PARTY
SATURDAY 13/3
JAMIE
It was Saturday, the first day of Moon Harvest, the time of Empowerment. I was filled with trepidation; afraid yet excited at what was to unfold. I looked at my watch...it was exactly 9am as we drove up to Liam's house, 30mins before Liam and Katie's birthday party was due to start. After the phone call earlier this morning from Liam's dad mum had insisted that we arrive early. I only wish that she had told me why.
However after what mum had revealed to me last night I now understood why the party had to start so early and end by 12 o'clock, I also understood why all of our parents had acted the way they had and why they were gathering here today. They had known like dad, that today at the thirteenth hour, the hour of Liam's, Katie and my birth, we were to receive our supernatural powers. Today we would become the 'Power of Three.'
I was an alien; about to be granted supernatural powers, it was mind-bending! I looked down at my hands. Were they about to change, would I no longer look human? Would I look like those creatures I'd seen the Crines transform into in that ancient graveyard just a few short hours ago?
The thought terrified me. I was still traumatized by what I'd witnessed there and what little sleep I'd had had been filled with nightmares. I looked over at mum, she was super calm, the complete opposite of last night. We'd hardly spoken and I wondered why she'd been so silent. Hadn't she noticed the turmoil I was in?
The world as I knew it had come to an end, the evidence of what dad had written was there to be seen in that scary graveyard. The Crines were real and I'd proved to my friends and myself that they were not just a figment of my dad's imagination.
Now as I walk up to Liam's front door I am no longer in denial.
It was the first time I'd been to Liam's house and normally an old stone fishermen's cottage with quaint attic windows would have intrigued me; but right now all I could think of was finding that old man who lives in the derelict Braden mansion. I had to know if he was Asa. Ironically by seeking him out today I was fulfilling what Asa had prophesied to dad. The thought filled me with anxiety. What was it that I would see?
Just then the front door opened and a pretty, friendly red haired woman greeted us. She introduced herself as Joanne, Liam's mum. She had no need I would have known her anywhere, Liam looked just like her and for that matter so did mum! I had to remind myself that we were all related, a concept that I was finding hard to deal with. .
As we followed Liam's mum down the dark wood paneled hallway into her warm homely kitchen I grew nervous. I was meeting for the first time my extended family that until last night I never knew existed.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air and I saw Liam's dad Charlie who'd I met once before seated by the big open wood fireplace drinking a cup with two people who were unmistakably Katie's parents. Inquisitively they turned to look at us and exchanged knowing glances. I wondered just how much they knew.
Mum walked over to them and said hello as Liam's mum poured her a cup of coffee. I heard them introducing themselves as Natalie and Sam and I thought of how I'd checked their names out in dad's diary. It felt weird actually meeting them.
Katie and Liam were nowhere to be seen but signs of Liam were everywhere. His schoolbag hung on a hook on the backdoor while his homework from the night before was still spread across the floor in front of the fireplace. The normality of it seemed unreal after last night and I knew I could never view my life in the same way again.
After several minutes of awkward pleasantries between everyone I was itching to join Liam and Katie outside in the tent erected for the party where I was told they were.
Impatiently I shuffled my feet and felt dad's diary hidden under my wizard cloak slip. Afraid that at any minute it would fall to the floor I pulled my cloak tightly across it and hastily asked to be excused.
Chills ran down my spine as I walked passed the big kitchen table on my way to the back door. A black leather briefcase sat ominously in the middle of it, there was no mistaking its silver clasp of twisted snakes...it was dads!
Trembling I went outside until now I hadn't given any thought to that strange silver clasp of twisted snakes on dad's briefcase. It had never held any meaning other than being a curiosity to me when dad was alive. Now it had sinister connotations, I believed it was the insignia of the 'Secret Society of Crines'. I gulped...why was it on dad's briefcase?
I stood for a moment at the back door trying to compose myself. I couldn't let myself think about it I needed to remain in control, I was about to confront Liam and Katie with the truth of our identity.
I brushed my fears aside and held fast to dad's diary as I walked toward the tent hoping that Jade hadn't arrived yet. So far Jade knew as much as Liam and Katie but I could I risk her learning more?
"Hey Jamie over here!" Liam yelled
I looked up to see Liam, his black wizard costume draining the remaining color from his face at the tents entrance. His face mirrored mine and I knew that he too was still traumatized by what we'd seen last night.
"Where are Katie and Jade Liam?" I tried to sound casual but it wasn't working.
"Inside the tent Jamie, Jade's upset. Katie and Jade's mum had a huge argument and her mum stormed off just before you arrived. It's a bit weird I've never seen them argue before."
"What was it about?" I tried to sound interested but I was more concerned that Jade was there. Now I had no alternative than to trust her.
"I don't know Jamie I left as soon as it started, but Jade thinks it has something to do with yesterday. Apparently after she told her mother what Swasie had done to us she stormed over to Katie's house."
"Liam stop talking about me I've got ears you know!" Jade declared bursting from inside the tent with Katie.
"It's alright Jade you don't have to look so worried everything's cool!" Liam said trying to appease her.
"No it's not Liam, look at the sky. It's still red, and now there are two moons. I'm scared; do you think it's the end of the world?" Jade's voice quivered with fear as she looked at Liam imploringly.
"Cool it Jade! Nothings going to happen!" Liam said reassuringly. "There's a perfectly good explanation for what is happening. I was scared too, until I saw Mum and Dad watching it on T.V. this morning. It's not the end of the world or anything. It's a phenomenon of interplanetary shifts that occurs in three hundred year cycles in each solar system of the Universe. That's why you can see the crimson moon of the planet Urias, it's aligning with Earth and we'll be able to see it for thirty nine days."
"Maybe that's what your parents told you Liam, but not what they were saying to Katie's parents when mum and I arrived. It's something to do with the ..."
"I now what you're going to say Jade...the Crines!"
"No you don't Liam! They weren't talking about the Crines! They said what was happening was the 'Universal Mathematical Equation of Thirty Nine', the time of empowerment for the 'Power of Three'. What did they mean? What's the 'Power of Three'? Something scary is going to happen today Liam, I just know it!"
Startled, I looked at Jade; I could hardly believe my ears.
"Jamie why are you looking at me that way, say something!" Jade demanded heatedly.
It's nothing, okay!" Jade was picking up on my uncertainty about her.
"It's not okay Jamie! The Crines do exist and they're not human, they're alien creatures from another world." Jade said despairingly.
"Jade's right guys" Katie interjected her voice trembling with emotion. "Nothings okay something weird is going on with my parents. I don't know about yours but mine were acting real strange yesterday afternoon. Mum even told me that I couldn't come to the party and then later changed her mind and said I could go but with them....go figure!"
"Did you tell your parents about what Swasie did to Jamie and Liam Katie?"
"Yeah, why?" Katie asked looking very puzzled.
"Because after I told my mum she grounded me and said I couldn't come to the party and then rushed over to your
house. What happened? Did you hear if they were talking about Swasie and Hunk?"
"No Jade, but how come you're here if your mum grounded you?"
"My granddad stuck up for me and convinced mum to let me come." Jade replied somewhat pompously.
"What's got into our parents?" Liam exclaimed mystified. "Last night mine were going to cancel our party because they said they were worried about some of the kids I'd invited! And just before Jade arrived I overheard Katie's mum telling dad that she'd waited like they had agreed to tell you about your empowerment. What on earth did she mean Katie?"
"I don't know Liam I wish someone could tell me." Katie replied frowning deeply as she mindlessly twisted a lock of her hair.
"What about you Jamie was your mother going to stop you coming today?" Liam asked gruffly.
"Yep that was until she got a phone call late last night from your dad Liam." I replied tentatively.
"What! Why would my dad ring your mum Jamie he doesn't even know her?" Liam exclaimed flabbergasted.
"Yeah but he knew my dad Liam. He rang mum about documents that dad's solicitor had sent him."
"What documents? Come on Jamie tell us what you've found out." Liam demanded as he grabbed my arm forcefully.
"I'll tell you what I know, okay!" I replied brusquely as I pried his hand away. But first you all have to promise that you will tell no one especially the kids coming today. Right Jade?"
"Hey why pick on me, of course Jamie; you know you can trust me!" insisted Jade offended by my implied insinuation.
"Ditto Jamie that goes without saying!" Liam affirmed as Katie nodded in agreement.
"Okay then" I took a deep breath and lunged ahead. "I think Dad and my grandparents were murdered by the Crines because they wouldn't hand those documents over. I'm pretty sure the content is about three of us.
Dad wrote in his diary about some other documents and I brought it with me so you can read and understand why our parents have been acting strange. And guys I think we better be careful around Chloe because after what we saw last night it sure looks like her dad is their leader."
"Of course she does Katie! Why do you think she's such a bitch?" Jade declared scornfully.
"Listen guys we haven't much time." I insisted surprised by Jade's animosity toward Chloe. " I figure Chloe's dad must be the descendant of James Braden, William Braden's son who began the 'Secret Society of Crines' centuries ago. He has the same name and it makes sense that the role of the leader of the 'Secret Society of Crines' would be passed on to future generations. And that mummy we saw resurrected had to be ..."
"James Braden!" Jade exclaimed excitedly before I could finish my sentence.
"Far out!" Liam stuttered dumbfounded.
"And what gives me the creeps is mum discovered that William Braden built our house for thirteen men named Crine." I shuddered thinking about it.
"Geez Jamie do you think that the 'Secret Society of Crines' begun in your house?" Liam asked his voice almost inaudible.
"I don't know Liam but someone or something burnt that satanic circle into the floor of the turret of our house. And all those rooms I discovered behind that secret door in the attic, what were they used for?" I stammered.
"Maybe that's where they kept all their victims Jamie." Liam responded huskily.
"Jamie those visions you saw of vampires and little children ...oh my god what if they bred babies for their blood?" Katie cried in horror.
"Katie stop it ...I don't want to talk about vampires!" Jade insisted fearfully.
"Why Jade you love all that stuff!" Katie declared puzzled by Jade's reaction.
"Not vampires Katie! Please don't mention them again." Jade pleaded her face a picture of despair.
I stared at Jade, why did the mere mention of vampires upset her so much...what did she know?
"Why are you so afraid Jade, do you know something you're not telling us?" I asked forcefully.
"No Jamie how could you say such a thing!" Jade responded angrily afraid to share her fear that her family was involved in a breeding program of vampires.
"Because I need to know what happened to my dad, he wrote in his diary that vampires were coming for him."
"Geez Jamie, vampires?" Liam exclaimed incredulously.
"Look guys just read dad's diary it's all there." Impatiently I pulled the diary from under my cloak and handed it to Katie.
"What's with all those pages that have been torn out Jamie?" Katie asked inquisitively as she fingered them in her hands
"I'm not sure, but please be careful with them." I replied as she shuffled through them.
"Did your grandparents know any of this stuff when they bought your house Jamie?" Liam asked dumbfounded as he read over Katie's shoulder.
"I reckon that's why they bought the manor Liam." I replied. I watched Katie's reaction closely... she was unusually quiet. "According to dads diary they were investigating the Crines."
"But why did the Crines sell it to them Jamie, they must have known that your grandparents were onto them!" Liam asked as Jade flopped down beside Katie.
"I can't figure that one Liam. All I know is the manor had been empty for years before my grandparents bought it." I looked at my watch, we were wasting time. I had to just come out and tell them. Dad's diary would have to wait.
"Guys there isn't time to finish reading dad's diary everyone will be arriving soon it's nearly 9.30! Please listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you because it not only relates to the Crines but three of us.
Today is not only our birthday but like Jade said it's the year when the interplanetary alignment of the Universe occurs in our solar system. This occurrence the Crines call 'Moon Harvest'...the harvesting of moons. It's the time of empowerment for beings that carry supernatural genes. And the ritual we saw the Crines perform was to draw these powers to them".
I looked at their bewildered faces hoping they believed what I was saying. Everything depended upon it.
"Is that how that mummy came to life Jamie?" Katie asked fearfully.
"I reckon so Katie." I breathed a sigh of relief; at least Katie was on side.
"Hold it Jamie; you're moving too fast I don't understand what's all of this got to do with us?" Liam asked bewildered.
"If I'm right a lot, you have to believe what I say, okay?" My voice wavered as I looked at Jade. "Liam I think those documents that your dad received are about the 'Power of Three'."
"Now you've lost me Jamie, 'Power of Three'?" Liam's voice was reaching fever pitch.
"Liam today, you, Katie, and me will receive supernatural powers. We are the 'Power of Three'!" I looked at their shocked faces, how I could explain what I didn't understand myself.
"Whatever do you mean Jamie? Quick, show me where your Dad wrote that!" demanded Katie frantically as she madly flicked through the diary.
"Katie, please, we haven't time, just listen okay? An old man called Asa told dad that he was a Shaman and can foresee the future, and said that today I would seek the answers before the thirteenth hour, the time of our empowerment. I have to find him and ask him what he meant.
I'm sure Asa is that old man who lives in William Braden's old mansion. I need you guys to go with me but we have to be back before 12 o'clock when Liam's dad said the party had to end or our parents will come looking for us. .
There's something else you have to know. Dad wrote that there is a monster called Tuloosa who is imprisoned in the catacombs that run beneath the Braden mansion,"
"Jamie, what are you talking about? Who's this Tuloosa?" asked Jade despairingly.
I looked at Jade intently, even though she'd asked the question she hadn't baulked at Tuloosa's name. Jade had heard the name before.
"He's some sort of immortal creature Jade that William Braden created centuries ago in his laboratory."
I stood looking at Jade's frightened face. How could I tell her that I believed Tuloosa had the blood of her ancestor coursing through his veins?
"Why are you lookin
g at me like that Jamie? Is there something you're not telling me?'
"Of course not" I lied.
"Cripes Jamie what if that monster roams the old mansion?" Liam croaked.
"Jamie!" Katie screamed before I could reply. "The 'Power of Three', it says here in your father's diary that they are bred from alien DNA! Are you trying to tell us that we're alien beings like those hideous creatures we saw in the graveyard last night? Please tell me Jamie it's not true!" Katie sobbed.
"Partly Katie, but I don't know what our alien form looks like." The thought scared me shitless also.
"You mean we're going to change Jamie when we get these powers?" Katie asked hysterically.
Liam looked dumbstruck, staring at me wide eyed. Jade on the other hand was looking at all three of us strangely, almost fearfully.
"Look guys, I have to find Asa, my Dad was murdered trying to protect me from this shit."
"Okay" Liam gulped. "That's pretty far out! I think what you said about us being these weirdo's, the 'Power of Three' is nuts, but I'll play along. Sooooooo, what do you want us to do about our birthday party Jamie?" Liam stammered hoarsely.
"I know it sucks Liam, but trust me, we have to finish the party early."
"Jamie you're not thinking straight!" Liam cried. "Our parents will know if everyone leaves early. And besides that, what are we going to tell our friends, they're expecting to party till midday."
Liam was so agitated that he was jumping up and down. I had to pacify him or everything would get out of control.
"Calm down Liam, I've got it all figured out. If we play it right no one will notice. It's a wizard party, right? I've thought about it and have made up a game we'll call 'Wizard Dare', Jade can be the Wizard Mistress. She can dare us three to lead everyone up to the old Braden mansion and go inside. Everyone will think we're cool if we take up her challenge. No kid will follow us; you told me that they're all too scared to go there. And if we keep the music going our parents will think that we're still partying. What'd reckon?"
I looked at their stressed out faces not knowing how they would respond. Today was supposed to be a day of fun instead I'd just laid a mind freak on them and now was expecting them to go with me to a place I knew had been and still was a cesspit of evil.
"Let's put it to a vote!" Katie declared firmly as she looked from one to another.
"Oh no Katie, not the voting thing again!" pleaded Jade irritably. "You and your democratic rights thing give me the pips! "
"You're not wrong Jade, just ignore her, where all in...right Katie, Jade? Liam asked somewhat dubiously.
"Yeah Liam, I'll be the Wizard Mistress. It'll be cool!" Jade agreed brightening visibly at the prospect.
"Hey, you know what...in a strange sort of way this sounds like fun!" Liam laughed unconvincingly.
"Liam you're seriously weird!" Katie declared sarcastically.
"Alright Katie don't start. It'll be a piece of cake!" Jade replied. " So, can we stop talking about all of this stuff now?"
"Wait guys I've got one more thing to say. Maybe Chloe and her brother aren't the only ones among your friends coming today whose parents are part of the 'Secret Society of Crines'"
"Jamie did you have to say that? We've known these kids since kindergarten!" Jamie declared edgily.
"Jamie's right Liam", Katie said forcefully. "We'll have to be careful. We need a game plan. Jade I know you hate Chloe so you can watch the kids that stay close to her and see what they get up to. Liam you keep watch on Chloe's brother and Jamie and I will check the others out!" Katie stated doggedly.
"Yes Your Imperial Highness!" Jade retorted mockingly putting on a brave face.
"Okay Jade drop the sarcasm, get serious, we have to pull together! How can you be so flippant at a time like this?' Katie replied incredulously.
"Guys cool it; I can hear some kids arriving. Katie hand me dad's diary I don't want anyone to see it. Look it's a birthday party and everyone expects us to be having fun so no matter how we feel, we have to act normal." I insisted as Katie reluctantly handed me the diary.
"Listen to Jamie," Liam demanded. "Come on, get with it guys; we have to make this the coolest party ever if we're going to pull this off. And by the way you all look a bit freaky in those black wizard get ups. Just don't go putting a spell on me Jade with that wand you keep waving about" Liam joked trying to lighten everyone up.
"And Katie, keep those pointed boots of yours away from me, they look lethal! Come on guys cut loose from all the serious stuff, check out the sign I made." Liam said pointing at the banner that he'd erected across the entrance to the tent.
'NO OLDIES PASSED THIS POINT'
"At last...they're smiling!" Liam laughed. "Enter the Wizards den at your own peril!" he joked swishing his long black cloak over his shoulder as he walked inside.
I did likewise and donned the wizard hat hanging around my neck that mum had bought me. "Come on Katie, Jade, we didn't get dressed up like wizards for nothing. Let's get this wizard party rolling." I insisted faking cheerfulness as I held the tent flap open for them.
"Rock on guys! It sure is creepy in here. You're certain the Crines aren't lurking behind that huge altar you made Liam waiting to sacrifice us?" I joked.
"Don't joke Jamie, the Crines are anything but cool!" Liam reprimanded as I dropped the flap of the tent down.
"Yikes, the candles have gone out. Quick Liam light the candles, its pitch dark in here." Jade screamed as I tickled her neck teasingly.
Suddenly the candles Liam had placed around the tent flickered into life. "Okay smart ass...what's the trick?" I asked nervously.
"No trick Jamie, I swear! I didn't do anything!" Liam retorted bug-eyed.
"Right Liam, the candles lit themselves!" I hoped my words wouldn't prove to be true.
"Stop Jamie, let it drop. I don't want to know, alright!" Katie declared, as she passed a box of candles to Liam. "Come on Liam let's finish placing the candles."
Silently Liam and Katie donned their tall wizard hats and I followed them to the black shrouded altar Liam had erected. Carefully I hid the diary underneath it and stepped back as solemnly they placed three rows of thirteen candles around its perimeter.
Alarmed I realized that the numbers 3 and 13 were everywhere. On the dance floor, on the ceiling, the walls, the cushions, EVERYTHING! The numbers Liam had used to signify us three turning thirteen were, without him realizing, the numbers the Crines had worshipped in that strange ritual last night.
As Liam and Katie lit the candles I felt a strange energy permeate the tent. Jade turned to look at me, quizzing me with her eyes. Had she felt it also?
Cold shivers ran down my spine as I saw shadowy figures flitting back and forth mingling with the partygoers now filling the tent. I was afraid that Liam had unwittingly stirred the powers of those numbers
However the kids that had just arrived seemed oblivious to what I was seeing. Everyone except Chloe who constantly hovered near those shadowy figures murmuring under her breath,
I edged my way closer to Chloe unable to reconcile my attraction to her with what I now knew about her father. I still hoped somehow that she knew nothing and was innocent in the ways of the Crines.
She looked up at me knowingly batting her eyelashes beguilingly...had she just read my mind? Disconcerted I turned away.
"Jamie what are you doing?" I heard Liam's voice in my ear as he tugged at my cape.
"It's nearly time!" he whispered.
For a moment I didn't know what he was talking about but the sound of Chloe's mocking laughter snapped me out of my stupor.
I looked at my watch amazed to see that over an hour had passed since the party had got under way. I shook my head in bewilderment
I nodded my acknowledgement and followed as Katie turned the music down.
Bathed in the ethereal light of the candles surrounding the altar Liam made his announcement
"Attention, everyone.... enough noise!" Liam shouted. "First I want to congratu
late you all on your great Wizard outfits, you all look cool! However now that you have all stuffed yourselves silly and done the party thing, its time for the real stuff! A game of Wizard Dare! Now let me introduce you to the Wizard Mistress...Jade!"
I watched Jade climb the stairs of the black shrouded altar and regally place the Wizard hat she'd left there on her head. She glared imperiously as she waved her wand over those beneath her commanding their attention.
I looked at my watch, Liam's timing was spot on...it was exactly 10.30am just as we planned. Two and a half hours before our lives would change forever.
"Right, you guys stop laughing or I'll zap you. Pay Attention! Now all of you bow to your Master!" Jade demanded as she slung her cloak over her shoulder.
"You mean Mistress don't you Jade? You are a female aren't you?" Chole laughed sarcastically as her black-cloaked figure emerged out of the darkness behind the altar.
"Yeah unlike you Chloe...now bow! And wipe that smirk of your face your highness or suffer!" Jade shouted haughtily.
"Now listen up, this is how it works! I DARE...YOU OBEY! If you don't then you can't participate in the inner circle of Wizards. And I, as Mistress, will banish you to a lifetime with mortals!
Now heed this...the first dare has to be with none other than the birthday Wizards, Liam, Katie, and last but not least, the new Wizard to our clan Jamie.
Step forth and obey the mandate decreed to the 'Power of Three'!" Commanded Jade, with a flourish of her black cape.
Shocked by Jades words I tried to get her attention. She had promised not to breathe a word of the 'Power of Three' and here she was announcing it blatantly to all. However she ignored me as she continued unflinchingly.
"I see the chosen three before me, and now give forth their mandate! Step forth oh honorable wizards, Katie Powers, Liam Powers and most powerful of all, the newcomer to our flock...Jamie Peters.
Now each of you three Wizards repeat after me.
"I, as the 'Power of Three', pledge that I will lead these inferior ones to where it is forbidden, the place where there are 'Worlds within Worlds', the old Braden estate, the place where demons dwell. And once there I will enter and seek the one who dwells within."
Jade was really spooking me. Had I been wrong in trusting her?
"Come on Jamie, everyone's watching." Liam whispered nudging me. "Get control of yourself man; you're as white as a ghost."
Reluctantly I repeated the pledge questioning how easily Jade had fallen into the role she was playing.
"Now that is done, those of the Brave step forward to the Sorcerer's Altar and take a lighted candle from the Wizards Blessed Sacrament. It's time to see who will defy their earthly parents and go where it is forbidden ...a World that has never been entered by mere mortals. The World of ghostly beings. Now come forth and drink from the Sacred Chalice of your ancestors." commanded Jade.
Jade's proclamation was followed by a hushed silence.
"I take your silence as non allegiance to our society of Wizards and a betrayal to the cause. Go forth from here cowardly weaklings!" declared Jade relieved to see that Jamie's plan had worked...no one was game enough to go with them.
"Not so fast oh Mistress Jade, I for one intend to go!" declared Chloe's twin brother Ben defiantly as he took a lighted candle from the altar.
"And so do I!" Chloe chorused along with the others who were obviously scared but not wanting to look uncool by staying behind.
"Well it looks like your great plan failed Jamie" Liam whispered as he watched everyone line up to take a lighted candle. "What do we do now?"
Before I could reply, Ben took the chalice from the altar and gave it to Katie. "With your permission 'Mistress of Wizard Dare', I say only the three whose birthday it is should drink from the chalice!"
Alarmed I saw Ben drop something into the chalice. Hastily I grabbed it from Katie's hands and poured the blood like, liquid onto the ground. "Sorry to spoil your fun guys but I saw flies in it earlier"
"Gross! Okay, now can we go Jamie?" Chloe asked sweetly, fluttering her eyelashes at me flirtingly as she grabbed my hand.
Silently Chloe led me out of the back of the tent with the others in tow. She seemed smug as if she'd achieved something I wasn't aware of.
"Okay everyone, let the birthday three lead the way!" Chloe declared pushing me to the front as we entered the park behind Liam's house. Holding their lit candles tightly everyone filed obediently behind Katie, Liam and me.
Liam and Katie walked solemnly beside me with Chloe and Ben close on our heels. I could hear them whispering and turned to see Chloe and Ben smirking smugly at each other. Shivers ran through me as Chloe gave me a knowing look and began to chant.
"Moon Harvest...Moon Harvest." My skin crawled; did Chloe know that I'd been at the graveyard last night?
Ben joined in, and soon everyone was chanting; unaware that the shadowy figures that had lurked in the tent had followed them, chanting softly the rest of the spell.
The blood red sky deepened and the wind began to howl in the strangest way tormenting their wizard's cloaks which flapped around them protesting. Their candles extinguished they fell side by side, seeking comfort in closeness as the spell compelled them forward.
Thunder shook the ground beneath them, and lightning flashed willfully across their path as closer they came to their sinister destination. Frightened, the partygoers heard the moans of the old decaying mansion wafting on the wind as it rebelled against the evil energies awakening within.
Silhouetted against the blood red sky the illustrious Braden mansion stood high on the hill above them; casting its sinister hue over the tangled vines strangling the pathway they now walked upon.
Soon the subdued partygoers reached the mansions huge, rusty, iron gates loathed to go further.
The gates stood wide open inviting them in and all were faced with the reality of their dare.
Reluctantly they walked down the long winding, carriageway, the old mansion weaving its mystery; as surely as the enormous vines strangled its once grand towers. Like a dying entity it had shed its glory, like layers of rotting skin, revealing to all, it's sad, aging bones.
Wearily its windows, shattered and broken by the ravages of time, allowed the icy wind to mischievously play its spooky song; shaking the sagging, wooden shutters ruthlessly, forcing them to play along.
All hung back now, the spell broken by their fear, leaving only four to walk on.
Ben sniggered and signaled Swasie skulking in the bushes beside them. Invisible demonic hands tugged menacingly at the terrified group's wizard cloaks as loose tiles blackened with age flew off the three swaying towers and guided by an invisible force fell shattered at their feet.
Suddenly a mysterious golden light shone from the tallest tower, emitting an ominous message to the demons gathering there. Clinging to each other the once reveling partygoers trembled as hideous screeching demons with black leathery, crinkled skin flew upon the golden rays of light toward them. Chanting a strange gibberish language, their red eyes glowed within their sunken sockets; entrapping all with a sinister, hypnotic glare.
Menacingly the demons singled out the innocents with their twisted claw-like hands as the shadowy figures that had followed them, flew around them chanting..."Run...Run!!
Terrified these innocent partygoers ran. Now only those of the Underlings remained.
Laughing mockingly Ben and Chloe joined Swasie, their eyes glowing red as the 'Underlings' bowed before them.