the walls, as though paintings had once hung there.


    ¡°Lord Rayner was the previous owner,¡± Coral said. Elwin didn¡¯t need to be told this, having spent the previous night shifting through the contents and finding information that wasn¡¯t strictly prohibited. It did help to solidify the previous owner¡¯s existence in Corals mind, that he was more than a heinous necromancer. He had also been a father and a husband.


    Elwin sat down beside Coral, looking tired. ¡°I can¡¯t believe how much I had to shift through. There was so much. And all there was in the end is a box full. A box. Not to name the items stored. If I must ever look at another box of necromancer athame¡¯s and skulls, it will be too soon,¡± he complained.


    Coral made a face at picturing Elwin sorting through a box of skulls and pushed aside any thoughts of those ever being inside of her manor. Moonflower Inn was going to be completely clear of all manner of nefarious material, once Silas and his band of adventurers returns. They hadn¡¯t yet, which Coral was unsure if she should be concerned about this or not.


    Coral pulled the painting closer to her so that she could inspect the faces. ¡°He looks so normal. He had children. What kind of man obsessed with the dark occults starts a family?¡±


    Elwin shrugged. ¡°Murderers are people with normal lives. You never know what anyone is capable of.¡±


    ¡°Met many murderers, have you?¡± Coral asked lightly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Elwin said flatly.


    Coral hadn¡¯t expected that answer, not from a fifteen-year-old boy. She had thought his answer was based on theory studies from his apprenticeship. Not worldly experience.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Coral said, feeling awkward now. Not everyone¡¯s experiences were the same, she should know. In many ways Coral and her sister had been used as bargaining tools, and while she had been exposed to power hungry and depraved people, she didn¡¯t think they were outright murderers. As far as she knew.


    Coral read down the page, more for something to do rather than deal with the awkward feeling. Lord Rayner had purchased the estate¡¯s one hundred acres twenty-eight years ago. From the Acheron¡¯s. It had been sectioned off from the Acheron¡¯s estate and provided to Lord Rayner. It wasn¡¯t just Lord Rayner either. Many smaller plots were listed, and sold to families with no titles or any noteworthy names that Coral had ever become familiar with. Except for one that sounded familiar. Stoneshaper. Hadn¡¯t that been someone she had been introduced to recently?


    The value for the land had been noted as well. Lord Rayner had paid a hefty amount compared to the other families. Coral was unable to tell if this meant that the value for the land was more fertile for Lord Rayner compared to the smaller plots.


    Coral flicked through some more pages and found that construction for the manor began just a month after the purchase, sourcing materials from the locals in Direwood and hiring master craftsman for all facets. The lumber and stones came from the surrounding areas. The craftsman was paid to travel to Direwood specifically to work.


    Elwin had referenced different documentation that showed contracts and purchase orders for these, and with a quick look inside of the box, Coral found them. She pulled out a large scroll, the same size of the painting, and unfurled it to reveal a map of the manor and the estate grounds. The ageing paper was yellowed and stained darker in some patches, with small scribblings that had faded from time.


    ¡°Do I get to keep these?¡± Coral asked, her eyes glued to the map. There were fields and a small forest, labelled outbuildings that she had yet to find. Coral hadn¡¯t bothered to go looking much further than the sprawling manor and greenhouse. It was so large it had taken hours. If there were other buildings, what kind of state would they be in? Would they be reusable?


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not. We have everything else, and no one has looked at this stuff since it was taken. Cecil will probably whine a bit, but he¡¯s weird like that, needing to catalogue everything.¡± Elwin said. He pulled the painting towards himself and took his time looking.


    ¡°Their bodies were never found,¡± he said, tapping on the two children.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The kids and the wife. When they apprehended Lord Rayner, his wife and children were gone, along with all their staff. There were lists of people who worked for him, and none were there when they took him. Probably killed, I¡¯d say.¡±


    ¡°Are you assuming or is it certain?¡± Coral asked, digging through the pile of paperwork in the box.


    ¡°It was in the report written up for what had happened. I can¡¯t show it to you. There was some pretty dark occult things in there. But it included many reports of missing people that had worked at the manor. There was unanswered mail and apparently some staff family members came to town looking for their missing brother or sister.¡±


    Coral pulled out contracts with stoneworkers and carpenters, cooks, maids, stable hands and even guards. There was a ledger held inside the box, and she flipped it open where all names were accounted for, with how much each was paid per week. They were all well paid, which Coral assumed compensated for bringing people in away from their homes to such a small village and encouraged locals. There was well and truly over a hundred and fifty staff names accounted for.


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised by how many people were employed. I swear I start cleaning one side of a room and by the time I¡¯m finished I have to restart all over again,¡± Coral said, flipping through the pages.


    Over one hundred and fifty staff personnel, all just gone. That was a lot of people to go missing. It wasn¡¯t feasible for anyone to up and leave undetected. Not in that mass quantity. Someone would have noticed. An unsettled heaviness squirmed in her stomach as Coral wondered what had befallen so many people on the estate.


    Maybe she shouldn¡¯t. Necromancy was horrible.


    ¡°How are you managing with the manor? That¡¯s a lot of work to take on,¡± Elwin asked.


    ¡°Very slowly,¡± Coral admitted. ¡°I never expected looking after the manor would be easy. Something always happens to drag out a task. It took Pearl and I a week to clear the driveway, and there wasn¡¯t a lot of overgrown trees. The weeds proved to be stubborn, and I was rubbish with a saw. I have mastered wood chopping. I hadn¡¯t even held an axe in my life before then.¡±


    Elwin looked over at her, his eyebrows lifted. ¡°What did you do before coming to Direwood?¡±


    Coral closed the book and set it on the table, wondering how best to answer. While she had debated the nuances of changing her name and deciding to keep her first name was a way to prevent her betrothed from finding her location, she wasn¡¯t sure how much of her previous lifestyle would leak through to her life now.


    Elwin was free with his words. It was always a worthy endeavor to be cautious about what to reveal to people like him as they may let slip something, intentional or not. Coral didn¡¯t want to lie to him, nor did she want to brush him off.


    ¡°My father passed away and I grew tired of the courtiers and their games. So, I decided to move as far from them as I could get.¡±


    ¡°Which brought you here,¡± Elwin said.


    Coral nodded her head once.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. About bringing you the letter. If I had known I wouldn¡¯t have bothered you with it,¡± he said, his head bent.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine Elwin. Don¡¯t think on it again. I don¡¯t even know if the curse has taken a hold. I¡¯ve not gotten hurt. You said yourself the letters were screened for any dangerous spellwork. Whatever it is, you can¡¯t be held accountable for the contents of what someone sent me,¡± Coral said. She wished she could. If she did get hurt, it was on perfectly reasonable grounds to demand compensation. She wanted someone to blame and be angry at for her father¡¯s mistreatment. It would make her feel better if she could yell at her father now, and tell him hurt full truths that would break his pride. She would have relished his fallen expression.


    Instead, she was left to wonder what damage Eirek Farley had inflicted upon her this time. His actions were usually small, niggling things that dug needle like jabs into her heart. It had happened so often she felt her heart ought to be hardened against that kind of abuse by now. She wasn¡¯t, not really. It left her feeling like she was never good enough.


    Coral was going to change that though, because she had never relied on anyone other than herself to pull her from situations where she could have used guidance and love. Coral was perfectly capable of loving herself. She just had to stop the longing for wanting to be loved by others as well.


    ¡°So,¡± Elwin lowered his voice and leant a little closer to Coral, watching the two children. ¡°What are you going to do about the ghosts? Can I get in on it?¡±


    Coral had to hold herself back from snorting in Elwin¡¯s face. ¡°Aren¡¯t you in trouble already? I don¡¯t want to extend your punishment because you¡¯re up all night chasing down some ghosts.¡±


    ¡°I was only late because Orvil Norwood wouldn¡¯t hurry up and pack my order. I would have been on time if he hadn¡¯t wanted to individually wrap everything,¡± Elwin complained. ¡°I only had to walk across the bridge, I didn¡¯t have far to go.¡±


    ¡°Besides, you might need someone to catch you when you fall over and break your nose,¡± he grinned at her.


    ¡°My nose is not broken, thank you very much,¡± Coral said. Her eyes were still swollen, and the bruising had darkened to a dark purple.


    ¡°Doctor Thornheart can speed that up, we should go visit her today before my shift starts again,¡± Elwin offered.


    ¡°Are you not supposed to be training?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°Everyone is taking a day to mourn while the funerals are taking place. I¡¯ll be heading there this afternoon, so I can walk you to the Widow¡¯s Poison. You¡¯re not supposed to be on your own until Silas comes back with the beast.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Coral said. She busied herself again with the box, now reading an inventory list of orders. Lord Rayner must have had a large paddock, as he had many heads of cattle and pigs. Coral hadn¡¯t seen any pigsty¡¯s, and she hadn¡¯t seen any cleared paddocks either on the estate.


    ¡°You said the children and wife were never found. That makes it sound like they were presumed dead.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no record of them cropping up in other cities, but they could have changed their name,¡± Elwin said. He was leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed looking somewhat bored.


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Coral had taken on her mother¡¯s maiden name to move to Direwood. It was logical.


    ¡°No one had any recordings of people leaving Direwood back then. Carriages always arrived with people all the time, and left too. But there aren¡¯t any records of horse change overs.¡±


    Coral rested her head in her cupped hand, her elbow braced on the table. ¡°I¡¯d say the ghosts in my manor are probably the staff. Or the children. The certainly sounded young.¡±


    ¡°You heard them?¡± Elwin asked excitedly, his voice rising in volume.


    Coral had to shush him before answering. ¡°Yes. They spoke to me. They wanted me to go down to the basement. That¡¯s where we discovered the Ghoul. I still can¡¯t make my mind up if they wanted to warn me, or get me killed.¡±


    ¡°Maybe both?¡± Elwin suggested.


    ¡°What I need is a way to speak to them, without having to wait for them to show themselves. I know ghosts are more active at night, but I¡¯m hardly an adventurer and I¡¯ve never done anything like this before,¡± Coral said.


    Elwin got up and wandered down a few rows of bookcases before disappearing. Coral watched the space he had gone down, then continued searching the compiled information. She was both happy that this gave her an insight to the manor¡¯s past and frustrated that it hadn¡¯t given her many answers other than to name the family.


    Coral flipped through another ledger, this time an inventory for the house specifically for perishable goods. The kitchens it seemed was always well stocked, and they included an excess of ingredients of garlic, ginger, poppyseed, blessed thistle, purslane, white horehound and betony. These were all common enough ingredients. The amount that came in was substantially large, which was odd. The herbs grew freely in all the gardens. Coral was sure if she looked, she would likely find them growing in her own estate.


    They had medicinal purposes as well. Coral knew some uses for the herbs listed, like betony was for headaches and horehound for the common cold.


    Coral drew her finger down the listed items, her interest growing as she found more medicinal plants listed. It was odd. Why would a necromancer purchase so many beneficial plants. Were they dangerous in excess? Even then, why bother poisoning people? Coral didn¡¯t know much about medicine, but she could ask Doctor Thornheart.


    Coral looked at the dates listed for the inventory. Three years after the land was purchased. The manor must have been either completed or in a livable state by then. Which was impressive considering the detail that had gone into every carved piece of wood, the gold detailing on the handles and hinges, and even the outside facade. The manor was exquisite, and Coral would have loved to have seen it in it¡¯s prime.


    This information was at least a helpful guide for where she could turn to when she eventually could hire a carpenter for the work she wasn¡¯t capable of.


    Coral looked up as Elwin returned, a book opened in his hands. He placed if before her, over the top of the books and paper now sprawled all over.


    "What¡¯s this?¡± she asked, blinking down at it.


    ¡°Read it,¡± Elwin said, settling himself down beside her on the chair. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to find anything in those old files for how to deal with the ghosts. But this will.¡±


    Coral picked up the book and read the title at the top of the page.


    ¡°Ghosts?¡±


    Elwin nodded at the book to encourage her to keep reading. The first few paragraphs didn¡¯t tell her anything that she already knew about. A Ghost was the soul or spirit of the departed, and in general was known to remain behind if they were unsettled and couldn¡¯t move on until something was corrected. Often this never happened, and the soul would grow more bitter over time. They would resent the living while they were unable to move on to the netherworld.


    There was a phrase that caught Coral off guard.


    A deliberate attempt to contact a spirit is considered necromancy. However, it is acknowledged that intent becomes vital to remove the soul. Some acts of necromancy are required in order to deal with this type of magic, as it¡¯s counterpart in essence deals with death.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, what does this mean?¡± Coral asked, pointing to the paragraph.


    Elwin read the passage. ¡°It means whatever magic used to counter the effects of necromancy also requires death magic. Like, fighting fire with fire,¡± he said.


    ¡°If I were to try to remove the ghosts, I¡¯d be dabbling in necromancy. A highly illegal magic?¡± Coral said, lowering her voice so that she practically hissed at Elwin.


    ¡°Adventurers are usually called in to deal with the dead. There are some laws that are relaxed around magic use that is,¡± Elwin struggled for a moment before going on. ¡°Intended for good use rather than to cause harm. It¡¯s why dangerous magics aren¡¯t completely banned. Though, it¡¯s not common knowledge that Adventurer¡¯s make use of necromancy elements to fight the dead. Anyone else and they would feel the full consequence of the law.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not comforting. I¡¯m not an Adventurer,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°I am,¡± Elwin said, grinning at her.


    ¡°You¡¯re an apprentice. You aren¡¯t fully licensed yet.¡± Coral pointed out.


    Elwin leant back in his chair, looking smug. ¡°I would describe myself more as a promising, though wayward trainee,¡± he said, plucking the book from her hands and flipping through a few pages. Having found what he wanted, Elwin held it up so Coral could see and well out of her reach.


    ¡°I also happen to have resources to contact your ghosts.¡±

 Direwood Cemetery

    Coral and Pearl stood back from the crowd gathered before the cemetery gates, accompanied by Crowcaller and Elwin. The Direwood cemetery was as grey and dreary as the rest of the town. Ten-foot-high iron fencing barricaded the town from the gravestones. The grave markers were fractured and cracked. A few stone mausoleums stood out from the swathes of tombstones, each of these battered and the fine carvings had weathered away. Or blasted off, by the look of one crypt.


    Silas and the other Adventurer¡¯s hadn¡¯t returned. In the late hour of the day, Coral was beginning to wonder if she should be concerned or not. Crowcaller had greeted Coral and Pearl in the guild¡¯s library, and she didn¡¯t appear to be concerned. She didn¡¯t comment on Silas¡¯s absence at all. So it was with gratitude that Coral and Pearl joined Crowcaller¡¯s invitation to the funeral this afternoon.


    While it was normal for friends, family and acquaintances to attend funeral processions and ceremonies in the city, in smaller towns everyone was expected to attend whether you liked the deceased or not.


    A small community required a synergy. A give and take system, where those who needed help were assisted by neighbours. It was how a town kept the elderly warm and fed when they grew too stiff in the cold months to move about. In return the elders offered their advice, recipes, and other skills they were still able bodied to do. This was how a poor family kept clothes on their children from the generosity of the locals. It was how petty theft was kept down when resources became scarce. It was how the moral of a community was kept alive in the face of adversity. A small town thrived from a union between every single person based on respect and generosity.


    In such a community, to snub someone¡¯s death was to sow discord among your neighbours. This act alone was more than rude, it was one¡¯s downfall. The person who did the snubbing is in turn treated like the town¡¯s pariah. Often finding themselves unable to trade without being charged ridiculous prices, were underpaid for their work and in general ostracised to the point that they leave town for good. Who would want to deal with someone who couldn¡¯t even have the courtesy to show some respect for the dead?


    Of course, there was always exceptions, such as Silas and his group who were still on their mission to deal with the Ghoul. Those who were needed elsewhere for important tasks were permitted socially to not attend.


    Coral and Pearl weren¡¯t known well amongst Direwoods community. They weren¡¯t expected at this point to participate in providing assistance, but it would have been terrible if neither Coral nor Pearl showed up for the funeral being held today. Their absence would not have gone unnoticed. One day they would have to help out, whether that be provide shelter with their enormous manor or in general help with keeping the old from freezing.


    There was a general hum of low voices from the gathered people, clustered around the cemeteries entrance. Some people stood silently, their heads bowed and not meeting anyone¡¯s eyes. Coral recognised one man from last night. His eyes were puffy and bloodshot, and there was a forming bruise at the edge of his jaw. The same people he had chosen to fight stood clustered around him, one resting a hand on his trembling shoulders. Others openly wept.


    Coral and Pearl kept their hands clasped before them, unable to do more than stand alongside Direwood¡¯s townfolk to show their respect. Coral had seen the double takes and staring at her face, followed by whispers to their neighbour, who then glanced her way.


    Coral was definitely going to take a trip to the Widow¡¯s Poison after this. She was going to buy that balm Doctor Thornheart had mentioned and slather it on so thick she won¡¯t be able to open her eyes. Hopefully that would speed up the healing process. At least some of the swelling was, infinitesimally, reducing.


    There was a clatter of hooves, and Coral turned in time to see an ornate carriage drawn by four white horses along the cobblestone road. While there had been those who had arrived by horse, not many arrived by carriage.


    The horses¡¯ coats gleamed like pearls in the late afternoon sun, each with a fine leather harness. Affixed to each of the headpieces was polished hematite, shaped into a spiralling horn. This made the horses look akin to unicorns, with their bowed necks and prancing long legs. The arrival of this carriage caused the people to quieten their murmurings, drawing their attention as it drew closer.


    The coachman pulled the carriage up along the road and stepped down hurriedly. He produced a large black parasol and held it above the windowless carriage door so that it cast a deep shadow. A moment later the carriage door swung open, and a man stepped out of the carriage. He wore a dark grey top hat, his snow-white hair tied back with a black ribbon and draped over one shoulder. When he straitened beneath the parasol, he took it from the coachman and waited before moving until another black parasol could be replaced.


    The man wore a fine dark grey tailcoat, which was a wise choice, as black would have made his already pale complexion corpse like. His waistcoat and trousers weren¡¯t embellished with needlework and had gone with a lighter grey than of his tailcoat. Though he wore a simple design, the fabric and cut were of immaculate quality. From the lapel tucked inside his coat was a string of black jet stones.


    ¡°Octavian Acheron,¡± Crowcaller said under her breath. She didn¡¯t particularly sound happy at his arrival.


    Octavian Acheron, aside from his fine clothing, had a beautiful androgynous face with high cheekbones. The resemblance to Caspian was there in the cut of his jaw and nose. He did not look old, which for vampires was usual, though he didn¡¯t look old enough to be Caspian¡¯s father. Perhaps older brother? It was always hard to tell with vampires.


    From behind Octavian, a woman stepped out of the carriage. Her fine, dark grey dress spilled from the carriage; a delicate, gloved hand braced by the coachman as she descended the step down. She too was as fair as Octavian, her hair a lustrous auburn and pinned back in a hairnet with polished jet stones.


    Both of their gazes were sharp and calculating, their eyes a deep blood red. They nodded in greeting to the gathered people around them, slowly making their way forward to the cemetery gates under the cover of their parasols from the sun.


    Caspian emerged with his own parasol, his eyes searching the crowd. He too wore an immaculate black suit, decorated with a jet brooch and light grey vest. His attire made him appear more approachable than the coldness that emanated from Octavian and his lady.


    Caspian stood to one side and waited as another woman emerged from the carriage. She did not require a parasol. In fact, there was a rich olive hue to her skin and her thick black hair was coiled up into a bun. She wore three strands of jet stones about her neck. Her black dress was simple too, though hers matched Caspian¡¯s as it was trimmed with light grey. In many ways, she was more stunning than the woman walking beside Octavian Acheron.


    In Coral¡¯s opinion, at the very least, she thought the flush of colour to Caspian¡¯s companion was more lovely compared to the vampire¡¯s pallor. Coral appreciated more colour in whomever she would choose to be her lifelong partner.


    Pearl became very still and fixed her eyes on the woman. ¡°Who is that?¡± She asked in a quiet voice.


    Coral¡¯s heart hurt for her sister. While she had expected Caspian to continue his courtship of Pearl for longer, if he did return, Coral hadn¡¯t thought him daring enough to attend a town event with another woman. If Caspian thought Pearl to be a simpering maiden that accepted anything less than she deserved, this man had lost another plaything. Pearl was gentle, but that didn¡¯t mean that she was going to put up with stupid men that strung her along.


    Luckily, Pearl also had a sensible sister. Coral would make sure Pearl didn¡¯t fall prey to Caspian¡¯s games.


    Caspian may had saved them, and he didn¡¯t like to think of himself as a monster. If Caspian wasn¡¯t draining people of their blood, then he¡¯d be breaking another¡¯s heart. Which was monstrous.


    Coral and Pearl were at the back of the crowd, so they went unseen. Which in part was a relief, as the look of hurt across Pearl¡¯s face was painful to see.


    Coral looped her sister¡¯s arm through her own and gave her a gentle squeeze. A silent promise that she¡¯ll kick Caspian in the shins the next time she could get away with it. And perhaps burn his suit too. She¡¯d find a way to bring retribution to Pearl one way or another.


    In the meantime, there was chocolate and wine they could both soothe their souls with.


    Pearl looked down at her dress, looking forlorn. They were both dressed in the same clothes that they came to town in the day before. They hadn¡¯t brought a change of clothes with them, being too tired to really consider that they would need it.


    ¡°Look at me, I¡¯m atrociously dressed,¡± Pearl said, plucking at her pale blue skirt. In truth, Pearl didn¡¯t look bad, though she rarely had worn dresses that were so simple. She did look comfortable.


    ¡°You look lovely,¡± Crowcaller reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. I don¡¯t think they¡¯ve ever worn anything less than fine silks and underwear made of spun gold.¡±


    ¡°Everyone else here is in their best,¡± Pearl pointed out. The townsfolk were wearing their best clothes, though when Octavian Acheron walked past in his finery, they looked shabby in comparison. Even Crowcaller and Elwin had polished their boots and their Guild uniforms were immaculate.


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    ¡°No one is judging you for your clothes. We judge by character here,¡± Elwin said with an edge to his voice as his eyes landed on Octavian Acheron.


    ¡°Quiet, Elwin.¡± Crowcaller warned from the corner of her mouth. ¡°We don¡¯t want to start anything.¡±


    A bell tolled the late afternoon hour from somewhere that Coral could not pinpoint. Its sorrowful toll was the signal that everyone had been waiting for. The gate to the cemetery swung open. Slowly, the crowd entered the cemetery, pausing briefly by the two statues that faced the inner part of the cemetery grounds, as tall as the iron fencing that encircled the entire area. It was unusual to see such high, reinforced fencing. Even the spokes at the top were sharp points, the lower half of the barricade a cobbled stone.


    When it was time for Coral and Pearl to enter through the gates, they had copied the others as they entered. Every person had collected a raw chunk of black crystal from the stone basin kept by the statue¡¯s feet.


    On closer inspection, the crystals were a combination of protective energy stones. Black tourmaline, Black moonstone, obsidian, jet, onyx, hematite and black kyanite. These stones emitted a barrier around the wearer to protect them from spirits. Each stone or crystal had other properties that helped the wearer too, such as drawing out negative energies or heal emotionally and physically. Coral picked out a black kyanite chunk, then held it to her heart to allow time for the stone to attune itself to her. Coral looked up at the statue and was surprised that instead of a gargoyle to protect the dead, like most cemeteries had, the cloaked figure before her was a robed Soul Harvester. Its scythe held aloft as though it were about to sweep it forward and harvest her soul.


    The Soul Harvester was rarely used for cemeteries. It goes without saying however that most cemeteries didn¡¯t have a yearly problem of having to bury the same Uncle or cousin. The Soul Harvester¡¯s were primarily a symbol of the devastation war has, sweeping lives away before them with their scythes. They were used in war memorials and featured as figure heads to watch over dangerous places, in the hopes that any wandering spirit that see¡¯s the Soul Harvester would be deterred by it. A ghost didn¡¯t want to leave, or in this case be harvested, until its business had concluded.


    Coral looked over at Pearl, who stood before the other statue with her head bowed and cupped her own raw chunk of crystal to her heart. The Soul Harvester she stood before was chipped and gouged in places. Beneath the carved hood of its robe, the blank mask that covered the Soul Harvester¡¯s face was barely distinguishable. Its own scythe was facing down before it, as though it had just sliced it through the air and taken a soul. Whomever had carved these statues had captured such a lifelike quality to them, that Coral felt if she watched long enough, she would see them move.


    Crowcaller and Elwin were one of the last few people to enter the cemetery. Crowcaller took her time to select a stone, whereas Elwin hadn¡¯t even looked as he dug his fingers into the crystals and plucked out whichever stone.


    Coral was familiar with the custom of wearing a protective black stone or crystal when attending a funeral, she hadn¡¯t expected to be provided with a piece on entering. She said as much, when Crowcaller had finished, and pocketed her stone.


    ¡°Never go deeper into the cemetery without a black crystal. The dead are restless here, and while they don¡¯t rise until the Night of the Undead, their spirits tend to dwell in the grounds. The cemetery grounds can be dangerous,¡± she explained.


    ¡°The cemetery is haunted?¡± Pearl asked, looking around at the mass graves.


    ¡°All cemeteries are haunted,¡± Crowcaller said, her eyes lightening up.


    Pearl had never been one to believe in ghost stories. Burials were all about laying the dead to rest and to move on. Now, her mouth was set in a grim line as she glanced about, her eyes darting back towards Coral.


    Coral pretended she couldn¡¯t see Pearl looking at her bruised face, and instead focused on looking out at the grounds. It spread across to the other side of the river with a narrow stone bridge that connected each side. There were only a few trees, and none of the usual kept garden beds, though some graves did have emerging greenery from the ground with buds forming.


    They followed along behind the crowd, slowly making their way over the bridge. As the arched stone bridge was quite narrow, only allowing two people to cross comfortably side by side, there was a queue forming. It gave Coral ample time to read the tombstones as she passed them.


    Most had nothing written on them. Just a simple flat stone protruding from the earth as a marker that someone lay beneath. Other gravestones were carved with messages as ¡®Can¡¯t take my socks now, Frederick,¡¯ and ¡®Went swimming in the Dire River, fell victim to a shiver.¡¯


    ¡°Why are there so many unnamed headstones?¡± Pearl asked. She was examining a crumbling stone that looked like it had been hit by lightning.


    ¡°When the Night of the Undead ends, we¡¯re left with the remains scattered everywhere. If the body has disintegrated to the point that their just bones, it¡¯s hard to know who is who,¡± Crowcaller explained.


    ¡°We tie them with a bit of something to identify who they were,¡± Elwin said. He was waiting behind them, his arms crossed as he was looking out over towards a churned-up area. The ground was lumpy and barren over at that section, with a large gravestone with a message Coral could not read from this distance.


    ¡°That¡¯s where we put all the bodies we can¡¯t identify. Once the Adventurer¡¯s are done hacking them to bits. Arms, legs, heads. Any bit left lying around all goes into that mass grave over there.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that upset anyone?¡± Pearl asked, her eyes round. She gave the choppy ground a cautionary glance.


    ¡°Yes. We used to let families try to identify their loved ones, but that made things harder. People fighting over body pieces. All for it to happen again next year. It drove me mad. Now, if a grave goes empty, their name is added to the gravestone over there.¡± Crowcaller pointed out the gravestone at the head of the mass grave. ¡°And whatever piece that can¡¯t be matched up goes in there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot of names,¡± Pearl said. ¡°The cemetery is so full.¡±


    That was an understatement. There was scarcely room for them to walk through without stepping on someone¡¯s grave. For the first time, Coral really understood why the Night of the Undead was an event that drew adventurers to Direwood. This was just one part of the cemetery. When the dead rise at midwinter, how many would there be?


    Did animals reanimate too? Coral didn¡¯t think she could stand having dead rats scuttling throughout her house. Disgusting. Maybe she too would get into the spirit of the night and clobber a few of those if she needed to.


    What self-respecting woman wanted festering corpses flitting through her walls. Coral gave an involuntary shiver. The smell would be horrendous.


    ¡°Are You alright?¡± Crowcaller asked, looking over at Coral.


    ¡°I¡¯m not fond of dead things,¡± Coral told her.


    ¡°I thought for a moment you were being harassed by ghosts again,¡± Crowcaller said with a grin.


    It was their turn to cross the bridge. Elwin let Coral and Pearl step out onto the bridge behind a burly man that resembled a bear, who was so broad he had taken up the entire width. Coral stepped slowly behind the man and had a moment to look over the side, back towards the mountain range and somewhere in the distance, Moonflower Inn. Coral couldn¡¯t see her manor from here, but she felt a pull towards it. Like it was calling for her to return.


    The Dire River rushed beneath the bridge, the flow of water swift and burbling. This part of the river flowed through the cemetery and down towards the rest of town. This river must have been quite deep, as river boats used it to bring goods to the town.


    There was a boat now that came down the river, their wares hidden in crates that were covered with tarps. There were a few men who were clustered around a large cage, with a small animal with wings that buffeted its body against the bars. Coral watched a moment as they threw a rope over the rocking cage and secured it. The animal made an odd noise that sounded like a chirping cat. Then she caught a flash of a black, long tail. Coral leant closer to the edge of the bridge to get a closer look, her hands clasping around the iron spokes that caged her in the cemetery grounds. The creature moved again, and Coral gasped.


    It was a dragon. Coral was certain of it. It was too far away to see any real detail, but she had seen the flicker of wings.


    ¡°Pearl look,¡± Coral said, reaching for her sister.


    Pearl stepped up beside Coral and squinted between the bars. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve got a dragon. Don¡¯t get too excited though. It¡¯s probably extra stock or something. I wouldn¡¯t mind one, it¡¯ll keep me nice and warm outside,¡± Elwin said, rubbing his hands together for warmth.


    Crowcaller looked over at the boat, then said ¡°Dragon¡¯s are a hassle to look after. I¡¯ve watched riders and handler¡¯s deal with the King¡¯s dragons, and I can tell you that dragons are too smart for their own good.¡±


    ¡°What were they like?¡± Pearl asked curious.


    ¡°Obnoxious and egotistical,¡± Crowcaller answered.


    Pearl pulled away from the bars to look at Crowcaller. It could not be clearer that Crowcaller was not interested in Dragons.


    ¡°How can dragons be egotistical?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°Oh, no. Their riders and handlers are. The dragons were fine,¡± Crowcaller said.


    Coral and Pearl stepped forward, not wanting to be left behind. She could see that the town¡¯s folk were crammed into the other side of the cemetery, clustered around three freshly dug holes that had been piled high with logs and straw. The pyres already had bodies set atop of them.


    From this vantage point, Coral could just make out Doctor Thornheart in the crowd, standing with the families that had lost one of their own.


    Coral hadn¡¯t been expecting funeral pyres, not in a cemetery. The dead peppered the ground beneath their feet. Why would they need to burn the bodies rather than bury them?


    Elwin must have seen the look of confusion on her face, for he leant over and quietly murmured to Coral and Pearl. ¡°We don¡¯t bury anyone here unless we have no choice. It hurts too much to find the bodies of loved one¡¯s roaming about and having to re-bury them all over again.¡±


    Now that Elwin had said it, Coral did note that she hadn¡¯t seen any newer tombstones. Everything here was old and battered.


    ¡°When did you stop burying people?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°A few years now. Since before I was born. I think we¡¯ve only ever actually buried someone in here about three or four times. That was because we didn¡¯t have a choice. Sometimes it rains for weeks.¡±


    A gravestone had caught Coral¡¯s eye that read ¡®Arnold Chuck, pecked to death by his beloved chickens¡¯.  There were no dates for his lifespan. The stone was weathered and had clusters of fungus growing across the surface.


    It made her wonder what Direwood village would put on her gravestone. Perhaps ¡®Indulged in cheese and wine too much¡¯. Or perhaps, as Orvil Norwood had apparently said, ¡®The scurge on Direwood¡¯.


    It had an oddly nice ring to it. Coral could get behind an ominous message on her gravestone.


    Though she didn¡¯t fancy the idea of Pearl having to replant her back in the ground each year, possibly missing a limb or two until there was nothing else left to lose.


    ¡°Do the undead drag themselves by the teeth if they haven¡¯t any limbs?¡± Coral asked curiously.


    Pearl gasped and looked askance at Coral. But it was Crowcaller¡¯s simple ¡°Yes,¡± that prevented Pearl from trying to reprimand Coral¡¯s rudeness.


    ¡°They do?¡± Pearl said. She took a step further away from the tombstones she stood close to. It didn¡¯t really help, as there were graves on all sides. Pearl stood dead centre in the path, pressing her arms to either side of her body in an attempt to not touch anything either.


    ¡°Every part of a reanimated body that can move, will crawl,¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°Wait until you see your first severed foot use it¡¯s toes to pull itself around,¡± Elwin said enthusiastically, as though there was no finer entertainment.

 Tunnel to the graveyard

    As far as funerals went, this was one of the saddest that Coral had ever attended. She was sure that her own mother¡¯s funeral was just as sad, but in a very different way. She had lost her own mother when she was a child, and in her memory, it was a distant whirlwind of half remembered faces and confused glimpses.


    People she had barely known murmuring condolences. Her straight back, shoulders aching and laced tightly in her dress. The uncontrollable shaking. The disdainful glare from her father. The casket being lowered into the ground, the tombstone a simple marker for a life once lived. Her father¡¯s friends convincing him to join them moments after the burial had finished to attend a toad race, leaving her to host the remainder of the ceremony.


    Coral had been thirteen at the time, Pearl only two years younger than her. Even then she had been forced into mourning garb, her face veiled as she couldn¡¯t keep the tears from flowing down her cheeks.


    She had tried to keep her crying as silent as possible. It was shameful for someone of their status to openly weep, as though they were above emotions.


    Her father was just heartless. Her mother had been forced to marry Eirek Farley and it had been her downfall. The only happy memories she ever had was when it was just Pearl, Coral and her Mother.


    Coral didn¡¯t even get to say goodbye before her mother passed away, taken by a sickness she didn¡¯t even know she had.


    She wished she could have said all the hateful things in her heart to her father on his deathbed. It would have been nice to see the look on his face.


    This funeral was everything Coral would have wanted when she buried her mother. The three families cried and were unafraid to show their tears. Loving words were spoken by all, reminiscing with their finest moments, or their happiest. The fathers spoke with pride and heartbreak, brothers laughing at some mischief they had gotten into.


    The outreaching support for the family was both heartbreaking and wonderful to see. Coral hadn¡¯t known these three people, but when it came time to light the pyres, she felt like she had known them all along.


    Each family placed a trinket to their beloved, the thing that reminded them the most that brought them joy. A wooden toy sword. A fine golden necklace, and finally a hand painted picture of their family.


    Coral almost felt herself come undone seeing the picture placed between the hands of a young woman. She wouldn¡¯t cry. Her heart ached for the loss of these three families. It ached for her mother and what she had lost long ago. Coral did not judge them when they cried out as the pyre was lit, and the flames grew quickly.


    The town stood in silent vigil as the three bodies burned, supporting those who had lost their dear ones. The sunset behind the billowing smoke was a burnished red, the last rays of light drifting slowly further away. Most funerals were held at sunset, and with the dying light their family and friends sent them on into the netherworld.


    Long shadows danced in the firelight, and there was a stir of movement from behind the gathered people that caught the attention of more than a few. Nervous glances were thrown behind them to search the shadows while clutching their black crystals tight.


    Coral watched on, ignoring the cold touches along the back of her neck and the breathy whispers of voices long gone, and instead slowly reached out for Pearl. Pearl weaved her fingers through Coral¡¯s and squeezed, her glassy eyes more than understanding.


    Funerals were hard for Coral. She didn¡¯t shy away from them. The closure was important, the last goodbye gesture before returning the body to the earth. It was seeing the sorrow and pain that tore at Coral, and it was always a bittersweet moment to see it displayed so openly here.


    Coral was glad Pearl said nothing. There were no words of comfort for either of them. Nothing, except the knowledge that Coral still had her sister. She squeezed Pearls hand back, quirking the corner of her mouth up.


    Over the course of an hour, the fire¡¯s burned hot enough that even from where Coral stood at the back of the crowd, she wasn¡¯t cold. Slowly, people began to drift further out amongst the graves, talking in hushed voices. Crowcaller and Elwin stayed with Coral and Pearl, both standing straight and holding their arms behind their back. They followed as Coral decided to step away and stroll through the graveyard like the others.


    Coral took her time reading the names carved into the stones, ignoring any flitter of movement she caught in the corner of her eyes. She clutched at her own black crystal, hoping it was enough to ward off any untoward attention from lingering spirits.


    She hoped Crowcaller had only been joking when she had said that all cemeteries were haunted. One haunted mansion was enough for her.


    Pearl stayed nearby, her head turning back towards the crowd still mostly gathered by the burning pyres. It wasn¡¯t until Pearl kept looking back in one particular direction that Coral caught on what she was looking at. Caspian and the woman he arrived at the funeral with.


    It seemed both of their hearts were a little battered this evening.


    Well, this wouldn¡¯t do. Coral was not going to let herself drift in melancholy this evening, nor would she allow Pearl to do so either.


    ¡°I bought you something,¡± Coral said, deciding that now was the right time to tell her sister rather than wait for the surprise.


    Pearl looked back; her lips pulled into a small grimace. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I bought you some snapdragons for the garden. Have you thought much about what design you would like to do?¡±


    To many, buying flowers would seem like a small gesture. For Pearl, it was everything. They had discussed long and hard about how they would spend their money on restoring the manor. It had been decided that they needed to make their new home fit for living, which meant that Pearl¡¯s dream of a lush, vivid garden was a long sought after dream.


    The flowers, while still only a small gesture, would be enough to encourage Pearl to keep her dream alive, even if for now it was just a small flower patch. Coral wanted her sister to be as happy here in Direwood, just as much as she wanted to carve a new future for themselves.


    ¡°Oh. Thank you,¡± Pearl said, still a little distracted. She glanced back at Caspian, who was standing close to the woman at the front of the crowd.


    ¡°Pearl,¡± Coral said gently. She stepped over a fallen tombstone, careful not to tread on the plot, and stood in front of her sister to block off her view.


    Pearl, as pretty as ever even with a crestfallen face, hunched her shoulders and shivered a little. It was much colder from this distance. Coral ought to consider buying themselves much thicker coats for the winter if it was this cold in autumn. She had some money to spare, and it would be worth the extra coin to see her sister wrapped up in a lovely coat.


    Pearl focused her attention on Coral. She inhaled, then said, ¡°I...I have given it some thought. I want to plant ornamental pear trees along the drive. That would look lovely in spring.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always liked the flowering Pear tree¡¯s,¡± Coral encouraged.


    ¡°And I want a secret garden, with a pond with rainbow fish and lily pads. Garden beds filled with all sorts of colourful flowers that bloom all year round,¡± Pearl said, now more attentive to what she was saying.


    ¡°I approve. We¡¯ll have to start the garden beds this winter in time for us to plant the trees. It may take some time for them to arrive here,¡± Coral said, rambling enough to engage her sister¡¯s attention.


    ¡°I thought we couldn¡¯t afford it?¡± Pearl said, sounding confused.


    Coral shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve given it some thought. We have our bedrooms, and once the Winter Salon is mould free, we would need to attract guests. We can start small, and when we can finally plant as many snapdragons, bluebells, lupin¡¯s and peonies as you want, we would have at least some kind of garden for you to manage rather than the wild mess we have now.¡±


    ¡°Roses too,¡± Pearl said with a small smile. ¡°The trailing ones so I can grow them over pathways. And I want to try growing some of the mage-flowers too, like Joy Buttons that make people want to laugh.¡±


    Coral nodded, not bothering to mention that Joy Buttons were well known for inducing uncontrollable laughter for hours. If her sister wanted it, she could put up with the giggles for who knows how long.


    ¡°I thought I saw some books on plants somewhere,¡± Coral wasn¡¯t sure, but there had been many books scattered throughout the mansion that there was a good chance some could have been based on plant topics. ¡°I was hoping you could grow herbs as well. We would benefit greatly from a vegetable plot to rely on. It¡¯s probably too late to plant vegetables now but come the following year it would be good to rely on our own grown food.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea,¡± Crowcaller said, walking up behind them. ¡°The snow can get quite deep during winter, and traveling can be quite difficult. You would also do well with owning a horse being that far from town.¡±


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    ¡°A horse would be good, though the stables are in desperate need of repair before we could get one. We would need to keep the horse warm, and we have a hard enough time as it is keeping ourselves from freezing,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to deliver whatever you need in winter, the snow won¡¯t stop me,¡± Elwin added.


    ¡°Elwin, are you a courier or an apprentice?¡± Crowcaller asked, sounding genuinely curious. ¡°You have a lot of study work you¡¯ve yet to finish. Cecil has told me you¡¯ve barely read the titles of your set books. Do I need to remind you that you¡¯re expected to finish it by winter?


    ¡°No,¡± Elwin said sulkily. ¡°I can run up to Lady Seaver¡¯s manor and be back in no time. I just want to help.¡±


    ¡°A mark of a hero, then. A very stupid hero who won¡¯t know his hob-goblins from Kobolds,¡± Crowcaller said.


    Elwin looked thoroughly annoyed, mumbling under his breath that he did know the difference, but not loud enough to warrant further comment from Crowcaller.


    ¡°What is the difference between a hob-goblin and kobold?¡± Pearl asked timidly.


    ¡°Elwin,¡± Crowcaller said, looking expectantly at him.


    ¡°Kobolds are usually invisible but can materialise as a human-like child. You can tell something isn¡¯t quite right with them, like their ears are too big or large eyes too far apart. They like to live around human settlements, in mines or on ships, and if insulted they will be a nuisance to the people that live there,¡± Elwin said quickly, looking directly at Crowcaller, as though he were determined to prove that he did know the differences.


    Coral certainly didn¡¯t. She thought they were one and the same.


    ¡°Hobgoblins are also child size, have long pointed ears, generally cranky and have destructive magic powerful enough that you don¡¯t want to cross paths with them. Normally they¡¯re neither good nor bad. Both Kobolds and Hobgoblins can help with domestic chores if you¡¯re good to them, but usually end in disaster when you engage with either of them as they take insult to even well-meaning intentions.¡±


    ¡°Hobgoblins are ugly as a pile of troll droppings,¡± Crowcaller said, pointedly ignoring if Elwin was correct or not.


    ¡°I always thought they looked like tiny old men with long beards,¡± Pearl said, looking thoughtful.


    ¡°A lot do have beards, but that would be because a lot of them have atrocious hygiene. Some don¡¯t clean themselves for months. The unclean ones reek. Kind of like sour piss,¡± Crowcaller said.


    Coral grimaced, and Pearl looked shocked at hearing another woman say the word ¡®piss¡¯ so casually. Pearl had many more ladylike sensitivities to surpass when dealing with more down-to-earth people.


    Coral just had to expose Pearl to more vulgar language. One day, Pearl might even swear. That would be a nice touch on besmirching her father. In his opinion, women were merely more than ornamental trinkets that could fetch some coin and pop out babies.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad we don¡¯t have any hobgoblins or Kobolds around the manor. It¡¯s bad enough that it¡¯s haunted,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°Sshh,¡± Coral hushed, flapping her hand at her and looking about to see if anyone else was nearby that could have caught on to what Pearl had said. Funerals, despite the sorrow and grief, was always accompanied by gossip mongers. Coral didn¡¯t want to be the one to spread the rumour of their haunted mansion about town.


    She caught Caspian looking in their direction, and though Coral doubted he could see her expression this far out in the dark, she glared at him for good measure, as though he knew what they were talking about.


    Her friendly opinion of Caspian had quickly shrivelled up. He had saved them, but that didn¡¯t mean she had to like him now that he was parading another woman on his arm.


    ¡°Did you find anything useful from our archives about your manor?¡± Crowcaller asked.


    There were still plenty of people scattered nearby, anyone of them within hearing distance. Not wanting to be overheard Coral began to walk, motioning for the others to follow, and headed towards the fence line of the graveyard where a long line of mausoleums stood, battered and worn as ever.


    ¡°I did, actually. It¡¯s good to know the names of who lived there before, it makes the idea of a necromancer more human rather than a complete monster.¡±


    ¡°Necromancers are complete monsters. They go against the general law of nature itself, purposely choosing to do monstrous things to revive the dead and deal in death. You¡¯ve for to be a special kind of fucked up to be a necromancer,¡± Crowcaller said. She reached out and plucked at a padlock hanging from a thick metal chain crisscrossing a door to one of the crypts.


    ¡°At least with an actual monster, you know what to expect. They want to eat, sleep, some live in perpetual anger. Some just want to do their own thing. They follow their natural state. With a person who chooses to do horrendous acts against humanity, they¡¯re more dangerous. They have become a monster.¡±


    There was a murmur behind them, loud enough that they all turned to look. No one stood nearby, and there was nothing but shadows and weather-worn stone.  ¡°The dead should stay dead,¡± Crowcaller said quietly.


    ¡°Not fond of ghosts then I take it?¡± Coral asked in a teasing tone, hoping to lighten the mood. The hair on the back of her neck was rising. She shuddered violently as a ripple of cold washed down her spine.


    She shouldn¡¯t poke fun. Coral herself nearly had her nose broken from dealing with ghosts, and she couldn¡¯t have said that was an enjoyable experience.


    Crowcaller shrugged one of her shoulders. ¡°Can¡¯t say I enjoy the shadow creepers, no. But working in Direwood is good for my purse, and something is always happening where I¡¯m rendered useful. I¡¯d much rather be here than the capital.¡±


    The stone in Coral¡¯s hand vibrated gently. She looked down at it in surprise. Coral had entered graveyards before, and each time the stone she had carried had never reacted. She had thought it more ceremonial than anything.


    Pearl too held up her hand, her eyes fixated on her own quivering stone.


    ¡°Keep your eyes sharp,¡± Crowcaller warned.


    Elwin rested a hand on the hilt of his sword, and he scanned the area. What he thought he could do with a sword against a ghost was laughable to Coral, but she couldn¡¯t deny that even that act was in a way a form of comfort.


    All she had was a shiny black rock. What was she supposed to do with that? Bludgeon the incorporeal spirit with it?


    Maybe she¡¯ll take it home and have a go at throwing it at the ghosts in her house. It couldn¡¯t hurt. Hopefully. At the very least she could make a game out of it until she got rid of them.


    It was dark enough that Coral could only just make out the faces of each person in the distant firelight. Otherwise, it was too dark to see naught but shapes.


    ¡°Why is it vibrating. It¡¯s never done that before,¡± Pearl said, squeezing her fingers around the stone.


    ¡°Restless spirits,¡± Crowcaller said. ¡°Best if you get back to the rest of the crowd, you¡¯re less likely to get picked on if you¡¯re with them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather stay out with the ghosts,¡± Pearl mumbled, her eyes trailing back to where Caspian stood. ¡°Who¡¯s¡¯ that woman Mister Acheron arrived with?¡± Pearl asked, the question bursting out of her as though she couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer.


    ¡°Lady Collette Berryann. She¡¯s lovely, but I wouldn¡¯t get close with her if I were you. She¡¯s favoured by Octavian Acheron. Well, until his new wife Lady Velika Acheron came along. You¡¯re more likely to see Lady Collette in town than the Acheron¡¯s, on account that she¡¯s somehow remained human even after all the years she¡¯s lived with them,¡± Elwin said.


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Pearl said, sounding bitter.


    ¡°She still lives with Mr Acheron despite his new wife. Is she a mistress then?¡± Coral asked, ensuring to keep her voice quiet. If she heard anyone gossiping about her like this, she¡¯d want the ground to swallow her up. Or she¡¯d box their ears. That was probably a more likely scenario.


    Oh cursed oblivion, she was a hypocrite. She was gossiping about others.


    ¡°I think so,¡± Elwin said, quieting his own voice. ¡°What else could she be other than a food supply.¡±


    ¡°Good company?¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°Surely one would run out of topics to discuss after being cooped up inside with the same people?¡± Pearl said.


    Crowcaller grinned at Pearl. ¡°You¡¯re too innocent. I didn¡¯t mean Collette Berryman was a conversationalist. Wine and dine would be a more likely situation, with Collette being both the meal and wine.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Pearl said, as realisation dawned on her.


    A creak of metal made Coral pause. It was the sound of a rusty hinge swinging open. All four of them glanced over at the third crypt down from them. Then, just like a nightmare made real, the door shuddered. Pearl squeaked in surprise, treading backwards until she ran into Elwin, who braced her before she tripped over her own feet.


    The door thudded again, the thick chains rattling.


    Crowcaller stepped out in front of Coral, her hand going to her hip, only to grasp at nothing. She had left her sword behind. Coral was thoroughly impressed with the creative flux of swear words that streamed out of Crowcaller¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m fighting with my knuckles tonight,¡± Crowcaller snarled, flexing her fingers.


    ¡°I thought the dead only rose at midwinter?¡± Pearl said, her voice high pitched with fright.


    ¡°They do. Until tonight I guess,¡± Elwin said, though he sounded more excited.


    There was a moment of silence as the thing behind the crypt door fell still. Then in a quick burst, the door swung open, ripping the thick chain loose. Coral wanted to scream, but all she could manage was a breathless ¡®Huh¡¯ as the hulking figure of Silas stepped from the darkness, his silver eyes flashing as they caught the firelight.


    He stared back at them, surprised to see them as much as they were of him.


    ¡°Silas,¡± Elwin groaned, sounding more than disappointed. He dropped his hand away from his sword. ¡°I thought the dead had risen early.¡±


    ¡°What in the cursed shit are you doing here?¡± Crowcaller snapped.


    ¡°Following the tunnels,¡± Silas said gruffly. His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath. ¡°The bloody ghoul has a network of them down there.¡±


    Coral stepped forward, brushing past Silas to look down into the crypt that he had emerged. She didn¡¯t like the idea that her manor was connected to the graveyard. Especially as all that stood between her home and a hoard of undead, was a stone door and a lock. Coral stared into the depths before her, imagining a swarming mass of limbs and groaning skeletons.


    The tunnel was pitch black. How had Silas been able to see anything without a lantern?


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure the tunnel is blocked off,¡± Silas said.


    ¡°That¡¯s not reassuring. The undead could break through a barricade. I want the whole thing filled to the brim with stone and whatever else before midwinter,¡± Coral insisted. She turned to look back at Silas and Crowcaller to implore them to agree, but whatever Coral was about to say died on her tongue.


    In the distant firelight, what she had first thought was dirt, turned out to be large swathes of blood smeared across Silas¡¯s face.


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Coral asked, alarmed.


    ¡°No,¡± Silas said. ¡°Just filthy. I suppose it¡¯s only fair you see me like this, since I first saw you dressed in gore.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t remind me,¡± Coral winced. There was a knot in her chest that eased now. A knot she hadn¡¯t known was there until her body physically relaxed on seeing Silas returned. It came as a surprise to know that she had felt afraid for Silas, despite his bravado.


    It would be a shame to have such a handsome man be ruined by a ghoul. A ghoul she set him after, no less. What eye candy could she enjoy then?


    ¡°Have you been playing down in those tunnels all day?¡± Crowcaller said, crossing her arms and frowning. ¡°I expected you back hours ago. Haven¡¯t you killed the beast yet?¡±


    Silas actively bristled at this. He let out a low growl of frustration before saying, ¡°I have killed it. Four times. The thing keeps resurrecting and running off before I can destroy it¡¯s bloody body.¡±


    He wrapped a warm hand about Coral¡¯s shoulder and pulled her away from the crypt before slamming the door shut. He picked up the thick chain, and on seeing the broken links, he looped them through each other and squeezed the ends. When he dropped the chain, the links had closed off.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you and Pearl out of the open before it comes hunting you down.¡± Silas said. Without warning, he caught Coral by the wrist and pulled her along in his wake. He marched her through the tombstones and past curious onlookers. There was a rise in murmurs as Silas walked through the crowd and over the bridge. This time, it wasn¡¯t the restless dead causing the stir. It was Silas¡¯s display of manhandling.

 A way to repay debt

    Silas did not release Coral. Not even when it became obvious that she was actively trying to pull her arm free of his grip. He tugged her along, ignoring her attempts to squirm and twist free.


    He finally let go when she and the others stopped at the back door to the Dog House.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Coral asked. She had expected to be brought back to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild.


    Silas already struck Coral as a man of few words, so it was hardly a surprise that he didn¡¯t answer her. At least, not with words. He reached into up to the little gable roof sheltering the back door, and fished out a key that had been hidden in the bracing. Coral supposed the key was safe enough there from most people, as you would have to had been as tall as Silas to be able to reach it. For someone who towered over most people, even he had to stretch out completely.


    Or a ladder. But who carried one of those around with them?


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be overheard,¡± Silas said, inserting the key and letting himself inside. Coral this time was free to enter under her own admission.


    Coral¡¯s wrist tingled where Silas¡¯s skin had made contact with hers. She rubbed at it, confused by her roiling emotions.


    At first, she had been embarrassed and incensed at being handled in such a fashion. She should have expected it, considering he had hauled her off her feet prior to this.


    If Silas hadn¡¯t wanted to be overheard, he shouldn¡¯t have drawn so much attention with his little display back there, pulling Coral around like a misbehaving child.


    Who was going to overhear them at the Adventurer¡¯s Guild if they were in a private room?


    ¡°Won¡¯t the owner be coming back soon? The funeral is almost over,¡± Coral said. At this, she turned to see a small group of people walking quietly down the cobbled road.


    Coral released her wrist as Silas turned to look back at her over his shoulder. She was conscious of the way his eyes lingered on her wrist, which brought forward another unexplainable and completely unreasonable emotion. Underneath her foremost annoyance, there was a tiny part of her that had liked Silas¡¯s touch.


    Which was ridiculous.


    Was jealousy eating that much at her, that when she finally gets the attention of another, her heart instantly approves ¨C whether wanted or not. Sure, it had been embarrassing to watch Caspian flirt unabashedly with Pearl. But Coral didn¡¯t want to complicate her life further by including a beau into her world. She was already hiding from an unwanted marriage.


    Coral couldn¡¯t deny that she would enjoy the attention from a handsome man. Perhaps it was a result of no longer having to participate in her father¡¯s schemes to win over the sons and daughters of rich nobles. The lack of flirtations was obviously getting to her. If Silas smiled at her right now, would that be her undoing?


    Oh, she was going to need to feed herself some cursed chocolate.


    Silas, oblivious to Coral¡¯s internal struggle, stepped into the darkened room and swung the door wide for her.


    ¡°I am the owner,¡± Silas said, waiting for her to move.


    Well, damn. There went the niggling thoughts in the back of her mind that were willing to entertain some kind of courtship with Silas. Not that he seemed interested. Coral wouldn¡¯t even acknowledge the flutter of warmth knowing that Silas was going to be her main competitor come the Night of the Undead to attract patrons.


    If she ever got Moonflower Inn into a respectable state. She feared what the gothic mansion would look like with all its windows boarded up.


    Pearl stepped forward first, giving Coral a sidelong glance beneath her lashes. ¡°Silas said he doesn¡¯t want us out in the open. I¡¯m fine with the Dogs House if it means getting inside a few minutes earlier,¡± Pearl said.


    Coral was forced to follow her sister, with Elwin hovering at her back looking like an overeager guard dog. Silas took them through the dark kitchen, through some back rooms and up a flight of stairs and came out to the first floor landing.


    On the way up, Crowcaller had collected a lantern and lit it, rather than lighting the whole room up. She set it down at a table with the plush seats.


    Coral settled herself down on one of the plush chairs and waited for someone other than herself to speak first.


    Silas seemed content to sit in the dark, his eyes flashing in the lantern light.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d have thought that you were dragging this out,¡± Crowcaller said. ¡°I know you don¡¯t find a lot of challenges in Direwood, but surely you¡¯ve killed the Ghoul enough times now.¡±


    Silas glowered. ¡°This one seems like it has a strong will to survive.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me!¡± Coral said, crossing her arms and frowning back at Silas. ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one that killed it. If you ask me, you should have Caspian Acheron as bait to keep it around if you¡¯re having so much trouble destroying its body.¡±


    ¡°This Ghoul is a freak of nature. When a ghoul is slaughtered, the body parts slowly draw themselves back together. They can¡¯t move until everything has regenerated. Ghouls don¡¯t heal as fast as this one does. It can move and attack with out a head,¡± Silas growled out, looking murderous.


    ¡°I¡¯ve not come across any records of Ghouls being capable of what it has been doing. It¡¯s doing things it absolutely should not be.¡±


    ¡°How is the ghoul escaping?¡± Crowcaller asked, sounding more intrigued than anything else.


    ¡°The first time, it took us too long to build up enough heat on the pyre to burn. It resurrected, while burning, then ran off,¡± Silas said, crossing his own arms. He looked angry at having to admit what had gone wrong.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tie it down?¡± Elwin asked.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t have a head. I didn¡¯t expect it to reattach it while being cooked,¡± Silas said.


    ¡°But haven¡¯t you taken a ghoul down before?¡± Pearl asked in a small voice.


    ¡°Like I said,¡± said Silas with an air of trying to control himself. ¡°It has a strong will to survive. The one I dealt with way back, there was already a lit brazier to use. Fire itself won¡¯t kill the ghoul. You need the right temperature. Otherwise, you only make it angry.¡±


    ¡°What other ways has it escaped,¡± Crowcaller asked. ¡°You aren¡¯t one to make mistakes, so this is highly unusual for you.¡±


    ¡°When we had it pinned down, it gnawed its own limbs off. With its decapitated head. It regenerates fast, so when we realised what was happening, it had torn its own arms free and took off.¡±


    ¡°One of our team got badly injured. After we killed it, our focus was on keeping Norden Ruesong alive. While the others burnt it. Except it regenerated faster than we were expecting and had to fight it off. The pyre in the fight got knocked out. When my team killed it again for the fifth time, we separated it¡¯s head and ran it down one of the tunnels far enough away that gave us a chance to get Norden out of there and looked after.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain it¡¯s a ghoul?¡± Crowcaller asked, frowning.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what else it could be,¡± Silas snapped.


    ¡°It sounds like one of the undead,¡± Pearl said quietly, almost as though she hadn¡¯t hoped to be heard.


    ¡°It could be. The Ghoul would have been made by a necromancer, whether it was twenty-five years ago or not. Either way, it¡¯s still going to come after it¡¯s marked prey first. Anyone who doesn¡¯t kill the Ghoul in the first strike will be its next victim,¡± Crowcaller said.


    Silas turned his head slowly, so that he could look straight at Crowcaller, his face hidden by darkness. Except that Coral could see his clenched jaw in the lantern light.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°There will be no more victims,¡± Silas snarled.


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Crowcaller said, uninterested in his foul mood. ¡°Of course there won¡¯t be any more victims, not with you on a hunt.¡±


    ¡°Tell me Coral, who struck the ghoul first,¡± Crowcaller said, changing the direction of the topic abruptly.


    Coral was quiet for a moment as she recalled the ghoul attack. It almost felt like that night had been some horrific nightmare, only half remembered and the details foggy. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Mr Acheron threw the ghoul around at first,¡± Coral said, thinking hard.


    She could feel her body protest against years of mannerism training. Coral wanted to let herself react how her body wanted to move ¨C to look up to the left so her eyes didn¡¯t have anything distracting her. Namely, Silas¡¯s devastatingly handsome face.


    She wished he would clean the blood from his face.


    The training won out however, and Coral changed her focus to Elwin. He looked positively elated to be here. His chest was all puffed up and chin held proudly aloft.


    ¡°Does throwing the ghoul around count as a strike if it hits something hard enough?¡± Coral asked.


    Crowcaller tapped her knee with a finger, before saying, ¡°It¡¯s entirely possible. You did strike the ghoul with a blunt knife, did you not?¡± Crowcaller asked.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t that blunt,¡± Coral said, feeling embarrassed. It had been a stupid thing to do.


    ¡°Both Caspian Acheron and Coral are its next prey then, Crowcaller said, looking thoughtful.


    ¡°If you¡¯re about to suggest what I think you¡¯re going to say,¡± Silas grumbled out. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in involving anyone other than my team and apprentices. It¡¯s bad enough inexperienced trainee¡¯s are at high risk. It¡¯s why Ruesong was hurt, Silas said.


    ¡°I think Coral is right. You need bait to keep it interested enough to stay so you can finish it off. Or, a cage,¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°A cage, yes. Bait, no.¡± Silas said. ¡°Have you not been listening at all? This thing is not a normal ghoul. It¡¯s mutated, or whatever twisted magic is keeping it alive, has made it stronger and resurrects faster. For that reason alone, I won¡¯t be bringing Coral along to dangle her like an extra juicy bone in front of this thing.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t offer to be bait,¡± Coral said sharply. ¡°You can use Caspian for that.¡±


    Pearl gave her a reproachful look.


    Coral refused to feel any remorse for that comment. Caspian was a strong vampire, he was significantly more useful in that situation than Coral was. Had it escaped their notice that she was most definitely not an Adventurer. Up until that night, the most dangerous encounter she had with dealing with monsters was on her travels here, where she had been nestled inside a carriage while the caravan that took her and Pearl in used hired swords had dealt with any beasts that came sniffing around.


    That, and being dropped on her face from two misbehaving ghosts.


    ¡°We can¡¯t be sure the ghoul is after Caspian, seeing as he managed to kill it and present himself as another predator,¡± Crowcaller said. ¡°You¡¯ll be keeping the town safe. You¡¯ll keep Pearl safe, if you help us.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Silas growled out.


    ¡°Silas and his team will keep you safe, while you help the town. You can prevent more nights like the one you just witnessed tonight,¡± Crowcaller said, her face closing off as she spoke.


    ¡°No,¡± Coral said simply.


    ¡°You can¡¯t put Coral in danger like that. She was the one who notified you all, so as far as I see it, you owe her. Coral can¡¯t fight. What if she gets hurt?¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°The Guild will compensate you for your efforts,¡± Crowcaller said blandly.


    Coral still had to pay for the cursed letter her father had sent. As she hadn¡¯t accepted the large pile of letters accumulating in Crowcaller¡¯s office, Coral didn¡¯t need to pay for them. Coral had made sure to stay clear of the letters as much as possible, just in case she accidentally opened another and got cursed a second time in the process. .


    The word ¡®No¡¯ wanted to come out of her mouth, urged on by self-preservation. Except Coral needed every coin she could get. More so, for her grandiose plans for Moonflower Inn.


    Renovation costs and the preparations for the Night of the Undead would be quite significant. Nothing ever went smoothly when renovating. Look at her now, sitting in a dark tavern with the head of Direwood Adventurer¡¯s Guild, and a named Adventurer, with one luring her in to be bait.


    She had ghosts in her mansion to deal with. A tunnel and necromancer¡¯s lair she now needed to fill up. A curse to discover and or absolve herself of, whatever it may be. Windows and holes needed to be boarded up, so she didn¡¯t have the Undead wreaking havoc in her home.


    She hadn¡¯t finished removing the mould from the Winter Salon.


    She hadn¡¯t even bought winter attire for themselves. The autumn in Direwood was particularly chilly.


    Coral had to start earning more money soon, otherwise they were likely to burn through what they did have.


    ¡°What kind of compensation,¡± Coral asked slowly.


    ¡°You can¡¯t put a price on your life!¡± Pearl squeaked in outrage.


    ¡°It¡¯s happened before,¡± Coral reminded Pearl.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wipe the debt,¡± Crowcaller offered.


    Coral had to bite her tongue to keep herself from saying ¡°Is my life worth so little to you?¡±. At least her father had sold her off for a hefty sum.


    But here in Direwood, Coral Seaver wasn¡¯t the daughter of a well known noble. Albeit her father¡¯s terrible reputation. While she could have hedged for a better deal, there was nothing the Adventurer¡¯s Guild could offer Coral that she wanted. Besides, having Crowcaller more amiable towards her would work far better in Coral¡¯s favour.


    At least, she hoped so. Crowcaller didn¡¯t appear to be the kind to take advantage of one¡¯s generosity.


    ¡°If you wipe the debt, destroy the remainder of those abominable letters, and assure my safety, then we have an agreement,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°NO,¡± Silas roared out, his hands grasping hard at the arms of his chair, the wood splintering between his fingers.


    A shame, Coral liked these comfortable chairs.


    Silas leant forward, teeth clenched hard, his eyes burning as he glared at Coral.


    Coral refused to look affected by his outburst. She stared right back at him, face blank and back straight. Inside, her heart had leapt to her throat, and fear trickled through her like ice in her veins.


    That was certainly an overreaction for someone who was barely acquainted.


    Coral tilted her head high and let Silas fume. Let him fume. He had little say in what she decided.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay the debt,¡± Silas said.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay off your Reverse Fee debt,¡± Silas repeated.


    Coral stared at him, her own haughty indifference gone.


    ¡°Why,¡± Coral asked, both suspicious and confused. What could this man possibly have taken offense to, that he would rather pay a hefty fee over having her sit on the guidelines while he worked? Sure, there was a certain level of risk involved, but Silas was a named Adventurer. Surely that counted towards her safety, didn¡¯t it?


    Besides, no one would willingly pay that much for a stranger.


    ¡°I¡¯ll not have a,¡± Silas paused, looking at Coral with contempt before continuing to say, ¡°A delicate woman, exposed in such a dangerous position.¡±


    Coral glared at him. What was it that he was going to say originally before thinking better? At least he had edited whatever he was about to say. It would have marked his own doom. Coral was no Ghoul, but she¡¯d mark him as her next prey if he continued to be so rude to her.


    Crowcaller shifted in her seat so that she could look at Silas easily, her shoulder¡¯s relaxed and held an air of indifference. ¡°If you are unable to complete this assignment, then you leave me with no other choice but to pass it on to another-¡°


    ¡°No. Coral is not bait,¡± Silas said sharply. ¡°I¡¯ll pay in full, and she can wait until I¡¯ve dealt with the Ghoul.¡±


    ¡°And then what?¡± Coral prompted. ¡°Owe you a favour for paying off my debt?¡±


    Coral had been in that position before, and it had never been a pleasant experience. She didn¡¯t know Silas, nor did she want to give him the opportunity to call in a favour. Ironic, as Coral was willing for others to be in the position Silas was wanting to put her. Coral was the one who wanted to be owed favours, not the other way around.


    It didn¡¯t sit right with her, being in debt. Even more so for someone else to willingly pay for her. Coral was happy to accept help when she could, but not financial aid. She was determined to make it in the world without monetary assistance from others. Coral would earn every last coin that passes through her hard-working hands.


    Even if it was just to rub her dead father¡¯s memory in it. Thank you Eirek Farley for that particular unrelenting standard she set for herself.


    ¡°Thank you for your offer, Silas. However, I can¡¯t accept,¡± Coral told him.


    Silas was furious. He had accused her of being prideful, which she brushed aside. Coral wouldn¡¯t deny that she could be prideful, and she didn¡¯t necessarily see it as a wholly terrible thing.


    Seriously, the man should go eat something to take the edge off his anger. And bathe for good measure. It would have improved the musty, earthen smell permeating from him.


    Silas managed to reign in his crankiness long enough to explain that there were five tunnels that he and his team had been scouting over the course of the last half day.


    That was how he came to pop out of a crypt in the cemetery. It had been the only closed off path they hadn¡¯t explored.


    Overall, all tunnels lead from a main cavern, with one leading straight from the necromancers lair.


    Charming.


    Another tunnel snaked out around Direwood village and out where most of the farmer¡¯s fields were located. Which explained the bovine skeletons found in the cavern. The ghoul had it¡¯s pick of the livestock. It never goes unnoticed when animals goes missing, it was merely thought they had been lost to the odd monster hunting in the surrounding forest.


    Two tunnels were found to loop around and connect to a hobgoblin¡¯s cave, which Silas thankfully glossed over the details by the disturbed looks on Pearl¡¯s and Coral¡¯s faces.


    There was a disturbing amount of dead things that had access to Moonflower Inn¡¯s basement. Oddly, Coral was glad of having discovering the tunnel before the Night of the Undead, lest she come face to face with a half-rotten hobgoblin. Could hobgoblins use their magic in that necrotic state? Coral certainly hoped not.


    The last tunnel opened out into a cave, exposed to the very road she and Pearl had taken to get to Direwood Village. Coral knew this by the description Silas gave of a particular tower Coral recalled on her travels.


    He, Crowcaller and even Elwin discussed the nuances of what type of cage they would need. The idea being that they would entrap the ghoul inside the cage, then light the whole thing on fire. It was decided they needed material able to withstand great heat so the metal didn¡¯t melt and warp with a very much alive ghoul inside. Specifically, a cage designed to hold a small dragon.


    Now that Coral had a moment to appreciate the most stupidest of her decisions to date, she wondered if she could stay inside of said cage until it came time to lure the monster in. Being bait wasn¡¯t a comforting role. She felt very much like a wriggling worm at the end of a hook. At the very least, Coral¡¯s stomach felt a bit worm-like just thinking about being bait.

 Dressed by an Adventurer

    If Coral had to guess where she would have found herself six months ago, in her wildest dreams she would never have thought to be standing in the same room of a top tier Adventurer. Or, and this wasn¡¯t by far the strangest of scenarios that had taken place this last week, being dressed by said Adventurer.


    Perhaps the word ¡®dressed¡¯ was an overstatement. Crowcaller was flinging clothing at her, while Coral tried to hide unsuccessfully behind a dressing screen. Mercifully, Crowcaller had supplied the screen to her. Dressing in Crowcaller¡¯s parlour was particularly strange, Coral was unaccustomed to dressing anywhere other than a bedroom or private chamber. Travelling to Direwood had been a challenge, which had reinforced just how much she valued her privacy. Coral was technically in Crowcaller¡¯s private suite in the Guild, though Crowcaller had explicitly denied her access to her bedroom.


    Coral had the distinct impression that Crowcaller was hiding something in her room. It was probably something highly embarrassing the way that Crowcaller had acted when Coral first asked to enter.


    Instead, Crowcaller had, most unusually, sidled her way inside her bedroom and returned a moment later with the screen. All while ensuring Coral did not get a glimpse behind her bedroom door.


    It made her incredibly curious.


    ¡°This looks more your size,¡± Crowcaller said, unceremoniously throwing a pair of trousers over the top of the wooden screen. There was a resultant slap to Coral¡¯s head at the unexpected clothing. Coral was still pulling on the top she had been given. It was made of much sturdier material than her blouse, and much courser against her skin. It was also an odd shade of grey, with mottled splotches like something had spilled and soaked into the fabric.


    Coral didn¡¯t mind the stain. Who bothered with beauty standards and respectability when one offered themselves up as a tasty morsel?


    Well, baiting the non-human type of monsters. Vampires were unnaturally beautiful, as terrifying as they were. Even werewolves were particularly good looking. They would consider the desirability of a person shaped lure.


    Coral pulled the trousers on, then held them up as they slipped down over her hips. ¡°I could use a belt,¡± she said, inspecting the two-inch gap in the waist band. She¡¯d be hiking up these the entire time she wore them.


    Crowcaller stuck her head around the screen, heedless of the shock that came over Coral.


    ¡°You¡¯re the size of a child,¡± Crowcaller said with a frustrated click of her tongue. ¡°You need to put some more meat on those bones. You won¡¯t survive winter without fattening yourself up a little. You¡¯re practically wasting away before me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying,¡± Coral told her truthfully. Eirek Farley had purposely kept her lean. A trim figure attracted the sort of people that Eirek wanted around. Who were usually overly plump themselves, the fiends.


    Coral was determined to indulge in cheese, wine and chocolate cake as much as her heart desired. It was surreal, knowing that Coral could choose what she wanted to eat or do now.


    Though, offering herself up as bait was something that never played out in her imagination. Coral hadn¡¯t thought she would want this. Or that it would be a decision she would have to make.


    There was always a time for firsts, and Coral would approach her role as bait with as much eagerness as she could. At least, eagerness to return home safely. She had got herself this far already, she wouldn¡¯t back down from a challenge.


    Besides, she was going to be protected by Adventurer¡¯s. One of whom was named, and that only came about if they had accomplished many great feats, or in some cases, paid for.


    Silas didn¡¯t come across as pompous though. He didn¡¯t seem like the type to pay for a title. Which was a relief. Those types of Adventurers were all spectacle and no results. Coral also couldn¡¯t see Crowcaller, one of the kingdom¡¯s most celebrated Adventurers, ever leading a guild with sub-par Adventurer¡¯s.


    Now that she thought about it, Coral was practically giddy with the thought. It was like being granted a moment from a protagonist¡¯s life in a romance novel. Except, Coral didn¡¯t have that secret sordid affair with any of the Adventurers. She only had an unwanted engagement from a handle-bar moustached, licentious, odorous flea.


    Silas did pique her interest. He was very handsome. Though, very handsy. Why did he have to manhandle her all the time?


    Still, she would rather Silas be there when she took to the roads tonight to get to the cave. The roads were still dangerous, ghoul or no. There were still many monsters out there. The giant wolves for instance.


    Silas could manhandle her all he wanted if it meant he kept her safe.


    Another pair of trousers slapped Coral in the head. She flinched and scrunched her face, which was a mistake. Her black eyes still needed Doctor Thornheart¡¯s salve.


    Quickly pulling on the new trousers, which were a much better fit, Coral stepped out from behind the screen before Crowcaller could impede on her privacy before she assumed Coral was done.


    Coral had been given the Adventurer Guild¡¯s apprentice uniform trousers. It was much thicker fabric than she was used to, somehow the material feeling both durable yet flexible. Under normal circumstances, parading around in a guild¡¯s uniform was a punishable offence by the guild. There were strict guidelines to follow when taking on the role of an Adventurer.


    In this instance, as she would be escorted by the Master of the guild, Coral felt less threatened by this. Besides, Coral didn¡¯t want to wait until morning for the shops to open in order to buy an outfit suitable for luring monsters and galivanting through caves.


    Look at her, she was practically an explorer now.


    It also let her experience wearing trousers without having to buy or make a pair for herself. Coral found that she very much did like wearing trousers, though it felt odd to be out of a skirt.


    Crowcaller rubbed at her cheek as she inspected Coral, a frown pulling down one corner of her mouth. ¡°The shirt is a blend of cotton and spun werewolf fur. It will keep from falling apart if something tries to slice at you. And you¡¯ll stay warm.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Coral said, looking anew at stained sleeves. That would be useful in her everyday cleaning of the manor. She had already acquired many scratches and bruises from the general clean up, and it was always so chilly, in thanks to the ghosts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go putting yourself in harms way anymore than necessary. It won¡¯t stop a ghoul from slicing you open,¡± Crowcaller said.


    That was unsettling. Coral had purposely kept those types of thoughts from playing out in her mind. Seeing the Adventurers in action now wasn¡¯t as appealing. It was a hard slap of reality.


    Was she going to end up permanently disfigured after this? Will she lose an arm? Caspian had been thoroughly torn up after his encounter, and Coral did not want to end up like that. She may not have Pearl¡¯s classic beauty and soft roundness, but that didn¡¯t mean Coral didn¡¯t appreciate her own clear skin or distinct features.


    Losing an arm wouldn¡¯t detract from her own attractiveness, but she wanted to keep all her limbs just the same.


    Curse financial responsibility. And curse that wretched ghoul too.


    Coral¡¯s face must have given away her thoughts, as Crowcaller said, ¡°You need to be able to move as quick as possible. We don¡¯t want you weighed down. Besides, the ghoul will need to get past Silas first, and he¡¯d be damned if he was letting anything get to you. And you will be wearing this.¡±


    Crowcaller passed her a sleeveless black doublet, made of a thick, sturdy material which had a pattern sewn in reminiscent of dragon skin. Coral reached out for it and stared. It was much heavier than she was expecting, her arms dropping as the weight was relinquished to her.


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, examining the embellished crow depicted in mid-flight on the front. The wings spanned from shoulder to shoulder, it¡¯s beak open wide in a silent call. There were several belt straps along the side of the doublet, which Coral assumed was how she was supposed to fasten it to herself.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Jack of plate. It¡¯s the only thing I have that will fit you, unless I go down to the barracks. Which I won¡¯t, it¡¯s too cold out there.¡± Crowcaller said.


    At Coral¡¯s blank look, she said further, ¡°It¡¯s armour. Small iron plates are sewn between the layers. It¡¯s light enough that even you can wear it. The weight is balanced so you¡¯ll hardly notice it.¡±


    She stepped forward and helped Coral into the jack of plate. ¡°This was a gift when I slew a manticore causing quite some trouble a few years back.¡± Crowcaller stilled, her hands held aloft as she stared at Coral. ¡°Now that I think about it, that was over fifteen years ago. I¡¯m getting so old.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s any consolation, I thought you were around my age when I first saw you,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the name enough to tell you who I am?¡± Crowcaller scoffed.


    ¡°Truthfully, I didn¡¯t recognise you at first,¡± Coral said, trying to choose her words carefully. Some Adventurer¡¯s, and nobles at that, would have been highly offended to hear that they were unrecognisable.


    ¡°What made me realise who you were, was your polearm, Black Talon.¡±


    Crowcaller snorted. ¡°Not a fan then I take it. It¡¯s actually nice, hearing how I¡¯m not instantly recognizable. Black Talon on the other hand-.¡±


    Even though Coral knew Crowcaller¡¯s words were more of a statement than anything, she felt like she had to answer. Crowcaller had been nothing but warm and kind to her. Which was quite different in her other interactions, limited as they were, with adventurers.


    ¡°I¡¯m much more suited for eating cake and drinking wine rather than facing down monsters. I have enormous respect for those who do. Your services are highly appreciated. My life prior to Direwood was complicated, and I never really had much time for heroics.¡±


    Coral had been much too busy trying to save herself and Pearl from their father to pay attention to monster slaying hero¡¯s. That didn¡¯t mean Coral was completely ignorant of the gossip that happened around the parties she attended. It was a requirement to be up to date with all the current politics and societal events. Adventurers were a constant topic to be discussed.


    Somehow, many of the Adventurer¡¯s who earned themselves a title rarely kept a place in the back of Coral¡¯s memory. But she did recall weapons. Which is why she knew about Black Talon. She had often imagined herself wielding famous weapons, which always inadvertently slaughtered her father one way or another.


    Titled Adventurer¡¯s like Crowcaller who became famous through their triumphs, often had their weapons and armour become a highly sought after commodity. Selling the jack of plate alone would allow Coral to be able to live very comfortably for many years. Not that Coral would be the type to steal, let alone be able to hide for too long before Crowcaller came hunting her down.


    Was it a mark that Crowcaller liked Coral, or at the very least, trusted her?


    ¡°Are you sure you want to put this on me?¡± Coral asked, her voice a whirlwind of uncertainty.


    Crowcaller adjusted the fastenings so that it fit more comfortably. ¡°I¡¯m not walking down to the barracks now. It¡¯s too cold. Let an old woman enjoy the warmth. Besides, you¡¯re the one who is facing down a monster. Not me.¡±


    Coral cringed and thought desperately of her purse. Debt free and financially independent.


    ¡°You¡¯re hardly old. What are you, thirty-five?¡± Coral said, drudging up half remembered dates. Some Adventurer¡¯s birthdays were celebrated by more than their families and friends. The most popular often held large events or parties.


    ¡°Old enough for the cold to affect my sore bones,¡± Crowcaller croaked in a put upon voice and tugging hard at the fastenings. Coral had to put her arms out to balance at the jostling.


    ¡°Now, you¡¯re going to have to wear your own shoes. Appropriate footwear is important, but if I give you boots that are too big, you¡¯ll be falling over all over the place,¡± Crowcaller said, matter-of-factly.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Coral couldn¡¯t complain about that. At least her boots were somewhat appropriate to be traversing outside. Crowcaller passed her a Direwood Adventurer¡¯s cloak, the material thick and warm beneath her touch. Coral draped it over her arm, not wanting to overheat in the already toasty room. She did however re-pin the sigil to the high collar of her shirt. It was there, at her throat, or pin it to her outer sleeve. The jack of plate did a wonderful job of covering her torso. She liked it more than she was expecting.


    Coral caught a glimpse of herself in the mirrored section of the screen. She hardly recognised herself. She looked like she was ready for an adventure ¨C or had just been on one thanks to her blackened eyes and wild hair.


    Her insides, squirming in anxious anticipation certainly didn¡¯t match her outer fa?ade. Calm confidence was shown in the way she held her pointed chin, her cheeks still hollowed even now after weeks of constant chocolate cake indulgence. Perhaps she should add to those moments a second helping. Or more wine and cheese. It had been pleasant lounging in front of the fire helping herself to an array of cheeses that complimented wine.


    Coral was all angles, and her almond shaped eyes didn¡¯t soften the sharpness to her gaze, though she was markedly blessed with long eyelashes. Her hair had been let loose and had fallen around her in messy waves. Coral took her time to braid it back, tying the ends off so that it sat at the centre of her back. She would pin it up later, so that the braid couldn¡¯t be caught by anyone or anything trying to kill her.


    On her second review of her appearance, Coral had to admit that she looked great in trousers. She really should get herself a pair. Her flaxen hair didn¡¯t look as dull as it had merely a few days ago, there was a slight shine to it, though that could have been an effect of the magelight. Her hazel eyes even looked a little brighter.


    It was most definitely the effect of magelight. What else could make two, bruised and puffed-up eyes look good?


    There was a tap at the door, which Crowcaller promptly opened. Pearl stood with a tray in her hands, a sheepish look on her face. ¡°Elwin said we could help ourselves to the guilds kitchens, as the Dog House is closed for the night,¡± Pearl explained.


    ¡°I suppose I can allow that, though I can¡¯t imagine you found much. Our cook is currently away. I have several more weeks before he comes back for the Night of the Undead before I can enjoy a properly made meal,¡± Crowcaller said wistfully. ¡°The Dog¡¯s House has good food, but it¡¯s nothing compared to my cook. I really am tired of gruel and boiled eggs.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all that I pretty much have. I have some ham too,¡± Pearl said, setting the tray down on the small table between two chairs.


    Coral sat and helped herself to one of the bowls. She would eat anything right now as long as it gave her enough energy to out manoeuvre a ghoul. Crowcaller and Pearl sat as well. Pearl sipped daintily from her spoon, while Crowcaller shovelled her own gruel as though she was trying to avoid the taste by not letting the food touch her tongue.


    It wasn¡¯t horrible. Just bland, and a touch too eggy.


    Pearl, in her usual polite etiquette, took her time to look around the room as she ate. Coral did too, no longer having to hide her person now that she wasn¡¯t dressing.


    The room was as lavish as the rest of the Adventurers Guild, with thickly woven rugs at their feet, and curtains hanging from ceiling to floor in rich blue velvet. Tapestries were hung on the walls, depicting heroic acts and monsters being slaughtered. There was a pleasant, spiced aroma to the air that Coral couldn¡¯t put a name to.


    ¡°Is that your personal attire?¡± Pearl asked, looking at Crowcaller and indicating at Coral.


    ¡°It is. I don¡¯t wear it anymore, so I am happy to lend it to Coral for now.¡± Crowcaller¡¯s violet eyes snapped over to Coral, squinting a little.


    ¡°It might be best if you keep it until after the Night of the Undead. I heard you were thinking of staying in your manor that night. I don¡¯t recommend it.¡±


    ¡°We are?¡± Pearl said, her eyes round and questioning as she looked at Coral.


    ¡°I¡¯m not happy about the cemetery having a direct link to the manor. I¡¯ll certainly try to see having the tunnel filled up so I won¡¯t have the dead rampaging through our home.¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we just stay with everyone else in the guild or the Dog House?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°The Dog House and the Adventurers Guild will be right in the middle of the undead hoard. That seems like the most dangerous place to be if you ask me,¡± Coral said, spooning another helping of her supper into her mouth.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Crowcaller said, dropping her finished bowl on to the table. ¡°Most of the Adventurers will be at the centre of town. We¡¯ve almost never had a break in.¡±


    ¡°Almost never?¡± Coral reiterated.


    ¡°Well, there was one time, but we were hardly expecting five rock trolls to turn up that year. We have them well accounted for now, and their skeletons have been fixated well away from town. They won¡¯t pose such a problem when they take their time to amble into town, and we will have ample volunteers keeping such trouble down.¡±


    ¡°Rock trolls,¡± Pearl gasped, her face paling. ¡°Maybe staying in town won¡¯t be such a good idea,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s a good idea. You will be able to see all the action from here. Direwood is well protected, and any damages caused to buildings will be repaired in the wake of any destructive blow.¡±


    ¡°Do many houses need repairs after the Night of the Undead?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Sometimes,¡± Crowcaller said hesitantly. ¡°That¡¯s part of the reason for why I want a wall built to protect the city. I¡¯m faced with much opposition. Many think it¡¯s just caging us all in like chickens.¡±


    There was another knock on the door. ¡°Enter,¡± Crowcaller yelled out, startling both Coral and Pearl with how loud she was.


    The door swung open, emitting Elwin and Silas.


    ¡°All ready then?¡± Crowcaller asked.


    Silas nodded once in silence. Coral was thankful that he had cleaned himself off, though he still wore the same bloodied clothes as before. Elwin stood beside him, buzzing with anticipation. His hands weren¡¯t able to keep still, first fiddling with the hilt of his sword to adjusting the fit of his cape over his shoulders.


    Coral placed her empty bowl back on the tray. Pearl reached out and held Coral by the wrist, her eyebrows pinched with worry.


    ¡°Coral, you don¡¯t have to do this. I can get a job and pay for the debt myself,¡± Pearl said quietly.


    ¡°I know you can,¡± Coral said gently, placing her free hand over the top of Pearl¡¯s. ¡°But this will be quicker.¡±


    ¡°But you could get hurt. You could be killed,¡± Pearl said quietly, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°You need to stop protecting me like this.¡±


    Coral pulled her hands free and wrapped Pearl in a tight embrace. ¡°I¡¯m doing this for myself,¡± she told her sister. ¡°Debt doesn¡¯t suit me. I don¡¯t want to spend one more minute of my life having to deal with that ¨C¡° Coral shut her mouth, on the verge of swearing quite fluently to describe their father.


    ¡°We deserve better. This is the quickest solution. I trust Silas to keep me safe.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have condoned this plan if I didn¡¯t trust Silas to play his role.¡± Crowcaller said, patting Pearl on the shoulder in what she clearly thought was a comforting gesture. It merely jostled both Coral and Pearl. Crowcaller was strong.


    She released her sister, then followed a silent Silas through the guild¡¯s corridors and then outside, ensuring to wrap her cloak about her shoulders. She wanted to be snug and warm before they began their trip. Pearl and Crowcaller walked either side of her, with Elwin striding along importantly behind them.


    The waiting carriage was, in Coral¡¯s dismay, lacking any actual cabin. It was little more than a wooden platform, with the large cage designed for a small dragon strapped to the back, and a raised seat at the front for the driver.


    A large dappled grey Clydesdale, another whole foot taller than Coral¡¯s head, was harnessed to the carriage. It too had it¡¯s harness enhanced by black crystals sewn into the supple leather. It stood patiently as Silas walked up to it, patting its neck.


    ¡°Let me help you,¡± Elwin said, hurrying to the carriage¡¯s side. He held his hand out to Coral.


    Why couldn¡¯t she stay in the back of the carriage, inside of the cage? That looked like a lot safer place to be rather than up on the drivers seat where she would be exposed to anything with sharp claws. Or teeth. Did the cage hold up against magic?


    Coral gave the cage a longing look before taking Elwin¡¯s hand and stepped up and sat herself on the wooden seat.


    This was going to be a long night. There wasn¡¯t even a padded cushion. Just her, in her trousers and armour, and a wooden seat. Coral tried not to cringe and tugged her coat more snugly around herself.


    Elwin jumped up beside her, grinning from ear to ear. He looked too pleased by this excursion.


    Silas finished checking over the horse, then pulled himself up on the other side of Coral. He was so large that she had to shuffle over slightly, so that she was thoroughly wedged between the two men. At least both Silas and Elwin were very warm. She could feel the heat radiating off of them, right into her sides where their arms brushed against her.


    ¡°Have fun!¡± Crowcaller called out.


    Coral seriously wondered at the sanity of Direwood¡¯s Adventurers. This trip was not going to be fun. She liked staying whole and unharmed.


    If she just thought about her purse, then hopefully her task of looking as tempting and delicious as possibly to a hungry ghoul would be over quickly.


    ¡°Stay safe, and be careful,¡± Pearl said, gripping her hands tightly in front of her. ¡°And don¡¯t go after the ghoul again like last time.¡±


    Silas looked down at Coral, which she fully refused to acknowledge any expression he may have on hearing that.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful,¡± Coral said. It was highly unlikely that she would chase after the ghoul again. Silas and his team were capable of taking care of themselves. It was herself that she was concerned about.


    ¡°I love you,¡± Pearl said fiercely. ¡°So don¡¯t go getting yourself killed. I can¡¯t look after the manor by myself.¡±


    Coral smiled back at her sister, who was fretting before she had even left town. ¡°I love you too Pearl, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±


    Silas clicked his tongue at the Clydesdale, where it picked it¡¯s head up and moved forward, its large hooves clacking on the cobblestone street.


    Coral waved to her sister. Pearl waved back and waited until they had crossed the bridge before turning on Crowcaller¡¯s insistence to return inside. Coral faced forward, and watched as the houses drew past. A thicker crowd of people now walked the streets, all coming from the same direction, the cemetery still alight with the blazing pyre. Coral felt against her forearm resting along her leg the small bulge in her pocket. It was the black stone she had taken from the foot of the Soul Harvester statue. She took this as a good sign, whether or not it kept her from bad luck. At least spirits were one less thing she would have to worry about.


    No one spoke as they trundled down the road, though they did draw the attention of many, most with their eyes drawn to Coral wedged between Elwin and Silas. She shuffled a little under their gaze, which had the unintended result of also drawing Silas¡¯s attention, his eyes flicking to the side and looking beneath his lashes as she shifted.


    She stopped moving as she noticed this and reverted to her calm outward demeaner. She could save her squirming for later. Like tomorrow night, when she would hopefully be returned to her manor, warm in the Winter Salon, and nicely drunk to forget any further encounter with the ghoul.


    Perhaps she¡¯d extend her celebratory drink to Silas and his team as well.


    The horse plodded on, following the road that Coral had followed when she had first arrived at Direwood. Coral had expected Elwin or Silas to light a lantern after leaving the streets of Direwood village, no longer having streetlamps to light their way. Instead, neither of them reached for one. The trees grew denser as they left the village behind, blocking out the moonlight that had revealed the road ahead, only breaking through in snatches of clear sky between twigs and leaves. The trees closed in on all sides, muffling sounds of crickets or any usual nightlife. Each tree trunk grew larger than the last. Somehow, it wasn¡¯t as cold in the forest as she expected, the leaves dampening the sound of the creak of the wheels of their carriage. Perhaps the chill in the air was counteracted by the warm clothing she wore, or the two who sat beside her.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you light the lantern?¡± Coral asked, her voice sounding too loud in the darkness.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want to attract any attention,¡± Silas said, his voice a low velvety rumble that eased the tension from Coral¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I can see fine in the dark. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Coral had to trust his words, as she could barely see a thing. She kept her eyes open regardless, hoping to take in any movement. They kept, annoyingly, straying back to the cut of Silas¡¯s jawline. He had an impressively sharp jawline, now shadowed by a beard that had yet to be trimmed after his several day escapade.


    His silver eyes, bright and alluring, searched the road before them. They flashed as moonlight caught his eyes, just like an animal. It was unnerving to see. Was that the reason he could see in the dark?


    ¡°What?¡± Silas asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Coral said, tearing her eyes away from his slightly too long nose.


    ¡°Why do you keep looking at me?¡± he asked.


    Why did she keep looking at him? Yes, Silas was very handsome, and he had that wavy dark hair that she liked very much, framing his face in a way that was an effortless mess that looked good. Somehow, Silas still remained dignified and calm, even while pressed up against her side.


    Wasn¡¯t he flustered by their proximity at all?


    ¡°I can¡¯t see much of anything else.¡± Coral offered up. At least that part was true, anything else and she would probably have to lie through her teeth before she admitted that she was admiring the man-handling brute.


    She was entitled to admire him. She wasn¡¯t blind. Well, in this instance she was night-blind. Which was beside the point.


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you can open your eyes at all,¡± Elwin said. ¡°They look awful.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you Elwin,¡± Coral said trying very hard not to be annoyed.


    Silas shifted, leaning more towards Coral so that his shoulder and body pressed heavily into her. ¡°Here, I almost forgot,¡± he said, speaking somewhere from above her head.


    He sat straight, then held his hand out before her. Coral lifted her hand, her fingers brushing against the roughness of Silas¡¯s fingers before he dropped a round jar into her hands.


    Perplexed, Coral brought the jar up to her face and squinted, trying to see if anything was written on the outside. With no moonlight filtering through the canopy, Coral could only just make out the shape. She ran her fingertips over the smooth surface and felt the lid come away, revealing a pleasant, herbal scent.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Coral asked, sniffing carefully at the substance.


    ¡°A salve for your eyes,¡± Silas said.


    ¡°Is that why you cornered Orvil Norwood? He looked furious when you made him open his shop,¡± Elwin said, sounding like he had just received the answer to a puzzle.


    Silas didn¡¯t answer. He merely went back to holding the reins and searching the area around them.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Coral said, genuinely surprised. She hadn¡¯t expected this level of thoughtfulness from the man. She dipped a finger into the salve, and carefully dabbed it over her eyes. The salve was thick and gelatinous, and even a small amount made it feel like her eyelashes wanted to stick together.


    She hoped the salve wasn¡¯t coloured. The delicate skin around her eyes was already a mottled purple, and she didn¡¯t need to add to that.


    The horse raised its head high, startling from something that Coral could not hear nor see. Now was probably a bad time to have her eyelids half glued shut with goop. Beside her, Elwin tensed.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Coral whispered, clutching the salve hard in between her hands.


    ¡°Stay quiet,¡± Silas said, his own voice gentle in its command.


    Coral shut her mouth, listening hard. It was her role to follow any instruction Silas gave to her, and she would make sure she followed it well. She listened hard.


    There was a slight rustle of leaves. The creak of wood from the carriage trundling along the dirt road, even the muffled hoofbeats sounded loud as she tried to search out what had startled the horse.


    Then she heard it. A second beat to their own horses¡¯ steps, though they were riding fast. Silas breathed deeply from beside her, then his shoulders relaxed. ¡°It¡¯s Caspian,¡± Silas said.


    A moment later, Coral could clearly hear the hoofbeats of a cantering horse. Then he was beside them, melting out of the darkened forest as though he had been part of it. He rode astride one of his pearlescent horses, it¡¯s coat somehow still gleaming in the darkness.


    ¡°You¡¯re a beacon. Couldn¡¯t you have chosen something a little less flashy?¡± Silas said, grumbling.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Coral asked, leaning forward so that she could look around Silas¡¯s mass to try to look at him.


    ¡°He¡¯s bait as well,¡± Silas said, flicking the reins so the horse picked up its pace.

 Left Behind

    At first, Coral was content to ride in silence. The darkness was overwhelming, and it took a great deal of effort to trust that Silas and Elwin could see in the dark. They both sat alert, but unbothered. As they drew further away, and their carriage wasn¡¯t driven into a tree or ditch, Coral became somewhat more comfortable sitting wedged between the two, staring at nothing.


    Coral half expected Elwin to strike up conversation between them all. He didn¡¯t, and Coral decided that Elwin, friendly as he was, took being an adventurer seriously. His good-natured enthusiasm for anything to do with monsters or ghosts, had Coral guessing he was more excitable rather than responsible. She liked being wrong in this instance.


    At night, it was never a good idea to draw attention to yourself in a forest. Anything could be lurking nearby, and being noisy was a good way to get killed.


    Noise could mask approaching monsters. A rustle in the debris, a shift of movement, all hidden under the sounds of conversation. By the time a monster was upon them, it would be too late.


    Along a commonly used road, conversation and noise wasn¡¯t such a problem. The caravan she and Pearl had taken, despite the hired swords, stopped each night when they could and set up protective barriers. When possible, they stayed the nights in towns or outposts. Generally, each outpost housed several adventurers along with the king¡¯s army, intending to fight off any creature that slunk out for a feast.


    Direwood was so remote, that it was a several day ride to the next town through a thick forest. Direwood was one of the last towns on the cusp of civilization, and the land from there became wild. It was home to monsters known and unknown. Those who ventured into the dark wilds often didn¡¯t come back. If they did, it was with tales of creatures more terrifying than the last.


    Still, the allure of the dark wilds was enough to draw many adventurers for the fame, for the adventure, and most tempting of all, the treasure to be found. Each and every adventurer gained something for their efforts. Rare monster materials, a new dungeon to explore filled with artefacts from a long-forgotten city. Sometimes, piles of actual gold and jewels.


    Where those came from, Coral didn¡¯t know. Unless it had been found in old ruins? It was more likely a paranoid old man like her father that preferred to hide their gold in remote locations.


    Though, all throughout the kingdom, there were many hidden chests. Each likely holding deposits of weapons, armour and gems, usually left behind by adventurers storing their equipment before delving deep into a dungeon and never to be seen again.


    In hindsight, many probably could have made use of a spare sword. Then again, Coral wasn¡¯t a fighter. What did she know of spelunking a dungeon filled potentially with deadly creatures.


    Coral shifted then, her backside going numb on the hardwood seating. Her knee brushed against Silas¡¯s leg, which drew his attention away from the mass of trees and down on to her. At least, he tilted his head down. She couldn¡¯t really see any detail other than generally denser shapes. Except Caspian¡¯s horse, its coat gleaming even in the shadows. It really was like a beacon.


    Trust Caspian to have a fine horse that was as moon bright as him.


    Why was it that Coral had been subjected to years of training to navigate the rigid nobility and never quite achieving it, yet people like Caspian effortlessly portrayed prideful respectability. He must have had an easier time than she did learning. Curse him.


    Why did he have to be so pleasant to be around? It made it that much harder for Pearl to deal with his betrayal. Not that there had been much to begin with, but he had gotten Pearls heart fluttering. To openly display another woman on his arms was as good as a war declaration against Coral. Saviour or not. If it wasn¡¯t for the purposeful silence, Coral would have liked to engage Caspian in a conversation that dug at his conscience. If he even had one.


    With a start, Coral realized that Silas had been watching her all this time. Surely he couldn¡¯t see the expression on her face in this darkness. Then again, he was maneuvering the carriage around any potential holes or branches along the road.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Coral whispered, her voice barely an octave above the carriage noises. Silas turned his back to driving the carriage, his head and body blocking most of Coral¡¯s view from that side.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to do this?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, aren¡¯t I,¡± Coral said. It was a simpler version to what she would rather say which was, ¡®No. I don¡¯t want to do this, and in thanks to my pathetic excuse for a father, it¡¯s the quickest alternative I have to working my fingers to the bone.¡¯


    That was certainly something Coral would not disclose to mister handsy.


    ¡°Just say the word, and I¡¯ll get you out. Right away, no questions asked. No matter how far we get, I¡¯ll take you straight back.¡±


    Coral squinted up at him, trying to decipher Silas¡¯s mood. Why was he so opposed to her coming along? Was his offer to return her out of concern for Coral, or, more likely, that she was going to need guarding the whole time?


    ¡°Even when I¡¯m dangled in front of the ghoul?¡± Coral asked, her tone teasing and light.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Silas said, completely serious.


    Coral blinked, her eyelashes sticking together from the salve.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you here. In fact, you can stay at the camp until we¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Coral said, her whisper harsher now.


    ¡°You can¡¯t fight,¡± Silas said matter-of-factly.


    ¡°I¡¯m only doing this because I¡¯m getting something in return. I don¡¯t make it a habit to offer myself up on a plate.¡±


    No, that was just her father. Coral breathed heavily through her nose, trying to calm her temper.


    ¡°You can still have your compensation, but my team and I can¡¯t afford to keep you safe while dealing with this creature. It isn¡¯t normal.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯ve said that already,¡± Coral grumbled. She wouldn¡¯t have classified a ghoul as your typical monster regardless. They were made by necromancers, and there were very few of those around now that they had been outlawed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not someone that completes half a job. If I am to be compensated for my efforts, I should at the very least perform my role.¡±


    ¡°Perform away. At camp.¡± Silas said, tonelessly.


    Coral glared at Silas. Did this man not consider her pride? Was he going to really make her argue the point to let her act as bait ¨C something she really didn¡¯t want to do. ¡°I won¡¯t lie,¡± she said, crossing her arms.


    Silas let out a bark of amusement. It was loud and harsh in the otherwise whispered murmurings between them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see what¡¯s so funny about that. Explain it,¡± Coral said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Your real name,¡± he said, but didn¡¯t elaborate further.


    ¡°My name is real,¡± Coral hissed out.


    How could this man portray her as a liar? He didn¡¯t know her from the next stranger. Coral crossed her arms, trying fruitlessly to not let any of her limbs brush against Silas. The rocking of the carriage made it difficult to not sway and jerk in her seat. She really wished she had a pillow to cushion herself with.


    ¡°Your father¡¯s name is Farley,¡± Silas pointed out, as if this was evidence to his accusation.


    ¡°Yes. I changed it,¡± Coral said shortly. ¡°Seaver is my mother¡¯s maiden name.¡±


    Poor Elwin shifted uncomfortably beside Coral. Was Silas going to make Elwin stay behind too? He had been so eager to come.


    ¡°What are you planning to do then, if you don¡¯t need me,¡± Coral asked.


    Silas¡¯s hands tightened on the reigns which made the horse throw its head in response before picking up its feet into a faster trot. ¡°We can talk about this when we get to camp,¡± he said.


    Under the mask of darkness, Coral glowered at Silas. If he saw the expression on her face, he didn¡¯t say anything.


    Caspian glanced over at Coral once, flashing her an encouraging smile then fixing his attention back on the forest.


    <hr>


    Two excruciatingly long hours later, where Silas had picked a harrowingly fast pace, they came upon the tower that Coral had recalled. She hadn¡¯t even known they were upon it, as each mass of dark shape blended into the next. Thankfully nothing had leapt out at them. Though Coral¡¯s nerves had yet to ease.


    Silas guided the carriage towards the tower, his hand held against the guild¡¯s sigil pendant fastened to his cloak. Coral felt a shiver of magic thrum through her, and as the carriage slowed, then came to a gradual stop several meters away from the tower¡¯s walls, light bloomed instantly before her. She shut her eyes against the harshness of it, blinded by how bright the light was from such a prolonged time in the dark and straining to see anything at all. Through streaming eyes, Coral tried to open her them against the light with the smallest slither of her eyelid. It helped, oddly, when her lashes clumped together again.


    Neither Elwin nor Silas seemed affected by the sudden brightness that was burning her retinas. They each left the carriage, leaving her to sit there uselessly while her eyes adjusted.


    There was a scuffle from beside the carriage. Coral shaded her eyes against the light and squinted blearily at Caspian, who was having difficulty controlling his panicking horse. The Clydesdale stood still, completely unfazed.


    Caspian¡¯s horse bucked and unseated him. He landed awkwardly, sprawled in the dirt looking bewildered. It was a humbling effect which Coral greatly appreciated.


    There was a chortle of laughter, and someone seized Caspian¡¯s horse by the reins. They patted the neck of Caspian¡¯s steed, leaving darkened splotches of dirt on its otherwise pristine coat.


    ¡°Steady girl,¡± a low voice crooned to the mare. The horse held its head high but came to a standstill.


    ¡°Give it a moment, it¡¯s just light blindness,¡± they murmured gently.


    ¡°You could have given a warning,¡± Caspian said as he picked himself up from the ground. It was satisfying to see that his shirt was now filthy. Coral just hoped he kept it on.


    Corals eyes adjusted to the light and was able to finally look around. At the center of the tower, was a blazing fire, piled high with thick logs and set to burn well throughout the night. Heat radiated from it, so much that Coral¡¯s fingers twitched to go warm themselves. The fire lit up the area, which confused Coral, as seconds before she hadn¡¯t seen any trace of light whatsoever.


    ¡°How come I couldn¡¯t see the light?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the protective barrier around the camp. Useful for hiding ourselves. Not so much when we want someone to find us. It blocks almost all noise and light we make, so we¡¯re almost undetectable,¡± Silas explained.


    ¡°Almost?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t completely hide everything. If you know what to look for, you can detect traces of movement, light, subtle scents and sounds that are transmitted as though we are much further away. We aren¡¯t completely invisible inside the barrier.¡±


    Silas gave her a hard look, his gaze somehow expectant, like he expected her to do something like poke faces at passing hobgoblins. Coral may have grown up in a city, but she knew better than to tempt creatures, invisible or not.


    ¡°Understood,¡± she said, trying her best to look as placating as possible without bristling. ¡°And anyone who stumbles inside the barrier go temporarily blind too,¡± she added. Her eyes were still watering.


    ¡°At night, yes,¡± Silas said, holding out a hand to help her down from the carriage. Coral reached for the proffered hand, taking that as a gesture of good will over the stiff conversation they had at the start of the journey.


    ¡°Anyone would go blind when you suddenly have light shone on you from being in the dark for so long. It gives us an edge at night,¡± Silas said.


    Goodness was his hand warm and lovely. Calloused too, the roughness of his palm against hers was jarring, but not unexpected. An adventurer¡¯s life was hard earned with years of weapon use.


    Coral was like a soft silk compared to Silas. She fully intended to keep her hands that way too, even if she had to earn a few blisters here or there fixing up the manor. She wouldn¡¯t neglect herself.


    ¡°How come you¡¯re fine, and Elwin too?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°The sigil. I activated it when we got here,¡± Silas said distractedly. ¡°If your guild¡¯s sigil is attuned to the active magic, you¡¯ll see and hear the camp just fine.¡±


    Silas still hadn¡¯t let go of her hand. Figuring he was unlikely to let her go on his own, handsy as he was, Coral pulled her hand out of his grip, her fingers tingling with cold.


    ¡°He forgets to remind people. It¡¯s happened to me so often that if I see Silas reach for his sigil, I¡¯ll activate mine right away,¡± Elwin chimed in. ¡°I should have warned you, but I only just managed to touch my own in time before I could explain.¡±


    The person holding Caspian¡¯s horse chuffed in amusement. ¡°Forgets on purpose is more like.¡±


    Coral turned so that she could look at the man. He was well into his forties, with a shaved head and a heavy brow and a nose that had been broken far too many times. A scar ran from the top of his scalp, and slashed down to his chin in a thick, jagged line. One of his blue eyes had gone blind.


    The horse threw its head again, and with the jerk of the reigns, Coral noticed that his last two fingers had been removed from the first knuckle. This man looked like an Adventurer that she had come to know and see in the city. Pock-marked, bruised, burned and scarred.


    ¡°Do you have to activate the sigil every time you enter the barrier?¡± Coral asked. That must have been what she could feel when she entered the Adventurer¡¯s guild.


    ¡°Just the once. The camp was moved outside the cave, and a new barrier was needed,¡± the man said. He dipped his head in a quick bow to Coral. ¡°The name¡¯s Tybalt Mossford,¡± he said in way of greeting.


    ¡°Coral Seaver,¡± Coral said, reciprocating his bow.


    ¡°I was wondering why you¡¯re all camped out here,¡± Silas said, sounding less irritated for the first time all night.


    ¡°Hobgoblins. The cave is full of them, and they keep popping out of nowhere. It was easier to come back here rather than keep slaughtering them. Stupid things,¡± Tybalt said. He handed the reigns to Caspian then turned towards the fire.


    Four other people sat near the fire, propped up on large stones that had fallen from the tower¡¯s walls, or over sleeping matts.


    One of the apprentices Coral recalled seeing at the Guild was laying half undressed but covered in bloodied gauze closest to the fire, with the tower wall to his back. He turned his head to look at them with half lidded eyes. The movement revealed the side of his neck, where a puckered bite mark ringed his throat, still red and oozing.


    That must have been Norden Ruesong. He looked younger than she remembered, all bandaged up. Thankfully he had all his limbs still, and seemed to be in good spirits despite the wince of pain as he raised an arm to wave. His blonde hair was sweaty and stuck to his forehead as it curled around a fine face that when grown and the childhood roundness was lost, would belong to another heartthrob.


    As Coral approached, she caught a whiff of cooking meat. A giant spit roast had been set up over a section of the fire, with several chunks of meat dripping fat onto the coals beneath it. It smelled wonderful. She also didn¡¯t know what the meat was and wasn¡¯t about to enquire. She already had her meal for the night. Most likely, it could have been a monster they recently killed. It certainly wasn¡¯t the colour of venison.


    The tower had shed large stones and boulders about the area, as though something had burst out from the structure. They littered the ground and Coral was impressed that Silas had driven the carriage into a clearing without catching on many of the stones littering the ground. Wedged up against the towers walls was a large rock, where some unfortunate person had been caught with their legs pinned beneath the stone. Time had eaten away at its flesh, so that it was bleached white and the remains of its clothes were tattered rags.


    Everyone was unconcerned about the skeleton. Coral couldn¡¯t shake the disturbing image of it coming to life. Would this be what she was going to be confronted with on the Night of the Undead? Coral pictured it now, scrabbling to escape the stone. Would it crawl away and leave its lower half behind? It was bent over the stone now, an arm resting over the top of it, like it had been trying to pry the rock off already.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the cage?¡± a man said, stepping forward to greet them, tucking a wooden comb behind his ear. Their amber eyes were set on Coral, suspicion in his gaze. This man had a lot of hair. His chin length brown hair had already been neatly combed back, settling around him in soft waves. He had an impressively thick and silky beard, trimmed so that it came to a point at his chin. Dark hair sprouted from beneath the collar of his scale armor, and even on the back of his hands the little hairs were dark and long. They looked as though they had been combed as well. Not one hair looked out of place.


    Seriously, why was everyone so good looking? At least Mr. Mossford looked like a normal Adventurer. There must be something in the water that the town drank from that gave them such exceptional features. Silas must have bathed in the healing springs as a child to have grown into such a fine specimen of a man.


    ¡°To keep the ghoul from running off,¡± Silas said.


    ¡°And these two?¡± the man said, his eyes flicking between Coral and Caspian. They darkened as they stared at Caspian.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Bait,¡± Coral said lightly.


    The man¡¯s eyebrows shot upwards, crinkling his brow.


    ¡°She¡¯s not bait,¡± Silas said impatiently.


    ¡°Why is he here?¡± asked another blonde haired, blue-eyed apprentice. He was a twin to Norden. Though he seemed like the much stockier of the two. Annoyance pinched his mouth into a hard line as he watched Elwin leap from the carriage. ¡°I thought you had reception duty for the rest of the week.¡±


    Elwin looked smug as he said, ¡°What can I say. The Unbroken Seolfor needs me.¡±


    ¡°You could say a lot less,¡± the apprentice muttered, his fists clenching.


    ¡°Osric¡¯s always been jealous of me,¡± Elwin told Coral. ¡°The Ruesong¡¯s can¡¯t keep up with me, and I¡¯m younger.¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth, the pair of you,¡± the well-groomed man said. ¡°Osric, go get the supplies for your brother.¡±


    Osric glowered as he passed Elwin, shoving his shoulder hard into him before heading to the back of the carriage.


    The well-groomed man bowed with much more formality than the others, though he wore an odd expression Coral couldn¡¯t quite place. ¡°Darius Brown, or as I¡¯m more commonly known, The Shepherd.¡±


    The Shepherd was an interesting title for an Adventurer. Had he earned it through dealing with dogs, or was it given to him, as often was, by civilians through hearing of his heroics.


    ¡°A pleasure to meet you,¡± Coral said, glad that there was another named Adventurer in Silas¡¯s ranks.


    ¡°Should have called you The Hairy One,¡± Tybalt Mossford said, coming to stand by them.


    ¡°When you get your title, I¡¯m petitioning it to be Bald Patch,¡± Darius Brown said good naturedly.


    Tybalt laughed, and muttered an insult under his breath that Coral couldn¡¯t quite hear but understood the inflection.


    The last man that had been lounging against a rock by the fire joined them, wearing a friendly smile that made him much more approachable and lessened the burn scarring that dotted his face and down his neck. He looked like he had been sprayed with acid, which was entirely viable. He dropped into a deep bow and spoke to the ground rather than looking at Coral.


    ¡°Arthfael Claysend,¡± he introduced in a quiet tone.


    ¡°You left to go explore the last tunnel, and came back with a cage, a vampire and a damsel. Interrupted a hidden rendezvous, did you?¡± Tybalt needled.


    ¡°No,¡± both Coral and Silas said at the same time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be assisting with luring the ghoul into the cage as an act of good will, to clear the misunderstanding between us. And I¡¯m not entirely helpless,¡± Caspian said politely.


    What misunderstanding could have arisen between Silas¡¯s team and Caspian? Coral looked at Caspian, at the polite expression he wore, his red eyes still brighter than they had been that first night she had seen him after escaping the wolves.


    She wanted to ask, then remembered she was angry at him for hurting Pearl. It was impolite to enquire about a misunderstanding that didn¡¯t have anything to do with her. She would just have to push her curiosity to the back of her mind.


    ¡°Why is she here though?¡± asked Darius Brown. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have thought you of all people to bring her into this situation.¡±


    ¡°Crowcaller,¡± Silas said in way of explanation. The men instantly had looks of understanding dawning on their faces.


    ¡°She likes to meddle in things doesn¡¯t she, Old Crowcaller,¡± Tybalt said.


    ¡°Particularly when it comes to ma-,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get tonight over with so we can all go back home,¡± Silas said, interrupting Darius.


    Silas folded his arms and was looking irritated again. ¡°Claysend, you¡¯ll stay here with Norden and Osric, and keep Coral under guard. Don¡¯t let her out of your sight. The rest of you are with me. We¡¯ll take the cage into the cavern where there¡¯s the most room. I expect that¡¯s where the rest of the pack are?¡± Silas asked Tybalt, who nodded once in affirmation.


    ¡°Good. We¡¯ll take the ghoul apart in sections and keep the body in the cage while we have the head separated and bring it back to the pyre to melt. The body will follow. Claysend, you and the boys are to keep the pyre burning hot.¡±


    The men wasted no time in actioning Silas¡¯s instructions. Tybolt and Darius piled into the front seat of the carriage, one of them taking up the reigns to the patiently waiting Clydesdale.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Coral said, catching Silas¡¯s arm as he began to head back to the carriage. ¡°You said we could talk about this when we got here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking you down into that cave,¡± Silas said stubbornly. ¡°You can be bait here, under the protection of the Guild¡¯s sigil and one of my best fighters. Away from the ghoul.¡±


    Coral crossed her arms, furious. ¡°Are you telling me that I¡¯ve been dragged out here to play pretend.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to take you back?¡± he asked, sounding hopeful.


    ¡°No!¡± Coral objected, trying to keep her exasperation in check. ¡°I know it doesn¡¯t matter to you, but I want that cursed debt gone from my name.¡±


    ¡°Fine. You¡¯re staying here, but when we return with the ghoul¡¯s head you can stand near it so it¡¯s focus will be on you rather than reattaching itself to its body,¡± Silas said, glowering at Coral. ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯m giving you. Bait status achieved, Coral.¡±


    ¡°I.. Uh, thank you.¡± Coral stammered, distracted by the way he had said her name in a deep rumble. She hadn¡¯t given him permission to address her so informally. They weren¡¯t friends. He was the owner of the Dog House; her competition. He shouldn¡¯t be using her name with such familiarity.


    She watched him turn and march towards the carriage. The horse was signaled to walk on, and they slipped out into the darkness.


    ¡°Lady Seaver, come sit by the fire,¡± Mr. Claysend said, raising an arm to indicate the blazing pyre behind them.


    Coral walked towards Mr. Claysend, then chose a rock to sit on. It was warm at least. She looked about the tower. Tonight was certainly going to be long.


    She slumped over a little and watched as Osric dropped a small leather bag beside his twin. He pulled out ointments and a new roll of gauze, murmuring to his brother.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the handsome one now,¡± Osric said.


    Norden, despite the obvious pain he was in, smacked his brother in the arm with more strength than Coral would have expected. Osric rocked back on his heels, grinning.


    She watched them taunt each other under their breath as Osric smeared salve over the bite wound on his brother¡¯s neck. Coral could see that it was more to distract Norden from his pain than an actual ribbing. It didn¡¯t last long. Just as Coral thought to wonder over and strike up conversation, Osric whacked his brother¡¯s uninjured shoulder and told him to sleep. He laid down not too far from his brother, yawned, then closed his eyes.


    Coral stayed where she was, wondering what she was to do now.


    After several long hours of waiting and nothing happening, Coral found herself inspecting the walls of the tower purely for something to do out of boredom. This was not how she imagined the night would go. Though, if she was entirely honest, she was glad she had been left behind.


    There was another floor above them, where there was a set of spiraling stairs that stopped five steps down and was left hanging to the floor below. She could see a section inside, but all that the fire revealed was more stone. She ambled around the tower seven times, encircling the fire as though she were transfixed by the flames. It was too hot this close to the fire, and with each pass of the hole in the wall where Coral assumed had been the door to the tower, based on the stone archway bricks that remained, the cool air swept across the back of her neck and was a pleasant relief from the stifling heat.


    ¡°Can I go out there,¡± Coral asked Mr. Claysend. He let the whetstone run along the edge of his sword one last time, then looked up at her.


    ¡°If you stay within the barrier,¡± he said, getting to his feet. He didn¡¯t pry into why Coral wanted to move about, and she appreciated it.


    Coral was tired and if she stayed still, she¡¯d likely fall asleep on the ground. Not the most ideal places, it wouldn¡¯t be the first time. She just didn¡¯t want to overheat and sweat all over Crowcallers jack-of-plate.


    He went before her, sweeping the area with a quick glance. When he deemed that nothing was lurking around the camp, he gave her a nod. Coral stepped out of the towers walls, and the wash of cold air on her cheeks woke her up. Stepping away from the fire however didn¡¯t bring on any new details than what she had been seeing for the last several hours. Darkness, looming trees and rocks. There wasn¡¯t even the hoot of an owl. Just a quiet stillness, broken only by the crackle of wood and the roaring fire.


    Coral ambled about, taking her time to watch each passing tree or scuff in the leaf litter below her. When she got twenty meters from the tower, Mr. Claysend held up a hand and stopped Coral from taking another step.


    ¡°See the shimmer,¡± he said quietly.


    Coral hadn¡¯t seen anything. She had noticed that the sigil brooch had sent a pulse of energy, gentle enough that if she hadn¡¯t been aware of her complete boredom, she would have missed it. It had barely been more than static electricity. Now that she was looking, she did see a ripple in the space before her. Barely perceptible, a large dome spread up and back over the tower at its peak. There was a mild ripple effect as she looked up, and lost part of the barrier¡¯s walls with the darkened sky.


    ¡°How do you know if you accidentally leave the barrier?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°The guild sigil will send a pulse of energy through you. Trust me, when everything goes dark, you¡¯ll know,¡± Mr. Claysend said.


    Coral followed the rim of the barrier, stepping over stones as best she could, Mr. Claysend on her heels. ¡°Mr. Claysend?¡± Coral said, keeping her voice hushed.


    Mr. Claysend hummed, and Coral took that as permission to ask her question.


    ¡°Silas said that you are one of his best fighters. Is that true?¡±


    Mr. Claysend was quiet for a moment before he answered, looking contemplative. ¡°I have a lot of experience. I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m the best fighter, but I do win most matches. There are still people I lose against. Silas, for instance. And Crowcaller.¡±


    ¡°You sound quite humble,¡± Coral commented. ¡°If Silas praised you, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re very good.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s kind of you to say,¡± Mr. Claysend said. ¡°Though, that may be for your reassurance of your safety. Rest assured Coral, you have nothing to fear with me around.¡±


    Coral was still nervous, but the stillness had settled her nerves, enough that she could no longer stand doing nothing. Walking around the camp was better than watching Norden Ruesong snore softly. They fell back into silence as Coral picked her way through a pile of rubble that clearly came from the tower. From this view, she could see that skeleton trapped beneath the stone.


    ¡°Have you been through a Night of the Undead?¡± Coral asked, staring at the skeleton. A few of its teeth were missing, and one lay on the stone before it.


    ¡°A few, I¡¯ve been a part of Silas¡¯s team for many years. I knew him from when he was just a lad.¡±


    ¡°Will there be skeletons like these all over Direwood?¡± Coral asked slowly. ¡°Will I find bodies lying around after the night is over?¡±


    ¡°There can be,¡± Mr. Claysend said. ¡°But many Adventurers come to handle them for the night. It¡¯s actually an event many look forward to. Can¡¯t say I do though. They¡¯re a nuisance to find afterwards, and some get picked off by monsters, depending if they¡¯re a bit meaty or not.¡±


    Coral scrunched her nose in revulsion.


    ¡°My girl gets really excited for the night. Valerie¡¯s her name. She wants to follow me in my footsteps. Fearless little thing she is. Good little fighter too, though she still has quite a few years to go. She¡¯s apprenticing at the Guild.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I think I¡¯ve seen her before in the guild¡¯s library,¡± Coral said, the name triggering her memory. ¡°Short brown hair, chubby cheeks? About this tall,¡± she held up her hand to indicate a height.


    ¡°That¡¯s her,¡± Mr. Claysend said. ¡°Was she conspiring again?¡±


    ¡°She could have been. It certainly sounded like she was up to something at the very least,¡± Coral said, smiling a little.


    ¡°Unsurprising,¡± Mr. Claysend said, though he sounded proud rather than disapproving. ¡°She thinks I don¡¯t know that she¡¯s planning on sneaking out to watch all the Adventurers fight the Undead. I was going to let her and follow her to make sure she stays safe.¡±


    ¡°You would let her?¡± Coral said, taken-a-back.


    ¡°I learnt it¡¯s better to follow along and keep her out of the worst trouble,¡± he said, chuckling. ¡°It drives my poor wife crazy with worry, but she understands. Keeping Valerie locked up is trying at best.¡±


    ¡°Definitely a little Adventurer in the making, your Valerie,¡± Coral said. She looked back over the skeleton, perturbed by its grin and empty skull. She just couldn¡¯t see it coming to life.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the Undead,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Best to climatize yourself now while you have the chance,¡± Mr. Claysend said. He nodded towards the skeleton. ¡°Go take a closer look. It¡¯s lifeless now.¡±


    Coral took a few tentative steps towards the skeleton, half ready to run if it did move. It didn¡¯t. Nor did it look any less unsettling up this close either. Logically, it was all bones and unable to move, but she still didn¡¯t like it. She frowned down at it and noticed a half rotten book beneath one of its hands. Curiosity at this point took over, and she tried to read the front cover. A shadow had fallen over the book face, and after a few moments of stealing her nerves and carefully watching the skeleton, she used her booted foot to pull the book out from beneath the skeleton¡¯s hand. Unfortunately, the skeleton¡¯s hand came with it.


    ¡°Ack,¡± Coral grumbled in disgust, kicking the bones away from the book and scuffing the surface further. Fantastic. Now she had more to add to her nightmares. She reached down and plucked up the book then retreated into the firelight that spilled out of the tower.


    Mr. Claysend was there a second later. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, frowning down at the book.


    ¡°Skeletons are horrible. I¡¯m not sure if I prefer them over ghosts.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve had a run in with ghosts before?¡± Mr. Claysend asked sounding genuinely curious.


    ¡°Just the once,¡± Coral said airily and tried not to rub at her eyes. She hoped the bruising was healing up now that she had applied a generous layer of the salve. It better be, otherwise Coral had been wearing goop slathered on her face all night for nothing. She had the privacy of her haunted manor to do that, rather than embarrass herself further in front of these people.


    Coral held the book up to the light, her fingers already filmy with the layer of dirt covering the book. A few letters were decipherable, but otherwise the words were lost from being exposed to the elements. She turned the book over, hoping to see something there, but the back was bare, damp and had a single slug stuck to it. There was a symbol pressed into the cover. It was only by chance that Coral had familiarized herself with tomes for studying magic that she recognized the symbol.


    ¡°It¡¯s a spell book,¡± she said, delighted. She flicked the slug away and tried to pry the pages open from the back. They were damp and clung together in a way that suggested it had been closed shut and rained on far too much.


    ¡°You might be able to dry it by the fire,¡± Mr. Claysend said.


    Coral agreed, and eager now for something to do, she hurried back to the fire and propped the book in prime position to dry off, cautious to not get too close in case it caught alight. She threw several more logs on to the fire for good measure. The boys had fallen asleep on the far side of the tower, but she could keep the fire burning hot, embers glowed brightly, emitting so much heat that Coral was uncomfortably hot already. Mr. Claysend sat by the tower¡¯s opening on a large boulder, watching the perimeter, and checking back on her and the sleeping boys.


    Coral prodded at the book every so often, then decided it was worth a try to see what she could decipher after several long, quiet minutes where the only thing happened was that steam slowly drifted up from the book¡¯s pages. She held the book between her two hands, and let it fall open where it may. The back cover instantly fell away, followed by a good portion of the paper, all glued together. Dismayed, she turned to the side that hadn¡¯t crumbled away, and read the excerpt had written along the page in blotchy ink.


    It took only a few sentences to understand that this was mid explanation of a spell suitable for warming teapots, but the spell itself wasn¡¯t on the page before it. A shame, Coral would have like to have learnt that spell. She would have to make do with warming her teapot on the stove like a normal, magicless person. The spell did however clue Coral into the contents of the book. If a teapot warming spell was in the first half of the tome, the remainder of the book was likely to have similar spellcraft for every day, mundane life.


    It may not be a spell to take down a ghoul, or to disperse ghosts, but she¡¯d take small spell craft any day if it could improve her life. Coral gently pulled back another page, which held together. The paper tore as she tried to carefully separate them, then giving up that section she read the next part of the book that she could turn to.


    Fools Luck. This spell, though modest in its results, is versatile and adaptable in situations to bring its caster an opportunity in which their luck increases. This spell can be applied in circumstances that directly affect the caster, opening a pathway in subtle ways that alters the situation, though often with unexpected results. It is difficult to identify the spell¡¯s effect, as it is not always immediate or obvious.


    The spell is applied with the flourish of a sigil, in quick smooth motions, drawn in a counterclockwise direction. It is best to use a-


    A large portion of the text had washed away in the rain, the ink blurring on the lower half of the page.


    So, the spell made you lucky? That would be incredibly useful. The following page had the sigil symbol, showing where it began, with arrows indicating which direction to draw next.


    Some luck would be highly beneficial tonight, and even if some luck came in an unexpected form, Coral was sure it could only improve her current situation. Like suddenly finding some chocolate cake. Or a comfy pillow to rest against.


    She raised her hand, uncertain if this would even work, and traced the sigil in the air, careful to follow the directions shown on the book. Nothing happened. Not even a stir from the magical energy one often felt when spells were taking form.


    She tried again, even more slowly and ensuring her movements were smooth and pushing her intentions into the sigil. She finished the last part of the sigil with a flourish of her hand, then waited with bated breath.


    Nothing. Unless she counted the grunting snore Osric Ruesong just let out.


    She hadn¡¯t really expected something to happen. Spell work required a sigil or rune to be drawn to activate the magic. Novices had to perfect the sigil before the spell activated, ensuring the correct angles and stroke work to be the right thickness. It required a lot of tedious memorization and muscle memory.


    Advanced magic users could envision the rune and it would appear before them without having to trace out the sigil. Those who mastered it though were able to combine multiple runes into a much larger scale casting, expanding and enhancing the spell with smaller additives with impressive results.


    Coral gently flipped to the next page and read on another passage about the Fools Luck spell.


    Do be advised, that the luck accumulated will need to be drawn from the caster, and so, opening an otherwise nonexistent chance. This pull of luck will result in the caster experiencing the reverse effect at a later time. This spell is active for a short period and will only take effect in one situation that directly affects the caster in the physical sense.


    Why was this paragraph on the next page rather than before the sigil design was shown? Warnings should be shown before any spell crafting. Coral huffed and frowned at the book. What witless mage wrote this book?


    She turned the page to the next spell listed and read.


    Grand Entrance ¨C Enter a room with style for maximum impact. The activation of this spell will play a magical tune unique to you, emphasizing your allure and magnanimous aura to those who both adore and hate you. The song will play for approximately twenty seconds and will echo in the ears of all in your presence. The larger the rune, the louder the tune.


    Coral checked the next few passages, where it went on to list other spells that Coral was beginning to suspect were in fact rather useless. The whole book seemed to list spells that would have been popular at one point or another, then quickly became outdated. There was a spell to provide cushioning to one¡¯s dancing shoes so that you stepped lightly, and another that stopped cream from curdling. There was no sense to the order of the spells that she could find either.


    Coral turned back to the page for the Grand Entrance spell, and scanned the script again, making sure to inspect the following pages just in case. She couldn¡¯t see any further warnings, and curious what her unique tune would be, she decided to try it out. Drawing the rune as small as possible of course. She didn¡¯t want to wake anyone.


    Coral held her hand aloft, studying the simple rune on the page, then thought better. ¡°Mr. Claysend,¡± Coral said, but stopped as he held up his own hand, his gaze fixed on the trees.


    Coral stilled and searched the dark in the direction that Mr. Claysend was looking. There was a flicker of slow, ambling movement. There was not a sound to be heard, not even a whisper of debris being shuffled on the ground. Then, from amongst the tree¡¯s, a woman stepped out between two large trunks, her long lank hair trailing down her back. She was naked, curling in on herself with her arms wrapped around her front.


    Coral gasped as she saw her, and the woman raised her head up in a stiff motion that caught Coral off guard. That hadn¡¯t been a natural movement. Coral had seen this woman before, from the painting of the necromancer¡¯s family.


    Mr. Claysend got to his feet, resting his hand on the hilt of his long sword.


    ¡°No,¡± Coral said too loudly. The woman¡¯s head jerked, as though she had heard Coral speak, and ambled forward at a more predatory gait then before. She turned enough that the firelight cast her features into relief. She looked the same as she had in the painting, with her large round eyes and blonde hair. But there was something wrong. Something unnatural Coral couldn¡¯t explain.


    ¡°Get behind the fire,¡± Mr. Claysend warned in a low voice as he stepped backward centering himself in the tower¡¯s entrance.


    Coral hurried to the far side so that the pyre stood between her and the gaping hole that now seemed too wide, wondering if she should wake the two apprentices or not. She didn¡¯t need to, as Mr. Claysend reached into a pocket and pulled out a stone then lobbed it at Osric. It hit him hard in the head. Osric jerked up, already reaching for his knife. He took one look at Mr. Claysend¡¯s stance, feet apart and sword drawn, then reached for the stone and crushed it between his fingers. A fine mist of magical energy swarmed up, then disappeared. Coral had seen one of those before, and heard about them countless times in the gossip circles. That had been a signal sent to the rest of the team. Help would be on its way.


    The woman stepped forward, head cocked and eyes searching. Her foot stepped through the barrier, then another step brought her completely inside. She let out a high pitch shriek, shielding their eyes from the light bloom they were experiencing. The woman¡¯s body twisted and dissolved away to reveal an emaciated body of skin and bones, mouth gaping with a row of sharp teeth, cheeks hollowing out and skin that had been pale and clear eroded away to a mottled, rubbery texture. It stumbled forward in its blindness, the human feet forming into hooves. It¡¯s stomach no longer smooth, but bulging from having gorged itself on it¡¯s latest victim.


    The necromancer¡¯s wife had been turned into a ghoul.


    Osric shoved Norden awake, then reached for a spear laying nearby. Norden followed suit, grabbing for his own and getting to his feet. Coral, unsure on what to do other than try to stay out of the way as much as possible, sidled back against the tower¡¯s wall. Osric and Norden hurried to her, stationing themselves in front of her, their spears raised.


    ¡°Stay behind us,¡± Osric said. ¡°If we tell you to run, you run. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Coral breathed.


    The ghoul shook its head, then its eyes set on them. It sprinted forward in long loping steps, arms raised with claws poised for slashing. As it closed the distance in five quick steps, screeching as it came, it leapt the last few meters at Claysend.


    Claysend sidestepped the creature and in that same movement swung his sword up and across the ghoul¡¯s side. The sharpened blade sliced deep into its waist and up along its ribs. He turned swiftly, raising his arms up overhead and swung down.


    The ghoul scrabbled backwards, kicking dirt up with its hooves and managed to avoid the blow by a hair¡¯s breadth. The monster slashed out at him with its blackened claws, aiming for Mr. Claysend¡¯s legs.


    Mr. Claysend backstepped then parried. The sword cut into the ghoul¡¯s flesh. The ghoul sliced its claws out, and Claysend sword met it. Again, and again. Each time Claysend¡¯s sword was there to meet its claws, driving it back away from the tower. He brought his sword out in a wide arcing swing, the blade cutting across the first slice. The skin split open, and blackened blood oozed from the wound. He swung, cut, and the ghoul screeched it¡¯s displeasure as it lunged forward. Claysend¡¯s sword caught the ghoul the by the arm, and with a swift twist of his blade, the ghouls arm dropped away, the longsword having sliced through cleanly.


    He turned his body, stepping closer and arms still pulled back to thrust. Then screamed.


    The ghouls detached arm had latched on to his boot as he stepped near it. Its claws slicing through his boot as though it were paper. The claws pulled free and dug into his flesh as the arm climbed up his calf, each claw driving deep and shredding the muscle.


    He stumbled mid-thrust. His body dropping. The ghoul lunged towards him, running itself through with Claysend¡¯s sword through its stomach. The ghoul clawed at his neck, digging deep for purchase. The ghoul stretched its mouth wide and brought its head down to his. The ghoul¡¯s teeth tore at his face, muffling the scream that emitted from Claysend¡¯s mouth. It cut off abruptly.

 A Fools Luck

    Claysend dropped to the ground, his body limp beneath the ghoul. The ghoul pulled its head, tearing away a piece of Mr. Claysend¡¯s cheek, the skin stretching the splitting off to expose muscle and teeth. The monster chewed hungrily on the flesh as it stepped a hoof up on to Claysend¡¯s stomach and used it to hold him in place. It lowered its head down and bit into the soft flesh of Claysend¡¯s throat, the muscle shredded from its blackened claws. Mr Claysend¡¯s body jerked as the monster tore at him, the hoof keeping his body in place. Blood burbled from his neck, smearing across the ghoul¡¯s face.


    Coral hadn¡¯t been prepared for this. She hadn¡¯t seen anyone die before. She had experienced loss, yes, but not like this. Not in the midst of a fight against a monster, and certainly not when she had been purposely left behind at camp to be kept away from the ghoul. How was it here?


    Wasn¡¯t Silas and his team hunting the creature down?


    As it lifted its head, sucking in the last of Claysend¡¯s cheek, it stared straight at Coral. Coral stared back, horrified.


    It was like she wasn¡¯t seeing things from her own body, but watching elsewhere, outside of herself. She took in too much detail of the things around her. Claysends body lay limp and absent of any spirit. Firelight glinted off the tips of the apprentice¡¯s spears, their hands steady, poised and waiting for the ghoul. Their bravery in the face of a nightmare come to life was commendable. Norden Ruesong had already faced this creature and had needed to be rescued from its clutches, and yet there he stood, face hardened, and jaw set with determination. His brother matched him.


    Slowly the ghoul released its claws from Claysend¡¯s neck, slicing almost clean through. It took its foot from Claysend¡¯s stomach, a gurgling sound reverberating from its throat.


    Coral tensed, her heart hammering in her chest. She expected the ghoul to lunge, like it had all other times. Instead, it took one measured step, then another.


    ¡°Should I change?¡± Norden murmured.


    ¡°No,¡± Osric muttered back. It was as though they were both keeping their voices low to keep the monster calm. ¡°If it attacks, I won¡¯t be able to take it on my own.¡±


    ¡°I fight better that way,¡± Norden said.


    ¡°It takes too long. It¡¯ll be done with us when you¡¯re halfway,¡± Osric said.


    The ghoul took another step, hunched over with its stomach impaled with Claysend¡¯s sword and blackened blood seeping from the wound. It stopped, then reached down. The sword dug deeper as the hilt pressed into the ground. It picked up its severed arm.


    ¡°Cursed shit,¡± Norden swore, his hand tightening on his spear.


    The flesh around its limb bubbled, oozing blood as the ghoul raised the severed arm up to its shoulder. There was a hiss as the arm was pressed in the wrong angle against the open wound. The arm fused to the ghoul, its blood sealing the limb along the wound. It let go, and with an awful squelch, the arm twisted back into place.


    If Coral ever had to see that again, it would be too soon.


    The ghoul stretched up to its full height, its eyes still locked on Coral. It ignored how the sword angled and cut open its stomach. Intestines slipped out beside the steel, dangling in a loop as it came free from the creature¡¯s stomach.


    It stalked towards them, heedless of its stomach or sword. All that separated them from the monster was the pyre the Adventure¡¯s had planned to use to burn the creature. The radiating heat and fierce flames deterred it from coming at them straight on. The boys took a careful step to the right, and Coral followed, keeping herself squarely behind the two. This brought the fire in front of them, out of direct line of sight of the creature.


    The ghoul shrieked its displeasure. Coral slapped her hands around her ears to block out the piercing sound. The boys winced, but with their hands around their weapons, neither of them could block the noise.


    It loped a few more steps, following the only path available around the pyre. The apprentices and Coral kept moving to the right, matching the pace of the ghoul so that they maintained the distance and fire between them.


    They couldn¡¯t keep this up all night. Coral hoped that whatever signal was sent to Silas¡¯s team, that they would be here soon. She may not be alone, as useless at fighting as she was, but there was a difference between having two young apprentices with her instead of a vampire who could match the ghoul¡¯s strength and speed. She didn¡¯t want these boys to be hurt, regardless of how long they had been learning to fight. Apprentices weren¡¯t thrown into the thick of a fight without experienced team members to keep them alive. All these boys had was Coral, who had never held a real weapon in her life, and the chance that Silas and his team would be back in time before they were slaughtered. Luck was not on their side.


    Coral¡¯s breath hitched in her throat as the ghoul took a running leap, closing the gap between them by quite some distance. Coral automatically moved to the right as fast as she could go, but the ghoul was closer now, and within striking range of the apprentice¡¯s spears.


    Norden lunged forward and swept his spear down in a long cutting motion, forcing the ghoul to back away. Coral took a few more steps so that she was further from the boys, searching frantically for anything to use against the creature. Further along there was someone¡¯s bedroll spread out next to the wall, and a small pack that had the top flap left wide open. There was nothing of use there, not unless she lit the bag on fire and flung it at the ghoul. That was a possibility. The only other things was the spell book left to one side of the rock which was now near the ghoul, or the fire with its burning logs. There was a pile of thick logs to feed the fire, and some long, thick sticks to prod larger pieces of wood into the coals. Coral grabbed for two of the sticks then rammed the ends into the coals.


    Osric and Norden had backstepped towards her, forcing her to leave the sticks behind and she cursed. If they make it around again, surely the sticks wouldn¡¯t have incinerated completely before she could have her own go of stabbing it at the ghoul. Terrified as she was, she didn¡¯t want to be completely helpless. She back further away, desperately searching the ground for something more useful than small stones, cautious to not go too far unless she really did become the bait and lured the ghoul around the other side of the fire.


    The ghoul leapt forward. Norden flipped his spear up then stabbed out with the blunt end, smacking it hard against Claysend¡¯s longsword and forcing it sideways. It sliced through the ghoul¡¯s side and came free. The ghoul dropped, screeching and spittle flying from its mouth. Norden took a step back, swung the blade tip down to meet the ghoul and thrust. The blade pierced the ghoul¡¯s shoulder, right where Claysend had first severed the creatures arm. With a slight adjustment to his grip he reefed the spear up with such force a spray of blood flicked off of the blade and across the wall of the tower. Screeching, the ghoul leaped forward, slashing out with its claws. Osric deflected the slash with his spear, then again as the ghoul swiped out with its damaged arm.


    Coral stumbled back again as the ghoul began to close the distance between them. Its arm was simmering again as the ghoul¡¯s blood sealed the laceration. Even the wound on its side from the sword was mending itself, the blood coating its leathery flesh. Coral¡¯s foot stumbled on a stone. She decided then and there that throwing something was better than backing away like a useless bag of meat. Coral may be terrified, but she wouldn¡¯t let these young boys fight for her while she stood around doing nothing. She stooped down and collected a handful of the biggest rocks she could get, took aim, then threw one as hard as she could. The stone soared through the air, then hit the wall beside the ghoul as it slashed its claw forward and moved just in time to avoid the stone.


    Undeterred, Coral threw another, this time catching it right in its injured shoulder. The ghoul barely registered the hit. Norden and Osric both raised their spears and thrust them forward, piercing the ghoul through the stomach again, tearing at the wound that was mending itself.


    Coral threw another rock, uncaring if it was actually doing anything. It felt better than standing back as long as she didn¡¯t hit either of the Ruesong apprentices. She didn¡¯t even have a rusty kitchen knife. How could Silas have left her here with naught but a few human shields as protection! Why hadn¡¯t she brought a knife?


    The rock hit the ghoul in the shoulder again, this time directly at the wound. The cut stopped knitting itself back together.


    ¡°Keep hitting where it¡¯s hurt,¡± Norden snarled out as he ripped his spear free and parried a slicing cut from the ghoul. The ghoul screeched then ducked below the sweeping blow from Osric¡¯s spear and leapt for their legs. Norden cut down, and scored the blade into the side of the creature and tore it free again.


    Coral shuffled backwards, searching the ground for more stones. They had moved back around the tower so that they were in line with the tower¡¯s opening, where there was more debris. She picked up a large chunk of stone, brought her hand back and with a great deal of effort she flung it. It went low, smacking into its stomach, briefly pausing the mending process. The ghoul darted back and bent low, sweeping its arms out either side of it with its talons outstretched. It shot in, swiped. Osric knocked it back with a blow of his spear, and it backed off before trying again.


    ¡°Push it into the fire!¡± Coral cried, chucking another stone. It hit the ghoul¡¯s shoulder again, but the wound had almost completely stitched itself closed. The wound roiled for a moment as the ghoul swung its claws at Osric and Norden, then the skin blended until it was smooth again.


    ¡°It¡¯ll just make it angrier!¡± Osric huffed out as he parried another blow.


    Coral reached down, and her fingers fell upon the spell book. She took one look at it, thrust the book near the flames, wincing at the heat. The pages caught alight and was quickly being incinerated. Coral hefted her arm back and threw that at the ghoul¡¯s face. As soon as the flaming book came soaring over the apprentice¡¯s heads, the ghoul backed away with a screech. The book missed and fell to the ground with a thump. The pages burned up, the cover smoking as the flames licked along the edges.


    The ghoul screeched. Coral crushed the palms of her hands against her head, she was sure her ears were bleeding from the piercing cry. Then it leapt. Both Osric¡¯s and Norden¡¯s spears came up to meet it, but it had moved quicker. The ghouls back slipped beneath the spear¡¯s tips and was on both of them before Coral could blink or move. Norden screamed, his voice breaking as the ghouls¡¯ claws sliced into his arm. Osric struggled beside him, hefting the shaft of the spear up and using the blade to stab into the ghoul.


    It didn¡¯t react as the spear tore into its body. It was uncaring of how it crawled over Norden, its claws slicing and gouging at anything, ignoring the writhing person beneath it. The ghoul kept moving forward, straight at Coral. It broke away from the apprentices, lunging forward just as Coral scuttled backwards. Norden caught the ghoul around its legs, keeping it from leaping its full weight straight on to Coral, but it still knocked her down regardless, its chest thumping hard against her lower legs. Norden¡¯s arms tightened around the creature¡¯s legs as it kicked hard to propel itself forward. It reached up and sliced its claws into Coral¡¯s thigh, the other arm slapped against her stomach with bruising force. The armour thankfully kept her from being ripped open. It was dragging itself up her, like it had done to Claysend.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Coral frantically threw her arms out, searching for anything to hit the monster with other than her own flesh. Her hand went out to the side and snagged on the branch she had shoved in the fire earlier. Without thinking, Coral closed her fingers around the burning branch, the bark searing her palm. She smashed it hard against the ghoul, uncaring of where as long as she hit it.


    Sparks flew as she struck, showering her and the ghoul in tiny embers from the glowing end of the stick. The ghoul screamed and tried to scrabble out of Norden¡¯s tight grip.


    Coral grabbed the stick with both hands, gritting her teeth at the heat. A ripple of magic coursed over her, and something snapped into place. There was a thundering tremor to the ground. Coral knew that Fools Luck had just taken affect. The ghoul raised its head as she brought both hands up and over her chest. The ghoul opened its mouth wide to let out another challenging shriek. Coral thrust the stick at the ghoul. The burning end rammed itself down its throat, the shriek choked off as she put all her strength behind it.


    The ghoul fell sideways, and Norden let it go as the burning end sunk another inch down its throat. It kicked out and somehow missed her by a hair¡¯s breadth. Though, Coral¡¯s luck spell had ended there. The ghoul¡¯s claws wrapped around the stick and snapped it in half.


    Coral hurried backwards, trying desperately to get to her feet. A downed opponent was as good as dead. Osric had gotten to his feet and was already stepping around Coral as she used her arms to shove herself back and away. He raised his spear and rammed it into the ghoul, pushing it back as it clawed and chocked on the burning charcoal in its mouth in a rasping gagging sound that made Coral¡¯s skin crawl. Osric shifted his feet, staring down the ghoul and lips pulled back in a snarl.


    The ghoul twisted back to its side, and from there on the ground, leapt at them.


    A dark mass surged from the tower¡¯s entrance right behind the ghoul. Jaws closed around the ghoul¡¯s upper body. The ghoul writhed as it fought against the hold. Coral lost sight of it a moment as whatever had caught the creature shook it side to side then threw it bodily into the wall of the tower.


    ¡°GO!¡± Osric yelled, pulling Coral up to her feet and then shoved her towards the monster that just threw the ghoul like it was a rag doll.


    Coral¡¯s brain screamed at her to stay back, but her body wanted to move. Her legs did an odd half stumble forward before locking in place as she stared wide eyed at the giant wolf before her. There was another source of danger. Another monster that could kill her. Its head lowered, ears flat against its head and jowls pulled back revealing its long fangs.


    Norden¡¯s hands closed around her upper arm and forcefully pulled her along. Coral didn¡¯t have a choice whether she stayed put or not.


    The giant wolf stepped forward and Norden shoved her hard into the gap between its legs and the tower¡¯s entrance. She hurried through, her heart in her throat as she tried to get her legs to cooperate, then stopped abruptly with a small cry escaping her lips. Towering over her were many more giant wolves, their eyes reflecting the fire light.


    A flash of white, and Caspian stood before her. His eyes wide and nostrils flaring as he took her in. ¡°To the wall,¡± he commanded, gesturing for her to go sideways along the tower.


    Osric and Norden took her by both arms and hurried her to the tower, turning so that their backs were to the wall. They positioned themselves again so that Coral stood between them. Caspian stayed where he was, sword in hand and facing the tower with the wolves behind him.


    A shriek filled the air. The wolves stalked closer to the tower, hackles raised and snarling. Two wolves broke off from the pack and headed straight at Coral and the Ruesong apprentices. A small noise broke from the back of Coral¡¯s throat, but neither Norden nor Osric raised their spears as they approached. The were taller than her and Coral had to crick her neck up higher just to look them in the eye. Except they weren¡¯t looking at her. Their attention was drawn to their surroundings. The wolves split, and Coral froze in place as they each took up a position either side of Norden and Osric.


    There was a heavy thud and Coral felt the wall of the tower tremor from the impact. The black wolf backed out of the entrance, dragging along the ghoul by its foot. The ghoul twisted up and slashed at its muzzle. The wolf released it, then caught it again a second later, closing its teeth around its upper arm, cutting deep into the flesh. The ghoul screeched. The wolf¡¯s teeth bit down hard and twisted, wrenching off its arm with the movement.


    The ghoul fell from the wolf and hit the ground in a forward roll. It pushed itself up to its remaining limbs and ran forward in an uneven lope. Coral braced herself as the ghoul came in her direction. Caspian stepped in front of the ghoul, swinging his sword down in an arc. It didn¡¯t stop. It ploughed straight into Caspian, taking the blow into its stomach and splitting its side open. The ghoul sunk its teeth around his shoulder, the momentum making Caspian take a step back towards Coral.


    The two wolves beside Osric and Norden snarled viciously, both stepping forward at the same time. They didn¡¯t attack. Just flashed their teeth in a threatening way that seemed just as much for Caspian as it was for the ghoul.


    Caspian dropped his sword and pulled the ghoul off of him, his shoulder coming away bloody and smearing the ghouls starved face. The ghoul licked the blood from its chin with a dark tongue that looked blackened with rot.


    The black wolf latched on to its leg and hurled it up out of Caspian¡¯s grip, twisted and slammed the ghoul against the ground. It rebounded with the impact, curled up and dug its claw into the wolfs neck from below. Its free leg coiled around and pressed hard against the side of the wolf¡¯s face, kicked and tore itself free from the wolfs jaws. The wolf spat out a hoof.


    There was a flash of red fur as another wolf ran for the severed arm, its fingers scuttling in a way that pulled the ghoul¡¯s arm towards its body. The red wolf took the arm by the back of the wrist so that the claws couldn¡¯t get to it. It took off, running as fast as it could directly to the open cage, manned by a woman Coral had seen back at the Adventurer¡¯s guild. She held the cage door open, then as the red wolf slid to a halt and threw the arm into the cage, the woman slammed the door shut. It was followed not a moment later by another wolf with the hoof that the ghoul had torn from itself.


    The ghoul crawled across the ground with its torn limbs, huffing. It didn¡¯t get far from the black wolf. Three other wolves closed in on it, each taking a limb and then pulled. The ghoul was suspended between the wolves and a violent game of tug began as each one pulled in a different direction, jerking with each yank in one way or another. The ghoul shrieked as teeth sunk into its flesh, its shoulder joints cracked with every wrench. The growling grew with the wolves excitement as the ghouls skin split open, and after a moment longer, an arm ripped away from the ghouls body. That wolf ran towards the cage, then yelped as the arm clawed at it, ripping chunks of fur and leaving long cuts along its chest and shoulder. The wolf flung the arm into the cage with the other, the woman slamming the door shut.


    The two other wolves shook their heads violently, teeth still clamped hard around the legs of the ghoul. One wolf won itself another limb, leaving the other to bite down hard on the last leg, the flesh torn at the teeth marks. The ghoul screeched as it tried to twist its torso up and bite at the last wolf.


    It was tugged across the ground several meters before the black wolf came at the ghoul again. With a crunch of teeth, its jaws closed around the ghoul¡¯s neck and snapped off the head and tossed it to the ground.


    The ghouls body went still, though the wolf that still had its leg didn¡¯t release it. It hefted the body back to the cage, where the woman opened the cage door and kicked at the claw that was closest, trying to crawl free. ¡°Hurry!¡± She yelled, not turning to look at the wolf approaching, but kept her eyes on the moving body parts.


    The wolf picked up its pace, and as it drew level with the woman, she turned and slammed a dagger straight into the ghoul¡¯s chest. Right where the heart was. The severed body parts went still.


    ¡°That should slow it down a bit more,¡± she said, drawing the blade out. It dripped dark ichor onto the ground. With a huff of effort, she and the wolf shoved the body into the cage. It took her a moment to fix rope to the metal. The red wolf walked up eagerly to the woman and took the proffered rope into its mouth. Another brown one joined it. Comparing the two, the red wolf was shorter, lanky and somewhat awkward in its movements. Much like a young pup still growing into its feet. Together, the wolves and the woman pulled the cage towards the tower.


    Coral stared as they made quick work of closing the distance. When they drew near her, Coral found that she couldn¡¯t stand to be near the ghoul. She didn¡¯t want to be anywhere near it. She forced her numb legs to shuffle forward. Osric and Norden lowered their spears as she stumbled past them, then walked either side of her as she kept moving so that she was a far enough from the tower wall that she could see what the woman was doing with the monster¡¯s body.


    The ghoul twitched. The stab wound to the heart had already closed off.


    It was healing itself. Coral could see that boiling motion at the gaping wounds, its blood congealing like glue to seal an arm back into place. Not even five minutes had passed, and it was pulling itself back together.


    The black wolf kept its paw over the top of the head, forcing it face down into the ground. From where Coral stood, she could see the ghouls jaw was slowly moving.


    The woman directed each wolf to go either side of the pyre inside the tower and pull. Another wolf came up and helped the woman push the cage from the back so that it levered up and then tipped unceremoniously on to the fire. Sparks flew as the cage fell atop the burning coals. The bars weren¡¯t much more than a hands width wide, so she piled the remainder of the logs and sticks up around the cage, building the fire so that it burned more fiercely.


    The ghouls body shuddered, then drew back instinctively from the flames that flickered hungrily up between the bars and along its exposed flesh. Its leg and other arm were searching out its torso, guided by whatever sense that directed it back to its body. It was slower to heal, the flames causing damage and preventing the limbs from resealing back to the ghoul¡¯s frame. The leathery skin had turned red and began to peel back. Coral turned her head, unwilling to watch.


    After another few minutes of listening to the roar of the fire and the rattle of the cage as the ghoul tried to escape, the black wolf took up the ghoul¡¯s head. The wolfs teeth crushed the ghouls skull as it gnashed its teeth, then dropped it into the fire.


    The ghoul¡¯s detached head screamed, wailing in agony.


    Coral sunk to the ground. She had to see it for herself that the ghoul was dying. She took a last look, and her stomach turned as the ghouls head began to burn and the skin cracked.


    Coral shook, though she didn¡¯t feel the cold. She wanted the monster to be quiet. The sound was terrible. She looked down and saw that her torn trousers had bloomed a dark patch over her left thigh. Coral reached for a torn piece and pulled back the scrap of fabric. A gasp escaped her and all at once pain finally registered in her adrenaline fuelled brain.


    Coral breathed in sharply, her lungs no longer able to take in enough air. Her hands were searing with sharp heat. She flipped them over, revealing blistered skin. Some patches of her own skin had torn or burned away. She wasn¡¯t sure which.


    Now that she had seen her injuries, she couldn¡¯t block the pain. Her mouth filled with saliva. A cold sweat broke out over her forehead. Coral lent forward and emptied the contents of her stomach. It came up with such force it streamed out of her nose. When her body had finished rejecting the remnants of her last supper, Coral stayed where she was, heaving for breath. She was too stunned to move. She just sat there, staring.


    There was a gentle nudge to her shoulder. Coral barely felt the sensation. She wasn¡¯t even sure what she was feeling.


    ¡°Coral,¡± Silas said gently.


    She didn¡¯t look up, afraid to see. She knew now. The wolves were not just animals. They had followed Silas¡¯s plan, they understood what needed to be done. Silas and his team were a pack of werewolves.


    It would have been nice if someone had told her prior to all of this.


    A cloth appeared in front of her. Coral looked at it for a long moment, then slowly reached for it, her fingers burning with the movement. She pinched the cloth between her knuckles and tried to wipe her face. It felt like she was just smearing vomit across herself, then gave it up when she couldn¡¯t stand the feel of fabric on her raw fingers.


    Silas took pity on her and wiped the cloth over her cheek and tender nose, careful to not agitate it further. Coral was too preoccupied to care.


    ¡°Wash your mouth out,¡± he said, his voice a low rumble that was soothing. He held out a flask to her. Coral took it, awkwardly holding it between her wrists. It took a few several tries to tip the water into her mouth, and then another few mouthfuls to clear her mouth.


    Silas said something, but for all that Coral cared, it was just mumbling noise. Not words. He took the flask from her, then after a moment he pulled her hands towards him. Coral let him. More useless noise fell from his lips. Coral just stared at nothing.


    A weight fell upon her back. Coral blinked and realised someone had wrapped their cloak around her shoulders. She realised that she was shaking hard. Was she cold? The air was cold around her, so she must be. A violent shudder ran down her spine, spiking fresh pain over her leg.


    She was definitely in pain. It wasn¡¯t too bad though.


    Mostly, Coral didn¡¯t want to move for a long, long time.


    ¡°Come on, lets have a look,¡± a woman said. Where had she come from? How long had she been kneeling in front of her? Coral let this strange woman run her hands over her. Was she a werewolf too? Coral tried to focus on her face, but all that she could take in was the way the woman¡¯s eyebrows pinched together as she looked at Coral¡¯s leg.


    ¡°Its quite deep. She¡¯ll need stitching. It¡¯ll leave a scar too,¡± the woman said.


    ¡°No,¡± Coral mumbled. ¡°I can¡¯t have scars.¡±


    ¡°Pass me the med-kit. Someone keep a hold of her. She won¡¯t like this,¡± the woman said tersely.

 Waiting

    It had been a long, restless night for Pearl. It was still early hours in the morning, the quiet stillness of pre-dawn when not even the bakers roused to begin their day, or cockerels crow. Pearl had managed only to sleep for short periods of an hour or two before waking up at the slightest noise, or if her own internal worry roused her. Unable to withstand lying in the guild¡¯s guest bedroom and doing nothing except worry, Pearl rose from the bed and dressed. Crowcaller hadn¡¯t called for her during the first few hours of night, which meant that Coral had yet to return. Crowcaller had promised to fetch Pearl as soon as Coral returned.


    Once dressed, Pearl let her hair splay down her back in waves. She didn¡¯t have it in her to concern herself with her hair. She sniffed a little then. There wasn¡¯t anyone to impress either.


    Pearl would never be able to compete with the beautiful woman on Caspians ¨C No. On Mr. Acheron¡¯s arm. She would not refer to him in such a friendly manner now. Her heart gave a painful flutter. Which was ridiculous! She had only known him for a matter of days. She was not so fickle as to believe that she had fallen in love so quickly. Besides, she knew Mr. Acheron exuded a certain charm, apart from the allure of being a vampire. His good nature was surely to attract attention.


    No, it was simply Pearls¡¯ childish fantasy to want to fall in love at first sight. It was his fascination with her that had flattered her. It didn¡¯t help that he was breathtakingly beautiful either. Pearl hadn¡¯t wanted to believe Coral¡¯s assessment of Mr. Acheron. Seeing that woman being escorted by Mr. Acheron was more than enough conviction for her. Pearl didn¡¯t want to mix herself up in wanton affairs or to be strung along with fake promises. She wanted real love.


    Pearl tugged at her blouse and brushed at her skirt with determined vigor. She was not in a fairytale. She was learning to live a new life, while her sister steamrolled ahead to create a new future for them both. One that Pearl thoroughly believed would succeed, if her sister put her hand to it. Regardless of any setbacks or challenges are thrown their way.


    Coral had always been like that, stubborn and taking on the brunt of problems. Pearl knew it was out of love that her sister did this, keeping her safe. It was them against the world ever since their mother passed on.


    Oh, she did hope Coral was alright.


    Pearl left the guest bedroom, her booted feet tapping almost silently against the floor. She didn¡¯t know where she was going, and the hall was dark. She found that this darkness was different compared to the manors. Here, the darkness didn¡¯t move, it didn¡¯t coalesce into shapes without reason. It was a darkness that was made properly from shadows and the absence of light.


    Moonflower Inn¡¯s darkness was a part of something deeper. She knew this the moment she had stepped foot inside and seen the dusty floors. Moonflower Inn had a secret that it kept hidden in its walls. A secret Pearl suspected that Coral refused to see in her stubbornness to make their situation work. Pearl let her feet amble forward, curling her arms around herself despite the warmth that permeated from the walls.


    She and Coral would benefit from acquiring a winter coat. Briefly, Pearl entertained herself by imagining a fine, velvet coat of periwinkle blue, lined with fur for the coldest of nights. Then she shook her head with a longing smile. They had to be practical now. They both needed something sturdy, and it wouldn¡¯t matter should they scratch off a button or stain it with something as they cleaned and mended their way through the manor. Pearl stuffed her wishful thinking of pretty clothes to the back of her mind. Perhaps one day she could dress like that. But not now.


    Pearl¡¯s feet brought her to the mess hall. Three long wooden tables had been set up in the center of the large room, a counter behind them where she could just make out the kitchen. Everything was scrubbed meticulously clean, and it had that well lived in atmosphere that Pearl loved. Someone had left a mug out which she picked up and placed on the counter of the kitchen. She lingered there a moment wondering if there were ingredients to make biscuits.


    Pearl had found herself, once again, aimless and useless to those around her. It was a daunting prospect. All her education, all that she had known before stepping out into what Coral called ¡®the real world¡¯, it rendered Pearl into nothing more than a pretty decoration, floating about with no path to follow. She had things that she liked to do. Baking was one of them. She had taken it up where she discovered she was a fair hand at it, incredibly. Her real love was for plants, but what use would someone such as her be in a small town to simply grow a garden full of flowers? Pearl baked only when she had idle hands and no way to enjoy the sun¡¯s warmth.


    Aimless. Useless. That¡¯s all that she was. She had been a tool for her father and now that future was lost. It might not have been one she wanted, but it had been all that she had known. How did one choose what filled their days to earn coin? What use could she hope to be other than to clean the manor or bake? She didn¡¯t have the mind for magic, nor did she have the talent for needlework. Pearl stood at the threshold of many paths, many careers and options that were not available to her before, yet she was uncertain of which one to tread. What did she even want from life? Real love, for one thing she was certain of at the very least, but it didn¡¯t keep her busy.


    Whatever Pearl decided on to be her future, she knew Coral would support her. But in Pearl¡¯s indecision, she didn¡¯t have a future. Not before when her only real option was to be auctioned off with only her name to lure men in, and not now on this new beginning. If Pearl couldn¡¯t be something for herself, then she could at the very least be a tool for Coral. Well, as much as a pretty ornament could be. It was high time that Pearl stepped up and took on some of the problems her sister faced. It also gave her something to preoccupy her mind while she waited for Coral to return.


    There was the night of the Undead that they needed to prepare for before the winter snow started. There were rooms to clean and prepare. If Pearl knew Coral, which she did best out of anyone who had ever taken a liking to her, it was that Coral had already begun vague plans to house Adventurer¡¯s at Moonflower Inn for the Night of the Undead. Pearl shivered. She hoped on that night she could be shut away safely from the worst of it. Perhaps it would be a good thing if they housed Adventurer¡¯s with a direct tunnel to the graveyard?


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    Deciding it was too presumptuous of her to help herself to the kitchen stores, Pearl turned back around and continued wandering down the guild¡¯s halls. Flour and sugar were hard won for people this far from the city. There was always the Witching Flour bakery should they every become low on ingredients.


    After circling the guild¡¯s lower floors, Pearl eventually came upon the library. Of all the indoor places that Pearl found to be stuffy, it was a library. She had almost turned right around then and there at the door. The thought of wandering empty corridors soured her mood even further, so she stepped into the room and sought out something to read. Pearl sat at one of the tables, with all the words and pages to keep her company and none bringing her any comfort. She could have picked any of the tomes to idly read, of monsters that frequented the area, of creatures that didn¡¯t. Instead, Pearl sought out the stored box behind the counter, filled with information about Moonflower Inn. Well, of its previous occupants at the least. The contents of what she and Coral were permitted to keep were strewn before her, magelight glowing overhead to reveal the ink scrawled across parchment. It crinkled beneath her fingers as she poured over lists of items. She didn¡¯t know what she was looking for. Perhaps it was the pull of preoccupation of her mind from other worries. Perhaps it was the lure of something dark that she hoped to find amongst the filtered information struck from the manor¡¯s history. Whatever it was, it kept her reading for far longer than Pearl would have normally done. Already she missed the scent of damp earth and morning dew, cold as it was this early into autumn. She couldn¡¯t wait for the return of spring, with its warmth and long days. Slowly, the darkened window lightened to a dull grey with the oncoming dawn as she read.


    Pearl spent a good portion looking at the portrait of the family that had lived in the manor. Of the facial features of Lord Rayner that had been a necromancer, how he stood almost protectively at his wife¡¯s back. This wasn¡¯t the fa?ade of a cold, heartless man. How well had he played his role in society to keep hidden for so long?


    There had been a document Pearl had found stuffed at the bottom of the box. Lord Henry Rayner¡¯s death certificate, to be exact. He had been beheaded. His remains burned and ashes scattered. There would be nothing left of the man, as was the way with dealing with necromancers.


    The woman, Lady Sabina Rayner, was perched much lower than her husband. She was seated in a comfortable chair, her green dress spread out around her. The background of the painting gave no indication of when or where the painting had been commissioned, but she was able to discern that the woman, as pretty as she was, was particularly thin. There was a rosy pallor to her skin in the portrait, but Pearl was willing to bet that the artist had taken a great deal of effort to hide blemishes that would have been obvious to those who had seen Lord and Lady Rayner in real life. Many artists took liberty to beautify their patrons in the hope of winning over their favor.


    The shawl wrapped around the woman¡¯s shoulders wasn¡¯t of light material. It was thick heavy fur for warmth. Yet her husband and even the children were dressed in much lighter silks. Pearl surmised that Lady Rayner was fragile. Just as Coral had been when father hadn¡¯t permitted her to eat.


    Pearl squinted at the face of Lord Rayner, hoping to discover more details, but became bored when she couldn¡¯t find anything further. The children were happy, the dog frolicked, and otherwise the portrait was nothing more than family perfection. A perfect lie.


    Pearl pulled more papers to herself, reading through each line with pronounced boredom. She traced down a ledger of inventory, which snagged her interest. A long list of medicinal herbs had been noted, and not just the general everyday kind which had been ordered in large quantities. There were rarer herbs that she only knew about in her own pursuit of discovering magical plants for her own garden one day. Pearl felt her eyebrows raise as she left a finger at the word scrawled neatly listed beneath Silver Pomelo, as if it had any business being mentioned beneath fruit.


    Silk Leaf. This herb was incredibly rare. It was also extremely dangerous. The plant itself was almost sentient with how it reacted to its surroundings. It moved when approached, even attacked if it were to be believed. It grew only with precise care, needing an exact environment in order for it to flourish. The plant was to be handled with the utmost care and the leaves separated from the plant even more so. One touch with an ungloved hand would set a stinging sensation over the skin for days, so painful that there had been reports that people had removed their own limbs to be rid of the irritation. What was this doing in a list of kitchen supplies?


    The most logical of reasonings was that Lord Rayner wanted the plant for purposes that dealt in pain. Necromancy magic was awful, it required pain and sacrifice. But why purchase such a property and build a lavish home for his family if he hadn¡¯t intended to keep them alive and well?


    Surely someone in this town recalled what Lord and Lady Rayner were like. The property had been abandoned only twenty or so years past. The manor after all was Direwood¡¯s dirty secret, and local residents had tried to dissuade Coral and herself from purchasing the property in the first place. They would have deterred Pearl if it weren¡¯t for her stubborn sister who refused to heed their warnings. All Coral had seen was potential and the first thing Pearl had liked since embarking on their new life path.


    Pearl tapped her finger against the paper. Silk Leaf also was rumored to have medicinal uses. Whatever that may be. Only fools or the desperate wanted Silk Leaf for such a purpose. Her eyes strayed back to the painting, not to the man who dealt with death, but at the too-thin woman layered in warmth.


    What was her story? Was Lady Rayner sold to a man like Coral had been? Would she have escaped if she could? Or was she a part of the Necromancer¡¯s dealings?


    Pearl traced the cracked lines in the paint with her eyes, as though they would lead her to some answer hidden in the stroke of a paint brush. She knew it to be a foolish endeavor. The ones who really knew the truth were dead.


    Pearl¡¯s thoughts clicked into place. The two children that laughed at Lady Rayner¡¯s feet were still young. Pearl had mentioned that they hadn¡¯t been found when she returned from perusing the documents. Were the manor¡¯s ghosts Emeric and Ayleth Rayner?


    They had communicated with Coral. The ghost children had asked for help, hadn¡¯t they? Pearl focused on the little boy and girl, thinking hard. Ghosts were hard to deal with. Ghosts were dangerous. Coral had thought they had wanted to lure her down to the basement to her death.


    Pearl hadn¡¯t agreed back then, nor did she now. The ghosts could have acted up the whole month Coral and Pearl had resided in the manor. Pearl had seen how the shadows moved when they shouldn¡¯t, at a distance and darting like mice. That had been the extent of their activity. Fleeting at best. It had terrified her at first, but she never said anything to Coral, who seemed oblivious to the entities.


    The ghost¡¯s interference felt more like a warning to Pearl. If they hadn¡¯t gone down to the basement, they would have only discovered too late the ghoul that lurked down there. Had the ghosts¡¯ activities been more insistent because they had Casp-. No. Mr. Acheron with them? Would they have known a vampire could take on and survive against a ghoul?


    For a very long time, Pearl studied the painting. Would the ghosts speak to her? Did Pearl really want to know their story?


    A door slammed hard, breaking the silence that had settled over Pearl and making her jump. There was an urgency that only came from frenzied rushing, feet tramping and anxious voices. Pearl stood and hurried out of the library in search of this sound, her heart beating hard. It wasn¡¯t the sound of good news.

 Vile Tonics

    It was too hot. Coral roused from deep sleep, only to feel like she was being roasted. Groaning, she tugged at the blanket tucked around her. Her arms felt heavy. She cracked an eyelid to a darkened room. She wished she hadn¡¯t. She wished she could go back to sleep. Her mouth was parched, and for several minutes, she lay still and attempted to fall back asleep, ignoring the persistent pressure in her bladder, or the burning, scratchy feeling on her leg.


    Coral barely recalled the return trip. There were brief moments of pain slashing across her memory, an odd numbness had swept over her as she was ushered into the carriage. She didn¡¯t remember the ride home, maybe she had fallen asleep?


    Coral wanted to sleep now. She kept her eyes stubbornly closed, hoping that the heaviness in her body will outweigh any other sensations. It wasn¡¯t working. The more she tried to return to asleep, the more her mind woke up. She became astutely aware that her leg felt as though someone had taken a hot poker to it. The room felt too stuffy, and there was an herbal, smoky scent that was probably the cause of her headache.


    Coral pushed the covers back with a sigh of frustration. The air clung to her sweaty body. She blinked down blearily at herself, noticing that someone had dressed her in an oversized shirt. Her whole thigh had been heavily bandaged, with something bulging beneath the wrappings. She shifted on the mattress and winced, her thigh pinching and burning more than the rest of her.


    The hiss of pain through Coral¡¯s teeth was loud enough to wake Pearl, who had been fast asleep with her knees curled up and pressed to her chest. Her hand had been tucked beneath her chin. Pearl¡¯s head came up, blinking sleepily at Coral before full consciousness hit her. She jumped up from the bed in a rush and stumbled a little in her haste to get to Coral. She brushed her hand over the wall, and magelight illuminated the room.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake! Thank goodness. How do you feel?¡± She said, her voice rough from sleep. She looked as exhausted as Coral felt.


    ¡°My leg is burning, and it¡¯s too hot,¡± Coral complained.


    ¡°Your fever is breaking,¡± Pearl said, pushing back the sweaty hair plastered to Coral¡¯s forehead. ¡°Doctor Thornheart said it was likely whatever was on the ghouls¡¯ claws that entered your bloodstream. No one else got a fever, but she¡¯s been with one of the apprentices all night.¡±


    ¡°One of the apprentices?¡± Coral mumbled, rubbing her hands over her face and frowning. Pearl gave a small hum in acknowledgement of Coral¡¯s question. Coral pushed back the last of the covers with her undamaged leg, they piled down at the end of the mattress. Unfortunately, there was no relief, the room was stifling. She winced as she tried to prop herself up on the pillow. Pearl helped her, settling the pillow more comfortably behind Coral¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°You need to keep the blanket on,¡± Pearl said, reaching for the covers down by her feet. Coral waved her off.


    ¡°Which apprentice?¡± Coral asked, thinking hard. ¡°Norden Ruesong? Is he alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I stayed here with you since you came back. You¡¯ve been unwell for a day and a half. I think. I¡¯m not actually sure what time it is,¡± Pearl said, looking around as though she hoped a clock would appear. There was no window to judge by the suns position. When no timekeeper appeared, Pearl busied herself by tucking the blankets up to Coral¡¯s chin.


    ¡°I¡¯m too warm,¡± Coral protested.


    ¡°You have to stay warm. Doctor Thornheart¡¯s orders. I¡¯ll see if I can get something for your leg,¡± Pearl said sympathetically. She walked to the door, stopped and turned to give Coral a stern look. ¡°Keep the blanket on,¡± she said. She left the room, leaving Coral to feel miserable on her own.


    Pearl¡¯s warning was not threatening in the least. Nor did she care that it was doctors¡¯ orders. Coral didn¡¯t feel sick. At least, a horrible combination of other sensations was taking precedence. She was very sore, sweaty, uncomfortable, frightfully exhausted and her leg was burning fiercely. As soon as the door clicked closed, Coral peeled back the blanket. She would have to listen carefully for approaching feet to not be caught by Pearl and face the repercussions. Pearl would take nursing her back to health much too seriously and would purposely feed her nutritious, but disgusting food as punishment for going against the doctor¡¯s advice. Coral made a face when Pearl had once practically force fed her brussels sprout soup when she was sick with influenza one winter. All week. Coral did not want to experience that monstrosity of a recipe ever again. She¡¯d rather eat dirt. Only starvation would force her to eat that ever again.


    After a few minutes of lying motionless on the bed, Coral¡¯s eyelids drooped when she had nothing but blank walls to watch. The twinging pain in her leg kept her from drifting off to sleep. More flashes of the previous night kept replaying in her mind, with more detail with each new moment. Coral scrunched her face against these memories, trying to pull herself out of them before the dragged her down too deep. She was too tired to want to feel anything other than blissful unawareness that sleep brought. Flashes of teeth, claws and far too much blood kept invading her mind.


    Twice now she had escaped from being seriously hurt from a monster. She was thankful for this, though, she didn¡¯t know how bad her leg was. It was pure luck that she had stumbled upon that spell book. Coral¡¯s breathing hitched a little as she realised that for the first time, she had done real magic. Fools Luck.


    Coral broke out in a grin. Her first spell, and it had been useful. Really, it had only required a few attempts, she must have gotten the sigil right in her last attempt. A bubble of elation fought back the fatigue that weighed her down. She had secretly spent hours reading magic texts, though she had never dared to put anything into practice. After all, mage craft was dangerous.


    Her smile drooped as she recalled the description in the book regarding the spell. The caster was likely to experience the reverse effect of Fools Luck at a later time. How did the spell¡¯s reverse effects work? Coral knew it affected her physically. She had felt the magic take hold as she rammed that bit of firewood at the ghoul. Right down it¡¯s throat. Coral placed a hand around her own throat. She hoped this didn¡¯t mean she was going to choke on something. She would have to be extra careful over the next few days. When would the reverse effect take place? There hadn¡¯t been any further explanation other than ¡®At a later time.¡¯ That could be anytime.


    Coral could only hope that the fever that she had been enjoying for the last day and a half was a result of the Fool¡¯s Luck spell. Or, Coral thought grimly, was it in relation to the curse that had been set on her.


    ¡®Filth¡¯ the letter had said. The insult hadn¡¯t even been worthy of the paper it had been written on. Coral took a moment to reassess her body. She felt normal enough, minus the physical anomalies from the night before. Her hair was likely a mess, her fingernails broken and in need of some tender care. She rolled her tongue in her mouth. It felt dry and sticky, which she now couldn¡¯t ignore that she was aware of it. Her nose didn¡¯t hurt anywhere near as much as it had. A good sign, if any. She probably looked a right mess.


    If there was ever a time to indulge, it would be now after the last several days. In fact, a celebratory drink ought to be had. She should extend it to the Adventurer¡¯s that had helped her.


    Coral made an annoyed sort of noise at the back of her throat. Maybe she shouldn¡¯t. If she had known from the beginning that the giant wolves that had chased Caspian Acheron into her manor were a group of werewolf Adventurer¡¯s, she wouldn¡¯t have been half as nervous as she had been. Why were they chasing Caspian down in the first place? They seemed amicable enough when he had joined them on their expedition to hunt down the ghoul.


    Coral was interrupted from thinking too hard on this, as the handle to the bedroom door turned and the door swung open. Coral reached for the blanket and threw it over herself, but it was too late. Pearl glared at her. Coral knew that she was in for an awful time with whatever recipe Pearl would find this time. Probably something stew-like, her most hated type of food.


    Standing behind Pearl was someone that Coral had not expected. Orvil Norwood. He wore a smug expression as he looked down his arrowhead nose at her. His nose hairs were still in a severe need of a trim.


    What was it that he had called her? The Scourge of Direwood? Whatever elation Coral had felt, died. Orvil Norwood entered the room and set a brown leather bag down at the foot of her bed.


    ¡°Mr. Norwood,¡± Coral said in way of greeting.


    ¡°Lady Seaver,¡± he said sourly.


    ¡°I thought you were fetching Doctor Thornheart,¡± Coral said, looking at Pearl.


    ¡°She is busy,¡± Orvil Norwood said curtly.


    ¡°She is still by the apprentice¡¯s side; he isn¡¯t doing so well.¡± Pearl said quietly.


    ¡°Lady Seaver,¡± Mr. Norwood said sourly. ¡°Do not discuss our patients¡¯ conditions. You are not fit to make any assumptions to their wellbeing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my apologies Mr. Norwood,¡± Pearl said, clasping her hands together and looking ashamed.


    The sour man looked mollified by this as he set about rummaging in his bag. Coral glared at him. She didn¡¯t particularly like that haughty expression he wore. He was at the very least, and it irked Coral to admit to it, professional in his approach. He looked her over, taking her temperature and checking her vitals with a firm hand. He made disparaging little ¡°hm¡¯s¡± constantly, as though he was displeased by the sound of Coral¡¯s breathing. When he asked to look at her leg, he was much gentler in his ministrations, thankfully.


    He wound the bandages from her leg, working slow and methodically. When the last of the coverings fell away, Coral inhaled sharply. Four long slashes marred almost the entire length of her thigh. They had been tidily stitched, but the skin was red and itchy in places. There was a fifth cut that had had only required three stitches near her knee. There was a padded gauze over the longest cut, which had a strong herbal scent. Orvil Norwood lifted it away, peeling back a mess of sticky poultice composed green leaves. From the centre of the wound, black veining writhed out beneath the skin.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Coral stared at her leg, her mind reeling. She had always been careful growing up, under her father¡¯s direction. It was important that she was unblemished. Unsightly marks or scars turned away those that her father wanted by his side. She reached down to scratch at the irritated skin, the itching now more pronounced that she was looking.


    Mr. Norwood gently smacked her fingers back. ¡°Don¡¯t scratch,¡± he said.


    ¡°Its burning, and itchy,¡± Coral told him, pushing aside her annoyance of the man. If Orvil Norwood was her only possibility to get something for the burning in her leg, she¡¯d bite her tongue and put up with him.


    She could cuss him out when he was out of earshot.


    ¡°I know. You have an infection,¡± he said dryly.  ¡°For the last two days I have been drawing it out of your bloodstream. Under my care you have improved significantly. I believe one last application of will be enough to draw the last of it from you. I did, in curiosity, collect a sample. I¡¯m not entirely sure what this infection is. My poultices have never taken so long to take effect.¡±


    Mr. Norwood reached into his bag and pulled out a small jar of leeches. He held it up so that the light illuminated the hateful creatures. Coral really hoped he hadn¡¯t used leeches as a method to draw out her blood for his sample. It was such an outdated practice.


    ¡°Hhm. They¡¯ve seemed to have died,¡± Mr. Norwood tapped the side of the jar. A few of the leeches twitched.


    ¡°Is that...¡± Pearl said, her eyes reproachful as she spotted the leeches.  ¡°Did you use leeches on my sister?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Mr. Norwood said dryly.


    Coral grimaced. Charming. Another thing to add to her list of firsts. And to the lists of things that she never wanted to happen again, right beneath having the appearance of walking straight out of a murder.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you,¡± Pearl said, her note of accusation too light to be truly confronting. ¡°I was here by her side, I watched you. You only took a vial of her blood.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you aren¡¯t as observant as you would like to think, Lady Seaver. Besides, I wanted to see what effect this infection had on the leeches.¡±


    A muscle in Mr. Norwood¡¯s cheek twitched. ¡°A shame they¡¯re dead. Lady Seaver, would you permit me to apply the leeches-¡°


    ¡°No,¡± Coral said firmly.


    ¡°Come now, it will only take a moment. It won¡¯t hurt at all.¡±


    Coral shook her head once. Orvil Norwood looked so genuinely put out by this, that he stared at her for a long moment. He breathed deeply, making his nose hairs flutter. He placed the leeches back into his bag, then rummaged about once again, the contents tinkling as glass knocked against glass. He pulled out a small brown vial, gauze, a small packet smelling strongly of herbs that Coral was unable to identify, a bowl, a flat applicator and three more bottles.


    He measured out a portion of one bottle, then passed it to her. ¡°Swallow this,¡± he said, sounding sulky.


    Coral took the proffered cup and sniffed cautiously. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°A tonic for the pain and infection. Drink,¡± Mr. Norwood said.


    Coral looked at the syrupy content of the cup, then up at Pearl. She subtly widened her eyes then flicked them towards Orvil Norwood, who was preoccupied with measuring out a second bottle.


    ¡®If I die, you go after this bastard,¡¯ Coral thought at her sister.


    Pearl gave a small nod of her head in acknowledgement, barely perceptible. Their wordless exchange went unnoticed by Mr. Norwood, who was now stoppering the bottle and placing it back into the bag. Coral pressed the cup to her lips, then drunk. The tonic was horrible. Quite possibly the single worst thing she had ever put in her mouth. It was highly sour and had a strong aftertaste of wet socks rolled in crushed leaves. Coral grimaced, curling her tongue up against the roof of her mouth as though she could press the taste out. It was as bad as Pearl¡¯s brussels sprout soup.


    This wasn¡¯t Pearl¡¯s first instance with pain tonics. Those had always been sickly sweet to mask the bitter taste of the medicine. Either Mr. Orvil Norwood purposely didn¡¯t sweeten the concoction, he lacked the ability to taste things, or had no sympathy for those that consumed his tonics. Likely all three.


    Mr. Norwood unstoppered a second brown glass bottle. Coral watched on apprehensively as he reached down to a cup left on the bed. When his fingers closed around some gauze, she let out a small sigh of relief. Coral had worried for a moment that she would be required to drink a secondary vile elixir. The strong scent of disinfectant filled the room as Mr. Norwood splashed the gauze with the contents of the bottle, the liquid a deep orange.


    He didn¡¯t give any warning before swiping the gauze at her leg, wiping away the poultice that had been left to stew over the infection. Coral clenched her teeth together at the sting of pain and focused on anything in the room. The texture of the walls, the grain of wood in Pearl¡¯s bed frame, Pearl¡¯s transfixed expression as she watched Mr. Norwood, none of it was enough to keep Coral¡¯s attention. When Coral¡¯s eyes found her neatly folded blouse and skirt, placed at the end of Pearl¡¯s bed, that was when she noticed Crowcaller¡¯s jack of plate. It was laying on the floor, looking quite worse for wear. The front had several long tears, exposing the small steel plates beneath the cloth. That could have been Coral¡¯s stomach. She could have died, gutted out like some kind of animal out in the forest.


    Coral hated to think what Crowcaller thought of her armour now. Would she take compensation out of the debt Coral owed the Guild for the damage done to the jack of plate? Damaged as it was, it was still a highly prized item. Mr. Norwood finished wiping away the paste. The skin no longer burned hot. Instead, the air felt cool against her leg. Even the redness and swelling lessened in the time that Mr. Norwood dropped the dirtied gauze into the cup.


    ¡°Apply this once a day for the next week. This will help with any inflammation and burning, though I¡¯m afraid I cannot eliminate the sensation completely. Don¡¯t get your stitches wet, and no movement that could tear the stitches open. This one,¡± Mr. Norwood indicated to the longest of the cuts. ¡°Is quite deep. So don¡¯t go running about or visiting The Widow¡¯s Poison unnecessarily. Send your sister instead and I or Doctor Thornheart, if she isn¡¯t attending to someone who is in actual need of medical assistance, will come to you. I will also provide you with some further strong pain medication, however it will make you tired, and do not go mixing it with alcohol. You¡¯ll become delirious.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Coral said, uncaring of Mr. Norwood¡¯s backwards comment about needing proper medical assistance, or mixing medicine with alcohol. The relief from the burning was so profound, that she could feel her body release muscles that hadn¡¯t even known she was clenching.


    There was a gentle tap on the door. Coral reached for the blanket and covered her legs. It was one thing to have a doctor¡­ well, Apothecary such as Orvil Norwood attend to her, as much as she disliked the man. It was entirely a different matter when random people came to call. Pearl answered it, cracking the door open a slither so that only her head could poke through and see who had come calling. There was a gentle murmur on the other side, and Pearl pulled the door open to let Crowcaller enter.


    ¡°Welcome back,¡± Crowcaller said, a smile pulling on her red-painted lips. ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Exhausted, mostly. Thanks to Mr. Norwood here, significantly less irritated,¡± Coral said. Mr. Norwood looked confused and shocked by her words and squinted at her as though she were ill.


    ¡°May I see?¡± Crowcaller asked, her violet eyes bright with interest.


    Coral gestured for her to go ahead, pulling the cover from her left leg. Crowcaller leant over, puckering her lips as she inspected her leg. ¡°That¡¯s going to leave a nice scar. You¡¯ll be swapping stories in The Dog¡¯s House with the rest of us in no time. That¡¯s a badge of honour, that is. I¡¯ve something similar myself, not as many, just two long thick scars that go right over my hip. It¡¯s an interesting story, if you have the stomach for a little blood.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps another time,¡± Coral said. She had enough of adventures and monsters for the time being.


    ¡°The infection is almost gone, it looks much better than yesterday,¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°Will she still have a fever after this?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°Her fever has broken, and she is no longer delirious,¡± Mr. Norwood said mildly. He had opened the packet that had the strong herbal scent and was sprinkling out the contents into a bowl that already had some kind of blue liquid.


    ¡°Delerious?¡± Coral repeated.


    ¡°Yes, delirious,¡± Mr. Norwood said, as though it were an afternoon tea gossip session. ¡°Raving about fools¡¯ luck and a man named Eirek Farley who enjoys the company of toads.¡±


    Coral settled her head back against the bed headboard a little more comfortably. ¡°Yes, I suppose that does surmise Eirek Farley quite well.¡±


    Orvil Norwood stirred vigorously at the contents of his bowl, then applied the vividly green poultice to the top of her stitches, completely covering the black veining from the infection. He placed more cloth over this to keep it in place, then continued to firmly wrap from knee to the upper half of her thigh.


    ¡°What kind of infection is this?¡± Pearl asked. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like it before. I thought infections were inflammation and oozed pus and the like. This is black, and squirmy.¡±


    Coral could have gone without hearing that.


    Mr. Norwood gave a small shrug of his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I believe it has some magical basis, though I can¡¯t be certain without some research. Ghouls are not often caught and studied. A shame they couldn¡¯t keep a part of it¡± Mr. Norwood said a little wistfully.


    ¡°I took a sample of your blood, I do hope you don¡¯t mind Lady Seaver,¡± Mr. Norwood said.


    ¡°Whatever for,¡± Coral said crossing her arms. Was Mr. Norwood even qualified to draw her blood?


    ¡°I want to study the infection. See if I can isolate it and study how it affects the body.¡±


    Crowcaller¡¯s shoulders went stiff, and she turned to look at Orvil Norwood. ¡°I thought you were warned off your experiments. Doctor Thornheart wasn¡¯t pleased with your theories and experiments with the stinging root.¡±


    Mr. Norwood looked affronted. ¡°Nobody died,¡± he said sourly. ¡°And it was all within perfectly legal grounds.¡±


    He turned to Coral, motioning at her to stand. ¡°Now. Let me see you walk. You shouldn¡¯t find it difficult, I¡¯m quite the tidy stitcher.¡±


    Coral pulled herself up out of bed and winced a little at the stiffness in her leg. The pain had subsided to a point where it was bearable. She limped heavily, the stitches pinching and pulling at her skin. There was very little room already, so Pearl and Crowcaller sat down on the opposite bed to allow Coral to wobble back and forth. Standing seemed to take a great deal of effort. She wasn¡¯t tired, but her body was completely drained of energy, and her breathing soon became laboured as she went for her third turn back towards Orvil Norwood.


    Mr. Norwood watched with a frown pulling down the edges of his mouth and making disgruntled noises in his assessment. Coral sunk back down to the bed, her arms and legs trembling slightly from the effort.


    Mr. Norwood passed her healthy enough to return home, then passed a piece of parchment to Pearl which had, as he claimed, instructions for when and how to take the medicine. It was some of the worst handwriting Coral had ever seen. When he left, it was with a stern warning to not consume any alcohol, as though he thought she were addicted to the drink, and that he would be billing her when she returned to her manor ¡°Where you have conveniently left your purse,¡± Mr. Norwood said sourly.


    She had definitely left a lasting impression on that man.


    Coral didn¡¯t care. Orvil Norwood was an old lemon that had been left out in the sun to wilt for far too long. Besides, being called the Scourge of Direwood had a nice ring to the name. Those sorts of descriptions in gossip circles could give Coral an edge. This was likely how Adventurer¡¯s earned their titles, earning the ire or admiration of those they interacted with. Though, from what Elwin had said, it didn¡¯t sound like anyone took Orvil Norwood¡¯s ramblings too seriously.


    Coral wiped at her sweaty forehead, wishing for a wash basin to dab away the clammy feeling from her skin. It would be a while yet before she could have a bath. Not that she particularly wanted to experience another bath with ghosts bobbing about with nothing better to do than torment the living.


    Except, she couldn¡¯t return home. Not yet.


    ¡°Have I missed it?¡± Coral asked. At Crowcaller¡¯s blank expression, she clarified further. ¡°Mr. Claysend¡¯s funeral¡±


    Crowcaller shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s this evening. I¡¯m sure the town would be understanding if you didn¡¯t attend.¡±


    ¡°I want to attend,¡± Coral said firmly. ¡°I¡¯m too tired to make the trip home and back to town. May I intrude on your hospitality for a while longer, so I can join in the farewell.¡±


    Mr. Claysend deserved what respect and honour Coral could give. He had died to keep her and the two apprentices¡¯ safe. He was a good, honourable man, and a loving father. This more than anything broke Coral¡¯s heart, knowing that he left behind a little girl that needed his love.


    If she could, she would help the family that he left behind. Coral had very little to offer, but she would always welcome Valerie Claysend and her mother a place to stay at her inn.

 Return to the Manor

    Crowcaller had confirmed that her debt to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild was now settled. Coral took great pleasure in instructing Crowcaller to burn all the letters that had been sent. It was a standard precaution to burn the hateful letters in a brazier outside, away from anyone or anything should any more letters contain spells that could cause potential harm. Naturally, there was. The brazier cracked and fell apart as the letters were fed one by one into the fire, the metal rusted and flaking as though it had been left out to erode over many years. Clouds of black or brown magic power rose up with the smoke. As Coral had technically not touched or opened these letters, and no one had come into contact with the contents inside, the magic was aimless. The blooms of magic disintegrated into the air with the smoke.


    ¡°What do you suppose that spell did?¡± Pearl asked as a puff of green hued magic energy spiraled up then out like a mushroom. It didn¡¯t escape Coral that even though she was the intended recipient, it wasn¡¯t a guarantee Pearl would be free of whatever the letter held. She didn¡¯t know if the spell was directed at the person who opened the envelope. The seal was designed that it would open on Coral¡¯s touch alone, but there were ways around this. Coral didn¡¯t want to put the time or resources into finding out. Eirek Farley had favored Pearl more, perhaps that had been taken into consideration when casting curses on the letters? Then again, he had gambled his money away, and Coral had taken what was left of it. It had all fit neatly into an ornate, carved box. He likely couldn¡¯t afford to be specific with the spellcraft.


    ¡°Maybe it sent mold spores out into your home,¡± Coral said, thinking of the molding walls in the manor. She was going to have to sort that out before she tackled another bedroom. Breathing in mold spores was not good for your health, and the Winter Salon had one of the few working fireplaces where the chimney wasn¡¯t blocked up.


    ¡°Make all your plants whither away and die?¡± Pearl suggested. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t have been anything to hurt you, otherwise the letter never would have reached you.¡±


    ¡°The colour of the magic doesn¡¯t always indicate what type of spell has been used,¡± Crowcaller said, watching the flames with delight. ¡°This is giving me an idea for our spring festival, the town would look great with the lights sparking off clouds of magic like this. Everything is so gray all the time.¡±


    ¡°I like that idea. What about using this at the midwinter festival?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Everyone is so busy cleaning up after the Night of the Undead that it¡¯s little more than a large feast for everyone held in the town square. Nothing like what you would do in the city,¡± Crowcaller said, tossing another envelope into the fire, now burning on the cobbles at the back of the Guild. From here, Coral could see straight across to The Dog¡¯s House and into what she thought could be the kitchen¡¯s windows. She hadn¡¯t seen Silas or anyone from his team since they had returned to town. Doctor Thornheart was still tending to Norden Ruesong. Coral held out hope that the boy would wake soon. There had been too many lives lost already.


    ¡°It¡¯s some good eating though, and many like to stay after the fighting¡¯s been done to gorge themselves on the food. Everyone will be too worn to bother doing much more than setting up a few braziers and cook, once the animals have been slaughtered. Dewbraid has the best pigs for eating. Something just tastes different about them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to purchase one. Will he slaughter it or am I best to bring it to the butchers.¡± Coral said, thoughtfully, certain she had heard the name before.


    Crowcaller smiled. ¡°You¡¯re still a city dweller at heart, aren¡¯t you. Those who can, bring something to the feast. The whole town sits together and enjoys what pickings there are. You¡¯ll be expected to bring something pretty grand, considering you¡¯ve bought that old mansion. People would expect you to have more coin than the others in town.¡±


    That was true enough and was hardly a different expectation from the city. Except for bringing food to the celebration. Those in the city took the opportunity to host grand parties, and most families gathered for the midwinter feast. Those that had deep pockets were always in competition with one another to keep appearances up. If they had anything less than what was considered well-to-do, then it sowed gossip and mockery among the rich.


    ¡°Any suggestions of what to bring?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°Whatever you bring will be fine as long as it can feed a few mouths. Most farmers will bring what livestock they slaughter. Others bring pies or roasted vegetables. A hearty meal after a long week of cleanup is the best.¡±


    ¡°I could bake a cake,¡± Pearl said brightly. ¡°I¡¯m a terrible cook, but I can bake.¡±


    Coral kept her agreement with Pearl¡¯s statement to herself. She likely had an evening ahead of her with Pearls brussels sprout soup, and she didn¡¯t want to make it worse with Pearl¡¯s attempt to force in more of vegetables than strictly necessary. They fell quiet as Crowcaller fed more letters into the fire, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Coral pulled her cloak tight around herself. The warmth of the flames helped a little, but today felt exceptionally cold. She wasn¡¯t looking forward to going back to her cold manor. The evening before had felt balmy, and even more so with the heat of Mr. Claysend¡¯s funeral pyre. Several deaths in such a small town weren¡¯t unheard of, but it had a devastating effect. Coral still had a black crystal tucked away in her pocket, a necessary evil she told herself, she had ghosts inherited from the land. She deserved to take a cemetery protection stone to keep herself safe from the ghosts that haunted the halls of Moonflower Inn.


    ¡°Do you know when the tunnel in the cemetery will be filled in?¡± Coral asked, filling in the silence for the sake of conversation more than real curiosity. She was still too tired to be truly curious.


    Crowcaller gave Coral a long suffering look. ¡°I wish I could say. A town meeting will be held this week to discuss it. We need to source the materials and laborers to fill it in. It won¡¯t be ignored,¡± Crowcaller added at the stricken look on Coral¡¯s face.


    ¡°And there are plenty of resources nearby. At the very worst, it will be boarded up to prevent the undead from leaving. The cemetery is one of the few places in town the council agreed to barricade properly. If I had my way, this whole town would have a wall right around it. Instead, I¡¯m stuck with old men afraid of change, even if it meant the betterment of Direwood.¡±


    ¡°That sounds frustrating,¡± Pearl said gently.


    ¡°It is,¡± Crowcaller said, feeding the last of the envelopes into the fire. There was a loud pop and something yellow oozed out of the letter, bubbling as the flames licked along the edges. It vaguely smelled of burning hair and stomach bile. Coral was glad that whatever the goo was, hadn¡¯t touched her.


    ¡°I¡¯d fund the whole thing myself, if I didn¡¯t have to contend with Robard Dewbraid. Curse him and his tasty pigs,¡± Crowcaller said halfheartedly.


    ¡°Does the town not have any defenses?¡± Coral asked, perplexed by this notion. Direwood was the first town out of the wilds. Monsters prowled out of the woods all the time. They had a regular occurrence of Undead swarming the streets. Surely they had something in place to keep the town safe. It wouldn¡¯t be standing if there wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°We have barricades at the entrances. You¡¯ve walked past them. There used to be a palisade that encircled a part of the town, down by the main square. But it kept getting damaged and required constant repairs. It also burned down two years ago.¡±


    There was a small barricade that had been set up, but Coral was so used to their presence at all the towns she had passed through on her way to this remote place, that she hardly noticed them at all.


    ¡°It¡¯s something to be expected, the upkeep and a constant demand for labour. But the only availability are farmer¡¯s lads or the like, and they¡¯re needed on their family¡¯s land,¡± Crowcaller crossed her arms, frowning slightly at the fire as it slowly burnt itself out.


    ¡°Are there no carpenters in town?¡± Coral asked, a slight twinge of worry in her tone. Moonflower Inn needed a carpenter to fix walls and cracks that she wasn¡¯t able or knowledgeable enough to know how to mend. If Moonflower Inn was to earn a reputation, she didn¡¯t want it on the back of shoddy workmanship rumours.


    ¡°There is one,¡± Crowcaller reassured her. ¡°But you¡¯ll need to get your name down quick. There is a long list of patrons vying for Mr. Wiggy¡¯s attention.¡±


    Crowcaller leant forward a little and lowered her voice. ¡°Between you and I, his work is more suited to the humbler folk. His skill with the more intricate work is much left to be desired. I can give you the contact details of the carpenters I employed for the Guild,¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that,¡± Coral said, though she very much doubted she could employ someone that Crowcaller had used to upgrade the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Her last several days there had assured her that the woodwork had been immaculate. Her purse needed consideration, and she did not have enough. Not unless she had a constant flow of clientele. Her only paying guest had been Caspian Acheron, and his stay had been cut short and nothing less than a disaster.


    Crowcaller kicked at the last of the ashes, stamping out the heat with the heal of her supple, doe-skin boots. Coral eyed them enviously. The Jack of plate Crowcaller had given Coral still lay on the floor in the guestroom. Crowcaller hadn¡¯t even blinked when she saw the sorry state the armor was in. She simply clapped a hand on Coral¡¯s shoulder and had said ¡°I would rather the armor be damaged than for another to be dead,¡± and left it where it lay.


    It must be nice to not have to worry about money like that.


    <hr>


    That morning, Coral returned to the manor, her leg pinching the whole ride. Crowcaller had arranged for them to be taken by wagon by a local farmer, Mr. Shepherd, so that Coral didn¡¯t need to walk the whole way. The farmer, whom Coral had great difficulty understanding with his garbled words, spoke the entire way and she had no idea what the man was saying. By the slight panicked look on her face, neither did Pearl. Though, every now and then, Coral was able to discern some words and was able to make what she hoped were appropriate responses.


    ¡°See¡¯th fing, I ain¡¯t seen¡¯thm roiled up. I thour¡¯ to me¡¯self. Thas fey, tis. Hbglins,¡± he said as though he just said something impressive.


    ¡°Quite?¡± Coral said politely. From what she could gather, Mr. Shepherd had a spooked herd of sheep. At least, she assumed it was sheep. If anything, it was likely the ghoul had run past them in the last several days. That wouldn¡¯t be an issue anymore, not until another creature came slinking out of the wild.


    ¡°Aary,¡± Mr. Shepherd said, then leant over the side of the wagon and spat on the ground for what could have easily been the seventh time. The first instance Pearl had seen the weathered man do this, she had to turn her face away lest she offended him with her disgusted expression.


    Thankfully, the manor¡¯s gate was just up ahead. Mr. Shepherd pulled up his two donkeys, spitting words that she was sure the animals knew, or at least were used to, as Coral had no idea if he was swearing at them or not. He certainly sounded angry.


    ¡°Thank you very much for your assistance, Mr. Shepherd,¡± Pearl said. She climbed down from the wagon gracefully and bobbed a polite curtsy to him.


    ¡°Ah, yer too kind, girly,¡± he garbled a little clearer this time, though it sounded almost disparaging. ¡°Keep¡¯tyer self oot th¡¯woods. Hbglins bite ye¡¯know.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Pearl said a little uncertainly. She held her arm out for Coral to balance herself as she inched down from the wagon without jarring her leg too much.


    ¡°Again, thank you,¡± Coral said, turning to look back up at Mr. Shepherd. His attention was fixated on the manor, and his mouth pressed into a grim line.


    ¡°Don¡¯t vite me in, I¡¯ve no business with curse land. Yer need t¡¯keep oot too, if yer know what¡¯s best,¡± he said darkly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that under advisement, Mr. Shepherd. You¡¯ve been very kind in helping us today. If I see you next in The Dog¡¯s House, I¡¯ll buy your next round,¡± Coral told him.


    ¡°S¡¯good of yer,¡± he said, then frowned down at them, as though he were just noticing something for the first time. ¡°Yeh got a sband then?¡±


    Coral¡¯s face became very fixed in place to keep her amicable expression as her mind worked hard to understand what he had asked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, could you say that again?¡±


    ¡°Yer sband?¡±


    Pearl bent her head close to Coral¡¯s ear and whispered, ¡°I think he¡¯s asking about your husband.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Coral said, feeling a rush of understanding and then almost instantly irritation. What business was it of Mr. Shepherds if she had a husband or not. She was doing fine without one as it was. ¡°No husband,¡± she told him.


    ¡°S¡¯big place, with lots a beasts aboot. An on curse land an all. Yer carn¡¯ be too careful oot ¡®ere. Yer need mor¡¯n yerself. Me lad can ¡®elp. Strappin lad ee¡¯is. Does delivree¡¯s when tis slow. He¡¯ll keep yer good,¡± he said, scratching at his patchy beard. At that, he seemed satisfied with the conversation, as he garbled at the donkeys. They flicked their ears then trundled about on the road to turn back the way they had come. Mr. Shepherd gave them a last nod of his head, then took up a jaunty whistling tune as he made his way back to Direwood.


    ¡°That was the last person I expected to enquire about your marital status,¡± Pearl said when Mr. Shepherd was out of ear shot.


    ¡°Wait until you get a little older. Someone will inevitably bring it up,¡± Coral said.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Pearl sighed in a resigned sort of way, then turned to Moonflower¡¯s gate. Coral dug around in her pockets for the ring of old keys. They had only been returned to her that morning. She passed the ring to Pearl, who spent a long time trying to find the correct key to fit into the gate¡¯s lock.


    When Coral hobbled up the drive to the manor, the gothic mansion looked as imposing as it always had. Coral slowed down so that she was barely ambling along, taking in the area around her. A carpet of moonflowers covered the ground beneath the tall trees, taking root in the spaces that Coral and Pearl had cleared, and even spreading out into the drive itself. She hadn¡¯t really explored much of the grounds, only the long tree lined drive up to the manor and sparingly dipped in at the greenhouse.


    Crowcaller had promised to send Elwin along once he had finished his training for the day with the manor¡¯s documents. There had been a map of the estate that she wanted to study before heading out into the grounds not knowing what to expect. After the ghoul incident, she was a little more hesitant about where she went poking her nose.


    Pearl bent and picked a few of the flowers, bunching them in her hands. ¡°They grow so fast here,¡± she said, looking down at the moon shaped petals. ¡°They¡¯re supposed to only bloom at night, but these all have their flowers open during the day,¡± she pointed out.


    ¡°Probably because it¡¯s so dark and gloomy here,¡± Coral said lightly. Direwood was perhaps the grayest, dampest town they had come to yet. She didn¡¯t mind, the forest was lush and beautiful, and the earth was a rich brown. It was good soil to grow things in. Coral added this to her list of things to expand into, a place this far from the city went without many spoils and luxuries. With a little care and imagination, she could perhaps bring something to Direwood that they didn¡¯t have already.


    She could get bees to produce their own honey. She had land that she could grow and cultivate. Her eyes roamed over the area, then stopped as they fell upon the front fa?ade of the manor where a crack slowly crawled up and to the edge of a broken window. Coral hadn¡¯t recalled that window being damaged, but there it was.


    Coral made the few steps up to the front door, took the keys from Pearl and selected the correct key. The front door unlocked, the handle turned, and the door swung open all of its own. Both she and Pearl stepped back hastily. The entrance foyer remained quiet and still.


    A minute passed, then two. Coral reached into her pocket again and curled her fingers around the black stone she had kept from the graveyard. She couldn¡¯t sense anything from the stone, and when nothing happened, Coral took this as a good sign. ¡°I suppose we should go in,¡± she said, cautiously stepping through the door.


    Pearl followed her down the corridor to the Winter Salon. Coral was feeling a touch vulnerable and had no real desire to go up to her bedroom where one of the haunting incidents had happened. Here in the Winter Salon, it would be warm once she had the fire stoked, and it oddly felt like a place of refuge after she had spent the night in there when the ghoul attacked her. Pearl knew what she wanted before Coral had to ask. Pearl quickly stacked some kindling into the hearth, along with thicker pieces of firewood, and lit it. Coral sat down on one of the chairs closest to the fire, listening as the old manor creaked and groaned around them, a ghostly chorus of welcome home sounds.


    The room was a mess. Everything had been shifted or moved. The curtains were bunched in the wrong way, the chairs had been strewn about and a candelabra lay on the floor. It wasn¡¯t a surprise. She would hope that the Adventurers that had searched her home had done a thorough job. Coral did not want a repeat of an unexpected monster in one of the rooms. Did ghosts count as monsters? That might be an inevitable encounter sooner or later.


    ¡°How are you doing, are you in pain?¡± Pearl asked as she picked up the candlesticks from the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m well enough. Though, the stitches keep pinching. Are they supposed to pinch this much?¡± Coral said.


    Pearl shrugged then placed the candles back into the candelabra, then setting it down on the small table by the chair. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, I¡¯ve never had stitches before. I can¡¯t imagine that it helped that you walked that far when you¡¯re still healing. I think we should get a horse and carriage; it will make things a little easier.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a few days since I¡¯ve been bandaged up. I¡¯m sure it will be fine,¡± Coral said unconcerned, ignoring the pain in her leg. It hadn¡¯t been that far to walk, the drive was long, but it hadn¡¯t deterred her. At least she hadn¡¯t had to walk all the way from Direwood. The fire in the hearth grew brighter as it took to the wood, the warmth beginning to spread throughout the room.


    ¡°I could go for some chocolate cake,¡± Coral said, hoping Pearl would take pity on her.


    ¡°You need something more filling than cake. I¡¯ll go see what we have. I don¡¯t think we have much food,¡± Pearl said. She picked up a stray pillow and fluffed it, which didn¡¯t have a great effect on the moth-eaten material, then tucked it behind Coral¡¯s back.


    ¡°Stay here and rest, I don¡¯t think you should be walking around on that leg.¡±


    ¡°It was only up the drive,¡± Coral mumbled. Pearl left Coral for the kitchen. Coral was surprised that she was so willing to go about the manor by herself. Pearl hadn¡¯t wanted to be left alone in any room before. Perhaps her sister was becoming braver.


    Several quiet minutes passed, where Coral sat motionless and listening to the creaking of the old manor around her and the steady crackle of fire. Coral had refused to be frightened before of the shadows that slunk about the darkened corners of the room, or the odd squeal of hinges as a door opened of its own accord. Now, she was starting to accept that it was just another part of her inn, ghosts or not, old houses had quirks, and this manor definitely had those. Would the manor speak in creaks and groans once the spirits had been removed? She couldn¡¯t assume that there were only the ghost children either. She had seen taller shadow figures.


    Pearl¡¯s butter blonde hair could be seen poking around past the door frame to the salon, stepping backwards as she focused on something in the corridor. Coral couldn¡¯t see anything from where she sat, so she stood.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Coral asked.


    Pearl started, knocking her shoulder into the door frame. ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± Pearl said, composing herself into a more relaxed posture. Coral watched her cross the room and place another log on the fire unnecessarily.


    ¡°We¡¯re very low on food. I could try to cobble together a meal, though I can¡¯t guarantee it will be any good,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got some things ordered. Salt, cheese. Mostly I ordered supplies to fix up the manor,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°We can¡¯t live off of salty cheese,¡± Pearl said, frowning prettily.


    ¡°I could,¡± Coral said. Why couldn¡¯t she look as pretty as Pearl did when frowning? She shifted her leg so that she was a little more comfortable. It was itching again, and she wanted to scratch at her leg fiercely.


    Pearl sat down beside Coral and clicked her tongue in annoyance. ¡°I should have gotten food when we were in town. I¡¯ll have to go back this afternoon if we want to fill our stomachs. Unless you¡¯re happy with plain cabbage.¡±


    ¡°I thought we had mushrooms and potatoes,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°No potatoes,¡± Pearl affirmed. ¡°We do have an abundance of flour, butter and chocolate. Mysteriously,¡± Pearl added.


    ¡°Vital household ingredients, of course we have those,¡± Coral said seriously. ¡°I guess you will have to make your poor old sister chocolate cake now,¡± Coral said, wincing and gently placing her hand to the top of her leg as though it pained her. It did, but not nearly as much as Coral was pretending.


    Pearl watched her do this, concern pulling her eyebrows down a little. ¡°Oh, very well. But I¡¯m still going back to town with a list of real food. I think maybe I should handle the kitchen supplies from now on,¡± Pearl said. ¡°Stop ordering so much chocolate.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want,¡± Pearl said encouragingly. If Pearl took over the kitchen completely, surely her cooking would improve. Her baking was perfection.


    ¡°You should stay here and rest. I¡¯ll be in the kitchen,¡± Pearl said gently. She picked up a second pillow and placed it beside coral and the arm of the chair so that she was cushioned on all sides. Pearl stepped out of the room, glancing back at Coral like a worried hen.


    Was Coral like this towards Pearl? Surely not, she wasn¡¯t that motherly. Whatever new development this was, Coral hadn¡¯t been expecting it. Nonetheless, if Pearl wanted to challenge her fear, Coral wouldn¡¯t get in her way.


    She really hoped that the influence she had on her sister wasn¡¯t conducive to silly, reckless choices. Coral had demonstrated that she wasn¡¯t immune to such stupid notions. Acting as bait to lure a ghoul was a stupid choice, inevitably leading to Mr. Claysend¡¯s death and leaving a family to grieve.


    On the evening of Mr. Claysend¡¯s funeral, Little Valerie Claysend had stood by her father¡¯s pyre, tears trailing down her cheeks. She had held her head high, hand in hand with her mother. Mrs. Claysend had trembled as she watched on, murmuring words that only her daughter could hear. The fire had caught whatever words spilled out and had been fed to the flames that burned away with the body of Arthfael Claysend. The last words he could take with him to the grave. He would never get to tell his wife sweet nothings or hold her through the night. He wouldn¡¯t see Valerie walk in his footsteps. He would never get to tell them how much he loved them.


    Coral pushed her hair away from her face and took a deep breath. It didn¡¯t ease the grief or guilt. She knew, logically, that she wasn¡¯t to blame for Mr. Claysend¡¯s death. He had been an Adventurer. Death was a risk all Adventurers took when facing down monsters. Still, if she hadn¡¯t been there-. Coral huffed and got to her feet awkwardly. She couldn¡¯t think like that. What was done, was done. She couldn¡¯t erase the past.


    Unable to stay still any longer, she gathered up fallen pillows, straightened a table, swept dust from the fireplace mantle and continued around the room until everything had been set in its place. Moving about and having something to do felt better than doing nothing at all, so when she finished dusting and the restlessness hadn¡¯t eased, Coral headed for the kitchen.


    She found it empty of Pearl, though proof that she had actually been in the kitchen was by the tell-tale bowl of leftover batter and the smell of baking chocolate cake. There were scattered pots and pans, and what seemed like the entire contents of the kitchen cupboards strewn about the place. The Adventurers, in their pursuit to discover any further nefarious necromancer objects, had upturned every nook, and left an awful mess in their wake. Coral was grateful that they were thorough in their search, as far as she could tell, but they could have tidied up after themselves rather than leave her and Pearl to clean up. The Winter Salon was sparse in the way of knick-knacks and storage, so that room had been spared the complete devastation that had befallen the kitchen. Coral didn¡¯t want to think about what state the other rooms were in.


    Pearl had started to clean, evident by the sink full of foamy hot water and an armful of utensils. Coral set to work on these, folding her blouse sleeves up and sinking her hands into the water. She set to work on scrubbing a wooden spoon, a pair of tongs and three matching ladles. She focused on the motions, the feel of warm water on her skin, and let her mind rest as she let the task consume her. It had taken a few minutes at first, scrubbing dishes was a chore that let her mind wander, but as the pile of clean utensils grew, she found that her mind quietened. Coral had worked through the whole sink and was starting to towel them dry when Pearl returned to the kitchen.


    ¡°Coral,¡± Pearl said, exasperated. She snatched the cloth from Coral¡¯s hands. ¡°You should be resting, go sit down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m capable of handling dishes,¡± Coral said, picking up the pile of dried utensils and placing them in the jug near the stove. Pearl followed, and Coral bristled. She opened her mouth to have Pearl leave her be, when Pearl reached out and opened the oven. Which immediately made Coral shut her mouth and watch with put upon patience as Pearl slid the cake from the oven and placed it on the stove top. She inserted a knife and when it came out clean, Pearl gave a small nod of her head. The cake was done. Coral¡¯s mouth watered at the scent.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let the cake cool first, but I won¡¯t give you any until you go sit down,¡± Pearl said, her attention focused on removing the cake from the tin and setting it on a wooden board to cool.


    ¡°I¡¯ve nothing to do in there,¡± Coral said, huffing. ¡°And the manor is in complete disarray.¡±


    There was so much to do if they wanted the rooms ready in time for the Night of the Undead. Adventurers were coming in mid-winter, and it was an opportunity that Coral didn¡¯t want to squander. Mr. Shepherds comments of her manor being on cursed land wasn¡¯t actually that far off from the truth. If word spread throughout town that a ghoul had taken up residence in her manor, and that said manor was haunted, she would never attract anyone to her inn unless it was the wayward Adventurer.


    Pearl turned and crossed her arms, giving Coral her best stern look. ¡°I will clean. You are to go sit by the warm fire for the day and rest. You¡¯ll only hurt yourself if you keep pushing yourself like this.¡±


    Coral, with the risk that Pearl wouldn¡¯t give her the chocolate cake, begrudgingly went back to the Winter Salon. Pearl arrived a moment later with a rolled blanket tucked under her arm and a serving tray laden with a large helping of chocolate cake for the both of them, and what was more, their favourite teapot. The colourful flowers hand-painted with a sky blue background was cheerful in the Winter Salon. Coral ought to decorate the room with some more colour for the colder months. At the moment, it was mostly wood paneling and dark. She really needed to sort out the mold that was growing on the far wall. She shifted in her seat so that she was more comfortable and couldn¡¯t see that particular annoyance. The slip of parchment in her pocket felt heavy, the name of the carpenter and his address that Crowcaller had left her with weighing on her mind. Surely it wasn¡¯t that long of a wait for someone local to assist her?


    Pearl set the serving tray on the small table before the seat, unfurled the blanket in a flourish and promptly tucked it around Coral. She added another log to the hearth before coming to sit down beside her, and then passed over the slice of cake to her. It was still gloriously warm and moist. Coral closed her eyes on the first bite, her tastebuds singing. She chewed slowly to savor every moment. This was lovely. If it wasn¡¯t for her leg still bothering her, this moment would be perfect.


    She deserved a perfect, quiet moment after the last several events that she had. It was a shame she couldn¡¯t indulge a little more with some wine. Alas, she would have to wait for another night to do such a thing. Hopefully, without having to visit Orvil Norwood at The Widow¡¯s Poison the next morning.


    Pearl picked at her food, only eating small bites as though she were at one of their dinner parties. When Coral had finished her slice, Pearl offered up her portion.


    ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡± Coral asked.


    Pearl bit her lower lip and stared at the fire. ¡°There¡¯s been something I have been meaning to tell you, but you¡¯ve been so unwell, and I don¡¯t want to upset you.¡±


    Coral set her plate down on the table, poured Pearl a cup of tea and added extra sugar to it before pressing it into Pearl¡¯s hands. ¡°I¡¯m not going to get upset,¡± she assured Pearl.


    ¡°Whatever it is, just tell me.¡±


    ¡°I think I might know who the ghost children are,¡± Pearl said all in a rush.


    ¡°How? And Who?¡± Coral said. Coral had not been expecting that. Was this why Pearl was willing to go about the manor on her own?


    Pearl looked a little sheepish, her blue eyes flicking back beneath her long lashes at Coral. ¡°I was reading the information the guild had,¡± she said.


    Coral relaxed, unconcerned by this. For a moment she thought Pearl had developed some hairbrained idea and snuck off to the manor in the night while Coral had been acting as bait. Not that being bait was any less idiotic.


    ¡°And I was looking at that painting of the Rayner family,¡± Pearl went on, trying to get the words out quickly, as though she thought Coral would be angry with her. She wasn¡¯t. There wasn¡¯t anything in those documents that would give Pearl nightmares. Hopefully every last remnant of the necromancer had been removed from the manor.


    ¡°The two children were never found. Or the wife, what was her name, Lady Sabina? Well, your description of the two ghosts sounds like children. They interacted with you in the children¡¯s nursery. You saw them. And there were no other mentions of any other children at the manor, only cooks and servants, much too old. I think the two ghosts are the Rayner children,¡± Pearl finished, face slightly pink.


    ¡°That¡¯s a thought,¡± Coral said, thinking. She poured herself a cup of tea for something to do as she turned the thought over in her head.


    ¡°Even if they had died of unfortunate circumstances here, its possible their bodies were reanimated and wandered off over the years, only to be found by the town when cleaning up after the Night of the Undead. Who knows what¡¯s happened to their physical selves now, but their spirit would remain here, where¡­ where they died,¡± she finished softly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen taller silhouettes before, much taller than children,¡± Coral said slowly. ¡°Those could have been the trick of the light rather than an actual ghost. But I wouldn¡¯t rule your theory out. Elwin did say that many people disappeared over time. Who knows what happened to them.¡±


    ¡°I want to see if I can talk to them,¡± Pearl said, clutching at her cup, her fingers playing along the handle. ¡°I want to know if I can help them. They had asked for help.¡±


    Coral leant back in her seat and sipped her tea. It warmed her inside as she debated what to say next to Pearl. ¡°Elwin and I had planned to remove the ghosts once the ghoul had been handled. We can¡¯t have a haunted inn, it¡¯ll ruin us. The dead turn violent over time.¡±


    ¡°If we can help them, they should be able to move on. We¡¯ll have the inn back, and I would feel better knowing that I helped them rather than had the spirits destroyed or whatever it is that happens when Adventurer¡¯s deal with the dead. I heard that they need a special weapon to kill the dead, it absorbs their soul.¡± Pearl lifted the cup to her lips and said quietly. ¡°What a horrible thing to happen to children.¡±

 Frightened little bird

    Pearl had, for the first time since leaving the city, a quiet day set before her where she could relax. Perhaps she could even take a walk outside and plan for her future garden. She had such little time to enjoy these moments, not when she had been waiting for Coral to return with the Adventurer¡¯s. Her nerves had been set on edge the entire time she was waiting. Nor when she waited anxiously by Coral, sick with fever and that horrible leg wound. Coral¡¯s leg had been an awful mess. Now the most that was asked of her was to cook food for them both, which wasn¡¯t much at all. She would make sure to include plenty of vegetables, Coral would need her strength for the coming weeks. Whenever she checked in on Coral to make sure she was still warm and seated, from what she could see by the ever-growing list beneath Coral¡¯s studious hand, there was a significant number of things they were set to do.


    Pearl had been determined to get Coral to rest and to let her leg heal, so she had shut her away in the Winter Salon with a collection of books she had found about the manor, as well as parchment and charcoal for writing. There was a study somewhere; they had found it when they first went exploring through the manor. But she hadn¡¯t been able to recall its whereabouts nor the titles on the spines, so she made do with what assortment of books she found scattered in the rooms. Moonflower Inn was a maze, and she didn¡¯t want to get herself lost with ghosts lurking about in search of the collection of texts in a room she had only visited once. Coral would surely come looking for her, and that wasn¡¯t conducive to her sister¡¯s healing.


    Elwin was due to visit that afternoon, and unwilling to go to Direwood on her own, it would be best for Pearl to wait for him to arrive and ask him to escort her. So, with a slight skip to her step, Pearl walked through the kitchen and purposely ignored the mess. That was a problem for later. She did, however, pick up a small slice of chocolate cake and wrapped it in some brown paper along with a slice of cheese and, luckily, a single piece of bread which she liberally applied the last of the butter to. She placed these in her skirt pockets, then pulled the ring of old keys out. It took a moment or two to find the correct key and let herself outside.


    It was warmer today, at least, it was outside. The courtyard was covered in a carpet of orange leaves, and here too moonflowers had creeped in over the cobbled ground. She stepped down the few steps, her boots tapping lightly as she made her way towards the glasshouse.


    It was a fanciful thing, the glasshouse, and it would likely be warmer in there too. Unbeknownst to Coral, Pearl had already collected and potted a few herbs she had found growing wild. Her luckiest find was rosemary, her absolute favourite. Not to discredit the other herbs and their flavours, but there was something about the combination of rosemary and garlic that Pearl would always long for. If it was Coral, she¡¯d always want a splash of red wine in the mix. Learning to cook was harder than Pearl had anticipated. She was exploring how combinations of foods paired well with each other, and what didn¡¯t. The herbs would add nicely to her dishes, and she hoped to incorporate some into her baking as well.


    She should bake a fresh loaf of bread today too. If she made Coral soup, the bread could soak up the last of the nutritious liquid to ensure she got every drop to bolster her strength.


    Pearl came to the double door of the greenhouse, ornate ironwork curling around the frame of the glass and coiling out like long flowering vines. She thought she had closed the door firmly last time. If she had learnt anything from her time in the manor, it was that when doors that had been previously closed were now opened, the ghosts were usually behind it. She stood there for a quiet moment, waiting for something to happen. Would the ghost children come outside of the manor¡¯s walls to gain her attention? There had been very little movement or shadows that ought not to be there since she had returned. Pearl wanted to seek them out, to try to reason with them, but how did one win over the dead?


    The door remained still, and taking this as a good sign that she wouldn¡¯t be suddenly bombarded with spirits, she placed her hand on the door and swung it open. Inside was a few degrees warmer, and she stepped gladly inside. Pearl really missed the warmer autumn weather in the city. At the centre of the greenhouse, the roof rose up in a large dome, tall enough that she could grow a tree at the heart of the space. Three wings spread out from this section, six meters or so in each direction and rectangle in shape. Neither was as tall as the dome at the center, but the roof was still rounded at the top, with ornate lanterns hanging all along. If she were to light the greenhouse, it would take a long time, as Pearl would have to drag a tall ladder to each just to reach them.


    There were plots of dirt dug into the ground along each of the walls along two of the wings that stood opposite each other, and the third straight across from the entrance was filled with terracotta pots discarded and left in pieces all over the ground. Pearl had used one of these pots to plant Rosemary she had dug up and placed it on the shelving that lined the third wing. She had collected three other herbs that had been growing wild. Mint, chives, horehound and one flower she couldn¡¯t bring herself to discard. She wasn¡¯t sure what it was called, but it was certainly pretty with its bright yellow petals. The horehound, with its oval shaped leaves covered in white, woolly hairs and small flowers would be beneficial to use if either of them fell sick with a cold, though Pearl couldn¡¯t say that she was fond of the bitter taste. She did feel a little better knowing that she had something to use at their disposal rather than having to trek all the way to town to The Widow¡¯s Poison for some medicine. All the plants were looking a little forlorn since she had neglected them over the past week.


    Pearl turned in a slow circle as she took in the greenhouse space before her. There was plenty of room to grow things, and none of the glass had shattered in the time that it had been abandoned. She located an old watering can and used that to fetch water from the water pump that had been set up outside of the greenhouse. The pump was stiff, and she had to work hard to move the handle. It squeaked as she moved it, and a trickle of water splashed into the watering can. She filled it to the brim, and unused to lifting heavy things, her arms strained a little as she hoisted the watering can up and walked back inside. The icy water splashed over her skirts as she moved. There was no way that Pearl would be able to lift the can as high as the shelf, so she set each pot down on the ground before soaking them.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Drink up little plants,¡± Pearl told them sweetly, as though they were children. ¡°You need to grow big and strong.¡±


    She knelt down and peered at their leaves, searching for bugs or signs of disease. She picked away a dying leaf from the mint, but otherwise they seemed to be doing well considering they were drooping from thirst.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be okay soon,¡± she said gently. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I was away for so long. My sister and I were having a problem with a monster. It¡¯s gone now, thank goodness. Shall I clean up your home now that I have a moment to myself?¡±


    Pearl reached out and picked up a pot that lay on its side nearby. She set it right, then began to collect the smaller fragments of broken terracotta that littered the floor. She hummed to herself as she worked to clear the area, stacking pots that she could use along the shelves and the cracked ones left in a tidy pile against a wall. Pearl paused as she stretched up on to the tips of her toes, her fingers pushing the smaller pots into place beside the others. The glass was hazy and was in severe need of cleaning, and in some sections, moonflowers were trailing up over one side of the greenhouse. She squinted through the glass; certain she had seen something move.


    There was nothing to see other than blurry outlines of the encroaching trees, some of their leaves beginning to turn vibrant orange and red with the colder weather. At least she could rule out giant wolves, unless the Adventurer¡¯s had decided to pay them a visit unexpectedly, which she doubted. Silas Seolfor had been quite beside himself with worry when he returned with Coral, and then oddly aloof as Coral¡¯s fever broke. He and Elwin hadn¡¯t gone in to see Coral, and then decidedly disappeared from all sight when she was awake.


    If Pearl couldn¡¯t see anyone moving, then that meant it was the ghosts. Or, more accurately, Emeric and Ayleth Rayner, as she preferred to think of them. At least, she hoped it was those two spirits. She was sure there were others in the manor, but none had really taken to showing themselves as the two children had. Pearl didn¡¯t want to believe that the two children were out to hurt them. They had asked for help after all.


    Pearl pushed the pots far back from the edge of the shelf, dusted her hands off and set off for the door. If there were ghosts about, she wanted to be elsewhere. Today was going to be a rest day, and she would not have that interrupted. Ensuring she closed the glass house door firmly, Pearl turned on her heels and walked in the direction towards the back of the manor. She had encircled the manor only once, and that had been somewhat difficult with the overgrown gardens that were little more than bushes and trees sprouting. If she were to have any garden at all, they would have to remove the saplings growing ever closer. There was so much work to be done.


    Pearl pushed that thought from her mind as she walked, the sunshine warming her face and the trill of tiny birds put her in a better mood. She smiled at the tiny birds, little more than balls of feathers that would fit in the palm of her hands, with sticks for legs. If these small birds, gentle and flitting about amongst the foliage were able to thrive out here in the wilds, then so too could she. She stopped to watch them hop from branch to branch in the bushes, chirping and fluttering about. Pearl made sure to stay still so she didn¡¯t startle them. She held out a hand, as though she were one of the girls in a fairytale she often read, encouraging the birds to reach out to her offer of friendship.


    Of course, none came close. Pearl wasn¡¯t surprised. She had nothing to tempt them. So, she took out her small collection of food, crumbled the bread without the butter and sprinkled it over the base of a nearby tree, then after a moment added the cheese for good measure. She didn¡¯t know if the birds would like the cheese, but she thought she¡¯d try anyway. Pearl helped herself to the cake as she watched the birds, settling down with her knees resting on the ground, cushioned by crinkling autumn leaves.


    The birds were completely and utterly uninterested in the breadcrumbs. It didn¡¯t matter. Pearl would offer them something else next time. If she dug up some worms from the garden bed, maybe that would be more to their liking.


    All at once, the flock of tiny birds flew off, leaving Pearl kneeling alone in the grounds. She looked about to see where they had got to, hoping to follow them. There was nothing but trees and bushes. A remnant of some building far off in the distance. Everything was still, as though a hush had fallen over the area and not even the trees dared to stir it.


    Slowly, Pearl got to her feet, still searching for signs of the birds. She spun in a circle, and only found the wall of one side of the manor not far behind her. Moonflowers grew thick along the side of the building, trailing up to the fourth floor. Pearl¡¯s eyes drew upwards as she searched the foliage, thinking perhaps they had disappeared into the greenery there.


    Her heart missed a beat. There, perched right over the edge of the roof, was the gargoyle. The only gargoyle. The very same gargoyle that she had seen on the other side of the roof. It leant far over the edge with its claws gripping the edge of the tiles, nose pointed down and its eyes locked on to hers in a stony glare.


    Maybe she was wrong. Perhaps there were other gargoyles dotted over the roof that she hadn¡¯t noticed before. Though she was sure there had only ever been one. She had been this way before and hadn¡¯t seen it. Pearl¡¯s heart gave a frightened leap as she stared up at the stone statue. It was the same design as the one seen on the other side of the house, with large bat wings held aloft, a snarling lion¡¯s mouth, and a heavy-set brow over glaring eyes. Ram¡¯s horns curled up and around the back of its head, with long pointed ears protruding from either side. A long tail was flicked up into the air, as though the gargoyle had been caught in mid-movement.


    Pearl took a tentative step back, then another. She didn¡¯t like this. She felt like the creature could see her, and it was merely more than a stone statue. The hair stood up on the back of her neck as she stared back at it. Just like the tiny birds, Pearl took off back towards the house as fast as her legs could take her back to safety. Back to Coral.

 Delivery

    Coral was incredibly bored. She huffed with annoyance as she stared down at the parchment sprawled out on the table before her, somehow her hands had been splashed with ink. Something she hadn¡¯t done since she was a child. She picked up a handkerchief that Pearl had left with the tea set, and rubbed at the ink, muttering until she looked down and discovered more ink spots over her skirt. Brilliant, there went another of her nice skirts. At this rate she won¡¯t have a set of clothes spared from stains or rips.


    Coral tossed the cloth down on the table, where her list of things that must be done before midwinter had been compiled. Some of those things were rather costly. She added trousers and coats to the bottom of the list.


    She dropped the quill and frowned at the mold on the walls in the far corner, as though it had been a personal affront to Coral for having grown there in the first place. She couldn¡¯t do anything about it just now, but she would, and very soon. The Winter Salon would be the main lounge her visitors would enjoy. She picked up the parchment and reviewed her list with pursed lips. What was the most pressing of things to take care of first?


    They had a healthy pile of firewood stacked up by the greenhouse, though only a limited number of fireplaces that they were able to use. The chimneys would need cleaning, and keeping the rooms in the manor warm was a battle she felt like she was losing. In the middle of winter, warmth would be vital to her guests, not to mention herself and Pearl.


    Then again, so were rooms that didn¡¯t have cracks in the walls. Or dust. The curtains by the large stained-glass window were still in need of a clean. She and Pearl could tackle that when her leg was a little less tender.


    A healthy storage of food was also necessary, though she was unsure of the quantity or variety. Perishables like eggs and milk would be harder to keep. Perhaps they could house chickens in the unused stables over winter. Maybe even a milking goat. They would need to get the kitchen sorted by midwinter, rusted pots would be no use to them, and if Pearl were to take up cooking for everyone, she would need bakeware and the like to actually produce said food. It was all well and good for them to live off boiled potato and porridge, but Moonflower¡¯s guest would have to be impressed to want to return.


    Coral picked up her quill and added a note to ensure she got Pearl a recipe book. She tapped her finger against the paper, then added another to get a baking book as well. Not that Pearls baking skills were anything to sniff at, but it would be good to broaden Pearl¡¯s variety.


    A clatter from the front gate pulled Coral from her spiritless pondering. Coral shot to her feet, then winced at the pinch on her thigh. Moments later, Coral had limped her way down the drive towards a waiting cart, pulled by a donkey that looked particularly bad tempered. The boy sitting atop the cart looked wearily up at the manor, eyebrows pinched with worry. Coral raised a hand to the delivery chap and set about opening the gate. She discovered that the keys she normally kept in her skirt pocket had disappeared, though the front gate had yet again become unlocked. Coral tsked in frustration, no doubt it was the ghosts doing this.


    ¡°Mistress,¡± the young man said, tipping his hat to her and flicking the reigns. The mule stayed where it stood. ¡°Come on yeh stubborn thing,¡± he said, then clicked his tongue at it.


    Coral stood off to the side as the mule snorted then walked forward to the gentle mutterings of the driver. She followed along the side of the cart, her leg slowing her down some, so that by the time the cart had arrived at the house, Coral was left hobbling far behind to catch up. This rewarded her with a good look at the back of the cart. Crates had been piled high; a tarp thrown over the top to keep most of the goods dry. The young man worked fast to unload the cart, and by the time she had hobbled up, he already had unloaded half the contents.


    ¡°Won¡¯t be a moment mistress,¡± he said, focused on hauling planks of pine wood from the cart. The donkey stamped a foot and huffed its impatience. ¡°We¡¯ll be goin¡¯ soon, stand up,¡± he called to the mule before dropping the wood into a neat pile.


    ¡°You were here last time. Do you handle all the deliveries then?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Rollo, if it pleases you,¡± he said in way of introduction while determinedly removing the boxes and bags as though his life depended on it. ¡°I just deliver goods when my pa don¡¯t need me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Mr. Shepherds son, then?¡±


    ¡°I am. What of it?¡± Rollo¡¯s shoulders stiffened as he glanced back at her.


    ¡°He mentioned you. He was kind enough to bring my sister and I home,¡± she told him, noticing how his eyes darted from her face to behind her, where the manor stood looming over the both of them. Rollo had been like this the first time he had delivered their goods, skittish and eager to be gone. Now that she knew the reasons behind it, she didn¡¯t blame him for wanting to be gone as soon as possible. She would have too, knowing what she knew now, if she wasn¡¯t so determined to make Moonflower Inn work for her.


    Rollo sniffed, wiped the back of his sleeve against his nose then went back to unloading.


    Very well then. She looked at the growing pile of boxes and opened a satchel closest to her. It was filled to the brim with potatoes. Another crate held an assortment of vegetables, and that was sure to make Pearl happy in her attempt to ensure proper nutrition. Now she really needed to get her a recipe book. She hoped there would be one in amongst the texts she hadn¡¯t so much as glanced at piled into the Winter Salon.


    ¡°Is this all for me?¡± Coral asked, surprised at the bulk of everything. She had been expecting three boxes at most for the goods she had ordered, of course there was the timber and other tools she had expected, but not this sheer quantity. The majority of the tools she had already found in the manor were rusted and unusable, it had been difficult clearing the drive at first with a rusty pitchfork and an old hand saw that disintegrated the moment she tried to cut anything. Now she was the owner of a crowbar, a hammer, wood screws, nails, chisels, and a few other tools she had already forgotten the names of. She¡¯ll have to settle by referring to them as the do-what¡¯s-its until she can find a carpenter who hopefully had their own tools of the trade and learn from them.


    ¡°Tis,¡± Rollo said distractedly, reaching for the last large crate. It had been wrapped individually from the rest of the wares in a material that looked vaguely of leather. Rollo took particular care with it, ensuring to maneuver it smoothly to the end of the cart.


    ¡°Best you keep ¡®em covered until they¡¯re settled, my lady. The covering is fireproof, see.¡± Rollo said, then hefted the box into his arms and set it down cautiously with the rest.


    ¡°Fireproof?¡± Coral asked, mystified by his explanation.


    ¡°Aye. They were a bit riled up on the way here, they¡¯ve gone quiet, but I wouldn¡¯t trust ¡®em to not light up everything. Here,¡± he handed her a folded bit of paper.


    Coral took it. The paper was several pages thick, and she opened it to read the inventory receipt of her order. She frowned down at the list of items, everything that she had ordered was there. Food, wine, bed covers for all the rooms, dusting cloths and cleaning supplies. She read right down to the end, before she realized what was missing from the first page. The flowers she had bought for Pearl.


    Coral turned to the second page and stared at the order form.


    Mothers Nature Snap-Dragons of all varieties. Tea-cup, Butterfly, Candy, Double Supreme, Night and Day, Intermediate, Frosted Flames, Dwarf, Trailing.


    Each listing had her familiar tick against each type. Behind the order form was another page, with a description of each Snapdragon. She read the first listing at the top of the page.


    The Teacup variety of snap-dragons are the smallest and friendliest of all species. They can grow to seven to fifteen centimeters in height and weigh around two hundred and fifty to six hundred grams, depending on the size. Defining features of the Teacup Dragon are large eyes with a rounded head and soft scales with a glazed appearance. The colouring of the scales are two-toned earthen brown, fire-bright red, azure blue and moss green.


    Coral looked over at the crate with growing trepidation. She stepped over, took one corner of the coverings and peeked through the bars set in the crate at the top. There was a scuffle inside, and a little jet of sparks lit flittered into the air. Coral jolted backward.


    Snap-Dragons. Not, snapdragon the plant. She had ordered a dozen tiny dragons. Coral had placed an order for all varieties, expecting flowers with different colorings or shapes based on the description. Even the name of the supplier was misleading! Mothers Nature had sounded to Coral as though it were a plant nursery, not a menagerie. She supposed she should have clued in when she had read ¡®Frosted Flames¡¯. Coral¡¯s hand dropped to her side as she stared in bewilderment at the crate.


    Yes, she had admired dragons, but they were notoriously hard to handle. How was she to feed them? Was it too late to send them back?


    ¡°I¡¯ll be off then,¡± Rollo said, already perched up at the front of the cart.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Coral said, reaching a hand up as if she could hold him in place, ¡°I hadn¡¯t meant to order dragons¡±.


    Rollo looked back at her in annoyance. ¡°I¡¯m just deliver¡¯n. If you have a problem with yeh order, yeh¡¯ll have to take it up with Cravin¡¯s an¡¯ Delirium. Stay safe Lady Seaver,¡± he said, tipping forward in an awkward kind of bow, then clicked his tongue at the mule, which took off at a fast trot.


    Coral watched him leave, hands hanging by her sides. She couldn¡¯t take up her issue with Cravings and Delirium, as she was essentially homebound until her leg was better. She could send Pearl, except she had to bring the dragons with her. There was no way either of them could drag a box full of tiny dragons all the way to Direwood.


    If in all honesty, having snap-dragons around would help with the vermin problem. Would rats be enough to keep them satiated? A rat was certainly larger than the tea-cup dragon. They were also inherently warm. If she thought about it, maybe they could be beneficial for Moonflower Inn after all. They could be sort of cat-like chickens. At the very least, it was easier to keep tiny dragons alive than chickens were with foxes and the like looking for an easy meal. Snap dragons were small, but they still had ways to defend themselves.


    Coral rifled through the information leaflet and found no instructions for their care. Just further descriptors of each kind. She supposed she should be thankful that they were small and not the significantly larger species that were favoured for battle and war.


    Coral crossed her arms, looking down at the box. It was waist height, and just as wide. There was no way she was going to be able to move them on her own. Did she have to keep them warm?


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s come. Good, I won¡¯t need to get so much when I go into town this afternoon,¡± Pearl said, stepping out the front door. She hurried down the steps and crossed the drive to where Coral stood.


    ¡°You ordered more than cheese!¡± she said, her face brightening as Pearl saw the waiting sack of potatoes. ¡°And here I was thinking I was going to have to settle for a life of dairy rich food for the next few weeks.¡±


    She gripped the edges of the sack and tried to lift the bag. It proved to be quite heavy for her, as she only managed to heft the sack up to her shins. ¡°Oh, that has some weight to it. Don¡¯t worry, I can take all this inside,¡± she said, shuffling her feet forward then having to drop the bag after a few steps.


    ¡°You know the flowers I ordered for you,¡± Coral said to Pearl. Pearl was busy lifting the sack up one step at a time, setting the bag down at each interval.


    ¡°They¡¯ve arrived? I can¡¯t wait to plant them. I can put them in the greenhouse over winter to keep them warm for spring,¡± Pearl said, huffing slightly as she reached the landing.


    ¡°They¡¯ve most certainly arrived. Except, they aren¡¯t what I thought they were,¡± Coral said apologetically.


    ¡°Why, what¡¯s wrong with them?¡± Pearl said, letting go of the bag.


    Coral took hold of one section of the coverings and peeled it back, motioning for Pearl to come take a look. Pearl hurried over, bent and peered through the bars.


    ¡°Dragons,¡± she gasped, looking up at Coral with bright eyes. ¡°I thought you were getting flowers?¡±


    ¡°So did I,¡± Coral said, then hesitated. She didn¡¯t know if Pearl would be open to getting so many animals to care for. ¡°I want to keep them,¡± Coral said, more as a statement than anything else.


    Pearl waved a hand at Coral as she turned to look into the crate again. ¡°You don¡¯t need my permission. Oh, look at this one with the butterfly wings, how pretty. I didn¡¯t know they could come in so many colours. Let¡¯s get them out, I want to see them all.¡±


    There was a rustle from the box, a squeak, and then sparks ignited in the crate, enough to make Coral and Pearl step away hastily. A small jet of flames joined the sparks, heating up the metal bars that had been set into the top. Though the box they were in was made of dark wood, it did not catch alight, or even burn. Merely a rich smokey scent permeated the air. Coral reached over and pulled the cover back over.


    ¡°I was told to keep them covered until they¡¯re more settled. I don¡¯t know if we should put them inside or not. They might set something on fire,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should leave them in the stables. It¡¯s too cold there. I don¡¯t know much about dragons, but I do know they like warmth. The little ones at any rate,¡± Pearl said, clasping her hands together, then added in a small voice, and looking up at Coral with her big blue eyes. ¡°I would very much like them to be inside pets.¡±


    Coral fought for a full five seconds against Pearls pleading before giving in. Though if she had to run around cleaning dragon dung from carpets, she would be putting a stop to that quick smart.


    ¡°Only if they can be trained,¡± she said, as if it cost her to say as much.


    Pearl grinned and turned on her heel and hurried up the steps. ¡°I¡¯ll put everything away, and then we can figure a way to get the dragons inside,¡± she said excitedly.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    If she knew Pearl would be this excited for some snapdragons, she would have bought her one long ago. It was rare to see Pearl so excited about anything.


    It took both Pearl and Coral the better part of an hour to put away the food and tools she had ordered, with much of it being protested by her sister and her leg. Coral resolutely ignored both and set tools and mould removing solution into a large unused room on the ground floor. With their combined efforts, the box of tiny dragons was pushed and pulled through the front door and on to an ugly rug that neither of them liked, and then dragged to the winter salon with a great deal of fuss. Every time they moved too fast or pushed too hard, it upset the critters and sent them scuttling about and chittering their displeasure. The crate grew warm beneath their touch and was hot by the time they pulled the crate into the room.


    After a few minutes of rest where much of it was spent listening to growling squeaks, it was decided that the furniture would be at risk and was much safer for the chairs to be deposited at the far end of the room, away from the fireplace. The room grew warm as the fire was stoked higher, and Coral set the snap dragons close to the hearth and then left them alone in there to settle. Leaving them alone was going against her best judgement, but every time she or Pearl spoke softly, the tiny dragons stirred and chirped.


    To preoccupy herself, Coral sat at the kitchen table and reviewed her notes and tried not to think about how there was a great fire risk in the Winter Salon. She dipped the quill with fresh ink and added several more items to her list of things to get. ¡°I¡¯ve added books about dragon rearing, anatomy, and anything in general about dragons,¡± Coral said, tapping her finger as she reread the list.


    ¡°They¡¯re quite small, so I would say they¡¯re all hatchlings,¡± Pearl said, her head hovering over a pot as she stirred some new combination of vegetables she was stewing. She had used an absurd amount of potato. It had started off well enough, with sizzling beef at the bottom of the pot, but when she had browned it, she added water.


    ¡°And I think we need more fireproof things. Like gloves. I wonder if the smithy has an old pair, an apron would be good too, considering they like to spit out fire,¡± Coral said thoughtfully. Coral added those to her substantial list. How was she going to tackle all of this before midwinter?


    ¡°Do you think this looks right?¡± Pearl asked, sniffing at the pot¡¯s contents.


    It didn¡¯t. Nothing about it smelled appealing. It was watery and chunky, with the occasional green thing that Coral thought was possibly peas. ¡°Maybe add some salt?¡± Coral suggested. She hadn¡¯t tasted it yet, nor did she particularly want to. Pearl sought out the salt, and sprinkled a small pinch in.


    A hard knocking sound started Coral, the quill she was holding falling to the table. Pearl looked up from the pot and looked around, expecting to see something. Neither of them spoke, only waited with baited breath for another sound or sign of the spirit¡¯s activities.


    Another knock echoed down the corridor, and Coral sighed in both annoyance at herself, and relief. ¡°It¡¯s the front door, it¡¯s probably Elwin,¡± she said as she went to answer it. Coral had left the front gate unlocked and open for him, she just hadn¡¯t been expecting him to arrive after midday.


    Elwin was standing in the entrance foyer, holding a large sack over one shoulder and looking excitedly around. The door behind him was left wide open. If Coral were to guess, she suspected the door had been flung open by ghostly hands for him as well.


    ¡°Elwin, welcome,¡± Coral said, crossing the foyer to close the door. She thought about locking the door, and then decided against it. Whom or whatever was opening the door was not going to let a lock impede them.


    ¡°My apologies for the intrusion. The door opened and I thought you were just behind it,¡± he began, his eyes bright.


    Coral waved away his explanation. ¡°You¡¯re welcome here anytime. We¡¯re in the kitchen for now, would you like a cup of tea?¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the offer, but I warmed up on my run here,¡± Elwin said, following Coral down the corridor to the kitchen. ¡°I brought the documents for your manor. Some things might be a little crushed.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it all the same,¡± Coral said.


    Elwin paused in the doorway as he took in the state the kitchen was in. It still needed pots and pans to be put away in their rightful place.


    ¡°Good day Elwin,¡± Pearl said, smiling at him from the steaming stove. ¡°Please don¡¯t mind the mess. Take a seat.¡±


    ¡°Is this from the ghosts, or the search?¡± Elwin asked, placing the large sack on to the table.


    ¡°The search,¡± Coral said, pretending that the kitchen hadn¡¯t been in a right state prior to the Adventurer¡¯s scouring every surface. ¡°We¡¯ll clean it up eventually. We¡¯re having a little rest before we dive into preparing for mid-winter.¡±


    ¡°Coral is having a little rest,¡± Pearl said sternly, pointing a wooden spoon at her.


    ¡°You do look much better than earlier. The bruising on your face is gone. And your hands, Orvil Norwood is a trying man, but he is good at what he does. It¡¯s probably the only reason why Doctor Thornheart keeps him around,¡± Elwin said to Coral, pulling out a kitchen stool from beneath the table and sitting down.


    Coral looked at the palms of her hands, the skin smooth, shiny, and pink. Mr. Norwood¡¯s poultices had worked quickly to heal the blisters and regrown skin that had burnt away. She was glad that she had been unconscious for the procedure. She should see about purchasing some more in preparation for dealing with the dragons.


    ¡°Is there any of that chocolate cake you make Pearl? I¡¯d like to try some,¡± Elwin asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Pearl said. She dropped her spoon to the counter and busied herself with cutting Elwin a slice of cake. A far more suitable offering of food to their guest over the watery stew Pearl was making.


    Coral wondered if she could add a dash of red wine to the mix for a little flavour without her sister knowing. Pearl would certainly be opposed to it. Technically she wasn¡¯t supposed to be drinking wine, but if it were added to food, surely that was an acceptable alternative.


    ¡°How is everyone? Is Norden Ruesong-¡± Coral asked but found she couldn¡¯t quite complete that sentence.


    ¡°Better. A few more scars than before and sore, but he¡¯ll live. He had this awful infection that spread, blood poisoning or something. If it wasn¡¯t for that, he¡¯d be up and about like you are,¡± Elwin said, taking the proffered slice of cake eagerly.


    Coral pulled a teacup and saucer to herself and poured in hot, sweetened tea. She had been horrified to see the dark veining creeping out over the flesh of her leg. If Doctor Thornheart had thought Norden Ruesong¡¯s injuries were worse than hers, then the infection must have spread horribly. There was needle thin, pink lines where the poison had been spread out over her leg. No doubt the ghoul would be able to leave a lasting mark long after it¡¯s death. She took a bracing sip of tea to wash away the bitter memories of that night.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad he is doing well. Is there anything I can do to assist him?¡± Coral asked.


    Elwin shook his head. ¡°The guild will take care of him. Crowcaller will see to whatever he needs, as well as Silas.¡±


    ¡°How is Silas, and the rest of your pack,¡± Coral asked, leveling a heavy stare at him. Elwin had the good sense to look guilty.


    ¡°Pack?¡± Pearl said, looking between Coral and Elwin. ¡°Don¡¯t you mean team?¡±


    Coral hadn¡¯t told Pearl about what had completely transpired that night. A part of her found it difficult to even place words to what she had seen. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the ghoul stalking her, of it tearing into Norden and Osric Ruesong. Of large wolves that tore the ghoul apart. Coral had never seen such violence before. It had disturbed her greatly.


    ¡°I want to know why you, or Silas, or any of the other Adventurer¡¯s hadn¡¯t bothered to inform me that you¡¯re all werewolves. I was a part of the plan. I had a right to know,¡± Coral said quietly.


    Pearl stared at Elwin, who was now slumping in his chair and looking away from them both.


    ¡°I thought Silas had told you,¡± Elwin said.


    ¡°No. He didn¡¯t. Why would that matter?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°He is the team leader. We leave it to him to tell who needs to be told. The town knows, so I hadn¡¯t really given it much thought to tell you,¡± he said, shrugging.


    Coral fought down her bitterness. She had expressed her concern to Elwin about the wolves, and he had brushed her off. Each time she had stepped on to the road to Direwood, she had been watching cautiously for them. It was a hard thing to accept, that she had been worried for no reason. Well, not entirely no reason. It was common sense to be cautious around werewolves, some were quick to temper. However, Coral understood why it was kept hidden from her. She and Pearl were new to Direwood, mostly unknown to the residents as they had kept to the manor. Trust was needed, and she and Pearl had not earned it.


    It was the same reason she would not speak of her father to anyone here. Trust was needed, and none had established a solid relationship with her enough for her to speak about her betrothal to some pompous man who thought he could buy her like she was a breeding mare. There was no possibility she would risk opening that topic of conversation or rumour mongering for it to spread somehow back to the ears of her betrothed.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Coral sighed, then took another sip of her tea. Pearl searched Coral¡¯s face for a moment, a small frown line creasing between her brows and her mouth opening to say something more. Coral shook her head subtly at her. She would explain to Pearl later why she forgave Elwin so quickly. It was, after all, not in Coral¡¯s nature to be so generous with her forgiveness. She liked to hold on to her grudges. Besides, it wasn¡¯t Elwin with whom she should hold a grudge. It was Silas. Next time she saw him, she¡¯d let him know exactly how annoyed she was with him. He hadn¡¯t even come to see how she was doing after that night, the selfish cur.


    ¡°How¡¯s the cake?¡± Pearl asked, turning back to the pot.


    ¡°As every bit as good as Coral has said. Excellent and moist,¡± Elwin said, still looking a bit sheepish.


    Pearl paused in her stirring the pot and looked over at Elwin, her eyes wide. ¡°Can you eat chocolate?¡±


    Elwin snorted, and the tension in the room broke. ¡°I¡¯m still part human,¡± he said, shoveling a large chunk of cake into his mouth.


    Pearl visibly relaxed and went back to stirring. ¡°For a moment there I thought I had poisoned you.¡±


    ¡°It would take a lot more than a bit of chocolate to poison me. I¡¯d need something a bit more challenging, like ghosts,¡± he said then scooped the last of the cake into his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s hard to kill something that¡¯s already dead. I brought that book, don¡¯t tell anyone. Crowcaller will wring my neck if she finds out I took it from the library.¡±


    ¡°What book are you talking about?¡± Pearl asked, adding flour to the pot.


    ¡°The one that¡¯s going to help you with your ghost problem,¡± Elwin said with a grin.


    A jug of utensils Coral had cleaned previously was knocked from the bench, clattering to the floor. All three of them stared. The door to the kitchen, which had been left ajar, slammed shut.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a problem,¡± Pearl called loudly in a placating sort of way. ¡°Elwin didn¡¯t mean it like that.¡±


    ¡°Pearl!¡± Coral hissed.


    ¡°You shush,¡± she whispered back. ¡°Don¡¯t make them angry. They¡¯ve been quiet until now. It¡¯s damaging to a child¡¯s psyche if they hear things like they¡¯re a problem.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s just children here,¡± Coral said, recalling the night Caspian had come across their doorstep. She had gone straight through a tall silhouette.


    ¡°All the same, I don¡¯t want to be dropped on my face,¡± Pearl said, dipping a ladle into the pot and scooping it out into a porcelain bowl.


    ¡°Is that what happened? When you said you had fallen, I was thinking they had tripped you,¡± Elwin said.


    Pearl set a bowl and spoon down in front of Coral, the contents steaming in the chilled room. ¡°She was locked in a room, an old nursery, where Ayleth and Emeric insisted on Coral helping them to go down to the basement.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know if it was them,¡± Coral interjected.


    ¡°Who else would it be? It¡¯s an old nursery, of course it would be them,¡± Pearl said. ¡°Mr. Acheron was with me, and he was attempting to open the door without breaking it. But when Coral yelled out, he broke the door down to get to her. I found her sprawled on the floor.¡±


    Coral used the spoon to stir the contents of her bowl. It was thick and gluggy, and when she raised the spoon to her nose to give a surreptitious sniff, she was disheartened by the smell. To delay eating, she dropped the spoon back into the bowl and turned to Elwin.


    ¡°I was pulled across the room and held in place to stare at the floor where they had written ¡®Help in basement¡¯. I wanted to be free of them, so I agreed. Where they then dropped me, face first, onto the floor. I thought my nose was broken,¡± Coral said grudgingly. She stirred a little at the stew, then tasted it. It took all of her willpower to not pull a face at the congealed texture. It was bland, and almost unpalatable.


    ¡°That¡¯s when we decided to go down to the basement, and found that horrible ghoul,¡± Pearl said, sitting herself from across Elwin with her own bowl of stew. ¡°Would you care for some lunch? I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have any bread to offer.¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± he said.


    If Coral could have warned him off without offending Pearl, she would have. Instead, she watched in anticipation as he was passed a bowl and raised a heaped spoon to his mouth. A muscle in his jaw twitched as he paused, chewed once, then swallowed hard.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be polite. I know it¡¯s bad,¡± Pearl said with a small chuckle.


    ¡°Oh, thank goodness,¡± Coral said, dropping her spoon into the bowl.


    ¡°You have to eat it. You¡¯re healing. I¡¯ll be sad if you don¡¯t,¡± Pearl said to Coral. She pulled a face as she ate some of her own broth and made a disgusted sort of ¡°Urgh¡± noise.


    Coral scowled as she picked up the spoon again and tried hard not to think about the goopy, grainy texture. How Pearl was able to bake perfection yet cook terribly was a mystery to her. It wasn¡¯t that different, was it?


    ¡°I have a favour to ask of you Elwin, if I may?¡± Pearl enquired.


    ¡°Of course,¡± he said, pushing the bowl away from him so that it sat in the centre of the table.


    ¡°Would you mind escorting me back to town this afternoon? I¡¯d like to get a few more supplies for the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°While you¡¯re at Cravings and Delirium, could you enquire about recipe books?¡± Coral said lightly.


    Pearl glared at her. She knew her cooking skills were bad. ¡°It¡¯s not like I have had much experience with cooking. I¡¯m still learning,¡± she said, her cheeks reddening.


    Elwin tried hard not to smile. ¡°Your chocolate cake more than makes up for it,¡± he assured her.


    It was fine for him. He didn¡¯t have to eat her cooking every day. The Dog¡¯s House was going to be difficult to contend with if this was the fare they would serve to their guests.


    ¡°I would be most happy to escort you,¡± Elwin said. ¡°Right after we address your ghost problem. I¡¯m here to help.¡±


    ¡°Help how, exactly?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°I want to talk to them. If we know what they want, maybe we could help them move on. Or at the very least have a better understanding of what we are working with. We need to do something about them before we have guests stay here,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t plan on destroying their souls or something similar,¡± Pearl said, looking at Elwin. ¡°If the ghosts here are the victims of the Necromancer, they¡¯ve had a hard enough time already. I don¡¯t want Ayleth or Emeric to suffer any more than they have.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know what happened to them,¡± Coral said placatingly. ¡°For all we know, they could have perished from sickness.¡± Coral had managed to work her way through the last of her stew and had scooped the final large chunk of potato into her mouth. Her stomach gave a small lurch and briefly, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to chew.


    ¡°It would be quicker if I took shadowsteel to them,¡± Elwin said, a wistful look to his face. Shadowsteel absorbed the souls of those it cut down, though Coral was unsure what happened to the spirits that were absorbed. Did they experience another death like state?


    The room grew icy, the temperature dropping in seconds. Their breath puffed in white clouds before them, then a pot lid threw itself across the room. A plate followed suit, forcing all three of them to dip down as it flew over their heads and shattered against the wall behind them. The ladle Pearl had been using soared past her shoulder and straight at Elwin. He threw an arm up to shield himself, except his stool flew backwards, toppling him to the floor. A porcelain cup whirled past them and smacked Elwin hard in the face, breaking on impact. Another small pot flung itself onto the table, knocking Elwin¡¯s stew. The bowl and pot slid across the table, the handle catching on a divet in the wood, fell sideways and the contents splattered up Coral¡¯s arm and neck.


    A ripple of magic washed over Coral, and the chunk of potato she hadn¡¯t swallowed lodged itself in her throat. Coral choked, fighting for breath as the piece refused to budge. Pearl shot to her feet, hurried around the table with a frightened cry and grabbed Coral, wrapping her arms around her stomach, heaved once, twice, and the potato dislodged itself.


    The room stilled as Coral gasped, her hands braced against the table and her eyes streaming. Pearl stood beside her, pale and frightened as she tried to rub Coral¡¯s back and watch for any more objects being thrown their way.


    ¡°Are you alright,¡± Pearl squeaked out.


    Coral nodded, and winced as she went to wipe her face with her stew covered arm. ¡°I think,¡± Coral gasped, her throat still feeling vaguely like there was something stuck there. ¡°I just had the backlash of the Fool¡¯s Luck spell.¡±


    Thank goodness Pearl had been there when it happened.


    ¡°What, pots being thrown at you?¡± Elwin said, getting to his feet and tugging at his shirt to straighten it.


    ¡°The choking,¡± Coral croaked out. She reached for the tea and gulped it down. Pearl hurried to fetch her the water pitcher and poured more into her cup. Coral drank that quickly too, then coughed. The room was still frigid, but at least nothing more was being thrown at them.


    ¡°Here, you¡¯re covered in food,¡± Elwin said, handing her a cloth from the sink.


    Coral wiped her chin where a piece of carrot fell away to the floor. The stew was staining her cream blouse a dirty, brown colour. She was going to have to add that to her soaking bucket along with her skirt that she hadn¡¯t been able to get the stains out of. She wiped the gluggy mess from her shoulder and worked her way down her arm.


    When that frilly, coral dress had been ruined with dirt and blood, she hadn¡¯t minded so much. The stains in her skirt could be soaked out. Coral frowned down at her sleeve and the ink stains she had gotten earlier that day. She had needed to wash some form of dirt, blood or mess from her each day, in the past she had rarely been so careless.


    Filth. That was what her father¡¯s letter had said. Coral closed her eyes and groaned.


    ¡°What?¡± Pearl said worriedly, hurrying over to her.


    ¡°Filth!¡± Coral snapped. ¡°That¡¯s what the curse is. To make me filthy.¡±


    A malicious curse letter would never have reached her through the Adventurer¡¯s guild. But a spell designed to be irritating as possible without harming her? That was a possibility. Eirek Farley had spent his last days plotting a way to ensure his last curses would find her. To curse her with filth, a spell to match an insult he favoured.


    Coral threw the cloth into the sink and huffed. ¡°I need a bath.¡±

 Bone conduction

    Coral excused herself to clean up. In her room, she sat the small black crystal on a table by her bed. It looked dull in the dark room, with a single lamp lit to provide some light. She stared down at it, expecting something to happen. There was no vibration to say that it was working. So, she took that as a good sign to fetch herself a pitcher of hot water and a washcloth to clean herself off. She was not going to bathe in her bathroom until she knew for certain that she would not be bothered again.


    Even in death, ghosts and spirits should respect one¡¯s needs for privacy. She hoped it had been the children, and not the spirit of a creepy old pervert that had encouraged her to go down to the basement. There had been a rumour that had reached her ears when she was in the city, that Adventurer¡¯s were contracted to remove a ghost that had been harassing a merchant and his three daughters. It had attached itself to the bathroom, where it only ever appeared when the girls were presently using said room.


    Coral was sure that ghost had ended with being absorbed into a shadowsteel blade, its soul slowly being siphoned into the weapon¡¯s power to make it stronger. It was why the glaive Blacktalon was so famous. The weapon was intensely powerful from the hundreds of souls it had claimed since its making. No one truly knew how old Blacktalon was, simply that it predated the kingdom. Not that was particularly big news. Fallen civilisations have been discovered more frequently in the last century, thanks to the Adventurer¡¯s that venture out into the unexplored wilds. Direwood itself sat upon the threshold of the wilds, the land unexplored and filled with all sorts of undiscovered creatures. Perhaps that is why an Adventurer such as Crowcaller had decided to relocate to such a tiny, obscure town.


    Coral hadn¡¯t chanced upon Direwood by complete accident either. When she and Pearl stole away from their father¡¯s house, the money she had taken from his safe, all the coin that was in fairness, theirs, had been sat beside a small, intricate box made of a black crystal Coral thought could have been polished black tourmaline. The same type of crystal used in cemeteries to ward off the ghosts. The lid had been carved with an unrecognizable sigil, the markings unlike anything that had been seen before. The inside of the box had been lined with mother-of-pearl, which is what Coral suspected drew her father¡¯s interest in the first place. Ironically, Eirek Farley had won the box in a gambling den that didn¡¯t involve toad racing. Probably one of the few times he actually returned with anything of true value. He had announced to her proudly that it had been found washed up along the river in Direwood. It was only a few days after that box was secured in his safe that he had announced that Coral was to be wed to some knave whose name sounded like silver.


    It brought Coral great pleasure to think that she fled to the little town on the edge of the civilized world, taking all of Eirek Farley¡¯s valuable possessions that he could pawn off. The box, herself, and Pearl. She was excluding the house of course, that would likely go to her intended.


    Coral tried not to think about the possibility of a perverted ghost urging her to go down to the basement to be slaughtered by a ghoul. She ruffled around in the cupboard for a change of clothes, trying to push her annoyance down into a little ball to deal with later. There would certainly be a later, when she finds herself dirtied again by the curse her father sent her way.


    Oh, if that man were alive still, she¡¯d find a way to get back at him. Coral would prove to him that she was far better off without him in her life, and she would become successful at whatever hand she played. Coral would make sure of it, purely to prove that bastard wrong.


    ¡°Filth,¡± Coral grumbled angrily at the cloth beneath her hands, as though the material had done her a great injustice. She was down to her last clean, unblemished skirt. She had a few dresses, though were completely unsuitable for cleaning or mending anything around the house. They were made of fine silks, and entirely unsuitable for the colder months. The need to acquire trousers went up higher in the list of things she needed.


    Coral pulled out a clean though still stained blouse. She would rather not risk ruining another skirt, now that she knew she was at risk of becoming filthy no matter what she did. She swapped her dirtied blouse with the stew stains for the clean one. Her anger hadn¡¯t subsided by the time she had re-dressed, so she spent a few more quiet moments to reapply some more salve to her leg, the cuts were beginning to scab in some places and itched constantly. She dabbed on the sticky, herbal concoction with dismay. The needle-fine red marks stretching from the longest cut wasn¡¯t going away. The stitches made her leg look like a patchwork quilt. Disheartened, Coral slowly re-wrapped her leg, pinned the strands of hair that had escaped its bun, pocketed her black stone then joined Pearl and Elwin who were waiting for her downstairs.


    Pearl, with the much-appreciated assistance from Elwin had tidied while they had waited for Coral. There was still much to do, but at the very least, the table had been cleared enough so that they could all comfortably sit down. Pearl stored the last of the cleaned pans away into a cupboard, her cheeks slightly pink as she looked around at the rest of the mess.


    ¡°Leave the washing for another time,¡± Coral said, sitting down on the stool. Pearl joined her, with Elwin sitting opposite them. He flipped the book open, and rifled through the pages until he found the chapter he was after.


    ¡°I think its safest if we go with the most basic of concepts in the book. If we want to force the dead to appear, we¡¯ll need to do a fair number of unsavory things I don¡¯t think you or Pearl would appreciate,¡± Elwin said, turning the book so that they could easily read.


    ¡°This will allow you to hear and speak to the dead, good enough for now until we can resolve the, ah, situation,¡± Elwin said, taking care with his words. He eyed the kitchen cupboards with interest. They weren¡¯t assaulted with pots, stacked away safely now, though Coral doubted that would stop any ghost. They seemed to be taking it upon themselves to unlock the doors and let just about anyone in. The stone in her pocket vibrated a little with the familiar tingle of magic and her arms raise to gooseflesh.


    Urged on by this sensation, Coral read down the passage, her disgust growing until she was fully scowling as she reached the end of the second page.


    ¡°This is basic?¡± Pearl said, looking horrified at Elwin¡¯s nod.


    ¡°Can any bone be used? Please tell me I don¡¯t have to go grave digging,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to. There¡¯s some merit to using animal bone. The thickness and density of the bone can alter the result and lifespan of the spell. A cow would arguably give you clearer and better results over a chicken bone. If the animal had magical properties, you would have significantly better receptibility. The same thing if the human used magic or not. Something about magic resonance,¡± Elwin said shrugging.  ¡°But you won¡¯t need to touch a human skeleton. You only want to speak to the ghosts long enough to know what they want. A chicken bone should be enough for a ten-minute conversation,¡± Elwin said.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Pearl sighed.


    ¡°I mean, for best results you could always pinch an arm from one of the undead at mid-winter. No one will know it¡¯s gone missing in the clean up,¡± Elwin said with a grin.


    ¡°No thank you,¡± Coral said sharply. She would not get anywhere near the undead corpses if she could help it. She looked down at the book, unsettled by the instructions.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any bones just lying around. I¡¯ll have to see about fetching a chicken from town this afternoon,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°Not to worry, I didn¡¯t come unprepared,¡± Elwin said, winking at Pearl. He opened the satchel he had propped up on the table, then pulled out a package wrapped in brown paper. He untied the cord wrapped around it and unfurled the paper to reveal two small bones, almost completely stripped clean. There were still traces of sinew and meat around the ends.


    ¡°Our chef¡¯s back. This was from today¡¯s lunch, roast chicken. I managed to snag a couple of legs. I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d miss the chef as much as I had. That was before I had eaten nothing but pea porridge for three weeks.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you eat at the Dog¡¯s House?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°Well, yes. But that hardly counts,¡± Elwin said dismissively. ¡°We¡¯ll have to clean the bones up a bit to use them, but it¡¯ll do the trick. I figured I would bring both just in case we need to do a practice round first.¡±


    A practice round made sense. There was a sigil to be drawn on the bone, and it wouldn¡¯t work unless precise angles, the accurate thickness to the shape and the direction of the sigil drawn in the correct way. There were many looping intervals and knots that flowed into two more sigils below it, the design vastly more complicated than the Fool¡¯s Luck spell she had fumbled around with. This spell work was also immensely more dangerous, not to mention illegal. Coral tried to take some comfort in knowing that she was taking advantage of a loophole by having Elwin perform the ritual instead of her. That didn¡¯t take away her role still to play.


    The person intending to communicate with the dead required to use their own blood to soak the bone for a number of hours. The more hours, the better the clarity, or so the book said. The bone would absorb the blood and would become a conductor for the ghosts to speak through it. Coral would have to maintain skin contact with the bone for the duration of the conversation. Holding a chicken bone drenched in her own blood was rather unsettling. She flipped the page and read on, this passage further explaining how to prolong the life of the spell. If, for whatever horrible reason, she wanted to keep the spell active, she would have to place a fresh drop or two of her own blood over the sigil every so often. Why anyone would want to have ghosts always chattering away at you, she didn¡¯t know. Or to take up necromancy for that matter. Perhaps necromancers were dropped on their heads as infants, knocking out any sensibility.


    It was bad enough that Coral required enough of her own blood to coat the bone. The bones weren¡¯t especially large; Elwin had selected the legs from the creature for his lunch. She wished he had taken a wing instead.


    ¡°How are we to collect the blood? A needle? Perhaps we should fetch Doctor Thornheart and see if she would extract some from you?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that would be a smart idea,¡± Coral said. ¡°Doctor Thornheart may be obligated to report us.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to do it the old-fashioned way,¡± Elwin said, picking up the chicken pieces and plucking at the bits of meat at the end. ¡°A quick cut and we can collect some in a vial.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have vials for such purposes,¡± Pearl said. She looked worried, and her fingers twitched in a way Coral was all too familiar with. Coral wanted to pick at something too. ¡°Can¡¯t we just speak to the ghosts? Can¡¯t they hear us?


    Elwin looked pensive for a moment, his fingers working at the last traces of meat as he thought. ¡°There¡¯s been cases when the spirits have made contact with the living in the right circumstances. Coral¡¯s experience, for instance. Though I have no idea what set of circumstances are required. From what I¡¯ve read, it takes a great deal of energy and strength for them to engage with the physical world. Some kind of metaphysical separation, the spirit exists in a place that we are unable to perceive completely. It¡¯s why they¡¯re usually inconsistent when bothering people in graveyards. They can resonate with elements, which is why shadowsteel can absorb the souls into the weapon and use their spirit to become more powerful. It¡¯s also why black crystals generally work well against metaphysical attacks.¡±


    ¡°If there was another way for you to communicate, I would suggest using something that the ghosts are able to resonate with. This ritual is designed to create a resonance that has worked well enough that it¡¯s become a reliable resource for Adventurer¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to do this, you could always put a request into the guild. I doubt they would put any value in discovering why the ghosts are still lingering. They¡¯re more likely to, err, ensure they pass on,¡± he said a little awkwardly.


    Coral watched Pearl for a long moment. A large part of her was willing to pay a hefty fee to have the Adventurer¡¯s rid the manor of the ghosts. Her purse would say otherwise. She could somehow include a nondisclosure clause into the contract, though, that would mean more than Doctor Thornheart and Silas knew for certain that her manor was haunted. It put them at risk of rumormonger¡¯s. Not that her manor¡¯s land wasn¡¯t already thought of as cursed. That was going to be bad for business.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The biggest part of her was that she didn¡¯t want to disappoint Pearl. Coral had wanted to know the manor¡¯s past, why it had been abandoned. On discovering that a necromancer had lived here, that interest had slowly shriveled up. Not for the building itself, she wanted to know every secret doorway and room.


    Pearl had always been softer, more caring. Coral had heard the sympathetic note in Pearl¡¯s tone when she had reiterated what the ghost children had said to her. ¡®Help¡¯.  If Coral could keep that kindness in Pearl for just a bit longer in a harsh world full of monsters and hard realities, she would follow along with this plan of Elwin¡¯s. She would cut open her own hand and bleed for Pearl if it made her happy. If Pearl wanted the gentle approach and help these children that they knew nothing about, then she would do it.


    Even if it cost them precious time in preparing for the Night of the Undead. Coral took a deep breath and accepted that they may not have Moonflower Inn open in time to make some money, but at least she could make her sister happy.


    ¡°The Rayner children deserve to have a peaceful ending to their life. If Coral and I can help them move on, then I would like to try my best. Besides, we don¡¯t have the coin to spare on such things if we want the manor to be in working order for guests,¡± Pearl said a little sadly.


    Coral had expected this answer. She gave her a small nod of her head in support.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re expecting, but I would assume that granting them what they want would not be easy. If they died here, I don¡¯t think it was because of a terrible accident,¡± Elwin said gently. ¡°They could ask for anything. They could ask for your life.¡±


    ¡°Even so, I still want to try,¡± Pearl said more firmly this time. She plucked the bones from Elwin¡¯s hands then began to thoroughly scrub them in the sink. When they were cleaned, she toweled them dry before handing them back to Elwin.


    ¡°I made sure to practice the sigil before coming here. If someone needed a more permanent transmitter for the dead, they would carve the sigillary into the bone. Luckily, we don¡¯t need to do that, and I¡¯m terrible at that sort of thing, much to Master Winter¡¯s chagrin,¡± Elwin said. He took out a quill and ink bottle, unscrewed the top and focused on the bone. His eyes squinted as he stared down in concentration and made minute strokes with the fine tip of his quill. His hand was steady, and moved confidently as he finished the first symbol and intertwined it with another below it.


    Coral and Pearl kept quiet as he worked, neither of them wanted to distract him. The tiniest mistake could have unexpected or disastrous results. There had been stories of whole towns being destroyed in an explosion thanks to some careless mistake in a runic spellcasting. That, or a wayward apprentice dabbling in things they weren¡¯t ready for. Quite possibly like what they were participating in now. Coral slowly reached over to the teapot as though any vigorous movement could set off Elwin¡¯s workings as though it were flammable. The sweet tea steamed as she poured herself a cup and sipped silently.


    ¡°There, done,¡± Elwin said confidently and set the quill down. He spent a moment scrutinizing the line of sigils he had drawn, bringing the bone right up to his face to inspect it. His furrowed forehead relaxed after a moment, and he carefully placed the bone down on the towel Pearl had used to dry them.


    ¡°When the ink is done drying, we can start the next step.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take long. Coral hadn¡¯t managed to sip her way through half her cup before Elwin decided that the ink was dry enough and they could begin. He pulled out a long vial then dropped the first chicken bone in, then forced the second one with some effort. They weren¡¯t particularly big, and after a few moments of cautious scrabbling, the two bones sat side by side in the narrow glass vial.


    Coral wasn¡¯t thrilled about this part of the ritual. She held her hand out to Elwin, exposing the fleshy part of her palm and stretching out her fingers. Elwin snorted and took a hold of her wrist.


    ¡°I¡¯m not cutting your hand, that¡¯s idiotic. Your hand has a lot of nerves and is a lot more sensitive. It hurts more, and any wounds will constantly pull open as you move. It¡¯s not fun,¡± Elwin explained.


    He flipped her hand over and pulled out a thin, pointed knife. ¡°This will hurt a bit. I¡¯ll make a small puncture in your arm near your elbow. I¡¯ll have to be quick so I can catch as much as possible.¡±


    Pearl looked a little sick. Coral felt much the same.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Elwin asked.


    Coral nodded once. Elwin moved swiftly, his arm darting in and out before she could blink. There was a brief sharp pain, and she flinched without meaning to. Elwin pressed the vile against her arm. Coral searched for something to keep her mind from the sensation. She looked up at the ceiling and counted the cobwebs they had yet to wipe away. She would need a ladder to reach the high ceiling.


    ¡°All done,¡± Elwin said a moment later. Coral let out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s a very small cut, and it isn¡¯t bleeding a lot,¡± Pearl said


    ¡°We don¡¯t need a lot, just enough to coat the bones,¡± Elwin said, stoppering the top with cork. He shook the contents around, ensuring the bones were covered before placing the vial at the centre of the table.


    Coral looked down at her arm, the small puncture wound had already stopped bleeding. Pearl passed a small tin of salve she produced from a pocket to Coral, then went to look for some gauze they kept in the kitchen in case of any accidents. Coral absently dabbed the salve onto her arm, wincing a little.


    ¡°How long should the bones soak for?¡± Pearl asked, prodding the vial into the center of the table for them to all stare into like it was some morbid display for their amusement.


    ¡°At least an hour. The longer the better. I wonder if you can reuse the blood,¡± Elwin said thoughtfully. He pulled the book towards him and flicked through a few pages ahead. ¡°I don¡¯t recall seeing anything about that. Probably because its deeper into necromancy law than what¡¯s strictly necessary to know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d say you could until the blood is rancid, based on the pickled entrails you¡¯ve found here,¡± Coral said.


    Pearl squeaked out in protest and cupped her hands over her ears. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that. I don¡¯t want to know the awful things you found!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d wager that necromancers are all masochists if they fancy bleeding themselves dry,¡± Coral continued, ignoring Pearl¡¯s dignified squeak.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t surprise me,¡± Elwin said. ¡°That¡¯s not even anything to blink at from what I¡¯ve read before. Sacrificial rituals, torture, blood magic, the use of-¡°


    ¡°Alright, that really is enough,¡± Pearl said, smacking a hand hard against the surface of the table. She turned her head and gave Coral a hard look. ¡°I don¡¯t want us to get in any more trouble than we already could be from doing this. Let¡¯s change the subject. Let¡¯s talk about the curse that¡¯s on you now.¡±


    Coral scoffed and picked up her tea to sip the last of the now cold contents. ¡°I¡¯d rather not,¡± she said into her cup.


    ¡°Well, I want to,¡± Pearl crossed her arms and tried to look haughty. She looked like a cranky duckling.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about. I¡¯ve been cursed with filth. Each day I¡¯ve noticed I¡¯ve gotten a little dirty, in the grand scheme of things it¡¯s not that bad. I¡¯ll have to do a bit more washing than normal.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s inconvenient and malicious, that¡¯s what it is,¡± Pearl said indignantly. Her face fell into something softer as she searched Coral¡¯s face then flicked up to the bun where her hair was surely trying to escape from.


    ¡°Doctor Thornheart can help you with removing the curse,¡± Elwin said, looking between the two. ¡°She did it once to help Mr. Wiggy when he chopped down an old fey marked tree. The man was cursed to eat dirt whenever he was hungry. It was the absurdist thing I¡¯ve seen in a long time. I saw him sit there with a big ol¡¯ pie in his hand, mouth open, he¡¯d take a bite, and then proceed to spit out a mouthful of dirt. Didn¡¯t matter what he ate, it always turned into dirt. He lived off of mead for about a week before Doctor Thornheart could set him right.¡±


    ¡°He lived off of dirt for a week,¡± Pearl said bemusedly. ¡°How awful.¡±


    ¡°He mostly drank, dirt isn¡¯t especially good coming back up the second time either. I wouldn¡¯t have to experience it to tell you that. The poor man was starved by the end of it, and even then, the fey creature that had lived in the old tree still came after him, or so Mr. Wiggy says. Pinches his tools and bites holes in his clothes. Truthfully, I think Mr. Wiggy does it to himself just so he has something to complain about.¡±


    ¡°How unfortunate for Mr. Wiggy,¡± Pearl said softly, though there was the lightest tone of amusement to her words.


    ¡°Mr. Wiggy is the carpenter in Direwood, no?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°He is.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t he have known better to not damage a fey marked tree then?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°He should. Don¡¯t know what possessed him to do such a thing,¡± Elwin said with a small shrug.


    Probably drinking by the sounds of it. This didn¡¯t bode well at all for his services. Still, he was the only carpenter, and she was in no position to be choosy. Coral sipped at her cup to stop herself from commenting on her thoughts of the man. She could still be, hopefully, surprised.


    ¡°Do you know what Doctor Thornheart does to remove the curse?¡± Pearl asked.


    Elwin shook his head. ¡°No idea. You¡¯ll have to engage her for her services.¡±


    ¡°Does Doctor Thornheart stay in Direwood, she is a witch after all. Her services would be highly sought after,¡± Coral said aloud thoughtfully.


    It was highly unusual for a town to host so many people with valued skills. Crowcaller was a notable Adventurer, and what was more, there were other named Adventurer¡¯s here in Direwood too. Silas, the Unbroken Seolfor, and another member of his pack, Darius brown - The Shepherd. It was then that Coral appreciated the irony of Darius Brown¡¯s title, seeing has he was a werewolf. A whole pack of werewolves living in the outer parts of the world wasn¡¯t unheard of, in general they relished a challenge and what was more challenging than facing monsters that appeared out of the wilds. Not to mention, Lord Acheron who owned the majority of the land around Direwood. Still, Direwood was filled with much more notable individuals than she would have first guessed.


    ¡°She comes and goes. She tries to stay as long as possible in town, she likes it here much more than the city. Always doing one thing or another. She¡¯s been collecting rare herbs and the like for a while now. If you ask me, I think she¡¯s got some big research she¡¯s trying to keep hushed up,¡± Elwin said, his eyes alight.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you keep that to yourself then,¡± Coral said.


    Elwin grinned and shrugged. ¡°Who are you going to tell?¡± he said unrepentantly.


    Coral narrowed her eyes at Elwin then sipped at her tea. He had a point. Coral and Pearl were new here; she didn¡¯t know many people and was unsure of her relationships with the people she did know.  Coral liked to think that she could count Crowcaller as a friend, strained as it was through engaging the Adventurer¡¯s guild for its help with the ghoul. But she wasn¡¯t in town enough to truly interact much with the people here. There was Elwin who was lovely, friendly, and may as well be one of the biggest gossips in town. He had already spread word that she was cursed.


    Coral needed to remedy this, and quickly. Coral wanted to make her new life here successful, but she couldn¡¯t completely do it on her own. She certainly couldn¡¯t count Orvil Norwood as a friend.


    There was a brief lull in the conversation as Coral mulled over her social standing. Pearl scrunched her nose up in distaste at the vial. ¡°This really is awful. I hope this works,¡± she said quietly.


    ¡°As do I,¡± Coral placed her empty cup on the table. ¡°I have to say Elwin, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m cut out for this kind of work.¡±


    ¡°What, necromancy?¡± Elwin said with a grin.


    ¡°An Adventurer,¡± Coral said, thinking about the stinging in her arm. Getting mauled by a ghoul and stabbing her arm to speak to the dead really wasn¡¯t something she would pursue in her future.


    ¡°How much training do you have left?¡± Pearl asked interestedly.


    ¡°Three more years,¡± Elwin said brightly. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward the most to my last year of training. We are approved to conduct our own expeditions or investigations set by the guild. I¡¯m determined to earn myself a name by the end of my first year as a fully fledged Adventurer. Then its all up from there. Every part of the world will know my name,¡± Elwin said, his chin tilted high.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be cheering you on. Don¡¯t forget us on your worldly travels when you become famous,¡± Pearl said with a smile.


    Elwin winked at her. They talked further on Elwin¡¯s training, how he liked sword fighting the best, and he was willing to speak about how being a werewolf aided him in his speed and strength. He was naturally a lot stronger than your average person, and twice as fast as any other apprentice in the guild, even the Ruesong boys, who were also werewolves. He expressed his excitement for the Night of the Undead, reminding Coral of how much work was still ahead of her. She couldn¡¯t quite grasp why Elwin would be so excited until he explained that he was allowed to fight alongside the other Adventurer¡¯s for field experience. After Elwin finished taking them through the finer points of his training, Coral prodded the vial on the table.


    ¡°Have we waited long enough?¡± Coral asked. The bones didn¡¯t look any different to her. She wasn¡¯t sure if they were supposed to look altered in some way or not, other than painted red in her blood.


    Elwin peered into the vial then pushed it towards Coral. ¡°I suppose we can always try and find out.¡±


    Coral grimaced as she pulled the cork from the top, then paused. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we do this in the nursery, rather than the kitchen?¡±


    ¡°If it pleases you, though I don¡¯t think it makes a difference. It doesn¡¯t summon the dead. It¡¯s a communication tool. You need to ensure continuous contact with the bone otherwise the connection is lost.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Coral said. Before she could lose her nerve, she shook the vial so that a chicken bone, still wet with blood, fell into her hand. The bone pulsed unpleasantly as she held it up, her shoulders tense as she looked around expectantly. There was no sound.


    ¡°Do you hear anything?¡± Pearl asked quietly, her fingers pressed into her round cheeks.


    Coral blinked and looked around the kitchen, straining her ears. ¡°I don¡¯t hear anything. Should I say something in particular?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. You could introduce yourself? Perhaps we should go up to the nursery after all. How long does this spell work for, ten minutes did you say?¡± Pearl said looking around, as though she half expected an incorporeal form to appear.


    ¡°That¡¯s my best guess,¡± Elwin said, staring hard at the bone in Coral¡¯s hand.


    Coral cleared her throat and felt rather foolish as she spoke aloud. ¡°Good afternoon. My name is Coral Seaver, and I am the owner of this manor. Is there anyone here?¡±


    There was an odd ringing in her ears as she spoke, the pressure building as though she were underwater. A breathy whisper came from somewhere behind her, and she turned her head to try to catch it.


    ¡°¡­Ask,¡± said a woman, though it was far away.


    ¡°Coral, can you hear something?¡± Pearl asked, her eyes wide.


    Coral twisted in her seat, she was sure she heard a breathy voice come from behind her, then, as her hand tightened into a fist around the bone, voices filled the room.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she can hear us,¡±


    ¡°Stupid child, playing with this kind of magic. She¡¯ll get herself killed.¡±


    ¡°Throw a plate at them again, get her attention that way.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. The time has passed.¡±

 Ghostly Conversation

    Coral tightened her hand around the bone. The kitchen hadn¡¯t changed. It was still chilly in the room, but so was the rest of the house. She hadn¡¯t really expected the spell to work. Some part of her hadn¡¯t really wanted it to be effective and she could have resorted to the much easier method, though likely more expensive, of using shadowsteel. Both Pearl and Elwin stared at her as Coral twisted in her seat, the voices becoming somewhat distorted as her fingers loosened and the bone sat limply in her hand. She tightened her grip again, and the voices came back clearer.


    ¡°Perhaps we should do something to get her attention again. Alvis, go push the door to make it move,¡± said a brisk, huffy voice of a woman.


    ¡°It only scares them. And it doesn¡¯t work half the time,¡± said a male voice in response.


    ¡°Well, we need to do something,¡± said the huffy woman again. ¡°I¡¯ll not have our new mistress pass us over if it means we can move on from here.¡±


    ¡°She isn¡¯t our mistress,¡± said a man, his voice much rougher and deeper than the first who had spoken. The voice put her in mind of someone well past their prime. ¡°She¡¯s only bought the place. I don¡¯t work for anyone now. Nor do I intend to. I¡¯m retired.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, we all know how you feel about this Egbert,¡± the huffy woman said dismissively. ¡°Otis, be a dear and push that saucer towards the edge of the table. That should get their attention.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point in getting their attention if they can¡¯t hear us?¡± said another man, his voice was pleasantly smooth.


    ¡°To let them know we are here,¡± the woman stressed.


    Coral¡¯s teacup crept a few centimetres to the left. Elwin and Pearl looked down at the cup as it moved and took up a little speed as it crept across the table seemingly on its own.


    ¡°This is hard,¡± breathed a young boy.


    Coral quickly smacked her hand down in front of the cup and frowned around at the room in general. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare. I can hear you. Don¡¯t break any more of my porcelain thank you very much.¡±


    There was a collection of gasps on all sides of her. Pearl¡¯s eyes went wide, pressing her fingers to her cheeks. All at once, everyone spoke, bombarding her with noise that she had to concentrate to hear what was being said.


    ¡°You can hear them!¡± Pearl said quietly.


    ¡°What are they saying?¡± Elwin asked, leaning toward her in anticipation.


    ¡°Thank goodness! Do you have any idea how long I¡¯ve been waiting to speak to someone of a reputable station. You need to help us.¡±


    ¡°How is she supposed to help us exactly Mabelle, talk us to death?¡±


    ¡°Shut your mouth Egbert, and its Mrs. Sapping to you.¡±


    ¡°Sapping, Mabelle, it¡¯s all the same.¡±


    ¡°Can you hear us, truly?¡±


    ¡°I implore you Lady Seaver, your assistance is greatly desired.¡±


    ¡°One at a time,¡± Coral said as she turned her head to pick up the voices all around her. Her teacup continued to press into her hand gently, though was now slowly making its way up her palm and to the tips of her fingers.


    ¡°Otis you can stop now, listen to the Lady of the house,¡± said the woman waspishly.


    ¡°Yes Mrs. Sapping,¡± said a young boy from Coral¡¯s right. He was so close that he spoke right in her ear. Coral flinched away from it. Both Elwin and Pearl looked alarmed at this. Coral waved them down, indicating that she was fine.


    ¡°Lady Seaver, may I introduce myself. I am Mabelle Sapping, Head Housekeeper for-¡°


    ¡°Get those bloody dragons out of the manor before they set something alight,¡± interrupted the man who Coral thought may have been called Egbert.


    ¡°I am trying to speak, will you close your mouth for two minutes,¡± the brisk voice of Mabelle Sapping, at least she assumed that was her name, said in a huff.


    ¡°It¡¯s my favourite lounging place, I don¡¯t want it being burnt down,¡± said Egbert.


    ¡°This is not your home, or lounging place. This manor now belongs to the two young ladies who are trying to help us. Will you stay quiet so I can speak to them.¡±


    ¡°I want those dragons out of the room. The rest of you can talk to them after I¡¯ve said what I want.¡±


    ¡°Some of us don¡¯t want to live in perpetual limbo,¡± said the man with the smooth voice. ¡°Your issues can wait.¡±


    ¡°Eat dry rot, the lot of you,¡± grumbled Egbert. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to go on.¡±


    ¡°We know,¡± came a chorus of ghostly voices.


    Coral hadn¡¯t really known what to expect going into this situation. At most, she expected some form of hostility, ominous whispers and coaxing by a lamenting soul. Not arguing ghosts who seemed almost, well, human. It was a little overwhelming, and in her uncertainty, she couldn¡¯t help but snort a laugh as she looked to Pearls half frightened face, and Elwin¡¯s eagerness as he leant even further forward. She was certain Pearl would have expected much of the same as Coral had. In truth, she was a little relieved to know that the ghosts lurking in the manor were simply disgruntled souls very much like any other person.


    ¡°They¡¯re arguing,¡± she told Pearl and Elwin.


    ¡°Lady Seaver,¡± Mabelle Sapping began again. ¡°My name is Mabelle Sapping, and I am glad that you are willing to hear us out. Though you should know I disapprove of your lack of responsibility by not engaging the correct people to assist.¡±


    Coral opened her mouth but was interrupted before she could say anything.


    ¡°Don¡¯t dissuade her, Mrs. Sapping. I told you, if they get an Adventurer in, we¡¯re as good as dead,¡± said the man with the smooth voice.


    ¡°We are dead,¡± said another young woman that hadn¡¯t spoken until now.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. If we¡¯re to be absorbed by shadowsteel, we will cease to be nothing more than energy to feed off of.¡±


    ¡°My sister and I don¡¯t agree with such a fate, sir. This is why we have enlisted the help of Elwin Hunt, who is apprenticed by the Adventurer¡¯s Guild,¡± Coral said quickly, interjecting herself into the conversation. She didn¡¯t know exactly how long they had to speak, and she was wasting time listening to ghost gabble around her.


    Pearl sat straighter in her chair, her eyes flicking around the kitchen. Elwin did the same, though his hand now rested to the hilt of his sword that was still sheathed at his waist. Coral wasn¡¯t sure what steel would do against a ghost, but she wasn¡¯t going to call him out on his actions. At least, not at the moment. Coral would make a point of it later, as tells could give an Adventurer away for their actions or nerve, and she wanted Elwin to do well in his chosen career.


    ¡°Mrs. Sapping, I¡¯m pleased to be of assistance, if I can manage to do so. I only have a short time to speak to you, but if we can come to an agreement to make everyone¡¯s lives more comfortable, please be quick to tell me and the others what it is you want so that you can move on,¡± Coral said firmly.


    ¡°Move on? My dear I would have moved on when I died. I¡¯ve nothing that ties me here.¡±


    ¡°Nor I. I am quite content to be carrying on with it. My relatives are all done grieving, and I¡¯ve lived my life how I wanted,¡± said one of the men.


    ¡°What, fetching the mistresses things, opening doors and get killed by a ghoul? That¡¯s what you wanted was it?¡± Egbert said gruffly.


    ¡°No,¡± said the man, his voice cold. ¡°But what¡¯s done is done and I can¡¯t change it. I¡¯ve made my peace and want to move on.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve made my peace too,¡± said the young woman, but was drowned out by another almost instantly.


    ¡°I want to move on. My life is done, and I want to continue on to something more eventful than these empty halls.¡±


    ¡°Me too, if you¡¯ll help us,¡± said the small boy whom Coral thought was called Otis.


    ¡°What are they saying?¡± Pearl said gently, clasping her hands into a tight ball in front of her. ¡°Are Emeric and Ayleth here?¡±


    Coral shook her head.


    ¡°They want to move on. Except for a man named Egbert? There is a young boy but I think his name is Otis.¡± Coral turned her body so that she faced what she thought was the direction the ghosts were congregating. ¡°If you¡¯re content to move on, then what¡¯s keeping you here?¡± Coral asked the room at large.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know. We seem to be stuck here,¡± said the man with the smooth voice.


    ¡°Who is this?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Terribly rude of me Lady Seaver, it¡¯s been some years since I have conducted any introductions. My name is Alvis Borthwell. I was employed as a footman and was unfortunately struck down by a Ghoul.¡±


    ¡°Ha, Ghoul?¡± barked Egbert. ¡°You mean Lady Rayner.¡±


    ¡°Will you be quiet Egbert,¡± said Alvis darkly. ¡°You¡¯ve had your turn to speak.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Egbert, I have heard your concerns and will adapt to your needs as long as you can cooperate,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°You better be, or you¡¯ll be hearing about it from me if I have to find a new lounging spot,¡± Mr. Egbert grumbled.


    ¡°What is keeping you stuck here if you feel that you¡¯re ready to move on? Have you any underlying needs or anything left unfinished?¡± Coral asked, deciding it best to ignore Egbert for now.


    ¡°No Lady Seaver,¡± said a small boy.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Is this Otis?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°It is. Otis Morvel, if it please you mistress,¡± he said from somewhere close beside her, sounding pleased though the sound of his voice wavered, grew quiet and came back clear again. ¡°And I haven¡¯t anything to be concerned about. Though, if you could tell my family that I love them, that would be nice. They¡¯re in town, and I haven¡¯t seen them in the longest time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see what can be done about that,¡± Coral said, though she doubted she could pass that message on without earning herself suspicion.


    ¡°That¡¯s kind of you. Rather though, I just want to move on.¡±


    ¡°What can be done?¡± Pearl said, now sitting on the edge of her seat.


    ¡°Otis Morvel is asking for a message of love to be given to his family,¡± Coral told Pearl.


    ¡°Oh, we should definitely see what we can do about that,¡± Pearl said gently.


    ¡°The Morvel¡¯s are still in town. Glenna and Nell were buying out the last of the scrolls in Witching Flour the other day in celebration for their grandchild¡¯s birthday,¡± Elwin said, looking surprised.


    ¡°Glenna is my sister,¡± Otis said, delighted. ¡°Does this mean I¡¯m an uncle?¡±


    ¡°I believe that makes you a Great Uncle,¡± said a man over the murmur of muffled approving noises.


    ¡°Who else am I speaking to?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Cicero Bramer,¡±


    ¡°She can¡¯t see you, there¡¯s no need to bow,¡± huffed Egbert.


    ¡°Hazel Mahon,¡± said the young woman who had been mostly quiet.


    ¡°Is that everyone? I thought that perhaps Lord Rayner¡¯s children were still here,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°They are,¡± Mabelle Sapping said briskly. ¡°They¡¯re preoccupied at the moment. They have something more pressing to attend to and we won¡¯t disturb them.¡±


    Lord Rayner¡¯s children were entirely the reason why Coral was employing the use of a bone conductor to speak to the dead in the first place. If they were here but were elsewhere in the house, she would potentially have to go looking for them. Maybe it had been a better idea to begin looking in the nursery after all.


    ¡°Do either of you have anything you want done?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°No,¡± came the gentle voice of Hazel.


    Coral frowned at Pearl and Elwin, who returned confused looks back at her. If none of the dead wanted anything, why did they linger here in the manor? Had they been dead for so long now that they couldn¡¯t recall what tethered them to this plane of existence? It had been twenty-five years or so, and yes that was a long time, but was it counted in the same way as the living experienced it?


    ¡°If you could tell us what happened to Lord Rayner, that would settle anything I have left unresolved,¡± said the voice of Cicero Bramer.


    ¡°He was found guilty of acts of Necromancy and sentenced to death that same day. Lord Rayner was hung then his remains burned.¡± Coral said, recalling what she had found from the documents Elwin had given her.


    ¡°A shame he wasn¡¯t burnt to death,¡± Alvis said, sounding annoyed. ¡°Did he suffer long? Did he slowly choke to death, or did his neck break and was done with it quick smart?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know. It was quite some time ago and I¡¯ve only come to this town a little over two months past,¡± Coral said.


    A harmony of disappointed groans sounded all around her.


    ¡°My day just got even worse. I¡¯m leaving,¡± said Egbert.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie, I know you¡¯ll just hide out in the corridor,¡± Cicero said scathingly.


    There was a response, but it sounded muffled, as though someone were speaking through a pillow. Coral¡¯s fingers were wrapped tightly around the bone, unless the duration of the spell was coming to a close, she could only assume that Egbert really had left the room and cried out a response from elsewhere.


    ¡°Of all the people to be stuck with, it¡¯s with him,¡± said Mrs. Sapping with distaste dripping from each syllable.


    ¡°Has he left?¡± Coral asked. Both Pearl and Elwin looked like they were bursting to ask what conversation was taking place.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t in the kitchen, if that¡¯s what you mean. None of us can technically leave,¡± said Mrs. Sapping.


    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it if you could. Leave that is,¡± Coral said. ¡°Are all of you who remain in this kitchen, or are there more of you?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s the children and the other,¡± Hazel said softly but was drowned out almost instantly.


    ¡°We can¡¯t,¡± Mrs Sapping said waspishly. ¡°That¡¯s why we require your help. Something is blocking us from moving on. None of us, except for perhaps Egbert, are here willingly. We all want to be done with this nonsense. It¡¯s terribly boring,¡± Mrs Sapping said.


    ¡°What is stopping you then?¡± Coral said feeling as though she were finally getting somewhere.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know.¡±


    Coral sat quietly for several more seconds, expecting more. No one spoke, and she struggled to not let out her own groan of frustration.


    ¡°Could you elaborate?¡± Coral prompted.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to describe,¡± Alvis said contemplatively. ¡°Its like, well. Nothing, and yet everything all at once.¡±


    ¡°Yes, like that. Except I would describe it more of a push and pull feeling,¡± Cicero supplied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± huffed Mrs Sapping. ¡°It¡¯s an energy field. Similar to the sensation one has to magic, that odd tingle that you can sense. Or static electricity. Or a magnet.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re here because of a magnetic field?¡± Coral said. That was interesting. Elwin¡¯s eyebrows shot up, appearing to agree with her as well.


    ¡°Precisely. It¡¯s all over the manor grounds. It prevents us from leaving the immediate area. Poor Hazel hasn¡¯t been able to leave the manor at all. I myself can wander the grounds of the manor, but I can¡¯t leave past the wall. We have all tried, and failed,¡± Mrs Sapping said.


    ¡°What happens when you try to leave?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. There¡¯s a barrier that prevents us from going any further. I can¡¯t even inch a toe past the wall,¡± Alvis said.


    ¡°Is there anything else you can tell me about it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s irritating,¡± came the muffled voice of Egbert. Coral supposed he really had been hiding out in the corridor after all.


    ¡°Irritating?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Only that it won¡¯t let us move on. We¡¯ve all made peace with our deaths, as unfortunate as they were,¡± Mrs Sapping said.


    Coral tapped her finger against the table, thinking for a moment before she said. ¡°Alright, my sister and I will see about what we can find about this magical field that is keeping you stuck here. I cannot guarantee results. In exchange,¡± Coral said and there was a ruckus of indignant spluttering from whom only Coral could assume was Egbert and general agreeable ¡®hhmm¡¯s from the others. ¡°I would like us all to cooperate. I intend to turn this manor into a profitable inn. Reputation is everything to attract guests. I cannot have any potential clientele terrified out of their mind as they come here.¡±


    ¡°We aren¡¯t terrifying anyone,¡± huffed Mrs Sapping.


    Coral crossed her arms and looked in the general direction she thought the ghosts were standing. At the very least, it sounded as though Mrs Sapping were standing somewhere to her left. ¡°You have terrified my poor sister since the moment we came here,¡± she pointed out.


    ¡°I object to any such notion. If anything, we were trying to be hospitable. It¡¯s a hard habit to break when you spend fifteen years as a footman. I¡¯m bound to open a door or two when I can see you entering or leaving,¡± Cicero Bramer said.


    ¡°It¡¯s unnerving when no one is there to see. And when I have seen you, you appear as a tall dark silhouette looming over me or in the corridors.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m hardly looming. I¡¯m simply tall,¡± Cicero said lightly. ¡°Any manifestations have purely been in the interest of your safety.¡±


    ¡°Or curiosity,¡± added Alvis.


    ¡°We have precious little to keep us preoccupied. Save for keeping the young ones entertained or staying clear of Lady Rayner,¡± Mrs Sapping said sadly.


    Coral loosened her arms. ¡°Lady Rayner is passed on.¡±


    ¡°If only that were true,¡± sighed Mrs Sapping. ¡°She¡¯s down in the basement as we speak, the poor dear.¡±


    Coral froze, and then quite involuntarily looked down at the floor, as though she could see the basement below her. She took a moment to compose herself and to push the shock of cold dread that snaked its way through her veins, then looked up.


    ¡°Someone mentioned earlier that you knew that Lady Rayner was a ghoul,¡± Coral said. Elwin looked shocked at this piece of information. She hadn¡¯t disclosed that with anyone besides Pearl and Crowcaller when she was no longer delirious. ¡°As it happens, I witnessed her demise, and she is no more. Her body has been burned to ash only a few days ago.¡±


    ¡°And her spirit has returned to the manor once again. That magical, magnetic field has us all trapped,¡± Mrs Sapping said. ¡°She¡¯s been holding up in the basement for years, slowly going insane. She could leave the grounds, having possessed a physical body, but she always returned to the basement after feeding.¡±


    Coral held still for a moment as she absorbed Mrs. Sapping¡¯s words. ¡°No,¡± Coral said sharply, unwilling to accept this.


    ¡°Yes,¡± insisted Mrs Sapping and Cicero.


    ¡°What is it,¡± Pearl whispered, inching closer to Coral.


    Coral looked at Pearl, then at the door from the kitchen that led through the cold storeroom  and down to the basement. She quickly got to her feet and shut it, attempting to not make a sound as she firmly closed it. Coral backed away from the door and turned to Elwin, her mouth trying to form the words, but they seemed to catch in her throat.


    Mrs Sapping had said that Lady Rayner had been going insane. The exact type of ghost she did not want to encounter. Somehow, knowing that Lady Rayner no longer possessed a body was more frightening than when she was a ghoul. Ghosts didn¡¯t need a physical body to hurt the living. As a ghoul, there was a chance to fight back, slim as it had been. How could she fight something that was incorporeal. Over time, ghosts that didn¡¯t find solace became more volatile and dangerous, lashing out at the living. Coral had seen the crazed way the ghoul, or Lady Rayner more accurately, had come after her and the apprentices. Was it a product of becoming a ghoul that would make one¡¯s soul corrupted? Had Lady Rayner been trapped inside the body, forced to feed to keep herself going? Or was it intentional and she had been tortured by her husband and forced into a ritual that would change her into such a creature, and now was subject to a more beastly behaviour. Would the ghost of Lady Rayner be cognitive now that she was free of the body, or would she be driven by anger and confusion over her state of being.


    If Coral had been forced into such an existence, she too would go insane. Coral grabbed at her skirt and bunched the material in her hands, hitching the hem up a little as though she were preparing to run. Not that she could with her leg patched up as it was.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be alarmed,¡± Mrs Sapping said. ¡°Lady Rayner is lucid for once, well, partially. That¡¯s why the children are down there. They so rarely got to be with their mother over the years. Oh, if I wasn¡¯t caught here in this fishbowl, I would have followed that evil man to the ends of the world to torment him. It¡¯s a real shame he didn¡¯t suffer for nearly as long as he ought to.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have it in you to haunt a monster like Lord Rayner. Egbert on the other hand, if he had any sense of ambition, he¡¯d be best suited to the task.¡± said Cicero placatingly. ¡°It would be comforting to know Lord Rayner had met some form of justice and was boiled alive or some such.¡±


    ¡°Personally, I¡¯d have preferred him to be hung, drawn and quartered. Suitably ghastly for such a man,¡± said Alvis, as though he were merely commenting on the weather.


    ¡°If you¡¯re quite done, gentleman. Let¡¯s not get drawn into one of your debates about a suitable punishment for the man,¡± chastised Mrs Sapping.


    ¡°Do all the residents of Direwood return to the manor when they die?¡± Coral said quietly.


    Both Pearl and Elwin, who had watched her cross the room and close the door with confusion, now looked positively alarmed.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know. We can¡¯t leave to find out, and no others ever come calling,¡± Mrs Sapping said. A breath of cold air passed over her, which sent a shiver down her spine. Coral clutched at her skirt a little tighter, the bone pressing hard into her hand.


    ¡°Lady Rayner doesn¡¯t seem to be capable of leaving the basement,¡± Mrs Sapping said scathingly. ¡°I would stay clear if you value your own livelihood. She was most angry when she first arrived. Gave us all a shock she did.¡±


    Coral released her skirt and took a steadying breath. ¡°I can¡¯t. I need to arrange for the tunnel to be closed up, lest the undead filter in through the basement and cause havoc at mid-winter.¡±


    ¡°The undead have rarely come through the manor, they¡¯re after the living. There¡¯s nothing here for them, merely amble about in the grounds until morning. Someone always comes to collect them, if any,¡± Alvis said.


    ¡°I¡¯m living,¡± Coral stated. ¡°There is a tunnel straight from the cemetery through to the manor. Pearl and I will be easy meal pickings for those that come through. I must have it blocked off at both ends.¡±


    ¡°I have been curious about that,¡± Cicero said. ¡°Happens like clockwork every year. The undead will amble about like lost dogs right after the surge.¡±


    ¡°The surge?¡± Coral asked, her mind still half focused on the basement below.


    ¡°Every midwinter, the same energy that keeps us here builds up and then surges out all over the manor. I thought it went further, spreading out to town, but obviously I have no way of telling,¡± he explained.


    It was too much of a coincidence for Coral to dismiss the connection. A two-decade long anniversary of the undead rising each midwinter. A magical energy that tethered souls to the manor. Lord Rayner being a necromancer and his own wife a ghoul. The manor seemed to be the centre of it all. And now, instead of an angry ghoul in her basement, she had a partially lucid, potentially dangerous ghost.


    Having Moonflower Inn up and running in time for mid-winter was rather bleak. At least then she would have more Adventurer¡¯s around to deal with this situation. Coral had to face it. This was too big of a task that she could handle. She would have to enlist the help of an Adventurer.


    ¡°Who was it that was sending me messages to go down to the basement? Were you trying to have me killed?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Certainly not,¡± Cicero said.


    ¡°The children merely wanted your help, and to warn you only when she was not down there,¡± Mrs Sapping said, though she sounded quieter now.


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult for us to interact with the-. I can only move-,¡± Alvis was saying, though his words were cutting in and out.


    Coral squeezed her hand around the bone conductor, trying to encourage the spell to keep working beneath her touch. The spell was done, and all subtle sounds from the ghosts surrounding them in the kitchen went dull, and then completely silent.


    ¡°Now that you can¡¯t argue with me, I better not catch any of you in my bathroom again. Or any of the guests,¡± she threatened, hoping she didn¡¯t need the bone conductor for the dead to hear her too.

 A cluster of dragons

    After a long-winded explanation of the conversation Coral had with the resident ghosts, Elwin and Pearl had sat in silence for a moment as they absorbed what she had said. Coral was all too aware that Mrs. Sapping and her entourage could very well still be lingering in the kitchen with them, so she was cautious with her opinion on the souls she described. Pearl had a similar reaction to Coral as she had explained that the wholly unstable Lady Rayner was back in the manor with them. How stable, Coral didn¡¯t know, nor did she care to find out. She was going to have to take a long look at her accounts and find out how much exactly she would need to employ an Adventurer to handle such a task.


    Ideally, Crowcaller would be able to come in, swing Blacktalon around and be done with it in all in an afternoon. Somehow, Coral didn¡¯t believe it would be that simple or easy. Not if she were to base it off how the ghoul had been. Ghastly was an apt description.


    Maybe that could be Moonflower Inn¡¯s appeal to the masses. She could picture the advertisement flyer now.


    Moonflower Inn, a gothic old manor, home of a long dead necromancer whose nefarious dealings are still ongoing today, his victims¡¯ souls still trapped within the walls. Complimentary breakfast and enjoy the evening¡¯s haunting entertainment with wine and cheese.


    At least that would have Direwood¡¯s Adventurer¡¯s coming to Moonflower Inn. It would also mean her inn would never make money, as the people she wanted to attract were more of the common variety who didn¡¯t light up at the mention of monsters. Or ghosts.


    Oh, she really hoped Moonflower inn wasn¡¯t a bad investment.


    Coral gave herself a little mental shake. Of course she could salvage this manor into a respectable inn. She just needed to put in hard work and hope for an extraordinary amount of good luck. Perhaps she could use the fools luck spell more and lure in clients somehow. She could manage a bit of bad luck in return for some extra money. She already was dealing with a filth curse.


    Unless that curse earned her a broken leg in return. Or a fire breaking out in the Winter Salon in thanks to the tiny dragons. Or she ran out of wine. Frowning, Coral shook her head to shake away those negative, pesky thoughts. She needed to be positive.


    They briefly discussed using the second bone conductor to ask further questions and to seek out the Rayner children. Coral didn¡¯t want to disturb them if they had a brief moment with their mother, even if it meant they were losing out on time they could reason with an unstable ghost. If Lady Rayner became aggressive, any reasoning or agreements reached with her would be useless in that state. Their only option was to move whatever barrier that prevented the ghosts from moving on or have them absorbed and used as fodder to a shadowsteel blade. Coral was not eager for the last option, and even more so now that she had spoken to the ghosts. Somehow, in her mind, these ghosts were no longer mere entities that could potentially cause harm to her or Moonflower Inn¡¯s guests. They were fixed in Coral¡¯s mind as real people, who had lives and personalities. She didn¡¯t want to be responsible for dooming these spirits to suffering until they ceased to exist.


    So, it was agreed that the second bone conductor would be used if they strictly needed to. Not that Coral intended for that to happen.


    As promised, Elwin escorted Pearl to town. Pearl had thought it best she remain with Coral to ensure that Lady Rayner didn¡¯t emerge from the basement and cause havoc for her. Coral argued that they were still in need of more food items, and even more so now that they had tiny dragons to feed.


    Elwin, who was unaware of the tiny dragon¡¯s presence, was all too eager to help Pearl obtain whatever necessary items she required in exchange for a few pats of the creatures. Unsure how the snapdragons would react to such treatment, Coral agreed to observation only.


    Pearl had promised to be quick and left promptly with Elwin and a basket hanging from her elbow. Coral was somewhat relieved to see Pearl leave in three parts. For one, if the ghost of Lady Rayner did arise from the basement and was entirely hostile, Pearl would not be there to bare witness nor get hurt in such an event.


    Secondly, Coral would be left to her own unsupervised devices. Now was the perfect time to get in a spot of cleaning without being harried by her sister, insisting she rest. The stitches were holding her back, but there was so much to do. Besides, Coral could wash dishes and cause little irritation to her leg that way. She wouldn¡¯t push herself too far.


    Thirdly, Coral wanted to be a little selfish and see the dragons without disturbing them too much, on her own. It was her compensation for not eating the last few slices of chocolate cake.


    The kitchen was first on her list of places to clean. It was a place they would use constantly, and she didn¡¯t like the idea of leaving this mess entirely for Pearl to clean. She filled the sink full of hot, soapy water and began to scrub away at the dishes. What felt like one eternity later, she was done, and had even dried and put everything back in their respectful places, ensuring to have the handles of the pots turned in the same direction as the others that had already been stored. Pearl liked things to be organized, and Coral encouraged this behaviour. It was more aesthetically pleasing.


    Coral scrubbed the kitchen table, swept the floor and collected any small pieces of porcelain that had been missed in the first cleanup Pearl had done. Her leg burned a little as she moved, so she was cautious not to twist or step too fast. She opened the door that opened out onto the back courtyard and swept the dust outside, then left it ajar as the ambient temperature was warmer out there.


    The kitchen had handsome wooden cabinets from floor to ceiling, with a matching bench that ran along the length of the wall that faced the courtyard, the long window allowing ample light to fill the space.  While the kitchen was somewhat less extravagant than the rest of the manor, there were still details to the woodwork that hadn¡¯t gone amiss. Small carvings and embellishment had been done to the cornicing, brass handles affixed to the drawers and cupboards. The walls were whitewashed and were easily cleanable by the white glossy tiles that had been affixed halfway up. It had taken Pearl and Coral an entire afternoon to wipe away the grime and cobwebs that accumulated over the years. The oven, a large cast-iron affair had been placed in a chimney. It was most certainly a utilitarian space, but finer in detail and comfortability. Almost, homey, in a way.  Especially now so that it was in an organized state. To one side of the kitchen the old, rusty and unusable items were placed in a box. Coral would have to see what she could do with such things without wasting them.


    There had been no knocking of plates or pans, no doors swung open, and though the room remained chilly, Coral took this as a good sign that the ghosts had decided to heed her request and not alarm her.


    Now that the kitchen had been set right, her leg was smarting a little enough to warrant her to want sit down for a moment. Coral made her way down the corridor, and slowed to a stop as she spied some mold that was growing along the cornicing. She stared at it for a moment, then started to make her way to the items she had ordered for such purposes. A large tin of mold remover was waiting for her, and she was more than willing to use the corridor to the kitchen as a test subject for such a treatment. At first, Coral had worried that the mold was a result of an unknown leak, or inadequate waterproofing. However, there had been many windows that had broken glass and parts of the house had been exposed to the elements over the last two decades. She could test this before she could hire someone to conduct a thorough examination to see if there were more underlying problems.


    Coral found the large tin, carefully read the instructions which were not particularly detailed. She opened the tin with some effort, and with an old wooden ladle that looked half mouldy itself from the box of useless things, scooped herself a portion into a bowl and set it aside for a moment. She sought out something she could use to stand on to be able to reach the cornicing itself. The corridor, and for the rest of the manor had high ceilings, which added grandeur, but was irksome when it came to wanting to remove cobwebs, or in her case, mould. Coral first tried a wooden chair, taken from the kitchen, and was woefully too short even as she stretched to the tips of her toes. There was a hall table with a single draw in the corridor, so she shoved and heaved this until it was in place. Coral placed the bowl, hoisted up her skirt then used the chair to step on to the top of the table. Thankfully, the table was high enough for her to reach. She lathered up a basting brush, also acquired from the box of useless things, and liberally coated the area. Having no gloves, Coral resorted to using an old bit of cloth wrapped around her hand. Not ideal, but better than directly touching the harsh smelling liquid.


    When done, she carefully knelt and dropped her good leg over the side of the table, her toes just brushing against the chair. It jerked out, startling Coral so that she dropped the bowl of mould remover, splashing the last of it across the wall and over her skirt. These sorts of accidents were going to be inevitable, right up to when she can have the curse removed.


    Coral reached her foot out to put some weight on the chair, still luckily within reach. It slid further sideways. It sat at an angle, just out of reach. She tried stretching her leg out, hoping to hook it with the tip of her shoe to draw it back to her, except that it was too far. The chair hadn¡¯t moved under her weight. It had the distinct feeling of being pulled.


    Coral¡¯s eyes narrowed. This wasn¡¯t the curse. At least, surely not the second time the chair had moved.


    ¡°Very funny,¡± Coral said to the empty hallway, wondering which of the ghosts was doing this to her. Otis, the young kitchen boy, had moved her teacup about. Though Egbert had sounded more of the type to have the disposition to try to do this. He had said he wasn¡¯t interested in moving on.


    The chair remained where it was in a most decidedly manner. Coral looked about her in the hopes that she had missed something in her first attempt to gain height. There was nothing except a landscape painting of Direwood in a fine wooden frame a few meters further away on the opposite wall.


    ¡°I¡¯ll remember this when I meet Crowcaller in town,¡± she threatened the seemingly empty hallway. There was no sudden specter forming shadows in the corridor, no body-less whispers. Only silence. Coral then realized that none of the ghosts in Moonflower Inn would know who Crowcaller was.


    The chair didn¡¯t move back towards her in the wake of her threat. Coral¡¯s legs flailed a little as she gave up on the ghosts pushing the chair in place and sought out the ground instead. It wouldn¡¯t have been a problem if she wasn¡¯t trying to keep her stitches closed. Coral Squirmed a little, slipping further until finally, her foot touched the solid floor. Coral winced at the pull on her leg as she settled back to her feet.


    She looked up at the scrape of wood along the floor. The chair slipped back to its position beside the table. Coral stared at it incredulously. Oh, she¡¯ll definitely remember this.


    Coral collected the bowl and basting brush in a huff, trying not to mutter to herself as she returned to the kitchen to clean up a little. With the bowl washed, she took a quiet moment to look around the kitchen, hoping she hadn¡¯t been followed by any of the ghosts in here. Or, more likely, that they were still in the kitchen. It struck Coral just how quiet it was. Despite knowing the ghosts taking up residence, the manor felt more vast and empty than when she and Pearl had first arrived. For all it¡¯s splendor, fine furniture, intricate fixtures, creaking doors and the tell-tale signs that people had indeed once lived in the manor, it felt wrong for such a place to be so lifeless.


    The manor lacked the presence of people. Even her own traces were barely discernable amongst the cobwebs. It was lonely. She was alone, physically, and she didn¡¯t like it. Even now, the sound of hearing the ghosts was preferrable to this overwhelming emptiness.


    Coral wandered back down the corridor, checking to see if the mould remover was taking affect. It wasn¡¯t. She gave the chair a second dirty look, as if Mr. Egbert sat upon it, just for good measure to ensure whichever ghost knew she was displeased by their lack of cooperation. She held their future in her hands, and it wasn¡¯t in their best interest to pull jokes on her like this. Not while she was injured, that was plain rude.


    Coral¡¯s loneliness had her enter the Winter Salon, and walking softly towards the crate by the fire¡¯s hearth. It was markedly warmer. Even the floor was warm as she settled down upon it. The snapdragons were quiet, so she risked disturbing them by pulling back the cover to look inside. All but one were nestled together in the far corner. A curious head lifted up from the cluster of bodies and stared at her with large round eyes. A second head followed, blinking blearily at her, then snuggled its head back into the warmth.


    The snapdragons were a mix of bright colours and textures. One was almost translucent. Another was a deep plum which shifted to orange as light from the fire illuminated part of its scales.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The snapdragon that was awake was snuffling around at the other end of the crate, closest to Coral. Unlike the others, who were a mix of colours, this one was completely black with two large brown eyes. It was slightly larger than the others, more the size of a large puppy, with a softness that all babies have. The black dragon sniffed about, unconcerned with Coral¡¯s presence.


    Encouraged by their general lack of reaction to her, Coral settled herself more comfortably, tucking her skirts around her. The splash of mould remover had leaked the colour from the fabric.


    The black dragon scratched at the bottom of the crate in a single spot, paused to sniff at it, then continued to dig uselessly at the same place. It¡¯s little claws made soft scratching noises, and were barely able to mark the surface. The noise, however, stirred the others, and they began to squirm and stretch, separating themselves so that Coral could make sense of tail and limbs.


    If she had to guess what type the snapdragons were, it was easiest to start with the most obvious. The butterfly variety had likely earned the name from the shape of its wings, fins and tail. There was a single blush pink, with smaller white sections dotting its wings.


    Double Supreme was certainly the two-headed one. Its scales were a pale butter yellow. One head had a single tooth protruding from its mouth, and it rested it atop a squat, thick snapdragon. The other head appeared to be entirely toothless and was trying to gnaw the crate wall with little success.


    The squat snapdragon, at Corals best guess, was the Dwarf variety. There were two of these, both with expressions as though they would rather be asleep. One was a pearly white with tangerine hues to the edges of its scales, giving a laced effect. The other was similar, except it had a mint colouring.


    Perhaps the translucent one was the Frosted Flames? Its body was long, almost snake-like. Instead of wings, its scales plumed up and grew longer and larger from the two tiny horns atop its head, down the back of its neck and right to the end of its tail with a tuft of hair at the tip.


    A parallel evolution of True Dragons, Pseudo-Dragons were actually Fey-Beasts that evolved to mimic the appearance and characteristics of Dragons. While True Dragons are a sentient race, Pseudo-Dragons are rarely more intelligent than smart dogs or cats. Having a rudimentary ability to understand language, they were adept at reading physical gestures and emotions due to an innate magic they possess that helps them sense intent of other beings.


    Butterfly snapdragons had at one point been the height of popularity amongst nobles. Not one garden could be seen without some tiny creatures fluttering about in an array of colours, feasting on actual butterflies. It had been the style at the time to add a little whimsy and romanticism to one¡¯s garden. As all trends do, the fascination of housing the animals had been overtime replaced with garden gnomes, who were more useful in maintaining the plants and soil. Garden gnomes were much less likely to leave droppings on unsuspecting heads.


    Their eggs were nutritious and smaller in size compared to chicken eggs, though were more flavourful. In fact, snapdragon eggs were Coral¡¯s favourite choice for an omelet. They had a subtle sweet and smokey flavour to them, which permeated throughout whatever dish they were incorporated in.


    Coral leant forward, daring to bring her face a little closer to the crate. The snapdragons raised their heads, sniffing and flicking their tongues to taste the air. A tiny, moss green snapdragon with a pretty glaze to its scales scurried over to her. Coral was sure that if she were to pick it up, it would fit comfortably in the palm of her hand. It tentatively clamboured up the side of the crate and wedged its snout between the bars.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Coral said softly. Her fingers twitched to reach out and pet it, though she kept them firmly in her lap. It was small, but this little green creature had a mouth full of sharp teeth.


    A chirruping noise came from the cluster of snapdragons, and slowly, they came forward, their distrust being overridden by curiosity. The black snapdragon was drawn over by the growing confidence of the others, some had even decided that now was a good time to play. Two had begun to nip at each other and a third flopped right over the top of them, pawing with its front legs. Coral sat perfectly still, trying to portray a sense of calm lest she startle them. She really didn¡¯t need a house fire on top of everything else that had happened in the last few weeks.


    The black one used its size to its advantage by pushing its way through to the front. A plum snapdragon tumbled aside and snarled out its disapproval as the black forced its way through to see what had drawn the others. The black one was either ignoring the plum¡¯s snarls or was possibly unaware of its unhappiness. It was more invested in sniffing the air through the bars, trying to scent Coral. There came several squeaks and chirps from the others as they played or clambered up near the bars, and the plum snapdragon rolled to its feet and attempted to enter the fray. It was stepped on by the black snapdragon¡¯s back feet, and then was pelted in the face by its tail. The plum one yelped then bit into the rump of the black snapdragon. The black whipped around, tucking its tail between its legs and turned. The plum had latched on and was kicking furiously with its back legs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± Coral chastised softly, leaning forward but keeping her hands well away. The two continued to scrapple with each other, knocking into others and snapping sharp little teeth. The two-headed snapdragon watched them, their bright eyes fixated on the two for a moment before bounding forward eagerly to join in. One of the heads only had a single tooth, but it was giving all its effort to wrap the length of its long neck as far as it could and bite the throat of the black one. This wasn¡¯t in the league of play fighting. This was a proper fight amongst what seemed to be crabby baby snapdragons.


    ¡°Enough,¡± Coral said more firmly, tapping the side of the crate as the plum shot a jet of sparks into the black¡¯s face. The black had fell into the centre of the snapdragons, which had all others entering the fight. The poor black one had three covering the top of it, one wrapped around its front leg, another gnawing on its tail. They bit, scratched, hissed and yowled, all trying to go for the biggest one there.


    Not knowing what else to do, Coral unlatched the top of the crate, lifted the lid and reached inside. She plucked a squat one from the black one¡¯s head and tried to knock aside another. Coral¡¯s fingers felt singed as sparks flit across her skin. She dug her hands through the writhing mass, grabbed the black around the middle and hoisted it up. Little wings beat furiously in the crate as they all tried to follow. Luckily none of them seemed capable of flying just yet. She had to shake off two more before the black one was free and she could shut the lid closed. Coral made sure to fasten the clasp and flick the cloth back over the crate before looking at the bundle pressed up against her chest.


    The black snapdragon panted, its arms hooked over her arm holding it in place, its legs and tail dangling. Overall, seemed unfazed that it had been attacked by all the other snapdragons for simply stepping on one by accident. Surely something so small shouldn¡¯t have upset them. Not unless they had particularly grumpy attitudes. Or was it more instinctive to fight? Maybe they were hungry? They hadn¡¯t come with any food; how long could they go in between feedings?


    Coral checked the snapdragon over, looking for any signs of discomfort or blood. Its body felt like plush velvet beneath her fingers. She hadn¡¯t noticed the fuzzy coating in the crate, as it was shiny. Coral hoped this meant that it was still in good health. It wriggled in her arm as she felt over its legs and feet, pushing her finger between the pads of its toes and forcing the claws to come out. They weren¡¯t sharp. They looked as though they had been filed down. Was this normal?


    Coral set it down on the ground to see if it could walk without limping. She felt woefully unprepared for all of this, and a sense of fear grew in the back of her mind. How was she going to care for these little creatures with no practical knowledge? She would have to rely on trial and error until she could obtain some pseudo-dragon care books.


    The snapdragon flapped its leathery wings, then bounded away in short little leaps, its feet padding gently on the wooden floor. Its mouth was ajar, and its big button eyes were bright. This eased Coral¡¯s heart a little, as far as she could see, it was in perfect health and wasn¡¯t hurt at all. It was also extraordinarily cute.


    Not knowing when the snapdragons had eaten last, Coral shut the Winter Salon door firmly. It would be a little hard trying to find something for them to eat if she carried the black snapdragon along. Coral peered about in the kitchen supplies, passing over the vegetables and goods that wouldn¡¯t expire quickly. She doubted the snapdragons would like to gnaw on raw potato. What they would most likely want was meat. Except, Coral hadn¡¯t bought much of this, as it would spoil quickly and there was no use in buying large quantities without a proper icebox to keep it cold. She had done the sensible thing and bought as much as they would eat for a few days at a time. Coral¡¯s eyes were drawn to the remainder of the stew. It had meat in it. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to try feeding that to the creatures. If they ate it, all the better for her.


    Coral heaped a large serving into two mixing bowls, she wasn¡¯t fool enough to use porcelain, and then returned to the Winter Salon. She placed one on the table with the candelabra and set the other in the crate. She had to work fast, as the snapdragons hadn¡¯t settled down yet and were breathing little puffs of sparks. She stepped back and watched as they gathered around the stew, then ate with an enthusiasm Coral hadn¡¯t been expecting. At least they seemed to enjoy the meal.


    Coral looked about the room and found the black snapdragon wrestling with a pillow. The contents flying out as it shook the cushion. Coral picked up the bowl and placed it on the ground for easy reach. She gently took the corner of the pillow and tried to pull it away. The black snapdragon wasn¡¯t willing to give it up, and as she lifted the pillow up higher, it clamped its mouth around the material and let itself dangle an inch from the ground.


    ¡°Come on, let go. Look what I brought you,¡± Coral said, nudging the bowl forward with her other hand.


    It wasn¡¯t interested at all in the food. It just wanted to continue disemboweling the cushion. Not wanting to add anymore cleaning to the already significant list, Coral scooped the black snapdragon up, and gently coaxed the pillow from its mouth. The pillow came away with only a bit of effort and hung limply in her hand, the contents now spread out over the floor.


    ¡°You¡¯re a naughty little thing, aren¡¯t you,¡± Coral said, lifting up the snapdragon with both hands so that she could see it better. It panted in a self-satisfied kind of way, its big round eyes staring straight into Coral, washing away any annoyance at having to do a bit of needlework to repair the pillow.


    Pearl might actually have a contender for the innocent, puppy-dog eyes. This little creature was too adorable. How was a creature this cute?


    Not wanting to return it to the crate just for it to be tormented again, Coral set it down, and let it continue to scamper around. She kept a careful eye on it as she collected the feather down, stuffing it back into the pillow unceremoniously. It scampered about the room, sniffing and exploring every surface it could get to, and tried to chew the leg of a seat.


    Coral gently coaxed it away from this, and decided it was safe enough to sweep up and get in some more cleaning while she had the opportunity. She went in search of a broom by the back kitchen door, and then vigorously swept the corridor, checked how the mould remover was faring, which was still badly, and then worked her way up to the Winter Salon. She stuck her head into the room to see if the black snapdragon had got into mischief or was resting, only to find it was right behind the door. It trotted out between her feet, tossing its head on the hem of her skirt then bounded down the corridor and into the entrance foyer.


    Coral quickly shut the door and followed, her leg pinching as she tried to keep pace. As she entered the entrance foyer, she caught sight of a little black tail slip into the doorway on the right. She and Pearl had barely stepped foot in that room. It was a large ballroom, with timber paraquet flooring in need of waxing and restoration. Some of the boards were loose or completely missing. Coral and Pearl had only given it a cursory dusting, and hadn¡¯t used this room for anything else, as it was mostly empty. A crystal chandelier hung from the centre of the ceiling, draped in cobwebs that neither of them could reach. Windows lined one side of the room, allowing enough light to see, the heavy red drapes still held in place from when they had last been tied back. Coral¡¯s feet tapped on the floor as she stepped into the room, searching the shadows. At the far end, she caught movement, right by an ornate sitting chair and table. She started for it, then froze as she heard a scuffle. The table shifted, then everything went still. Coral picked up her pace and hurried to the chair, crouched down and stared at the black snapdragon that was now sitting on its haunches with its back to her. Clamped in its claws was a mouse, wriggling to free itself. The snapdragon watched with fascinated fixation. It lowered its head, sniffed it for a long moment. Coral half expected it to eat the mouse, except when it opened its mouth, it licked it instead.


    She hoped that snapdragon had a stomach made of steel to be able to withstand whatever nasty germs the mouse carried with it. She really didn¡¯t want to watch a mouse be eaten alive either. Coral didn¡¯t mind the mice being caught and eaten; she just didn¡¯t want to see it happen. It was a little too soon having been prey in a game of hunt.


    ¡°Alright, put that down,¡± Coral said gently, unsure if she should reach out or not. The snapdragon might snap at her having found something it wanted to actually eat.


    It ignored her and kept licking the creature. With each pass of its tongue, the mouse grew wetter, its fur clumping.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t want you getting sick,¡± Coral said, shuffling forwards. It continued to ignore her, so against her better judgement, she reached out and picked the snapdragon up by the middle. It didn¡¯t let go of the mouse.


    ¡°Let go of it,¡± she told the snapdragon, trying to pry apart its legs. The snapdragon was surprisingly strong for such a little creature. After a moment of struggle, the mouse was released and fell to the floor and ran as fast as it could go into the shadows. The snapdragon stared after it, turning its head so that it could watch the mouse leave.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find you something else to eat. Better than a dead mouse. Maybe Pearl will come back with goat or chicken for you,¡± she told it as it hung in her arm. It didn¡¯t seem to mind her holding it, and it was warm, so she kept it in her arms as she turned around, tucking her other arm beneath it to leverage it up more comfortably.


    At least, she would hope that it preferred chicken or goat. Coral didn¡¯t fancy the idea of having to gather mice to feed the snapdragons. She scrunched her face up in distaste as she envisioned herself placing an order for a dozen dead rats and mice.


    Come midwinter, the dead vermin would all rise and then she really would have an infestation problem, even if it were for a single night. ¡°You better learn to eat mice somewhere I can¡¯t see. I don¡¯t think I could stomach watching that,¡± she told it.


    The snapdragon looked up at her then back to where the mouse had disappeared. A chill ran down her spine, and though she knew that most of the ghosts here didn¡¯t hold her in contempt, Coral made her way back to the Winter Salon, her nerves on edge. A warm fireplace and the rustle and squeaks of the snapdragons would sooth her uneasiness. She settled down on the floor by the fire¡¯s hearth, propping a few pillows for comfort around her, and set the snapdragon down so that it had free reign of the room.


    The door creaked open, and Coral flinched. The doorway was empty, though she knew one of the ghosts had wanted to let her know they had entered the room. The door wouldn¡¯t have opened on its own otherwise. Coral was about to enquire why to the room at large, when a little blue ball rolled along the floor and bounced off her knee. This caught the snapdragon¡¯s attention, and it went prancing after it. It caught the ball, trotted proudly back to Coral and dropped it before her. The ball rolled away forcefully in another direction, and Coral watched in odd fascination, as an invisible ghost played fetch with a tiny dragon.

 Assumptions

    Pearl walked alongside Elwin, listening as he described in technical terminology the finer points of his swordsmanship. These long descriptions were embellished with eager demonstrations of footwork and body form. The topic itself wasn¡¯t something Pearl was entirely interested in. Though, the animated spark that lit Elwin from within did.


    Pearl was so accustomed to the aristocracy portraying themselves as aloof and perfect, that she found Elwin¡¯s passionate ministrations to be refreshing and enjoyable. Elwin¡¯s blue eyes became brighter as he paced ahead to show her how to position himself for a thrust of his sword, the name of the move already forgotten in Pearl¡¯s mind. He used a stick as his demonstrative weapon, leaving his actual sword sheathed at his waist, for safety he had said.


    Elwin was a handsome boy. He was also closer to her in age, with Pearl being three years older at eighteen. She admired his tenacity and dedication to becoming a hero, a most admirable occupation. It must be nice being confident in what one wanted out of life. She was sure that by the time Elwin had graduated, he would quickly become popular.


    There were adventurers who were known almost exclusively for being beautiful. Most hadn¡¯t really faced off with anything worse than some hobgoblins, and relied on the competent team they employed to join them on their escapades when they did come across something much fiercer. Not that hobgoblins were anything to sniff at. Pearl wouldn¡¯t do well against them, though she wasn¡¯t bad with a knife in the kitchen.


    She turned her attention back to Elwin who was brandishing his arms about in some high cut sweeping move that Pearl had entirely missed the description for. He didn¡¯t seem to notice that she wasn¡¯t paying proper attention, which was a relief. She didn¡¯t want him to stop. Perhaps she could get Elwin to show her a thing of two to handle knives.


    She would never be as brave as Coral. Pearl wouldn¡¯t have the courage to collect rusty knives and go barging into an enclosed basement with a ghoul. Pearl suppressed a shiver of fear as the memory of Coral¡¯s stubborn face stared back at her before disappearing down into the basement. Even if Caspian had been down there, Pearl would have been worse than useless. She would have been a liability and could have made things worse simply by being there with no defensive or offensive skills whatsoever. She shied away from being hurt and was prone to freeze up or run when faced with dangerous situations. She was a coward. There was no point in denying that fact. But if she knew just a little of how to use something as small as a knife, would she freeze, or would she act?


    Pearl hadn¡¯t known there was so much to talk about with the art of swordplay. Elwin had kept up a steady stream of talk and demonstrations since the moment they left and right up to the moment they arrived at town. The streets were lively this late in the afternoon, the people enjoying the good weather while they could.


    They passed the first few grey stone houses, their chimneys smoking, and wooden shutters thrown wide to tempt in some sunlight. Pearl noted the flowerboxes under some windows and hoped that they would be full of colourful flowers come spring. Direwood severely lacked colour, with its misty streets and grey stone. Even the shop signs were rather drab. The only exception was the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, where the Direwood Guild¡¯s blue banner was kept on proud display. Still, Pearl found that she enjoyed this little town rather significantly more than the city. If she wanted colour, she would simply have to ensure her own garden was filled with an abundant variety of flowers and plants. She watched as a man worked on hammering the shutters closed with a large plank of wood on one house, at odds with the other houses that had them open.


    ¡°They¡¯re starting a bit early,¡± Elwin said, taking note of what had drawn Pearl¡¯s attention. Elwin didn¡¯t look curious or surprised that the man boarded up his windows.


    ¡°The shutters don¡¯t look damaged. Is that for the Night of the Undead?¡± Pearl asked, turning back to the street as they passed him. Elwin gave her a quick nod.


    ¡°Supplies become scarce in winter, and more expensive. Some folks get what they can early when the price is better. Repairs from unwanted dead visitors can be hard on shallow pockets. I help to board up in the early winter, and even then some. I don¡¯t need to worry about that when I stay in the Guild.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been busy with the extra training in the lead up to the Night of the Undead. Master Winters says I wield my sword like it¡¯s an extension of my own body, but my magical defence is pitiful,¡± Elwin said, not sounding forlorn at this comment at all.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just need to work on it some more. I¡¯ve been spoiled with getting in practice over the years against the Undead. They can¡¯t throw any magical fireballs or curses. I¡¯ve never had to worry about that kind of attack. If I ever want to face a creature who¡¯s entirely deadly with magic, I¡¯ll need to shape up. Competition is fierce.¡±


    ¡°If fighting monsters were easy, anyone could do it,¡± Pearl said.


    Elwin looked confused for a moment, then his expression cleared. ¡°Oh, I meant the competition between Adventurer¡¯s,¡± he explained. ¡°Once you earn your title, you have to maintain a certain amount of popularity to get the highest and most dangerous roles.¡±


    ¡°Take Silas for example. He began to earn himself a reputation from a young age. He killed a ghoul when he was a kid. Then he was top of his class at the capital, where they train the elite. He earned his title less than a year after his schooling finished. But he wasn¡¯t in it for fame and glory. He barely ever participates in the trials held every year. He was always off elsewhere. When he did turn up, it was always with someone following right behind him, with a new wild story more daring than the last. Rare monsters, plunging into dungeons, finding lost relics. If it weren¡¯t for the things he brought back, no one would have believed a word that was said.¡±


    ¡°What kind of things?¡± Pearl asked. She knew he was a named Adventurer; she just hadn¡¯t realized how competent he actually was.


    ¡°All sorts,¡± Elwin said breathlessly. ¡°Chests of old coins and gems, the heads of monsters no one had ever seen before. Shadowsteel weapons. Old armour. He has enough to arm all of his team three times over. They prefer to choose their own weapons of course. Crowcaller joined him on a trip once, about ten years ago I think, and she came back with Blacktalon. You know about Blacktalon, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Pearl bobbed her head yes. She knew of Blacktalon. The glaive used to slaughter thousands in battle, some had even described it as sentient. It was when Crowcaller had earned her Adventurer¡¯s name, dubbed by the many that had seen the aftermath of her fight. Crows had flocked in their hundreds to pick at the corpses left behind. Pearl would not have liked to be remembered in such a way. Crowcaller wore it as a badge of honour and had refused to answer to anything else. Pearls eyes drew across the river, back towards the Adventurer¡¯s guild, where she knew the weapon was likely being kept at this moment. She had never expected an Adventurer like Crowcaller to be hiding away from society in such a small town. But then, Direwood was the last settlement before the unexplored wilds. Maybe the town held enough of a challenge for someone so good at killing. Perhaps that was why Silas remained at Direwood.


    ¡°Silas doesn¡¯t show any of these things when he returns as proof?¡± Pearl asked.


    Elwin shook his head and let out a frustrated sigh. ¡°No, not unless he wants to have attention on him. Which is rare. He presents his evidence to the Guild. You need to if you want to get paid. The Guild can put a stop to false rumours spreading, which has helped Silas¡¯ name from being trudged through the mud. You¡¯ll always have the jealous kind that won¡¯t like you for one reason or another, and they can spread word that an Adventurer isn¡¯t doing the things they have.¡±


    ¡°It sounds like Silas prefers his privacy,¡± Pearl said. It sounded all too familiar to her. The aristocracy was rife with gossip and nay-sayers. She felt a little guilty that she was a willing participant in this gossip. Ahead, a fine black carriage stood waiting along the shopfronts in the street. There was only one family that she had seen that could possibly possess something this fine, apart from Crowcaller of course. Pearl searched the street for a sign of a black parasol. The sun was still out, so surely the Acherons would not be out at this time of the day. Though, when she thought about it, all the shops closed with the sun going down. They wouldn¡¯t be able acquire any goods without venturing into the daylight.


    Elwin hadn¡¯t noticed her preoccupation and kept talking as they passed the carriage and straight for the door of Craving¡¯s and Delirium.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s a part of why I idolise him so much. He isn¡¯t one for boasting. Silas likes the thrill of a hunt and enjoys a challenge. He does what he likes doing best. And he¡¯s good at it.¡±


    ¡°I suspect you¡¯re wanting a little glory for yourself though, what was it? You want to be the worlds greatest Adventurer?¡± Pearl said with a small smile. She wasn¡¯t fooling herself with that smile. It didn¡¯t reach her eyes, and an odd, complicated sort of emotion was rising within her since the moment she had seen that carriage. She wasn¡¯t familiar with this feeling, nor did she like it. It stuck to her insides like glue, souring her otherwise good mood.


    Elwin pulled his shoulders back and raised his chin, looking determined. ¡°I will be the worlds greatest Adventurer. It¡¯s the only way I could ever exceed The Unbroken Seolfor.¡±


    ¡°The Unbroken Seolfor is Silas¡¯s Adventurer name, isn¡¯t it?¡± Pearl said, trying to recall the first time Silas had told her his title. It took some effort, having only heard it once or twice before. So much had happened since then.


    Elwin nodded in affirmation, held the door open for her. Pearl hurried inside. It was lovely and warm inside. She liked this particular shop out of all in Direwood. It always held an assortment of oddities and goods that were in season. Clothing, food, furniture. It was many shops all pulled into one, and much larger inside than it looked from out. It was cluttered from floor to ceiling and had a welcoming feel whenever Pearl stepped through the door. For a moment she deplored the shallowness of her wicker basket, having seen a few things she would have liked to pick up. Right now, she had to focus on gathering what was important, which was information on how to care for the snapdragons Coral had accidentally ordered, and to feed them as well. The meat, she presumed was the little creature¡¯s preference. She would need to get that from the butcher as her last stop. She didn¡¯t want to carry around slabs of raw meat for longer than absolutely required.


    Pearl walked quietly past a few shelves, looking over bolts of cloth and linen, plucking up needle and thread. Coral hated needle work, but she had mentioned repairing the dress that had met an unfortunate fate. They couldn¡¯t afford to waste such precious silk, though she wasn¡¯t sure if that coral-coloured dress was salvageable now.


    Try as she might, Pearl¡¯s thoughts lingered outside. To that black, fine carriage. To Caspian¡¯s face, smiling. How she had felt when he had looked at her with his wine-red eyes. How he had listened to her, small as her comments might be. No one, besides Coral, had ever taken the time to truly hear her. To discover what delighted her, or what she disliked. In truth, Pearl hadn¡¯t really been aware of these things herself until the words tumbled from her like a party trick, hiding away all this time. She hadn¡¯t ever really voiced what she liked aloud before. Coral always seemed to know.


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    Now, Caspian Acheron had opened something new and raw inside of her. Any reminders of him were painful. She had especially liked Caspian. She might even go so far as to saw more than liked. There were certainly feelings.


    How could he have strung her along like that? How could she have let him? Pearl knew what the men were like in the city, flirting with empty promises and compliments. Caspian had seemed so different to them.


    It was too much. Pearl closed her eyes, frowning slightly as she recalled where she was. Mr. Acheron had found himself another woman to play with. For all she knew, the woman could have been one of those that allowed vampires to feed from them. It was lucrative, and Pearl couldn¡¯t fault anyone choosing such a path. Even if she wouldn¡¯t ever find herself to be in such a position. Pearl was fortunate by having Coral for a sister, who would never let her suffer hardships on her own.


    Though, she did wish Coral would let her experience some things. How would she learn otherwise? It was why she was feeling these new emotions now. Was this jealously? Who was that woman?


    If she had participated in this much gossip, she may as well sate her curiosity.


    ¡°Elwin,¡± Pearl began, trying to sound nonchalant. From the first note that came from her mouth, she knew it wasn¡¯t working. Pearl wasn¡¯t a natural when it came to prying. She looked up at Elwin who was poking at a teapot set beside an array of jars. The jars were labelled with a brief description for each. Powdered Frost Flower for aid in weight gain. Sorrow, a calmative during grief. Wart Thistle for arthritis and gesticulation.


    Pearl took a steadying breath, like Coral would have done, and said, ¡°The night I met Caspian Acheron. He, well. He happened to be chased onto my land.¡±


    ¡°Mmm,¡± Elwin hummed in answer to her. He picked up a jar labelled Spitfire Clover, lifted the lid and sniffed. He reeled back and let out a barrage of violent sneezes.


    ¡°That¡¯s awful, smells like Osren¡¯s feet,¡± he choked out, placing the jar firmly back on the shelf. Beneath the name, it had ¡®For strength¡¯ written across the label.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Pearl asked. Elwin continued to splutter for a moment, wiping at his watering eyes and sneezed a few more times.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he sniffed. ¡°What did you want?¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Pearl said now feeling foolish. ¡°Never mind. Let¡¯s head this way, I think I saw some books when I was last here. I¡¯m hoping there¡¯s something about pseudo-dragons.¡± Pearl turned and made her way deeper into the store.


    ¡°Just come out with it. I won¡¯t bite. Ugh, that stuff was terrible,¡± Elwin said while wiping the back of his hand across his nose.


    Pearl turned a corner around a large cabinet and came to a stop where a shelf was lined with well used books. Most had the covers dirtied or frayed.


    ¡°Pearl, come now. I know the sound of curiosity when I hear it,¡± Elwin teased. ¡°What do you want to know about Caspian?¡±


    Pearl could feel her cheeks reddening the more Elwin spoke. She shook her head and focused on the books before her. Who was she to pry into Mr. Acheron¡¯s business? Instead of seeing the titles on the spines of old books, she could see Caspian¡¯s face.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want to be a monster,¡¯ he had said.


    If the wolves had been after Caspian that night, there must have been a reason. Was she a fool to overlook this? What had he meant by that? That he had already been involved in some sort of trouble? Was it because he was a vampire? Who was Caspian Acheron? A monster? Pearl couldn¡¯t bring herself to believe it. Mr. Acheron had said himself he didn¡¯t want to be what he was. He had demonstrated so, by protecting both her and Coral when they had found that ghoul.


    ¡°Why had the wolves attacked him. Why did they chase him into our property? And why stop?¡± Pearl said in a rush. She clamped her mouth shut, shocked at her own audacity to ask such questions.


    ¡°Oh. That,¡± Elwin said. ¡°Bit of a misunderstanding. It was me who bit him first. Might have been an overreaction on my half.¡±


    ¡°You did?¡± Pearl said, staring at Elwin with reproach. ¡°But, why?¡±


    ¡°He kept interfering with our hunt. We were on the trail of a hobgoblin that we suspect had contracted vampirism. Attack happened in the street with all the typical signs.¡±


    Elwin glanced about, then lowered his voice. ¡°At first we thought the Acheron¡¯s had broken the truce and had attacked someone in the village. First vampiric attack in years. None that I can recall anyway. When we picked up the scent that it was a hobgoblin, we were all relieved. We tracked it down. And out of nowhere, Caspian shows up. He¡¯d been gone for a year and the timing was suspicious.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t infect the hobgoblin, did he?¡± Pearl said, her hands finding their way over her mouth. Pearl was horrified at the thought of coming across a child-sized, cranky hobgoblin. She imagined a long bearded, hooked nose old hobgoblin grinning wickedly at her with pointed teeth. It was bad enough that hobgoblins had a branch of magic all their own, they didn¡¯t need any further weapons in their arsenal to became more dangerous. It upset her more than she cared to admit, that Caspian could have turned such a creature.


    Such acts were highly illegal. Vampires could not feed on any unwilling person. Or spread vampirism without strict protocol and legalities becoming involved.


    Thankfully, Elwin shook his head. ¡°He¡¯d been gone for a year, off getting some plants and things according to Doctor Thornheart. They kept in regular correspondence, sending letters and whatnot. Some speculation was made about their relationship, but I disagree. He hadn¡¯t ever shown an ounce of interest in anyone, beside yourself that is,¡± Elwin said with a wink.


    ¡°Anyway, he kept saying how he¡¯d take care of the creature, it was his responsibility as a vampire. I didn¡¯t pay too much attention. As far as we were concerned, he was taking our hard-earned gold from us. He wouldn¡¯t stop getting in the way.¡±


    ¡°So, you bit him?¡± Pearl prompted, her voice a little too loud in indignation.


    ¡°By accident,¡± Elwin said, sounding exasperated. ¡°Tybalt and I leapt for the hobgoblin. Except Caspian rode in front last second. I got a mouthful of his shoulder. Tybalt caught his horse about the throat. Poor thing freaked out, practically slit its own neck in his jaws.¡±


    Elwin blinked at her, then looked ashamed. ¡°My apologies. I did not mean to use such language.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard worse from Coral,¡± Pearl said, waving her hand as though his apology were a moth fluttering by her ear. If she were to feint at every mention of what transpired in fights between Adventurer¡¯s, she¡¯d be spending an extraordinary amount of time passed out.


    Besides, she wasn¡¯t that sensitive. Elwin hadn¡¯t used vulgar words, and she was becoming more accustomed to hearing them now that she was spending her time with more down to earth people.


    Elwin looked relieved. ¡°Good, it¡¯s hard trying to remember my manners around proper ladies. I¡¯m not used to it.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I should pretend such language offends me. You¡¯ll need more practice when you¡¯re off on your adventures.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Elwin said looking pained at the thought.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t explained how Caspian Acheron happened to be chased on to our property. I may have been a little intoxicated that night, but I clearly recall giant wolves harassing him at our gate.¡±


    Elwin huffed. ¡°Things got a little heated. We had a bit of a fight. He continued to block us from the hobgoblin, and the creature decided that it had enough and blasted the ground where we all stood. A great big chunk of earth and tree¡¯s, just,¡± Elwin spread his hands out miming an explosion, emphasised by a puffing sound.


    ¡°Anyway, after that Tybalt had enough. We split up, some went after the hobgoblin, and the rest of us shepherded Caspian away so he stopped interfering. We were near your manor, and made use of what was available at the time. We shoved him through your gate and kept him there while we gave the others the chance to do their job.¡±


    This was a significantly better scenario than what Pearl had even hoped for. There had been one too many dark thoughts that Caspian had been the sole cause of something dreadful. Though, why would he put so much effort into dealing with a hobgoblin, rather than letting the Adventurer¡¯s do what they do best.


    ¡°And, the creature. Did you take care of it?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°Naturally,¡± Elwin said, his chin tilting up a little as he looked proud of himself.


    ¡°So,¡± said a woman from behind them, her voice delicate with a hint of an accent Pearl couldn¡¯t place. ¡°This is what Caspian has been keeping from me.¡±


    Pearl turned and stared at the woman that Caspian had escorted to the funeral. Her olive complexion glowed in the lamplight of the shop, and her eyes, the same wine red as Caspian¡¯s were framed with thick dark lashes, were fixed upon Pearl. The woman was lovely. She had a subtle roundness to her that Pearl was able to pick up on now that she stood a foot away. It made her softer, somehow, despite the straight back and elegant way she held herself as she curtsied in greeting.


    Despite wanting to turn on her heal and leave, Pearl dipped down in her own curtsy to greet the woman.


    ¡°Well met,¡± Pearl said, though even she could hear the reservation in her voice.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± the woman said with a soft smile.


    ¡°Madame Acheron,¡± Elwin said, dipping into a low bow. ¡°May I introduce my friend. This is Lady Pearl Seaver. She¡¯s recently moved to Direwood, and she and her sister have acquired the abandoned manor.¡±


    Madame Acheron. Pearl¡¯s eyes widened as she looked closer at the woman¡¯s face. She appeared to be close to her in age, only a few years older. Though that was hardly telling of a vampire¡¯s age. In one swift moment, Pearl understood.


    This wasn¡¯t just any love interest that Caspian had escorted on an important event. She was a relation. She could see it in the shape of her eyes and her high cheekbones. Though, Pearl was unsure if the woman was his sister, cousin or, possibly, even his mother.


    Vampires could not reproduce. That didn¡¯t stop them from obtaining families. If a vampire wanted to sire an heir, it was brought about by unfortunate circumstance. There was only one way for a vampire to reproduce offspring, and that was through someone who was already pregnant. They would be bitten before or even during birth, the venom spreading throughout the body changed both host and child.


    All at once, Pearl felt enormous relief, and utterly stupid. She and Coral had been quick to judge Caspian, assuming the worst of him before she even heard the truth of the matter. She was hardly better than the nobles they had left behind at court.


    Pearl could have saved herself from all this hurt by simply asking who the woman was, rather than try to avoid Caspian all together. Though, he hadn¡¯t exactly been around to discuss such things with. Pearl had brushed him off when he had returned with Coral torn up from the ghoul hunt. Pearl crushed the material of her skirt in her hands. He had tried to comfort her then, when he had seen how terrified and worried for Coral she had been that night. Pearl had pushed him away.


    ¡°Lady Seaver. It¡¯s a pleasure to put a face to a name. Caspian has spoken of little else since he has returned. I had hoped to be introduced to you earlier,¡± Madame Acheron said, her voice cutting through Pearl¡¯s whirling thoughts and bringing her back to the present moment.


    ¡°Mister Acheron,¡± Pearl said haltingly. ¡°He spoke of me?¡±


    ¡°Constantly,¡± Madame Acheron said, her eyes squinting slightly as the smile she wore reached her eyes. ¡°It is all that I¡¯ve heard about. Nothing of his time out in the world, which is alarming, I can assure you.¡±


    Pearl was careful to keep her face blank, masking her uncertainty at the last statement.


    ¡°Master Hunt, you¡¯re looking well. Tell me, are you boasting?¡±


    ¡°Only a little,¡± Elwin said with a smile. ¡°I always make sure to speak the truth.¡±


    ¡°In that case, my son has a lot of explaining to do,¡± Madame Acheron said with a frown. ¡°I expected to hear of his travels, and instead, I am kept in the dark from both him and by the guild.¡± She eyed Elwin for a moment, as though she expected him to continue to speak further on what had transpired that night.


    Elwin didn¡¯t falter under her gaze. In actuality, he looked quite relaxed. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to book an appointment with the Guild Master. I¡¯m afraid I cannot disclose any further information to you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll deign to speak to Lady Seaver. Why not myself?¡± She enquired, her tone light and casual.


    ¡°Confidentiality clause, Madame Acheron,¡± Elwin said apologetically. ¡°Lady Pearl was an uninformed participant of that night. She has a right to be such information.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Caspian¡¯s mother. I should be informed of such events,¡± Madame Acheron said, looking worried.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m sure Guild Master Crowcaller would be happy to meet with you. I can put in a request on your behalf,¡± Elwin offered.


    ¡°Please see that you do. I¡¯m certain he is involved in something,¡± Madame Acheron said, looking pained. Her eyes focused back to Pearl, and they softened a touch. ¡°I¡¯ll come to call on you and your sister another evening, Lady Seaver. I should very much like to be acquainted.¡±


    ¡°It will be our pleasure, Madame Acheron,¡± Pearl said, dipping back into a curtsy. She watched as the woman left. She walked with such grace that she appeared to float across the floor, her feet hidden beneath her lilac dress.


    ¡°Won¡¯t she burn when she goes outside?¡± Pearl asked, noticing the lack of a parasol by the woman¡¯s side.


    ¡°She uses a cream to block the sun, so she can go out in the early evening¡¯s,¡± Elwin explained, still looking in the direction that she left. Pearl returned to collection of books at her back. She did in fact find a text on psuedo dragons. She also picked up a small spell book for Coral after a quick flick through. They were all rudimentary spells, but it would be good for Coral to pick up on a few things.


    Pearl was determined to finish her shopping, though not too quickly. Perhaps she might find Caspian out this evening in town. If she did, this time, she wouldn¡¯t shy away from him.

 Gossip and Snapdragons

    ¡°Coral!¡±


    Coral jolted, knocking into the warm bundle by her stomach. The warm bundle turned out to be the little black snapdragon, curled up in a tight ball. It curled its wings open, yawned widely, exposing sharp teeth, then sprung up with more energy than Coral could muster up. At some point, she must have drifted off to sleep, lulled by the warmth of the fire.


    Steady footsteps sounded down the corridor, and as they drew near, the Winter Salon¡¯s doors were flung open. A desperate look was etched across Pearl¡¯s face, which changed to confusion when she saw that Coral was laying on the floor.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Coral asked, pushing herself up.


    Elwin appeared behind Pearl who was carrying what appeared to be half a cow carcass thrown over his shoulder. From beneath one of his arms was an assortment of boxes wrapped in brown paper.


    ¡°Coral,¡± Pearl said, her expression both harried and hopeful. ¡°That woman we saw with Caspian, she is his mother.¡±


    ¡°I think you gossip more than I do. It¡¯s hardly alarming,¡± Elwin said. He shifted the carcass a littler further up his shoulders.


    Pearl gave him an exasperated look. ¡°This is news to me. I wanted to know who she was the first moment I saw her. Caspian is-.¡±


    Pearl stopped talking abruptly, her cheeks burning. Whatever Pearl had been about to say, she wasn¡¯t going to complete it. It wasn¡¯t hard for Coral to discern what Caspian was to Pearl.


    ¡°His mother,¡± Coral said thoughtfully. ¡°Did he tell you this himself?¡±


    ¡°No. We met in Cravings and Delirium. She overheard Elwin and I talking about Caspian. She hadn¡¯t known what had taken place the night we found Caspian at our gate,¡± Pearl said breathlessly.


    ¡°What did happen that night, exactly?¡± Coral asked lightly, her question directed at Elwin. She had thought it suspicious, that the werewolves in Direwood had chased down Mr. Caspian Acheron.


    Pearl quickly told her of what happened in the shop and Elwin interjected with further titbits of information about that night. Coral listened attentively, though she watched Pearl with even more care. Pearl¡¯s cheeks were flushed, and she was completely heedless of the wicker basket swinging at her elbow or the assortment of wrapped packages within. She kept smoothing her skirts and fidgeting. She was a long cry from the outwardly statuesque portrayal of a well-mannered, privileged noblewoman. Coral hadn¡¯t quite known when their rigidity had begun to relax.


    Ever since Eirek Farley had shown Coral how he planned to manoeuvre through society with her as a prize goat, Coral had specifically sought out ways to defy her father. It became a game to Coral to see how far she could get away with improper behaviour without inflicting too much damage to herself from her father¡¯s punishments. The worst had been when she had failed to seduce the prince.


    When she had left that wretched house behind, whenever she expressed her frustration with vulgar terminology or fidgeted on purpose, it had been entirely on purpose to prove that she could do it. She had encouraged Pearl to not be so uptight when they had left. In the short three months since they had taken their last step over that city house threshold, they had both changed.


    For the better too. Coral liked this enthusiastic version of Pearl.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t ask. Of all the things that I could have done, and I went and assumed the worst of him. Why didn¡¯t I go speak to him?¡± Pearl said, lifting her arms up and dropping them by her side in exasperation.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t look old enough to be his mother,¡± Coral said lightly. ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Madame Acheron was only nineteen when she contracted vampirism. She rode in, heavily pregnant on the back of a wagon courtesy of the man who got her in the family way,¡± Elwin said, adjusting his stance again. ¡°Had naught but a calling card for Lord Acheron, so they say. I wasn¡¯t born yet.¡±


    Pearl whirled to stare at Elwin, her eyes large. Coral almost did the same.


    ¡°A calling card,¡± Coral said, part distraught, mostly disgusted.


    Vampires couldn¡¯t reproduce offspring of their own, so they found other means to do so. It wasn¡¯t uncommon to hear of women being taken against their will, bitten so that the venom spread to the unborn child, changing them forever moments before their birth. Often, they were killed moments after the infant had been born.


    Vampires favoured power, and the child of an Adventurer was assumed for greatness. Those who had found themselves pregnant from a titled Adventurer, whether unwanted or not, often had to be protected. Kidnapping and ransoms weren¡¯t common, but not unheard of.


    For a time, there had been a surge of pregnancies across the country, claiming to be from a night spent in the bed of an Adventurer. Many of those women sold off their child for coin or to become a vampire themselves. The child would be adopted by the vampire to become their heir.


    Coral speculated that many of the people who had sold off their child, hadn¡¯t become immortal. It appeared that Madame Acheron had.


    ¡°Did she marry Lord Octavian Acheron, then?¡± Coral asked, frowning. There had been another woman on Lord Acheron¡¯s arm that day.


    Elwin shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s an honorary title. The Lady of the house is his wife. I can¡¯t remember her name though. I haven¡¯t seen her in years,¡± he said with a shrug.


    Pearl stared wide eyed at Coral.


    Coral could accept that she had been wrong about Caspian. She had wanted to be wrong. There was still that niggling distrust in the back of her heart, unwilling to fully believe gossip. Caspian certainly seemed to be the type to engage in wanton philandering. Such pretty men were prone to such things.


    But Coral would like to be wrong, for Pearl¡¯s sake. If she was wrong, then she would be glad for it.  She didn¡¯t like being disappointed with the man who had gone out of his way to save them from a ghoul.


    ¡°I forget you don¡¯t know already. It¡¯s common knowledge. Lord Acheron owns most of the land around here. And part of the town,¡± Elwin said, adjusting the carcass on his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m going to put this in the kitchen, it¡¯s starting to get heavy.¡±


    Coral nodded, and Elwin turned on his heel and headed down the corridor.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t a full vampire,¡± Pearl said quietly.


    Dhampir were still, technically, categorised as a vampire. Vampirism could be contracted by anyone or creature. Though, being dhampir had more advantages than full vampires. They were capable to withstand weak sunlight, they weren¡¯t entirely reliant on blood as a food source, they were generally more welcome within social circles, and they were less likely to become insane as they drew closer to five hundred years old.


    There was a whole sect of Adventurer¡¯s tasked with taking out crazed old vampires. A particularly dangerous pastime.


    Generally was the key word here. The stigma that followed vampires was still to this day well and truly earned. The few she had known in the city were accompanied with an undercurrent of whispers about dark, underworld dealings. That could have been entirely rumour mongering. Coral hadn¡¯t ever wanted to risk such interactions. It was bad enough that her father had been deep within the gambling dens.


    ¡°Perhaps. I¡¯d rather you and I hear everything directly from Mr. Caspian Acheron first, before we go believing rumours,¡± Coral said.


    Pearl nodded, her expression less excited now, and more thoughtful. Coral held the door open and motioned for Pearl to follow her to the kitchen. The little snapdragon slipped through the door before either one of them could stop it.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Pearl said, looking worried. ¡°Should it be out?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. We¡¯ll take it to the kitchen to see if it will eat the beef,¡± Coral said, scooping the snapdragon up in her arms.


    In the kitchen, Elwin had dropped the carcass across the kitchen table. Both Coral and Pearl scrunched their faces in distaste. Neither of them wanted to touch it.


    ¡°I hope this will be enough. We weren¡¯t sure on their appetites so we went with something you could eat as well.¡±


    ¡°That is more than plenty,¡± Coral said. Just how much did Elwin think the snapdragons needed?


    The meat had drawn the attention of the black snapdragon. It wriggled in her arms, and she set it down on the floor so that it could trot up to the table leg, and then stretched up and clawed at the wood. It certainly seemed hungry enough now, and this was a promising sign.


    ¡°Does the butcher not slaughter anything in the lead up to the Night of the Undead?¡± asked Coral, unsettled by looking at the inner half of the ribcage.


    ¡°He does. He just needs to de-bone everything. If there isn¡¯t much skeletal structure, the muscles just writhe about,¡± Elwin said. He watched Coral and Pearl for a moment, sighed then looked about the kitchen.


    ¡°I take it you¡¯ve not done this before,¡± he said. He went to a draw, pulled it open, then shut it quickly. ¡°Where¡¯s your knives?¡±


    ¡°Over there, third draw,¡± Pearl pointed. ¡°Is it that obvious?¡±


    Elwin didn¡¯t answer. He simply raised a disbelieving eyebrow at them. ¡°I¡¯ll show you. But only because I want to play with your snapdragons,¡± he said, turning to search out a knife.


    When he found them, he tested the sharpness against his finger. ¡°This is blunt as anything, where¡¯s your whetstone. You won¡¯t be able to cut anything with this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve managed to,¡± Pearl said quietly. She had struggled to dice up vegetables. It hadn¡¯t even occurred to Coral to buy such a thing.


    Elwin grunted something in reply, took the knife to the carcass and tried to make a cut. ¡°This is going to take forever,¡± he mumbled under his breath.


    He dropped the kitchen knife on the table, then reached for his waist. He pulled a hunting knife from his scabbard. Coral hadn¡¯t even noticed that he carried such a thing. He used that instead, which slipped through the meat as though it were soft butter.


    Coral and Pearl watched as Elwin worked with vigour. He showed them how they were supposed to cut, and even had both of them try. Pearl surprisingly took to it quickly. Coral almost cut into her hand by accident, and Elwin quickly took the hunting knife back after this, showing her again how to position her hands. Elwin had assured them it was significantly easier with a knife that was sharp and if they got in the practice.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Coral diced up some raw meat, gathered it into a small porcelain bowl and placed it on the floor by the kitchen table. All three of them watched as the small snapdragon sniffed hesitantly at the meat. It licked the beef twice, then nibbled a corner of a chunk. It seemed to like it, as the tiny creature swished its wings out and ate with enthusiasm. The poor thing must have been hungry, as it had cleaned the entire bowl within a minute.


    Pearl and Elwin filled out a separate mixing bowl, enough to fill the other snapdragons stomachs. Neither of them were sure just how much they would eat. The snapdragons that were barely bigger than Coral¡¯s cupped hands surely wouldn¡¯t consume much. Elwin offered to be the one to drop the bowl of meat into the crate, wholly unafraid of being singed.


    Pearl did conveniently buy a pair of the smithy¡¯s old gloves. They were much too large for either of Pearl¡¯s or Coral¡¯s hands, though the thickness of the material would benefit them when they had to handle the flammable creatures.


    When the black snapdragon was satiated, that was, when it no longer seemed interested in eating further and its small belly looked much rounder than it had been an hour ago, Coral passed the oversized gloves to Elwin and picked up the little snapdragon. It squirmed a little in her arms, but otherwise looked about with its bright eyes and seemed complacent enough to be carried. Coral carefully held it against her chest, where its little paws gripped onto her blouse and leaving bloody smears across the fabric.


    There was nothing Coral could do about it at this point except for clicking her tongue in frustration, and dab with a damp cloth at the mess. Thanks to the filth curse, she was bound to have something else dirtied by the end of the night. Perhaps she ought to leave it as is.


    Would the curse result in just a small trace of dirt here and there to be fulfilled? Or, if Coral were to leave that small trace of dirt, would the curse accumulate until she was entirely smeared in filth. Coral didn¡¯t like the idea of letting the curse run its course to see just how filthy she got. One morning waking up looking as if she had survived a murder was more than enough. Though, it was hard to tell if that was in thanks to the curse, or purely bad luck.


    When the three of them entered the Winter Salon, the bowl of freshly prepared meat stirred the snapdragons into a frenzy. They scuttled and flapped about, their snouts pressing to the bars, nostrils flaring and tongues lashing as they tasted the air. Coral placed the black snapdragon onto a chair, where it was a little comfier, then assisted Elwin by pulling the crate cover back.


    Elwin opened the crate and placed the bowl inside. Before he could set it down, the snapdragons scrambled up his arms and into the bowl, snarling and biting at the meat and one another. She had been right, thankfully, about the smaller snapdragons not needing anywhere as much to eat as they had assumed. Most were content with a small hand sized slab of meat.


    ¡°Do you think they would like to chew on bones?¡± Pearl asked. She stood a healthy distance back, watching with fascination as a few sparks flittered up into the air.


    ¡°Probably. Can¡¯t hurt to try,¡± Elwin said. He was half bent over the crate, watching as each snapdragon ate their fill.


    ¡°Can I pat one?¡± he asked.


    Coral couldn¡¯t see why not, so she nodded her head yes. Elwin stripped the smithy¡¯s gloves off, dropping them on the floor.


    ¡°Maybe you should keep those on,¡± Pearl said. ¡°They¡¯re looking a little rambunctious right now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be okay. They¡¯re only little,¡± he said confidently. He dipped his bare hand into the crate, and pulled out the long, snake like one. It coiled in his hands, tongue flicking. Elwin stroked its back, and the creature shied away from his touch.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he told it gently, hovering his fingers over its body. ¡°There, see. I¡¯m not going to hurt you.¡±


    Elwin gently ran his fingers across its body, and while the snapdragon didn¡¯t pull away, it still looked quite uncomfortable. The black snapdragon hadn¡¯t seemed bothered at all by Coral¡¯s touch. Nor by Pearl it seemed. It had jumped from the chair and gone to sniff the bottom of Pearl¡¯s skirts.


    The snapdragon in Elwins hand wasn¡¯t keen on being handled. It clamped its jaws around the smallest of Elwin¡¯s fingers, hard enough that it drew blood. Elwin ripped his finger free, clenched his jaw against an outburst and dropped the snapdragon back into the crate.


    ¡°Is it bad?¡± Pearl asked, hurrying up to look. ¡°I¡¯m ever so sorry.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t you who bit me. It barely hurts at all,¡± Elwin said placatingly, brushing aside Pearl¡¯s worry. He spent a moment inspecting his bleeding finger, shrugged and then dipped his hands back into the crate and plucked out the two headed dragon.


    Hadn¡¯t he had enough of one biting head? At least one of them didn¡¯t have any teeth. Coral had seen it gulp whole, unchewed portions of meat down. The other head was content to gnaw on a tough bit of sinew. Coral was sure they must use the same stomach.


    This time, Elwin seemed to have more luck with the creature. Apparently the two headed snapdragon enjoyed light scratches along the ridge of its spine. It arched its back, enjoying the sensation.


    Seeing how Elwin was having some luck, Pearl drew on the pair of gloves and sidled up to the edge of the crate to crouch over the top of it. She was much more cautious in her approach, and picked up a small piece of meat and offered it to the snapdragon with the butterfly wings. She murmured softly to it, which seemed to encourage the creature. It took the proffered piece of meat between its two front feet and held it to its face to eat.


    Pearl looked up at Coral with pure delight. ¡°This one is so pretty. Look at the colour,¡± she said, coaxing the snapdragon away from the others. This didn¡¯t have the result she was looking for, as her piece of meat was a temptation the other snapdragons quickly became interested in. Somehow, the meat Pearl held was far more intriguing and desirable than the meat that was left over in the mixing bowl.


    Both they and the snapdragons steadily became a little more accustomed to one another over the next hour. One did set a pillow alight, and Coral had to quickly stamp it out. Pearl was beside herself with joy as she sat with the butterfly snapdragon in her lap, another squat one perched on her shoulder with its little legs draped over her.


    Elwin had chased the snapdragons around the room several times, to the sheer ecstasy of the creatures. In turn, the snapdragons scampered after Elwin, but began to become too enthusiastic in their game by lunging and snapping at his legs. He almost stepped on them three times before Coral decided that this game of chase shouldn¡¯t be encouraged, lest she end up with a crushed snapdragon or Elwin had to stitch up his leg. He already had a nasty scratch from the snake-like snapdragon which was particularly keen to bite and scratch at Elwin. If Coral didn¡¯t know any better, it looked like the little thing had a personal grudge against him.


    The little black snapdragon was still somehow ending up in rather vicious tussles with the others. It looked like it was having fun, while the smaller ones seemed as though they were determined to pick fights.


    When the snapdragons began to curl up by the fire, and were less interested in playing, Elwin helped to scoop them up and place them in the crate. While Coral was alright with supervised play within the Winter Salon, she did not want them roaming free in the house. The manor would likely be burning down around her before she even had the chance to get Moonflower Inn through its first year.


    The only exception was the little black snapdragon. When left in the crate, it would be picked on by the others within minutes.


    Without a second crate to keep it in, or anything that wasn¡¯t flammable, Coral conceded to letting it stay separated for now. She couldn¡¯t leave it unsupervised. It seemed safe enough to keep it with her for now. At least, it hadn¡¯t tried to light anything on fire or cause too much damage to pillows that had inadvertently ended up as a chew toy. She would just have to find a little box for it to sleep in.


    They bid Elwin farewell when they snapdragons had been tucked comfortably by the fire¡¯s hearth. It was quite late in the evening, and the sun had set hours ago. Elwin, as ever, was unconcerned, and reminded them he was a werewolf who had excellent night vision.


    Coral and Pearl stood in the entrance foyer, watching as Elwin¡¯s silhouette was swallowed up by the darkness.


    ¡°Do you think he will be alright, going home at this late hour? We could have offered him a room to stay the night,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be fine,¡± Coral said, closing the door when she could no longer see him. ¡°He¡¯ll likely turn into a wolf and run back to town. He¡¯ll be back home much faster than you or I can run.¡±


    ¡°Even so, it¡¯s dangerous at night.¡±


    Coral grinned. ¡°What, are you worried that your vampire friend will be chased away?¡±


    Pearls cheeks burned. ¡°Coral!¡±


    Coral nudged Pearl with her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m teasing. Elwin will be fine. He¡¯s an Adventurer¡¯s apprentice. If he can¡¯t walk home in the dark by himself, he shouldn¡¯t be an Adventurer,¡± she assured her.


    ¡°We can invite him over for tea and cake again, and next time be sure to make him leave before it gets dark,¡± she added, when the worry didn¡¯t ease from Pearl.


    Pearl nodded her head reluctantly, then looked at the black snapdragon hanging contentedly from Coral¡¯s arms.


    ¡°What are you going to do with it? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea to leave it on its own.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll put it in my room for the night. Truthfully, I don¡¯t fancy staying in my room on my own right now,¡± Coral looked up through the ceiling, towards the direction of her room. The evening had been so pleasant, and now that Elwin had gone, the manor felt much quieter, even with Pearl by her side.


    She hadn¡¯t told pearl that nightmares were keeping her company most nights since the ghoul slicing her open. Coral suppressed a shiver.


    ¡°Do you want to stay in my room?¡± Pearl asked gently.


    Coral blinked and looked back at Pearl, who was watching her. Understanding and concern shone through her eyes. Coral nodded her head in answer. She wasn¡¯t afraid to be alone, but the comfort of her sister nearby would be most welcome.


    Coral made sure to lock the front door, checking the lock twice before turning to the empty entrance foyer.


    ¡°Do not unlock this door unless I allow it,¡± Coral announced. There was no reply, which satisfied Coral. Even if there hadn¡¯t been any ghosts, she had spoken loud enough for it to travel.


    Once they had doused all the lighting, She and Pearl climbed the stairs to the upper floor, a lamp held aloft for them to see by. Pearl¡¯s bedroom was smaller than Coral¡¯s, though much more comfortable. Pearl had chosen it purely for the soft pink wallpaper, the canopy bed, also with dusty rose drapes woven with silver thread. A pretty vanity table stood to one side, with an array of dried and fresh flowers on display.


    Coral dropped the little black snapdragon down on to the floor, which trotted off eagerly to explore, and went to her own bedroom to change into night clothes. When she returned, Pearl had drawn the curtains closed on the two tall windows and was sitting in bed watching as the black snapdragon wrestled with a decorative pillow that had fallen on the ground. Feathers littered the floor.


    ¡°Something else to add to the list of repairs I see,¡± Coral said. Rather than scooping the mess up back into the pillow, Coral climbed into the bed beside Pearl, cautious of her leg.


    ¡°What are you going to call it?¡± Pearl asked, shuffling down into the blankets.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, I haven¡¯t really thought about it,¡± Coral said, listening to the thumps as the snapdragon pummelled the pillow into the floor.


    ¡°I really like that butterfly snapdragon,¡± Pearl said. ¡°Can I have that one?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re already ours,¡± Coral reminded her.


    ¡°Yes, but I want that one to be just mine. I know you bought the snapdragons for me, thinking they were flowers. But I think I only want just the butterfly one. Besides,¡± she said, as there was a sharp pull on the covers on Coral¡¯s side of the bed. ¡°I think the black one really likes you. The other snapdragons are cute, but they don¡¯t seem to have taken a liking to us as much as the black or butterfly one.¡±


    The snapdragon tugged on the blanket again, then jumped at the bed. It only managed to reach halfway, thumping into the mattress before toppling to the ground. It whimpered, then pressed its front feet to the bed and tried to climb up.


    ¡°No, little one. Go lay down on the pillow, if there¡¯s anything left of it,¡± she told it, gently pushing it from the bedside. It didn¡¯t stay down. It jumped right back at the bed, pawing at the sheets and whimpering some more.


    ¡°You can have the butterfly one, if you want,¡± Coral said, dousing the lamp and laying back down.


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ve already decided on a name. Blossom,¡± Pearl said happily.


    Of course Pearl would pick such a gentle name for a dragon. Coral was glad Pearl couldn¡¯t see her smirk. ¡°Do you know if it¡¯s a boy or a girl?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to tell. I couldn¡¯t see anything typical to tell by. I don¡¯t mind either way. I¡¯ve settled on Blossom.¡±


    The black snapdragon was insistent on getting up on the bed, it tugged on the blanket, whimpering and whining when it couldn¡¯t reach the top of the mattress. Coral could barely see it at all in the dark, but she could hear its little wings flapping as it tried to find its way up. Coral stuck her hand out of the blanket and gently pushed it back down again.


    ¡°Did you find any books on pseudo dragons?¡±


    ¡°I did. Its in my basket. I also got you a spell book too,¡± Pearl said. ¡°I thought it would come in useful, and I know you¡¯ve been interested in magic. There¡¯s no reason why you can¡¯t start learning now.¡±


    Coral pulled the blankets up to her nose as she settled deeper into the pillows. ¡°I suppose I could. Though I don¡¯t know if I will even have the time.¡±


    They fell quiet, listening with waning patience as the snapdragon continued to cry on the floor. Pearl shifted to get more comfortable and pressed her cold feet to Coral¡¯s leg. She winced, shifted about and stuck a pillow between them both. Pearl was a restless sleeper, often kicking in her sleep and stealing any space in the bed. Still, her presence was like a warm beacon in the dark room, holding back the memories of the ghoul from creeping into her thoughts.


    Coral only lasted five minutes before she felt too guilty for leaving the baby snapdragon to sleep on the floor. She huffed as she lifted it up, and let it find its own place to sleep on top of the bed. It curled up at her feet, warm enough that she felt the heat through the blanket. With the room quiet, Coral fell asleep quickly, content and warm.

 A Mark Of Survival

    Resigned to what Coral thought of as house arrest while her leg healed, she waged war against the dust in the manor. She swept, dusted, mopped, rinsed and wiped down any surface she could reach. Pearl had objected at this activity at first, but when it was obvious that Coral was getting around perfectly fine, her sister relented to Coral¡¯s studious approach to cleaning up the manor.


    The grand staircase was a little tricky to clean, though she was thankful that the only dust that settled upon the banister was from opening the velvet drapes. What was trickier, was discovering that the snapdragons had decided to make a nest in the back of one of the chairs. A large hole had been ripped open; the padding shredded to form a comfortable layer for several of the little creatures. What was more, was that she had found the buttons from pillows had been torn off, though she couldn¡¯t find them anywhere.


    She really hoped they hadn¡¯t eaten them.


    She spent a half a day attempting to fix the chair, restuffing, mending the wooden frame and carefully sewing the seams together with tiny stitches to minimise the obvious repair. Many of the snapdragons had tried to rip the seam back open to get to their little nest, which Coral promptly deposited them into the crate for some time out. Except, this method hadn¡¯t worked at all. While she had been diligently working away at the back of the chair, the other snapdragons that hadn¡¯t been bothering her, had decided to take the opportunity to rip into the front of the chair, and make a whole new nest.


    On seeing the stuffing spilled out across the floor, the very large tear in the seats cushion and three content snapdragons curled up in little balls at its centre, Coral gave the whole thing up as a complete waste of time and let the naughty things keep the chair. She could always find another from somewhere in the house, whether it matched or not was an entirely different matter.


    This incidence did prompt Coral to cease her restless cleaning and open the book on pseudo dragons. She read the whole thing, only to become increasingly dissatisfied in the lack of information on how to care for the creatures. At least now she knew that pseudo dragons were more likely to make themselves a little den rather than their larger counterparts.


    The book gave a brief description of the types of snapdragons, their behaviours, and occasionally providing illustrations. There was a full page with a detailed, coloured drawing that helped Coral identify which was the trailing variety of the pseudo dragons. The book described them as serpentine, the illustration showing a mature version of the snake-like snapdragon that was currently perched atop the fireplace poker. Coral stared at the picture, then compared it to the real-life version, noting how the adult had large, elongated scales along its back, then smoothed out down by its haunches, and then fanned out again at the tip of its tail. It almost looked like it would grow long fur at the tip.


    The Night and Day pseudo dragons weren¡¯t two different kinds. They earned their name by their appearance depending on the time of the day. It eventually would grow completely translucent, and would appear lighter during the day, and darker at night, matching the glow of light that shone on it.


    Candy snapdragons shone a beautiful iridescent colour that was everchanging. Dwarf snapdragons were adorably squat and thick, Coral had seen two of those. Pearl had been pleased to learn that they particularly liked gardens and were good at digging out unwanted weeds, if they were taught what to look for. Frosted Flames was clearly an ice snapdragon, and it had been the singularly pearlescent one that had taken to finding the cooler nooks of the crate whenever Coral had checked in on them. She hadn¡¯t seen this one shoot little sparks of fire either.


    Coral took note that generally, snapdragons were carnivorous, there were a few exceptions to the rule. The Butterfly snapdragons, the one Pearl had named Blossom, favoured nectar from flowers. This proved true enough when Pearl presented a moonflower to Blossom. The creature stuffed its head into the centre, licking up the pollen from the flower¡¯s centre. Pearl took considerable pleasure in watching this and had declared that she had chosen a most excellent name.


    There was no mention of black snapdragons in the book. Coral spent some time going through the descriptions of each kind. There were many more listed, though none that gave the description of an entirely black snapdragon, which had taken up following her around as she moved about. She thought there was a possibility that it could have been the intermediate kind, where it grew to be notably larger than other snapdragons. Though, as most of the snapdragons hardly grew no bigger than thirty centimetres in length, and twenty centimetres in height to the shoulder, the black snapdragon already surpassed this size. In fact, this week alone Coral was sure it had already grown another inch.


    Thankfully, the book had emphasised that a good relationship could be built between human and snapdragons based on clear communication and trust. Exactly how, it hadn¡¯t provided any real details on how to achieve this.


    Snapdragons were smart, so in theory, they would be able to understand words and directions. This was what led to Coral spending regular intervals trying to teach them simple commands such as sit and stay, very much like training a dog, only these creatures had a penchant for biting not only her own hands, but anything they could get their mouth around. Including each other and especially the black snapdragon. Coral had to gently clean a rather large scratch down the black snapdragon¡¯s haunch, all the while giving her sad, innocent eyes as though it hadn¡¯t decided to initiate the fight between the smaller of its kind. Coral conceded that it may have only wanted to play, and it had begun well enough. At first the others had joined in on the fun, but the black snapdragon didn¡¯t quite relent when the others showed signs that they didn¡¯t like being pinned to the ground or tossed about a lot farther and harder than its crate mates could.


    She did have some success. She had managed to get all of them to sit, tempting them with small chunks of beef as a reward. What Coral couldn¡¯t compare with was mice hunting. Which was fantastic news for her. Having a small cluster of snapdragons to hunt down mice worked out quite nicely. As soon as any tiny patter of noise from a mouse was evident, it caught the immediate attention of all the snapdragons and a frenzy would begin to catch it, and then eat the poor thing. Never mind if she had already stuffed a piece of meat into one of the mouths of the snapdragons. Mice hunting was an irresistible pull for them. At least it would be quick for the mouse, one snap of sharp little teeth and its life was cut short. At least, if the others got to it before the two-headed snapdragon, one head didn¡¯t quite seem to have any teeth yet and just chewed at it with a crushing force that made Coral wince to watch. The second head had a single fang to puncture at the very least.


    She was going to have to come up with names to refer to them all. Coral couldn¡¯t keep referring to them as ¡°the black snapdragon¡±, or the more commonly used ¡°little shits¡±. Did the two-headed snapdragon need one name or two?


    The ghosts hadn¡¯t been entirely quiet since their little conversation in the kitchen. Coral still caught ghostly silhouettes skittering through the corridors and darting out of sight. There would be the occasional mishap, where a candelabra was pushed from a table, or a pillow thrown across the room and aimed right at one of the snapdragons to stir them up. As this happened in the winter salon, Coral suspected it was Mr. Egbert, who had taken issue with her keeping them inside the house.


    He could disagree all he wanted, as this was Coral and Pearl¡¯s home now, and if she wanted a potential fire hazard in her manor, then that¡¯s exactly what she was going to do. She would tell Mr. Egbert to go elsewhere if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that she knew he couldn¡¯t.


    At least the front door had stopped becoming mysteriously unlocked.


    Pearl had encouraged Coral to read the simple spell book she had purchased for her. Coral just didn¡¯t seem to find the time to do so until late in the evenings, and as she had worn herself out from the vigorous cleaning, she would fall asleep well before she even got through the first few pages. She would get around to it, but she had so much work to do what with cleaning and caring for the snapdragons, which required far too many toilet breaks and mending of broken or ripped things in their wake, that she simply didn¡¯t have time for it. Which was ironic as normally people who were on the mend tend to have a lot more time on their hands to lay about while their body healed. Coral couldn¡¯t stand sitting about while she stared at the mould on the ceiling.


    The mould situation was improving, in thanks to the tincture she spread on it. The mould remover was liberally applied to the corners of the Winter Salon and eradicated that problem. All in all, the Winter Salon was becoming rather cosy, despite the now mismatched chairs. From what she could tell, the mould was a result of being exposed to the weather, rather than from any dampness in the  foundations. Though, she hadn¡¯t gone down to the basement to look for any further evidence. She would wait until she could convince Silas to come help her.


    If he found it in his heart to help her, that was. Coral had sent Pearl to town four days in while she was house bound, in search of Silas. She had hoped Pearl¡¯s soft nature would appeal to Silas¡¯s need to be a hero and assist her. Pearl had returned only with a fresh bag of flour, sugar, milk and other baking assortments, having visited the Witching Flour bakery, and a rather solemn shake of her head. Pearl hadn¡¯t been able to find him at all. She had asked around The Dog¡¯s House and was told that Silas was off somewhere, and no one seemed to know when he would be returning or could tell her where he had went. They could say that he had left the day after he had gone out hunting the ghoul.


    Coral didn¡¯t know if this soothed her worry or not. She would have thought it polite in the least for Silas to have visited her once while she was healing from her injuries. He had been responsible for her safety, and she had been sliced up like an apple. Pearl did mumble something about him waiting to find out how she was while she was feverish. Or that he didn¡¯t leave until her fever finally broke. Coral ignored this, as it was the principle of the thing that he hadn¡¯t checked in on her himself. It was just plain rude.


    Pearls trip to town wasn¡¯t completely futile. She had begun to bake in earnest, having found a recipe book from somewhere within the manor. The book was quite old and dated, but the almond slice and honey cake she made was sumptuous. She had also sought out Mr. Wiggy, to enquire about his services. He was unfortunately already very busy and had almost refused to even consider working for them until Pearl politely pointed out that they could make it worth his while, with guaranteed work in the months well after mid-winter.


    Pearl looked a little concerned when she told Coral this, as they didn¡¯t have plenty of coin to employ a carpenter full time. Coral wasn¡¯t too concerned. If what she had learned of Direwood becoming overrun with Adventurer¡¯s before mid-winter, then they were sure to make some money. That was if she could have the ghosts under control or removed by then. The last thing they could afford was rumours spreading to the far corners of the kingdom from Adventurer¡¯s who have spent a few nights at her Inn, only to be disturbed by ghosts during their rest.


    By the time the week was ending, Coral was eager for a long walk outside. Her leg had healed up, though the skin was still rather pink beneath the stitches. There was also a residual uncomfortable feeling whenever she touched the scarring. Coral had settled down on Pearl¡¯s bed to read the spellbook, the nameless black snapdragon settling down on the end of the bed for a little nap after a very long and rambunctious play session she had with it, when there was a distant but unmistakable knock at the front door. Coral dropped the book back onto the bed, and the black snapdragon became alert and stared at the bedroom door.


    ¡°Come on, lets go see who it is,¡± she said, hoping that it was either Mr. Wiggy, or possibly Silas that had come calling. Coral made her way down to the landing, where she had a perfect view of the front door swinging open to admit a slightly confused looking Doctor Thornheart.


    ¡°Hello?¡± the woman called out, taking a few steps inside.


    ¡°Doctor Thornheart, welcome,¡± Coral called out in greeting. It wasn¡¯t lost on her that she was standing at the top of the grand staircase and probably appeared astutely grandiose, dressed in a rather lovely dress of plum silk that draped from her shoulders that emphasised her figure. It was rather suitable for an evening meal, not for lounging as she had done. It was the only dress to wear, aside from a nightrobe while her much more comfortable and suitable clothes were drying after being freshly washed. The clothes that she had been wearing were thoroughly soaked, and somehow managed to get mud all over them. Her fingers were still pink from all the scrubbing. She also, for once, looked the picture of a refined lady with her hair pinned back in an intricate bun, with a few moonflowers tucked into the pin curls Pearl had done minutes after Coral had changed. Pearl was nowhere to be found now and was most likely in the kitchen or somewhere outside.


    Coral descended the stairs, and met Doctor Thornheart in the entrance foyer, resolutely ignoring how the door swung closed seemingly by itself.


    ¡°Lady Seaver,¡± Doctor Thornheart said, curtseying politely. ¡°I¡¯ve come to see how you are doing, it¡¯s about time your stitches come out.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good. This way, if you please,¡± Coral said, gesturing for Doctor Thornheart to take the stairs. Coral led her up to her bedroom, all the while the little black snapdragon taking enthusiastic leaps and bounds to get ahead of them.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve acquired a new friend. What¡¯s its name?¡± Doctor Thornheart asked, almost tripping as the black snapdragon raced along in front of her.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have a name yet, I¡¯m still deciding. We have a few more, one of which is called Blossom. Pearl is quite taken with it.¡±


    ¡°How many do you have?¡±


    ¡°Twelve,¡± Coral said lightly, twisting the handle to her bedroom and entering.


    ¡°Twelve,¡± Doctor Thornheart said, raising her eyebrows. ¡°That¡¯s an undertaking. Sit down please.¡±


    Coral sat on her bed, subtly nudging the small chunk of black crystal with her elbow from the bedside table so that it fell out of sight. The black snapdragon busied itself with snuffling about beneath the bed, then curled up by her feet.


    Doctor Thornheart set her heavy brown bag down on the floor and gestured for Coral to expose her leg. She pursed her lips as she squinted down at the healed flesh, then nodded her head in affirmation that it was time to remove the stitches. She worked quickly, the plucking and pulling nowhere near as irritating as it had been putting up with the healing process. When she was done, Coral was disheartened to see the long, pink lines streaked across her thigh. Her first real scar, and it was this monstrosity. From almost hip and down to knee, four long streaks marred her once perfect skin, with a small fifth mark as a last insult. From each slash, there were still the spidery veining where the infection had spread, still pink as ever. She was lucky to have lived, there was no denying that. Still, there was a part of her that mourned her blemish free skin.


    She knew distantly that she was being silly. That she was alive, which was more than what Mr. Claysend had gotten. She should be grateful. Yet, these sensible thoughts did nothing to dissuade the swell of bitter emotions roiling through her.


    ¡°Will the scarring go away?¡± Coral asked, folding her dress back down to a respectable manner.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°It will fade, but I don¡¯t think it will ever go away. Not without magical intervention. I can conduct such a service, but it doesn¡¯t come cheap,¡± Doctor Thornheart said. She studiously packed away the tools she had used in a separate bag, then stashed them away into the brown bag she carried with her.


    ¡°How much, exactly?¡± Coral asked, mentally bracing herself to hear a disastrous amount.


    Doctor Thornheart snapped her bag closed. ¡°Five hundred gold. That sort of healing work requires a lot of power and time. I only ever offer this sort of thing to people in dire need for a minimal fee. Say, for instance, someone who has had their face melted off from getting on the bad side of a Sunglow Spider. Permanent disfigurement on a ten-year-old is a hard thing to see.¡±


    Doctor Thornheart frowned at Coral in a discerning sort of way. Her pretty brown eyes cutting straight through to the core of Coral, giving her the feeling that Doctor Thornheart was seeing more than what she was saying.


    ¡°This is not a disfigurement, Lady Seaver. What you did, was both very brave and very stupid,¡± Doctor Thornheart said frankly. ¡°It¡¯s proof that you¡¯ve survived. That you can heal from an ordeal. They are not flaws, simply a mark that you have lived and are still alive, that you have pulled yourself back together in the face of trauma.¡±


    ¡°When you live out here, where monsters are a very real threat, it touches as all. You see signs of it everywhere, on our homes. On our flesh and in our hearts.¡±


    She stepped back and pulled the sleeve of her blouse up, her skin raised with gooseflesh from the chill in the air. At the crook of her elbow was a jagged cut, the skin raised, and disappeared further up her arm, hidden beneath her sleeve.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t bothered smoothing out my own. Seldom few people who dabble on the dangerous side of the kingdom are unscathed. I find this acts as a reminder to be more vigilant and to be faster next time around. That I survived. I like to think of it as a badge of honour,¡± Doctor Thornheart said, looking down at the scar across her arm. ¡°I don¡¯t think I could find it in myself to ever cover this up.¡±


    ¡°Is it rude of me to ask how that happened?¡± Coral said hesitantly.


    Doctor Thornheart rolled her sleeve back down and shivered slightly. It had gotten quite cool over the last minute or so.


    ¡°Last year in the Night of the Undead. I was glad to not count myself among the fallen that night,¡± Doctor Thornheart said. ¡°Serves me right for being out in the thick of things when I should have been in the Guild, doing my mending there. Mr. Applebard won¡¯t let me hear the end of it. A good thing too, it comes with a reminder to not make stupid choices.¡±


    She gave Coral a meaningful look then. Coral took it for it¡¯s worth. It wasn¡¯t admonishment. It was simply that Doctor Thornheart was offering her silent advice to think more carefully and to act smarter. It was the kind of look she would have wanted from a friend. It warmed her a little then, knowing that Doctor Thornheart cared enough to even offer such communication.


    There was no point in explaining to her the reasons for what drove Coral into such a situation in the first place. Neither did Doctor Thornheart pry, which was more than what Coral could say for herself.


    Coral could respect that. It made her feel a little better about the raw, red slashes across her thigh. The veining hadn¡¯t gone away, and the skin felt odd under her touch. But she could think of it as a mark of survival. Even, a badge of honour, as Doctor Thornheart had put it. Coral had managed to endure the mistreatment from her father, and now, she had survived a monster feared by experienced Adventurer¡¯s. The marks left from these experiences wasn¡¯t something she should be ashamed of.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Coral said earnestly, putting as much feeling into those two words as she could. ¡°For everything.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me just yet. I haven¡¯t charged you for those healing salves,¡± Doctor Thornheart said light-heartedly. ¡°Nor to remove that curse I can see that¡¯s been set on you.¡±


    ¡°You can see that?¡± Coral asked, relieved.


    ¡°Naturally. I am a witch,¡± Doctor Thornheart said sharply. ¡°It will be easy enough to remove, except I¡¯m afraid to say that it will be some time before I would be able to conduct the appropriate counter-curse. There are a few ingredients I need, and I am in short supply.¡±


    This came as no surprise. As winter approached, the roads became icier, and travel harder, which made goods harder to come by. While Coral had resigned herself to having to ration sugar and spices, she hadn¡¯t considered medicine or herbs witches would need. There was still the Dire River as a means of transportation, though Coral was unsure if it froze over during the colder months. The water ran deep, and in some parts, rather fast. But if Adventurer¡¯s were able to arrive to Direwood for a midwinter slaughter-fest, then surely someone would be able to bring what they needed.


    They discussed what Doctor Thornheart would need to remove the filth curse. Simply put, Coral had to cleanse herself of any residual infections, germs, and other unfavourable thing to the human body. Then, Doctor Thornheart would be able to pull the curse from her, though it sounded as if it was more of an extraction rather than dissolving the magic.


    The door to the bedroom burst open. Doctor Thornheart whirled about; her hand raised with a sphere of glowing light crackling in her palm. With a squeak, Pearl fell through the doorway, her face stricken as she tried to catch herself. She stumbled a few steps then finally lost balance and landed heavily on the floor.


    Both Doctor Thornheart and Coral stared at the sudden intrusion. The light in Doctor Thornheart¡¯s hand dissipated, and she swooped down to help Pearl.


    It looked very much like Pearl had been thrown into the room. In fact, Coral was certain that was exactly what had happened.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Doctor Thornheart asked.


    ¡°I, uh, well,¡± Pearl stammered, looking fearful as she stood straight again. Her eyes found Coral standing at the bedside. ¡°I¡¯m not hurt, just a little shaken up I think.¡±


    Beside Coral, the black snapdragon had become alert and was staring intently at the door. The small scales running from the back of its head down to its shoulders were raised, its wings tucked in tight about its round body, and it stood perfectly still as its button eyes focused on something Coral couldn¡¯t see. Pearl took a step back, knocking into the door, which made it swing back into its frame. There was a resolute click as the lock on the door engaged.


    With growing suspicion, Coral crossed the room and tried to turn the handle and confirmed for herself that the door was indeed locked. Gritting her teeth, she rattled the doorknob again for good measure, silently cursing the two ghosts she suspected were behind this. Alvis Borthwell and Cicero Bramer, the two who had served as footmen in the Rayner¡¯s household staff were obviously up to something. Had they stayed relatively quiet this week to lull her into a false sense of security?


    Is this what living with ghosts was going to be like from this moment on?


    She¡¯ll be certain to take care of this right away. She had a visitor, and this was the exact moment they had decided they were going to make their presence known. Coral had to bite down harder on her tongue, so she didn¡¯t start lashing out impolite words in front of Doctor Thornheart.


    This would be awful for her Inn¡¯s reputation.


    ¡°It¡¯s locked,¡± Coral managed to grind out with some effort. She went to dig around in her skirts for the ring of keys she kept on her, only to realise she didn¡¯t have them. This dress didn¡¯t have a hidden pocket. She had put them down on Pearl¡¯s vanity dresser earlier. She had completely forgotten to fetch them when she went to answer the front door.


    She turned to the two women standing behind her, as if either of them could magically produce the keys from their own pockets. They stared back at her, Pearl, who looked like a frightened mouse, and Doctor Thornheart who appeared to be bewildered at being locked in the bedroom with them.


    ¡°I could break the lock, if you don¡¯t have another option,¡± Doctor Thornheart offered, peering at the door.


    Coral did not want to add yet another thing to the list of items that needed mending. They needed locks on the bedroom doors, and having never installed one herself, she didn¡¯t want to find out she was hopeless at doing so before she could hire Mr. Wiggy¡¯s help.


    Behind Doctor Thornheart¡¯s back, she could see the bathroom door had begun to creak open. Hoping to cover the noise, Coral said loudly, ¡°I think I have a spare key I keep in the bathroom,¡± and hurried over to the opening doorway.


    Coral closed the door behind her, turned and looked at her harried reflection in the cracked mirror above the basin. ¡°What are you playing at,¡± she hissed to the room.


    While she had become accustomed to silence as her answer when she spoke directly to the ghosts she assumed were there, it came as a shock to hear scratching against the walls. She looked around the sink, up and across the mirror¡¯s surface and wooden frame. The hideous lime green curtain didn¡¯t flutter, nor did anything else stir for that matter. She listened hard while trying to discover the source of the scratching. There, across the room at the clawfoot bathtub, just above her first scratched message, a second word was being etched into the wall.


    Coral stared as the last few letters seemingly formed.


    ¡°Beware,¡± Coral breathed. Her anger dissipating.


    ¡°Beware of what, exactly?¡± Coral said crossing her arms, though, her showmanship wasn¡¯t quite up to her usual standards. She didn¡¯t feel confident enough to be tetchy with an unknown ghost providing an ominous warning. Was this a warning to be wary, or was this a threat against herself?


    This better not be some ridiculous trick they were playing on her out of boredom. Did ghosts become bored?


    Coral waited a moment, watching the space above the word. Nothing appeared. She huffed, unfolded her arms, and let them flop to her sides. If they were going to play silly games, she better get Doctor Thornheart out of the manor before she noticed anything too unusual.


    Coral did not, in fact, keep a spare key in the bathroom. She did however have a small collection of hairpins she kept in the bathroom. She collected a few, adjusted her dress then opened the door with a little more composure and an apologetic smile plastered on her face. If it weren¡¯t for years of practice, it would have been rather difficult to hide her concern.


    ¡°I¡¯ve misplaced the key. Not to worry, I can get us out of here,¡± Coral said. She crossed back over to the door and inserted the hair pin.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Pearl asked, sounding confused.


    ¡°Unlocking the door,¡± Coral explained, squinting slightly at the keyhole.


    Coral inserted the first hairpin to tension the lock then used a second to rake it back and forth. She hadn¡¯t done this in quite some time and felt out of practice. Coral had become quite accomplished at picking locks growing up with a father that liked to keep her out of things. Though, this did put her in mind of acquiring better locks. Or should she look into using magic as an alternative to the more traditional lock and key?


    After a moment, the lock popped open with a click. She stepped back, turned the handle, and the door swung open.


    Pearl looked at her reproachfully. ¡°When did you learn to do that?¡± she said, sounding both impressed and irritated.


    ¡°Oh, a while ago,¡± Coral said airily. ¡°Besides, look how useful it¡¯s been. The manor has been neglected for so long that things like this happen more often than I care for. It is highly inconvenient, and something I intend to remedy.¡±


    Coral strode out of her room, shoulders set, and her head held high with dignity. She walked fast, which left no room for Pearl or Doctor Thornheart to linger in her bedroom without her. They hurried to catch up to her as she made for the stairs. The little black snapdragon was already happily panting by her heels.


    The corridor that led onwards had grown darker, as though all the colour had been leached from all surfaces. Coral almost lost her footing as she reached the landing. A tall woman stood facing the door to the nursery, her hand raised up and stroking the door, her other clutching at the skirt of her shadowy dress. The material spilled down her figure in soft undulating waves. Her long blonde hair was half falling from the delicate bun atop her head.


    Coral hadn¡¯t seen her before. The transparency to the woman¡¯s edges was a sure sign that she was not a part of the physical world. Taking this all in her stride and hoping Pearl did not notice the strange, incorporeal woman staring at the nursery door, Coral hurried down the stairs a little too fast for propriety¡¯s sake.


    When she reached the entrance foyer, the front door was already ajar and waiting. Coral stepped out first, turned sharply and ushered Pearl and Doctor Thornheart out. The pleasant expression she was holding on her face was starting to feel rather fixed.


    The abruptness of Coral¡¯s dismissal of Doctor Thornheart was not lost on her, and she hoped, after the kindness that the woman had shown her earlier, that she did not take offense.


    ¡°Thank you again for your house call. Now that I am no longer confined to rest, I¡¯m quite eager to stretch my legs. Allow me to escort you to the end of the drive,¡± Coral said.


    Doctor Thornheart nodded her head, as though she expected this sort of behaviour. ¡°I understand. I struggle myself with staying still whenever I¡¯m resting. Though, be sure to not overexert yourself. Gentle exercise to begin with, if you please. If you feel any unpleasantness, swelling, blisters or the veining begins to grow, be sure to fetch either myself or Mr. Norwood.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Coral said wholeheartedly. The thought of possible blisters was a wholly unpleasant notion. She stepped down the few steps to the drive, the black snapdragon already bounding off. She let it be, it always stayed within eyesight of her, she assumed, as it was actually quite hard to find when it scuffled about in bushes, and always came trotting back in search of her.


    Pearl trailed behind them, looking back anxiously every few steps at the manor. If Doctor Thornheart had noticed anything, she was polite enough to not say so. She could only hope if she had suspected any ghostly activity, she kept it to herself. Discretion was expected of doctors after all, though, that was for medical history rather than possibly haunted manors.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to send out an invitation to you to join me for supper,¡± Coral said warmly. ¡°To thank you, for all your help.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a pleasure, Lady Seaver, think nothing of it,¡± Doctor Thornheart said with a quick curtsey.


    Coral swung the gate open and waved off Doctor Thornheart. The woman had arrived by foot. While it wasn¡¯t a long walk, carrying her medical bag all the way to Moonflower Inn from town would be heavy. Ideally, she would have liked to have a carriage to allow easy travel for her guests to arrive in comfort. It was another thing to add to her growing list.


    When Doctor Thornheart was some distance down the road, Coral turned to Pearl.


    ¡°Are you really alright?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Pearl wailed. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to intrude. I was. Well. I don¡¯t really know what happened. I was heading towards my room, and then the next moment I couldn¡¯t move. Except I was moving. I felt my whole body lift, and then I was pulled down to your room. I couldn¡¯t yell out or anything, it was all so sudden.¡±


    Pearl¡¯s eyebrows pinched together as she turned to look back at the manor once again.


    ¡°I think I need to take a trip into town sooner than later,¡± Coral said, watching Pearl. It was one thing, to have the ghosts¡¯ trouble herself, it was an entirely different matter when they dared to manhandle Pearl.


    ¡°Town!¡± Pearl snapped, looking shocked that Coral would suggest such a thing. ¡°Whatever for! Coral, I was just. Oh, I don¡¯t know what. Harassed by ghosts? I couldn¡¯t do a thing to stop them. Surely this is more important.¡±


    ¡°To find Silas. He seems rather closed lipped, and I want to keep this haunting as quiet as possible,¡± Coral explained.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Pearl said, her shoulders relaxing a little. ¡°He¡¯s away, I don¡¯t know when he will be back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to be insistent that he calls on us as soon as possible. I¡¯ll leave a note and come to town every day if I must.¡± Coral was determined to be as relentless as possible to get the help she wanted.


    ¡°Come here you,¡± she said, catching the black snapdragon up before it could wander off too far down the road. ¡°Let¡¯s put the dragons away safely before leaving.¡±


    ¡°Would it be safe for them, do you think?¡± Pearl asked worriedly.


    ¡°The ghosts only locked us in the room. As far as I¡¯m concerned, that¡¯s an overstep on their welcome.¡±


    Coral cradled the wriggling snapdragon in her arms, unwilling to let it go. She did briefly wonder if perhaps they should temporarily place them in one of the outbuildings, then quickly dashed away that thought. The ghosts would be able to reach them if they wanted to. The only place for them where they would be undisturbed would be off the manor¡¯s grounds. That unfortunately wasn¡¯t an option, as the snapdragons would be exposed to anyone or anything that come along and take them.


    Coral and Pearl made their way quickly back to the manor. The front door wasn¡¯t locked, the handle twisted easily, except it did not budge one inch.


    ¡°Not again,¡± Pearl sighed, stepping back to look about the manor. ¡°Why are they doing this?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Coral muttered, staring hard at the door. ¡°Let us in,¡± she demanded, smacking a hand against the wooden door. When this didn¡¯t produce the result she wanted, Coral handed the snapdragon to Pearl, clutched at the doorhandle and shoved. The door refused to open. She put more weight behind a second shove, then a third.


    This was ridiculous. At this rate, she should march down to Crowcaller and ask to borrow her glaive. If she swung Blacktalon about in all the rooms, surely she¡¯d snatch one ghost.


    ¡°Mr. Bramer, Mr. Borthwell, this is highly inappropriate,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Perhaps we should try the back, through the kitchen,¡± Pearl suggested.


    ¡°No, that will be useless. They¡¯ll just bar that door too,¡± Coral stepped back and thought for a moment about what to do.


    The snapdragons hadn¡¯t burnt anything down yet, confined to the Winter Salon as they were. She had grown confident enough to leave them be unsupervised in the room for short periods during the day. While yes, she had to accept some wear and tear from their exploration with their mouths and scratches from their talons, that was typical of any pet, they hadn¡¯t caused too much damage. It was warm in the room, and while not ideal in the current circumstances, they were at least comfortable.


    ¡°I think we¡¯ll leave them be, for now. We won¡¯t be too long. Unless one of us climbs through a window. I don¡¯t particularly want to replace more glass.¡±


    ¡°But, what if something happens to Blossom, or one of the other snapdragons?¡±


    ¡°The ghosts haven¡¯t purposely harmed anyone. For now, I¡¯m going to assume that this is still the case,¡± Coral said, taking the black snapdragon back. It clawed at her, and she winced a little as she felt her skin smart against its talons. Coral encouraged it to climb up so that it could perch itself across the back of her shoulders. It was a little awkward, it had grown quite a lot, and it kept flapping one of its wings into her face.


    Coral picked up her skirts, keeping one hand up as bracing support for the snapdragon, and made for Direwood. The state of her dress was going to be in shambles if she couldn¡¯t keep the hem from dragging along the ground. Pearl helped a little, gathering the dress where it fell, and then tucked it beneath Coral¡¯s bent arm. Her shins were exposed, but she would have to make do if she didn¡¯t want the filth curse to stain the dress.

 Sugar, spice and artefacts

    Coral did not have any better luck finding Silas than Pearl had. They walked from one end of the village to the other and did not find a trace of him. Direwood was far busier than she had expected. People were busy unloading carts of goods that had arrived either by boat or caravan. Three travelling vendors, heavily surrounded both by interested customers and hired guards all who looked a little worse for wear, had set up right along the street¡¯s edge. They were all travel worn. The hired guards¡¯ armour was scratched, dented and filthy, and the vendors, though clearly scrubbed up and far cleaner, had a bedraggled look as though they had ridden hard all night to be here. Which was a perfectly viable possibility, considering the next town over, Epril, was at least a week¡¯s ride away.


    Their caravans were a burst of colour against the backdrop of Direwoods grey stone walls. One vendor had bolts of cloth on display, ranging from soft cotton, wool, leather and sturdier fabrics suitable for harder work out in the field. There were no silks or velvets, much to Pearl¡¯s disappointment. Coral on the other hand thought that they knew their business well. Most of Direwood¡¯s residents would not earn coin enough to buy luxuries such as silk, nor would they often have a use for that kind of fabric except on special occasions when their best finery would be pulled from the depths of their cupboards and aired for use. Those that did have the coin, were far more likely to pay for the cost of shipping.


    The vendor also had a small array of clothing, a jumbled mix of styles collected from other towns on their way through. Most were second hand, carefully mended by the vendors wife. Clearly, their best seller was the well-used and scuffed armour. It drew the attention of the people on the streets, most stopping to take a look at what was available. A father held up a thickly padded gambeson coat against his son who couldn¡¯t be older than eight, where it fell well past his knees.


    ¡°It¡¯s too big,¡± the boy complained with a pained look.


    ¡°Quiet, you¡¯ll wear it if I tell you to,¡± the father grumbled back. The boy scowled and looked away, mouthing something silently as his father¡¯s attention was focused on passing a handful of coins to the vendor. The boy shuffled away, leaving a clear view of the wares.


    A pair of high-waisted trousers caught Coral¡¯s attention and she came closer to inspect them. They were a charcoal grey, and in a fabric that wouldn¡¯t stain as easily, even if it was a little rougher to the touch than she was used to. That wouldn¡¯t matter if it allowed her to move about freely. Chores would be easier if she didn¡¯t have to contend with her skirts. After much deliberation, during which time three more people came and went with a new protective piece of clothing. They had all given Coral a wide berth as the black snapdragon still coiled around her shoulders became interested in what they were doing.


    Coral decided she could spare a few copper coins on the pants. It did take away from the funds to repair and improve the rooms, but it was a better investment than having to constantly scrub stains from her skirts. She passed over seventeen copper coins, and ignored the wide-eyed look Pearl was giving her. Trousers were something Pearl wouldn¡¯t ever put on.


    The other two venders had begun to shout out their wares to the street, opening one side of their caravan and displaying spices and sugar that wouldn¡¯t be seen for months. When winter arrived, the roads iced over and made traveling difficult. Coral and Pearl hadn¡¯t gone too far down the road before they stopped at one of these vendors to buy sugar. A completely necessary and important ingredient if Pearl was going to continue baking.


    Pearl approached the vender with an eager smile. ¡°I only want a kilo or two. How much would-¡°


    ¡°Get your sugar from Cravings and Delirium,¡± interrupted a woman who came bustling up to them.


    Coral had seen the woman working in Witching Flour before, though she hadn¡¯t spoken to her. It appeared the woman had already bought out the sugar and flour from the other traveling vendors, judging by the fact that she already carried a large sack over her shoulder. A young apprentice stood several feet back, face shining with sweat as he balanced several of his own large sacks in his arms.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take the lot,¡± said the woman, brandishing a cloth pouch at the vendor. She was a robust, greying woman who still wore an apron with a dusting of flour.


    The vendor, a man with a rather impressive moustache and balding head smiled at the woman. ¡°Mrs. Gianna, a pleasure to see your face after a harrowing trip,¡± simpered the man.


    ¡°Yes, yes. The sugar,¡± implored Mrs. Gianna, shaking the pouch so the coins clinked.


    ¡°Just a moment Ma¡¯am,¡± Pearl said gently. ¡°I¡¯d like to get my portion of sugar first.¡±


    ¡°Go elsewhere,¡± Mrs. Gianna said callously, then turned back towards the vendor.


    Pearl had a stricken look on her face as she stared at the woman. Coral had expected this sort of behaviour as they drew closer to winter, though it wasn¡¯t easy watching Pearl take offense to the woman¡¯s selfishness.


    If Coral hurried, she might be able to purchase a small batch of stinging root and sprinkle that into the woman¡¯s hair. A few days of Mrs. Gianna suffering an itchy rash and the possibility of customers wanting to avoid what appeared to be lice would be a nice little revenge on her sister¡¯s behalf.


    The vendor took the proffered pouch and spent a moment to look inside while weighing with his hand. ¡°I¡¯ve ten sacks of flour and seven of the sugar. I¡¯ll do you a deal and you can have all for a silver and fifty-five copper.¡±


    ¡°A silver and fifty-five!¡± The woman scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s hardly better than Craving¡¯s and Delirium.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a hard few weeks. Lost half my wares here to hobgoblins and had to pay this lot extra for their efforts,¡± the vendor gestured to the weary guards who had taken the moment to lean against the caravan. They looked half-dead on their feet. One had a nasty cut along his cheek, and another had a large bite that encircled their entire forearm. Parts of it was badly stitched.


    ¡°Best head to the Widow¡¯s Poison to take a look at that bite. It looks infected,¡± said the moustached vendor. ¡°I need you for the trip back.¡±


    ¡°Quit your nagging you old hag. I¡¯ll go when I¡¯ve had my rest,¡± the guard said impatiently.


    Coral and Pearl¡¯s journey hadn¡¯t been too dangerous, with only a creature or two that had given the hired guards trouble. These people looked as if they had met far more dangerous monsters while out on the roads.


    The vendor turned back to Mrs. Gianna. ¡°That¡¯s my price, take it or be off with you,¡± he said.


    ¡°A silver and five,¡± Mrs. Gianna said, squinting her eyes at the vendor.


    ¡°Silver and ten.¡±


    The woman puffed her cheeks out, looking angry enough to hit the man. ¡°A silver and seven,¡± she countered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay a silver and ten,¡± Coral said.


    All three of them turned to look at Coral in surprise. Coral waited patiently as Mrs. Gianna assessed her. The woman¡¯s eyes raked over her fine dress, and strayed a little too long on the snapdragon that was sniffing the air.


    ¡°Fine,¡± snapped Mrs. Gianna. ¡°A silver and eleven. Here,¡± she threw a few more bronze coins at the vendor, who snatched them out of the air.


    ¡°A pleasure, as always Mrs. Gianna,¡± he said as he went to the back of his caravan and unloaded large, heavy sacks of flour and sugar on to the ground. The woman, to her credit, stacked five sacks up onto her shoulders and turned back towards the bakery up the lane.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a moment for the rest of it,¡± she said in a huff. The young boy followed her. Coral watched them go, mildly wondering if she had just earned herself a high price for baked goods if she went to Witching Flour.


    ¡°Anything I can interest you in,¡± said the vendor when the woman was out of earshot, drawing Coral¡¯s attention.


    ¡°No,¡± Coral said blandly and was turning away when the vendor held out a hand to stop her.


    ¡°Not even that sugar you wanted?¡±


    This made Coral pause. She turned to look back at the man who was grinning at her. ¡°I¡¯d be a fool to sell all my sugar to Mrs. Gianna. I always hide a few kilos to sell to those who could do with a bit of sweetness in winter.¡±


    Pearl leapt at the opportunity, and included a few extra spices. While the price was still high, it was much better value than if they had ordered more through Cravings and Delirium. What was more, was that he had large slabs of chocolate, which Coral hastened to secure a piece for herself. While she had been unceremoniously locked out of her manor, and hadn¡¯t found a hair of Silas, at least she had this to look forward to.


    They handed over thirty bronze coins for the lot, and the vendor was quick to ration out their portions before Mrs. Gianna returned.


    Coral and Pearl ambled through town, earning a few glances in thanks to unsuitable dress and an overly curious snapdragon. As her shoulders were exposed from the cut of the dress, it was nice having the snapdragon¡¯s warmth coiled about her neck, and the velvety feel of its stomach was far softer than it¡¯s claws that occasionally slipped and scraped along her skin to keep itself from falling off. More than once, Coral copped a beating to the side of her head with its leathery wings when this happened. It had also at some point grabbed on to her hair and had yanked a small chunk out of the pins that held it in place.


    Truthfully, she didn¡¯t mind so much. She couldn¡¯t stay mad at the little creature even if she wanted to. It was too cute.


    She and Pearl hadn¡¯t gone too far when the sound of cartwheels and clattering reached her. They drew near the cemetery, where surprisingly the tall wrought iron gates had been left ajar. A cartload of rocks was being brought inside, accompanied by men in rough spun smocks and shovels. A few members of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild stood about the graveyard, looking bored as the cart was driven past the headstones and towards the bridge that crossed the river.


    Coral drew level with the cemetery gates, and could see across to the other side, where she could see another cart being halted near the crypt with the tunnel Silas had come bursting from. She watched for a few minutes as a woman dressed in the same rough spun clothing directed them to unload the cart. They worked fairly quickly, piling the rocks in a designated place. From within the crypt itself came a clanging, interrupted every now and then as men emerged to retrieve logs already piled beside the rocks.


    As Coral watched, some tension left her shoulders. This was one worry she didn¡¯t have to handle. From the number of rocks and boulders being deposited near the crypt, it was unlikely that any undead would be able to push their way through.


    A shout went up, and a shovel that one of the men were using came free of his hands. It hovered for a moment, then swung. It hit the man in the stomach, where he doubled over in pain. Others backed away, their hands reaching for the black stones tied to a leather strip around their necks. The yell had caught the immediate attention of the two Adventurer¡¯s that were standing close to the crypt, far more alert than the ones standing on this side of the cemetery.


    They rushed forward, a silver blade already in one hand. The other grabbed the man who had shouted and pulled him aside as the other Adventurer swiped the dagger through the air. Coral couldn¡¯t see what the man had hit, though he had certainly struck something. There was a rend to the air as a shadow coalesced in the sunlight. The blade in the Adventurer¡¯s hand glowed, and with a haunting shriek, the shadow of a ghost was siphoned into the blade. For a moment, the steel shone bright with a sigil, then dulled.


    Everyone stood still, waiting for more to happen. Then, the snap of the supervisor¡¯s voice rang out, and the workers went back to work, this time with a little more enthusiasm. The Adventurer¡¯s stood back, alert and watchful.


    ¡°Fifth time today. Don¡¯t see why they don¡¯t just be done with ¡®em all and cut them all with Shadowsteel,¡± the driver of the nearest cart grumbled a little too loudly. A worker who was walking beside the cart frowned at him.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°You want your gran¡¯s soul to be slowly eaten away for all eternity.¡±


    ¡°She probably wouldn¡¯t feel a thing. She¡¯s a spirit now, ain¡¯t she. Bloody undead,¡± the cart driver said back.


    The worker shook their head. ¡°You¡¯re a cold bastard, you know that.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving,¡± Pearl said, her eyes trained on the open gates. ¡°I don¡¯t want any more ghosts latching on to us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if they do latch on to people. Places, definitely,¡± Coral said, leading Pearl away from the cemetery.


    ¡°I think they do. If I was murdered or some such horrible end came at the hands of a despicable person, I would want to haunt them until their own dying days,¡± Pearl said darkly.


    ¡°You would want to hang around your murderer for years on end? That¡¯s just torturing yourself.¡±


    ¡°Not if I can inflict a bit of torment. I¡¯d make sure they get a beating if I could. Or push them down some stairs.¡± Pearl hefted the bag of sugar in her arms, adjusting the weight so she could carry it a little easier.


    Coral entertained herself with the thought of her gentle, ghostly sister brandishing a wooden spoon to beat an unsuspecting murderer. Wholly deserved, though not quite the punishment Coral would choose.


    There was the possibility that she was influencing Pearl. Her sister had certainly never even mentioned anything remotely as vindictive as pushing someone down the stairs. Perhaps Coral should refrain from uttering such notions under her breath when people annoy her. She liked Pearl gentle and kind. If it couldn¡¯t be Coral who was ladylike, then at the very least she would want her sister to continue to be so.


    ¡°Well, I suppose I better learn a spell or two to keep us both safe from our would-be murderers,¡± Coral said. She didn¡¯t bother to mention that they were far more likely to encounter monsters. She had been trying not to think about it.


    As they walked, aiming for The Dog¡¯s House, Coral¡¯s attention was drawn away from the bustling road to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild across the river. A boat was docked at the pier, and she recalled seeing the tangerine sails in the weeks before.


    ¡°Where do you think they¡¯re from?¡± Coral asked.


    Pearl turned to see what Coral was looking at. ¡°Epril, it¡¯s from the next town over. I remember seeing the town¡¯s Adventurer Guild¡¯s colours. They have a squiggly, flower looking sigil.¡±


    If it was in the shape of a flower, Coral wasn¡¯t surprised at all that Pearl remembered it. She had been so focused on getting to Direwood that Coral had paid little attention to anything except the road as they travelled through each small town.


    Coral¡¯s old governess would be appalled at her poor geographical memory.


    From here, they had a clear view of some of the youngest apprentices training in the garden by the Adventurer¡¯s guild. They were going through standard drills with wooden swords, all standing in a row and practicing the same movement again and again against a padded dummy. The most determined was Valerie Claysend. Even from this distance, Coral could see the angry determination on her face as she lifted her practice sword and stepped through the movement. Standing outside of the cobblestone fence, her mother watched on.


    Coral heaved a sigh to loosen the tension clawing in her chest. She should visit them with a care package. Hopefully they enjoyed chocolate cake.


    The black snapdragon shifted its weight and slipped down her front. Coral caught it, though not without having to lean her head back as it flapped its wings. She pushed it back up and found that she had a new scratch along her collar bone, and a small bead of blood was oozing out and had already smeared on to her dress.


    Just another thing to add to her cleaning list. There was nothing she could do about it now except to tolerate it. Besides, the dress had already somehow snagged several leaves and twigs at the hem.


    They had stepped into the Dog¡¯s House as one of the likeliest places to find Silas. Pearl headed straight upstairs, and Coral made her way to the counter. She found a finely dressed Darius Brown behind the bar, his hair combed back into a low tail to keep from falling in his eyes as he poured ale. His comb was seen peeking out the top of his breast pocket of his storm-grey coat. He had decided to contrast this with a maroon waistcoat, over a pewter grey shirt. Not a speck of dirt could be seen on him. It was a daring choice considering he was working the bar.


    ¡°Lady Seaver,¡± Darius Brown said in way of greeting, though his focus remained on pouring a fresh mug of mead.


    ¡°Mr. Brown,¡± Coral said.


    He finished pouring, then held the mug out. For a moment she thought he was passing the drink to her until a calloused hand reached out from behind her. A woman took the mug, then returned to the table she had come from. Coral recognised her from the night she went with Silas to hunt the ghoul. If two of Silas¡¯s team members were here, surely that meant he was about.


    ¡°What can I do you for?¡± Mr. Brown asked. He took out a cloth and began meticulously scrubbing at the already spotless counter.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for Silas,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t help you there. He¡¯s out at the moment.¡±


    ¡°Do you know when he will be back?¡±


    ¡°No clue. Likely on the hunt, I¡¯d say. When he¡¯s on the trail of something, he won¡¯t let up until he¡¯s done. Can I get you anything? I¡¯ve mead, ale, spiced rum. Something tells me you would enjoy a delightful cherry wine I¡¯ve just got in,¡± Mr. Brown said.


    Coral had to grapple with her tastebuds over her common sense before forcing out her next words. ¡°No, thank you. If you do see Silas, please tell him I am looking for him. It is of great importance that I speak with him.¡±


    Mr. Brown paused in his wiping to look curiously at her. ¡°If it¡¯s trouble you¡¯ve found yourself in, it¡¯s best you head on over to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild.¡±


    ¡°No, not trouble,¡± Coral said assuredly. Her insides squirmed a little from the lie. ¡°It¡¯s just. Well, I¡¯ve something that Silas would find ¨Cinteresting.¡±


    ¡°An artefact, or Shadowsteel?¡±


    Coral opened her mouth then paused. She hadn¡¯t thought Silas would be interested in artefacts. Perhaps to sell, but from what Elwin has said, Coral would have guessed Silas had ample opportunity to plunder any forgotten grotto or lost village in the wilds. Mr. Brown took her silence as confirmation to his question and leant forward with a serious expression.


    ¡°Crowcaller is upstairs, already into her third drink. If you hurry, you might be able to quell her anger and mention this to her,¡± he said in a low voice meant only for her ears.


    Coral stared at him. She almost said that she didn¡¯t have an artefact until she recalled that she did in fact have something of the sort. The small black crystal box that had led her to Direwood in the first place. It had been found washed up along the river, then somehow made its way to a gambling den, straight to her father¡¯s hands. Now, it was hidden away in her manor.


    ¡°Trust me. He¡¯s interested in anything you¡¯ve got. While he¡¯s gone, your best bet is to sell to Crowcaller. They¡¯ll take anything you¡¯ve found. Keep it quiet,¡± he said. He stood back and resumed wiping down the bench.


    Coral hadn¡¯t considered selling the box. Even now, the mere thought of selling something that her father had touched briefly was somehow unsettling. Which was a rather odd notion. She had left behind a house, filled with misery and hunger. She could have fetched a high price for it, if it weren¡¯t for the fact that her betrothed had a hand in the matter. Coral had no qualms against leaving it to whoever that ugly, handlebar moustached man was. She never wanted to step foot in that place again. However, this small box had stirred something deep in her. She wasn¡¯t even sure what it was. It had led to a new path she hadn¡¯t ever thought possible to her. To somewhere she liked the people, her new home, as unsettling as it had been finding a monster in the basement and the rooms riddled with ghosts. The box had been in many ways, her salvation. She was free from Eirek Farley. Free from an unwanted marriage. She didn¡¯t have to tolerate the insufferable aristocracy.


    Hope. That was what that box meant to her. She had attached all her hope to an idea that box had given her. Did she really want to sell it? It wouldn¡¯t hurt to find out how much Silas and Crowcaller would offer for it. It could continue her hope, by earning her a few more coins to bring the manor back to its former glory.


    Coral turned and came to an abrupt halt. A man stood far too close for comfort, staring fixedly down at her. He was at least a whole foot taller, heavily muscled and smelled as though he hadn¡¯t bathed in weeks. He flashed a wide toothed grin at her, showing off a silver incisor. A portion of his head had been roughly shaved near his right ear, with small scabs dotted where the blade had nicked his scalp, and a gash had been stitched. The rest of his long, unkempt hair had been swept to the side. His grey eyes searched her from head to foot, resting for a moment on the snapdragon coiled about her shoulders.


    The man¡¯s proximity was alarming, and in one breath Coral quickly learnt to breathe through her mouth, though this was hardly any better. The stench was so pungeant she could almost taste the sour body odour. Her eyes began to water, and she worked hard to keep her expression neutral.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Coral said, dipping into a brief curtsey then stepped around him.


    ¡°So proper. Wait a moment,¡± he rumbled out in a deep timbre. He held an arm out, blocking Coral¡¯s path. Coral stopped, lest she come into contact with his arm and contract whatever stench permeated from the man. She was sure that the filth curse would simply latch on to that opportunity.


    Coral tilted her head so that she could look directly in to the man¡¯s eyes. She hadn¡¯t seen him around the village before. While she was relatively new in Direwood, Coral was sure she had seen everyone who lived here at least once.


    ¡°You¡¯re the scurge of Direwood,¡± the man said in amazement. Coral wasn¡¯t sure how to respond to his statement. She stared back at him, unmoved by either his incredulity or his words. From behind the man, Orvil Norwood sat at a table several paces away, watching. She could see from this distance the hairs bristling as he breathed through that arrow-head nose of his.


    So, the sour man had decided to spread further rumours about her to newcomers. She knew he was dirtying her name about town, and she had hoped eventually people would learn who she was and grew tired of the words from the sour lemon of a man. It could hurt her business.


    ¡°Leave her be,¡± Mr. Brown warned. He set a mug of ale down on the bench. ¡°On the house. Sit down and drink up.¡±


    The man took a moment to stare at the mug, then at Coral before reaching out with his other arm to grasp the handle.


    ¡°I won¡¯t say no to a free drink,¡± he grumbled out and took his mug back to the table. A small part of Coral was glad to see Orvil Norwood lean back in his chair and turn his head away as the odorous man sat down.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Coral said gratefully to Mr. Brown.


    Mr. Brown nodded his head once, then returned to his work.


    Coral made her way upstairs. At a far corner in one of the plush red chairs, Coral could see the back of Crowcaller¡¯s close cropped hair, rumpled from threading her fingers through it. Pearl was already standing nearby and had said something that made Crowcaller let out a loud, humourless laugh.


    ¡°Every year!¡± Crowcaller said, flinging her arm up to rest atop the seat. She drank deeply from her mug.


    Pearl nodded her head in a sympathetic way, then perched herself on the opposite chair. ¡°Why are they so opposed. It would only benefit the town, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Try telling that to them,¡± Crowcaller said, taking another mouthful of her drink.


    Coral walked up to them. Crowcaller rolled her head to one side and lifted her mug in greeting. ¡°The Scurge! Come join me for a drink.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit early for me,¡± Coral said, ignoring the quip. She sat down beside Pearl.


    Crowcaller cut a fine figure in the Direwood¡¯s guild suit. On closer inspection, the muscles around her left eye twitched, and while she was lounging back in her chair, she kept adjusting her position, as though she couldn¡¯t get comfortable.


    ¡°Is something troubling you?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°She was just telling me she had a council meeting this afternoon. It didn¡¯t go well,¡± Pearl said.


    Crowcaller lifted an uncorked brown bottle from the table and topped up her mug with a heavily scented rum. She lifted her mug in a silent toast, then drank. When she set the mug down, she squinted hard at both Coral and Pearl.


    ¡°You would think after years of being attacked by monsters, by the Undead, the council would want to put up a wall for protection. Most of the town does. Instead, I¡¯m cut down with excuses. It¡¯s too much maintenance, the last one burnt down. It limits the available space for the town. Pathetic,¡± Crowcaller spat.


    ¡°As if town planning isn¡¯t a thing. As if I haven¡¯t already offered to fund the construction,¡± she ran her hand through her hair and sighed. ¡°Do you know how much easier it would be to keep this place safe if we had a stone barricade. You should know. You¡¯ve got a wall around your manor. I don¡¯t think anything¡¯s gotten into that place, except for what¡¯s died on the grounds. It keeps the monsters out, people stay safe. They stay alive,¡± Crowcaller said heatedly, then took another mouthful of her rum.


    ¡°Surely the council can see the benefit of having the wall,¡± Pearl said.


    Crowcaller snorted into her mug. ¡°You would think so, wouldn¡¯t you,¡± she said darkly.


    ¡°Half of them are afraid of change. Or, as they say, don¡¯t want to be caged in like animals for slaughter. I think they just like keeping my job difficult.¡±


    ¡°The last wall burnt down and while they acknowledge that it had helped to keep buildings undamaged, and people had a place to use to hide themselves from the undead, there would be too much maintenance work involved.¡±


    ¡°They ignore the fact that this has job opportunities. It would take months, years even to complete a stone wall around the whole of Direwood. I could attract business. My name¡¯s known all over the kingdom, for cursed sake. It¡¯s half the reason the Night of the Undead is so popular amongst the Adventurer¡¯s wanting a bit of action. To see me fight,¡± Crowcaller said, adjusting her position so that one of her feet rested against the table.


    ¡°Is there no way to convince them at all?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Crowcaller said grumpily. ¡°They like the way things are being done. Their convinced having everyone hide in the Guild for the night is enough protection with all the Adventurer¡¯s that turn up.¡±


    ¡°Well, buy all the land around the town and build your own wall,¡± Coral said with a shrug.


    Crowcaller snorted. ¡°I¡¯m only Direwood¡¯s Guild Master. Not the kingdoms. I¡¯d have people to answer to if I just started shovelling out droves of gold for land. Not an awful idea though.¡±


    Her tirade seemed to have calmed her down a little. Crowcaller sighed, drank and sat looking at both Pearl and Coral.


    ¡°Pearl tells me you¡¯re looking for Silas. He¡¯s off hunting so you¡¯re not likely to see him ¡®till he¡¯s done. There¡¯s something troubling the caravans coming in,¡± Crowcaller said in a much calmer tone.


    ¡°On his own?¡± Coral said taken aback.


    ¡°It¡¯s his neck, not mine, Crowcaller mumbled into her mug as she drank again.


    ¡°Does he do that often?¡± Coral asked.


    There must have been a hint more of concern in her voice, as Crowcaller¡¯s violet eyes looked up from the ridge of her mug. ¡°Concerned, are we?¡± she asked sweetly, her voice an octave higher.


    ¡°Yes, actually,¡± Coral said, deciding to go with the truth. Well, partly. She wasn¡¯t going to admit to Crowcaller that she liked looking at the handsy man. There was no denying Silas was attractive. If he went and got himself killed, she¡¯d be hard pressed to find someone else who was suitably to her taste.


    ¡°When he returns, I need to speak to him about a personal matter.¡±


    ¡°Personal, is it,¡± Crowcaller said teasingly.


    ¡°You could call it business too. Mr. Brown informs me that you and Silas may be interested in certain objects,¡± Coral said. She leant back in her chair and the snapdragon leapt from her shoulders to the floor to sniff about.


    Crowcaller lowered her mug this time, her face finally showing interest. ¡°You could say that we are. What do you have?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome to come see for yourself,¡± Coral said.


    Pearl stiffened beside her. Coral only realised a beat after what she had said. They were still locked out of their house. She wasn¡¯t even sure they would be able to gain access on their return. Of course, they could just break through one of the windows.


    ¡°When Silas returns, of course. I¡¯d like both your opinions,¡± she added.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Crowcaller said, setting the mug down on the table between them. The snapdragon sniffed about her foot, and she watched it interestedly. ¡°Tell me. When did you get this cute thing?¡±

 Suspicions

    Coral and Pearl stayed talking to Crowcaller for longer than they had intended. Partially due to Coral hoping that Silas would arrive at his establishment and save her from having to continue her search for him. Crowcaller was good company once she had calmed down enough to stray from the topic of the town¡¯s safety. She spoke of her adventures as an apprentice and then as a licensed adventurer.


    Crowcaller liked to describe things in a little too much vivid detail. Coral really didn¡¯t need to know what a hobgoblin looked like strung up with its own intestines. Or the sound of splintering bones, the aroma of decomposing bodies in a Chimera den, or the hollow helplessness when watching your team members die and there was nothing that could be done to save them. That wrung a deep chord in Coral, the feeling of guilt and utter horror of the moment. She had to force the memory away of Arthfael Claysend dropping to the ground beneath the ghoul.


    These stories, told from Crowcaller¡¯s perspective were more humble variations of the retelling¡¯s she had heard. The woman who sat drinking heavily in front of them was as much a human as Coral and Pearl was. She was good at what she did and had become immortalised for it in the minds of the people she helped. Slaughtering monsters was a messy business, and far from glamourous while doing so. It wasn¡¯t at all like the ballads that were sung of their heroics. It was hard, dirty and mostly sorrowful work.


    Coral grew to have a new appreciation for what Adventurers did. Though she still couldn¡¯t quite grasp why Crowcaller liked the occupation. Apart for the significant gold that could be made of course.


    Mr. Brown appeared with a glass of delightful cherry wine for both Coral and Pearl, accompanied with roasted venison and vegetables. She hadn¡¯t ordered anything, and while they had stayed long enough for the sun to begin setting, she still had to trek back up to her manor and break down the door. She had hoped to do that before it truly fell dark.


    ¡°On the house,¡± Mr. Brown said at Coral¡¯s confusion.


    On second thought, perhaps it would be a better experience with a full stomach.


    ¡°What about me!¡± Crowcaller said, wriggling the now empty pitcher in the air. ¡°I¡¯m thirsty over here.¡±


    Mr. Brown stared down at her and scoffed. ¡°When you¡¯re ready to settle your account, speak to Silas. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll consider opening another line of credit for you.¡±


    Crowcaller scowled, dug around in her pocket and withdrew a cloth pouch. She threw it at Mr. Brown, who caught it midair then opened it to poke around in the contents.


    ¡°It¡¯s a start,¡± he said mildly.


    ¡°Just refill me, will you. I¡¯ll pay you when I remember,¡± Crowcaller said impatiently.


    Mr. Brown took the pitcher, staring hard at Crowcaller. ¡°I¡¯ll come calling tomorrow for the rest of what you owe,¡± he said. Crowcaller waved him on uncaringly.


    Pearl nudged Coral in the side, a grin plastered on her face. Coral narrowed her eyes.


    She and Silas had barely interacted with one another to develop a relationship that would extend to special compensation at his establishment. She had hit the man on their first encounter, and since then their interactions had been limited. He had tried to keep her safe from the ghoul and had even offered to take her back to town if she requested. She was attracted to the man, Coral had eyes after all, but his disappearance after that night had in fact made her believe he wasn¡¯t invested in any kind of friendship.


    She also wasn¡¯t about to advise her sister that Mr. Brown had handled a man earlier in a similar fashion. While he hadn¡¯t been explicitly threatening, both she and Mr. Brown could tell where that interaction was quickly headed.


    Coral didn¡¯t know what exactly she had done to earn herself a bribery for good behaviour. She also didn¡¯t know if she should take it as a compliment or an insult. Still, she wasn¡¯t going to turn down a free meal. Or wine. The fruity concoction didn¡¯t quite coat her tongue with the splendour and joy she relished for such drinks. It was spoiled with confused contemplation with each sip.


    To distract herself from Pearl¡¯s cheeky grin, and her own thoughts of Silas, Coral picked a rather blander topic that would help to divert her sister¡¯s subtle teasing.


    ¡°How did the Dire River earn its name?¡± Coral asked Crowcaller, then began to tuck into her venison to keep her mouth full. Beside her, Pearl gave her a look that meant she knew exactly what Coral was doing. Pearl took up her own cutlery in a much more elegant manner and began to carve off a bite size piece of her meal.


    The black snapdragon rose on its back feet and pawed at Coral¡¯s leg, its little nose sniffing out the venison. Without thinking too much about it, Coral cut a piece of venison and fed it to the snapdragon, careful of its snapping teeth.


    ¡°The Acheron¡¯s, when you get down to it,¡± Crowcaller said, looking into her empty mug with a displeased grimace. ¡°They owned the majority of the land well before Direwood had been built. Over time, the Acheron¡¯s built their manor up in the foothills of the valley, and the only way to reach them was by the river. Back then, it was practically impossible to get here by foot. Too many deaths and monster attacks, no road, that kind of thing.¡±


    Crowcaller sunk a little deeper into her seat so that she could wiggle her fingers at the snapdragon. It ignored her in favour of the potential venison.


    ¡°Vampires need to feed, and as wealthy as Lord Acheron is, they could afford to lure people from the city with the promise of compensation for their efforts. Except, the river was almost as dangerous to travel as the land. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve seen the large lake that the river feeds off of, with Epril on the other side. Most who passed through Epril weren¡¯t seen again, nor their boats. The river itself can be hard to navigate and it runs deep. Deeper than what you would think any river would have a right to. A lot of people drowned or died. Epril kept giving warnings and many didn¡¯t listen. It¡¯s hard to ignore a lifetime of wealth for a few years as a vampire¡¯s blood bag, and desperation was rife back then, the danger as common as ants. Epril started warning those who came to pass through town of the dire circumstances. The wording stuck and the route was referred to as Dire River.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same for Direwood. The town¡¯s name.¡±


    Coral looked up at the sound of a new voice. Behind Crowcaller stood three women, each with a cold look to their faces and a pitcher of mead in their hands. Their eyes fell on Coral, and she tried not to shrink beneath their sharp gaze. These were the women who Coral had seen in the guild and were a part of Silas¡¯s team.


    ¡°Anika, come, sit,¡± Crowcaller said. She shuffled to the far side of the seat to make room for them all. All three sat, and set the pitchers down on the table, their mugs already filled to the brim.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve been properly introduced,¡± Crowcaller said. She gestured to the woman who had spoken. She had a mop of curly brown hair, a sharp nose and amber eyes.


    ¡°This is Anika Valenbow. She¡¯s an excellent huntress and can track anything down. Even better than Silas, but don¡¯t say that in front of him. It¡¯s a bit of a sore spot. You¡¯ll start up another competition,¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°One he will lose,¡± Anika said with a wry smile.


    ¡°Ariella Remstone,¡± Crowcaller gestured with a grin at the woman with short coffee coloured hair that matched her eyes, with the most beautiful, long eyelashes Coral had ever seen. She was slightly shorter than everyone and had a rather stocky build. She was seated beside Anika and gave a moderately warmer, though lackless smile.


    ¡°She joined Direwood Adventurers guild about a year ago. Cursed shit, that went fast. And this is Iris Woodmore. She has the voice of a songbird. If I¡¯m lucky enough to be up early, I get to enjoy her singing,¡± Crowcaller said.


    ¡°I¡¯d say she makes others sing, if you catch my meaning,¡± Anika teased.


    Iris rolled her blue eyes and tossed a few loose strands of black hair behind her shoulder. ¡°That was one time. They barely stayed alive long enough to cry out before I silenced them forever.¡± She took a sip of her drink then settled an icy stare on Coral.


    ¡°How¡¯s your leg?¡±


    The question caught Coral off guard. Her immediate response was to assess Iris Woodmore¡¯s posture, which was relaxed, with one arm draped over the arm of the chair, and a leg crossed over the top of her knee. A casual, relaxed state. All three women wore some variation of loose brown trousers and a beige shirt cinched at the waist with a belt. There was not a doubt in Coral¡¯s mind that they had concealed weapons strapped to every part of their body.


    Iris Woodmore¡¯s relaxed posture was a contradiction to the cold look in her eyes and the set of her jaw. If Coral hadn¡¯t spent her childhood evaluating her father¡¯s mood swings by the smallest of body gestures, she would have missed the tension held in the woman¡¯s neck and shoulders. Iris was strung tight, and the internal weariness clawing at Coral¡¯s insides made her consider her words before speaking. Despite the concerned question and her perceived openness, Coral could see that Iris Woodmore did not like her.


    This wasn¡¯t anything new to Coral. It did make her wonder what she could have done to illicit this weary coldness. Iris had been there that night with the ghoul, moments after Mr. Claysend had lost his life. For all she knew, she could have been close with the man.


    ¡°It¡¯s healed well. Though it feels odd at times,¡± Coral answered truthfully. The scar tissue felt strange beneath her touch, like the wound hadn¡¯t healed properly.


    ¡°Scars can do that sometimes,¡± Ariella said. ¡°Especially if you lose a limb. I swear I can still feel my missing fingers.¡± She held up her left hand to show the last two digits were missing.


    Iris pulled her arm from over the back of the seat and looked into Corals eyes. It made her blood run cold.


    ¡°How did you manage to stay alive? From what I¡¯ve been told, that wasn¡¯t your only encounter. Was it?¡±


    ¡°Luck,¡± Coral said. ¡°Quite literally.¡±


    She took another sip of her wine. If Coral was going to talk about that night under that fierce glare, she wanted a little numbing to ease the mild panic that came with her words and memory. The ghoul was gone, but Lady Rayner¡¯s spirit resided in her manor. She had been roaming the halls that afternoon. Had that been why she and Pearl had been locked in the bedroom? Coral took a deeper drink from her glass. She was going to find out, with or without Silas¡¯s help.


    ¡°Luck. You must have that in droves,¡± Ariella said.


    Pearl shook her head. ¡°No, she quite literally means luck. Coral has always had a mind for magic, and while she hasn¡¯t really put anything into practice, she seems to have a talent for it.¡±


    Iris¡¯s cold stare fell on Pearl. Pearl stared right back with a pleasant smile tucked into the corners of her mouth.


    ¡°She used a luck spell, and it kept her alive, thank goodness. I¡¯m not surprised in the least that she was able to conduct the spell. Coral¡¯s always been quite clever like that.¡±


    ¡°that¡¯ll do it,¡± Anika said. ¡°Especially for someone who doesn¡¯t know how to fight. What happened when you used the spell?¡±


    Coral¡¯s fingers twitched at the memory of her burns. ¡°I happened to ram a burning stick down the monsters throat. The Ruesong boys made it possible. They had kept it in place long enough.¡±


    Crowcaller and Anika chuffed in a way that sounded impressed. Iris and Ariella sat unmoving, their faces unchanged.


    ¡°Silas arrived a moment later, and everyone else for that matter. It was literal luck that kept me alive. I don¡¯t care for the after affects. I would have liked it to take hold before Mr. Claysend-¡° The words in Coral¡¯s mouth dried out, and she had to take another bracing sip of her wine.


    ¡°What after affects,¡± Anika asked, her brows pinching together.


    ¡°A lot of luck spells are balanced by having the recipient exchange an event or circumstance. Essentially, good luck instead of bad luck. This particular spell didn¡¯t allow me to control what event it took hold of.¡±


    ¡°I hadn¡¯t meant to do what I did, with the ghoul. The spell took to a path at an opportune moment, which was exactly what it was meant to do. In exchange, I got to experience a similar situation. Thankfully it wasn¡¯t as dire as choking on a burning stick. I don¡¯t recommend this spell. I suppose it¡¯s called Fool¡¯s Luck for a reason,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°It was still a scalding cup of tea you suffered from,¡± Pearl said cheerily.


    Coral couldn¡¯t understand how Pearl was cheery about her bout of asphyxiation. Perhaps she should get Pearl to perform the spell next and she can experience the misfortune that accompanies the spell.


    Ariella watched both Coral and Pearl with an assessing look. Coral was beginning to feel that there was a deeper meaning behind these questions.


    ¡°At least it wasn¡¯t the wine that I chocked on,¡± Coral said while raising her glass in a small toast to herself. Pearl copied her motions, a beat later so did Crowcaller.


    ¡°When was the first time you saw the Ghoul?¡± Iris asked.


    Coral let out a heavy breath. These questions were certainly beginning to feel a lot like an interrogation.


    ¡°The night before it was reported. I had been under the impression that Mr. Acheron had slain it at first. I found this most distressing, especially when it¡¯s come to my attention that a necromancer had once resided in the manor without this being disclosed previously in the sale. I was most aggrieved to discover that the Adventurers Guild hadn¡¯t done a thorough investigation and removed such a creature.¡±


    Coral set her cup down on the table and looked right back into those cold eyes. ¡°It makes one think how such a creature survived all these years under the nose of Direwood¡¯s Adventurers Guild.¡±


    All three women stiffened, except for Crowcaller who let her offense show easily in her heavily intoxicated state. Coral didn¡¯t care. She liked Crowcaller, but she would not sit here and listen to this line of questioning with an undertone of suspicion. If this was how she was going to be treated, then she could throw this straight back on to them.


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    ¡°The guild was under different management back then,¡± Crowcaller said, her voice clipped. ¡°You¡¯ve only been here when it has been quiet. We¡¯ve been enjoying a lull in the frequency of monsters that roam the area, thanks to the work of our current guild members. It isn¡¯t uncommon for people to go missing from Direwood, having run afoul of the many dangers that come from the wilds.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Coral said, making sure her tone was still pleasant. Coral hastened to finish her meal, no longer enjoying the company of the women around her.


    She gave half to the snapdragon who was still begging with this round button eyes, ate quickly and left her unfinished wine on the table. She gave a curt farewell, forcing Pearl to stuff a last bite into her mouth and gather their things and hurry after her as she made her way outside.


    The walk back to the manor was brisk and heated. Coral had so much anger boiling beneath her skin that she had hardly felt the cold. She didn¡¯t spare one moment for the odd screeches she couldn¡¯t recognise from the trees along the road. The evening¡¯s light faded quickly, and it was near pitch black on their return. Coral marched along fuming; eyes trained on the ground but not really seeing the road. Anika, Iris and Ariella kept forming in her mind with their cold, suspicious faces leering at her.


    Pearl hurried along behind her, occasionally having to pick up her skirts and jog to catch up. She was holding most of the purchases in her arms and had more than once dropped a few things as she tried to hurry along in the dark.


    The black snapdragon ran ahead, sniffing along the ground. It found a large stick far too big for it and carried it along for some time before getting stuck on a rock. It tugged a few times, then gave up as Coral marched on ahead and it came running as fast as its little legs could carry it when they had both gotten too far.


    Oh, Coral was in a frightful mood. While the three women hadn¡¯t outright accused her of anything, their suspicions were evident enough. Sure, she bought a necromancer¡¯s lair. A rather bold move for anyone, really. Yes, there had been a ghoul, a creature associated with necromancers and had caused a stir in town in their haste to find where it had disappeared to. That didn¡¯t mean she was responsible for such a thing. She had no dealings with such horrible magic.


    Coral pushed the front gate open, the metal hinges creaking, and glanced up the drive towards the manor. A lantern flickered to life from the front portico. This alone was enough to stop Coral in her tracks, and glare.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember putting a lantern there,¡± Pearl said, her boots crunching on the fallen leaves.


    ¡°There wasn¡¯t one there when we left,¡± Coral said angrily.


    She bent down and scooped up the black snapdragon into her arms. It sniffed at her jaw, its nose damp from snuffling the ground. She didn¡¯t want it running about freely just now. Hopefully the fast pace she had set on the way back was enough to tire it out. She had ghosts to deal with right now, and she wasn¡¯t thrilled about it.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s safe?¡± Pearl whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not letting us be chased out of our own home. Come on,¡± Coral said, then walked forward.


    As they approached the manor, the door opened slowly. Coral wondered if this was Alvis Borthwells way of performing his previous occupation duties without alarming them. Coral stomped up the stairs, the bottom of her dress now thoroughly wet and left a trail of leaves behind her as she stepped into the dark foyer. She stopped with Pearl right behind her, who now held the lantern as well as balancing all their packages in her arms. Coral turned and looked about, expecting to see the corporeal form of the woman. There was nothing but darkness and shadows. Coral turned on her heals and squinted at the door. It slowly shut behind them and then gave a resounding click as the lock engaged. This made Pearl inch closer to Coral.


    ¡°Alvis Borthwell,¡± Coral said, her voice loud in the echoing quiet that followed. ¡°And any other of you ghosts that are here. I have a bone to pick with you.¡±


    This phrasing of words reminded her that she did indeed have a bone to speak with them. Motioning for Pearl to follow her, Coral made her way down to the Winter Salon. She stuck her head through the door to check that the other snapdragons hadn¡¯t burnt anything while they were out. Seeing that the snapdragons were coiled up by the fire¡¯s embers and that nothing on first inspection had been destroyed, Coral set the black snapdragon down. She nudged it gently towards the fire, hoping she wouldn¡¯t have to come back and break up another fight between them all. Ensuring the door was firmly closed, she and Pearl made their way to the kitchen. Pearl set the packages down on the wooden table with a small sigh.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you should talk to them without Silas here,¡± Pearl said breathily. She darted a glance around the kitchen, her eyes straying on the cupboards where the porcelain was kept.


    ¡°I¡¯m not waiting around for him any longer,¡± Coral said, rummaging through the draws in search of the bone they stashed away. She couldn¡¯t remember where Elwin had hidden it, but she was sure it was somewhere in the kitchen. It seemed less conspicuous to hide a chicken bone in plain sight. Even if it was marinating in blood.


    Coral pursed her lips as she searched, more than a little aware that this was closer to Anika, Iris and Ariella¡¯s suspicions.


    ¡°This could be dangerous,¡± Pearl said worriedly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be alright. I only want to talk,¡± Coral said. It took a few minutes to find the bone conductor. Elwin had stashed the bone high in a cupboard so that it wasn¡¯t easily found by anyone. Pearl kept herself busy by lighting the kitchen with candles so they could see a little more outside of the lantern¡¯s light, her harried movements belied by her calm expression.


    Coral held the vial up for Pearl to see in the light.


    ¡°Do you think it will last longer now that it¡¯s spent some time marinating?¡± Coral asked, holding the vial up for Pearl to see. She gave it a little shake for good measure. The bones rattled against the glass dully, the blood smearing about.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who studies magic, you tell me,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°It¡¯s hardly real study. It¡¯s more of an interest than anything else. Mind you, I think I will give a few of those spells a try in the book you¡¯ve given me. There were a few useful sounding ones, which could help, like dust repelling. I¡¯d rather not dust the stairs again. Or the floor. Or anything else for that matter,¡± Coral said, knowing perfectly well that she was rambling to delay what she was about to do.


    Without Elwin here, apprentice or not, what she was about to do was against the law. She hadn¡¯t crossed a boundary like this before. She had toed it earlier, with Elwin helping her initially make contact with the ghosts, but this time it was different. This was far closer to the suspicions that she did have something to do with necromancy.


    Coral sat at the kitchen table, still examining the vial¡¯s contents. The bones inside didn¡¯t look any different. All she could do was assume that the sigil Elwin had drawn across the bone¡¯s surface was still intact. Coral unstoppered the vial.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Pearl said, holding a hand out to stop Coral and eyeing the vial dubiously. ¡°I really don¡¯t know about this. What if we make them angry and they start throwing things at us again?¡±


    ¡°Duck I suppose?¡± Coral suggested.


    Pearl did not look amused.


    ¡°We¡¯re already living with ghosts. They can already hear everything we say,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Well, ask to speak to the children then. I saw that spectre by the nursery, and I¡¯m certain it¡¯s Lady Raynor. She had the same hair. We can ask what happened and see how we can help them,¡± Pearl said.


    For all of Pearl¡¯s talk of ¡®we¡¯, it was truly only Coral who would be talking to the dead. The bone had been soaking in her blood, not Pearls. Perhaps her sister¡¯s empathetic request was spurred on with slightly more courage than Coral felt, because Pearl wasn¡¯t the one to ask the questions. Or at least, if she did, she wouldn¡¯t hear the answers. Though if their roles were reversed, Coral would have hated not knowing what the dead were saying around her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask. It¡¯s doubtful it will be of any help. They¡¯re all stuck here as much as you and I.¡±


    ¡°Even so,¡± Pearl said, crossing her arms against the chill in the air. ¡°Please ask anyway.¡±


    The cold was enough of a telltale sign that at least one ghost was nearby. Coral shook out a bone into her waiting palm.


    An immediate barrage of sound filled the room. Coral dropped the bone with a start. She hadn¡¯t been expecting an immediate reaction and it sounded as if three people were all standing right behind her, yelling. She scooped the bone from the table and cringed as Mrs. Sapping hollered across the room.


    ¡°And if I ever catch you two doing that again, I swear I will find a way to trap you in a void for all eternity.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re overreacting, woman. Calm down,¡± Egbert said dismissively.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you tell me to calm down,¡± snapped Mrs. Sapping. ¡°I¡¯m this close from forcing you bodily from the grounds.¡±


    There was an answering snort of derision from whom only Coral could presume was Egbert, somewhere to her left.


    ¡°Stop yelling,¡± Coral cut in sharply. The bickering ceased.


    ¡°Is she talking to us?¡± said Mrs Sapping, sounding confused.


    ¡°You hear anyone else flapping their gums? Of course she¡¯s talking to us. She¡¯s holding that bone,¡± Egbert said pointedly.


    ¡°Now that I have your attention,¡± Coral said, turning so that she faced the direction of the voices. At least she hoped she was facing them.


    ¡°What exactly were you playing at earlier? I hardly think our cooperation in these premises includes forcibly shoving Pearl into my bedroom and locking us in with a guest.¡±


    Coral hadn¡¯t meant to initially take such a sharp tone with them. She had wanted an amicable relationship with the dead after all. Except the acerbic tone from Mrs. Sapping had set Coral a little further over the edge in her frustration at being suspected in her involvement with necromancy.


    Well, now she certainly was, but as she was only talking to the ghosts to ensure the viability of her future business prospects and the hope that she could find some clue to improve their co-habitation. That hardly counted, even if she was technically breaking the law.


    ¡°Please accept my most sincere apology, Lady Seaver. I was rather in a rush, you see. Lady Raynor was roaming and she was not in a state fit for guests at that time. It was entirely for your safety,¡± Mr. Cicero Bramer said studiously. ¡°As you no doubt heard, Mrs. Sapping has already discussed this with us. Thoroughly. For hours. Though I doubt there was anything else I could have done to ensure your safety, as it was a rather urgent matter.¡±


    ¡°So that was Lady Raynor standing outside of the nursery?¡± Coral asked. The explanation confirmed her suspicions that the ghost she had seen was Lady Raynor. There had been a rather large part of her that hadn¡¯t wanted to admit it.


    ¡°It was,¡± Mr. Bramer confirmed.


    ¡°Why exactly was it an urgent matter?¡± Coral asked, the anger now leeching out of her.


    There was a brief pause before any of the ghosts spoke.


    ¡°She¡¯s not in her right mind,¡± Otis piped up.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite improper to say such things,¡± Mrs. Sapping chastised.


    ¡°It¡¯s true though,¡± Egbert said simply. ¡°Absolute nutter now. I would be too, transformed into a ghoul and having to resort to cannibalism to survive.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s highly offensive. Lady Raynor is hardly at fault for what happened to her. She was a good woman and a kind mistress. I won¡¯t hear of her predicament spoken of in such a horrid fashion,¡± Mrs. Sapping said huffily.


    A brush of cold air drifted past Coral. Pearl squeaked in surprise as her skirts ruffled in an unexpected breeze, then the kitchen door jerked open.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I did to get cursed with an eternity trapped here with that woman. It is what it is, there¡¯s no point tiptoeing about it,¡± Egbert said.


    There was no response from Mrs. Sapping. Coral assumed that the woman had left the kitchen. Mrs Sapping had however given Coral further insight into the relationship between the housekeeper and the Lady of the manor. Mrs. Sapping clearly held Lady Raynor in high regards.


    ¡°Piece of advice,¡± Egbert said quietly into Coral¡¯s ear. It sent cold shivers down her spine. ¡°Place a few of those black crystals about your room. It¡¯ll keep them nosey ones out, and hopefully that crazy woman.¡±


    ¡°Should I be afraid of Mrs. Sapping?¡± Coral asked, rubbing profusely at her ear.


    There was a huff of amusement all around her.


    ¡°Not her. Lady Raynor,¡± Egbert clarified, though his voice was further away now, as though he too were leaving the kitchen. It was frustrating not being able to actually see any of them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t concern yourself too much with Egbert¡¯s words. He doesn¡¯t like any of us,¡± Mr. Bramer said reassuringly.


    ¡°I like Otis,¡± yelled Egbert, his voice echoing down from the corridor.


    Pearl jumped and stared with round eyes at the kitchen door. ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Pearl said, her fingers clutching at her skirt.


    ¡°Hear what?¡± Coral asked, confused.


    ¡°Someone, a man, said they liked Otis. Is that one of the ghosts?¡± She asked.


    ¡°She heard that?¡± Mr Bramer said. ¡°Well now, that doesn¡¯t happen very often. Egbert surely must mean it then. It takes quite some effort to break through to the earthly realm.¡±


    ¡°That was Egbert,¡± Coral said to Pearl. ¡°Though I think he has left the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°He has,¡± a woman said. It took a moment of concentration before Coral recalled who the voice belonged to.


    ¡°Miss Mahon, you¡¯re here as well. Who else is here in the kitchen?¡± Coral asked, blinking at the cupboards. It was odd having a conversation with people she could not see.


    ¡°It is Mr. Bramer and myself. Though it would please me if you could call me Hazel,¡± Miss Mahon said.


    ¡°I would be happy to, Hazel,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Did you hear that, Mr. Bramer. I have a new friend,¡± Hazel said.


    ¡°I¡¯m delighted for you, dear,¡± Mr. Bramer said fondly.


    Coral hadn¡¯t expected Hazel Mahon to take the casual address of first names as friendship, though she wouldn¡¯t complain. Hopefully this meant that she had one less ghost to contend with.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware that I have little time to speak with you,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°We are. No need for further explanations. Everyone else has gone to find the Raynor children,¡± Mr. Bramer said. ¡°As soon as they find them, they will be brought to you. It shouldn¡¯t take long. They have so little to do and seldom have guests. Most of us were eager to assist.¡±


    Coral found that Mr. Bramer¡¯s statement was rather contradictive. There was far too much to do in a manor of this size. Five stories, several turrets and a basement were in severe need of cleaning and mending. If the ghosts were able to throw plates, open doors, and even bodily move her and Pearl about, surely one of them could life a duster or polish a window for her.


    ¡°I have overheard you mention that you were curious to know what has happened to us,¡± said Mr. Bramer. ¡°Commendable of you, though it is not a pretty story. I also cannot tell you the whole of it. When death came for me, I was confused at first. I kept trying to leave, but there was something preventing me from moving on. That magical force field. I took very little notice of what transpired after.¡±


    ¡°It was the same for me,¡± Hazel said quietly.


    ¡°Do you know what happened the night you died? Were any of you aware that Lord Raynor was a necromancer?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Goodness, no,¡± Mr. Bramer said with a huff. ¡°If any of us had known, we would have left, pay or not.¡±


    ¡°I was closest to the Lord and Lady, and I hadn¡¯t suspected necromancy. But after a while, when Lady Raynor fell ill, he became reserved. He made odd requests. He kept to his study, always reading his books, scribbling notes. We had doctors and witches marched in, and when they couldn¡¯t help, Lord Raynor grew angry and hardly ever ate until prompted to by Lady Raynor. When he wasn¡¯t with his wife, he was reading,¡± Hazel said, her voice taking on a wistful, sad tone. ¡°He loved Lady Raynor, he doted on her, but had very little time for his children, consumed with his work as he was.¡±


    ¡°He was beside himself with worry,¡± Mr. Bramer interjected. ¡°He built this manor for Lady Raynor. I haven¡¯t the slightest clue why he chose Direwood of all places. No expense was spared, his wife and his children had anything they ever could want, even this far from the capital. He was the kind of man that had worked hard for his fortune and found that his money could not give him what he wanted. His wife. He was grieving and was desperate for a cure.¡±


    ¡°When the elixirs and potions didn¡¯t improve Lady Raynor¡¯s health, his studies led to him buying all manner of herbs and plants I had never heard of. He requested them to be prepared in recipes he passed on to the kitchen staff. And that was the least strangest of his requests. We had to be masked around Lady Raynor, and she was confined to bed rest.¡±


    ¡°He brought livestock in droves, had them slaughtered and their blood stored and used in the recipes. When those in his employ questioned some of his more strange requests, or didn¡¯t meet his standards, they were dismissed immediately,¡± Mr. Bramer said.


    Hazel gave a sad sigh. ¡°It wasn¡¯t uncommon then, to see many of the staff in the morning, only for them to be gone by nightfall. I don¡¯t know what happened to them. I can only hope they weren¡¯t taken the way Egbert had.¡±


    ¡°What happened to Egbert?¡± Coral asked.


    There was a moment of quiet, long enough that Coral wondered if the bone conductor had run its time.


    ¡°It would be best if you ask Egbert that. It¡¯s not our place to say,¡± Mr. Bramer said, his voice thick with implications.


    ¡°Very well, I shall,¡± Coral said. ¡°Can I ask what happened to you?¡±


    ¡°Hazel was slaughtered first by Lady Raynor, by then she was a ghoul of course, freshly turned. I saw the whole thing and couldn¡¯t escape myself. My fate was the same as Hazel¡¯s.¡± Mr. Bramer said, as though they were discussing a rather fascinating book.


    ¡°It was horrible,¡± Hazel added quietly. ¡°I can hardly step back into that basement. That¡¯s where it happened.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Coral said gently. She was genuinely sorry for anyone who died from a ghoul. In her mind she could see Mr. Claysend dropping to the ground, the ghoul perched on him like a horrific nightmare come to life.


    ¡°Yes, well. It would have happened eventually with or without the intervention of Lord Raynor. It was a terrible way to go and wouldn¡¯t wish it on my worst enemies. Sometimes I swear I experience the pain all over again.¡±


    ¡°You do. We all do,¡± Hazel said softly. There was a slight tremor to her voice.


    ¡°Not this again, Hazel. You don¡¯t need to scare Lady Seaver then we already do when we move about the house. Completely unintentional, I swear,¡± Mr. Bramer said, tacking on that last part in a reassuring way.


    ¡°It¡¯s true. I¡¯ve watched you all relive the last moments of your life. On the anniversary. You writhe around, screaming,¡± Hazel said.


    ¡°I do not scream,¡± Mr. Bramer said indignantly. ¡°Nor do I recall ever doing such a thing.¡±


    ¡°You can deny it all you want. Facts are facts, Cicero. I watched you, though no one else ever remembers it. I don¡¯t remember reliving my death, but I know it happens. There¡¯s a residual pain.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anyone else go writhing about, carrying on,¡± Mr. Bramer said.


    ¡°You were flayed alive and left to bleed out on the floor for hours. Egbert has seen you. And others,¡± Hazel insisted.


    ¡°Egbert is not to be trusted. I wouldn¡¯t believe anything that thief said,¡± Mr. Bramer said dismissively.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a liar,¡± Hazel said sharply.


    ¡°I believe you,¡± Coral said, placating Hazel.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Hazel said, her tone relieved. ¡°It is nice to have a friend that believes me. Everyone always speaks over the top of me. They never stop to listen to what I have to say.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so quiet, I never do it on purpose,¡± Mr. Bramer said defensively.


    ¡°Here they are,¡± Mrs. Sapping interrupted loudly from the corridor. ¡°Master Emeric, and Miss Ayleth Raynor, please say hello to Lady Coral Seaver, and her sister Lady Pearl Seaver.¡±

 The true monster

    ¡°A pleasure to meet you,¡± came the chorus of two children¡¯s voices.


    ¡°We have been eager to speak with you for some time now. My name is Emeric Raynor, and this is my sister, Ayleth Raynor,¡± said a young boy, his voice coming through with a soft cadence that somehow echoed, then grew stronger again.


    Coral rubbed her thumb over the bone conductor. Perhaps the spell was beginning to wane. The sound made her hair stand on edge, and it sent a cord of fear through her.


    ¡°Good evening, Master Emeric and Miss Ayleth,¡± Coral said. Coral dropped into a respectful curtsey, unsure if these children had grown up with a governess that enforced societal expectations. Coral¡¯s own education had included a rather forceful governess who was strict about manners. Her governess would be thoroughly displeased to know that her manners had slowly began to erode. In this instance, Coral would rather be respectful towards two ghost children who could become far more of a nuisance than any child had any right to be.  At the very least, she hoped she was facing the ghost children.


    Pearl let out a small gasp, got to her feet and performed her own curtsey.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid we will have to forgo niceties, as I have little time to speak with you,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°We understand,¡± said Emeric. There was something odd in the way that he spoke. There was an undercurrent that was setting her on edge, though she couldn¡¯t quite figure out what it was. Coral resisted a shiver; the room had grown colder in the last few minutes. It unsettled her.


    ¡°We want to know how we can help you,¡± Pearl said in a rush.


    ¡°Help,¡± Ayleth said, her voice resonating sweetly. ¡°We have already asked for your help. The basement is where you need to be.¡±


    ¡°We have already been to the basement, that is where we discovered your mother,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Exactly. Help our mother. Make her right again,¡± Ayleth begged.


    Words caught in the back of Coral¡¯s throat at this. She wanted to agree. She knew that desperation, of wanting something or someone to come along and correct what was wrong. She had begged for it herself when her own mother had died. No one had helped and Coral was forced to grow up far too quickly.


    ¡°I will try,¡± Coral said, hating that she couldn¡¯t really promise to make a difference. She would try, but she didn¡¯t have the means or the knowledge to do anything effective. At least, not now.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Ayleth said, her voice hopeful. ¡°Will you go see her now?¡±


    ¡°Mother is in the basement,¡± Emeric said happily. ¡°She has been a little better. We haven¡¯t been able to speak to her in so long. Come.¡±


    Nothing moved, and Coral stood still for a moment more, expecting a door to swing open or a brush of cold air against her skin. There was nothing. Including the absence of voices.


    Coral looked at Pearl. ¡°They want me to go down to the basement, to speak with Lady Raynor,¡± Coral said.


    Pearl nodded her head and picked up the lantern. ¡°Very well, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°You can stay in the kitchen,¡± Coral encouraged, then added under her breath so that she hoped only Pearl could hear her, ¡°It will be safer for you.¡±


    Pearl¡¯s frown turned into a full scowl. ¡°No. I¡¯m coming with you.¡±


    Coral didn¡¯t protest. They made their way to the basement, carrying the lantern up high with its flickering flame. It cast long shadows over the walls. Her stomach squirmed slightly as the basement door swung open without her touch. She blinked a few times into that deep darkness below, her fear growing. The last time she had went down those steps, a monster had been down there.


    Technically, the same monster was still there, except now it was a ghost. Which was not especially comforting. However, Lady Raynor¡¯s ghost no longer had claws or gnashing teeth to kill with. Which was much more comforting to think about.


    Coral refused to be scared out of her own home. She took one last deep breath, squared her shoulders, then plunged down into that darkness.


    Together they reached the end of the stairs, Coral¡¯s arm held high so that the lantern¡¯s light could reach a little farther. She desperately needed to install lighting down here. Using candles and lanterns was becoming rather tedious.


    The basement looked the same as it did the last time she was in here. When she moved forward, the light revealed strewn bits of wood across the flagstone floor. She was going to have to clean that up too. In the meantime, she was more than happy to leave it, it wasn¡¯t as if guests were going to be coming down here.


    The Raynor children had remained quiet since leaving the kitchen. Being unable to speak to anyone since their death, Coral would have assumed they would want to blather on as much as they possibly could. She certainly would.


    Coral rubbed her fingers against the chicken bone again, assuring herself from the mild tingle of magic that the spell was still in effect. The basement remained quiet, so she walked deeper until she reached the dark stain on the floor, where the ghoul was first slain. That was going to require scrubbing as well.


    ¡°What are they saying? You have gone quiet,¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t saying anything,¡± Coral said. She avoided walking over the mess. For an extra measure she stooped down and picked up the hem of her skirt. She was dirty enough as it was.


    ¡°Try saying something,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what to say,¡± Coral said. She kept moving towards the hole in the basement wall, to the necromancer¡¯s lair. Now that she was here, morbid curiosity was taking a hold of her. She stared ahead at the darkness trying to see as much as possible. What would she see if she stepped into that hole in the wall? It was likely Silas and his team would have stripped the room of all necromancer tools and paraphernalia. Still, her mind conjured up a dank room filled with meat hooks and bottled entrails. If Coral stepped foot inside of that space, maybe she would get a response out of Lady Raynor.


    ¡°Hello, may we speak with you?¡± Pearl called out.


    Coral stopped walking. She looked about, and saw no movement, no shadows, not even a ghostly voice whispering back to them.


    ¡°Did she answer?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°No. This is anticlimactic,¡± Coral complained. She held the chicken bone up close to the lantern light so that she could squint down at it. ¡°I can still feel the magic working. Maybe she isn¡¯t down here after all.¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t be right. The children asked for you to go down here, didn¡¯t they? She must be,¡± Pearl said, looking about as though she expected Lady Raynor to manifest before them.


    ¡°Good evening,¡± Pearl called out again, louder this time. She nudged Coral in the arm, motioning for her to follow on.


    ¡°Good evening, Lady Raynor,¡± Coral said, feeling rather foolish. This could entirely be a plot for the children to lure them to their deaths again. It wouldn¡¯t surprise her.


    The door to the basement slammed shut. Pearl squeaked and grabbed a hold of Coral. Coral spun to look back at the door, though she saw precious little; the darkness swallowed up all that was beyond the reach of the lantern.


    ¡°That better not have been you Mr. Bramer,¡± Coral called out. She was beginning to feel rather annoyed at all these silly tricks they were pulling.


    ¡°We really should have waited for Silas. Or anyone from the Adventurers Guild,¡± Pearl groaned.


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Coral said, patting Pearls hand. Pearls nails were biting into her arm painfully. ¡°At least we know we¡¯re in the right place.¡±


    Pearl frowned despite her fear.


    The darkness moved from behind Pearl¡¯s shoulder. Coral shifted a little so that she could see more, though whatever had moved had disappeared back into the shadows.


    ¡°Did you see something?¡± Pearl whispered, her hands tightening around Coral¡¯s arm again.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I think so,¡± Coral said. She gave Pearl¡¯s hand a squeeze in what she hoped was a reassuring way.


    There was a whisper of movement from beside Coral, gooseflesh rippled down her at the sensation of someone touching her arm.


    ¡°This is our mother, Lady Seaver,¡± Emeric said from beside her, soft and full of love.


    ¡°Mama, come say hello,¡± Ayleth said somewhere from the other side of Pearl.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be down here,¡± a woman rasped.


    Coral could only assume that the new voice belonged to Lady Rayner. Unsure if the comment was aimed at them, or for her two children that must be somewhere close by.


    ¡°Lady Raynor, it is a shame we aren¡¯t meeting in more favourable circumstances. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Coral Seaver, and this is my sister, Pearl,¡± Coral said into the darkness.


    ¡°I know who you are,¡± said Lady Raynor, her voice smoothing out into a clear, lilting melody. The difference was rather alarming. ¡°You want us gone.¡±


    Coral made a mental note to be a little more careful when referring to the ghosts. She never knew what conversation they were listening into. She must have been a little too vocal about wanting the ghosts gone.


    ¡°We want to help,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°NO,¡± shrieked the woman.


    Pearl flinched, jerking Coral¡¯s arm. The sound of Lady Raynor¡¯s voice was so loud that it echoed the basement. If the other ghosts were to be believed, it took a lot of effort on their part to reach through whatever veil that separated the living. The stronger the emotion or reaction, the clearer it became for the living. Perhaps that was why so many ghosts turned hostile, their calmer emotions were not strong enough to breach the barrier that separated them.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want us to help?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± Lady Raynor said in a much calmer manner. ¡°I am beyond help. There is nothing you can do. You should leave when you can.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t leave,¡± Coral said more forcefully. ¡°This is my home.¡±


    ¡°Then you are asking for death. I am not safe. This place is wrong. I am wrong,¡± Lady Raynor groaned. Her voice roughened with a gravelly tone, as though she were parched for water.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving,¡± Coral said flatly. ¡°I¡¯m offering you a choice. You can either tell us about your situation. What you remember. Anything at all, so we can help you. Or. I am forced to resort to alternative means to have you removed.¡±


    Coral left the threat hanging in the air. There was a ripple of shadow, the darkness coalescing into a vaguely human shape from the center of the basement, over the dark stain on the floor. Coral turned to watch it form into something denser than the darkness around them, until slowly, the outline of Lady Rayner became a little more visible. She was washed out, and her features were blurred as though Coral were peering through a rain drenched window.


    ¡°Alternative means. You mean shadowsteel,¡± Lady Raynor stated. She watched them from half lidded eyes, flicking between Coral¡¯s and Pearls faces. After a moment that felt far too long, she gave a resigned sigh.


    ¡°I was sick,¡± Lady Raynor said. ¡°I had contracted Spellburn. I had been fighting the sickness for years.¡±


    Spellburn was a slow sickness that could be caught through the exposure and use of magic. It corroded away the body, draining every ounce of life until one day, there wasn¡¯t anything left except for a husk of a body, the person barely recognizable. There was no known cure. Counteractive measures could be taken to prolong the inevitable ¨C herbs and potions to sustain the body. It explained the long list of herbs Coral had read when she was rifling through the documents for the manor. Over time, the preventative procedures would become less effective, until nothing at all helped. Spellburn wasted the lives of far too many people.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Coral said earnestly, her words meant for Emeric and Ayleth just as much as Lady Raynor. It was a horrible thing to watch someone you loved to succumb to such a fate. To see the acceptance after years of being beaten by a sickness that they couldn¡¯t free themselves of until death took them. Death hadn¡¯t set Lady Raynor free of torment. She went from one nightmare to another.


    ¡°I lived with Spellburn for ten years. It¡¯s done now, there¡¯s no need for your pity,¡± Lady Raynor said.


    Ten long years of your body betraying you, of your life essence leeched from you with every breath. Ten years of being utterly exhausted. Coral couldn¡¯t fathom what Lady Raynor would have had to endure all that time.


    ¡°My husband searched for ways to help me. He purchased this land from Lord Acheron, there is a ley line that runs deep through here, which helped with dealing with the sickness. The fresh air was good for me and the ideal to prevent spell exposure. He built this manor for me, as grand as he could make it so I would not miss the splendour of the city. When I fell pregnant, we feared we would lose the babe. It was a hard pregnancy. I was fortunate when I gave birth to Emeric. You can imagine our surprise when I fell pregnant a second time. When my daughter Ayleth was born, the sickness began to take a deeper hold and I was slow to recover.¡±


    The shadow solidified and Lady Raynor took shape, her face and green eyes as clear as though Coral were looking at a real person. Her blonde hair was still falling out of a bun from atop her head and her dress flowed around her as though she were caught up in a gale of wind.


    Pearl¡¯s hand was clasped so tight against Coral¡¯s arm, she was certain her skin would bruise. Lady Raynor didn¡¯t look at them. Instead, she was looking up at the ceiling.


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    ¡°Little did I know that this place would become my prison,¡± Lady Raynor said bitterly. ¡°I succumbed, finally, to the sickness two weeks before my thirty-sixth birthday. Midwinter.¡±


    ¡°When I awoke, for a lack of a better way to describe how I was once again alive, I was so fiercely hungry it was all I could think or feel. You must understand. I had gone from food I could not taste, of never feeling hungry in the ten years Spellburn had eaten away at me. Of scents, colours and sounds that had been nothing but mere, greyed-out imitations of their former selves, to sudden, ravenous hunger. I could smell things again. I could see in such vivid detail, the light hurt my eyes. And, I was hungry.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t recall much in those first few hours, other than the insatiable hunger. After a while I became angry. I was nothing except anger and hunger come to life. I do recall the blood. How it wet my tongue, how I craved more. There was screaming, and they all looked the same to me. Until, that is, I came across my children.¡±


    Lady Raynor¡¯s eyebrows pinched together as she stared unseeingly at the ceiling, the edges to her becoming transparent then solidified as she was bolstered by a memory. ¡°I regained some semblance of sanity then. My beloved Ayleth, sprawled on the floor like a tiny doll. And brave Emeric, just a few feet in front, a knife in his hand and staring back at me, the light gone from his eyes.¡±


    Lady Raynor took a shuddering breath. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it was I who murdered them with my own hands. Or, if they were- If it was,¡± she lapsed into silence, her head dropping down and hands pressing against her chest. A sob broke from her, heartbroken and pained.


    ¡°Mama,¡± said the gentle voice of Emeric. ¡°It wasn¡¯t you. You didn¡¯t touch us,¡± he assured her.


    Lady Raynors hands dropped by her sides as she fell to her knees. Her pretty face was screwed up against whatever memory she was lost in.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Lady Raynor rasped. ¡°I killed them.¡±


    ¡°No, mama,¡± the soothing hush of Ayleths voice said. ¡°Emeric kept me safe as long as he could against Papa. It was him, not you.¡±


    Lady Raynor let out a wail, bellowing her grief and pain. It filled the basement, the noise bouncing off the walls and getting louder. She clawed at her face, as though she were trying to drive her fingers into her skull. She gasped and rocked forward, her blonde hair spilling over her shoulder.


    The air around Coral chilled. Her breath puffed out before her in a white cloud.


    ¡°I killed them,¡± Lady Raynor muttered, now swaying back and forth. Her hands had fallen away from her face, and they dug into the stained stone beneath her. Her fingers passed straight through. She trailed her hand around, staring at the ground as though she were transfixed.


    ¡°Your husband killed your children, not you,¡± Coral said firmly. She didn¡¯t know what else to say.


    Lady Rayner jerked her head up, glaring and baring her teeth. ¡°What do you know!¡± She screamed. ¡°I¡¯m a monster. I did it!¡±


    Pearl recoiled, taking a step back behind Coral.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a monster,¡± Coral said evenly, though truthfully, she felt anything but calm.


    Lady Rayner cried out again, bending at the waist and letting her head fall forward. She wailed into the floor, hitting the ground with a clenched fist and taking ragged, gasping breaths.


    ¡°I¡¯ve killed so many. I was so hungry,¡± Lady Rayner rasped. She wrapped a hand around her stomach, the other still sunk beneath the floor.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t your fault. Your husband did that to you. To those people. He was the one to try to bring you back to life. He turned you into a ghoul,¡± Coral said, piecing the puzzle together.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t,¡± cried Lady Raynor. ¡°He loved me. More than anything, he loved me! He spent years trying to find a cure. He did anything and everything to keep me alive for as long as possible. Even when I was ready to die, he wouldn¡¯t let me.¡±


    Lady Raynor let in a shuddering sob, tears spilling down her cheeks and dripping past her chin. The tear dissipated before it hit the ground.


    Coral finally understood.


    ¡°Lady Raynor, did your husband regularly practice magic?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°No. Only I did, and I hadn¡¯t tried since I had fallen sick. It would make things worse for me,¡± she mumbled.


    If Lord Raynor had done all that he had for his wife ¨C the herbs and potions he stocked, the elaborate house built on a ley line far from civilization, risking attacks from monsters that lurked in the unexplored parts of the country. That didn¡¯t sound like a man who had malicious intent or had wanted to learn the ways of death.


    He was a man desperately in love with his wife, driven to any means to keep her alive. Even necromancy.


    Lady Rayner had died on Midwinter, twenty-five years ago, then brought back to life with necromancy. Except information and texts were prohibited on death magic. The spells and texts that could be found on the black market would have been limited at best. Whatever Lord Raynor had done, it had gone wrong. He had brought his wife back as a ghoul, not returned her soul to her body as he would have wholly intended. Somehow, and Coral was certain, he had also started the Night of the Undead. The ghosts that were trapped in the manor were from that night only, and not from before. Every year, from sundown to sun-up, the dead rose from their graves.


    It had all been from a man desperately in love with his wife. Lord Raynor was the true monster here. In his despair he had left a wave of sorrow and death behind him.


    ¡°Your husband loved you very much,¡± Pearl said gently.


    Coral scoffed.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t absolve him of what he has done. Look at her,¡± Coral gestured towards Lady Raynor¡¯s ghost, sobbing, over a stain that had been from her previous monstrous form.


    ¡°He did that to her. He turned her into a ghoul. He killed their children. Then set her loose through the manor and let her slaughter their staff. He is the reason the Night of the Undead happens every year. The sun and moon only know how many people he¡¯s actually killed. He was a vicious, selfish man that deserved what he got.¡±


    ¡°How dare you,¡± Lady Rayner snarled, anger dripped from every syllable. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare besmirch my husband. He was a good man.¡±


    Coral didn¡¯t even have the chance to backtrack with her words.


    Lady Raynor stood, her face hollowing out with rage. She lunged at Coral with her hands outstretched, very like how she would have during her time as a ghoul. Coral shuffled back, her feet not quite working as fear gripped her.


    Lady Raynor caught Coral by her dress, halting her in place. She shoved hard, her hands were freezing, and Coral wasn¡¯t expecting to feel that hardened force behind them. Coral hit the floor, her left shoulder taking most of the impact. She blinked away the stars in her eyes and grimaced as a moment later pain throbbed through her. She clutched at her shoulder, wincing at the movement.


    A cold draft of air washed over her, and Coral looked up to see Lady Raynor standing over her. A rust red glow shone through beneath the skin of Lady Raynor¡¯s throat, with concentrated light coming from streaks and patterns that looked oddly like sigils. The glowing linework sprawled down her neck and beneath the folds of her dress, completely cutting off the magical light.


    Coral had been so focused on the magical lines etched across Lady Raynor, that she hadn¡¯t seen the reaching hand coming for her.


    Lady Raynor¡¯s fingers were no longer tipped with long claws, so the slashing motion hardly hurt Coral, until her hands reached around her neck and squeezed. There was no flesh to feel, though the sensation was ice cold and a hard pressure closed down on Coral¡¯s throat.


    Slightly panicking, Coral swung a fist at the ghost, her hand sailing straight through the incorporeal form as though she were as dense as smoke.


    ¡°STOP!¡± cried Pearl as her hands passed through Lady Raynor in an attempt to push her off Coral.


    Coral clawed at her own throat, unable to move the ghostly fingers pressing down on her throat. Her air was cut off. Coral couldn¡¯t breathe. In complete panic, she writhed and tried to gasp for air, moving any which way to throw off the force closing down on her neck.


    It was useless. Coral couldn¡¯t touch a ghost.


    A piece of wood swung above Coral¡¯s head and then drove straight through Lady Raynor¡¯s chest. The ghost distorted and rippled as the piece of wood sliced through, completely blurring Lady Raynor¡¯s visage, only for the body to reform again.


    Corals lungs were beginning to burn. The bruising pressure at her neck was pressing down even harder. Coral had to break the hold, or she would pass out. Her hands skimmed the flagstones, searching for anything to help. There was nothing. Even if she had found her own piece of wood, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered. Only shadowsteel or magic could affect ghosts.


    Hope sparked in Coral, even as her lungs began to scream at her. She stopped her panicked scrabbling and instead focused on the only spell she had ever successfully done. Fool¡¯s Luck. She traced her fingers through the air, following the lines of the sigil required for the spell. Magic tingled in her skin. The edges of her vision began to fade.


    Pearl was yelling incoherently, trying to pull Lady Raynor¡¯s attention away from Coral. She didn¡¯t know what Pearl was yelling, it was all becoming a loud buzz in her ear. A small, shadowy hand reached out and pulled on her sister, drawing her away. Pearl jerked her shoulder free.


    ¡°No. Please help her!¡± Pearl cried out.


    Coral dipped her finger down, concentrating hard on the next direction she had to draw the symbol. She could still feel the tingle of magic, and hope bloomed in her as she drew closer to the completion of the sigil. She only needed to pull her finger up in the correct angle, and she would be done. Cursed shit she needed some luck right now.


    Another set of small hands clutched at Pearl and was forcefully pulled back hard enough that she fell. Pearl¡¯s leg kicked out and connected with Coral, shoving her hand in the wrong direction as she completed the last line of the sigil.


    The tingle of magic grew hot, and then an explosive force erupted as the sigil tried to activate. A shockwave of magical energy bloomed out, flinging Lady Raynor away. Coral felt herself be pushed into the ground, and with nowhere else to go, she slid backwards. The energy was gone as soon as it had come. Coral lay where she was, gasping wildly for air now that the pressure had been lifted.


    Pearl crawled back towards Coral, her eyes wide with fright and blood dripping down the side of her face.


    ¡°Breathe,¡± Pearl said, rolling Coral to her side and rubbing her back with harried force.


    Coral choked down as much air as she could. It didn¡¯t feel like she could get enough.


    Lady Raynor screeched from the other side of the basement. Either she had been flung back far enough that their lantern light couldn¡¯t reach her, or her form had disappeared in the wake of the magical explosion.


    Anxious whispers filled Coral¡¯s ears, and she realised over the ringing that they belonged to Ayleth and Emeric¡¯s. The bone conductor had fallen from Coral¡¯s grip and could be anywhere in the basement now. Coral shakily pushed herself upright, though it clearly wasn¡¯t fast enough for the two ghosts, as she felt her body go rigid and then airborne. She couldn¡¯t move her body at all with invisible hands holding her still. She could only stare at the darkness surrounding them.


    Pearl squeaked in fright as she was lifted in the air, her feet dangling a foot from the ground.


    Coral flew backwards, her heels catching on the hard edges of the stairs as she was driven back by some unseen force. Her back slammed into the basement door and then landed heavily on the ground. Pearl came soaring in after her, mouth open in a silent scream. She was dropped right over the top of Coral. The basement door slammed shut.


    Pearl rolled off Coral, breathing hard as though she had been the one running and not the ghosts hurling her out. They stared at the basement door, then jumped as a chair screeched noisily against the floor and pushed itself up against it. The door shuddered.


    Knowing full well that the door would not stop a spirit, Coral got to her feet, pulled Pearl up who was still staring at the door, and then ran. Coral sped past the Winter Salon, up the stairs and down the corridor. Pearl hesitated as they reached the foot of the staircase leading up. Coral didn¡¯t wait for her, she took the stairs two at a time, then stopped halfway as she realised Pearl was still at the bottom and kept looking between her and the front door.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± huffed Pearl impatiently, gesturing at the front door.


    Coral shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving,¡± she said, turned and hurried to the landing. Pearl let out a frustrated groan, then followed, clasping her skirts in her hands.


    The corridor was almost pitch black and her skin crawled as Coral made her way down the corridor and pushed open her bedroom door. She stood in the threshold, her eyes skimming over the darkest parts of the room first, then checked over the canopy bed and the closed bathroom door.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here before we are attacked again,¡± Pearl said.


    Coral stepped into the room and went straight to where she had stashed the black crystals taken from Direwood cemetery. She scooped the raw chunks up. They were cold to the touch, though she could feel that pulse of magic emanating from them.


    ¡°This is our home. Ours.¡± Coral said stubbornly. She turned back to Pearl and took up her wrist. She forced Pearl to hold on to a crystal, ensuring she wrapped her fingers around it. ¡°We didn¡¯t leave our old life to give up so easily. I won¡¯t leave with nothing to show for it. Keep this on you. Don¡¯t put it down, not even when you bathe or sleep. Not until I can have Lady Rayner removed.¡±


    ¡°Coral,¡± Pearl said, frowning at the piece of tourmaline in her palm.


    Coral pulled the blanked from her bed. It snagged on the mattress corner and she had to tug at it hard to pry it free.


    ¡°Coral,¡± Pearl said louder.


    ¡°Help me with this. I don¡¯t want to leave the snapdragons alone. Not tonight with an angry ghost that could be anywhere. We¡¯ll stay in the Salon with them and if we need to get out quickly, we will be closer to the door than if we stayed in the bedroom. It¡¯ll be too hard to shepherd them all up here anyway.¡±


    ¡°Listen!¡± Pearl yelled.


    Coral looked over at her. Pearl was clutching the crystal against her chest. She was sweaty and her skin was paler than usual. The bleeding had stopped from the small cut on her head, though it painted one side of her face a dark red.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave. Just for tonight, while we can,¡± Pearl implored.


    ¡°If we hold on to the crystals it will keep us safe.¡±


    ¡°Crystals aren¡¯t going to fix this,¡± Pearl scoffed. ¡°Look around Coral. We¡¯re alone in an old manor, overrun with ghosts. With Lady Raynor¡¯s spirit. This is dangerous. We can¡¯t do anything against this. I can¡¯t do anything. I couldn¡¯t stop her from choking you, and I won¡¯t be able to do anything if she comes for you again.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what the crystals are for. They will repel the ghosts that mean us harm,¡± Coral said, piling the blanket into Pearl¡¯s arms. She returned to the bed for some pillows and picked up the book sitting on her bedside table.


    ¡°We need a professional for this. Otherwise we¡¯re going to get ourselves killed. We fall woefully short for the task,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°What do you expect me to do? I searched for Silas and he¡¯s the only one I would trust right now to help us. If I take this to the Adventurers Guild, they¡¯ll deal with the ghosts using shadowsteel. Do you want them to have their spirits slowly eaten by a sentient weapon? I thought you wanted to help them, not destroy them.¡±


    Even as Coral said it, she wouldn¡¯t take that option. She couldn¡¯t justify doing that to a single poor soul, let alone a whole house of people who had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She wasn¡¯t heartless. Even if it did mean having to work around this problem before opening the inn¡¯s doors up to begin making some coin to survive.


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t want that,¡± Pearl snapped. ¡°And I don¡¯t want us to die either.¡±


    ¡°We aren¡¯t going to die,¡± Coral said resolutely.


    ¡°You nearly did!¡± Pearl threw her arms out angrily, letting the blanket crumple to the floor.


    Coral couldn¡¯t argue with that. She wanted to. Her mouth automatically opened to shoot back a reply, then stopped herself. She had so much simmering frustration that it was beginning to boil over. The situation with the ghosts. Having limited coin, the implied suspicion that Coral was involved somehow with the ghoul and necromancy. It was becoming too much, and she knew it.


    Coral didn¡¯t want to admit that.


    She didn¡¯t like being incapable of looking after Pearl. Her first real attempt at making a home for them, and that dream was crumbling faster than the moulding walls in the manor.


    They were unharmed right now because the fools luck spell had exploded and pushed Lady Raynor off of her. In a way, the luck spell had worked. Coral assumed it was the element of luck that had been weaved into the spellwork that had been on her side. The completed spell may not have even taken hold if there was no path to help Coral.


    If she had passed out, even if she hadn¡¯t completely suffocated, Pearl would have been the next victim. That thought alone sent Coral¡¯s blood cold, cooling her frustration.


    Pearl was scared, hurt, and she rarely stood up for herself. Pearl wanted them both to be safe.


    ¡°I won¡¯t do anything stupid anymore,¡± Coral said.


    Pearl¡¯s pinched eyebrows eased. At this rate, Coral was going to cause Pearl to gain frown lines well before she reached her thirties.


    ¡°It would be just as dangerous if we attempt to leave the house this late at night. There are still monsters outside these walls. If we stay here, we have some form of protection,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°We walked back this evening when it was dark,¡± Pearl pointed out.


    ¡°Yes, just after sundown. It was rather stupid of us to do that, really. I wouldn¡¯t risk it this late at night. We also won¡¯t have anywhere to stay, we can¡¯t afford to rent a room for a night, and if we went to Adventurers Guild they will want to know why,¡± Coral reasoned.


    Pearl was quiet for a moment, sighed, then scooped the blanket back into her arms. ¡°Very well. I did keep hearing something in the tree¡¯s when we walked back, and that awful screeching. It will probably be warmer too, if we stay,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to change first. I don¡¯t want anything more to happen to my good dress. You should clean your face up,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°What, on my own in there?¡± Pearl said looking terrified.


    ¡°Wait until I¡¯ve finished dressing, then I¡¯ll come into the bathroom with you. Make sure to keep that crystal with you,¡± Coral said.


    At least the bathroom ghost had only ever etched words into the walls. It still unnerved her, standing in the cold bathroom and waiting for Pearl to wash her face. Her own reflection stared back at her in the cracked mirror. Her neck didn¡¯t have any physical marks that she could see, but her throat still hurt.


    When Pearl was finished, they crept back down the corridor, watching for any sign of a moving shadow or disembodied voice. Both of their hands were stuffed full of bedding. Coral kept squeezing hers every time she heard the house creak. She practically ran the last few steps to the Winter Salon and pushed the door open.


    The warmth from the lit fireplace washed over her, the light pushing back some of her worry. The black snapdragon darted up from its sleeping place by the hearth and padded over to greet Coral, pawing at her legs with its two front feet.


    Coral made sure to solidly close the Winter Salon¡¯s doors, set a black crystal down in each corner of the room, with a few extra placed by intermittently about the perimeter and the door. She sat down with Pearl on the comfiest chair and spread the blanket over the top of them. Pearl had collected her snapdragon, Blossom, and was stroking it gently. As soon as Coral had sat down, the black snapdragon leapt up into Coral¡¯s lap, flapping its wings for some additional momentum. All that it really succeeded with was smacking both Coral and Pearl before curling up in a ball beside them.


    Coral took up her book, trying to read the information about the spell the book fell open to. Her eyes kept finding their way to looking around the room. They fell quiet, listening to the tiny snores of the snapdragons and the steady crackle of the fire. There was no way either of them was going to get any sleep tonight.

 A little extra help

    Coral did not sleep until the early hours of the morning, and even then, it was a fitful affair. The black snapdragon kept wriggling around and poking her with one of its large paws. Her throat felt as if it were bruised and she would startle awake at any vague noise, whether it be imagined or not. Pearl had fallen asleep draped across the arm of the chair, with her own snapdragon snuggled rather comfortably on her lap, its butterfly wings fluttering about every so often as it dreamed.


    When Coral awoke for what felt like the fiftieth time, it was to the sound of the spellbook falling from her lap and thudding against the wooden floor. She had spent the night studying the spells to preoccupy her mind. The layout of the sigils and the complexity that went into magic was usually intriguing enough to hook Coral. Unfortunately, not even magic study could keep her mind from worrying away at what to do about the angry ghost in her basement.


    No, not angry. Unhinged was rather more correct. Or terminally insane. Even the comments from the other ghosts had said as much.


    Coral bent down and collected the book. The black snapdragon uncoiled its body into a languid stretch, not caring that its two front feet were pushing hard into her. The small claws it flexed were sharp enough to scratch through her through the velvet robe.


    The room looked as much as it had when she had fallen asleep. De-feathered pillows were strewn about, some hosting a couple of sleeping snapdragons. There were a few new slashes on the creature¡¯s favourite chair. It stood lopsided with a significantly shortened leg after the dwarf dragons had gnawed on it, and it was so singed that it was hard to distinguish what colour the fabric had been.


    The room was sleepy and still, instilling a sense of security in her.


    Coral knew logically that the pallid sunshine streaming through the windows wasn¡¯t going to keep her safe from an angry ghost, but it did make her feel better. It wasn¡¯t the other ghosts in the house she feared, at least not right now. Coral slipped her black stone securely in the pocket of Pearl¡¯s velvet dressing robe, tucked the blanket about her shoulders to keep her warm, then got to her feet to stretch out her stiff back.


    Her movement was a signal to the rest of the snapdragons that it was time to wake. Little bleary eyes blinked up at her, snuffling and scuttling as they hurried over, eager to begin their day. Coral needed to let them outside and they would be demanding their breakfast as soon as they were done with their business. In the short time that she had them, the tiny snapdragons seemed to have grown far more than the black snapdragon. Though, none had gotten quite as big.


    Coral stood by the door for a full minute, her hand resting on the handle as she seriously contemplated heading straight to Crowcaller for help. She had been thinking about it for most of the night.


    It would be easy.


    If she did, they would get to enjoy a ghost-free, warm evening at the Adventurers Guild. Coral was sure Crowcaller would accommodate her and draw up a payment plan. All she would have to do is battle her own guilty conscience.


    It would also likely take her years to repay the fee for having the ghosts removed, with the majority of whatever hopeful earnings she gained through the inn going directly to the Guild¡¯s coffers.


    No, going to the Adventurers Guild was not an option. She simply didn¡¯t have the means. She had only ever had one guest so far, and she was thankful Caspian Acheron hadn¡¯t asked for his money back. Not to mention the cost of repairs the manner was in desperate need of. Coral had accepted that the amount of renovation work would be quite substantial and would be supplemented from whatever profit she hoped to glean from the Inn. What she couldn¡¯t accept was having her coin depleted and leaving her destitute.


    The black snapdragon whined a little, pulling Coral away from her thoughts.


    ¡°Alright. Let me check if the way is safe.¡± She gave its head a pat, then pried the salon door open a few inches. She peaked out. Morning light spilled down the corridor, and not a ghost could be seen darkening the entrance foyer or corridor.


    The black snapdragon trotted out, completely unconcerned. That must be nice. It went for the kitchen, following the usual routine and expecting to be let out to the courtyard from the back door. The rest of the snapdragons had noticed her leaving and raced after the black snapdragon in a thunder of little claws pounding the wooden floor. Coral stepped out of the room and her foot landed on something hard. She jerked back, her heart in her throat and looked down, hoping she hadn¡¯t stepped on one of them.


    There, lying at the foot of the Winter Salon door, was the chicken bone conductor.


    Coral picked it up and examined it, turning it over to look at the sigil. There were no sudden voices that spoke to her, thankfully. She wasn¡¯t quite ready to speak to the dead this early. The bone conductor would need some time to recharge before she could use it again. Which was good, as she rather fancied a strong cup of tea and a full belly before she had to deal with any ghosts.


    Coral wasn¡¯t sure which of the ghosts had fetched the bone. It was unlikely that it had been Lady Rayner, as she had made it perfectly clear how she felt about Coral. She rubbed at her tender throat and winced a little at that thought. Either way, they must want to speak with her if they had left it lying by the door for it to be found in the morning.


    In the kitchen, Coral spent a long moment finding the correct key then opened the back door. When she managed to pry open the door, the snapdragons went trundling down the few steps and bounded off into the courtyard. A small tuft of white drifted past. Coral blinked and looked up. The first snow of the season had begun. With a start, Coral realised that Midwinter was now only a matter of weeks away. She hadn¡¯t boarded up any windows or walked the perimeter of the stone wall that fenced in the hundred acres of land. The bathroom in her room still needed the wallpaper removed, the cracked mirror to be replaced. She had thought she would be well and truly done with those tasks by now. She was running behind in preparing the manor. Rather quite badly. Mr. Wiggy the carpenter had yet to visit, so she would have to rule out any repairs to the house to be done prior to midwinter then ¨C a hopeful but unrealistic notion she had wanted.


    Coral stuck her hand into the robe pocket and brushed her thumb over the bone¡¯s surface. She let out a heavy sigh, turned and then sought out the bone conductor jar. The second chicken bone had been soaking in her blood for longer. She unstoppered the lid, hesitated, then dropped the bone inside and sat the jar on the table.


    Coral had read the passage in the book Elwin had used to make the bone conductors. If she wanted to prolong the spell¡¯s usage, she would need to supplement the soaking process with a few drops of her blood once a month if kept at an optimal cool temperature. As it was so cold in the manor, Coral hadn¡¯t bothered with the cold box, the room was icy enough.


    She turned her back to it and busied herself with locating a knife to slice some bread. The cupboard to her left creaked open. Coral turned in time to see the blue teapot lift from its place and land rather heavily on the table, the porcelain lid rattling. Coral winced at the sound, hoping that it hadn¡¯t cracked on impact. Nothing else moved after a moment, so she went to inspect for any damage. Finding nothing, she set the teapot down and went back to the bread, resolutely ignoring what just happened.


    Coral had finished slicing, when she heard the distinct sound of glass sliding over a wooden surface. She looked over her shoulder. The jar of chicken bones had been nudged towards her.


    ¡°I want a hot cup of tea and something to break my fast,¡± she said aloud to the room, knowing whichever ghost was in the kitchen with her didn¡¯t have much of a say in the matter. Unless they wanted to get violent.


    She set to boil water and found the butter for toast. It would be a welcome time when the snapdragons were big enough to lay eggs. The thought of buttery dragon egg omelette made her mouth water.


    When Coral turned back to the table for the blue teapot, she found to her surprise a waiting cup and saucer along with a fine porcelain plate. Even the cutlery had been set. Coral stared. The ghosts had set a place for her breakfast. Not knowing exactly what this all meant, she turned to the stove at the insistent sound of the water boiling over. She hurried to the teapot and set it by the stove, ready to be filled.


    A few minutes later, with the tea pot steaming gently from it¡¯s spout, and the scent of hot buttery toast in the air, Coral sat at the kitchen table to eat. It was relatively peaceful. If she ignored the glass jar of blood and chicken bones that was slowly inching its way over to her.


    Her hair shifted, tickling her neck. Coral flinched and batted at the strands, hoping there wasn¡¯t a spider crawling in it. She cut herself a piece of toast, savouring the quiet moment, and placed the piece in her mouth just as she felt another gentle tug on her hair. Coral placed her cutlery down and ran her fingers through the strands, catching a few knots. She shook her head for good measure.


    The back of her head tingled as something moved the strands, and she shot to her feet just as the jar of the chicken bones was pushed towards her again. Coral slowly let her hand drop. Her hair moved again, as though someone were running their fingers through it. There was a tug as a knot was caught, jerking her head a little.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to fix my hair. I already know it¡¯s a disaster,¡± she said, batting at the air behind her head. The sensation stopped. Coral waited a moment, half expecting the kitchen door to open, or porcelain to hurl at her. She knew the ghosts wanted her attention, but they could wait a few more minutes before she started toeing the line with the law.


    She threaded her fingers in her hair, half untangling a knot clumped near her right ear and sat back down. This time, she didn¡¯t bother with her fork. She picked up the rapidly cooling toast and bit into it. The jar of bones was nudged towards her again.


    Coral ignored the gesture. She poured herself some hot tea when she was done chewing. The rich and floral taste was wonderful and filled her to the core with warmth. Even the cup sitting between her hands helped to warm her cold fingers. She leant forward and rested on her elbows, a behaviour she would have been punished for a few years ago, and smiled into the cup as she took another sip.


    The kitchen, with the stove warming her back from residual heat, was rather pleasant this morning. Her eyes still fell towards the floor. Towards the doorway that led to the basement. All remained quiet and still. Even the usual creaks the manor made were silent. Coral drained the last of her tea from her mug.


    The kitchen door swung open, making her jump. The cup was pulled from her hands, and it clattered noisily on the plate before her. It was set right by invisibly hands, the blue teapot lifted seemingly on its own, then tipped so that the contents splashed into the cup, all over the table and across Coral¡¯s arms and chest. Coral threw her hands up trying to deflect the splashback, but the tea was too hot and burned her through her nightrobe. One of the ghosts threw a cloth over the tea that had pooled and spilled over the side of the table. Coral got to her feet and stood back, holding the nightrobe away from her front as much as she could to prevent any further burning.


    The cloth mopping up the tea was soaked instantly. It rose from the table in a limp sort of way, as if whichever of the ghosts who were attempting to lift it was struggling. The cloth was dropped and splattered against the floor adding to the mess further.


    ¡°What is happening?¡±


    Pearl stood in the doorway with her snapdragon clutched hard against herself. Her eyes locked on to one of the kitchen stools that slid away from the table, and a second cloth was flung across the room.


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    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t going to do anything stupid anymore!¡± Pearl accused.


    ¡°I was having breakfast,¡± Coral said indignantly.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like breaking your fast at all,¡± Pearl said waspishly.


    The jar of bones rattled on the kitchen table, interrupting Coral from answering Pearl with a too sharp tongue.


    ¡°I found the bone conductor I lost in the basement outside of the Salon door. The ghosts have been heavily hinting they want to talk,¡± Coral said.


    Coral felt herself be jerked forward, lifted then tossed on to the kitchen stool. It rocked back towards the table. Coral threw her arms out to stable herself as the stool balanced on two of its legs before rocking forward again. The jar of bones tipped over, the cork popped, and both bones shot out, smacking hard into Coral¡¯s chest. She caught the bones before they fell to the ground.


    She cringed down at the mess, though she was not surprised. She really needed to have that filth curse sorted out.


    ¡°There. I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m done waiting,¡± Alvis Borthwell said. ¡°You need to listen to us before you go to the Adventurers Guild.¡±


    ¡°Relay this to your sister as well, seeing as she is unable to hear us. I know she is frightened. We don¡¯t intend any harm to either of you,¡± Cicero Bramer said somewhere by the kitchen sink.


    Coral tried to rise up from the stool. She was held in place by a cold force pressing down upon her shoulders. ¡°Let me go,¡± Coral demanded. ¡°This is completely uncalled for.¡±


    ¡°Not until you have given us a chance to speak,¡± Mabelle sapping said.


    ¡°Are all of you here then?¡± Coral huffed, trying to slip free of whatever force was holding her to the stool. Pearl had gone pale, her eyes wide. She pressed Blossom harder to her chest and took a cautious step back.


    ¡°Tell her,¡± Cicero urged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t truly know if you intend on hurting us or not. You¡¯re dead. Eventually you¡¯ll be dead long enough it will drive you insane.¡±


    ¡°Not if we help each other. Which is entirely the point of this conversation,¡± Mabelle sapping said haughtily.


    ¡°Coral?¡± Pearl croaked out, her voice high and terrified.


    ¡°It¡¯s not Lady Rayner. It¡¯s the others,¡± Coral said. Which wasn¡¯t entirely reassuring.


    ¡°What should I do?¡± Pearl said, now breathing quickly.


    ¡°Let go of me, and I will listen,¡± Coral said to the room, trying to think fast. Pearl would still have a black stone in her dressing robe, providing her some form of protection. She didn¡¯t want to draw attention to that fact. Coral should have kept the stone on herself. She was still making stupid decisions.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you for a moment,¡± Alvis said in an apologetic tone.


    ¡°We can¡¯t risk you running off to the guild and coming back with Adventurers to curse us to a worse fate. So, we are making you an offer,¡± Mabelle said.


    Coral stopped trying to fight against the force that held her. She couldn¡¯t turn her body, but she could at least move her head in the direction the voices were coming from. Hearing out an offer from the ghosts felt far closer to that of necromancy rather than actively having a conversation with them.


    ¡°I understand your apprehension after Lady Rayner attacked you, and I don¡¯t blame you if you do go to the Adventurers,¡± Mabelle said in a placating manner.


    ¡°I would blame her,¡± Egbert said.


    ¡°That is not helping Egbert,¡± snapped Mabelle.


    ¡°What we are trying to say,¡± interrupted Alvis, ¡°Further to our agreement for cooperation, we will assist you where we can. We will help to ease the upkeep of this manor; we will not harm you or any guests and provide warning if Lady Raynor is- er. Unstable. As long as you have time to find a way to let us move on, without resorting to having the Adventurers Guild involved. In which case would be bad for all of us.¡±


    ¡°You want to help?¡± Coral asked slowly, her eyes tracing the walls and cupboards around her as though she could see some manifestation of the ghosts. She had thought about making this request of them but hadn¡¯t quite taken that step. She didn¡¯t want to arouse further suspicions of herself being involved with necromancy. Though, if the ghosts did assist her, whether it be light cleaning or advice, even a warning when Lady Rayner was roaming about, it would most certainly be useful.


    ¡°None of us want to force your hand into using shadowsteel on us. Even Egbert,¡± Mabelle said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t speak for me, I have my own voice,¡± Egbert spat.


    ¡°We understand that living here is dangerous for you,¡± Mabelle continued, her voice raised to drown out Egbert¡¯s grumbling from the far corner. ¡°Haunted places are bad for business. You need coin, and you desperately need help in managing a place like this. Considering what we all have to lose. You with your livelihood, and us with our literal spirits. Our initial agreement was rather lacking, so we have decided to offer this to you. Do we have an agreement?¡±


    ¡°What kind of help are you talking about.¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Pearl asked stepping towards Coral. The force holding Coral in place eased, then disappeared entirely as Pearl stopped by her side. Coral seriously needed to acquire more black crystals.


    ¡°They¡¯re offering to help us as long as we don¡¯t slay them with shadowsteel,¡± Coral surmised for Pearl.


    ¡°Oh. That is, well. What if someone finds out?¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°We can be discreet,¡± Alvis assured her.


    Coral did not think that was a viable answer. They hadn¡¯t exactly hidden themselves when Coral and Pearl had first moved into the manner.


    ¡°You would have to be more than discreet. You would have to avoid the guests entirely.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not seriously considering this, are you?¡± Pearl said, staring incredulously at Coral.


    Coral was considering it. The help was sorely needed, and she didn¡¯t have the coin to hire anyone to clean. The manor was enormous and was simply too much for two women with a cluster of snapdragons to manage. Coral intended to learn a few household spells to dispel dust from surfaces and chase away spiders, though as she had hardly any practice, she would need to master the sigils before she attempted to bespell anything inside the manor lest she cause an explosion or set something on fire.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it take a great deal of effort for them to affect the physical world?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°It does. Though, it has felt somewhat easier the last few days,¡± Cicero said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve a theory it¡¯s because we are interacting with you more often than we have with anything before,¡± Alvis said contemplatively.


    ¡°It does, but it¡¯s getting easier for them,¡± Coral told Pearl.


    Pearl searched Coral¡¯s face; her mouth pressed into a tight line.


    ¡°Please be assured that we won¡¯t hurt you. If anything, we will keep you safe as best we can from Lady Rayner. You¡¯re our best hope to move on. No one else is likely to stumble in and break whatever spell is keeping us here,¡± Hazel Mahon¡¯s gentle voice said somewhere from behind Coral.


    ¡°They say they will keep us safe from Lady Rayner,¡± Coral told Pearl.


    Pearl sighed heavily, her shoulders drooping a little as she nodded her head once in agreement. Then she held up a hand to the room.


    ¡°I¡¯m not very happy about this. I have a stipulation to this arrangement. If any of you cause any harm to either of us, or cause us any trouble, we reserve the right to our own protection and employ Adventurers to have you removed,¡± Pearl said stiffly.


    There was a chorus of agreements from the ghosts in the kitchen. Coral relayed their agreement to Pearl, who looked generally unhappy about this whole situation.


    A week later with this new truce between them, Coral found that life at the manor did significantly improve. Under the guidance of a disgruntled Egbert, where instructions were yelled rather than explained when she didn¡¯t quite understand, Coral learnt how to nail boards so that they didn¡¯t hang uselessly on the ground level windows. She had only managed to board up a few and lock in place existing shutters before she quickly grew tired. It was something she would have to slowly work on in the lead up to the Night of the Undead.


    The manor became noticeably cleaner, with the hard-to-reach places no longer cobwebby and layered with dust. Even the mould remover was being used effectively. By the end of the week, there wasn¡¯t a hint of the mould in the foyer, corridors, Winter Salon or the kitchen. The first floor bedrooms were given a refresher, the curtains beaten of dust, and windows thrown open to air out any residual cleanser smell. This had all been achieved with the help of the ghosts, who grew steadier with their grip on cleaning utensils with each passing day.


    Coral had time to truly consider remodelling the bathroom attached to her bedroom. Direwood was so grey and dreary, a splash of colour was in order. The wallpaper she had ordered was plain, though within her budget. She replaced the lime green florals with a rich dark green that, despite the bathroom being small, made it feel a little more cosy. She mostly chose the green so that it matched the drapes on the canopy bed with its dark hues. The copper taps were polished until they shined, the moth-eaten curtain was replaced with another less damaged one she found in another room in the manor when she went to poke about. The stain in the sink came up only after she consulted with Hazel, and eventually with an excessive amount of scrubbing, the basin shone as good as new. Coral even found a suitable mirror that matched the deep mahogany wood panelling on the walls to replace the cracked one. Pearl added her own touch by adding a vase filled to bursting with moonflowers and autumnal foliage, bringing attention to the smaller intricacies to the bathroom, like the copper gleam to the door handles, and the golden candles spelled to only burn the wick.


    Coral was proud of her work, even if she did struggle at first with the wallpaper, and if one didn¡¯t look too closely. At least it hid away those few scratched messages of ¡®HELP¡¯.


    There had been little in the way of signs that Lady Rayner was about. In fact, Coral hadn¡¯t seen her at all. She hoped this was a good sign and that meant Lady Rayner was in a more agreeable mood.


    In the hope that they would have more than one guest during Midwinter, Coral transferred the contents of her wardrobe to Pearls room. There were many bedrooms to choose from within the manor, but Coral didn¡¯t have the time to thoroughly wash down another bedroom when she still had to finish patching up the ground floor windows. There were simply too many windows. Besides, Coral could warm her cold feet on the back of Pearl¡¯s legs when the temperature passed freezing. All Coral had to tolerate was Pearl¡¯s light snoring.


    Mr. Wiggy arrived the day after Coral had finished the bathroom. He looked completely daunted at the prospect of doing any work at all. He stuck his head about, muttering and sighing with disdain, prodding his fingers in holes then picking them wider to reach into, tapping against walls and beams, then starring with his hands on his hips. In the end, he took one final look at a rather large hole in the floor that went straight through to the floor below. His fuzzy moustache ruffled.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s fallen apart,¡± he pointed at the rough edges where the floorboards had splintered. ¡°It looks more like something broke through it. Or fell. Something real heavy. Look at those scratch marks.¡±


    Coral, who had stayed a healthy distance from the gaping hole in the floor, leant forward to look at what Mr. Wiggy was pointing at. There were deep gouges that looked remarkably like claw marks around the edges of the hole. It had probably been from Lady Rayner¡¯s time as a ghoul pouncing on one of the poor staff. Or one of the undead that had fallen through said hole.


    ¡°Can it be fixed?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Course¡¯. Be a golden coin for these floorboards. And not till I¡¯m done with repairs in town.¡±


    ¡°Naturally,¡± Coral said. That wasn¡¯t a surprise. She would prefer people have their homes repaired first. She had a whole manor with many perfectly usable rooms to hold up in. Though, that did put her in some trouble of her own.


    ¡°What should I do about the cracked wall and windows? I can¡¯t afford to replace them,¡± Coral said.


    Mr. Wiggy shrugged. ¡°Keep boarding them up. Best you can do. I¡¯m surprised your windows aren¡¯t all smashed in. Then again, the dead all converge on the town. Prob¡¯ly all the people there I reckon.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re likely right,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Still, don¡¯t you go staying here on Midwinter. That¡¯s asking for trouble, and we don¡¯t need more than we already get around here,¡± Mr. Wiggy said, picking at another bit of the floor. ¡°There¡¯s been talk of hobgoblins causing trouble. Dewbraids pigs are getting sick, and some have even gone missing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been told Dewbraids pigs are the best for eating. Maybe the hobgoblins figured this out,¡± Coral said mildly, not nearly as interested in this topic as she was for the repairs to her manor.


    Mr. Wiggy shook his head. ¡°Nah, I¡¯d have thought the same myself, if it weren¡¯t for the wilted crops. This year¡¯s Midwinter feast ain¡¯t going to be too grand if everything keeps dying off.¡±


    ¡°Is there a plague of some kind?¡± Coral asked.


    Mr. Wiggy grunted and shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to engage your services as soon as you¡¯re available,¡± Coral said, eager to drive the conversation back towards the manor repairs. Mr. Wiggy seemed like the type to gossip.


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯ll let you know,¡± he said, studying her from beneath thick eyebrows.


    Coral guided him back down the corridor and towards the stairs. The hair on her neck stood on end, and Coral could feel that this section of the manor was colder than the rest. Mr. Wiggy gave a violent shudder, then crossed his arms over his chest.


    ¡°It¡¯s colder in here than I thought, must cost you a fortune in heating,¡± he said, making his way down the stairs.


    Coral had seen from the corner of her eye a flash of movement by the nursery door as they descended the stairs. She didn¡¯t turn her head to look.


    ¡°It¡¯s not so bad. We have plenty of trees to fell for firewood and a decent amount stored for the winter. I never touched an axe until I got here. I¡¯ve got the method down now, after many trials and error. I¡¯m sure in summer it will be wonderfully cooler,¡± Coral said, speaking purely to keep Mr. Wiggy¡¯s attention directed to her and leaving rather than towards the ghost materialising at their backs.


    ¡°What are two young ladies doing all the way in Direwood with a big place like this?¡± Mr. Wiggy asked, tucking his thumbs into the crook of his trousers as he descended the last few steps.


    ¡°Wild ambition and stubbornness mostly,¡± Coral said, hurrying to open the front door for him.


    Mr. Wiggy snorted. ¡°Course¡¯. I¡¯ll send you a quote in the next few days. Don¡¯t expect me so soon, I¡¯m very busy, and for a place like this. It won¡¯t be cheap, or quick.¡±


    Coral waved him out the door. When she closed the door, the lock clicked in place and the small table rocked on its legs. Signals from the ghosts trying to get her attention. Coral turned to the empty foyer. She knew it would be, Pearl had spent most of the day out in the greenhouse with the snapdragons. Except for the black one, who was snuffling about by her ankles, unconcerned.


    Coral looked up. Watching from the landing above was Lady Rayner, her face a blank mask. They stared at one another for a long moment, Coral not daring to blink. Distant laughter sounded further down the corridor from the nursery. Slowly, Lady Rayner turned and stepped towards the sound of her children, her body fading into nothing.


    Coral relaxed her grip from around the black crystal, her fingers tingling from the magic the stone emitted.

 Fable

    The moment Coral had stepped into town she could feel eyes upon her. From the shadowed doorway of the Dogs House, Iris Woodmore stood talking to men dressed in Epril¡¯s Adventurer Guilds tangerine colours. The woman hadn¡¯t acknowledged Coral as she passed by, but her spine itched with the feeling of being watched. She took comfort from the warmth emanating from the black snapdragon coiled about her shoulders.


    The cobbled streets were far busier than she had expected, with more than a few groups of Adventurers wearing colours or sigils representing their Guild. She was recognising more faces now, if not by name, she knew them by the cut of their shoulders, their gait, and some even by their smell. She could see the apprentices training hard in the small garden by the river, all trying to replicate the force push spell she had seen used on them weeks ago. Further on, she spotted Doctor Thornheart among the crowd, watching with intense scrutiny at the adventurers as they passed by, nodding her head to some and offering up a word or two.


    Guards were arguing with surly looking men, being urged to move their massive caravan off the main road. They could have stayed where they were, if it weren¡¯t for the dead troll strapped to the roof of their caravan.


    As far as trolls went, with Coral never having seen one except for illustrations in books and paintings, it was smaller than she had expected. Its thick legs were easily three times the size of her whole body. They hung from the back of the caravan like absurd stone masts from a ship. Its arms were tied to its sides, bulging with thickly corded muscle. Its skin was ash-brown and covered in so much lichen and pockmarks that it resembled stone. The troll¡¯s head faced away from her, which Coral was grateful for, as there was a dribble of a thick brown liquid oozing from its ear. A tuft of moss grew from the folds of its neck, as though it had stayed still long enough in the forest that the flora claimed it. If she hadn¡¯t known better, Coral would have thought it an odd boulder.


    ¡°Get this stinking thing out of town, you dim-witted guttersnipe. No dead things are to be brought into town at all,¡± barked a guard at the Adventurers staring him down.


    ¡°We¡¯re selling it,¡± they answered, unconcerned with the surly guard.


    ¡°We get enough dead shite hanging around at mid-winter. We¡¯ll not have you add a troll to the mix. Move on. Now,¡± the guard growled.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it,¡± Doctor Thornheart said, walking up to the caravan, her eyes set on the troll.


    At this the guard seemed beside himself with frustration. ¡°Have you been sniffing those herbs Norwood keeps? Do you have any idea how hard it is to pierce a troll¡¯s hide, it¡¯d go rotten before you make a dent,¡± the guard growled out. ¡°It needs to be taken far from town, far enough away that this bloody thing isn¡¯t going to come level our houses.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve a way to de-bone it,¡± Doctor Thornheart said dismissively. ¡°There¡¯ll be nothing for it to pull together to be of any real nuisance when I¡¯m done with it.¡±


    Coral gave the monster and the Adventurers a wide berth. What Doctor Thornheart would want with a dead troll; she didn¡¯t know. If it were Orvil Norwood asking to buy the troll¡¯s carcass she wouldn¡¯t have been surprised. He seemed to be the type to want odd, nauseating things.


    The black snapdragon seemed rather insistent on looking at the troll corpse, eagerly twisting around to get a better view. Coral had to hold on to its middle to stop it from leaping from her shoulder.


    ¡°Settle down, we¡¯re keeping it low key today. In and out as soon as possible,¡± she told it as it writhed about to look past the crowd of people that walked by. She felt as though she were drawing far too much attention to herself. She still had that nagging feeling that eyes were still set upon her. When she looked, no one was following. It took a moment of two for the snapdragon to calm down and stop scratching at her neck or whip her in the throat with an agitated flick of its tail.


    Coral entered Cravings and Delirium and spent a moment perusing the full shelves before finding what she had come for. The shop was bursting with an assortment of goods, but far from the usual trinkets and furnishings, there was a variety of items more suitable for the Night of the Undead. There was a range of protective clothing, bandages, poultices, swords, axes and clubs. Shields were leant up against the walls. Hammers and nails filled baskets by the counter. A section had been dedicated entirely to dried meats, cheeses, and desiccated fruits. She spied apricots that she hadn¡¯t thought to see until next summer and had to restrain from buying. Her purse was far lighter than she had intended already, and this trip into town was going to prove to be an expense that she could little afford.


    Not far from the display of edible goods, was what Coral had come for. On a shelf beside a small statue of a Soul Harvester carved from a smoky quartz, was a wicker basket with a scattering of raw black crystals. A small sign had been left inside the basket. Twenty-five bronze coins for the large size, and fifteen for the small. Her heart sunk a little at the cost, though it wasn¡¯t unexpected. She would have to make do with the supplies she bought for the repairs and maintenance of the manor until she could start earning coin.


    There were only a handful of the larger crystals, but Coral scooped up as many as she could afford. She piled the crystals atop the counter, the woman behind it giving her a questioning look.


    ¡°These won¡¯t stop the Undead from entering your manor. You¡¯re more likely to have better luck with that wall that surrounds your grounds,¡± the woman said.


    Coral blinked at her. She hadn¡¯t met this person before, there had been someone different behind the counter with every visit. Was she so recognizable that everyone in Direwood knew who she was?


    ¡°It¡¯s just a little extra precaution,¡± Coral said, nudging a few chunks of the crystal towards the woman.


    The woman¡¯s storm-grey eyes flicked over her, assessing whatever it was she saw. Coral was no longer the well-dressed noble from the city. Truthfully, she may have a remnant of that time clinging to her still, like an aroma she couldn¡¯t wash away. She was sure the filth curse had probably had a chance to splatter her with some mud or leaf litter on her trek into town.


    The woman must have approved of what she saw. She leant forward, her silver-streaked hair spilling onto the counter between them. She was somewhere perhaps in her fifties, with skin so smooth and blemish free she could have been looking at a doll. An oddity in a town whose resident¡¯s main occupation were farmers or Adventurers.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look like much for the Scurge of Direwood,¡± she said lightly.


    A muscle in Coral¡¯s cheek twitched as she tried not to smile at that. ¡°I only reveal my evil plots during special events. Should I sneer more to remedy my appearance?¡±


    The woman gave her a half smile, her eyes creasing just a touch. ¡°Only if Orvil Norwood comes slinking around my shop again,¡± she said. She took a moment to count out each of the crystals before her.


    ¡°You¡¯re the owner of Cravings and Delirium?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°I was the last time I checked. Though I only come in on days when I get new stock. I prefer to go looking for items rather than stand behind a counter all day. But travel is harder as it gets colder, and sales are always best in the lead up to Midwinter,¡± the woman said.


    ¡°That will be a silver and thirty. Though, if you pass the cemetery, I¡¯d take a handful from there too. The Adventurer¡¯s Guild take it upon themselves to restock the crystals every so often.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be living up to my namesake if I didn¡¯t take such an opportunity,¡± Coral said, handing over the coin. ¡°Though, I would prefer to be called Coral.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to do so in the future. I¡¯m Glenna Morvel.¡±


    ¡°Morvel,¡± Coral said, taken aback. This woman was little Otis Morvel¡¯s sister. Coral stared at her, as though one of the ghosts had just materialised in front of her. She searched the woman¡¯s face, studying her nose, the shape of the forehead, the roundness to her cheeks, then remembered she didn¡¯t actually know what Otis looked like. Coral had only ever heard his voice.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Glenna said.


    Coral¡¯s cheeks heated a little for staring a little too openly to be polite.


    ¡°I came across your surname in the records I have for the manor,¡± Coral said, trying to regain her composure. ¡°That is to say, specifically, Otis Morvel.¡±


    Glenna sighed. ¡°He was my younger brother,¡± she confirmed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Coral said.


    Glenna quirked an eyebrow at her. ¡°Whatever for?¡±


    ¡°Well, he passed away at the manor. I ¨C read that Lord Rayner had been a necromancer. Otis was in his employment around the time things took a sour turn.¡±


    Glenna shrugged. ¡°It was a long time ago. He met a tragic end and the culprit paid for what he did. I haven¡¯t thought about it for quite some time.¡±


    She looked Coral over with a shrewd expression. ¡°I thought those records were kept at the Guild.¡±


    ¡°I was looking for plans of the manor, for repairs and the like. I¡¯m still not sure just how many rooms are in that place. Crowcaller was kind enough to provide what information she could to me.¡±


    ¡°Just so,¡± Glenna said, tallying up the coins Coral had paid with.


    Coral packed away the crystals into a cloth pouch she brought with her. As she moved, an idea formed that could possibly benefit more than herself. Otis had wanted to send his family a letter, and perhaps she too could gather a few more coins for herself if Glenna was open to buying. If she invited Glenna over, it would give Otis a chance to see her again. It was the least she could do for the poor boy. Though, she was unsure on how the woman would react to the idea of visiting the place of her brother¡¯s demise.


    ¡°Would you by any chance by in the market for furniture?¡± Coral asked.


    ¡°Perhaps, what do you want to sell?¡±


    ¡°Chairs, a couple of tables and a wardrobe. They¡¯re all in reasonably good condition,¡± Coral said. They were if one were to ignore the distinctive claw marks from the snapdragons. She didn¡¯t expect to fetch a high price for the pieces, and there was more than enough furniture left abandoned in the manor.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the right time of the month, though after midwinter when furniture has been waylaid by the undead, there¡¯ll be folks looking to buy.¡±


    ¡°A perfect opportunity if you ask me,¡± Coral pressed.


    Glenna was quiet for a moment, then nodded her head once. ¡°It can¡¯t hurt to have a look. Would tomorrow be suitable for you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you then,¡± Coral said.


    Coral strung the cloth pouch around her wrist, the contents a comforting weight. She emerged from the shop and found Ariella Remstone across the Dire River, standing at the blacksmiths. Their eyes met, and for a moment they stared at one another.


    Coral was the one to break that cold gaze, turning back up the street to return home. She had only to travel a small way for her to discover Iris Woodmore still standing at the front of the tavern. As though she had been waiting.


    Perhaps Coral was being a little paranoid. There were many people out today, and it was unreasonable to think that she wouldn¡¯t see them about. Still, that cold gaze that fell upon her was unsettling.


    Coral didn¡¯t acknowledge her. Instead, she side stepped a passing caravan weighed down with plated steel, pulled by four large horses slick with sweat. They breathed heavily as they trundled down the cobbled road, tossing their heads. The horse in the rear had a fresh cut along the side of its neck, gaping and bleeding. A concerned Adventurer bristling with weapons murmuring encouragement to it.


    There had been a marked increase in activity the last few days in both the town and the outskirts. Coral and Pearl had heard the howls late at night, and she could only assume it was Silas¡¯s pack hunting. Often the howls were answered with screeches that came from no human mouth, a blood chilling cry wrenched straight from a nightmare.


    Coral had been fortunate enough to not see whatever had made that cursed screaming. If not for the monsters encroaching on the town, it was certainly the thought of Pearl left alone with naught but snapdragons and ghosts for company that spurred Coral¡¯s feet to hasten along the road back.


    She passed farmers and fields, leaving the hustle of the town behind her. The air was as chill as a vampire¡¯s kiss, and the ground was covered in a dusting of frozen spiderwebs. It was a beautiful day and Coral found herself enjoying the walk even as she approached the towering trees for the forest that lined the road, the space between the trunks dark as night. The road ahead was clear, not a single other person shared it with her. Coral seldom did, apart from a farmer carrying his wares to sell.


    The black snapdragon lifted its head to the air, tongue poking out to taste. Coral had long since discovered that it was a male. She really couldn¡¯t keep referring to it as ¡®the black snapdragon.¡¯


    While it wasn¡¯t particularly cuddly, it did seek her out purely to be near her. It would trot after her, watching as Coral went about her day cleaning or mending the manor. If the black snapdragon followed her, then it wasn¡¯t causing trouble with the other snapdragons. Coral had even taken to letting it sleep at the end of the bed, its warm little body the perfect warmer for her feet.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The black snapdragon leant over her shoulder, its claws scratching at her skin through the thick cape she had wrapped about her for warmth. She was going to have to find a way to file those down if she wanted to keep any flesh on her arms. Coral let it down and it immediately took to sniffing the ground, tail lashing in a way that Coral had learnt that it was irritated by something.


    It kept it up as she walked. It would stop, stiff and still as it listened to a shiver of dancing leaves in the wind, to a rustle or snap of a twig somewhere deep in the forest.


    They were almost home when Coral could finally see the tall stone wall that surrounded her land from amongst the branches. Even this far out away from the manor, Moonflowers trailed along the stones, shining like drops of moonlight in the darkness.


    The black snapdragon growled; its little teeth bared. Coral stopped.


    She had been so focused on looking out for a glimpse of the manor, that she hadn¡¯t seen what had stepped out on the road.


    The snapdragon had. Perhaps he had known something was amiss this whole time.


    A small hobgoblin, no taller than her knees, stared her down. His dark eyes gleamed as it stared at the black snapdragon. Its long grey beard hung by its knobby elbows, encrusted with old, dried blood. It wore a filthy tunic about its body, the remnants of a shirt intended for someone larger than itself. It had likely pilfered it long ago, judging by the stains blotching its surface and ripped patches.


    It had been weeks since she had seen her last monster. She had known they were abundant here, but Coral had strayed into a false sense of security having not seen any other creature in the time that she had come to live in Direwood.


    Coral could understand why Pearl would imagine Hobgoblins as little bearded men. This one did, though it didn¡¯t look human. Its head was too wide, it¡¯s nose too squashed over a mouth that split from ear to ear. Its eyes were large dark pits in its skull, and one pupil was pointed crookedly up to the left. It was an amalgamation of human like features badly sculpted into the creature that stood before her.


    Though, it was rather ragged looking, as far as hobgoblin standards went. The creatures had their own sense of style, fashioning clothing in ways not intended for their use. Their clothes were often scavenged from towns, along with small game they could get their hands on. Most people warded themselves against hobgoblins, and with the increased population of Direwood with far too many skilled with weapons, Coral supposed the creature was becoming desperate. She hadn¡¯t seen a single rabbit in the fields on her way home.


    Hobgoblins rarely travelled alone.


    A single hobgoblin was somewhat of a challenge. Coral might even be able to handle two of them on her own if luck were on her side. If she was cautious, she might be able to convince them to leave without any harm. Hobgoblins were foremost tricky little monsters that only became a real nuisance if they were offended, and they could be offended by anything.


    Coral moved slowly, showing the cloth pouch and shaking it slightly to show that it was full. From the lean look of the creature, she would have had better luck with food. Still, she would much rather lose whatever she had of value on her at the time and replace it later, rather than part ways with a limb or two. It wasn¡¯t unheard of people losing their lives and being eaten by the cursed creatures. She slowly opened the pouch and pulled out one of the crystals within, holding it up for the hobgoblin to see.


    It¡¯s eye twitched.


    Taking this as a bad sign, Coral let her hands sink down. Luck definitely didn¡¯t seem to be on her side. From amongst the tree trunks, a second hobgoblin slunk out of the darkness. Its bare feet had been entirely silent among the leaf litter. It too was dressed in rags, a cotton girls dress with the neckline ripped wide open for its bulbous head.


    Thinking fast, Coral lifted the hem of her skirt to show off her boots. ¡°You can have my shoes, if you let me go,¡± she said, hoping they understood. She wiggled her foot a little for emphasis.


    The second hobgoblin sneered, then pointed at the snapdragon emitting a low garble. The snapdragon lashed its tail, button eyes locked on the hobgoblin.


    Three more hobgoblins scurried out from amongst the trees. They were all similarly dressed, with stolen clothes and dirt smeared across their faces, with each wearing a distinctly greedy look. The last one to emerge must have been female, as it didn¡¯t have a beard like the others. It had set itself apart by draping a dead cat skin around its shoulders and wearing a grin of needle-sharp teeth. The poor cat looked as if it had been gnawed on before and after it had been skinned.


    Five hobgoblins. A trifling thing for any Adventurer. A seriously dangerous situation for Coral.


    The hobgoblins garbled nonsense at her, gesturing at her feet. Coral¡¯s lungs froze as she realised they wanted her snapdragon. Coral took a step back, trying to stand in front of it protectively. She would not give him up to them.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have him,¡± Coral said. She would have given up every item she had on her before she would have let those monsters get near the snapdragon. Even then, she would rather fight them than give the snapdragon up for her own safety. She wasn¡¯t far from the manor. She was beside her own land right now, if she could make it back, or find a way to scale that wall, she would be alright. She could lock the creatures out of the manor until they gave up. If they tried to climb in through a window, well, she could bash their hateful heads in with whatever fire poker she could get her hands on before they could use their own magic on her. She just had to make it back first.


    The hobgoblins didn¡¯t wait for her to offer up the snapdragon. They ran at her all at once, pulling sharp stones from amongst the folds of filthy rags. One had a kitchen knife. Coral scooped the growling snapdragon into her arms, then took off as fast as she could.


    The hobgoblins were faster than she thought, their feet pattering against the ground behind her like a drumbeat. She searched the road ahead, hoping for a hole in the wall that she could use as a foothold to climb. Only tall trees loomed over head, their branches thick with moss and too high to reach up and grasp a branch.


    The snapdragon snarled as a hobgoblin appeared beside her. A slice of pain cut along her arm that held the snapdragon to her. Coral cried out and reacted without thinking, swerving straight into another hobgoblin and sent it tumbling to the ground. It latched on to her leg and bit her calf.


    Coral shrieked, the weight of the creature forcing her to fall forwards. She threw out a hand to brace herself, and she landed awkwardly as she tried to keep her weight off the snapdragon.  She felt the hobgoblins land on her back as they threw themselves at her, hands gripping and tearing at her hair as they tried to pry the snapdragon out from under her.


    Gritting her teeth, Coral kicked out at the little bastards. They were garbling and cackling above her, like this was some exciting game they were playing. Their weight bore her down, one stamped on the back of her knee. Another jabbed something sharp into her shoulder.


    Coral got one of her legs beneath her, holding the snapdragon hard up against her chest, and she flipped herself sideways and pinned one of the hobgoblins legs beneath her. She caught the arm of another as it swung the kitchen knife at her. The edge of the blade pressed against her chest; the material of her coat thick enough to stop the knife from slicing her open. She shoved against it, pushing it back, and rocked forward, ripping her hair out of the grasp of another hobgoblins.


    Somehow, Coral rolled back to her feet in the jumble of grabbing hands and limbs as they scrabbled about. The creatures must have been half starved, as a hard shove was enough to push them back. She struck out with her free hand, grazing her knuckles clumsily against the female¡¯s jaw. It fell back, and was replaced by another, its beard flying back behind it and arms reaching for the snapdragon. Fighting them was useless, she had to get back to the manor, put a barrier between the snapdragon and them.


    She ran, her legs working harder than ever, the back of her knee aching. Up ahead, only about fifty meters or so, was the gate to Moonflower Inn.


    ¡°Open the gate!¡± Coral screamed, hoping that one of the ghosts or Pearl was close enough to hear. She hadn¡¯t locked it when she left, but opening the latch would take precious seconds.


    The air shimmered ahead of Coral. She almost fell in her haste to avoid it. A moment later, one of the hobgoblins appeared in that wavering space. Coral¡¯s skin pricked with the telltale sign of magic, though, this felt different from the kind of magic she had been exposed to. Hobgoblins could control their own magic, without the need for sigils or words to spark the power into existence. They could use their own innate magic as naturally as breathing.


    The hobgoblin reached for her, shoving its fingers beneath Coral¡¯s arm, gibbering away at her and trying to pry the snapdragon free. Another appeared to her left and jammed its fists into her ribs. Coral flinched. A small space opened up as she moved, and the hobgoblin in front of her managed to wrap its grimy fingers around the snapdragon.


    ¡°NO!¡± Coral yelled as the snapdragon was ripped from her. She lunged forward, hand outstretched. The hobgoblin blurred, then disappeared, taking the snapdragon with it. The other hobgoblins jeered, one of them kicking her a last time before they too blurred and disappeared from sight.


    Coral looked about her, breathing hard. Panic was flooding her veins like poison. They took him, the tiny, defenceless snapdragon. An easy picking from a foolish human. They may have been too weak to take her on, but a snapdragon was a meal.


    If they were starved and desperate, then they couldn¡¯t have gone far. They could use magic, but at what cost? Their teleportation magic would have to be limited.


    ¡°Cursed Shit!¡± Coral snarled, searching the trees. She quietened her frantic breathing, listening hard over the desperate beat her heart drummed against her chest.


    A gut wrenching, pain-filled cry filled came from her left, just beyond the road. Coral ran towards it in an instant, her fear replaced with rage at the sound of that scream. If they hurt it, she was going to hunt each of them down and skin them. There was no goodness left in Coral, not with her anger burning bright and furious.


    She caught a flash of movement between the tree-trunks. She cut towards them through the undergrowth. The hobgoblins startled as she barrelled into them. She aimed herself straight for the monster holding her snapdragon. It was attempting to bite the hands that held it, embers sparking from its mouth. Coral threw her arms around that hobgoblin, catching it around the middle before it could teleport away. The others yelled nonsense as she brought it down, landing atop it. A tree branch whipped out at her, throwing her backwards several meters. Somehow, she missed the trees entirely and landed heavily out on the road, her head smacking hard against the hobgoblin she had locked her arms around.


    She hit that ugly bastard in the face with her elbow and tried to pry its grip from the snapdragon. Something hard struck her in the head, and Coral looked up in time to see stones rising from the road. They reached the same height of the hobgoblin wordlessly directing them, Coral¡¯s skin prickling with the feel of the odd magic. With a wicked snarl from the hobgoblin, the stones shot towards her. Coral was able to duck her head in time as she was pelted with the rocks with bruising force. She grit her teeth and with strength she didn¡¯t know she possessed, she forced back two of those fingers, feeling them break in her hands as she bent them in the wrong direction. The hobgoblin screeched in her ear, a high-pitched keening laced with pain.


    That was enough to loosen the grip around the squirming snapdragon. It broke free and leapt, flapping its wings hard so that it rose high into the air, clearing the heads of the other hobgoblins and straight for the manor¡¯s gate.


    The hobgoblins chased after it, some teleporting inches away. The snapdragon twisted about, evading snatching hands and kicking feet and all the while hissing and snapping back.


    Coral kicked herself free of the hobgoblin yowling over its fingers, then threw herself in the way of another, preventing it from grabbing the snapdragon. It snarled and jabbed its kitchen knife at her. Coral side stepped, though not far enough. She felt a shallow cut rip across her hip, and she cried out in surprise rather than hurt.


    ¡°Coral!¡±


    Coral could hear Pearl scream her name from the manor, but she was too busy holding back another hobgoblin to respond. The snapdragon growled, small sparks showering the ground as it barred its teeth and bit the air while bounding between the hobgoblins.


    It was not going through the gate. It wouldn¡¯t leave. It hissed and snapped at ankles, tearing into whatever flesh it could before leaping back out of the way. One of the hobgoblins snatched the snapdragon by the tail and swung it up high in the air with a triumphant yowl.


    Coral couldn¡¯t stop them, there were too many. One of the hobgoblins waved their arm in her direction. She was struck in the stomach with a large rock, sending her backwards. She lay on the ground, blinking dazedly into the canopy above. Pearls screams were ringing in her head. She needed to get up, but the pain in her stomach kept her rooted to the ground. She rolled sideways and stared at the wall that separated her from the manor¡¯s grounds.


    She needed to get up. She needed to get her snapdragon back!


    Coral blinked hard. The stone wall had moved and a shadow fell over her. For a moment Coral couldn¡¯t make sense of what she was looking at. Long pointed teeth in a snarling lion¡¯s maw, curling horns and pointed ears. Then all at once Coral realised what she was staring at, or rather, what was staring down at her. The manor¡¯s gargoyle.


    Coral stared in shock as a large stone claw reached down and grabbed the hobgoblin that held her snapdragon. The other hobgoblins froze, then sneered back, flashing their needle teeth at the gargoyle. The stone claws curled inwards, piercing the hobgoblins sides and spilling blood on to the ground. The hobgoblin thrashed and screamed in agony as it was crushed in its grip. Its scream cut off abruptly as the gargoyle flexed its arm, snapping the creature¡¯s spine.  The snapdragon dropped to the ground as the creature went limp.


    Two hobgoblins appeared either side of Coral, taking up her arms and what felt like try to wrench them from her sockets. The snapdragon scrambled up Coral¡¯s leg and latched onto her front with its claws, digging in through the fabric. It snarled at the hobgoblins, the embers spitting from its mouth and burning Coral¡¯s skin.


    Before she could move, the gargoyle lunged forward, snapping that stoney mouth hard down over the head of one of the hobgoblins. Blood spurted over Coral as the gargoyle lifted its head, the body hanging from its teeth. The other hobgoblin impaled on its claws, somehow still alive. The gargoyle stared down at Coral, unblinking. Then, with the sound of grinding stone, it settled back to perch on the stone wall above the gate, and became still as a statue.


    Coral couldn¡¯t bring herself to move. She lay there, staring at the gargoyle, waiting for it to move. The impaled hobgoblin struggled against that unyielding grip, its efforts growing weaker as it bled out, staining the gargoyle red. The body of the other hobgoblin still strung between the teeth swayed slightly as a breeze picked up. A lonely caw of a crow breaking the silence.


    The gate swung open, and Pearls timid voice called out.


    ¡°Coral?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ¨C I¡¯m alright,¡± she stammered out, still unable to look away from the gargoyle. After a long minute, Coral could feel all the pain as the adrenaline seeped away. She winced as she took a deep breath.


    ¡°Help me up, I¡¯m cold,¡± Coral said.


    Pearl skittered past the gargoyle, never turning her back to it. She knelt beside Coral, her hands reaching for Coral¡¯s arm, head turned up to watch the gargoyle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it will come after us,¡± Pearl said finally. ¡°I saw it watching me a few weeks back. It didn¡¯t attack me then.¡±


    Coral grunted as she sat up, the snapdragon falling into her lap. ¡°You¡¯re in big trouble, why didn¡¯t you go inside the grounds. You¡¯re lucky you¡¯re still around to tell your story,¡± She grumbled at it.


    The snapdragon shook its body, as though it were shaking off its ordeal without a second thought, then leapt from her lap and headed towards the blood pooling beneath the gargoyle. Pearl helped Coral to her feet, and she had to usher the snapdragon from lapping at the ground.


    ¡°Don¡¯t eat that, that¡¯s disgusting,¡± Pearl chastised.  With more bravery than Coral thought Pearl possessed, she hurried forward and stooped right below the gargoyle and collected the black snapdragon into her arms.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to name him now after such an ordeal,¡± Pearl said.


    Coral tested her leg by putting weight on it. Her knee throbbed, the cuts stung, and she was just about ready to call the end to her day. Except she didn¡¯t have that luxury.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll call him Fable, I have a feeling this won¡¯t be his first little adventure.¡±


    ¡°Probably not, judging by the events over the last several weeks. And here I thought we were going to have a peaceful, small-town life,¡± Pearl said.


    Coral huffed in amusement. ¡°What part of living at the edge of the world with monsters at our doorstep made you think we were going to have a quiet life?¡±


    ¡°The part where you said it was an excellent idea and would be easier than city life and a husband that wore a handlebar moustache like it was his personality,¡± Pearl shot back. ¡°I should have known, considering you¡¯ve never even seen the man.¡±


    ¡°I have it on good authority that he is likely to be some taint-haired boil on a hobgoblins arse to agree to buy a wife, rather than fall in love like nature intended,¡± Coral said with conviction.


    Pearl walked with Coral to the manor. She had expected the front door to swing open for her. She hadn¡¯t known quite when it had started to become an expectation.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange, I would have thought the ghosts would have enjoyed watching me be beaten by those cursed monsters,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°I probably should have said something a little earlier, but I was distracted. We have a guest, a paying one. You also have a letter waiting for you,¡± Pearl said.

 Clearing up a mess

    The guest had not come wandering out to see what the commotion had been. Which was some decent fortune Coral felt that she and Pearl were well overdue.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to have to move those bodies before someone sees them,¡± Coral said, staggering to the bed in their shared bedroom. It had been a struggle to walk up the stairs, the back of her knee smarting with each step.


    ¡°You leave that to me, I don¡¯t want you aggravating your leg any further,¡± Pearl said with a decidedly final tone. ¡°Now sit still so I can have a look at what they¡¯ve done to you.¡±


    Coral lay across the bed as instructed. It was better to let Pearl fuss about rather than argue. Besides, she wanted to take a moment to be thankful that she had gotten away from the Hobgoblins with her limbs still attached. She winced a little as Pearl prodded at the back of her leg.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look too bad. The teeth marks look like they haven¡¯t gone in too deep. Though your leg looks like a well-used pin cushion. You have some teeth stuck in your leg.¡±


    ¡°Lovely,¡± Coral mumbled sarcastically into the blanket.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a moment; I¡¯m going to get a few things to disinfect your wound. Who knows what manner of nastiness those creatures have brewing in their mouths. No doubt that filth curse will cling on to whatever germs there are.¡±


    Pearl left the room, leaving Coral to stare in dismay. She hoped Pearl would run, as she didn¡¯t want to spend another moment with her bloodied leg to become infected. The curse hadn¡¯t seemed so horrible at first, certainly not life threatening, but there was a far more sinister implication added now that Pearl had pointed it out to her. Perhaps that was why she had that infection from when the Ghoul had torn into her, the curse ensuring the germs clung to the open wound. She really needed to get the spell lifted.


    Rather than sit uselessly, Coral preoccupied herself by checking over Fable. He seemed to be perfectly fine now, having shaken off the altercation merely a minute or two afterwards. She ran her hands over the snapdragon, looking for any cuts or bruises. She stretched out each leg, watching for any signs of discomfort, pushed her fingers into the pads of his paws, bent and folded each wing. Fable did not appreciate this in the slightest and tried to push her away with his legs and slapped her with his tail in annoyance. There was a small cut along his snout, but otherwise, he appeared unhurt. She let him go, the tight feeling in her chest releasing as Fable jumped off the bed and went to settle in a far corner. He gave her a reproachful look as he hid his snout beneath his tail.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that, it¡¯s for your own good,¡± Coral told him. Fable closed his eyes, thoroughly ignoring her.


    Pearl entered the room, a tray balanced on one hand as she pushed the door open. A steaming bowl of warm water was laden on top, along with a cloth and a small glass bottle filled with what Coral could only assume was a healing tincture.


    Pearl placed the tray atop the bed and instructed Coral to lay down again. Coral followed her directions, and tried to distract herself from the small plinks as Pearl plucked the teeth one by one from the back of her leg and dropped them on to the tray. Three of those sharp teeth were as long as Coral¡¯s smallest finger. At least now if they required needles, they had several.


    Pearl dabbed at the bite with the damp cloth with the warm salt-water. ¡°Is the snap-, I mean, Fable alright? He was in the hands of those Hobgoblins when I came out.¡±


    ¡°Only a small scratch as far as I can tell,¡± Coral said, trying not to flinch away as Pearl wiped salty water across the bite. The tray beside her was beginning to look a little too bloody.


    ¡°The bleeding won¡¯t stop,¡± Pearl said, pressing another cloth down on the back of her leg.


    ¡°Just give it a minute. I think I read somewhere that hobgoblin¡¯s saliva has anticoagulant properties. As if they need more than their teleportation and telekinesis magic.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s fascinating,¡± Pearl admitted after a moment.


    Coral turned to stare at her.


    ¡°What?¡± Pearl said a little defensively. ¡°There are all sorts of magical creatures that have unique properties that help them thrive. Not to mention the use we can make out of them. Stop looking at me like that.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were interested in monsters,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Just the ones that possess magic. And I far prefer the gentler type that don¡¯t try to rip you apart the second they see you. Like snapdragons,¡± Pearl said. ¡°Stop moving, you¡¯re making your leg bleed more.¡±


    Coral sighed and dropped her head into the blanket. ¡°I¡¯m trying. It¡¯s not much fun being bitten. You can try it for a change.¡±


    ¡°No thank you. Here, read this. It will distract you at the very least,¡± Pearl said, practically forcing an envelope into her hand.


    Coral brought it up to her face and promptly dropped it. Her name was scrawled along the front in neat print. Not Coral Seaver. Her old name, Farley, had been used. She stared at the ink, her mind whirling. It took her a heartbeat to flip the envelope and break the wax seal. It was not the same as the envelope she had received from the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. The royal purple wax seal had the insignia of the Crown. This was an official letter. There was no risk here of having to pay a reverse fee to the Guild for delivering this letter. There was no need for that nonsense now that she had been found.


    Inside, the thick paper was embedded with the Crown¡¯s insignia, further proof that this was an official letter. Coral read through the letter quickly, her eyebrows rising the further she went down the page. When she reached the end, she re-read the letter far more carefulyl, trying to pick out phrases.


    ¡°What does it say?¡± Pearl asked. She was dabbing at the back of Coral¡¯s leg. Pearl had been right, the letter had served as a very good reaction.


    ¡°Our dear papa is dead, and his assets have been sold to pay his debts. The amount was not sufficient to cover what he owed. The remainder has been written off. We don¡¯t owe a single copper coin.¡±


    Their luck finally seemed to be changing. She grinned at Pearl, who took the letter and read it for herself. Coral had known her father¡¯s debts would not be her responsibility after his death, however it had still been a slight worry in the back of her mind. What if her father had found some loophole to have her take on the debt. What if he had forged her signature and cosigned her name on a loan she had no knowledge of. She wouldn¡¯t have put it past her father to sink as low as fraud. His harsh lessons, the mistreatment, he had sent curses out specifically to find her after she left. He had sold her off, most likely to pay off some debt. With this letter, it was confirmation that she was free of him, completely.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to frame this and put it in my room,¡± Coral announced, looking at the piece of paper as if it had been spun from the finest silk that had been imbued with a magic that made her feel safe and warm. She took the letter back from Pearl, her fingers light and delicate so she didn¡¯t mark the page.


    Pearl stared, her hands trembling.


    ¡°Do you know what this means?¡± Coral said, twisting so that she could sit upright. A weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and while it didn¡¯t fix anything of their current situation, it was one less thing Coral had to worry about. Who could have known how much joy a simple letter could bring her. She wanted to leap to her feet and skip through the halls. She wanted to laugh for the pleasure of it. Coral swept her legs off the side of the bed and winced.


    ¡°He is not our problem anymore. I¡¯m not responsible for his debt. The house in the city is not ours, and it certainly didn¡¯t go to my betrothed. I don¡¯t have to hide,¡± Coral said, mostly so that she could hear the words aloud.


    Pearl nodded slowly, still not meeting Coral¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not taking the name Farley ever again. I don¡¯t know what this means for the arranged marriage. I don¡¯t know if father ever received coin for me or not. If he does come calling, I can kick him out,¡± Coral said.


    Pearl sniffed.


    Coral blinked and looked at her and immediately shut her mouth. Pearl¡¯s head had drooped, her hands now clenched into fists. She was trying not to cry. At once, Coral felt absolutely wretched. Coral had been so wrapped up in the freedom this letter provided to her, that she had completely disregarded Pearl.


    Their father had been much kinder to Pearl. Her sister had always been able to meet his expectations. She was the prettiest, was within the right social circles, even if they did sneer down at her from behind her back. Pearl hardly had to endure weeks of starvation, as she was always the perfect weight. Her posture and mannerisms were gentle and demure, just as their father had wanted. She was, in short, his golden prize to sell off to the highest bidder.


    They both knew this, they weren¡¯t stupid. Pearl was well aware that she was a puppet in their father¡¯s world. Her social standing and beauty would have gained father more than coin. Pearl would have been married off to a noble that was in the king¡¯s inner court, or better yet, the prince.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Coral herself had failed to attract the eye of the prince, an endeavour she only half-heartedly pursued under her father¡¯s increasingly furious instructions. It was a relief when that fell through, as she hardly liked the man. He had then turned these instructions to Pearl.


    Pearls shoulders were hunched, her head hung lower still. Coral reached out and pulled her close, squeezing her shoulders.


    ¡°You can be sad about it,¡± Coral told her. ¡°Despite his flaws, I know you loved him.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I feel,¡± Pearl admitted quietly, as if the words were a confession to something horrible.


    Coral held her tighter. She wasn¡¯t sure what she could say in this moment, as she had already said it all in the past. Coral had assured Pearl countless times that father had loved them in his own way, and that he had tried his best for them. The truth was, and Coral had decidedly kept this to herself, their father¡¯s best was a selfish act. Whatever good intentions he had towards them, had served himself.


    It didn¡¯t stop the hurt. It didn¡¯t stop Pearl from wanting his approval. Coral had stopped wanting that a long time ago. She had already mourned for a father that loved her, that wanted her happy. That was not the man Eirek Farley had been.


    So instead, Coral kept her arms wrapped around her, until Pearl finally pulled away, wiping at her wet cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯m ever so grateful to have you as a sister, Coral. I don¡¯t know where I would be without you.¡±


    ¡°Probably about to marry the prince, I suspect,¡± Coral said.


    ¡°Probably,¡± Pearl sighed. She sniffed, took a deep breath and then straightened her back. ¡°Now, lay back down so I can finish bandaging you before you lose your leg to some infection.¡±


    Coral lay back on her stomach. She winced as Pearl administered the tincture. At this rate, Coral may as well keep some stocked in their room. A minute later, with her leg freshly bandaged, Coral tested her weight then ambled about the room. It wasn¡¯t terrible, in a couple of days the bite should have healed over.


    For good measure, Coral cleaned the cut on Fable¡¯s nose, much to his disgust. When she had finished, Fable sat in a sullen sort of way and tucked his head up against his side to drape a wing over his eyes so he couldn¡¯t see her.


    ¡°I know it stings,¡± Coral said. She stroked the snapdragon¡¯s head to comfort it. ¡°I promise to find you a treat for being such a good boy. What do you say, does that sound better?¡±


    Fable didn¡¯t chirp back at her, which was expected. However he didn¡¯t shy away from her touch, so Coral decided to take that as a good sign that she was mostly forgiven.


    ¡°Who is the guest that¡¯s staying with us?¡± Coral asked, trying to distract herself from the stinging pain. The tincture seemed to be taking effect rather quickly, as the back of her leg was beginning to go a little numb.


    Coral was surprised that Pearl had allowed a guest to stay in the manor at all. Having guests stay while they dealt with their ghost problem wasn¡¯t ideal. It was a risk, and one Coral would have thought Pearl would be wholly considerate of. She supposed the concept of earning some coins to add to their steadily declining supply would have been the main motivator.


    ¡°Mr. Rubin McCray. He had heard in town that we had some rooms for let. He intends to stay through to Mid-winter I believe,¡± Pearl said.


    ¡°Did you get payment?¡±


    Pearl shot an annoyed look at Coral. ¡°Of course I did. I know we need the coin. He was insistent on paying at the end of his stay; however, I told him that he can¡¯t if he didn¡¯t pay to secure his room,¡± Pearl said proudly, though it was marred a little as she sniffed. Her eyes were still a little puffy from the crying.


    ¡°Good, now all we have to do is deal with Lady Rayner and hope she doesn¡¯t cause us any further problems,¡± Coral said. Saying that felt ominous, as though she were inviting that very trouble into their lives. It was bound to happen regardless, but doing so with guests was a tricky endeavour.


    ¡°I invited the owner of Cravings and Delirium tomorrow to look at some furniture. Hopefully we can recoup any loss. She is Otis¡¯s sister.¡±


    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Pearl said, her eyes widening. ¡°His sister? What¡¯s her name?¡±


    ¡°Glenna Morvel.¡±


    With her leg taken care of and Pearls tears dried, they headed back to the front gate to clean up. It wasn¡¯t a particularly welcoming sight with carcasses strewn about. Pearl knew of an old wheelbarrow, which was only slightly rusty and had a single hole that shouldn¡¯t cause them too much trouble. The wheels squeaked as they trundled down the drive with it. Cleaning up hobgoblin remains was something Coral had never imagined she would ever be doing. Yet here she was, collecting their lifeless bodies.


    Coral had to admit that she was rather impressed. Pearl did not complain once. Rather, a grim curiosity had set upon her. There was certainly revulsion as she hefted the last hobgoblin into the wheelbarrow, but she was observing the remains with the same focused intensity Pearl had dedicated to her studies.


    ¡°Do you think the snapdragons can eat them?¡± Pearl asked.


    ¡°I have no idea. Perhaps when they¡¯re older. They don¡¯t look particularly appetising to me, and I wouldn¡¯t want to make any of them sick.¡±


    Pearl gave a thoughtful little hum and leant a little closer to peer at one of the hobgoblins faces. ¡°I suppose we would have to burn them. I would hate to find one of these had reanimated during mid-winter.¡±


    Coral raked at the ground where blood had been spilled. The area looked different somehow, but she pushed the thought from her mind in her haste to clear the area. She hoped she could cover up and disperse the scent enough to deter any creatures from sniffing around, she should have brought a bucket of water to dilute the area. She wouldn¡¯t want any potential guests to step in the mess either, though if they were adventurers, the sight of a bit of blood wouldn¡¯t be anything new, in fact it would be almost expected in such a remote area. Coral stepped back to check to see if she had missed anything, when she realised what was different.


    A beat later, Pearl too seemed to have realised, as she said, ¡°Where¡¯s it gone?¡±


    The gargoyle had left the wall and had taken the last hobgoblin with it.


    Coral stepped over to the gate and looked up, searching the roof of the manor for a sign of the gargoyle. She stood there for a full minute in silence. Every dark crevice or roof tile was empty, though she did see what could have been a bird¡¯s nest.


    ¡°Oh, look,¡± Pearl said, nudging Coral and pointing down the stone wall that separated their land from the road. Further along, the gargoyle had frozen in place, as though it had paused mid-stalk. Its prey hung from its mouth, a ribbon of the hobgoblin¡¯s intestines trailing behind it.


    ¡°Maybe we can let it keep that one,¡± Coral said. After all, the gargoyle hadn¡¯t attacked them, and she didn¡¯t want to provoke it by stealing a meal. Did gargoyles even need to eat? She thought they had been entirely made of stone.


    ¡°What if it doesn¡¯t eat it,¡± Pearl said worriedly.


    The approaching crunch of leaves had Coral turning in time to see a man walk towards them. He wore a dark cloak about him, his grey eyes trained directly on her.


    Coral stiffened. She recognised that partially shaved head. The gash that had been stitched was now a raised, red scar. He was the man from The Dog¡¯s House that had been treated to a free mug of ale for good behaviour. He was still too far for her to smell him. Coral hoped that whatever has transpired since that night, that the man had bathed since then. He had smelt worse than a sack of rotten potatoes.


    Coral straightened her back and stepped in front of the wheelbarrow. She had been slowly putting meat back on her bones since she had arrived at the manor, in thanks to the chocolate cake. There still wasn¡¯t much to her, and there was little she could actually hide of the carcasses piled behind her. Still, she didn¡¯t want to appear inconsiderate to a paying guest, even one that would have already seen their fair share of monsters on their way to Direwood. Pearl shuffled on her feet and looked a little panicked as she tried to hide her bloodied hands. She settled with balling her hands into fists and hiding them in the folds of her apron. Coral hadn¡¯t bothered with one as they came back out the door. She expected to get dirty with or without the apron.


    ¡°Good afternoon Mr. McCray¡±, Pearl said, dipping into a quick curtsey. Coral smiled at the man, bobbing her own curtesy and greeting.


    ¡°Lady Seaver,¡± he said gruffly. His eyes fell upon Coral, focusing for a beat too long before drifting to the wheelbarrow.


    There was no point in denying the bloody mess. ¡°If you¡¯re headed into town, be careful. There are hobgoblins about,¡± Coral warned. ¡°These attacked us not an hour ago.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can see that. I¡¯m surprised the guards have left the creatures for you to clean up. I thought there was a protocol for not leaving dead things around town,¡± the man said.


    ¡°The guards don¡¯t come out this way,¡± Pearl said before Coral could speak.


    Coral could have throttled her. What kind of naive idiot confirms that the town¡¯s guards patrol rounds didn¡¯t extend to their home. ¡°We have Adventurers come by, and the manor¡¯s walls offer ample protection,¡± Coral said. She gestured towards the wall, where the gargoyle had perched.


    Surprise flickered over the mans face for the briefest of moments as he saw the stone guardian. It had moved while they were talking. Its head had turned in their direction, the hobgoblin half chewed, swung about as though it had jerked to a stop.


    ¡°You will be perfectly safe within our home,¡± Coral continued, hoping that was true. Lady Rayner notwithstanding. However, if she followed along with the advice Egbert had provided, then their guests should be safe. Hopefully. Coral hoped she had enough black crystals to put in each guests bedroom. Perhaps she should tie a crystal to each room key.


    Mr. McCray looked uninterested from the assurance of his safety. ¡°Which Adventurers come here?¡± he asked.


    ¡°An apprentice, on occasion Crowcaller and The Unbroken Seolfor,¡± Pearl supplied. At least she was sound of mind to not provide their actual names. Technically, only Elwin had visited. They were hopefully to have the other two visit soon. It was in their best interest of safety to name drop the Guild Master and an excellent Adventurer. It was not safe to appear completely defenceless to this stranger, and Pearl may have only just caught on to that notion.


    ¡°Seolfor,¡± the man mumbled thoughtfully, still staring at the gargoyle. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking to speak to him. Do you know where I could find him?¡±


    ¡°My apologies. He is currently out of town,¡± Coral said. She wished she knew where he was. He could have helped her with her ghost problem already and she wouldn¡¯t be spending money on frivolous things such as black crystals.


    ¡°So I¡¯ve been told. I don¡¯t believe it,¡± Mr. McCray said. He reached into a pocket, parting his cloak as pulled out a silver coin. The hilt of a sheathed sword jutted out by his waist. ¡°For his whereabouts.¡± He held the coin up between two fingers for Coral to see.


    Even if Coral knew where Silas was, she did not know this man standing before her. Mr. Brown at the Dog¡¯s house had been weary of him, which told her that she should be too. Coral shook her head.


    The man was unfazed. He flipped the coin into his palm and then fished around in his coin purse and pulled out a second silver coin.


    Coral groaned inwardly. She was not appreciative of the bribe. As nice as an extra two silver would have been welcome, Coral had no knowledge of his whereabouts to provide, nor did she want to. Why was this man so keen for information?


    ¡°If you¡¯re looking for him, I suggest you try The Dog¡¯s House. Or the guild.¡±


    ¡°Already tried,¡± he said, tucking away the coins. ¡°You have blood on your cheek,¡± the man said in way of parting words. Coral and Pearl watched him walk down the road towards town.


    It seemed Coral wasn¡¯t the only one looking for Silas. At least now the guest was out of the manor, and she didn¡¯t need to worry about him being bothered by Lady Rayner for the day. With a grunt of effort, she and Pearl pushed and shoved the wheelbarrow into the manor¡¯s grounds. By the time they passed the greenhouse, slowed down significantly by mud and a tangle of moonflowers, they were both gasping for breath. They went further out into the grounds, near one of the other outbuildings where there was enough of a cleared area that the nearby trees wouldn¡¯t alight.


    They gathered wood and piled it high, threw the bodies one by one on to the pile, and lit them on fire. The stench was awful, and if Coral had managed to stay relatively clean ¨C which she hadn¡¯t, she was now covered in a manner of things far worse than blood, they both would have needed to bathe purely from the smoke clinging to their hair and clothes.


    The day had that feeling as though it was going to drag on, and it was only morning.

 An Awry Spell

    The hobgoblins took far longer to burn than she or Pearl had expected. Either the fire wasn¡¯t hot enough, or the hide of the creatures was heat resistant. The skin eventually blistered and charred as Coral and Pearl added more wood to the fire. The smell was horrendous.


    Unwilling to leave it unattended, and wanting to take advantage of Mr. McCray¡¯s absence, Coral left Pearl to maintain the pyre. She entered the manor through the kitchen¡¯s back door, several snapdragons ran out by her skirt, scampering down into the courtyard.


    Coral watched them go, waiting for them to decide that it was far too cold to play outside. It didn¡¯t take long. Two of the smallest decided to come beg to be let back inside. The rest, the two-headed snapdragon, Pearl¡¯s Blossom and a plum coloured one had been drawn towards the smoke, their noses tilted up towards the air and little tongues flicking about. Coral stepped aside to let the two small snapdragons run inside. When she looked back up, Pearl was brandishing a stick about to keep the tiny creatures from leaping into the flames.


    Even if the snapdragons did play in the fire, they wouldn¡¯t be bothered by the heat. She often found them curled up on the embers in the fireplace enjoying the warmth. Rather, it was prudent to not let them sample whatever nastiness that may be festering on the Hobgoblins. Neither she nor Pearl wanted to tend to sickly Snapdragons.


    It wasn¡¯t a big surprise that the snapdragons were running about. Coral had taken to ensuring they remained safely within the Winter Salon ever since Lady Rayner had attacked her. Much to their annoyance, as she had only really begun to trust them enough to scamper about the front rooms of the manor. The ghosts, well, all except Egbert, had agreed to not let them out.


    Several times since that incidence, Coral had found them wandering about the corridors, and in places they really ought not to be. Far too often now had she went to fetch herself a cup of tea, only to find a snapdragon curled up inside the teapot. Or trying to get into the food supplies. Or discovering new teeth marks on the leg of the corridor table.


    When questioned, Egbert would deny he ever let them out. Coral didn¡¯t trust him at his word, having listened to him grumble continuously, and wasting precious minutes of the bone conductor¡¯s usage, about the snapdragons lighting his favourite lounging room on fire. So far, they had only lit one chair on fire, and that had been the same one that had already had a hole gauged out of it. Since then, Coral and Pearl had been putting extra effort into training them to not carry the coals out of the fireplace and hiding them in objects. They were also beginning to produce more than a few sparks, now progressing to tiny little flames. Coral really was going to have to find a way to prevent the Winter Salon from catching fire if the snapdragons continued to develop so quickly. Perhaps they were getting smarter too as they were discovering ways of turning the door handles, if Egbert were to be believed. How they were managing to get up that high when all they could do was leap about and flap their little wings, only briefly achieving a second or two to hover two feet in the air. Maybe they were taking a running leap at the door. There was no other way Coral could fathom how they were getting out, unless there was a hole they had scratched into the wall she hadn¡¯t found. Now that she had more to spare, perhaps she should place the black crystals back around the Winter Salon to keep Egbert away from them.


    Coral¡¯s leg slowed her down a little as she made her way up the grand staircase. She paused a moment to appreciate how the stained-glass window splashed colour across the wooden banister, which was positively gleaming from having been waxed and polished in thanks to Mrs Sapping. One less task she did not need to concern herself with.


    With the amount of work the ghosts were helping her with, Coral would be able to focus more on securing the manor for mid-winter. She had hardly had a need to pick up a dusting cloth in the last week. It had also given her some more reading time with a lovely glass of wine.


    The room Pearl had put Mr. McCray in was the third bedroom down the corridor. As she approached, the bedroom door opened before she could lift her hand.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Coral said to whichever ghost was likely there, and limped forward. It was an odd thing to be accustomed to ghosts manipulating the furniture and doors. Coral marvelled for a moment at how different her life had become in the last few months. This time last year she was likely being scolded for something incomprehensible, and now, she was the owner of an Inn. She paused after the first two steps and gaped at the state of Mr. McCray¡¯s room. The reality of her situation filtered out some of the joy she felt as she took in the chaos.


    The room was simpler than the others, with a beautifully carved wooden bed that took up a fair portion of the space. The pillows had been tossed to the floor, along with what looked like the entire contents of Mr. McCray¡¯s traveling bag. A whole assortment of weapons littered the floor, left in a fashion Coral could only call careless. Who left a sword right in the way to be tripped over. There was even a pickaxe of all things. Books were strewn across the floor, along with rolls of parchment, some already unfurled on the desk in the far corner of the room. From here, she could see a map of Direwood had been left behind, though it appeared to have been blotched with ink stains.


    The dresser near the bedroom door was clearly going completely unused, and most likely the best place that Coral could hide a black crystal. Well, she certainly wasn¡¯t doing housekeeping for this guest. Not unless she significantly increased his fee, and it would have to be hefty enough to even make her want to attempt to tidy the space.


    Coral dug around in her pouch and pulled out the largest black crystal. She could feel the magic emitting slightly, making the palm of her hand tingle. She opened the bottom drawer, found that it was indeed empty, and placed the crystal in the far corner.


    This wasn¡¯t a fool proof solution. The crystal should provide Mr. McCray some protection from any ghost with the intention of harming him. However, with how strong Lady Rayner had been, able to manifest into the physical world long enough to choke her, she wasn¡¯t so sure one was going to be enough. Coral didn¡¯t have enough crystals to fill all the rooms in the manor, and she didn¡¯t want to hinder the other ghosts from going about their day. Truth be told, she liked having the ghosts around. It made the manor somehow more lived in, even if the feeling was an echo of former living people.


    Coral shut the drawer and then for her own reassurance, she placed a smaller black crystal beneath the bed, then left the room feeling a little better. She systematically went to each of the bedrooms prepared for guests and placed a black crystal, either hidden away beneath a bed or cupboard, or placed on a desk or shelf as though it was a purposefully placed piece of decoration. She hoped those weren¡¯t snatched up by thieves. Coral made sure to add a smaller crystal in the bathroom of her old bedroom. Recently, shed had a firm word with all of the ghosts to ensure not only her own privacy, but those of her guests as well.


    Until Silas returned, placing protective crystals about the manor was the best alternative that she could afford. The crystal placement had an idea brewing away in the back of Coral¡¯s mind, though she didn¡¯t know if she had the courage to put such a plan into action. She didn¡¯t like invoking Lady Rayner¡¯s anger, nor did she favour the idea of her wandering around the manor unchecked.


    Coral emerged from the last bedroom and turned to look down the corridor, towards the children¡¯s nursery. As far as she could tell, it was undisturbed. The nursery was one of the few places Coral would be sure to find Lady Rayner haunting, if her children were present. Coral hadn¡¯t discovered where the children spent their time. There was so much more of the manor that Coral rarely went to and that was likely where they were running about. If running was an activity ghosts could do. Every now and then Coral would still hear the patter of feet somewhere in the house, only now it was a matter of trying to distinguish if it were snapdragon paws, ghostly feet, or if the gargoyle had decided to move location.


    Her own feet were feeling a little bruised. She looked down at herself, grimacing at the blood splatter on her clothing. That would have to wait until after she found a few items of furniture she had in mind to sell. There was no point in changing if the filth curse was bound to get her dirty again. Surely if she was already dirty, the filth curse couldn¡¯t make her even filthier, would it?


    She supposed there was really only one way to know. Coral took inventory of all the stains, any smear of grime, the amount of muck clinging to her, then went in search of a cloth and a bucket of water.


    When she found the items and had dragged them up to the first floor, down the corridor into an unused section of the manor, Coral picked out the first piece of furniture left to collect twenty five years¡¯ worth of dust. She checked over herself one last time, then set to scrubbing down an old table, careful about how she went about it. She sneezed a few times as dust billowed into the air. The water in the bucket became a dirty grey brown. When the table had been wiped down, Coral stepped into the light of a window and inspected her clothing.


    As far as she could tell, she wasn¡¯t any dirtier than she was before she started cleaning. Perhaps, in theory, Coral could manage the curse a lot easier if she just smeared a bit of dirt on herself in the beginning of the day.


    Coral wiped her hands on an unblemished part of her skirt, lamenting at the difficulty of scrubbing blood out of fabric. In the dull light coming from the window beside the table, the dark stains looked as if she may have splashed herself with the dirty water. It would be nice to be rid of this ridiculous curse.


    Coral looked over the table at the gleaming surface. It was for the most part, an antique, and would hopefully fetch her a nice sum. Although, she wasn¡¯t sure if Craving¡¯s and Delirium could sell such a thing in Direwood. Most of the residents were farmers or Adventurers. If this was an expensive piece, the clientele was very limited. Perhaps she ought to find a simpler piece of furniture, most likely stored in the servants¡¯ quarters. Coral¡¯s eyes swept over the gleaming surface of the table, to the spiderwebs clinging to the wall behind it. The wall was so dusty that Coral could drag a finger across the surface and leave a trail.


    She dropped her hand and turned to look down the corridor, overwhelmed with how filthy everything was. Surely there was an easier way to clean everything. Coral couldn¡¯t focus her attention properly on domestic chores when she had to keep guests safe from Lady Rayner. She could request the ghosts to help, though she can¡¯t rely on them indefinitely. They weren¡¯t even compensated for their time with coin. Not that they could use the coin anyway. When Coral discovered the reason for their entrapment, and how to free them more importantly, the ghosts would most definitely leave. She needed another option that didn¡¯t involve paying someone. They simply did not have the money.


    Coral dropped the cleaning cloth into the bucket, splashing dirty water on to the floor. There were a few scattered things in the corridor. An old painting had fallen face first on top of something left laying on the floor. There were scattered pieces of porcelain from a vase that had toppled from the table. Coral bent and scooped the porcelain fragments into a pile, then lifted the painting and balanced it against the wall, the picture of flowers now displayed to the corridor for her to enjoy in the off chance she came back this way. Which she hoped she would, as there were plenty more rooms she could use to accommodate guests. It was a matter of making the time to come down to this part of the manor more often to prepare the area. This would be her springtime project, this corridor. She could also select another room for herself as well. Coral didn¡¯t mind sharing a room with Pearl, even if her sister did have a tendency to squirm and kick. It made the odd creaks in the middle of the night in near pitch darkness easier to endure. She may be used to the ghosts inhabiting the manor, but it still made her skin prick with fear when she heard strange noises in the dead of night, anticipating some kind of monster to come crawling through the bedroom door. Often, her imagination conjured up images of the ghoul prowling the halls.


    Thinking about it made the hair on the back of her neck rise. Coral turned to check the corridor she stood in, unnerved by the half open doors and the stillness of the room. She shook her head. She shouldn¡¯t be thinking about this sort of thing while she was alone.


    Coral glanced down to see what the painting had been resting on to focus on the task at hand. She picked up a book and flicked through the pages. It was a rather dull poetry book. She might be able to sell it for a few coins, or it might serve better as some entertainment for guests. She paused at a page and read the flowery passage, then searched ahead for another verse. Coral had never understood how anyone could sit still and read poetry. It was never engaging enough for her, and more than often it was a sure thing to lull her to sleep. In Coral¡¯s opinion, spell books were far superior. The study of magic was thought provoking and vexingly difficult. Still, Coral was endlessly intrigued the way spells were structured and founded; the way runes were used to form the sigil. How magic was drawn from the world around them and shaped into life.


    Coral blinked and shut the book with an exasperated sigh. She did have a solution to her cleaning problem, and she was a fool to not even attempt it after all this time. She had spell books, and she was sure there had been some domestic spells she could try.


    Coral went in search of the spell book she had been reading, irritating the back of her knee in her eagerness to attempt magic again. Thirty minutes later, Coral stood by the window in the same corridor, a lantern in hand to read by; the sky had darkened enough that a storm was imminent. Coral had propped the spell book against the window, open on the page that she needed. She studied the sigil design one last time, ensuring to follow the instructions to the precise degree. All she had to do, was draw the sigil with her finger upon the item she wanted to repel dust, speaking the activation word in the last stroke. A relatively simple concept, though much harder in execution. She had to ensure the angles of the sigil were perfect, focusing on the intent as much as she were to feel the magic was being drawn into the formation.


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    Coral lifted her finger and set it down upon the table. She closed her eyes briefly, slowing down her breath so that she could calm herself, and pictured the sigil in her mind. She opened her eyes again and began to trace her finger carefully across the table. As she drew, she could feel her hand tingle as magic was drawn in to the runes.


    ¡°Dust,¡± Coral said, the activation word was nothing fancy as she had imagined it would be. That was the beauty of sigilry, it was all in the rune formation. Oh how Coral would love to learn a spell or two that was far flashier than a simple dust repelling spell. Still, she wasn¡¯t going to scoff at it if the spell improved her life.


    She lifted her finger. The table didn¡¯t look any different. Coral went to the window and scooped some of the old dusty cobwebs from the frame, then shook her hand over the top of the table. The greyed bit of cobweb clung to her fingers, and she had to flick it off quite forcefully. It spattered over the table surface.


    Undeterred, Coral tried again. Still, the bit of dust that smeared the surface remained. So she tried again, and again. On the thirty-third attempt at the sigil, and having clamped down on her frustration, something finally happened. The dusty cobweb jerked as she spoke the activation word.


    Encouraged, Coral placed her finger back down on the table, careful with every movement. ¡°Dust,¡± Coral said firmly, and this time she felt the magic tingle the tip of her tongue. The sigil gathered magic from around her and began to glow a dull white. It wasn¡¯t the colour Coral was expecting.


    The cobweb flew off the table and gently floated to the floor. Then, an invisible force pressed against her whole body, sending her backwards. Coral tried to fight against the sensation pushing against her, as though she were fighting a magnetic pull. She lost her footing. Coral slammed into the corridor wall, her head smarting. She groaned and tried to rub her head, but the repelling energy field was still pressing down on her, and she could hardly move her arm. She couldn¡¯t move at all. Her body stuck to the wall as though it were made of glue. She managed to turn her head enough to see that the bucket she had been using had been flung against the wall in the same manner as she had. The dirty water from the bucket had pooled against the wall, seeping into the panelling. Somehow, the water had completely missed her.


    The table and the area around it were completely clean. No dust motes floated in the light of the window. The dust was probably in her hair.


    The spell was supposed to be a simple dust repelling charm, that could differentiate between dirt and items on the surface the sigil had been placed upon. Well, it had worked, however she had clearly done something wrong. The sigil was still glowing, something it was not supposed to be doing once activated. The repelling field was also significantly stronger than intended. Coral tried to peel herself off the wall and spent several fruitless minutes struggling to no avail. She had managed to move perhaps an inch or two at best. The harder she tried, the worse the repelling magic became. There was no way she was going to get close enough to see where she had gone wrong, or to erase the sigil. All she would have had to do is strike her finger through the sigil, breaking the connecting lines that formed the spell. She had about as much chance of doing that as she did saying ¡®I do¡¯ to the man her dead father had betrothed her to.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Coral called out, her voice ringing in the silence that followed. ¡°I¡¯m stuck, can anyone hear me?¡±


    Coral listened for a response of some kind. A shadow in a corridor, a creak of a door, whispers, scratching. Another minute went by with no sign of anything living or dead coming to her rescue. Coral was going to have to get herself out of this mess herself.


    She looked around, noticing how the few things repelled from the table had been flung out towards the wall, with some pottery pieces pressed against the ceiling. A few meters to her left, she could still see a thick layer of dust over the wooden floor. It wasn¡¯t the direction she had come, but at least she would have a shorter distance to go if she shuffled that way. Coral slowly reached her left hand out, fighting the pushing sensation with every tiny fraction of wall she gained. Next, she moved her foot. It scuffed against the floorboards in small bursts as she forcefully kicked her leg out. She gained about a foot before Coral had to stop and rest, panting with the effort.


    Finally, after a full hours worth of effort, Coral¡¯s fingertips reached the outer edges of the spell¡¯s proximity. She could peel the top of her fingers easily away from the wall. Encouraged that this was nearly over, she wriggled a little further, then her hand was out.  A few more minutes and she could move her arm freely. When only half of her body was still within the spell, she threw herself forcefully to the ground, toppling sideways awkwardly.


    She was out. She lay there breathing deeply for a moment, recollecting her energy.


    Coral was going to have to find a way to return to the first floor where she was familiar with. She tilted her head and eyed the corridor with some trepidation. She and Pearl had been lost on more than a few occasions while exploring the other wings of the house. She was always cautious to remember which way she had come, and to never go too deep into the manor until she could recall which direction to take.


    The manor was like a labyrinth. The years of neglect could make a building a dangerous place to navigate. The floor could give out beneath her. The mould. Broken glass and furniture blocking doorways, or rooms that never seem to be where she thought they were. If she wasn¡¯t careful, Coral could get hurt.


    There could be rats. Coral grimaced. Where was Fable when she needed him.


    She got to her feet and tried the first door to her left. It was locked. The second door opened up to a spacious room that she could convert into a bedroom. The next few doors were much the same, opening up into rooms full of forgotten furniture, dusty trinkets, faded paintings and more mouldy walls. She was going to have to remember to come back and air out this area. Behind another door she unexpectedly came across a modest stair well that led downwards into a darkness so deep that it unnerved her to look at it. Coral quickly stepped away and closed that door. She wasn¡¯t going to risk tripping in the dark and snapping her neck. If she couldn¡¯t find another way, she would attempt that staircase after she found a lantern or candle to use. The lantern she had brought with her still lay within the repelling field, and she was not going to attempt to reach it after it had taken her so long to escape.


    Coral reached the end of the corridor where a large floor to ceiling window cast dreary winter light from behind moth eaten curtains. The corridor split in two here, a wing headed in each opposite direction. Neither way looked any more promising than the other. To the right, the corridor was very dark. The curtains had been drawn, and no light penetrated the far end. To her left, there was a handsome staircase that twisted up to the floor above. Coral could try that and then make her way back down at the next stairs she found. The rooms and floors linked up in one way or another.


    She pushed aside the musty drapes and looked out the window to see where in the manor she was. Judging from the suns position, she was facing west. In the distance Coral could see the tall mountains from here, with a swathe of trees that blanketed the land, some moving with a breeze and their tops swaying rather violently.


    No. She was wrong. There was no breeze. Most of the trees were as still as statues for as far as she could see. There was no tell-tale whisper of leaves tumbling or tree limbs swaying. Not even the haunting howls the wind makes when it finds a gap in the manors walls to blow through.


    Coral frowned as she watched, pressing closer to the glass. The trees were moving only in one area of the forest, beyond the grounds of her manor, as though something was parting them. She kept watching, the first few trees stilling after a moment. Coral had been hearing the odd shriek or animal cry from the forest, but this was her first glimpse of seeing something that dwelled there.


    The sun glinted across an iridescent sheen. A large body slid through a gap in the branches. The trees foliage hid most of it from view, but in that one brief glimpse, Coral caught her breath. Whatever moved had been enormous.


    Coral followed the direction of the trees swaying as the creature made its way through the forest. A moment later, the trees fell still. She could see nothing more.


    Well. The wall that surrounded the manor no longer felt like a layer of safety. Surely something that large would be able to climb right over it. Coral began to understand why there was a push back on building a wall around Direwood if this was the size of the creatures the town was expecting to come slinking out of the dark.


    Perhaps she shouldn¡¯t leave the manor without something to defend herself with, even within her own land. Coral realised that Elwyn¡¯s insistence to walk them to and from town was far more than mere politeness. It was for safety. She recalled the farmer who had driven them back to the manor after her ordeal with the ghoul. Mr. Shepherd had been fixated on what had startled his sheep, suspecting Hobgoblins. Coral had assumed winter was supposed to be a dormant time for a lot of creatures and monsters, wasn¡¯t it? Hobgoblins settled in places to scavenge, and now that she had been confronted with their presence nearby, she was scarcely about to leave without something to aid herself. In town, a group of Adventurers had a slain troll strapped to their caravan. Did trolls hibernate during the colder months? Trolls didn¡¯t have iridescent skin. So, what else could it have been?


    Coral swept her gaze over the grounds below. A plume of smoke could be seen from a corner of the window, where Pearl was tending to the pyre. She better find her way back, in case that creature did breach the wall.


    She gave the hall to the right one last glance before deciding to try the stairs heading up a flight instead.


    Slowly, Coral picked her way through the next floor, poking her head briefly into each room to see where it led. There were many rooms she could convert into bedrooms, which was rather promising, even if a little daunting at how much work still lay before her. There were other rooms that had more corridors and doors leading further into the manor. She gave them a cursory once over, and when she did not find any stairs, she quickly left those rooms behind. If she followed wherever they led, she was surely to get lost even further.


    Every now and then, she would brush her fingers against the bone conductor and call out. Not one ghost answered. She would have thought the magic energy that imbued it had been depleted if it weren¡¯t for the tingle that brushed over her skin the moment she made contact with it. Coral clenched her hand into fist around the chicken bone, frustrated that she lived in a haunted manor, and not one ghost was nearby to help her. She hadn¡¯t even seen Lady Rayner, which Coral counted as luck more than anything.


    Coral rounded a corner and came to an end of the corridor she had been following. There was a door that stood ajar, leading into what she suspected was one of the manor¡¯s towers. She pushed the door open further, and paused.


    She had found the library. Books upon books had been scattered across the floor, some with pages torn and discarded as though it had been thrown from the shelves. The room was rounded, with beautiful bookcases lining the walls. A spiralling staircase twisted up to the next floor above, where more floor to ceiling bookcases waited. This room was like a declaration of love for the written word. The intricacy of the carving on the banisters, the shelves, even on the stone fireplace with sweeping vines and flowers. Coral stepped into the room, pressing a hand to her mouth as she explored, her heart soaring.


    Everything was dusty, of course. There were signs of the room being disturbed, likely from when the Adventurers swept over the manor when searching for the ghoul. Footprints were spattered across the floor in the light of a large stained-glass window, painting tones of greens, blues, reds and purples across the room. The image on the glass matched the sinuous curves of the flowers on the fireplace.


    Coral stepped slowly up the spiral staircase, brushing her fingers along the wooden banister. The narrow landing wrapped around the room. The books on these shelves had been treated much the same. Coral followed the bookshelves, occasionally picking up the book or two that had been left on a shelf. They were books on philosophy, languages, and one Coral found was on plants. Coral tucked this beneath her arm to bring to Pearl for later.


    There was a crack in the shelving that caught her eye, mostly as the section that protruded out. Coral stopped before it and realised it was a hidden door that hadn¡¯t been shut properly. She reached out, feeling about the shelves for a latch or handle. After a moment, she found a notch carved into the woodwork from the fifth shelf from the floor. She hooked her fingers and pulled the door open the rest of the way. The hinges squealed, but it didn¡¯t stick. Behind the door was another set of stairs that curved along the outer wall of the tower, in both directions. It was dark, with no windows to provide any light.


    Intrigued more than anything, Coral stepped back and looked over the library for anything to light the way. Finding nothing of use, Coral deliberated for a full minute before deciding that she may as well try to navigate the stairs. She left the door propped open, hoping to light a small portion of the way. Her curiosity got the best of her, and instead of descending, she went up. The walls were panelled in the same rich wood that lined most of the corridors, and even here there were carvings of the same flowers in the library. She was careful about where she stepped as her eyes adjusted to the gloom. Coral rose steadily, her footsteps quiet on the wooden stairs. The light had all but diminished as she left the hidden door behind her. Then, quite unexpectedly, she came upon the end of the stairs framed by a single door upon a small landing. Coral reached out and turned the intricate handle. She was at the top of the tower, the domed roof peaking at the centre. Three curved windows were spaced evenly about the spacious room. There was a desk, and a few comfortable looking chairs strewn about. It could have been a private study. Now, Coral was going to make it into her bedroom. If she could recall the way to return here.


    She spent a few more minutes walking about, finding a small space tucked away in the wall that had previously served as a large walk in cupboard, some more books that had been rifled through and carelessly left behind, and a circular rug that had been rolled up and left resting against a wall. From this vantage, Coral could see towards the front of the grounds with a view of the gate and more to the east through the windows. For the second time that day, Coral caught movement through a window. A battered carriage was slowly trundling up the drive. Beside it rode two men on horses that looked as though they could carry a troll, which they were probably bred to do just that. The two men were about the size and shape of a bear, wearing thick fur-lined cloaks and shields strapped to their backs. The driver looked whiplike in comparison, though he was armed heavily.


    Coral grinned. More patrons, and more potential coin were coming. Then her smile faded as she realised that Pearl was still tending to the pyre, and Coral had yet to find a way back to the ground floor. Worse yet, she was still covered in hobgoblin fluids that had long since dried, hardly a presentable image she wanted to portray onto guests.


    Coral still held the bone conductor in her hand, and she went to call out for the hundredth time for the ghosts, only to realise she hadn¡¯t felt the tingle of magic in her palm for some time. The bone conductor¡¯s spell had been used up, and she was going to have to re-charge it before she could get anymore use out of it.


    She turned away from the window and hurried down the stairs, determined to find her way as quickly as possible.

 A Burning Question

    Pearl had piled wood on to the pyre, building the heat so much that it was unbearable to stand closer than a few meters away. The snapdragons had watched her work after they grew bored of being chased out of the fire. Of their own volition, they took to the pile of kindling and branches she and Coral had gathered and lit a few of the smaller twigs alight with tiny sparks. The plum-coloured snapdragon had managed to produce a proper flame, breathing fire on to a stick and lighting it.


    Pearl couldn¡¯t decide if they had observed her lighting the stick she had been using to prod at the flames, or if they were simply bored.


    Pearl had gone through a significant portion of the branches they had stockpiled from clearing the drive. There were still plenty of logs set aside for their own hearths, though she were hesitant to use them, not if they wanted to survive the winter.


    No matter how hard she fanned the flames, the pyre simply didn¡¯t get hot enough to completely burn away the hobgoblins. Eventually she grew tired of stamping out the small flames the snapdragons kept alighting. Pearl prodded out a smouldering bit of coal and flicked it over at the snapdragons. The tiny creatures took to it instantly. The plum-coloured snapdragon, the Tea-cup variety, pounced for the glowing bit of coal. Immediately the two-headed snapdragon wanted it for itself and began to bully the plum, snapping and twisting its long necks about it. Pearl dislodged a second piece of charcoal, which very quickly became the more desirable object.


    A small chirrup startled Pearl. She turned and saw that Fable had joined her. Coral¡¯s snapdragon had hardly changed compared to the others. It was still bigger, almost the size of a cat. The other snapdragons were still small enough that they could curl up into a ball in her cupped hands. Some of the snapdragon¡¯s spines were beginning to grow in, and most had begun to lose the squishy baby fat. They weren¡¯t anywhere as fragile now. In the same amount of time Fable had only grown soft downy fuzz along his scales. He felt velvety soft, with a lovely sheen that at the very least reassured Pearl that he was healthy.


    Fable pressed his snout to her skirt then looked up at her with what Pearl could only describe as a grin. Pearl bent and patted him twice on his little head. Fable only ever allowed her a few brief pats before trotting off to sniff at the fire. Coral was the only one to adorn Fable with affection for prolonged moments. Even then after some time he would draw away just far enough that he was out of reach. Fable was a rather independent creature, which seemed at odds with his affection for Coral. It was out of sorts to see Fable without Coral, enough that Pearl looked about to check to see if she was about, no doubt tied up in some form of preparation for the Inn. When she wasn¡¯t able to find her, Pearl turned back to Fable.


    ¡°Have you come to make trouble?¡± she asked, watching as he twitched one of his pointed ears. She took this at the very least a sign of acknowledgement that he was listening to her. He was mostly focused on the burning bodies and completely uninterested in the coal the other snapdragons were playing with.


    ¡°Do you think you could keep watch on the fire for me? It needs to be as hot as possible. We don¡¯t want these Hobgoblins coming back to harass us.¡±


    Fable didn¡¯t move, which Pearl expected. She wasn¡¯t sure if he understood her at all, however there were times when he would tilt his head to the side, his brown eyes staring intensely with an awareness that the other snapdragons lacked.


    Pearl reached into the folds of her dress, and pulled from her pocket a crumpled letter. She had read over the contents far more than she cared to admit to herself. It had come at the same time as the other letter announcing the death of their father. Pearls heart ached guiltily with the thought.


    She glanced about to ensure that Coral was not nearby, and read once more.


    My dearest Pearl,


    It has been long since I have had the pleasure of your company. It is a weight that has pressed upon me with each passing day. Your sincerity and kindness have left an impression, which I often find myself frequently reflecting on.


    I press upon you an incorrigible habit of mine and request a meeting without your first invitation to your home. I long to explain my sudden departure, the trials I have faced and hope you will find me more present and true in the telling of my reasoning for my absence.


    I hope you can forgive this trespass and grant my request. The time and place are yours for the choosing should you desire. I assure you I will meet you henceforth.


    Caspian Acheron


    Pearl sighed and crumpled the letter once more as she closed her fist. She didn¡¯t know how she felt about this. She had tried to draft a reply many a times, though she had discarded all into the heart of a fireplace. Truly, they did not have the parchment to waste, so now here she was, reflecting on her own memories of the brief encounter she had with Caspian, composing an answer to his letter in her mind.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Pearl had discovered that Caspian was not in fact a heart fiddler playing on the strings of affection from others, the woman she had seen at the funeral was his mother, and no other rumours had reached her ears for Caspian¡¯s courting in town. Truthfully, she had hardly heard of his whereabouts at all.


    Was that a normal expectation for someone such as Caspian, what with his sensitivities to the sun? Surely someone such as he would at the least visit The Dogs House for a touch of socialisation.


    It was the fact that it had been weeks since she had last heard from him that Pearl struggled to get past. She had thought she had tucked away thoughts of his smile, his charm, the way she had felt truly seen for who she was when she was with him. Now, this letter, his enquiry to seek visitation was bringing those thoughts to the forefront of her mind, and she struggled to control them.


    Your sincerity and kindness have left an impression, which I often find myself frequently reflecting on.


    Pearl stuffed the crumpled letter back into her pocket. What was she to say to that? She may be kind, but she wasn¡¯t all forgiving. She did not appreciate being ignored for so long. Pearl had attempted to also seek out Caspian in town when in search for Silas. She knew for the most part that he lived with Lord Acheron, though apparently no-one had ever been invited to the grounds bar the supply deliveries, and those were few and far in-between. She had been worn off from entering their territory, as she may not find those in Lord Acheron¡¯s employ to be understanding if she called upon them during the day. At dusk it was simply too dangerous for her to travel alone, and her presence would surely be missed by Coral.


    Coral, for all her attempts to allow Pearl to make her own mistakes, would simply not permit her to do such a reckless thing. Especially now that Hobgoblins were becoming a nuisance on the roads.


    She feared what Coral would say to such a request, and even more so if she showed her the letter. Pearl didn¡¯t want to earn Coral¡¯s ire.


    And yet, Pearl wanted to know the reason behind the silence.


    A shiver raced down Pearls spine. In her preoccupation she hadn¡¯t noticed that the fire had begun to die down. She hurried to throw more logs on to the fire, with Fable watching her with interest.


    ¡°You were meant to keep it hot,¡± she said to Fable in mock contempt.


    Fable¡¯s eyes followed the fourth log Pearl tossed to the pyre¡¯s centre, atop the hobgoblin¡¯s bodies.


    ¡°They¡¯re never going to burn at this rate,¡± Pearl stated, staring at the flames catching.


    Fable crept closer to the edge of the pyre, his two front paws resting atop the first few logs he could reach.


    ¡°Come on, out of there. This isn¡¯t for playing in,¡± she told him. She used her stick to flick out a chunk of smouldering coal for him to play with. Fable didn¡¯t even turn his head to look at it. Instead, he leant forward and breathed into the fire.


    A torrent of magic spilled from his mouth, the air warping and shimmering with the energy. It spilled upon the flames. In an instant, the fire grew to twice its size. The flames became white hot, and Pearl had to hurry far from the pyre to escape the searing heat.


    When she looked back, the pyre had grown to a crescendo of dancing flames reaching high above, with sparks of flickering gold and vibrant red flying in every direction. Fable came trotting up to her, his mouth still dripping with vaporous magic. It floated in the air behind him before spreading slowly to the ground, catching alight and burning brightly.


    Pearl shuffled back further away, not wanting to have the magical substance coming from Fable¡¯s mouth to touch her.


    Fable shook his head, dislodging the last of the magic as though he were shaking off water, then opened his little mouth with a grin, looking rather pleased with himself.


    For a long minute, Pearl simply stared at Fable.


    She doubted very much now that he was a snapdragon. She had never heard of pseudo-dragons being able to produce a magical breath. So what had gotten mixed up with the dozen snapdragons Coral had ordered? Fable was definitely a type of dragon. Just what he was, she couldn¡¯t begin to guess.


    Fable quickly grew tired of her staring and began to sniff about at the ground, seeking out a bit of coal discarded by the other snapdragons. He sunk down to his belly and began chewing on it, his tongue flicking over it like it was a tasty treat.


    Behind him, the pyre was burning hard and fast through the wood as if were paper. A few minutes later, with Pearl watching on dumbfounded, the flames settled back down to a bright orange haze, the bodies of the hobgoblins having burnt away except for a few bones.


    Pearl watched on quietly, letting the fire burn itself out. The snapdragons had decided the glowing embers was the perfect place to take a nap and had coiled themselves into the heat contentedly. Pearl had let them do as they wished. She needed a moment to accept what she had just witnessed.


    Slowly, she fished out the left-over bones with her stick. From what she could tell, there was a few femur bones, a pelvis, and a few others that she couldn¡¯t recognise beyond being uncharred and starkly white.


    Pearl felt a gentle pressure against her shoulder, and she started. She looked about, with no one to be seen behind her. It took her a moment to realise she wasn¡¯t carrying one of the black crystals Coral had insisted she keep at all times.


    One of the ghosts was trying to get her attention.


    She felt a slight tug on her sleeve, and the hairs on Pearl¡¯s neck stood on end. She had to remind herself if it was Lady Rayner, it was likely she would already be in dire distress. Pearl took a moment to calm her racing heart.


    Then she heard it, what was likely the source of the ghosts attempt to alert her to. Someone was coming down the drive. Without much thought, and not willing to leave them out in the open, Pearl threw the bones into the squeaky wheelbarrow, ran to the kitchen with Fable scurrying along behind her. The other snapdragons would be content enough to stay where they are for a few hours yet. She deposited the bones on to the kitchen table, and went to greet whomever had come.