Beginnings of the Armed Forces

[ILLYRIAN]

Best read after The New Angel Investigations pt 1, 2 and 3
BEGINNINGS OF THE ARMED FORCES
CHAPTER 1 AFTERMATH

Looking down at the disfigured body.
"Amberton is dead, she was a good warrior, and a good
friend," said Holly-Marie.

Looking over the battle field, she saw many of her warriors
lying dead. Members of the Elite were sorting through the
bodies, looking for signs of life. Occasionally one of them
would plunge her sword into a body to stop that persons
suffering.

"I've been doing this for to many years," Holly said to herself.
Moving forward again, rolling over the bodies of those who
once were her friends. One of them showed the signs of life.
"Gwellyn? Gwellyn?" she asked.

Looking up, then around her Gwellyn asked, "Did we win?"
Kneeling.
"Yes, we won," replied Holly, "at a cost though."
"Hopefully it will be a while before we are have to fight
that many."

"Holly! over here," called Cherry.
"What is it?"
"Just found one of us that's ok, she seems to have been
knocked out."
"Can she walk?" asked Holly.

"She'll be a bit wobbly to begin with, but she'll be alright.
Guess what?" "What?"
"She still wants to do her bit," smiled Cherry.
"Give her a bit of wood, to help her stand, she can help us."

Looking around herself again, she saw people moving in their
encampment. Moving there, she saw that three bow masters
had already started to celebrate the win.

"You three!, get on the battle field, help the others find
our injured."
As they walked away, one of them commented to the
weapons maker how useless he was.

"Don't pay any attention to them."
The weapons maker looked up.
"Who are you?" he replied.
"The new see-er, I was told she wanted me to be here, she
told me that she would be moving on soon, I think she
thought I would know where."

"Do you know where?" asked Garet.
"Of course, but don't ask me, you won't like the answer."
"What about you?"
"I'd like to surprise myself."

"Fair enough, mind you, you could be a help to me. These
ideas, I do want to make them, but are they and will
they be useful?"
"The weapon will become their main weapon, that design of
uniform will become part of them."

"I only planned it to be Holly's weapon."
"She will use one, so will everyone else," replied the see-er
"Hello Garet, who's your friend?, known her long?" asked Holly
"I don't know your name, and you'd best tell Holly. You do
know who Holly is, don't you?"

"Yes, more than you, more than she knows about herself."
"Sounds like a see-er," said Holly, "speaks like one."
"I am, your new see-er, I know of the future and the past.
Your see-er has left, you will see here again, but she will not
be a see-er."

"Ok, give me some good news then," said Holly.
"You will know of the end."
"The end of what?"
"When evil has been ended and there is no more evil."

"That is good news?, what about our enemies and your
name?, what are you known as?"
"The evil will soon be your enemy, you may know me
as Scherry."
"As a name for a see-er, I like that," said Holly.

"About the other see-er, when will she leave?" asked Garet.
"She has already gone."
"Oh, when will we see her again?"
"Holly will see her soon, and she will be afraid of her."

"Why would I be afraid of a see-er?"
"Because she is not a see-er now."
"Then what is she?" asked Garet.
"My question first!," said Holly, "you said you will not see her
for many years, how many?"

She looked at Holly and Garet.
"Are you sure you want me to answer that?"
"We are sure," they replied.
"I will not see her for another eighty years."

"You....people do not live that long."
"Garet, Holly, none of us are normal. But I will be as her
when you both meet her."
They both looked at her, they were puzzled by her reply.

Holly left them, going into her tent. Leaving Garet to go back
to designing his new weapon. Holly sat looking at the game
that Garet had made for her, as she studied it she realised it
could be used to repeat what had happened in the last
battle, every battle she'd been in.

Noticing the light in her tent was becoming brighter she
looked up. A figure appeared to her. Holly reeled back,
trying to release her sword.
"As she who brings the new time told you, you are
afraid of me."

Holly remembered Scherry's words.
"I was told of Garet, that the new weapon he is building will
be mine and their main weapon. Why do you say mine and
theirs? will I desert my friends?"
"No," was the reply.

"But if I am not with them, then we will not be together, I
will have left them," said Holly.
"They will know what you are to do, and they will be proud
of what you will do. As you are now told, you will be with
you just after you meet me. When you become one with your
sister and you know who your mother is."

"Then my sister and I, we are similar?"
"No Holly, you are never be the same as your sister or your
mother. But you will be the same with your sister when you
meet."
"Can you tell me their names?"

"As you won't meet your sister for another eight thousand
years, yes. Her name is Charity."
"How long?"
"Even as now, you are destined, soon you will fulfil that
destiny. When that destiny is completed."

"Then we will be together, my sister and I?, we will walk
hand in hand?"
"Yes, but not how you mean you will not touch her hand.
Your hands will be in each others, you will become one with
your sister, your sister will have your name to use, and you
will have her name to use."

"What is my mother known as?"
"Her grandmother is Siranan, she had named her child
Siranaya yet Siranaya is the Goddess Turee."
"I am the child of a Goddess, why?"

"For what you are to do," said Scherry, "when you see her,
you can be one with your sister, then you will be as her."
"You know this? who are you?, should I see you as a see-er?"

"I will no longer be your see-er, I am the Goddess Medusera."
"I was wanted to be here, I always wanted to be a person of
power, now I choose who will be the most powerful, I will
choose what'll be the most powerful force the world will see."

Her mind racing, Holly walked from her tent, she went to see
her weapons maker. "What are you working on?"
Garet looked to Holly.

"I have always thought that the bow and arrows were a bit
cumbersome to carry and use, I began trying to make them
smaller, but with the same effectiveness. What-ever I did,
I just couldn't do that, but instead of giving up I followed
one of the thought's I'd had.

A bow is generally held upright, in re-designing it I made it
much smaller and much more easy to carry but in doing so it
lost much of it's distance but it has greater accuracy in
short distances."

"That sounds alright. How can this weapon be carried?"
"By having two straps to hold it, it can be held in with hands
when ready to be used then it can be dropped, but because
of the straps it will only fall to your side. As it is smaller
what it fires are also shorter. I have made a rough working
model although I am trying to make it stronger and easier
to use."

"Then tell me when you have done that," said Holly.
"Something else I considered which isn't a weapon but it
may help you. If every-one was to wear the same clothing
in battle there wouldn't be any confusion as to who the
enemy is, so I've designed some battle wear."

"Tell me."
"I've seen you all in the camp, you look like a bunch of
people, but if you all wore the same thing it would look as
if there were more of you. That being so, I designed this,"
said Garet.

"Holly studied what Garet was holding."
"All this is, is animal skin so repairs are known to most of us,
there are two upper body pieces one to be worn over the
other. They can be made to fit the wearer, the inner piece
is to go over the shoulders and around the body, the outer
will cover that, and the arms yet it will give warmth as well."

"What are the bits of metal for?"
"They may help protect you, but they will also reflect the
sun and confuse the enemy."
"How? these few will not do anything."

"True, but if five hundred wear the same, with these moving
any sunlight on them can cause a small flash into your
enemies eyes and that will distract who you are against."
"Should the colour of these animal skins is brown, and your
weapons brown, your weapon holders are brown.

Consider this, if the leg cover are well above the knee and
the skirt reaches down to the leg covers, by sitting or
standing still you could remain unseen and then you'd be
able to trap your enemy, maybe even surround them."

"Good, good thinking Garet, can you make five of them, I
will send five warriors so that these clothes can be made for
them and some people to make the clothes," said Holly.
Two days later Holly, Garet and Scherry rode to the home of
the land lord, Holly said that his troubles with his enemies
were at an end, they had defeated them. He was impressed
saying that a feast would be held in their honour.

"If you intend to kill animals for the meal can we have the
skins? my weapons maker wants to try and make some a
uniform for us."
"Why?" asked the land lord.

"I had the same question for him. He says that if we all wear
the same uniform, we would know who the enemy is, he also
said that it would be designed to give us a greater
movement and protection," said Holly.

"That's a good idea, I think I can offer you some more skins,
if you'd let me know how he gets on?"
Holly agreed with him. Then prior to eating, the
entertainments began.

The next evening, as Holly walked around the tents she saw
a light burning in Garet's tent. Collecting more animal skins,
"Here's a couple more of sheep and a cows skin for you."
"I was told there'd be four more coming tomorrow. Will they
still be coming?"

"You'll get them," replied Holly, "what is that?"
"A bit more to the weapon, it's nearly finished but if you can
get some one to try it out tomorrow Holly?"
"I'll do it myself," said Holly, "is it ready, can I see it?"

"I was hoping you'd want to see it, I'd know if there was
anything wrong straight away," said Garet.
"Have you thought of a name for it?"
"Not yet, I've been working on three other things, they will
fit in the new uniform, I've put a strap over each
shoulder so that it can be carried when not being used.

About your uniform I've decided to call it a battle dress. I've
gone with the thought of a long set of leg covers, the skirt
I've shortened to give greater leg movement. The top has a
some tent inside it to stop it scratching the skin, and a
jacket for protection in cold weather.

I thought a few designs of metal might be good so that
ranks can be seen, they would also be good for deflecting
attackers."

"You have been busy," remarked Holly.
"Not really, you know me once I get an idea, another isn't
far away, and I got some help with the designs," said Garet

"Who was that from?"
"The new see-er. She is good at doing making the uniforms,
how I want them and she's quick. She has this idea to use
the sun against our enemies."
"How would the sun help us."

"Most of the time we attack with the sun at our backs.
With that last attack the enemy tried to get the sun in
front of us. Almost as if they knew of the tactic. In the
next battle it would surprise the enemy if we try to get the
sun ahead of us.

What the seer said was a section of the army could carry a
flat shiny piece of metal, they could blind others with a
reflection of the sun, others could advance to be ready to
attack unnoticed. You might even get them to lay down
their arms without any one being injured."

"That I'd like, and we might get a bigger army," said Holly.
"Yes and lots more weapons."
"Excuse me, here is the first of what you wanted Garet.
I have others made."

The seer held up the battle dress for Holly to see.
"Can I try this one on?"
"It isn't made for you," said the see-er.
"Doesn't one fit any-one?" asked Holly.

"Garet's idea, each one is made to fit the wearer. That way
the weapons can be put where they are needed and the
animal skins won't be any kind of hindrance in battle."

"Two things here," said Garet, "for one, what I said about
making this army bigger, if we look good it will help. If the
skins fit, wasn't just my idea Holly, the new see-er had a
lot of input, it was our idea."

Holly tried on the battle dress, the seer made them fit her.
The skins were more comfortable with the tent cloth against
the skin. Scherry made several minor changes to the uniform
so that it was a better fit.

"These leggings will fall down to easily," commented Holly.
"Not yours, not when they are properly fitted. These leather
straps, they are not for tying around the leg. They are the
straps that will go to the belt, over the skirt. To tie at the
top of the skirt.

The belt will be held in place on the skirt and to the jacket,
that way your weapons will always be at the right height
for you," said Scherry.
"What are the weapons?" asked Holly.

"They will be a sword and a short sword, and this. By
putting this strap on it, it can be kept in the same place. It
can be held at eye level, but when you let go of it, it falls
back so it's always ready."
"You are going to have a name for it by tomorrow, aren"˜t
you?" asked Holly.

"I thought that the bow was to big, that's where the idea
came from, I'd tried the name small bow, but that didn't
seem to fit."
"Ok, it is to be used across the body, so call it a cross
bow," said Holly.
Garet looked to Scherry then to Holly.

"That works for me, sounds good as well."
"If you come here tomorrow, the battle dress will be ready
for you. Also by you wearing it during the day others will see
it and we'll get an idea of their opinions," said Scherry.

In the morning Holly and five of her elite went to Garet's tent,
she noticed that many of her people were sat about. When
they reappeared it wasn't long before all that saw them were
making good comments about what was being worn. Then
when the cross bow was used Holly heard the cheering.

"Looks like we've given ourselves plenty of work," said Garet.
"True, but all those people who doubted you will now want
to help you," said Scherry.
"Some more help would be good. My weapon does work well."
"Didn't you think it would?" asked Scherry.

For two weeks the army of Combe marched to where the
battle would be, only resting at night. Fifteen days later Holly
Marie's scouts interrupted her evenings meal by telling her
that the enemy was camped two hills further.

Holly sent word to those in her camp that the battle would
be the next day. In the early morning her army was
positioned to benefit from the mornings sun. Walking over
the hilltop and then down into the long valley, each of
their armies stopped.

They eyed each other suspiciously, the Generals of the
Landeors and Holly Marie both thought the same thing.
"How have they the same battle dress as us?"

Cautiously at first, moving part of the way down the slope,
continually facing each other, then striding towards each
other. Their Generals and Holly Marie freed their weapons
from their hands. As they reached a speaking distance to
each other, from the ground between them rose a
great brightness.

It filled the air around them. As Holly-Marie knelt to the light,
she was surprised to see her enemy kneeling as well. It was
then that Holly-Marie heard a voice in her head. Doing as
the voice told her she went further into the light, there,
was the leader of the army against her, Holly also saw she
who was once her see-er.

"What are you doing here see-er?" asked Holly.
"You know her?" asked one of their Generals.
"In a battle you would both lose many. Yet neither you or
your armies would be willing to leave here, that is why both
of you were chosen.

I have been the see-er for both your armies and in both your
armies, your weapons maker has built a new weapon and has
designed a new battle dress."
"Why have you done this to both our armies, was it you who
did the designs?" asked Holly.

"No, but I may have made a few comments that meant the
battle dress or the weapon work a certain way. I was the
instigator of the ideas and the guiding light, but the designs
were of the weapons makers not me."

Holly and both the generals stood still, all of them confused.
"You both knew me as your See-er, yet I could see where
your futures lay. I want you to be the same. To see each
other as friends, to want to be as one and move with
and for each other."

"Where is what, that lies in front of us?" asked a General.
"Your future is in the same army. Now you will both know
me as the Goddess Medusera, both your armies will join and
together you will be known as the Army of Combe. Holly's
name is Combe, the army will be named after her, in her
honour. Faith and Angel, you will be the Generals."

"As of this day, you have begun to fulfil your destiny. Holly-
Marie when you have led your army into the next battle, you
and Garet will disappear, this will confuse your enemy. Then
with Garet you will be with she who is the Goddess T'ara,
you shall go and be where she tells you to be."

"Where is that?" asked Holly.
"You and another will guard an exit from Hell, I do not know
where, but you will be there until the end has come, until
your mother and your sister meet you, then you will be one
with your sister."

"A mother?, and a sister?, I never knew I had a sister. I
realise I have a mother but I don't think I have ever met her,
what is her name? when will I meet her?. When will I walk
side by side with my sister?"

"Your sisters name will be Charity, you will never walk side
by side, as you will both be one person and you will only
meet when the evil has almost lost."
"When you say her name will be Charity, do you mean she
has not been born yet?" asked Angel.

"She has been born, but she has not been given life, when
the end can be seen then will she walk the earth. But you
will not be the one to give her life."

"Holly, you will be known as an immortal Demon Hunter,"
said the Goddess.
"Then will we be one of them?" asked Faith.
"Yes, for now, Holly-Marie is the first Demon Hunter, she has
been chosen to guard Hell for as long as the need be."

"How long is that? what will happen when I am to old? who
will replace me when I die?"
"I do not know how long you will be there for, but you will
never be to old, you will not die, you are immortal," replied
the Goddess, "now go to your warriors, tell them they are at
peace with the army they face.

Tomorrow they will be one army and tomorrow they will face
one thousand vampires, who are the last of their kind."
"These vampires, Goddess, how do you know they are the
last of the vampires?" asked Angel.

"They will not be the last of the vampires, there will be many
more. But the Goddess T'ara has told me that no vampires
will go to Hell to be pure demonic vampire after these ones."
"Your armies have been brought here, tomorrow you will
face a town that has demonic vampires.

Your enemy now, is the evil in this world. Now go and
prepare for the battle tomorrow as one army."
"Who are you known as?" asked General Faith.
"I am the Goddess Medusera."
"This battle tomorrow, it has been seen or planned?"
asked General Angel.

"We know that it will happen, it needs to happen."
"So what are we to face, what would be the best way to
attack them, if the army is not to be defeated, we will need
to know their weaknesses."

"They will attack even when they cannot win yet they will
always think they can win."
"No need to surround the city then," said Holly.
"Agreed, if we all attack from the one place that is where
they will be."

"Okay Goddess, then we attack at first light," said Faith.
"I'd like to have knowledge of where any of their captives are
being held. There is my Elite," said Holly, "but that could be
to dangerous for them."

"I will help them, they will keep the name of the Elite but
they will also have the official name of the Union Fighting
Force. How many of them are there Holly?"
"Six hundred and ninety nine."
"I know who can be a leader for them, until a replacement
is found."

They were joined by the Goddess T'ara.
"What is it?" she asked.
"A battle is being planned, Holly has a group of warriors
called the Elite, yet she is their leader. I would like the
daughter of Charon to be their leader until a replacement is
found, what do you think?" asked the Goddess Medusera.

"I'm not to sure, she should be hidden from all evil," said
the Goddess T'ara.
"I was thinking that these Elite could be unseen for this
battle, what if they were always to be unseen, except
when they need to be seen?"
"Another should be chosen, I know who, I will tell her," said
Goddess T'ara.

"Who is this other?" asked Goddess Medusera.
"She who came after the spring of life, she who has seen
many summers. She who is known as Buffy."
"Agreed, then Buffy will be the General of the Elite."
With that, the Goddess T'ara vanished.
"What is known of the vampires past?" asked Holly.

"Many times the devil had walked at ease upon the surface
of the earth. Many times she had stopped and her forces
had returned to hell to seek the comfort of their home. Then,
as she walked the earth, her forces below her becoming
stronger.

Seeing how weak the earth was, she led her forces
out of Hell and onto the earth, but with no defeats she lost
her grip and saw all that faced her as willing to be defeated.
She grew tired of how easy it was to win and returned to
her home, far from the land of the living. Only leaving the
many vampires and demons to remain."

"Are these the ones we will face tomorrow?" asked Faith.
"They are what is left of them. Remain as they did, gaining in
strength and gaining in prowess. As time passed so did their
will to control, yet to be seen wof their leaders return,
running with the cover of darkness they slaughtered many,
each of them feeding on fear and blood, whole
towns were cleared.

Accidents had happened, ashes were created, but more of
them came, only now it is weak ones that come. Those
vampires did not know it, but Charon had been freed from
the curse that the devil had put on him. The curse had been
broken by Charon's daughter and the Goddess T'ara."

"Can we know Charon's daughter?" asked Faith.
"The knowledge of her should only be known to us
Goddesses and you three, if they war is to be won, that
needs to remain secret."
"You said this battle before, but you just said this war,
why the change?"

"There is no change, what you face tomorrow is a battle.
The war is the war against all that is evil. The evil will
always be replaced until the day that the sense of evil can
be stopped, then the war is there to be won,"
said the Goddess."

Goddess T'ara returned with another.
"The weapons makers have helped to design a uniform, from
this day that uniform will be the uniform of the Army of
Combe and the cross bow shall be the main weapon. From
this day forward all in the Army will be immortal, when the
need is there so will the battle dress be evident. Now go
and rest for tomorrow will you walk into battle."

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Best read after The New Angel Investigations pt 1, 2 and 3

AFTERMATH pt 2
As the mornings light covered the land, what were two armies now stood as one. Holly, Faith and Angel moved one pace forward and their clothes changed. Angel looked at his battle dress. He turned to face those he was to lead. Garet slapped his leather skirt.
"Why did you do that?" asked Holly.

"To bring my mind to readiness of what is to be done," replied Garet.
"I'm not a warrior like you, I need to make myself ready."
"All warriors need to prepare them selves, they all need that little some thing to prepare themselves. Some may say today's the day, to drink from a certain cup, even to say they don't need a superstition."

Angel nodded in agreement, "Then when the battle begins, they shout as an army, or one shout for them to do their all. It is all part of being prepared, so what you just did."
He looked to Holly and Faith. They both agreed. He called to the army.
"Do as Garet has done."

The army began to slap at the leather, soon the sound echoed in unison.
Holly faced Faith, "That works, I am thinking of what is to be done."
"And the sound is good, that'll make our enemies concentrate on the sound not of what they should be doing," said Faith, "we now have a battle cry."

"If Holly and Garet are to disappear, they should lead us into this battle," said Angel.
"I will get them," said Faith.
Holly Marie and Garet were shown to the front, "This is your time, please lead us," said Angel and Faith.

Garet and Holly looked to each other, smiled, listened to the cheering of the Army then began to march towards the city walls. As they neared a hundred paces from the walls they stopped. People began to appear in front of them. Confused and bewildered the people were helped to safety, one of the people dropped at their feet.

"I don't know how we got here."
"You have been helped by the Elite," said Garet.
Holly signalled for Faith and Angel to be with her and Garet. When the two Generals stood before them, Holly turned to the Army, lifted her sword from it's sheath, raised it into the air.

"They are now your leaders, so say I," said Holly. "And I," said Garet.
Facing Angel and Faith they knelt.
"This army is now yours."
Holly and Garet rose to their feet moved forward one pace and vanished.

Angel raised his sword, the Army split into two sections, the archers ran to the front, large vases of burning oil was taken to them.
"Having the Elite tell us the huts were built with straw rooves was a help," said Angel.
"Archers! burn them all," shouted Faith.

"Bring the Cavalry," called Angel.
With the sun behind them the cavalry began to pull stones from the walls, rooms opened. Vampires ran to escape the sunlight, A vampire screamed from one of the rooms,

"Come and fight us!" called a vampire.
"Why?" shouted Angel, "we are here to win, not to be hurt or killed by you. You will not see another night, but you will see dust."
The walls to the city fell, vampires ran towards them, their bodies becoming covered in flames, those flames helping to end those following them, none of them reaching the lines of The Army of Combe.

As the day grew longer, fewer of the vampires remained until at last they were all gone.
The people of the city were allowed to see what was left.
"We always wanted to build a bigger city."
"My wife and children await my return, if you can get them here, all the horses I have there are yours. Go to the west, two valley's past those hills."

Thankful for their safety the people celebrated their rescue. In the morning, those wandering outside where the wall was saw an amazing sight. The man who wanted his wife and children brought to him saw that his house now stood, beyond the wall. Entering the house his wife and children hugged him.

"You have returned so quickly this time," said his wife.
"But I have not returned, look outside and you will see the city."
She went to the open door, saw the city and people coming to them.
"How?" she asked.

Before she heard a reply a dome of pure blue light rose from the ground

TRAPPED IN 61 AD

The Goddess Turee and the Goddess T'ara searched the fields south of the town of Cambridge for the stone circle that was said to be there. Several times they thought they were near but only a rocky outcrop had been found.

They heard tale of those that went to the same place, in the many towns they visited, talk of the same place was said. So they went, hoping that they would be lucky. One of the place the site was spoken of, they saw that the ground had been disturbed. Five months prior the conquering Roman army had removed the stone circle.

Yet the Goddesses found a stone house; yet it was built of a rock that had strange qualities. Looking inside the rock the Goddesses saw that there were no wall openings, or any means of a way out.

Pondering what lay all around them, the entry was quietly closed behind them. The strangeness of the rocks quickly became known to them, as they were unable to be anywhere else. Neither of them could speak or see what was outside.

Unknown to them they had been caught by Devil worshippers, where they were, the last place they had been; all that would now be a mystery to their friends. They were in a tomb from which they couldn't escape. Looking to each other they even began contemplating their demise.

Deep into a valley a hundred men of one the Tribes of the Iceni were moving to join the army that was amassing, they moved towards where they were could join that army.

Their fearless leader, the Queen Boudicca had said of a great battle that should move the oppressors out of the area and leave them alone. Not one of her warriors thought of what they would do that day, only of what would be done after that battle.

As the days past the tribes moved onward, knowing of where the army would be amassing, they hoped to meet them.
One of their lookouts signalled to them from a hilltop, their main army had been sighted. Most of them from the tribes were slowly making their way through the moors and over the hills.

Taking small strides they moved towards the other people of their kind. Their thoughts were becoming to be of their sworn enemy, at last they walked over the last of the hills and joined with the other tribes, as the days past their numbers increased.

Fifty more of the Queen's followers saw the army and began to move closer, discovering the devil worshippers. They, of the Iceni battled with the devil worshippers. When the evil doers were all slain, four of the Iceni lay on the rocks, suffering great pain.

A safe place to rest was sought for them. A big stone boulder was found, the stone that hid it's opening was moved bit by bit. Much time was spent opening the cave when, yet as the opening was revealed two marvellous blue lights moved into the open, stepping back the Iceni grew fearful of what they saw, then when near them, the lights faded.

Two women stood before them, yet they glowed, they looked at the four that had been injured. One of them said she was they were the Goddess T'ara and the Goddess Turee, she thanked them for releasing her.

"As a thanks to you, for what you have done for us." She touched the four fallen and they stood their injuries gone, even the one who had his stomach ripped open. The glow re-appeared, then the other, the Goddess Turee, she said would make it so that they would never be forgotten. She proclaimed that the name of the special forces would be named in their honour. The glowing of both of them grew brighter and they left.

Sitting atop a hill overlooking an army the Goddesses spoke of what caused their ordeal.
"These stone-circles, they should have some-one to see over them, they need to be protected," said Goddess T'ara, "that would have saved us from needing to look for them. I have a suggestion, get the Goddess Medusera here."
Within a few seconds the Goddess Medusera stood before them.

"A short time ago we were trapped by devil worshippers, while we tried to find a stone-circle. I know of a way to stop the need for that being done. The Army of Combe is getting bigger, there are those of that army who are better, because of our rescue we have decided to make those an army of those special few," said Goddess T'ara.

"What could be done is those special ones keep the knowledge of the stone-circle so that none are lost," said Goddess Turee.
"I have also thought of this, as the armies grow there is a need for a better organization.

If we get the Generals and ourselves to a meeting, Stonehenge should be meeting place for now, if the first meeting is called for tomorrow, this can be said when all who need to hear will be there, and it can be decided and done. Have the Elite to be there as guards," said Goddess Medusera.

It was at midday when travellers saw the sky light up near the stone-circle, keeping to a distance they were in awe at those who appeared in the inner circle. They kept other travellers away from the higher beings.
"What is this meeting for?" asked the Generals Faith and Angel.

"As the army is growing bigger, there is becoming a need for us to be more organized. There should be a meeting more often, we then will all know what else should be done and if there are any problems that need fixing," said Goddess Turee, "right now we have found a need for a knowledge of the stone circles to be kept."

"I have more views on that," said the Goddess Medusera.
"What are they?" asked the General Angel.
"First, the army is in need of certain ones who should always be the first to attack, these ones shall follow I would call the Demon Hunters, of them there should be a few who search the lands for the evil."

"I will make it so that they shall be at places through out this land, as one with a stone in the stone circles."
"Yes T'ara, and as part of the army are those who ride the winged white unicorns, a few of them shall be immortal, they will search for the demon's kind," said Goddess Turee, "The few are to be Hunters of the demon who ride the unicorns.

As Holly Marie was the first to hunt the demon, she shall be known as the first of her kind, the Demon Hunters. Then in time I will create others to be where the demons can walk onto this earth, I will name them the Vampire slayers."

"In the army there should be people who are in charge of each part of the army," said the General Faith.
"It has always been the Elite who have done that," said the General Faith, "I would like each of you Goddesses to have six of them as permanent guards."

"I will promote Kra-noy to be a General who shall lead the Riders, they should be chosen from the soldiers of Bouicandeni. Faith and I will still remain in control of the army with others who control each part of the army," said the General Angel.

"The front line of attack, they need to be stronger and more able to fight without regret, I suggest they are given the same strengths of the demon," said Goddess Medusera.
"The demon that would be best is a werewolf, for the extra strength and too be able to see in the dark," said Goddess T'ara.

"Yes, so that they can see the demon's," said Goddess Turee.
"About what you said about the stone-circles, consider this. If some humans were deemed suitable to be their keepers and helpers to the Demon Hunters. At this time I would choose some of those travellers, the ones that were here first," said Goddess Medusera.

IN THE LATE 1100's.
King Arthur aided by Demon Hunters

Leaving the castle the King and his Queen with their entourage and the kings guards, they were going to look at the fortified buildings that his fathers friend had given to the nuns of Inavere. Travelling through the countryside King Arthur was happy to see that the villages they passed through were not having hard times.

On reaching Inavere his Queen was glad the nuns had continued to teach others how to heal the sick. The king was especially interested when he met a group of the nuns that tried to find plants of the forests that could ease a person's pain then mix them with other known plants medicinal qualities to increase the number of ailments that they could alleviate.

The Queen was given a special tour, she was shown how plants from the forest were kept in separate areas from plants of the fields, she was informed that in an area near the house, plants would be grown that could be used in cooking that would help the body and give strength.

Being told that the King had a headache, a few of the nuns collected several parts of several plants, then made him a special hot drink. Three minutes after drinking the warm, flavoured water his headache was gone, he asked if pain from other parts of the body could also be eased the same way. One of the nuns said how test were being done to remove the pain when a tooth was removed.

Astounded by their cleverness he granted them more monies. He said that he would send word to the king of England, telling him of what they had done for him.

As they spoke to the nuns, one of the teachers recognised King Arthur's wife. She was seen as the younger sister of she who once helped them, by asking another to grant them the buildings for them to start healing those who needed their help.

The first of the nuns had begun to refer to her as Guen of Inavere, Guen came from the village of Byavere. Through the weeks that followed tales of she who helped them spread near and far. In some of the settlements they went to, they heard of some villagers who had shortened the title so it was easier to say.

After Guen's death many tales were starting to be told of Guen, it was almost as if she now held her own folklore. Some said that her unborn sister was given the name that Guen had earnt, yet no-one complained. As Guen's friend, Rosanna had said, she would be remembered because of her sister, then the day came that King Arthur married she whose name had by then become legend, his marriage to her granted the title of Lady and she was known as Lady Guenivere.

Going back to the castle a different way so that more villages could be visited the King stopped at a tavern. One of his guards had told him that his horses could get a drink and have some food. He with his entourage made the best of their stay.

Unknown to them, several of his enemies were there, with a vampire. It had been instructed to kill the King and anyone else it could. King Arthur didn't know of this threat to his life until two strangers walked into the tavern, he only noticed them when his wife embraced Guen.

"Who are you?" he asked.
Guen faced him.
"But I know you, you are the one of the legend, your dead!" "Yes, but I have returned to save your life and that of my sisters, with my friends."

"Who are your friends?" asked Lady Guenivere.
"They have asked me not to say their names, but they are of the demon hunters, they are here with me to kill the vampire that has been sent to kill everyone here."

King Arthur chose not to speak of his encounter with Guen and the demon hunters until the evening that he and Guenivere were talking with his tutor, Merlin.
"There is something that happened a few nights ago, I still find it hard to believe, I saw a friend I knew when I was many years younger."

"When was she known to you?" asked Merlin.
"I was but fourteen years old, I remember my Queens sister and I would play in the fields together, it was Guen who helped me become who I am today. She always had friends with her," replied King Arthur.
"Who were those friends?" asked Merlin.
"There was Rosanna, Elspeth and Aldridge," said the King.

"Wasn't Aldridge one who helped design part of the castle, he was chosen to go to the kings castle to be in charge of those who made repairs there," said Merlin.
"That is him, I know Guen died almost nineteen years ago, so how could I have seen her?"

The room they were in became filled with light. Merlin looked to them, "she has found many good friends since then."
"How can a dead person find new friends?" asked the King
As the light faded they saw a woman bathed in light, smiling to them, "Guen and I are friends."
"Merlin, who is she?"

"This is the Goddess Medusera, Guen has a good friend, it is this Goddess who chooses who will be in the lord Gods armies."
"How do you know of Guen?"
"She was re-born to aid Merlin and keep protected that which will help mankind."
"I and my men will fight in the Lords name, if you"˜ll have us," said King Arthur.

"And you will, but even as dead you will never be as they are. For with every passing day their ranks grow bigger."
"How many hundreds are there of them?" asked King Arthur.
"They are several million, but as immortals none of them will die, they will always come back. It was some of them who came to protect you and your Queen."

Amanda and Cranbourne, Darla and Pitts.
Seeking a quiet life Amanda and Cranbourne had gone to live near the village of Tintagel. They had been before but that memory was very vague. For to many years they tried to avoid those that would chase them.

Amanda had become tired of mans inhumanity to man. She tried what Darla had said, about vampires having been told that they were evil so they must be. She slowly made him realise that there might be more to life, than ending it for others.

She took him to meet Cranbourne and Darla that night. They spent hours talking, admittedly he wasn't to impressed with animal blood, but over the next few days he became used to it. During those days he spent many an hour talking to Darla, they had so much in common.

It wasn't their past interests that they shared but their hopes for the future. After Amanda had helped Darla gain some valuable stocks and shares, Darla bought a Farm in a place called Tuckenhay.

It wasn't near to Amanda and Cranbourne's farm but it wasn't to far away. He was given the name Pitts by the three of them one night, mainly because of his humour, it really was the, well, you guess the rest.

Pitts and Darla began to create their own world, he helped her give new life to many vampires, their best result came the night they took in two strangers. These were down on their luck, no money they hadn't had any nourishment for several days, it was Darla and Pitts style of life that made Carrisma and Paul see that they could change, Darla and Pitts that helped them to change. When they had decided to be as new, Darla gave them some insight that Amanda seemed to excel at.

July 19th 1588. When the Spanish Armada landed.

By the cover of darkness, the ships began their journey, the Spanish navy took their army towards England, on the third night after the full moon when all was dark. On a sea that gave them the tides they needed, and a current that pushed them the way they wanted to go.

One hundred and thirty two of their galleons landed just south of Plymouth with three hundred men on each, as well as the next five nights of July that year. For another two nights the ships brought two loads of food and horses. The army was gathering strength until the hundred and thirty two thousand strong army was ready, men from nearby villages were given the choice of life in their army, or death.

All the nearby villages were ransacked, as soon as the houses were empty of life the Spanish army moved in, their army growing and the stocks of weapons were getting bigger. Horses that needed it, were re-trained by them. After several days of equipping themselves they began the slow ride towards London.

They made the destruction seem like an art form, burning anything or killing any-one that they saw move. Towns, villages or isolated houses were stripped of anything that they could carry, no life was left behind, then as they left them behind, the smoke filled the skyline.

With every passing day the army grew bigger and stronger. Occasionally as they moved on lone figures could be seen on the hilltops around them. Once just after ransacking a big town one of the figures was caught and killed. But the following day a figure was seen on that hilltop, replacing her.

Nothing seemed to be stopping them. Herds of animals where ever they were seen were slaughtered. Watching their movements for a week had been the Kings guards, they had also seen the lone figures on the hilltops. News of the invaders movements were sent daily to the king.

Troops had been sent but they were no match, many times the invaders had faced an enemy and many times that enemy was defeated. English bodies lay strewn on the wayside behind the invaders, the horses armour and weapons helped the invaders. On the seventeenth night the great stone circle of Stonehenge lay in before them, a camp was made.

The passing of the stone circle would mean to them that they were heading for London. As the camp grew in size, a lone figure strode into their camp. Hope, her weapons removed was taken to the leader of the Spaniards. Hope stood tall, she told them they would not be allowed to move nearer to Stonehenge.

The soldiers while congratulating her on her bravery, ridiculed her saying that nothing could stop them. The leader cut her down where she stood. She visited him a few hours later that evening, in his tent, telling him that this was his final warning, if they chose not to leave, they would not be allowed to stay past the morning. As he went to slay her again she vanished, leaving the words, you should be gone from here by time the sun topped the stones of Stonehenge, echoing in his tent.

As the mornings light awoke the Spanish army, the Queen's guards while continuing looking at the army were very concerned. One of the guards shouted for them to look behind them as two hundred charged towards them then through the tents of their camp. As they stared at them charging towards the invaders camp, a guard called to the Captain of the Queen's guards.

"I know that shield, That Emblem, it is the one of King Arthur."

They continued to watch them in disbelief as the ghosts rode through the Spanish camp. Then all the Armed Forces of Byzantium and Bouicandeni began to appear, filling all the land and sky that could be seen, one thousand five hundred lines of ten thousand them appeared.

Starting at the back line, their war cry started, every one in the line slapped a hand against their leather, the sound multiplied as each line quickly did they same; the air seemed to awake with the sound of their battle cry.

Leaders of the Spanish army saw the Armed forces stretch across the land.
The Generals Faith, Angel, Buffy, Serajoss, Anderoth, Kra-noy and Zandor surveyed the Spanish Army. The domes of blue light began to appear among them, the light grew in size until the daylight itself seemed to be blue, slowly the lights started to move towards the Spanish forces then they invaders could not be seen.

When the lights disappeared, so had the invaders. The soldiers came back to them, their leader was seen to climb off his horse and he walked straight to them. Directly standing in front of them he told them that Stonehenge, England's glory was safe.
And that they, the Spanish would not return. King Arthur then vanished.

The Queen of England did not believe what her guards told her, but her doubts would begin to grow, with the passing of the weeks then months, her doubts increased; the intruders were never seen anywhere, ever.

A HUNTER SAVES A WITCH
Dawn, lived not far from the town of Fenny Compton in a cottage with multitudes of flowers. A kindly person she was always ready and willing to help anyone that chose to ask her for her help. Many times the farmers of the area would seek her help when their body ached from the strenuous work that they had to do.

She would make a mixture of plants and beeswax and rub the ointment on his skin, then the next day he would awake, the pain and soreness would have gone. She often gave them the remainder of her mixture, so that if the soreness returned they could apply the mixture them selves.

Unknown to her a woman was accused of being a witch. She was afraid for herself, just as she was afraid for her daughter. To save herself and her daughter she said that she would help her accusers by telling who was a witch.

The local church people took great pleasure in being horrible to the unprotected women. One such woman in the village was targeted as being a witch, considered to be in league with the devil, purely because of a small birthmark that was below her left eye.

The woman who was in fear of being tortured saw went to see Dawn, she explained what was happening. Dawn made took the pulp from a piece of wood that she was going to use as firewood, ground down the dried pulp, then added beeswax and dried it again in a baking tray.

When it was as a powder she bid that the woman spread it lightly on her face, while it would not make the birthmark fade, it would cover it. Dawn told her to come back as she was due to make a mixture for several farmers to ease their aching muscles, that same mix would help her mark begin to fade. Her help for other people was seen as a threat by the doctor, Dawn was being mentioned as the woman responsible for him getting less money.

He was one of those who congregated the church, so the church leaders declared that Dawn was a witch, one person who Dawn had helped had also been found to be a witch, she had confessed and put her signature to her confession.

Dawn had laughed at that, mainly because the person had been unable to write. Late one night a band of men on their dark horses rode hard towards the village of Long Compton. Several of the church people had been watching Dawn. A new woman was noticed in the town, who began person had been seen trying to help a witch to escape.

That woman had been seen to appear and disappear, so she was obviously in league with the devil. For days and weeks she was held in the dungeons. Many times a day she had been tortured, her prosecutor's only stopped the torture when she her body was unable to accept any more pain.

They that had been chosen to get a confession from her thought they had killed many times yet the next day she behaved as though she hadn't been tested by them. Even the finger nails that had been ripped from her body were there as if nothing had been done. She had been left to rot in a dungeon for several weeks, but she still stood at the door waiting for them when they went to get her.

She had been left underwater until it was thought that she should have died yet when she was cut from the chair she asked them what was next. Upon deciding that she was surely of the devil they burnt her as a witch, in front of the village, until her very bones were ashes, but when they were to bury her ashes there she was waiting for them.

Fearful of her, the torturer asked her.
"Nothing that we have done to you has a lasting effect, why are you here? would it stop you if we buried you?"
"No, I would return."
"Why?"

"So that Dawn will live," said Hope, "she will fulfil her destiny."
"What destiny is that?" asked her torturer.
"That she will be ready."
"Why does the devil want her ready? ready for what?"

"The devil wants her dead, it is we who want her. She is an immortal, we protect her, she will always protect her. Seventy one years ago she told us that the devil had risen, we were ready for her and we defeated her forces."
"Why didn't you defeat the devil?"

"Your kind believes in her, so she lives on."
"And the devils forces?"
"When we know of them they will be defeated."
"Why are you here? why do you think that we want to stop you?"

Dawn had been forgotten until the night at the end of the year when she and Goddess Medusera appeared at the Rollright stone circle. Joining them was the General Faith, Hope and three of the demon hunters from the stones-circle.

DARLA AND HER DAUGHTERS, CARRISMA AND PAUL

In the early eighteen hundreds Carrisma and Paul living not far from Amanda and Cranbourne at Lower Slaughter had bought a horse from them. It was on a visit to their friend at Budleigh Salterton that they, the people their friend spoke of were realised to be the same people they'd bought a horse from.

When they returned to their home and they'd visited Amanda and Cranbourne that they realised that they were like them, vampires. Upon meeting Darla their friendship base grew. Paul had tried various ways of how to survive with out humans intervention.

One day when Darla and Pitts had gone to stay at Amanda's place Carrisma and Paul brought a human girl who was a friend of a friend of the friend they had in Budleigh Salterton.
As Amanda was out at the time Darla made the girl a wooden toy cow.

Enjoying their lives Paul and Carrisma met and befriended a woman from the village of Fenny Compton, eventually they bought a farm near that village.

Darla had bought a small farm in Tuckenhay with the money she"˜d gained due to the wise investments she had made, all of them were because of Amanda's gift. The place was a few miles from Totnes. She had been living at Amanda and Cranbourne's place near Tintagel.

She had looked at a place in Stoke Gabriel, but Amanda had persuaded her not to buy it, seems that it would get a bad name. With this place though, the farm was hers, in her name alone, even though Pitts was living with her. The official documents to the farm being in Darla's name was Pitts's idea.

"If you kept the farm for a hundred years, leaving it to a specific person would be less complicated if it was just her name on the ownership papers," he had told her.

They worked well together, Darla was very good working with wood, she earned a good name as a small boat builder. Pitts helped by making the sails for her boats, just right for messing about on the river. During the years that followed, together they built an enclosed walkway between the work shop and the house.

A large pond was made as Darla loved fish, part of the pond was built near a shed so that Darla could sit in the shade while admiring them. The pond had two ponds to act as over flows, the last one was used to test the boats she built. They had a forge built, so that they could make their own fittings for the boats, mainly because none of those fittings would be supplied to her at night.

With help from Amanda she began to be interested in horses, but her favourites were the powerful shire horses. It was due to her and Pitts having two shires each that a wagon was built but they never got to try it out, it was sold as soon as they had finished making it.

Gradually they had to stop making the boats and concentrate making horse drawn wagons. A bit of forethought by the pair of them was acted upon and the paddock next at the junction of the Tuckenhay road and the Totnes roads was bought.

It would be a great place to sell what they made, it was only when Amanda and Cranbourne were visiting that the error with that line of thinking was realised. As Cranbourne pointed out to them, selling things was usually done during the day.

The days were spent making plans for their next order, building a boat or horse drawn wagon would take that time through the weeks, Larger boats could see them working for over a month.

After several orders had been finished the year had passed by, their spare time was spent helping those like them to change. Darla wanted to make the lives of others easier; she started growing Lavenders when the first few season's had passed, a routine was made, the time crept by without them realising.

Dani and Leia had grown up in the Welsh town of Welshpool, they were taunted by many people at the school as they were different to the other girls. As time passed they began to do everything together, well nearly everything, boys were never on that list.

They worked together, shared a bedsitter together. They even went on holiday together, that was the best time of the year for them, they could be themselves. Nobody thought they were odd, or strange. Just two girls who were on holiday together, enjoying their freedom.

There was one problem, the more they enjoyed themselves, the quicker the time seemed to pass. During their stay at a house near Babbacombe road they befriended a couple who had come from Manchester. Deciding to leave the same day Leia asked the couple to take a small detour through Totnes. They had asked what they could do there.

Dani started reading the list of places to visit, but it was when she mentioned about the grounds of Dartington Hall just being opened that won them over. As Dani had put her clothes a heavy suitcase with Leia's holiday wear, they decided to leave it with their friends.

After buying a few last minute presents to take back with them they made their way down to the town square. They sat on the steps around the cross and waited. If only they'd known that their friends had been in an accident at Foxhole, a fatal accident.

The time passed slowly for Dani and Leia that afternoon, it was as though their friends had kept going with their possessions, although that never occurred to Dani and Leia. Towards the end of the afternoon the went to the train station, seeing that there was a train later that evening they decided to make the most of their last night on holiday.

The evening trade in the pub was slow but around seven it began to liven up a bit. That was mainly due to two women who had chosen that night to let their inhibitions go. Unfortunately for Dani and Leia, they found out about what one of the women's inhibitions really were, she was a vampire.

The following night Dani and Leia woke up, they both began to crave a drink, of human blood. Pitts got a bit of a shock, walking into the kitchen, seeing two vampires; now he knew why Darla was crying. He rang through to Tintagel and asked Cranbourne to come to Darla's place as fast as he could. He said about Darla's new daughters, Cranbourne immediately knew what would be involved.

"I'll be leaving here, as soon as I've locked up."
During the next six days they bonded, there was a few fights but Dani and Leia survived. Darla was very grateful to Pitts and Cranbourne as Amanda had gone to help their friend in Budleigh Salterton.

When she got back Dani and Leia were on their way to accepting what they were, Darla still apologised when-ever she saw them. Dani had referred to Darla as her new mum. Three weeks later their bond grew, as Darla's friend Amanda stopped by to help them.

The Good Old Days
She sat alone wondering who to call first, it was a first time for her, she had never felt despondent about what needed doing, after all, it was others who fought the battles, but this one was different. With most of the other battles she had been able to say what was needed of them, where they were to go and what to do.

But not this time, the enemy was unknown. She really needed some-one to talk to some-one, she thought of a person, it had crossed her mind, she could do it, but she felt it would be better if another was consulted. She called upon the Goddess Turee to advise her.

Allowing her glow to fade, Scherry and the Goddess Turee tried to find any problems with what Scherry wanted to do, as neither of them could give a reason, Hope was called to help.
Appearing as Goddess Medusera, Hope came to stand beside her. As

Hope was about to kneel to her She became Scherry.
"We want your help," said Scherry.
Scherry told Hope why she wanted some-one to talk to. Hope looked into Scherry's eyes, she saw the sadness within her, how lonely she was. Hope reassured Scherry, she said that nothing that was said to her would be repeated, ever. Scherry smiled.

As Hope told Scherry, "when I looked into your eyes I could see miles in to you, but there is something that caused her to feel this way. It was that something that needed to be talked of to lift the weight of her shoulders. Hope said that her feelings came from when she began. One way was to slowly go back to open her thoughts or as time was near they should join so that the two of them could be as one to end the cause of the pain, Scherry looked at her, closed her eyes then saw her standing there again, as her.

"When you were you, who did you know?" asked Hope.
"I knew the beginnings of your kind, I was a friend to some-one who will be herself again and another, I see him now."
"Who is he now?" asked Hope.
"Some-one who doesn't know who he is, he lives life as though it is new, he doesn't know that he wasn't born," said Scherry.

"That could be what troubles you, but it isn't. See who he is, feel who he is, is he happy with himself. Would he be happier knowing where he comes from, would his friends like him?"
"Knowing that he has never died?, knowing he never will die that he was never born, I cannot imagine what sadness he would know."

"So Scherry, will he know who or what he is?, I'm guessing he wasn't created by a human, which narrows the field down a bit. You knew him after he was first created, probably before you were created? have you any doubts or misgivings about who you are. You weren't born a Goddess. Who-ever this person is did he help people when he was created, does he help people now, will he want to help people in the years to follow?"

"Yes to all of the above, Hope.
"So will his friends be respectful of who created him?"
"Yes Hope."
"Then do not worry for him, I don't think he would want you to."
"When he first was, it was to be a friend to another? to help her do something? if he knew that, would he be happy with
himself, would he think he was where he should be?" asked Hope.

"Yes."
"Then be happy for him, because I think he would be."
"I knew you would help me, thanks."
"That isn't what caused your sadness, it may have been a result of it, but it isn't why I am here."
"So you knew him from before, you had known of him. Did you know him when you were normal, before being a Goddess?" asked Hope.

"For many years before."
"While I'm trying to understand what is the problem, can you tell me what your life was like when you were growing up?"
"I suppose so, I lived in a village nearest to the land owner."
"What sort of place did he live in?" asked Hope.

"A big house, it seemed a nice place, but I never went inside. There was a river next to it with a big wheel that made the stones inside turn so that the grain could be crushed into flour to make bread."
"Let me see if I understand this, you lived a life as a child, then you were chosen as the Goddess Medusera. You went further back in time so you would have relived your childhood. No, you didn't live your childhood again," said Hope.

"Thank you Hope, that would have been what was troubling me, it was because I had to watch my childhood. I saw myself growing up, I knew when I'd get hurt but it wasn't me that felt the warmth of my mother again."
"Do you think your mother would be upset with you now?, or would she be glad with what you've done with your life?"

"She would be happy."
"Then, as you can, why not go back in time to see her, is there any time when you know your mother was sad?" asked Hope.
"Yes, when I died, even though her sister was with her, I saw and felt her grief but I couldn't do anything."

"Then go back to that time, help your mother and yourself. It would be best if you were to tell the Goddess Turee before you go."
"You should come with me," said the Goddess.
The light was beginning to fade when they emerged.
"One thing I didn't ask you before, where are we? why this time of the day?"

"Sorry Hope, you are now in Budleigh Salterton, the year is 1612. My mothers name is Gwendolyn and her sisters name is Gelsey. I brought us here at this time, as during the daylight they work."
"What about brothers and sisters, a father?" asked Hope.

"My father died just after I was born, he went out to celebrate and fell in the river. So I didn't get to have any brothers or sisters."
"So how old were you when you were taken from life?"
"Nearly twenty four," said Scherry.
"You never married?" asked Hope.
"No, it wasn't an option, I wanted to be here to help my mother."

"Speaking of which, when do we get to see her?"
"I'm building up the courage right now."
"Come on then." Hope went up to the door, waited until Scherry was at her side.
"What do I say to her?"

"Scherry, if it goes quiet in there, I'll say something. Remember though you want your mum to be proud of you so, if you don't tell her I will."
Scherry's Aunt Gelsey opened the door.
"Hello, what is it? who do you want to see?"
"We'd like to see your sister," said Hope.

"This might be a bit of shock for her," said Scherry.
"You think?"
Scherry glanced at Hope, "Your here to help us, not just to enjoy yourself."
"She is in here, but she's a bit upset at the moment. We've had a few problems lately, with some people who say they are from the abbey, so just be easy with her, your not from there are you?"

"No, what sort of problems?" asked Hope.
"Usually in the evening a woman and a man comes here wanting news of people that have moved into the area, or flour."
"Does this woman have a name, does she come here during the day?" asked Scherry.

"I don't think she does. To either of your questions."
"Gwendolyn, these people said they wanted to see you."
"Who are they?"
"I didn't ask them their names," replied Gelsey.
As Hope was about to answer there was a knocking at the door.

"I'll get it said Hope," as she turned she quietly whispered to Scherry, "Vampires." Opening the door.
"Good grief, it's you two," Hope looks behind them, "is Darla here?"
"How do you know about Darla?"

"You must be Amanda, what is your name. I know your other name but your won't get that for several hundred years," said Hope.
"My name is Cranbourne, who are you?"
"Amanda, have you had any premonitions?"
She looks at Cranbourne, "Have you been talking about me?"
Hope smiled at Amanda, he has been talking about you, but not yet that I know of, not to me anyway. Scherry came to join them, Amanda!, good to see you again.

"We've met before?"
"Yes, but not yet. In a few hundred years time, and not here."
"Do you mean in Tintagel?" asked Hope.
"How do you know about Tintagel?" asked Amanda.
"We are going there soon, to see a place to live," said Cranbourne.

"That's right, some-one like you who lives here, he wants to sell the farm he has there."
"How do you know about that, and how do you know about him?"
"Darla taught Amanda how to remove the demon within her, she helped you do the same, he is the first that you have done together," said Scherry.

"You know that we are vampires?" asked Amanda.
Scherry takes Amanda aside. "I know that you have premonitions, I know that you do use them to help people. I can help you," said Scherry.
"How?"
"I know when you die, I don't mean that you should be complacent and not worry about who is chasing you. Take Cranbourne for instance, he will be a see-er for the demon hunters."

"We need to keep away from them," said Amanda.
"Hope is a demon hunter, has been for several hundred years and will be for several hundred more. I know what Darla's future is. When you travel with us to Perth you will meet Darla, and it will be then that she is tested by the higher being, she will created the vampires Dani and Leia. Two years later they will become demon hunters, and Darla will cease to be a vampire."

"She will die?" asked Amanda.
"No, but what I'm saying to you must be kept secret, this is for you to know, Hope doesn't know this yet, but she and Darla will become as I am."
"What are you?"
"A Goddess."

"You are a Goddess? where do I fit into all this? how does this help me?"
"Do you know why it is, that the seventh Goddess comes?"
"Yes, when the evil is beaten, why?" asked Amanda, filled with curiosity.
"Hope will be the seventh Goddess. You will not see that though, you will die fighting the devil, alongside your friends, and they see you as a friend, they are the demon hunters, that is in the year two thousand and five."

"I will live for that long?, will I help many?"
"Ever heard about the light at the end of the tunnel?"
"That man, a vampire we saved. He spoke about the tunnel with a light that glowed brightly at its end."
"When you live in Tintagel, one evening you will begin to help a vampire in Camelford, he will become a friend to you, to Darla and to Dani and Leia, he will be made eternal, he will be a keeper of the light at the end of that tunnel."

"Will it be long until I meet him, how will I know him?"
"You will meet him in a weeks time, he uses the name Pitts."
Scherry put a finger to her lips, "Do not make a sound." The glow around Scherry began. Amanda dropped to her knees.
"Goddess. You said about Hope being the seventh Goddess, how many are there now?"

"Three. Amanda, stand with me, know that what I have told you is the truth. Know that this is important, I need you to tell this to Darla, Pitts, Cranbourne, Dani and Leia. When they know Saffron, she is to be seen as special, she is a demon hunter, but her real identity is a secret. She is protected by us Goddesses. Saffron is an immortal, it is because of her that you can help vampires rid the demon from within them."

"The only way she could have done that is to stop he that ferried the new vampires into hell!" said Amanda.
"Saffron's father was Charon."
"Good grief!"
"She chose to honour her father and become known by the name Charon, but with an S at the start. We'd better go back now."
"What are you and Hope here for?" asked Amanda.

"The woman that lives here, Gwendolyn, she is my mother."
"Then Cranbourne and I will spread the word of her."
"In the year seventeen thirteen, towards the end of the year, go and see Dawn, near the village of Fenny Compton, tell her of that you have met me, say that you know she is the Unicorn of the Cotswold witches."
"Why do I need to do that?"
"Because one of the vampires that you will help, Amanda, will be able to live there."

"What will her name be?"
"Carrisma. Come on, we'll go and see the others. I should explain myself to my mother."
"She is lucky, to have a daughter who has become a Goddess, she will be so proud of you."
"I hope so."
Scherry went to her mother, and knelt in front of her, as Hope gently ushered Gelsey aside, Gwendolyn seemed to recognise the eyes that looked at her.

"Scherry?" said Gwendolyn.
"Mother."
"You died, I buried you three days ago, how?"
"I was reborn, I have lived for many years. I have seen myself as a child. It was Hope who told me that we needed to meet each other again."

"Then, who or what is Hope?"
"Hope is one of the demon hunters, we came here from the year two thousand and five."
"You saw yourself as a child, and you come from the future? how many years have you lived, how do you still look the same as the day you died. Who are you?"

"I am as you see me, I will always be like this. But I am also another, when I became the other I was taken back to before the start of Hope's kind. My other chooses they that fight the evil," said Scherry.
"And those two?, are they like Hope?" asked her mother.
"They are vampires, they are friends, now and in the future."
"Vampires, a demon hunter? then what are you?"

"First I need to know that you will not alert any-one outside, as you may well be scared. I assure you, you do not need to be scared."
"Scherry, tell them who you will be first," said Hope.
"In a minute, Amanda is the place at Tintagel empty?"
"Yes," replied Cranbourne.
"Then we will go there. Mother, I will now become the other in me, she is, I am the Goddess Medusera."

"It's colder," said Scherry's mother.
"You are now near Tintagel, if it wasn't for the hill behind us, it would be a lot colder."
Gwendolyn hugged Goddess Medusera.
"I'm not sure if I need to say this, but it feels right. Take care of my daughter."

While Cranbourne, Amanda and Hope looked around the farm, Gelsey, Gwendolyn and Scherry talked with each other.
Later, back at the mill, Cranbourne suggested that they be taken back to Tintagel after they had bought the place. How-ever, as Hope told them, they would meet Darla at the staging post Dunchurch, so they needed to travel by coach."

Scherry knew that her mother was glad to have seen her again, as glad as Scherry was.
Arriving back in two thousand and five Hope smiled as Goddess Medusera became Scherry.

"As I understand you a bit better, I know there is some-thing you have to do, that you'd rather not do. How can I help you?"
"Hope, you're right, I need to call all of you, I see the need of a battle."
"Goddess, this battle? is it for fun?, is it for your, or our enjoyment?" asked Hope.
"Of course not, none of what you said, it will be to fight the evil."

"Yes, and that is what we want to do, that is why we are demon hunters, we are all ready."
"Apart from that, do you feel better in yourself?" asked Hope.
"Pretty much."
"Well it seems as though there is still something. I don't think it is your father. Any friends from then?"

"I did have a great friend, but I see her quite often, so that can't be it."
"Who is this friend? can I meet her?" asked Hope.
"You know her, It's Anne. We grew up together."
"Oh, she never said she was that old. Can you get her here please?" asked Hope.

As Hope asked, Anne appeared with them.
"Scherry has just been telling me how old you are," said Hope.
Anne looked at Scherry, then to Hope.
"You seem to have the age thing on me, plus you react well."
"Oh good, right. What you are here for, Scherry has something that's troubling her but I don't know what. I was hoping that you might know of something? is there anything you can think off?" asked Hope.

"There was one thing when we were eight or nine, we saved a mouse from the crushing stones, we put that in a box to nurse it back to health, after a week or so that disappeared. We built a small dam to help the fish but Scherry's mum took that apart, she said the water wasn't flowing as well as it should.

"There was another reason for that I believe, I haven't been told this, Scherry's father drowned in the river. It may have been because of that, the water being deeper that the dam was taken apart."
We built a garden once, full of herbs, that took us a long time. It was Gelsey who moved the plants, I think it was because of the witch hunters. There's so many other things I can think of, but nothing seems to stand out."

"Just a thought Scherry, when you called upon Anne to be a demon hunter, was it long after your death?"
"A few years, why? does that mean anything?" asked Scherry.
"It might do. Anne, when Scherry died, I think that you accepted her passing."
"Yes, I always thought that she'd become some-one else."

"Did you ever go to visit any-one in Tintagel?"
"No, I don't think I did, there was a man in the village he used to have a place near there, but he sold it. There was once that he had visitors, I played with their daughter they lived near there, it's known as Upper Slaughter these days. Think I went there once or twice, to stay with them. I did go to the farm that the man used to have. Don't remember much about that place, nice animals though. The owners were out but there was this woman who made me a wooden toy."

"Do you still have that toy?" asked Hope.
"Hmm, yes, I've grown quite attached to it."
"Ever met the person who made you that toy?" asked Hope.
"Bit long ago now," said Anne, "I'm not sure I ever knew her name."
Hope whispered in Scherry's ear, then Scherry left them. She returned a few minutes later with the wooden toy and the Goddess Darla.

"Scherry, I know what you have been keeping in and it will be easy to dispel. Anne, the person that you met, the person that made you that toy was Darla."
"That was just a little something that I did, I recognise it know, but I've never given a thought to it," said Darla.
"Anne, any idea that the person who gave you that wooden toy was a vampire, or the man in the village was one, bet you didn't know who the owners of the farm were."
"I didn't then, but I do now, they were Amanda and Graeves. Flip me, that is amazing, hang on. Those people, that girl, were they vampires as well? who were they?" asked Anne.

"I don't think you've met them recently, they are Carrisma and Paul," said Darla.
"The girl ceased to be one day."
"And there it is Scherry, what was troubling you. I think you were always to afraid to hear the answer, that's why you never asked Anne about her being left near Cranbourne and Amanda. The actual problem was the man in the village being so near to Anne."

"Who is Cranbourne?" asked Anne.
"That is Graeves's real name," said Darla.
"Hope, thank you," said Scherry.
Just after Hope left them, Scherry and Darla became Goddesses.
"What aren't you telling me, from the way you keep smiling at each other, I'd say is big?" asked Anne.

"This has to be kept secret from every-one, at the end, Hope will be the seventh Goddess. It will from her that hope spreads."
"At the end, does that mean we win?"
"No Anne, it won't be that we have won. It'll be more that we saw it happen. That the evil is gone, completely, if anything it will be a new beginning and you don"˜t win at the beginning," said Goddess Medusera.

"Many times the Rider has said of a feeling near an area, she has looked in that area but didn't see anything."
"So, you want the hunters to go there?"
"Yes Anne," said Goddess Darla.
"Just say the word and we will be ready to go where ever you tell us."

The next day, feeling better about herself the Goddess Medusera began sending the Merry Maidens to Perth in Western Australia, with them was the vampire Amanda.
As Molly first felt the evil near the suburb of Midland, using resources that the Goddesses had, they were given a place to stay and some transport. For the next few days they drove around the various parts of Midland.

Particular attention was placed at the railway workshops, but the searches proved uneventful. Molly had an advantage, she rode one of the flying unicorns, even so she hadn't been able to find where the evil was. The Goddess Medusera was called to send more demon hunters to aid them and to increase the areas viewed. In an effort to avoid the sunlight, Amanda used the internet to search for any reports of the unexplained.

Purely by accident she found an reference to creatures that caused panic in the first half of 1886 in the WA Times newspaper. Mention was made of a stone statue on Hobsnest Island that seemed to burn. In a separate report creatures from hell were said to be the cause of mysterious deaths.

Another report about the strange death of a prisoner from
Fremantle prison, made light of the hardened criminal who had
begged not to be sent to Hobsnest Island. When they were ready
to transport him, the prison officers had gone to his call, only to see
that he had hung himself.

A note was found on his bed. It said that what he had done he
accepted that he should be punished for. He still regarded himself
as a christian, so sending him to a place that was known as the
Devil's Island was more than he could bear. In the note he said
that the four people he had killed were said to be witches.

To face the devil, have killed those who worshipped him, would be
the same as sending him to hell. Another reference to that event
was in the form of a letter from the harbour master detailing his
view of the burning statue. Amanda told Molly what she'd read.

The next day six of the demon hunters travelled to the Island.
The temptation to relax on the beach was mentioned but Hope
reminded them why they were there. Hiring a push bike each they
began to tour the island, several times they were made acutely
aware why they were called push bikes.

Even when they found the area where the statue was meant to be,
there was no feeling of vampires. But later that day there was that
feeling. Two and a half hours had passed before Hope contacted
Scherry. "What is it?"
"The feeling is strong here, but there was no-one here before. To
me, it feels like they are below the surface, that could mean there"˜s
lots of them down there."
"I'll send a few others there," said Scherry.

That evening all was quiet, the demon's had been battled and the
hunters had won, but all was not well. Hobsnest Island had lived up
to it's name, it was a nest for the devil. Seven of the demon hunters
had died and Amanda. Not only had the hunters been beaten,
those seven had been ended.

GHOST HUNTERS OF ST ALBANS

"I bring to order this sixty first meeting of the St. Albans ghost
hunters club," said Pitts, "what are the minutes of the last meeting?"
"Hmm, okay, Welcome to the sixteenth meeting of us, we took a
hand count and as usual Pitts put both hands up, but we are all
here. There being no further business Alex got stuck into
the sandwiches."

"Excuse me Dawn, sorry the secretary. I would like it that Pitts
never be asked to do the tea and coffee again, either that or can
some-one teach him the difference between salt and sugar?" asked
Garet.
"Anything news of any ghosts?" asked Anne.

"There is two, one has been sighted in the fields near Rose lane and
there's one that's been causing a few problems at the railway
station," replied Dawn.
"Who told us about that one?"
"The station manager, dad to me," replied Tom.

"That could be the one to deal with first, send a letter tomorrow,"
said Scherry.
"Ok but who's going?" asked Graeves.
"Anne, Janet, Garet, Dawn and Pitts," said Scherry.
"When are we going, "˜cos I'll be busy till the evening."
"Ok Pitts, about seven thirty then, at the station. While you are

there Graeves and I will look for the other one," said Scherry.
"About that, my mum has adopted another girl, she said she'd like
to get involved," said Dawn.
"That is Sue, right. Not a problem, Graeves and I will take her with
us tomorrow night."
The next day Sue went into Harpenden to the record shop to see

Scherry and Anne.
"We'll be on our break soon, we can chat then," said Scherry.
"I take it you don't want me to mention about us, or about her
past?" asked Sue.
"That's a secret best kept for now."
So the break went well, Sue was told by Scherry about the trip to
near Wheathampstead that night.
"This ghost, any details known about it?" asked Anne.
"Bit like yours Anne, a ghost has been seen but that's all."

Driving there that night Sue was just a bit to quiet.
"What is it then?" asked Graeves.
"What's what?" asked Scherry.
"You two."
"There's a few things we want to keep a secret," said Sue.
"Like what?" asked Graeves.

Sue looked at Scherry, she nodded.
"Like you really, do you want people to know about Amanda, or
Darla? then there's Pitts, Dani and Leia. Or that your a vampire?"
asked Sue.
"Howwhen did you know
about that?"
"You don't want us to tell the others do you?" asked Sue.

"Much the same that we don't want you to say about us,"
said Scherry.
"Ok, but I don't know about you," said Graeves.
"There is a lot more you don't know about," said Scherry, "for
instance, how long we've known each other, who killed Amanda and
who she was with."
"I would like to know how she died," said Graeves.

"She was in Australia, on the island that was known as Hobsnest
Island, with me and mine."
"Who are they?"
"The demon hunters, oh, take the next left Graeves, follow the signs
to Gustard Wood. When you see the group of trees pull over there."
"Any reason Scherry."

"That is where the ghost has been seen," said Sue.
"Fair enough, what was Amanda doing with the demon hunters, I
can't imagine that."
"Why not you've met one. Back in sixteen twelve."
"Umm, that's when I moved to Tintagel, seem to remember four
others being with us."

"That's right, the one called Hope is a demon hunter, Amanda ever
mention Saffron or who she really is."
"She did!, then, you are the."
"Yes, so know you know," said Scherry.
"As you say, I will keep them secret from themselves. If you are
here, Pitts and I are, and Sue. The others? who are they?"

"Anne is a demon hunter, Dawn will be a Goddess, Pitts will be an
eternal, Westy will be a vampire."
"The others?" asked Graeves.
"Human, except for Garet; he's of a Goddess."
"Flip me! and me?"
"You will be a see-er," said Scherry.

"But I'm a vampire."
"So is Darla, for now, but she has passed the tests, she will be a
Goddess. Dani and Leia will both be demon hunters."
"Now hang on, if they are to be demon hunters? why was it that
they were made vampires."

"They were Darla's test," said Scherry.
"And Sue?" asked Graeves.
"Ever heard the saying older than the hills?"
"Yes.....why?"
"Because that is what Sue is."
"Graeves, so back to now?"

"This ghost, how long do we watch it?" asked Graeves.
"Why you got plans?"
"Pitts and I are going to my place at Tintagel."
Graeves and Pitts said that they were going to the farm in Tintagel,
but really they were going to see Darla Dani and Leia. They had
decided to have a holiday,
just a few days in Evesham.

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

A CHILDS CRIES

At a quiet hotel, in the beautiful countryside near Stratford Upon Avon, a party of six people from the ghost hunters club of Totnes waited patiently in the Hotels reception area for the owner.

A few of them were about to go and get a drink when a woman approached them.
"Good morning, if you would care to follow me, I'll be your guide. if you want to speak to me if you want to pronounce it Shvorn or Shvon, I don"˜t mind which."

"Which one would you prefer?" asked David.
"My name is said differently to how it is spelt, so believe me when I say I've been called all sorts of names, those two ways, are the best ones so either will do. Now, if you would care to follow me, I"˜ll show you where the first of the ghosts is said to be."

Walking alongside her, Mr Rodney Smithers asked her why the ghost preferred to be in the bar.
"Guess he likes the company of other spirits. No reaction, oh well," sighed Siobhan.

"Hopefully it's a day off for his sense of humour."
"Who are you?" she asked.
"The names David."

"I'll remember that." Siobhan tried to steal a grin from him.
Standing in the bar, each of the ghost hunters looked about, hoping they would be the one to see the chair move, or to see a drink being drunk. Looking at them Siobhan smiled to herself.

"The ghost has usually seen sitting by herself in the area where the food is served. If you'd all come here, we'll go into the cellar, now don't pay any attention to the cold as the drinks are kept in a cooler climate."

They'd all just reached the floor of the cellar, as a child's cries are heard. The sound floats through the room.
"Can you hear that?" asked Mr Smithers.
"Was that put on for our benefit Siobhan?" asked David.

"No, those cries have been heard a few times, but no-one has been able to locate where they come from."
"But this room, it isn't that big," said David.

"I know, but the odd thing is, those cries can be heard everywhere, at different times. They've been heard inside and out in the courtyard, at the back."

"That isn't to surprising, a haunting I was told about a while ago was about a young woman who was haunted by her dead child, a six year old boy," said Mr Smithers.

"The woman was haunted?" asked Siobhan.
"Yes, a bar of chocolate and a bit later a box of cereal was seen to float into her shopping trolley at a supermarket!"
Siobhan looked at him.

"That would have caused a few comments."
"Not as many as her comments at the checkout. She had become accustomed to her situation, as the local paper reported. She was grateful that her son wanted to be with her," said Mr Smithers.

"Come on my dear, move along please, there is going to be a delivery soon," said the cellarman, Mr Saunders.
As they left the cellar, David noticed Siobhan smiling.

"What is it?" he asked
"What is it?. Oh nothing really, I just like the way everybody is leaving," said Siobhan.

"Well, if your going to have a delivery, we don't want to get in the way."
"We aren't due for a delivery for three more days."

"But, he just said that you're getting one now," said David.
"He is meant to have died over two hundred years ago, he owned this place and came here to help out, he still does.

He is why we were down there, he is a Mr Robert Saunders," said Siobhan, "this way people, into the rear courtyard. This place can be interesting. It used to be a stop for the old horse drawn carriages."

"Hello there!"
Everyone in the group turned toward the sound.
"Hello there!, I wondered where you had all gone, we were meant to meet in the reception," said Mrs Fischer.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" asked Mr Smithers.
"I run this place."
"Then who is Siobhan......"
He turned, but didn't see her.

"You've met Siobhan have you!, yes she is a bit of a regular here, her name is Mrs Siobhan Kelder."
"Yes, she was here a minute ago," said Mr Smithers, a but perplexed.

"Where has she shown you?"
"She took us into the bar to where the ghost has been seem in there, then down into the cellar, we all saw the ghost there," said David.

"We did? when was that?" asked Mr Smithers.
"The cellarman that asked us all to leave, he is a ghost."
"Then Siobhan brought you out here, her favourite place which is a bit surprising really," said Mrs Fischer.

"Why's that?" asked David.
"This is where about a hundred and seventy two years ago she died."
"What?"

"Siobhan is a ghost, Mr Pierce. A carriage was being brought in here. As the coach stopped, the blanket covering the drivers headless torso fell of. Siobhan saw him and died on the spot.

We don't know anything else about her though. Did she talk of any other ghosts?"
"Just one other, as we all went into the cellar we heard a child crying."

"That's the strange one, we"˜ve no information on that ghost. We are very lucky as all the ghosts here have been nice helpful people so far."

"So whose baby is it?"
"No body knows, there's no record of a baby having died here."
"That's a thought, Siobhan said about the man in the cellar."

"Mr Robert Saunders, that's true. He was a respected figure in these parts. He did own this place and on occasion he would work here but he didn't die here. But he did have a link to this place, there isn't any record of any-one staying here with a baby or a child," said Mrs Fischer.

"Are there any other ghosts here?"
"Sorry but that's it, mind you this might be a first for you people."
"What might?" asked David.
"A ghost conducted the tour for you," said Mrs Fischer.

"That's true, that is a first."
"If you'd all care to join me, we can have a drink and something to eat and discus the morning's little adventure."
Sitting down for a meal, David seemed far away.

"What is it David?" asked Mr Smithers.
"It's Siobhan. She seemed like a nice person. I think I'll go up to our room, write this down while its still fresh in my mind."

"Like her did you? she was a nice person," said Mr Smithers.
Sitting in the room, after he'd finished writing.
"Nice hand writing."

"Thanks, huh!" He quickly turned to face Siobhan. "You again?"
"You seemed to be a nice enough person. I've spoken with quite a few people here, over the years never had some-one know that I am a ghost though, and still be okay with talking with me."

"Hadn't thought of it like that."
"I'd guess you've got a few questions."
"Yes, probably more than a few. Like whose carriage was it that you saw? What was your job here? I suppose I'd really like to know more about that crying though?" asked David.

"First of all the carriage was of a Lord and Lady Strathborne. Never knew much about them, maybe I could ask Mr Saunders, the cellarman.

As for me, I was here, I think it was my first day here. I have seen a woman here, but I'm not to sure a ghost that would cause the crying. What your friend said, it could be right as every time I've heard the child crying, it's usually just before I've seen that woman."

"Does she go to a certain place? if she does we might look into her life, get some answers for you."
"Now that you mention it, she quite often goes to the same place, she looks at a bit of wall."

"Okay Siobhan, can you show me where?"
"When?"
"Now, if that's alright?."
"Sure, when we go out of the room, turn left, now along the corridor and to the left, up here a few paces, this is the spot where she stands."

"I'll see what I can find out, are you able to leave this place?"
"I think so, I always want to come back though."

"There might be a reason for that, if you like this place when you go somewhere else; the more that boredom sets in the more you want to be back here.

There might be another reason I don't know about, anyway, the thought I had was if you go to the local church and have a look at the records for births and deaths of a child here. I'll do a bit of snooping myself."

While Siobhan went to the church, David went down to the reception to find Mrs Fischer.
"Mr Pierce? What can I do for you?" asked Mrs Fischer.

"Well, I've just been having a chat with Siobhan, were going to try and find out about the other ghost and that baby."
"You've been talking with Siobhan?. What about? and what other ghost?

"Siobhan said she's seen another ghost here, but she said that this other one just looks at a bare bit of wall. I went there, it could be that there was a picture there once. It looks like there was a hook there.

It's on the cross walk."
"There's an old picture in the attic, the frame needs repairing though. I'm fairly sure it goes there."

"The frame? it wouldn't be broken in the top left corner would it?"
"I'd have to check, but you might be right. In fact, I'll get it now. If you'll wait here. If any-one comes tell them I'll be back in a jiffy."

David went and stood behind the reception desk. Pleased he was there, even though he was lost. While he was there his friend came for his room key. Seeing David there.

"Boy! get my room key, boy!."
"Yeah, right."
"So, what's this for?"
"Mrs Fischer has gone to get a picture for me from the attic."

"Oh, what of?"
"I don't know yet, but hopefully I will soon. That ghost, Siobhan and I, we had a chat, between us we figured out that the baby has something in common with the appearance of another ghost."

"The other ghost is the babies mother?" asked Mr Smithers.
"Yeah, it could be."
"So what's the picture got to do with it?"

"That ghost always looks at an empty bit of wall, where the picture used to be," said David.
"So, your hoping for a house, of where they used to live?. So why is she here? And here she is. David she's her."

"Who? what is it?"
"Warwick castle. The picture is of Warwick castle," said Mrs Fischer.
She went to stand behind the reception counter. As the child's cries are heard they look about.

"I'd really like to know where that crying is coming from," said David.
"Try asking the person next to you."
David turns towards him. "Well?"

"I meant the other way."
David faced the other way. "Oh! Who are you?"
"My name is Erica, that's my baby crying, but I can't find him."

"This is a picture of Warwick castle, did you work or live there?"
"No, I've never been there."
"So why are you drawn to it?."

"That's where I can hear my baby, he is in there."
"But if you've never been there?, and why are you here?" asked David.
"Erica, leave it with us, we'll try to find out why you are here."

"Can you remember when you were first here?" asked David.
"I have a vague memory of looking at that picture, and travelling in a stage coach."

"This was a coaching Inn. So not what you'd call a revelation, unless? When were you born Erica?" asked David.
"I think it was, in the year eighteen o' one, why?".

"It might fit."
"What?"
"Yes come on!" said Mrs Fischer.
"In a minute. Erica? can you remember why you had gone out?".

"I think it was to see a cousin."
"Good, I'll need to do a few more checks, but this is becoming more and more likely," said David.

"Can I help you?" asked Erica.
"Not really, but the answers will help you. Mrs Fischer, did this place keep records of the visitors and who was booked in to stay here?"

"Yes why? we had a look a few years ago, just in case any-one famous stayed here, why do you ask?"
"We might be able to find where you are from then Erica."

"How?" asked Mrs Fischer.
"When you look this time, and I should to be able to give you a name later, till then, can my friends and I have a cuppa?"
I'll go somewhere else, but I'd like to see you later?" asked Erica.

"Of course, and I think I'll join you," replied Mrs Fischer.
They'd been sat down, having a cup of tea for a while before Siobhan joined them.

"Let me guess Siobhan, there's a birth notice but no death notice of the same young child."
"That need not mean anything, even up until recently a woman's name might be kept of any young child's death notice, she could get re-married easier," said Mr Smithers.

"You are right David, a young woman gave birth to a child. Her name wasn't mentioned, not sure why. But the fathers name was a Captain Olivier Strathborne. What is it?"

"Mrs Fischer, that's the name of people that were due to stay here in eighteen twenty three. Didn't you say that was when Siobhan died. The bits of the jig-saw are starting to fit together."

After the four of them had been looking at past records of the Inn an entry was found.
"What now?" asked Mrs Fischer.
"If it's alright with you Siobhan, I'd like that other ghost to be with us, sorry," said David.

"That's okay, while I was at the church I started looking at the grave headstones, I'll go and spend some more time there."
Not long after Erica was found, they went to a, well it was a big house once but now it was as a ruin.

The light was beginning to fade, but David was insistent an them continuing.
"Erica, I'm going to try and get you to remember something that happened, maybe a dance.

Listen to me Erica, I want you to remember the house you lived in. The night of the big dance, the music that was being played, I want you to re-live it."

As Mr. Smithers looked around, it was as if he was now in an old well lit building, he and Mrs Fischer heard the music, the nicely lit ballroom, they began to see people dancing.

"What is happening?" he asked.
"Erica's memories are coming to life. I want you two to mingle with the people here, you are looking for one person imparticular, I won't say who, but you will know who," said David.

They had been looking at the people for a few minutes when Mrs Fischer spoke to Mr Smithers.
"I didn't see the person but I saw a small picture of him, Mr Saunders, our cellarman. Come on, that must be who David meant."

"Stop, look at David kneeling by Erica. See whose hand is on Erica's shoulder!" exclaimed Mr Smithers.
"Good grief! it's Siobhan"˜s!"
They quickly went back to them.

"So David tell us."
"It was as I thought, but I didn't know for sure. Erica, I'd like to keep hearing the music, keep your lovely dress, but I don't want you to see the people dancing anymore.

Right, Erica and Siobhan are cousins. Her husband had just died in a sea battle. She was being taken to the Inn to see her cousin but the coach was robbed. Seeing her dead cousin was the last straw, and she died. That's why she is sometimes seen at the Inn, but she is only seen by Siobhan."

"That's why I never knew of her."
"But the babies cries?" asked Siobhan.
"Yes, Erica had been married to Lord and Lady Strathborne"˜s grandchild who died at sea, the baby was born after he died.

Then because of Erica's grief the child was sent to another couple to be cared for, but that was when Erica died. The other people worked at Warwick castle."

"So Siobhan, that was where Erica's baby was brought up?" asked Mr Smithers.
"I don't know, I never knew, I didn't know what Erica looked like, I mean, I never saw a picture of her," said Siobhan.

"Well done David, what can we do now?" asked Mrs Fischer.
"Not sure, you could ask her father."
"Erica's or Siobhan's?"

"Mrs Fischer? you say your cellarman is Robert Saunders, he used to own the Inn, judging by the way he smiled at Siobhan when he asked us to leave the cellar, I thought it was to much for a friend.

He didn't ask us to leave, he wanted Siobhan to leave. Didn't you!"
"You are right. Erica, your child was raised by the head butler of the family of Warwick castle, that is why you keep looking at the castle and hearing his cries, they are cries for you."

"And Siobhan could refer to Mr Saunders as uncle Bob."
"Then he is Erica's father?" asked Mrs Fischer.

"How did you know all that David?" asked Erica.
"Some I worked out myself, some was inspired guess work. I've no idea how I knew about Mr Saunders though."

"Shall I tell you," said Mr Saunders, "Siobhan and I were always very close. Now being as her real father isn't around she comes to me for advice, like the other day when she asked me about you."

"What? what about me?" asked David.
"She asked me if I liked you, and if it would be alright for her to spend more time with you."

"Thanks, and yes I would like that," replied David
"Sorry Mrs Fischer, seems like you just lost a hard worker. I know it's acceptable in these times, people living together before they get married."

"They won't get married," said Erica, "she'd get a bad name for herself, being with a younger man."
"There is another reason, how many brides are there that already have their own death certificate?" asked Mr Smithers, smiling at them.

"That would cause a problem at the ceremony as well, the till death do us part bit could be a problem," said Mrs Fischer.
"I am still here you know!" exclaimed Siobhan.

David moved to her and kissed her.
"Yes, and very pretty you are."
Silence filled the room.
"I hope you will both come and visit me?" asked Mrs Fischer.

"Now the question is how to find Erica's child," said Siobhan.
"I've heard of a ghost who carries hope with him, he is said to be not far from here," said David.

"Then together we will find him," said Mr Smithers.
"It won't be easy, but you might be able to with a bit of courage."
David drove around. Mr Smithers sat in silence.

"This should be the right place," said David, "this should do us. Do you know about this ghost."
"Not much."

"Good thing I do. First up we've got to get you in it; that's risky. Then you'll have to be accepted, then you'll need to get out. Before it disappears," said David.

"What didn't you tell me? How do I get in what?"
"Just stand here. When I say jump you jump, just remember that you'll be sitting in a truck when you land."

"It's a truck? and the getting out part?"
"That's the hard part, I don't know, guess he'll have to like you."
"That's a thought, if I'm watching for this ghost coming towards me, then I jump?, how will I be sitting in the truck?"

"I was wondering when you'd notice that. Thing is, you'll have to face the other way. I'll tell you when to jump."
"What! When were you going to tell me that?" asked Mr Smithers, "and why aren't you doing this?"

"Last time I met him he said not to come back," said David, "so I was going to tell you when it was too late to back out."
"Great, thanks a heap."

"Are you ready then?" asked David.
"I suppose so, why?"
Along the road towards them came a ghost truck, driving on the wrong side of the road.
"Here it comes!. And don't look at it. Ready? JUMP!."

Surprised at where he was, he looked at the driver, who looked at Mr Smithers. Mr Smithers rolled along the road as the ghost truck suddenly stopped.

"So?, what did he say?" asked David.
"Apart from looking at me, he didn't do or say anything."
As Mr Smithers stood up, the ghost truck appeared next to them.

Then the driver got out.
"Hello."
"Hello David, your here for some-one else, that's good."
He walked the few paces to where Mr Smithers was.

"Are you ok?"
"Thank you yes, although I am a bit more concerned for Erica right now."
"You have changed David, I see you and Mr Smithers aren't exactly to be known as friends. Your friend Erica, she will meet her son soon, very soon, goodbye."

And he was gone.
Two days later Erica, Mr Smithers, David, Siobhan and Mrs Fischer stood in the lovely gardens looking at Warwick castle.

"This is a nice place, your son really lived here?" asked David.
"This isn't the place."
"What do you mean? this is Warwick Castle.

This is the place in the picture."
"Yes, I mean I agree, but something is different," said Erica.
"I know what it is, the painting was done from over there, so the buildings behind the castle could be what we should be looking for," said Mrs Fischer.

Walking to the place where the picture was done another building could just be seen.
"I've been there before, I remember I got some strange feelings from that place.

At the time my wife didn't even have a slight feeling, but I, well, it was the most I could do to not leave there," said Mr Smithers.
"You'd have been right to leave, there's a few ghosts there who would have enjoyed teasing you.

Your wife would have been safe. But, well in case you are remembered, I think it'd be best if you stay near me. Some here are not to be messed with," said Siobhan.

"You know the place?" asked David.
"Yes David, when I was younger I lived there for a while."
"So, some of the ghosts are a bit rough?" asked David.

"I wouldn't say rough, nasty maybe, they were treated badly when they were alive, now they get their own back."
Walking up to the front of the place.
"Siobhan?, you really stayed here?" asked Mr Smithers.

"A house we were going to live in wasn't ready for us. It was Erica's father who took me away from this place. I was here for five days, in that time I got to know most of the ghosts here.

I could probably see them as friends now, but I was very scared then, I do remember that the one who was feared by everyone took me under her wing, her name is Margaret, I'd like to go back just to say hello to her."

"The trees at the back of the place, I"˜ll go and have a rest there," said Mr Smithers.
"Never go in there, please, promise me you'll never go in there," said Siobhan.
"Why?"

"Margaret made me promise not to. That is where people who died in the castles dungeons were buried. That is a scary place."
"Just a thought then, is Erica's baby here?" asked David, looking at the front doors of what now was a hotel.

"This is the place," said Erica, "I can feel him."
"I'd like to be able to have a look around first. I"˜ll get to meet some of your friends Siobhan," said David, "if they want to meet us, that's good isn't it?"

"If this is the ground floor, the stairs that go down. That is to the cellar? it alright to go and have a look Siobhan?" asked Mr Smithers.

"There are two ghosts that stay on those stairs. They are both cleaners, they have put a lot of people off, just by glaring at them for walking on their steps. In the back garden is a ghost of one of an Earls horsemen, he was known to regularly help people."

"What army was he in?" asked David
"I'm not sure, I never asked him," said Siobhan.
"My son is in the room up there," said Erica, "is it alright if I go in by myself?"

"Yes," replied Siobhan, "if the horseman can stay by the door, yes. And I could go and talk with Margaret for a while."
David held out his hand to his dad.

"Considering what the girls want to do here, we might be in the way a bit, how about they meet us back at our place?" asked David.
"You could be right," agreed Mr Smithers.
As they were about to leave, David turned.

Just in time to see Siobhan run to the basement, he heard her call out for her friend Margaret. In the basement Siobhan peered into the darkness.
"Who are you?, what are you doing here?" asked Margaret.

"Long time no see," said Siobhan, smiling to her old friend.
"Siobhan?" said Margaret, "your right it is a long time, is there a special reason why your here?"

"My cousin Erica is upstairs right now, her son is here, Edward. She wants to spend some time with him."
"Are you friends with this Erica, Siobhan?"
"Yes."

"Oh, Edward wasn't very nice to me, but if he is your friends son, I will release my hold on him."
As she said that the darkness in the room began to leave the room, the two of them watched it fade.

"I wonder," said Margaret, "I haven't been able to leave this room for such a long time now."
They carefully, step by step, went up the stairs. As they stood next to the cleaners.

"Hello boys, the steps look nice and clean," said Margaret.
Listening they heard people walking in the hallway above them.

"Best if they don't see us," said Siobhan.
Margaret passed through the door at the top of the stairs, turning to Siobhan she whispered thank you to her. Going into the garden Margaret couldn't contain her enthusiasm any longer, it was a poor attempt at a dance, but the right sentiments were there.

"When I came into the garden before, to see the horseman, those plants didn't have any flowers on them," said one of the maids.
"Just as I said, look!. They've got flowers on them, the flowers literally appeared as I was looking at them."

They turned to the house. Margaret hugged Siobhan, "Let's go and see your friend with her son."

David stood, listening to his dad, Mr Smithers, describing how he felt about David and Siobhan being together, whilst he had concerns about David, he was full of praise for Siobhan.

Margaret and Siobhan materialised in the room.
"David, Mr Smithers, I'd like you to meet my friend Margaret."
She went and stood with David.

"I hope you will treat her well."
"I will," David replied, "and when a few things have been organised. We will invite you to our wedding."

"You know, we're going to need all the help on our side when you tell your dad that you're dating a ghost," said Siobhan.
"I'm not going to tell him!"

"Why not?"
"Well for one thing I was adopted, and another thing, I don't think I've told you this, but, I always call my dad Mr Smithers!" said David.

"Oh, OH! oh well, that's done then. Next is what are we going to do together?."
"Looks like your going to be alright here, I'll be going back to the house, nice to meet you David, Mr Smithers."

"Nice, I liked her. I was thinking about what would happen here though. I mean having a family might be a bit hard, we could
keep doing what we've been doing I suppose."

"You mean finding ways not to tell me who your dad is?"
"Which room we could have here, or if we could share a room."

"I'll get some-one where else to live, one person with his sense of humour is bad enough, but two!" said Mr Smithers.
"Plus he'd never know if you were watching him having a shower," said David.
"Now there's a good idea," remarked Siobhan.
"HEY!"
David and Siobhan laughed aloud.
[br][/br]
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[br][/br]
The following evening David was reading a magazine Siobhan
was watching the TV.
"Same old stuff on the news tonight, threats of industrial disputes,
some politician wants to make a name for himself and a story, about
he number of road accidents," said Siobhan.

David looked up, he became interested in a story that spoke of a
sudden increase in the number of road accidents along a stretch of
road near the "˜Rocky View'. Siobhan, noted that David's curiosity
had been aroused.

"It's in situations like this that I start to think what can be done
with this house. If I make a plan of this place."
"What have you got in mind? father-in-law."
"What on earth did you just say?" asked Mr Smithers.

"She just said..."
"Yes, thank you but I did hear."
"Sorry, I wanted to hear what it sounded like," said Siobhan.
"I'd prefer you use my other name than that."

"What is your other name?"
"His name is Rodney," said David.
Mr Smithers slowly shook his head.
"So Ro...Fath....Mr Smithers, what did you mean about making a
plan of this place?"

"We could start a business together," said Mr Smithers.
David and Siobhan look at each other.
"Doing what?"

"Private eye stuff a bit of investigating."
"I know, I could ask Erica if she wants in," said Siobhan.
"Hang on, where's the money coming from?" asked Mr Smithers.

"What money and where's the money going to go?"
"Well, if Erica she lives with you then....."
"No way," he interrupts her
"How about you David?" asked Siobhan.

"Okay with me!. Let me see, she's got no use for money, because
she's a ghost, so I get all her money. Sounds good for me."
"No, hang on, she'll stay with me!!"

"Good!, I'll tell her to come down here today. With her child."
".....I've just been conned haven't I?"
"Expect me to argue with you?"

Erica took form in the hall then went into the kitchen.
"Hello Erica, how's things?"
"Pretty good, you?"

"Yep, I just rang the Totnes police station, I spoke to an inspector,
Simon Watts. I was asked to go there a bit later."
"Why?" asked Erica.

"What for?, seems like we're going to start an investigations
business," said David.
"Is Siobhan around?" asked Erica.
David pointed into the garden.

David and Erica go through to the garden, Erica and Siobhan happily
greet each other.
"We are going to have so much fun together. How's your son?"

"Causing me problems all the time."
"Is he here, bring him here, we'll all have a chat."

Later at the Totnes police station, David went up to the counter.
"Hello, what can I do for you?" asked the woman at the counter.

"I'm here to see an Inspector Simon Watts."
"I'll let him know your here, what name is it?"
"David Pierce."

"Have a seat, it won't be a minute."
David had just started reading a magazine when.
"Mr Pierce?, I'm Inspector Simon Watts. If I know what it's about I'll
be able tell you what you need to know."

"I want to know what's needed to start an Investigations Business?"
"What sort of work will you be doing?" asked the Inspector.

"Mainly cases that have a supernatural element."
"That's different, tell you what, we've got a case like that at the moment. That sort of thing isn't well received here."

"We're happy to do anything like that."
"I'll take a few details from you, name address, that sort of thing. If you want to do this sort of thing, that's up to you. To get a license takes a bit more, but er well, you do the job and there might be more, and you'll have our back support for getting a license."

"There was a report on the TV last night about a sudden increase in the number of accidents at a coast road, Rocky View. Is that the case?"

"That's the one, if you'll deal with it, you'll be popular here; two officers went there two nights ago, they were told that there would be a heavy sea mist, so they went early to miss it, thing is upon getting to the area they saw a ghost there! Would seeing one be a problem for you?"

"No, I'm a ghost hunter, have been for years," said David, "if you are alright with ghosts. why don't you drop round to our place, I'll introduce you to the others that'll be working with us."

"We'll see how you go first, but do ok and I'll be more than happy to meet you all," said Simon.
Back at Mr Smithers house.

"Dad! I've been to the police station, that side of it is being organised. We'll need a business address and a name, maybe some cards as well."

"We can use this place as our business place, there's mo restrictions on having a small business here, and it's all paid for, not sure what sort of name to have though."

"As there's two ghosts, two ghost hunters..., no I won't make any jokes about that. Our first case, we've already got!"
"We have, what is it?"

"About those road accidents."
"How did we get it, why are we doing that sort of thing?"
"Two policemen went there, and saw a ghost there," said David.

"Oh, right, okay then, names, let me see, Ghost Investigators? Supernatural Eye, probably the second one."
"The Police Inspector I spoke to said he'll help us if he can, and there's another job after this one."

"Are both of them here? the ghosts?" asked Mr Smithers.
"Oh Erica? I've no idea. Hang on I'll check," replied David.
He goes away, then returns.

"They are in the garden, and Erica has got a bloke with her!"
They go into the garden.
"Hello peoples!"

"Oh hello, good to see you again. That's a thought you haven't met before. David, Mr Smithers I'd like you to meet Edward."
"Hello Erica," said Mr Smithers, looking around, "where is Edward."

"There you go Erica, I told you this would happen," said Siobhan.
Siobhan points to the bloke sitting next to Erica, "Guys, this is Edward."

"That can't be right, he looks older than his mum," said David.
"I am."
David and Mr Smithers look at each other
"How."

"Listen, I was born in eighteen o' one, Erica was born in eighteen o' three, we died the same day in eighteen twenty three. Edward was born in eighteen twenty one and died in eighteen forty eight. So Edward is older than his mum."

"But those cries? wasn't it a babies cries?"
"When I died, he was two. So yes it could have been a babies cries, he cried because I died, those cries are still heard."

"It was just that he is older than his mum. Not exactly something you hear every day. Mind you, my dad's girlfriend is younger than me, lucky dad. But then again his step son is older than his adopted son."

"Erica, Edward. Siobhan, David and I are planning to start an investigations business. Are you both willing to be in it?"
"Count us all in," said Edward.

"That's good, I got us a job today. If you want to we can start tonight."
"That sounds good David, what is it we are doing?" asked Erica.

"Well, I've got some info from here and some from there. So I added two and two and got....
Siobhan interrupted him
"Five." She tried not to smile. David looked to his dad.

"She beat you to that one!"
"Seems that a ghost on a motorcycle has been leading cars when the sea mist comes in, but they've has stopped doing it, we'll find out why and hopefully put it right."

"So we go tonight, is it far from here?" asked Edward.
"Not really it's on the road around Rocky View."

"Now I understand what Auntie Siobhan meant by, your sense of humour needs an acquired taste," said Edward.

It was just past eight o'clock that David stopped his car as they approached the area where the accidents had occurred.
"Here we are then, all out."

The evening air was its normal flamin' cold as David, Erica, Siobhan, Edward and Mr Smithers walked along the road, there was a slight mist, nothing to reduce the distance they could see though.

"I'm not going to guide you lot, who are you any way," said Grant.
"According to what I've found out, you're mean't to be the rider of a motorcycle, where is it?" asked David.

"I usually put it near here, when I need it, it appears," said the ghost. He looked at them.
"Well, you are a mixed bunch."
"They are the mixed bunch, not me," said David.

"Oh, I'm sorry."
"That's ok," replied David.
"I said that to them, not you."
"If you won't walk in front of us, why not walk with us? and who are you," asked Erica.

"That's a nice enough thing to say, alright."
"We need to stick together," said Erica.
"Tell the ugly one that my name is Grant."
"I'm not ugly," said David.

"I think I'll have to agree with my boyfriend," said Siobhan.
"Eh! a ghost dating a bag of bones? I"˜ve never come across that before."
"He's a pretty nice bag of bones though," agreed Siobhan.

"The least you could have said is handsome," said David.
The six of them walked along the road, they introduced themselves to each other.

After Siobhan introduced herself, she found out that Andrew had been riding the same bit of road for fifty eight years.

"Have you ever tried to go somewhere else?."
"A few times, why? you know of somewhere to go?" asked Grant.
"You could come to our place, or you could come to see our place."

"Could do I suppose, anything happen there?"
"No, it's just somewhere different to go."
"Must admit, it's a bit boring here, the only one that talks to me is the pillock up the road."

"Is he why you've stopped guiding folk through the fog?"
"Yes, but how did you know about that?."
"It was on the radio, the police are concerned about the increase of accidents here."

"The pillock, he's the reason why there's more accidents how about we calm his temper.?"
"You'd do that for me? I mean you don't even know me."

"True, but we do have something in common," said Mr Smithers.
"What's that?"
"We all want to help people we don't know and probably will never meet, a lot of the folk we help won't even know they've been helped, but the help is given anyway."

"You know, I've been a ghost for fifty eight years. The only ones to make friends with me and offer to help me are other ghosts, even the bag of bones," Grant smiled.

"Follow me, I'll show you where he lives."
As they wandered on they neared a house.
"What sort of motorcycle is that?" asked Mr Smithers.

"Is that the house?" asked David.
"No, there's a young couple live there, nice people but they don't see me which is a shame, but at least they have a motorcycle, even if it is a Ural and side-car," said Grant.

"We can change that, get them to see you," stated Erica.
"You can? how?"
"I'll tell you in a bit, lets see where the pratt lives."

"His house is a bit further up the road."
As they got closer they could see the several large piles of sand and earth.
"Seems like he delivers sand and soil for a living," said Erica.

"No, he does landscaping, he is good at his job. It"˜s just that he gets worn out at his job, that and he doesn"˜t like motorcycles to much. So when the mist comes in and I slow him down he sometimes gets abusive."

"So, that young couple, the ones in that house back there. They haven't seen you?, would you like to have a chat with them?" asked Edward.
"Edward isn't it, yes."


"Look, if you want to we can try to contact them," said Erica.
"How?."
"With an Ouija Board," said Erica.
"I took a sneek peek earlier, they've got one, we can try." said Edward.

"So what do we do now?" asked Andrew.
"We go and find out what they're like, find out if they want to see us, then see how it goes from there," said Erica.

"You have done this before haven"˜t you?"
"Just the once or twice, people attempted to contact the dead at the house I lived at, sometimes I was bored and I joined in."

"And when we go into the house, will they be able to hear us talking to each other?"
"Only if one is that way inclined."
"So lets go in then. Just us ghost? the bags of bones"˜ll be alright?" asked Grant.

When they went into the front room and had had a look around Edward turned to his mum.
"The didn't even come to meet us."
"I can fix that," said Grant.
He selected one of their records.

"This'll get them in here quick."
"What is it Grant?" asked Siobhan.
"Motorhead's, No Sleep Till Hammersmith, let see, right, last track, side two."

As soon as the loud music began Bruce and Helen rushed in to turn it off.
"Told you they'd be in quick, what now?"
"A subtle hint."
Edward rocked the ouija board.

Bruce looked to Helen, "I think some-one wants to contact us."
"What do you? oh yeah, the subtle approach."
"They heard me!," said Edward.

"So who are you?" asked Bruce, "and why that record?"
Grant moved the glass, "My name is Grant and that's the record of them from the concert."

"Did you go to that concert?" asked Helen.
"Yes, oh thanks for leading me there."
"Hang on, you followed us there? did you have a motorcycle?" asked Bruce.

"Yes."
"I kept seeing a headlight behind us, was that you, and what sort of bike have you got?"
"Grant I'm not sure if you're aware of this but you are materialising," said Erica.

"Oh well, that was me behind you, as I said I followed you, but I did you a favour there, ever wonder why your bike didn't get damaged at the concert?" asked Grant.

"Yes, I mean most other bikes did, why didn't ours?" asked Helen.
"Cos I rested my bike against yours and yours became invisible, and the bike I ride is a "˜49 Vincent."

"God, I'd d...maybe not."
Siobhan started laughing.
"Not the best thing to say Bruce," said Grant.
"What was he going to say?" asked Erica.
"I'd die for one of them," said Siobhan.

"So why are you here?" asked Bruce.
"These three and their friends came to help stop the accidents here, we came in here so that we could see and talk with each other."

"Well, if you want to you can listen to the music even when we're not in. How would the accidents be stopped?"

"That pillock up the road a bit kept abusing me, guess I'd had too much 'cos I just stopped guiding people in the fog."
"If we can help you, count us in," said Bruce.

"Sound good then, Grant and I'll go and see that pillocks place, You girls stay here. Then we'll come back and we can all decide what to do," said Edward, "just a thought, but those two have been outside for long enough, every-one alright if they come inside?"

As he left the room, the girls made themselves comfortable in the chairs.
"It's a shame that these aren't nice people who live here."
"Meaning what?" asked Helen.

"If they were nice people they'd have offered to turn the telly on," said Siobhan.
"A cuppa would have been nice wouldn't it?" suggested Erica.

When Edward and Grant came back.
"That place is set up for us. He's got a few tin sheds for us to hit, all night."
"I understand, we keep him awake all night, then when he's worn out. Grant can go in and makes friends with him."


THE NECKLACE


Later the next morning David stopped outside the police station, thinking about what to say. He went in.
"Can I help you?" enquired the desk Sergeant.

"I'd like to see Inspector Simon Watts, tell him everything at Rocky View has been done."
"It has good, thanks, I'll er, get him for you."

When the desk Sergeant came back.
"Sorry, he is out at the moment on another case, I'll call him, and get him to drop by your place a bit later."

At midday Mr Smithers went to answer the door, opening the door he saw Inspector Simon Watts.
"Glad you made it, come in. The others are out at the moment but they shouldn't be long."

"Good, I'll be glad to meet them all."
As they entered the kitchen.
"Simon, you should have been here a bit earlier, Grant was here he would have liked to see you."

"I'm sorry, who is Grant?"
"He's the ghost from Rocky View."
"There was a ghost here?, and you spoke to her!. But ghosts are spirits right, transparent?"

"That's a popular misconception, kids put on a white blanket to look like a ghost, agreed Inspector?"
"Yes."
"The blanket isn't see through and you can touch it, agreed?"

"Yes, but it's only for an effect."
"Or, it's for an accurate effect," said Mr Smithers.

"Come in, I'm on the internet right now, but I'll be with you soon, you know where the kettle is, make us both a drink will you.
I'm on the internet right now, trying to get some answers about something."

"You do seem concerned, what is it?"
"That case you told David about, well, Erica and Siobhan had a visitor earlier this morning, some girl that said she was murdered two days ago."

"The case I said about was two murdered and a suicide."
"That's why I've been on the internet, trying to find out what the difference between suicide and murder is."

"That's an easy answer," said the Inspector.
"Not really, on a deep level it is when a person murders themself."
"Hadn't thought of it like that," said Simon.

"That girl, her name is Veronica, she very troubled. If she was a living person I'd suggest a psychiatrist, but with a dead person? who should I get?" asked Mr Smithers.

"You know a damned sort more than me in these circumstances, I mean I wouldn't know where to begin. We need places to look to get the proof of who did these things," said Inspector Watts.

"As it stands at the moment, officially there are two dead people, and a suicide. Two of the dead people have moved on, the other, this mornings visitor was the suicide," said Mr Smithers.

"I have to say it, what do you want us to do?" asked Simon.
"Who is the best psychic?, who has helped the most?. Put the word out and the sooner the better.

I can look at a long list of psychics and not know who you'd trust, and that is what it comes down to. Siobhan and Erica are doing their best to help the girl, but she is having problems coming to terms with a mother that can't see or hear her any more."

"Yeah, I know it must be hard for them."
"It's like although they have been around for a long time they are only twenty or so years old, neither of them can be described as street wise.

If anything Erica's son is better situated to deal with the girl. But then he is a few years older," said Mr Smithers.
"Huh?" asked Simon.

"Don't worry about it, just accept it."
"Okay."
"Have you had any more leads Simon."
"Not really, well maybe, one of the bits of jewellery that was taken, we've got a photo that's being taken to jewellers shops, second hand places," said Simon.

"If we could have one, it might help," said Mr Smithers.
"There should be one in my briefcase."
He opened his case, moved a few files aside.
"Here we are."

"Thanks, now about these other psychics?"
"What I could do is e-mail the list to you, I'll put the ones that might be more suitable in bold. Tell you what, I'll go back to the station and do it straight away."

"No-one has told me what the girls name is?" asked Rodney.
"You mean?, oh sorry, yes, it's Veronica Green. Where is she now, anyway?" asked Simon.

"With Edward, she's gone to her mothers funeral, either that or she's visiting the grave. Must admit I was a bit engrossed with what I was doing earlier. I didn"˜t listen to much that they said. I don't think Edward or David heard anything either."

"Where are the girls?" asked Simon.
"They've been in the research room all day, that list you gave them before of the pawnbroker's, and the places where stolen property has been recovered from, they are making a list on the computer.

A list of who buys what and where they are. Also there's another list of Antique places, the valuation of that locket and all its details have been sent all over the place."

"I'd like to see that list when they're finished, the police have got a fairly extensive one, but if anything is better we'd appreciate it," said Simon, "I'll be going now, goodbye."

It was late in the day when the Edward and Veronica returned, Edward took Rodney aside.
"We had a few problems today, to cut a long story short I gave Veronica a really big serve about killing herself. Thing is, I don't think she knew what I was talking about."

"Then she really didn't kill herself?"
"That's the way it seems, now I told her that the police would have to think like that and I explained why. I'll tell the police bloke about her," said Edward.

"That might change the whole case."
"Why?"
"Think about it, they have to know how she died, which will make them look closer to the family, or some-one that's been in close contact with them recently.

Or it was well planned, and in that case, anything that was stolen may have had a buyer, that could make it even worse."
"How could it be worse than what it was?" asked Edward.

"They reason for the attack might have been the locket, the murders might have happened because they were there."
"I'll tell David to give that policeman a call."

"About that, I've got his mobile phone number here, best use that."
Edward came out into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Erica saw him then went to see David.

"Edward looks very thoughtful, what caused that?" asked Erica, "I first thought it was just him, but it could be something to do with the case," said Erica, "get the others."

Every one was sat at the kitchen table, every one kept very quiet. Edward looked up, gazing at each of them, seeing them all looking at him.

"Ok, I was hoping to take this to....oh right."
"What?" asked Erica.
"That was nothing.....I was about to say I wanted to take that to my grave, but I guess I did."

"What are you on about?" asked Erica.
"Come on, tell us or well have to knock the living crap out of you, which'll be hard, being as how you aren't living," said David.

Edward looked to Siobhan.

"You'll have to excuse him, he works on the theory that for every hundred comments he makes, two of them will be funny."
"And your still going to marry him?" asked
Edward.

"What is it Edward?" asked Siobhan.

"Sorry about this Siobhan, mum, and you Veronica, it's only when mum said about what happened that I took a close look at the locket, and well, the chain isn't the original one."

"No, you are wrong, on the valuation slip it says that the chain is the original one."
"Before we go any further, I'll want a pen and paper. Lets just suppose the chain is an add on.

If it was said by the person that valued it as original, and it wasn't that puts him in the picture. Why do you think it isn't original Edward?" asked David.

"Because there was three of them made, I had them made one each for my wife and children."
"WHAT!" exclaimed Erica.
"Bloody hell! hahahaha."

"David?"
"Sorry, but a twenty year old that's a grandmother?"
"He does have a point there," said Veronica.

"There is more, a lot more," said Edward.
"I kept this quiet because I found that my wife was very interested in dark magics. I never could prove it but I think she was the cause of my children dying.

Thing is it is possible they were a sacrifice. Mum next time I go to their graves, will you come with me."

Without uttering a word Erica went to Edward, she hugged him like only a mother can.

"Edward," said Mr Smithers, "I'll have to tell that to Simon Watts, I don't want you to think I'm being a sod about this, but did your wife have any notable contacts?"

"I did see her once, in February of nineteen twenty three, she didn't recognise me, but I do know what she was trying to do."
"Well go on."
"She was closing an abbey, never found out why exactly, just that some-one who was there had to leave there, don't know who."

"Where was that abbey what was it called?" asked David.
"I think it was in Italy, the abbey of Thelema," said Edward.

"I can give you a few answers, from what you've said about her and who was at the abbey, being how he was ordered to leave the abbey by the Italian government, the person who had to leave first was Aleister Crowley," said David,

"I am guessing here, but even so, well I'd say that you were married around about eighteen forty five, I'm basing that on your use of the word children, that's eighty eight years later."

"Your fairly close, your right about another thing she'd been dead for seventy years when the abbey was closed," said Edward.
"We ought to tell that to the police, just not to sure how to," said Mr Smithers.

"They have been looking for the necklace in the towns around here, I'm not sure that I'd want it back, anyway. Would you want it Edward?" asked Veronica.

"Depends who it was for," said Edward, "if it has one of my sons name on it then yes."
"Oh, one of your sons, then the one we had was one of your sons. On the back, the top lip, in tiny writing was "˜MATHEU S.'"

"My youngest."
"Just a thought here, but maybe the person who wants it back lives in the house you lived in Edward?" asked Siobhan, "where was it that you lived?"

"It was near the town of Evesham, if my memory is right. Why, are you thinking we should go there?"
"No, but when we get a possible on the locket, they should be asked if it's gone to Evesham," said Siobhan.

"But that'll tip them off."
"Exactly, we also watch for new places up for sale, and if they don't, well, we know where they live anyway. It's only a matter of time before Edward remembers where he lived."

"Should we go to a few antique places in Evesham?" asked Erica.
"No, it might be a bit dangerous until we know what type of person we're up against," said David.

"Well, we know a bit about them, we know they're ok with murdering people, maybe they are evil worshippers," said Veronica.
"That's a thought, can we have a look at the crime scene, if there is magic used, it might be something like a talisman to stop us finding them," said Mr Smithers.

Picking up the phone David rang Inspector Watts, waiting patiently for the phone to be answered.
"Is that Totnes police station, good. I"˜d like to speak to Insp. Simon Watts, it's David from Supernatural Eye here."

Once again David waited.
"Oh Simon, we'd like to see the crime scene photos, we've got a new direction that involves devil worshippers.

The necklace, there's a few things about that, the town of Evesham is central to it. Those three murders may have been done just to get the necklace."
"Thanks for that, any info on the necklace?" asked the Inspector.

"Quite a bit, originally there were three necklaces like that, if you do find one, check the inscription on the back, the top lip will have a name inscribed there. Tell us what it is," said David.

"Anything else?"
"Yes, tell us fast, offer the people who work at the place you find it protection and get them as far away as quick as you can. And on no account should the necklace be touched without gloves on."

"Are you saying the necklace has magical powers?" asked Insp. Simon Watts.
"No, but the first owner may have, the name on it is Sarrah-Jane. S.

We think the people who are after it also have magical powers. Any way that's about it, any news about the psychic?"
"He should be with you this morning, he is on holiday in Torquay."

"What's his name?" asked David.
"It's Pitts, although he uses the name Althamea Flame."
"So, any news?" asked Siobhan.

"The psychic will be here at some time today, so we'd best get ready."
It was nearly one fifteen before the front door needed to be answered.

"Would you be the psychic?" asked Mr Smithers.
"Yes, I was asked by the police to come here, but they didn't say what it was about."
Rodney showed him through to the kitchen.

"I can feel a presence here," said Pitts.
"Only one?" asked Siobhan.
"No, there's four here, what do you know?"
"Their names. So tell me would you be happier with talking about them or to them."

"What?"
"Erica can you make us a cuppa please," said Mr Smithers.
Erica walked past them, then she continued through the kitchen table.

"That's different, I converse with the dead, but I feel them, I don't normally see them," said Pitts.
At that moment David and Siobhan returned from the shops.

"And you want me to hold a seance for one of them?" asked Pitts.
"No, no seances, keep your party tricks for the shows. We want the real deal here, there's a ghost here called Veronica, we want you to find out who killed her, how she was killed and what the person looked like.

Then when that's finished, we'd want you to help Erica's son locate where he lived, and I mean only where he lived. I don't want you to even think of his wife or children, believe me that would be a very dangerous thing to do," said Rodney.

"So? how should I contact them?"
"You could just say hello, tell them your name and why you are here. Or you could shake their hand."
"Having fun yet?" asked Siobhan.

"No, and I don't think we will be, I mean he is supposed to be good, but I don't think so," said Mr Smithers.
"I'll have you know I'm a world renowned psychic."

"So tell me about Siobhan?" asked Mr Smithers.
"Look I don't do people."
"Enough is enough, have a cuppa and leave. You, you're just not good enough," said Mr Smithers.

David had been listening, he heard the tone his dad's voice getting sterner. He had rung through to Inspector Watts and was waiting for him.

"At last, that psychic that's here, please tell me he's from the bottom of the pile," said David.
"No, he is highly recommended, why?" asked Simon.

"There was a ghost standing next to him and he didn't know, he couldn't even tell that there was a ghost next to him. If he is the best you can do, you'd best put us on your list, cos he is crap," said David.

"Oh come on, he isn't that bad."
"There was a ghost in the room, he was talking to her but didn't realise the person was a ghost, it wasn't until she walked through the table that the psychic knew she was a ghost.

I'd appreciate it if you'd come here and get him out of here cos my dad is going to do something to him soon."
"I'll be there in a few minutes," said Simon, and he put the phone down.

David went into the kitchen. As promised Simon got to their place in a few minutes. He'd got the psychic to leave and gone back in.
"I'm sorry about that, he came highly recommended."

"I think we'd better tell him," said David.
"Siobhan can you get the others here please?"
David, Simon and Rodney sat at the table as one by one the others came in and sat down.

"So Simon," said David, "would you be ok with a ghost being here."
Simon slowly looked about the room, "I suppose so."

"Good, that girl the police think committed suicide, who we are sure that was murdered."
"About that David, how can you be sure?" asked Simon.
"I told him," said Veronica.

"You've probably seen photos of her, but you may not have met her, Simon, the girl that was murdered, this is her."
He looked at him then Veronica.

"You really can't say that you're scared, cos you've met her."
"Thank you David, Rodney, great, thanks. How are you guys with this?"

"You know how Siobhan and I are due to be married soon, well Siobhan has something not many brides have."
"Go on then, I'll ask, what is it?"

"She's got a death certificate."
"So, whose is it?"
"Hers!."
Simon closed his eyes, raised a finger, "What?"

"Siobhan and her cousin died on the same day in eighteen twenty three."
"Who is her cousin?" asked Simon.
"I am," said Erica.

Simon looked at David then Mr Smithers.
"We are like you, but before you look at Edward," said David.
"Ghost?" asked Simon.
"Ghost, he'll make you think twice." said Mr Smithers.

"Yeah, why's that?" asked Simon.
"Edward is Erica's son, oh and before you say about the looks, take it that Edward died when he was older than what his mum was when she died."

"Let me see if I've got this straight, when you marry Siobhan, your first cousin will be younger than your wife but her son will be older than you."
"Yep, now get your head around this one, when Erica marries dad."

"OI!"

"Sorry dad, IF Erica marries dad then my step mum will be younger than me but her son will be older," said David.
Then looking to Veronica, Simon said.

"And I bet they've got a TV for entertainment."
"Oh well things are looking better," said Mr Smithers.
"What do you mean by that?"

"You just made a joke with a ghost!"
Simon gazed at Veronica, "Didn't even think like that."
"He just needs to do one thing now."
"What's that Veronica?" asked Siobhan.
"Make it funny."

"That's good," said Siobhan, "as we'll want you to play psychiatrist with Veronica."
"And don't get any ideas, if you start trying to play doctors and nurses I'll tell my dad."

"WHAT! where, ay!"
"She's pulling your leg."
"Thank gawd for that."
"But what you said about me earlier?"

"Put it like this, if you ask her question's like some-one in the cells, the answer might be a bit different." said David, "Bit like Cluedo with a twist."

"How do you mean?" asked Insp Watts.
"The answers are likely to be, Mr Brown killed me in the kitchen with the candlestick holder," said Veronica.

"What you said earlier, about you lot being on the psychic list, if you are all agreeable, it could be another feather in your cap," said Simon, "are you all able to talk with other ghosts?"

"Are you able to talk to David and Rodney?" asked Edward.
"Yeah, fair enough."
"You alright with this?" asked Simon.

"Yes, and it'll help you find Edwards locket, ooh, shouldn't have said that," replied Veronica.
"What's going on?"

"Yes!.... the necklace, it was one of three that Edward gave to his wife and both his sons, the one that Veronica had was Matheu's. The one that is the problem would be his wife's, he thinks of her as a bit of a witch."

"A bit is alright."
"Depends which bit, she might have been a devil worshipper, and maybe she left the abbey of Thelma in nineteen eleven, sixty three years after she died."

"And that's your way of saying look but don't touch?" asked Simon.
"Did it work?" asked Rodney.
"An effective statement. But how will you deal with it?"

"First of all, we'll keep to finding the necklace, then maybe where Edwards house is and Veronica's murderers."
"So what is first on your list of things to do?" asked Simon.

"Try and find a location for the necklace, oh and see the photos of the crime scene."
"Leave the photographs to me, I'll get them for you."
As he was leaving Siobhan answered the phone.

David was still sat in the kitchen.
"That was that psychic, he said that he had failed you, but he didn't want to leave it at that. He reckons he has a talent, but it isn't like ours.

But get this, he said she had been contacted by some-one who won't speak to us, any of us. The message is that we might look in the right place but with the wrong beliefs," said Siobhan.

"Well, good for him. I hope you said thanks," said David.
"I did, especially for the other thing he said."
"What was that?" asked Mr Smithers.

"Just this, the message he got was to say hello Edward Strathborne. Thing is he may have been introduced as Edward, but never by that name," said Siobhan.

"Oh, that's a good point. That Pitts may well be of use to us. I'll tell him I'm sorry for the names I used," said Mr Smithers.
"That's alright, I'll go and tell him now, see you later," said Edward.

"So where do we look next?" asked David.
"I'm trying to think who it could be that contacted that psychic, think about it, it's some-one who knows about us, who knows what we are doing, and who knows Edward as Strathborne," said Mr Smithers.

"Erica, what are you're thinking?" asked Siobhan.
"It could be, Sarrah Jane or one of the sons, failing that my favourite is my father."
"Oh, yes, uncle Bob," said Siobhan.

"He does fit," said Erica.
"No, he doesn't fit at all, who ever contacted Pitts didn't want to contact us, was afraid to contact us. That would be, well, don't tell Edward until I'm sure," said David.

"So who do you think it might be?" asked Siobhan.
"His wife Sarrah Jane."
"Oh, the devil worshipper!"

"No, and I say that for two reasons. Firstly the abbey of Thelema, there was a case of a blood sacrifice there, and the bloke in charge is reputed to have been a not very nice person. Edward Alexander Crowley."

"And the other reason."
"Oh, Edward. I, er, didn't want to say this until I was sure."
"That's alright David, say it anyway."

"Ok, well that psychic said that we'd look in the right place, but with the wrong beliefs. If we did look with the wrong beliefs, we may have missed what we should have seen.

What was it that made you think that she was a devil worshipper?" asked David.
"I found her talking with a Catholic, a Father Graythorpe. They were reading the Great Grimoire together," said Edward.

"You'd best enlighten me, what's the great grimoire?" asked Erica.
"A book of magic, as used by evil doers, contains the names of demons, who they are what they do, how to contact them and a lot of information about black magic."

"What possible reason could she have had to read that, if it wasn't for an evil purpose."
"You ready for this Edward?" asked David.

"What is it David? I know you know more than most people, you can make the roses smell even ones that have no smell," said Mr Smithers.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Siobhan.
"David," said his dad, "make me proud of you."

"In olden times Catholic priests would read the great grimoire, they would use the knowledge in them to help with an exorcism. It's a possibility that Sarrah Jane was going to help do an exorcism, and she didn't want you involved Edward."

"But, I could have been wrong all this time?"
"Like I said Edward, I want to be sure first," said David.
"You never cease to amaze me David," said Siobhan.

"David, I know you and Siobhan want to get married, just in case you are right about Sarrah, can you wait until this case is over?" asked Edward.

"Edward, can you remember when you found your wife reading the grimoire. That will give us a time frame, if the police speak to the church leaders of the area, they'll get the information that we wouldn't, plus we'd have a direction on where to look for Veronica's murderers."

"I'm fairly sure it was in December eighteen sixty," said Edward.
"Thanks, I'll tell Inspector Watts, get him to get the Catholic records of any exorcisms after that time," said Mr Smithers.

"It might be a waste of time, but the right people may believe we're looking in the wrong place. We should all go to some local places tomorrow, so Erica, Veronica and Edward, go to Exeter.

Siobhan how about you and I look about Torquay. Dad will you go to see the police?"
"I'll also mention that we are still in touch with their psychic, just that he wasn't what we wanted, but in his field he is very helpful," said Mr Smithers.

"I realise you can't use my name, but I'll second that," said Edward.

PC's Stevie Rose and Sarah Philips were given the job of Finding out about the exorcisms of after eighteen sixty, initially they contacted the Father from St Mary's church in Evesham.

He sought guidance in the records, learning as he read. He found details about a planned exorcism that involved two brothers, Matheu and Andreimus Saunders. It noted that before the exorcism had been due to start, Matheu said that they were already being helped by two others.

But that they weren't from the church, nor were they mentioned by name. Word of the records about the proposed exorcism were quickly passed to Edward.

Mr Smithers had suggested that Pitts be told so that he could ask his spirit guide who they were. Pitts had been able to make contact with his guide, the guide did say that they who were spoken of lived in a village known as Tuckenhay, near the town of Totnes.

He had spoken with them two years before and that they still lived near Totnes. Inspector Watts was asked if the story could be verified.

It was three hours later that Inspector Watts returned the phone call, saying that the current owners were on record as Daphne and Ashleigh, but no surname was stated. Siobhan and David went to see them.

Seeing a car drive into their courtyard Dani opened the front door and stood in the doorway, waiting to see who it was.
David and Siobhan introduced themselves.

"Hello we are.."
"I know who you are, we've been expecting you," said Dani.
"You have? who is we?" asked Siobhan.

"Pitts had to pretend not to notice you before, but then you didn't notice him either."
Siobhan and David looked at each other.

"What do you mean?" asked David.
"Come inside, all will be told."
David and Siobhan followed Dani into the house, in the kitchen were four others.

"Your Pitts!, but how do you know these people?" asked Siobhan.
"First up, the message I passed on was a lie."
"No, it couldn't have been, the name you used," said Siobhan.

"Siobhan Saunders, you're a ghost, just like your cousin and her son. But you've only been dead a short while, compared to me that is," said Pitts.

"But, your not a ghost, are you?" asked David.
"No, but you don't need to know what we are just yet."
"How do you mean? what you are?"

"All of us are dead," said Pitts.
"So you aren't exactly a psychic are you?" asked David.
"No, but do you think the police would knowingly talk with a dead person, not including you Siobhan."

"The case we are working on, can you help us any more than you have?" asked David.
"Yes, but would you prefer to meet us, say tonight. If you want to get that policeman you can, but I wouldn't advise it."

"Why not?" asked David.
"Some that we are friends with may appear, in their official capacity."
"Who are you?" asked Siobhan, "and if you are dead, why don't I know it?"

"To answer that, I'll ask a question. Can David tell when a human isn't dead?" asked Darla.
"She's got a point there, ok, be at our place, say four thirty this afternoon," said David.

"We'll still be busy here, eight would be better," said Dani.
It was just before eight that night that Mr Smithers showed the guests into the front room.

"If you'd like a drink before we start just say so."
"No thanks, we had a drink before we left, shouldn't think you've got e like anyway," said Darla.

"Fair enough, now I've told everyone here about you Pitts, plus you've met us, but about your friends, you have us at a disadvantage," said David.

"Ok, there's Dani and Leia, they've only been dead about two years."
"Sorry "˜bout that, how did they die?" asked Erica.

"Darla killed us, but that's ok," said Leia.
"This is Darla, and this is Graeves."
"Well that's a name and a half, I'd say it isn't your proper name, but how did you get that name?" asked Mr Smithers.

"It was Dani and Leia, who started that name. Then Darla and Amanda who died recently, you'll be told about that soon, my proper name is Cranbourne."

"Hi, I'm Darla, I'd say I'm the oldest here. But this isn't a contest to see who's the oldest. Edward, about your wife, I met her when she was trying to help Father Graythorpe exorcise your sons Matheu and Andreimus.

She does know why you misunderstood her, and she would like to see you, do you want to see her?" asked Darla.
"Yes, I would, how do you know that? when did she tell you that?" asked Edward.

"About a minute ago."
"She's here?" asked Edward, looking around.
"This way, Edward look over here."
Edward stared to where Darla was indicating, just as his wife began to materialise.

Cautiously he touched her hand, on knowing he could feel her, he embraced her.
"Excuse me dear?"
He turned, "Sorry mum, I'd very much like you to meet my wife, Sarrah Jane."

"We meet at last," said Erica, "Darla just told us how you met, but I know there's more, what is it?"

"For a start, Darla, Graeves and Pitts helped Father Graythorpe and myself remove the demons from my sons. There was another with them, she is known to Graeves.

He told me that soon she would be known to us. They will be able to help you find where we used to live Edward, I have been there just a few days ago, it's a nice place but it needs some TLC," said Sarrah.

She looks at Darla.
"Is it alright to tell them?"
"Tell us what?" asked Erica.
"It wouldn't matter what you say, they helped our sons, as far as I'm concerned they are good people," said Edward.

"I suppose that only David and Rodney may be a bit unsettled by them, but they've no need to be, they don't feed on humans," said Sarrah.
"What? what did you mean by that?" asked David.

"They are vampires."
"Dead, but not ghosts, I did wonder. Oh my god!, yes!, I wonder? Erica, my uncle Bob said about vampires once, but I thought he was telling me tales," said Siobhan.

"Was it about these ones?" asked Erica.
"Not these ones, but the names Darla, Pitts, Cranbourne and Amanda were spoken of."
"Who was it about?"

"Your father met two vampires near Fenny Compton. He said their names were Carrisma and Paul," said Siobhan.

"We did a few things together, one time Darla and I closed down an abbey in Italy, together we stopped an evil uprising. This other time, just recently I ventured to a far away country, I actually met a friend of theirs, Amanda.

Those she was with, they really scared me, but when I found out what they had gone up against, I was petrified," said Sarrah Jane.
"What do you mean?" asked Edward.

"That Amanda, she was friends with a Goddess, she helped those known as Demon Hunters, Amanda died when she was part of an attack on the devil itself," said Sarrah Jane.

"Any friend of Amanda, I'd like to be their friend," said David.
"How about me then, I was married to Amanda," said Graeves.

"Will you be able to help me?" asked Veronica, "and in doing so help the police solve a murder?"
"Yes, that is why we are here Veronica," said Pitts.

"We didn't know this before, but Veronica had Matheu's necklace. We think she had been killed for it, I don't know where the others are," said Edward.

"One of them is buried with a horse in Tintagel Edward, that is Sarrah's necklace," said Graeves.
"I've got an idea," said Leia, "when we find the other two, how about putting them together."

"In the grave?" asked Graeves.
"No, where Edward and Sarrah can see them. With David and Mr Smithers," said Leia.
"I like that idea, you don't mind if I stay with you, do you?" asked Sarrah Jane.

"I'd like it if you all would accept Sarrah Jane as a friend.
"I'm not going to argue with you," said Veronica, "I'd appreciate your help."

"If you ask how the exorcism went, Father Graythorpe may have omitted many details," said Sarrah Jane.
"I should think the report would have read we came we saw we conquered."

"That's basically it, those words may have been different, but the sentiment is the same," said Sarrah Jane.
"I'm still unsure on a few things, why did you help with the exorcism, what is it that you are not telling us?" asked Veronica

"Time for secrets," said Graeves.
"Meaning what?" asked Edward.
A voice is heard in the room. "Every-one should leave now except Edward, Sarrah and Graeves." When they were alone.

"As I am, I am to be known as Scherry. The time is nearly with us, they have been called to return. Edward and Sarrah, I was with Graeves at the exorcism, because of who your son's Matheu's daughters would be and now are."

Edward and Sarrah turned to each other, "We never knew them."
"I'm sorry, but you never will, just be happy knowing that they are both chosen."

"Chosen as what? by who? what for?" asked Sarrah.
"Graeves, you need to keep this secret, but only for another week or two."

The room grew bright, as the brightness faded Scherry stood before them, with two others. Yet Scherry's body glowed.
"Why are you glowing?" asked Sarrah.
"I chose Matheu's daughters, Andrea and Judith, they are of mine."

"Both of them? they are both Demon Hunters?" asked Graeves.
"Who are you? and who are they?" asked Edward.
"I am the Goddess Medusera, they are the two Generals of The Armed Forces of Byzantium."

"Amanda said she thinks they are the leaders of the Demon Hunters," said Graeves.
"As I'll say again Graeves, clever girl that Amanda."

"So, what do we do now?" asked Edward.
"Graeves and Pitts will return to St Albans, you two should go to live in Evesham with the others, your old house needs some TLC. Darla, Dani and Leia need to return to Tuckenhay."

"And what of you Goddess?" asked Graeves.
"I'll be ready for the phone call."

THE END
Or you could read The New Angel Investigations pt 2 again.