Introduction

The Witch's Cauldron is a story that was inspired by a paper clay craft haunted house I created during

last years Halloween along with some of its characters and creatures. I have added pictures of the house

and its living and dead residents to make it more enjoyable to read along the story. I hope here on

menewsha everyone enjoys reading it as much as i enjoyed writing it, though i sometimes feel the

characters had whispered the story in my ear while i had crafted them :)
Happy reading!

ATTENTION:
I would appreciate it if anyone who would like to comment and critic the story, please do it on my

profile page as i wish to keep the story posting chapter wise as i progress along... Please do leave

your comments on my profile page as feedback is the feul for writing better :)

The Witch’s Cauldron

Chapter 1

The Library of the infamous Brookville High was usually silent and boring in the last period of school. Madam Agnes, the librarian, sat lazily in her chair and waited for the bell to ring so she could go home for the rest of the day. She looked up as she heard gasps and sighs coming from the horror/fiction section.
“Are you still here Miss Katherine?” Madam Agnes called out, irritated.
“Umm... Yes Madam, I had my last period off. I’m almost done though.” A small timid voice answered back.
“Dear child, all that fiction is bad for the head and heart.” Madam Agnes said in a disapproving voice.
“I am sorry Madam; I guess I got carried away again.” Katherine answered apologetically.
“And it wasn’t the first time dear…” Madam Agnes muttered in frustration. She always wondered why an intelligent and hard working student like Katherine spent her spare time in the library’s horror section. Sometimes Katherine spent her break time in the library too, and it was beyond Madam Agnes to understand why.
Katherine was an orphan teenager who lived with Aunt Maggie, a woman who sheltered orphans in her old run down house. An ordinary brown haired and oval brown eyed girl, Katherine had a hard life, sewing and mending, and also taking care of other orphans. Aunt Maggie was a lady with a heart of gold but she demanded hard work from every one of them. Madam Agnes knew the school was an escape for Katherine from her tough life.

Katherine, better known as Kate, was oblivious to Madam Agnes’s thoughts as she drowned all her attention in the book she was reading. It was an intense climax and she didn’t want to miss out anything. She knew the bell would ring soon and she would have to go back to the old house and help out Aunt Maggie. She couldn’t take the book there because she never had time for anything once she entered her home, and at night she was always too tired and only wanted to sleep.
As Kate reached the last page, she heard a strange sound… it was a muffled, melodious sound, as if someone was singing a song underwater.
It had been a few weeks back when she had heard it for the first time. It was an eerie and sad sound, and it gave the feeling as if someone from the dead was calling her. Kate felt a cool shudder trickle down her spine. She hastily looked around the empty library and scanned all the corners of the library to see if someone was there. But the library was empty, only Madam Agnes sat glancing at her watch to see when the bell will ring. Kate let out a breath and tried to get back to her book but the feeling of being watched wouldn’t leave her. When the bell rang, she saw Madam Agnes hurrying to leave; Kate knew her story’s climax would have to wait.
“Come on Katherine, I have to lock the library, your monsters can wait till tomorrow.” Madam Agnes stood near the library’s double door entrance.
“Am I the only one here? I thought I heard singing.” Kate asked as she hurried to get her stuff from the reading table.
“It’s only you dear, but if you keep reading those scary stories, you might start seeing things too.” Madam Agnes rolled her eyes and started locking the door as soon as Kate stepped out.
Kate sighed and went to look for Suzie. Suzie was one of the little girls living with her in the old house. Sun kissed yellow hair and twinkling blue eyes, Suzie was an angel. Kate was assigned to watch over the little girl and teach her how to do errands like everyone else. Kate loved Suzie like her own sister and shared all her thoughts with her. She never had a hard time teaching her anything, it was as if Suzie knew everything by herself. Kate thought she was a blessing from above and loved here dearly.
When she spotted Suzie, standing near the flower pots, Kate hurried towards her so they could walk home together.
“Hello Sunshine! How was your day?” Kate smiled and asked her.
“You are the sunshine, Kate, I am your starlight.” Suzie snaked her arm around Kate’s and smiled up at her. Kate let out a hearty laugh and was surprised to hear herself so happy. Suzie had that effect on her, she was a magical fairy who brought happiness to everyone around her, Kate thought.
“You still haven’t answered my question, Princess.” Kate tugged at Suzie’s blond, braided hair.
“My day was wonderful Kate, I hope yours was fantastic too” Suzie held her head up to see Kate nod but Kate shook her head instead and sighed.
“It could have been, if I had managed to finish reading my book. I don’t have free periods tomorrow, so I will have to go to the library at lunch time again.” Kate sighed helplessly.
“Aw… don’t be sad Kate; you should have brought the book with you.” Suzie suggested.
“No, I don’t want to risk it by taking it home, if it hadn’t been for that eerie sound, I could have finished it today.” Kate replied.
“You heard the strange sound again? Oh Kate, tell me all about it, do you still think it’s your imagination?” Suzie was suddenly so excited and charged that it made Kate laugh again. She had told Suzie all about the sounds she was hearing at the library and Suzie was amazed by the information. Kate thought it was either her imagination or someone was trying to scare her out of the library, probably Madam Agnes.
“Well, I don’t really know Suzie, today I felt like I was being watched and it sent a chill run down my spine, when I looked around, no one was there.” Kate answered the little girl.
“Maybe it’s a good spirit passing by who has noticed your interest in the living dead.” Suzie teased and giggled.
“Yes, and now it wants me to go with it to the land of the dead.” Kate rolled her eyes and poked Suzie playfully.
“Well then, if you decide to go, take me with you, I don’t think I would enjoy a lot in that house all by myself.” Suzie declared and gestured towards the old house where they lived. Kate looked up and smiled.
“Done!” she replied and they both walked in to help Aunt Maggie out.

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Chapter 2

Anya Edmond sat awake in her room as the big clock struck 12. She was a vampire so she never slept at night. Sleep was what she did when the sun came out. The night was when her day began. But since a month, she hadn't slept much. She had been obsessed over the journal she held in her hand. It wasn't just any journal; it belonged to her mother. Anya had taken it with her when she ran away from the castle of Viktor Gordon, her grandfather.
Anya had been 2, when her mother had left her in a convent and never returned. The black maroon haired girl with and deep dark eyes had spent 16 years there, always wondering why she was abandoned and prayed for her family to return. When she turned 18, her prayer was answered, but not exactly as she had imagined.
To Anya’s surprise, she was the legal heiress of the castle that belonged to her late father, Edmond Gordon. He had married her mother, Victoria Edmond, against the wish of his father; Viktor Gordon, who in rage had banished them from his land and forbidden them ever to return. However, two years later when he found out that his son had passed away and Victoria had committed suicide, he broke down and wanted to bring back the child that deserved its rightful place. But he had no knowledge where Anya was. Before he passed away, he left his will, leaving everything to Anya.
Anya was very happy as she waited for her carriage to come and take her home. She was told that she had an uncle and aunt who are caretakers of the castle, waiting for her to return. When she heard the office door open where she sat waiting for her uncle, Anya thought her carriage had arrived. But it was Sister Grace, one of the sisters who had been exceptionally nice to her all these years. She had a brown box in her hand which she placed in front of Anya.
“Dear child, I have to tell you something you might not want to hear. But believe me when I say, it is extremely important, and completely true.” Sister Grace looked pale and tense as she spoke to Anya.
“What is it Sister? Is everything alright?” Anya had never seen her so horrified.
“It is about your mother, and about the day she left you here. I was the one to take you in and I remember everything she said to me that horrible night.” Sister Grace crossed herself and Anya saw her tremble.
“What night? And what did my mother say?” Anya was confused and waited for her to reply.
“The night of the black eclipse, that was the night you were brought here. Dear child, your mother did not commit suicide, she was murdered by your grandfather, Viktor Gordon.” Sister Grace spoke without any doubt. Anya gasped in horror before asking,
“How do you know all this? Please tell me everything.”
“There isn’t time my child, but take this with you,” the sister pulled out an old journal from the box and gave it to Anya, “it is your mother’s, she told me that if you ever left the convent, I must give it to you. And also her pendant.” the sister pulled out a heavy gold pendant from the box and placed it on Anya’s hand.
“My child, you will have plenty of time to read her journal on the way to the castle, and after you have read it, you must put on the pendant, it will keep you safe.” Sister Grace patted Anya’s side and prayed to the lord to keep her safe.
“Why can’t I put on the pendant now?” Anya looked puzzled with every thing.
“You need to know about Victoria’s life and her responsibility before you can embrace it.” Sister Grace became silent as the door opened. The carriage had arrived.

Anya was shaken to the core as she stepped inside the empty carriage. Her uncle did not come to pick her up and she had the whole carriage to herself. She didn’t wait long and opened up the journal to read. She had to know why Sister Grace was so frightened. On the first page, a bold title stared back at her, ‘The Lost House’, and beneath it, was a pencil sketch of a weird looking house. As she read along and learned more about the house, she completely lost track of time. It was a strange tale about a witch and her invisible, magical house, where everyone with a good heart was accepted and loved. But there were vampires who had come together wanting to destroy the house and obtain its magical powers to their evil benefits. Anya could not understand what this tale had to do with her mother. They were mere stories of how everyone came to the witch’s house and became a family. Anya still had a few pages to read when the carriage came to a halt. She had finally reached the castle. Anya tucked away the journal in her bag and stepped outside to see the magnificent castle, proudly standing on the left side of a thick jungle, beyond which stood a huge mountain.
As Anya walked towards the castle, she forgot all the tales she had just read. When she entered the hallway, she was led towards the dinning hall by a servant, where a dark figure sat waiting for her. Anya thought it was her uncle and went up to greet him. She saw him stand and step in the dimly lit candle light. Suddenly, Anya took a step back and gasped in horror. The person was a walking skeleton, pale and deathly looking, with fierce red eyes.
“Hello Anya! We meet at last. I am your grandfather, Viktor Gordon.” Viktor held out his boney hand towards Anya.
“That is not possible, Viktor Gordon is dead?” Anya blurted out as fear entered her eyes.
“We are family now, so I won’t lie to you. It is true I am not alive, but my sweet child, that does not mean I am dead.” Viktor smiled menacingly at Anya, as she noticed his large white fangs.
Fear stricken, Anya turned to run but Viktor was fast and he grabbed her wrist, and started dragging her up the staircase that led to the master bedroom.
“Come now child, I have a gift for you upstairs… the precious gift of immortality.” Viktor’s lewd laugh echoed around the castle walls, as did Anya’s unheard screams.
After two days, Anya woke up a vampire, weak and hungry. Her eyes had turned red and her complexion pale. Viktor sat by her side holding an unconscious woman he offered Anya to drink from. Anya just spat on his face and told him to get lost. Viktor smirked at her slyly and left saying, “You will beg me for blood before this night is over.” But Anya didn’t care about Viktor. She had to get out of there. She scanned the room and found her bag and she grabbed the journal and the pendant, “I will finish the book later; right now I need protection and strength!” Anya pulled the pendant over her head. Instantly, it began to glow and in a flash, Anya knew where the lost house was. She had been there before with her mother, a long time ago.

Chapter 3

Kate was heading to the library, the next day at lunch time when she saw Madam Agnes locking the door of her destination.
“Madam, are you leaving? I wanted to finish my book.” Kate spoke in alarm as if it were a matter of life and death.
“Oh dear, I am afraid I need to go have lunch with the headmistress, but don’t you worry, I will be back soon.” Madam Agnes turned to leave when Kate stopped her again.
“Why don’t you let me in and I can finish my book till you return?” Kate looked ready to beg and even though Madam Agnes wasn’t in favor of her choice of literature, her heart melted.
“Oh Katherine, those monsters are getting in your head… Alright, I will let you in but lock the door so no one else comes poking their heads in.” Madam Agnes opened the door for her and Kate thought it was the happiest moment of her life.
“You are wonderful Madam, Thank you so much.” Kate closed the door behind her after she saw Madam Agnes roll her eyes and hurry to lunch.
Kate didn’t waste any time and hurried to read the last page of her story. She wasn’t really a fan of the dark side but since a young age, she felt pulled towards such tales. She knew it was all fiction yet something inside her rebelled with her belief. Finally she had decided to read all she could and maybe grow out of the strange obsession.
When she found out it was a happy ending; she closed the book with a smile on her face. She was almost out of her chair, to put the book back in its place, when she heard the sound again, the sad calling of the dead. It made her freeze knowing she was all alone in the library, yet the strange eerie feeling returned that someone was there. She couldn’t take it any more and decided to speak up.
“Hello! Is anyone here?” Kate asked and waited for a reply.
“This is not funny anymore; whoever you are please show yourself.” Kate waited again but no answer came.
“WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?” Kate almost screamed and noticed immediately the sad creepy sound stop. She looked around waiting for someone to show when she was startled out of her skin with a loud ‘THUD’ on the reading table. When she looked down in front of her, she saw it… it was an old, worn out journal. Kate couldn’t believe how it had landed there out of thin air. She hastily backed off from the journal lying harmlessly on top of the table, as if it would steal her soul.
“What is this? Who is doing all this?” Now Kate was really frightened but she was also very curious. She waited awhile before speaking again.
“You want me to read it?” Kate inquired and looked around for the hundredth time.
Suddenly, the cover of the journal flipped open, answering Kat’s question, but before she could start screaming, she saw a sketch of a house that drew Kate to the journal like a magnet. She couldn’t understand what made her reach hastily for the old diary and touch the fading sketch. She heard a sigh of relief from behind her but when she turned, no one was there. Kate had finally found what she had been looking for in the library. She knew this journal was no false tale and that she was somehow connected to it.
Before she could inquire more, she heard a knock on the door and Madam Agnes calling her name. She grabbed the journal and went out to read her new book.

Chapter 4

When Anya managed to escape Viktor Gordon’s castle, she headed straight to the jungle spread on the right side of the castle. Being a vampire, she could easily recall memories of her childhood which she couldn’t before as a mortal. Anya knew the lost house was deep in the jungle were only those whom the witch had accepted into the house can see it and enter. Anyone else will pass right through and be blind to it. As she neared her destination, Anya saw her pendant start to glow more. It shone as bright as a star, and Anya knew only she could see its light.
Beyond a dense patch of trees, Anya could see a similar glow and as she made her way past the thick branches and leave, she found herself standing right in front of the lost house.
It was exactly like her mother’s sketch in the journal, and like her own forgotten memory of the past. Anya stood frozen at the dusty tiled pathway that led to the door. It was a unique and strange looking two storey house, more like parts of two, entirely different kinds of homes. It wasn’t physically divided but more characteristically separated by an invisible force. On the roof, there was a stone dragon and Anya hoped it was only a statue. The right side of the house belonged to the living and looked like a normal home, while the left side was for the dead, resembling a haunted shack. Anya turned her head to the right and drank in the details of the lush green yard, which was bordered with daisies and roses. There was a small, pretty pond where a little white duck swam blissfully ignorant of her strange residence. A little further, Anya saw a small round table, with tea and cookies on it, and a pair of pink lawn chairs. The tea looked warm and steamy implying that the witch was home.
When Anya found the strength to proceed further, she noticed a big, hairy tarantula staring back at her with yellow menacing eyes. Anya almost screamed at it as it opened its blood dripping mouth, but in the same instance, it started to chant…
“I Wanna Be A Witch! I Wanna Be A Witch!”
Anya was dumbstruck as she stared in wonder at the black spider sitting on top of a covered stone well. She wondered what could be inside the closed well.
“Are you a talking spider?” Anya asked in wonder and at the same time felt silly to be talking to it, especially when the spider didn’t bother to answer back.
“Oh well, I am here to meet with the witch, so don’t mind me and carry on singing.” Anya paused to see if she could get a reply from it, but the spider kept staring and chanted again, “I Wanna Be A Witch! I Wanna Be A Witch!”
She cautiously made her way towards the door, glancing back to make sure the spider wasn’t following her and passed an old log, lying next to an out door fire on top of which, a cauldron dripping with green slim, stood ready to cook up a spell. Anya noticed a foul sweet smell coming from it and wondered what was in it, but she decided it best to keep her curiosities at bay and look for the witch. A couple of steps further, a thick barked tree stood with the carving of an angry, haunting face on it. Its dark branches looked more like arms, ready to snatch anything living in its reach. Anya had to stop and examine it more. It was odd in a strange way, not that a haunted tree was an odd thing for a haunted house, but because this tree seemed to be wearing a witches hat. It was a black leather witch hat with maroon blood colored ribbon around it, resting peacefully on the tree’s head. Anya smiled up at it and stepped ahead. Finally, she had made it to the door. That is when she heard the piano. A sweet but sad melody was being played which was putting her at ease and spooking her nerves at the same time. She heard a muffled voice sing but couldn’t make out the words. Anya sensed the song was a calling, but to whom? She did not know. Anya gathered her courage and knocked the wooden whitewashed door.
“Hello! Is anyone home?” She casually called out as if she was visiting her friend for a tea party. Then she heard the growl. It came from behind the tree. Anya thought she must have angered the tree by speaking loudly, but on further inspection, she noticed someone hunching behind it, hiding in the dark shadows. Anya knew those growls were not friendly and took a step back. As her back pressed on the rough door, she saw a figure emerge from the shadows and thought of running out in the woods again. It was a female, walking strangely as she moaned, making her way towards the door. As the creature came closer, Anya noticed that some of her brown, shoulder length hair, where actually part of her erupted brain. Her skin was the color of a corpse, undergoing decomposition. As she growled at Anya, with her arms stretched towards her, Anya knew exactly what she was. A zombie, and she/it, whatever, was coming straight for her. Anya knew she could dodge her and run but she stood there looking at the dead girl in amazement. What kept Anya from fleeing, were her sorrow filled blank eyes. It seemed like she was in real pain as she dragged herself in Anya’s direction. She was almost on to her when Anya closed her eyes, waiting for her to attack. But none came. The zombie girl had stopped growling and Anya peeked to see what she was up to. Anya saw the girl had no intention of attacking; she just stood there looking at Anya, and her pendant.
“Hello?” Anya spoke cautiously and in reply the zombie girl moaned back and placed her decaying hand on the door knob. Before Anya knew it, she was opening the door for her, welcoming her inside the spooky, strange house.
Anya cautiously stepped inside as zombie girl followed her in. Anya noticed the piano had stopped playing. Anya scanned the interior and was surprised to see the same division of the living and the dead inside too. On the right, there was a wooden double bed, with freshly changed purple sheets; a yellow, cozy looking couch by its side and next to the opened window, Anya saw a small table with food on it. There was a pizza, a burger with French fries and also a glass of soda, all lying there. While on the left, a big old grandfather clock, a coffin shaped bed with a skulls head for a pillow, a bookshelf that looked like it hadn’t been touched in years, and a similar food table on the right, this one with a plate filled with fresh human brains and eyeballs, and two cups of blood, lying there ready to famish her new found hunger. But Anya shook her head and her sight came to rest on the piano, sitting innocently near the left window, but there was no one in the room. So who was playing the piano? Anya thought.
In a flash, she saw a silhouette of a girl appear with deep hollow eyes near the piano, floating towards her. A ghost! Anya didn’t get the chance to react as she came to stand right in front of her and smiled, “Victoria! You are back.” Anya noticed her look down at her pendant too and she understood that the zombie and the ghost both thought she was her mother.
“Ahh… I’m afraid I am not her. I am Anya Edmond, Victoria Edmond’s daughter.” Anya paused to see her react in surprise.
“Well… you are all grown up and you look just like your mother, Anya. Welcome back. I am Jane… just Jane.” Jane looked sad about not having a last name.
“Thank you Jane, I am glad you know me, can you help me please? I am here to meet the witch.” Anya asked politely, she was beginning to like the sad ghost girl already.
“Oh dear, we are waiting to meet her too, it’s been a long time since I saw her.” Jane looked dreamily into nothingness.
“How long has it been?” Anya asked knowing she would not like the answer.
“I believe it was the night of the dark eclipse, when I saw her last, isn’t that right Zommie?” Jane peeked behind Anya to the zombie girl who moaned in reply.
Anya turned around to look at her decaying friend again, “You can understand her? And Zommie is her real name?” Anya asked Jane.
“Oh no, but I like it when she moans back, it gets boring without anyone to talk to you know, and I call her Zommie because I don’t know her real name, she was here before the witch brought me in the house, you see.” Jane smiled up at Anya and Zommie growled and started walking towards the food table. Anya saw her pick up a cup of blood and come towards her. She growled again before offering Anya the cup to drink. Anya knew the hunger of blood was making her weak, especially after her run in the woods.
“Zommie wants you to have a drink; you look like a whitewashed corpse.” Jane giggled; she was really enjoying the company of a talking creature.
“I don’t drink human blood; it is why I ran away from the castle, hoping the witch would help me.” Anya lowered her gaze looking sad.
“This isn’t human blood; it is food from the witch’s Cauldron… magical food. No one was killed for it.” Jane looked up at Anya and thought how silly it was for her to assume it was human blood. Anya looked over at Zommie, still holding the cup.
“Are you sure about that?” Anya looked suspiciously at both of them.
“Yes, silly girl, didn’t your mother tell you that?” Jane tried to assure her and was surprised why Anya didn’t know about the witch’s cauldron.
“I never saw her after she left me at the convent 16 years ago… alright; I will take your word on it.” Anya took the cup of blood and drank it all up. Instantly, she felt refreshed, but she wasn’t merely energized, she felt at peace.
“See… you can feel the magic of the cauldron.” Jane giggled again as Anya nodded in wonder. “Oh I hope you plan to stay here with us, it’s been such a long time since we’ve had any company.” Jane’s ghostly eyes became huge with hope. Anya smile.
“Well I don’t have anywhere else to go, so I guess you’re stuck with me, maybe I will learn more about my mother and the witch too.” Anya thoughtfully replied.
“Wonderful! I am sure you will have pleasant dreams on the coffin bed. I was your mother’s” Jane pointed at the bed. Zommie moaned to agree and Anya felt welcomed.
For the next 18 years, Anya lived in the lost house in peace, understanding her new life as a vampire, gaining abilities as her strength grew and reading other old residence’s journals she found in the bookshelf. But try as she might, she never found out what had happened on the night of the dark eclipse.
It was after 18 years, on the exact day she was turned into a vampire when she was struck with the force of the pendant. The pendant she wore around her neck, was trying to pull her out of the house, in the direction of a certain Brookville High… It took her a week to understand her pendant was drawn to a teenage human girl, named Katherine. Jane advised her to learn more about it, there must be a reason for the strange phenomenon.

Chapter 5

“Madam, are you positively sure you don’t have the book here? Please check one more time.” Kate pleaded with Madam Agnes the next day during lunch.
“Katherine dear, I have already checked my book list twice, and I have a sharp memory when it comes to my books. I don’t have any book by that name.” Madam Agnes let out a breath of frustration as she gathered her book records to put away and left for lunch.
Kate had read the journal the previous night in bed and wanted to make some sense out of her strange experience. She thought it must be just another book from the library so she had come to ask Madam Agnes about it, but she didn’t seem to know anything about a book named, ‘The Lost House’. Kate felt a cold fear enter her heart, the fear of not knowing the truth, and the fear of finding it too. She had read the journal and felt it was the very thing she had been searching for all these years, yet she had no idea how that could be, especially when the residence of the lost house where creatures not humans, they were vampires, witches, gnomes, zombies, ghosts and what not. And she was a mere mortal… Kate thought.
“You say that as if it’s a bad thing to be a mere human?” Kate heard a voice from behind her; she noticed Madam Agnes had left her in the empty library again to go have lunch while she was lost in her thoughts. So who had spoken to her? Kate gathered her strength to turn around and face the speaker, but there was no one there.
“Who are you? How can you read my thoughts? Are you someone from the lost house?” Kate blurted out in fright.
"I am not here to hurt you Kate. I am drawn towards you for reasons unknown and I want your help to figure this out." The voice answered back and Kate noticed it was echoing from every corner of the library.
"Why should I trust you? I don't even know who you are... Or rather, what you are?" Kate suspiciously looked around the book shelves. As she turned her head towards the horror/fiction section, Kate saw a figure come out from the shadows of the books she had read there. It was as if the spooky, creepy literature had given birth to the pale looking creature walking towards her. Kate took a step back.
"I am Anya Edmond, daughter of Victoria Edmond. You read about her in the last story of the journal... You can trust me Kate." Anya smiled, revealing her shiny white fangs.
"You are a vampire... I know exactly what draws you to me… My blood!" Kate screamed with horror and turned around to run towards the door.
But Anya was faster. In a blink of an eye she caught up with Kate and pinned both of her hands at her back, holding her neck tightly with her other hand, her sharp thumb nail pressed into Kate’s jugular vein.
“If I wanted your blood, I would have taken it by now and I would never have given you my mother’s personal journal. I know how you feel about the lost house and I know you’re curious to know more. I am offering you that chance, only if you agree to trust me and help, if not, then I will leave and you will see me no more.” Anya let her go and walked to the door to open it for her.
Kate tried to gather herself while thinking of the offer. Anya was right; she could have drained her till now if that is what she had wanted.
“What help do you want from me?” Kate asked cautiously.
“First tell me if you accept. There might be no turning back from the lost house.” Anya inquired sincerely.
“I accept. I know it is risky but I haven’t felt this alive in all my life. I want to know about the house. Tell me how I can help you?” Kate had made up her mind.
“Very well then, I need you to go to the convent located opposite the twin hills. There is a Sister Grace there who had given me this journal. I need you to go there and ask her if she knows anything else about the night my mother left me there.” Anya waited for a response.
“Why can’t you do that yourself?” Kate wondered if there was any danger. Anya read her mind.
“There is no danger Kate, at least not to you. But I am a vampire and entering a convent… I think you understand.” Anya smiled and Kate nodded.
“Alright, I will go. Tomorrow I will let you know what she said.” Kate heard the bell ring and knew Madam Agnes will return any minute.
“Take the journal with you and Kate… Thank you!” Anya smiled and disappeared before Kate could respond. At her back however, she heard Madam Agnes enter the library.
“Katherine! Are you still looking for your book?” She asked astonished.
“No Madam, found it already, Thank you!” Kate turned to go to her next class.

The next day Kate told Anya that Sister Grace had passed away five years ago but another Sister had given her a letter that Sister Grace had left for Anya. Anya read it out loud:
Dearest Anya,
My failing health tells me I shall be with the Lord soon, but I fear I will not be able to tell you all you need to know in time, so I write.
It was the time of Ramona, the witch of The Lost House when the evil of Lord Landulf Orlok had already spread. He was the most vicious and soulless vampire to walk on the face of the earth. Ramona had saved me from him and offered me a place in the house, but I chose to surrender to the Lord, and serve the convent.
The night of the dark eclipse, I was called out of the convent walls by Victoria, and I agreed because I felt indebted to Ramona. She held you in her arms and cried. She told me that it was time for the prophecy to be fulfilled and that Ramona had sent her and Eleanor Williams with separate errands and the pendant will pull them both together when it was time for the resurrection. I know most of this information would not make sense to you and I have to admit I know very little about it too but Anya, if the pendant I gave you draws you to anyone, you should follow it. I believe it will lead you to Eleanor Williams.
You should also know that since the day Ramona became witch of the lost house, the elder witches spoke of a prophecy that was to be fulfilled through her, the elimination of a great evil Lord. That lord was Landulf Orlok. After that night, no one heard of him ever, so Ramona probably fulfilled the prophecy. But no one saw her after that night too, so something must have gone wrong. Find Eleanor, and maybe you can set it right.
And Anya, don’t blame your mother for abandoning you. That night she had gone to Viktor’s castle to save your father’s life, but she lost hers too. Be safe my child…
Sister Grace.

Chapter 6

“You said you were drawn to me. What drew you Anya?” Kate had fear in her voice and Anya had confusion on her face.
“I won’t lie to you Kate. It was the pendant that drew me to you, but maybe Sister Grace was mistaken on that point. I know you are not Eleanor Williams.” Anya stood up from the floor of the library, behind the bookshelf of the horror section. “I need to take this to the house, I will return tomorrow; maybe I will know more by then.” Anya folded the letter and pocketed it.
“Is it true that one has to be accepted into the lost house by its witch before entering?” Kate wondered why Anya hadn’t told her before.
“Kate, please let me answer your question tomorrow. I need to see a friend first.” Anya looked sad and drained, Kate nodded in understanding.
When Anya left, Kate had to wonder if she was ever going to see the lost house.

When Anya arrived at the lost house, Jane was having a ‘forced’ tea party with Zommie. She often did that when she was feeling lonely and poor Zommie moaned during it all. Anya always thought it was cute but today she had a lot on her mind.
Revenge! She hated Viktor Gordon and wanted to put a stake to his heart, rip his head off and throw him into the sun, but she felt helpless and weak, which angered her more. Jane saw her from afar and knew something was up. She floated towards her and Zommie growled as she followed behind, thankful that the party was over.
“Why does Anya have a long face? Isn’t the day gloomy enough for you?” Jane tried to joke, pointing at the cloudy dark day. Anya didn’t answer; she just fished out the letter from her pocket and held it out for Jane.
“You need a pitcher of blood to refresh your memory about ghosts. I can’t take that from you Anya.” Jane giggled as she waved her ghost arms in front of her but Anya just sat on the log near the haunted tree and shut her eyes. Zommie walked up to Anya and took the letter from her hand. She growled loudly at Jane while opening the letter and holding it up to her face.
“Of course I can read! What do you take me for Zommie? An illiterate, floating idiot?” Jane fumed at Zommie before fixing her transparent eyes at the letter. When she was done reading, Jane almost screamed.
“Anya where is Kate? You have to go get her right away.” Jane was almost hysterical. That brought Anya back to the world.
“Why? She is not Eleanor Williams if that is what you think.” Anya tried to calm her down.
“She doesn’t have to be, you are not Victoria Edmond either.” Jane tried to reason.
“What are you implying Jane?” Anya tried to understand.
“Don’t you remember her story in the journal? Eleanor Williams was a witch forced out of her house by family and she was pregnant when she came here. If it’s not Eleanor, then it’s her daughter who has attracted the pendant. You told me she was an orphan.” Jane smiled as if she had solved a difficult puzzle.
“But I also told you she is 18 years old. It’s not possible for her to be Eleanor’s daughter, if it was true, she would be 34 years old now.” Anya replied back.
“I know but there must be an explanation for that, meanwhile we know the pendant is drawn by her so it isn’t safe to leave her out there. Go get her.” Jane tried to push Anya off the log but her hands passed right through her.
“How will she enter the house without acceptance?” Anya inquired.
“She will enter the house, you will see. Ramona had accepted Eleanor and also her unborn child.” Jane smile knowingly.
“Why would she do that before the child was even born?” Anya was tangled in confusion.
“For this very day, I presume dear friend, for this very day…” Jane replied and Zommie moaned in agreement.

The next day Anya told Kate she would have to come with her to the lost house. Kate was ecstatically overjoyed. She had feared Anya would refuse her. Kate inquired about the acceptance of the witch but Anya shrugged it away saying it was taken care of. But before leaving, Kate had to be told about Zommie and Jane so Kate wouldn’t start screaming when she saw them. Once that was out of the way, they were set to go.
When they came to the Lost House, Anya feared Kate would not be able to see it, but she saw and entered the house without any trouble. Anya wondered if Jane was right after all, but how?
Kate was having the time of her life looking at every little detail of the house yard. Then she heard the piano, it was the same melody she had heard in the library.
“Isn’t that what you always hummed when you came to haunt me?” She asked Anya.
“I never haunted you, and yes it is the same melody. Jane knows only that song, she calls it the ‘Call of the Dead’” Anya smiled as she asked, “Should we meet her now?”
“Wait; let me hear the words first.” Kate stood by the door listening intently while Anya smiled at her.
“Let us come together…
Let us find a pathway…
Let us speak in whispers…
Let us meet up halfway…”

Kate heard Jane sing and was mesmerized by her voice and the strange gloomy lyrics of her song. “It takes my worries away yet it frightens my soul.” Kate whispered to Anya.
“Yes it has that effect on me too, but don’t worry, in 18 years I haven’t seen any dead soul come answer it’s call.” Anya smiled as she opened the door for Kate.
Kate stepped in and saw the transparent white outline of Jane’s soul, it was a beautiful sight. Further on the left, however, Zommie sat on Anya’s coffin bed, feasting on a plate of brains and eyeballs. Kate looked over at Anya, who had a comical smile on her face.
“They are not real; it’s magic food from Ramona’s cauldron.” Anya saw Kate let out a breath of relief.
“Not Ramona’s cauldron dear, Manora’s cauldron.” Jane corrected Anya and floated towards Kate. “Hello Kate, nice to finally meet you. I see you entered the house without any trouble.” Jane threw a meaningful look at Anya.
“Yes Jane, I am so glad to be here too, I hope you won’t mind my visit?” Kate asked softly.
“Who is Manora?” Anya had never heard that name before.
“Visit?” Jane looked puzzled; she stared at Anya wondering why she hadn’t told Kate that she won’t be going back. “Kate you must have misunderstood, you are not visiting; you are here to stay.” Jane saw the look on her face change.
“But I don’t understand? Anya didn’t tell me this.” Kate looked over at Anya who still stood staring at Jane.
“Jane, tell me who is Manora?” Anya asked in frustration.
“Alright, impatient Anya, Manora was the first witch of the lost house; in fact she was the one who made the house what it is. 300 years ago there was a division made on the land or rather dimensions of the world, separating the living from the dead alive. This house was right in the middle of the border line, Hence the unique properties of the house. Now you tell us why you didn’t tell Kate she won’t be leaving the house?” Jane asked seriously.
“Because I don’t think it’s necessary to force her to stay.” Anya tried to make an excuse.
“Well I think it is.” Jane turned to Kate and spoke, “Kate I believe you might attract the enemy the way you drew the pendant to yourself, which won’t end well for you. So until we figure this out, it’s best if you stayed here.” Jane smiled hoping to relax her.
“But I didn’t tell Suzie, or Aunt Maggie about leaving, they would think something bad has happened to me, and what about my school?” Kate was suddenly worried. Zommie moaned from behind her and Kate felt she was trying to share her pain.
“Yes Zommie, you are right. Anya should take care of this mess.” Jane announced.
“How can I take care of it? And Zommie didn’t say anything, you are making it up.” Anya protested.
“I believe that with a little influencing through your special abilities, it can be done.” Jane smiled and Anya understood and nodded before leaving to go give Aunt a visit.
“What does that mean?” Kate looked worried and scared.
“Hypnosis, your Aunt will be told you are safe and will return in a few days.” Jane smiled smartly. Zommie dragged herself towards Kate and offered her a soda from the right side table of the living.
“Thank you Zommie, you are so kind.” Kate sat on the couch as Zommie moaned back.
“This place is amazing, in all the stories I have read, I never heard of such a house.” Kate marveled at the interior as she sipped her drink. She was a bit confused to see a Television hanging on the wall in front of the couch; it looked out of place.
“Anya bought it a year ago, I must say, Zommie and I enjoy it too.” Jane giggled like a child, and Zommie painfully growled. Kate doubted she enjoyed the box of noise.
“So how old where you, when you Ahh… I mean, became a ghost?” Kate asked and wondered if it was too personal a question.
“You mean when I died,” Jane smiled at Kate’s discomfort, “I don’t remember Kate. I have amnesia for some reason that is why Ramona brought me here. She taught me how to call the dead with my song and helped me remember things from then on”
“A ghost with amnesia? That is truly odd!” Kate felt sorry for her.
“Maybe it is for the best. I don’t think about it much. Anyways, you should rest now. Sleep on the double bed and tomorrow we will show you around, maybe have a tea party.” Jane spoke with enthusiasm while Zommie growled again at the prospect of having another tea party. Kate nodded and went to her new bed. She missed Suzie terribly as she drifted off to dream.

Chapter 7

Kate was awake at dawn the next morning and noticed that Anya had returned and gone to sleep on a frightening looking, coffin shaped bed. Kate wondered whose skull it was above the pillow. It wasn’t really the bed that spooked her though, it was Anya. She was lying there, pale and serene, without breathing. It looked like she was dead. But Kate knew she had died 18 yrs ago so there was nothing to be alarmed about. She jumped out of bed and decided to tour the house.
It was interesting to note how the left side of the house was always under a dark gloomy shadow while the right side looked bright and gay no matter what the time of day. Kate could see the delicate tea cups sitting on the table next to the teapot and cookies. As she strode towards the table to have a quick breakfast, Jane appeared standing right next to it. Kate jumped in surprise.
“Good Morning Kate!” Jane smiled at her.
“Heavens, Jane I almost had a heart attack! Good morning to you to.” Kate had a hand on her heart.
“Sorry dear, don’t worry though, you will get used to it.” Jane reassured her before continuing, “Have a cookie and then I will show you around.” Kate nodded in agreement and picked up a cookie from the table. Instantly, another cookie appeared and filled up the plate. Kate smiled in amazement and looked over at Jane.
“Magic food, it’s healthy and it makes you happy. It’s a shame I can’t have any.” Jane looked sad but recovered soon.
When Kate brushed off the last crumbs of cookie from her face, Jane knew it was time to play the role of a travel guide. She started from the little pond.
“This is the lotus pond where our little ducky lives, I often wonder if she ever gets lonely so I try to keep her company and tell Zommie to do the same.” Jane explained.
“Speaking of Zommie, where is she? Where does she sleep? I didn’t see her in the house.” Kate inquired.
“I don’t think she sleeps, she is always circling the house and sometimes she rests under the haunting tree, but I never saw her sleeping, though one can always find her growling at the dragon on the roof.” Jane rolled her eyes as she replied.
“Oh… That dragon looks so majestic and protective of the house. It would have been a sight if he was real.” Kate looked up at the roof staring at the stone sculpture in awe. Jane decided to keep silent and not comment on the dragon.
“Come let’s go meet Mr. Feets. It’s been a while since I said hi to him.” Jane floated towards the covered stone well and stopped in front of the black hairy tarantula. Kate followed but stood at a distance from the hairy monster with blood dripping mouth and yellow beady eyes.
“Don’t be frightened, he only bites when you try to open up the well. And that’s not blood in his mouth, its poison berries; see it’s all around the well.” Jane pointed to the red\purple berries planted around the stone well. Kate was relieved and stepped a little closer to inspect.
“What are poison berries? Won’t the spider die if he ate them?” Kate asked.
“Poison berries are used in making potions and are also eaten by the living dead. Zommie likes them a lot too. And Mr. Feets died a long time ago, so I wouldn’t worry about him. He is a zombie spider. ” Jane replied.
“This is such an amazing place, hidden from the rest of the world.” Kate looked around and stepped closer to the well. Suddenly Mr. Feets started to chant…
“I Wanna Be A Witch! I Wanna Be A Witch!”
“What is that? Is he a talking spider?” Kate jumped in surprise and asked.
“I’m afraid that is all he can say, its more like a chant, maybe a riddle, but I am not sure. He started chanting after the night of the dark eclipse.” Jane replied back, lost in thought.
“Then maybe he knows something about what happened to the witch.” Kate wondered.
“Well I tried to ask him many times but all he wants is to be a witch.” Jane sighed.
“Maybe someday we would know what he is trying to say… So is this Manora’s cauldron from where all the magic food came?” Kate pointed towards the slime filled cauldron on top of the fire wood.
“Ahh… No, that is toad soup for the dead. Manora’s Cauldron has been missing too, but it’s somewhere in the house because without the cauldron, the house would never have its protective invisible shield and it would be seen by everyone.” Jane replied solemnly.
“That is weird, the cauldron is missing yet still in the house.” Kate was puzzled.
“I tried to look for it but never found it, though I have an idea where it might be.” Jane pointed at the room on the second floor. It was only one room with a window and no door in sight. Kate wondered if it was at the back.
“What’s up there? And why are you so sure the cauldron is there?” Kate asked.
“That’s Ramona’s room. It has always been off limits for everyone else. It’s guarded by the dragon and no one knows how to enter it. It’s the safest place for the cauldron.” Jane explained. Kate looked at her with a confused expression.
“Guarded by the dragon? But that’s just a statue… right?” Kate was suddenly afraid.
“It’s not a statue; it’s a real fire breathing dragon sleeping on top of Ramona’s room.” Anya’s voice startled them both and they turned to look at their friend.
“Anya is awake; let us have a tea party now.” Jane clapped her ghost hands and tried to change the topic but Kate had a look of horror plastered on her face.
“A real dragon? What happens if he wakes up?” Kate asked Anya.
“Only the touch of a witch can wake him up and control him, maybe make him show the path inside Ramona’s room.” Anya answered back and Kate relaxed.
“Well then I am glad there are no witches here.” Kate let out a breath and noticed Anya and Jane stare at each other in a strange way.
“There is something you are not saying, I can sense it. Please tell me what’s wrong.” Kate started to turn pale again.
“Kate I… I mean we think… that maybe …” Jane started to speak but kept stammering.
“Jane thinks you are a witch Kate, and I have to say I believe she isn’t far from the truth too.” Anya blurted out and saw Kate try to laugh at the absurdity of the thought but became more worried.
“And what has made you believe such a thing?” Kate inquired in disbelief.
“The pendant was drawn to you… if you are not Eleanor Williams, then you are her child.” Jane replied in a gloomy but serious voice.
“Ramona had accepted Eleanor in the house along with her unborn child still in her womb. You entered the house without difficulty which means you were accepted by Ramona to enter 34 years ago.” Anya elaborated Kate’s confusion.
“But I am 18 years old; it is not possible for me to be the child of Eleanor Williams.” Kate protested and Anya nodded.
“I thought the same, but Kate, there is no other explanation. You are amongst the living yet you can see the house. You must be a witch.” Anya stated logically.
“Let me touch the dragon then, I will prove I am not a witch…” Kate spoke up.
“That is too dangerous, if he woke up and you failed to control him, he will burn us all to crisp.” Anya warned Kate in alarm, “There has to be another way to find out the truth… Jane, tell us again what you remember about that night?” Anya asked Jane.
“Well like I told you before, all the wizards and witches had gone to fight off the vampires approaching the house, somehow they had pierced the invisible shield and where headed straight our way. Only Ramona remained in her room and I was playing the piano. Then Victoria and Eleanor came back and told Ramona everyone else had died at the hands of the vampires. Victoria had Anya with her and she feared Edmond was taken to Viktor’s castle, she wanted to go save him but Ramona said she had something important to tell them. Ramona came to me and said she wanted to call the soul of a dead gypsy witch and while I called her by singing my song, Ramona talked to both the ladies. I have no idea what was being said.” Jane paused for a breath and Kate was amazed to learn these facts.
“Who was the gypsy witch you called?” Kate inquired.
“Oh, that was just Julia; she was a dear friend of Ramona’s mother when she was alive. When she died, her soul liked to hang around with Ramona sometimes.” Jane had a smile on her face remembering the old days.
“And why did Ramona call for her that night? Did she talk to Julia?” Anya was interested.
“No, I don’t remember them talking, she was here one moment and in the next, I saw her leave the house in a hurry… wait, I think I remember something!” Jane had a strange thought as she continued; “Now I remember, I saw her leave with Eleanor… yes, Victoria took Anya with her and Eleanor went with Julia!” Jane had a big smile on her face.
“Great! So if we call Julia, she might be able to tell us where she took Eleanor and what Ramona had instructed her to do. Jane, I think its time to play the piano.” Anya smiled.
“There is just one problem… I can only call a soul on the request of a witch.” Jane looked over at Kate.
“Then that is not a problem, in fact it is exactly what I need, a safe way to prove you are wrong to think that I am a witch. I request to you Jane, to call the soul of Julia, the gypsy witch.” Kate smiled believing that the call would not work while Jane smiled like she had been gifted a boon from above after all the years of waiting.
“Let the song be sung, after sunset…Let the call be made!” Jane announced dreamily.

Chapter 8

“Let us come together…
Let us find a pathway…
Let us speak in whispers…
Let us meet up halfway…
…
Let the fears say farewell…
Let illusions fade away…
Let us smile above death…
Let us meet up halfway…”

“I call upon the soul of Julia, the good gypsy witch,
For my soul is a part of yours,
And your soul is a part of mine…”

The calling had begun. Anya, Kate and Zommie stood around the black piano with a white unlit candle placed on top of it. Jane sang her favorite song and felt alive after a long time. It was a strange thing to feel when you were a ghost with no memory of the past… Jane had told the girls, when the candle will be lit, Julia will be there. Anya and Zommie waited in anticipation while Kate stuck with her belief that nothing would happen. Her belief was shattered a few minutes later when the candle suddenly lit up.
“I am Julia, the gypsy witch. Who calls for me?” Everyone except Jane jumped in surprise when a ghost of a woman in her fifties, wearing a transparent pink gypsy dress and a matching scarf on her blond head appeared standing next to the lit candle. She had a mesmerizing smile on her ageless pink lips and her green eyes sparkled like emeralds. If she wasn’t floating and if one couldn’t look right through her, it would be hard to imagine her dead.
“It is Jane who calls you to the lost house for information and help.” Jane spoke with confidence and everyone saw Julia’s calm vanish when she heard her.
“Has Ramona returned? Is that you Victoria? I thought you were dead…” Julia frantically made her way towards Anya and stared at her pendant.
“Ahh… No, I am Anya Edmond, Victoria’s daughter. We have called you to help us understand what had happened on the night of the dark eclipse.” Anya answered back.
“Oh if only I knew, for so many years I tried to make some sense of that night, but I fear it’s a fruitless pursuit.” Julia sighed hopelessly.
“But you have to tell us where you took Eleanor Williams that night and you have to tell me why you answered the call on my request.” Kate spoke in tense confusion.
“Tell me your name child?” Julia turned towards Kate and watched her closely.
“My name is Katherine, I am an orphan girl who lives with Aunt Maggie but Anya and Jane think I am a witch. I need to know the truth and also to know why that pendant is drawn towards me.” Kate pointed to Anya’s pendant and saw Julia’s eyes widen.
“That is not possible… unless you are Eleanor’s child, but how could that be? But be sure that you are a witch, I can tell from your eyes dear and Ramona must have accepted you in before she…” Julia’s voice faltered as she realized how unlikely that was with the obvious time difference, “I need to know more before I can be sure. Where were you before you came to your Aunt’s house?”
“She told me I was left at her doorstep wrapped in leaves, wearing a twig necklace around my neck and red berries in my infant hands. Aunt always made fun of the fact that maybe I was the forest’s love child.” Kate mildly smiled and saw Julia’s eyes become huge.
“Rowan…” Julia whispered and was lost in thought.
“Yes, it could be Rowan fruit, but what does that have to do with me?” Kate inquired.
“I can’t speak more, I have to leave but I will return soon and hopefully, with some answers. Meanwhile, stay here and don’t leave the house.” Julia vanished before giving them any time to react.
“Well that wasn’t very helpful.” Anya was disappointed.
“I wouldn’t be too sure of that Anya. Julia will return with something, I can feel it in my bones.” Jane smiled positively while Zommie growled at her.
“Yes Zommie, I know I don’t have any bones!” Jane puffed invisible air in frustration.
“When will she return? I really miss Suzie; she must be terribly worried about me.” Kate looked solemnly over to Jane but Anya spoke up first.
“Speaking of Suzie, I saw her when I went to your Aunt’s house. For some strange reason, I couldn’t hypnotize the child. She just came up to me and told me to take her where I had taken you.” Anya thought about it again.
“She must have amazing mind control to be able to resist a vampire.” Jane concluded and turned to answer Kate, “Julia will probably be back by tomorrow, take some rest for now.”
“No, I think I will read something from the bookshelf, I miss the library too.” Kate smiled and picked up a book from the dusty shelf.
“And I need to drink a pint which leaves you and Zommie to go have another tea party.” Anya headed towards the left table and picked up a glass of blood while Zommie growled in protest.
“Ahh… No, I think I will go meet Mr. Feets and the little ducky, they must be lonely, Zommie can go moan at the dragon if she doesn’t mind?” Jane suggested and saw Zommie exit without delay which made both Anya and Kate laugh.
“Very funny…” Jane made a face before floating out to her friends.

Chapter 9

The next day Kate thought she would continue her tour of the house which had been interrupted previously, so she asked Jane to show her around and she was more than happy to oblige. Anya decided to accompany her and keep her away from the dragon.
“So where did we left off? Ahh… I remember it was the toad soup. Zommie thinks it’s yummy but I believe you will not enjoy it, Kate.” Jane was in good spirits.
“I don’t like that gooey thing either.” Anya made a funny face and Kate laughed.
“Maybe some day we will sit on that log and roast marshmallows on the fire at night, and tell scary stories. That would be fun, wouldn’t it?” Kate suggested standing by the log.
“I’m surprised you’re still interested in scary stories Kate, especially with a tree like that just by our side.” Anya nodded at the scary carved face on the dead tree.
“Ahh yes, its the next attraction of the lost house, the big haunted tree!” Jane exclaimed.
“Why does it wear a witch’s hat? Was it a bad witch who was turned into a tree?” Kate made up a story.
“You have a spooky imagination dear, no it is just a dead tree and the hat belongs to Manora. It is like the magic cauldron, for protection and for choosing the witch of the lost house.” Jane answered matter-of-factly.
“How does it work?” Kate inquired.
“Well I never actually saw the ceremony of the choosing, but from what I know, when the present witch of the house dies, every other witch living here gets a chance to wear Manora’s hat, if the color of the hat changes to gold, then the witch wearing it is the next witch of the lost house.” Jane concluded her answer.
“Interesting, and she gets to accept everyone in the house.” Kate smiled.
“Not everyone, only those that deserve to be a part of the house. The pure hearted are the one’s who are accepted to enter.” Anya added.
“That means we all have pure hearts. What a happy thought.” Jane giggled and clapped.
“Yeah that’s nice to know… So when do I get to see the dragon from up close? How do you get on the roof anyway?” Kate looked above towards the dragon statue.
“I don’t think you should go there, you know what Julia said… this could get dangerous.” Anya had fear in her eyes.
“Don’t worry Anya; I don’t plan to touch it. I just want to look around.” Kate smiled reassuringly.
“I trust her, and look on the bright side, even if she did accidentally wake it up, we could ask for a piggyback ride.” Jane’s hollow grey eyes were filled with anticipation while Anya rolled her eyes in disgust.
“Well there is no way to go up there, no stairs and no ladders; you will have to take a piggyback ride on me if you want to go.” Anya looked over at Kate who was eagerly nodding her head.
Jane floated towards the roof while Anya started to climb the walls with Kate on her back. When they got to the second floor where Ramona’s room was, Kate was surprised to see no door to enter anywhere. When she asked Jane, she said even she had no idea how to get in. Even the window looked fake. They decided to go see if there was a passageway on the roof.
There, in its entire magnificent valor, lay asleep, the dragon of Ramona. It had been turned to stone and Kate wondered who had done it. The floor of the roof was nothing ordinary too. A large pentagram had been drawn in silver and on every end of its five points, a white candle stood patiently to be lit. The dragon was right in the middle of it and it appeared as if it was blocking a passageway inside the witch’s room. If anyone wanted to go in, they would have to wake the dragon first.
Kate was about to ask something when she heard the piano play. She looked at Jane in confusion and saw her nod.
“Julia is back, we should go inside now.” Jane started to float down and Anya turned towards Kate.
“Let’s hope she has some answers.” Anya crouched for Kate to get on her back.
Once they were inside, they noticed Julia was very quiet. No one spoke for a while then finally Jane decided to break the silence.
“I hope you brought us some news Julia…” Jane waited for a reply.
“I have indeed.” Julia paused to look at them, “Let me first tell you my version of that night then we will get to the other parts. In those days the vampires that didn’t believe in keeping the balance of yin and yang, where enraged at Ramona for having sovereignty over the dark side. Power is what they wanted. Lord Landulf Orlok was behind it all. He ordered his clan to kill as many witches as they could, especially those who were associated with the lost house. That night Ramona found out that Landulf had found a way to pierce the protective veil of the house and that he was coming to kill her. When I was called, Ramona told me to take Eleanor to a safe place while Victoria left to find temporary shelter from the enemy. They were both given two pendants that were to tell them when it was time to return home. Ramona told me she would be alone in the house taking care of the protective shield. It was very important to keep the house invisible and by changing the spell, Landulf would not be able to enter. At least that is what she told me.” Julia paused for a breath.
“So what really happened?” Anya asked.
“I was taking Eleanor towards a cave on the mountain when she was attacked. I tried to help but I was powerless in front of a vampire, I told her I will get help and left to get Ramona, but when I got here, the house premises had been locked. I couldn’t get in, and I had no idea what was going on inside, I went to look for Eleanor but she was missing too, though the amount of blood splattered on the mountain told me she was no more. I went to find Victoria and heard she had been beheaded by Viktor Gordon. In just a few minutes, every thing had collapsed. Later that night, I saw every one looking for Landulf. For some reason, he was missing. The next morning when I came to the lost house, it was no more locked and I could enter its premises, but then I saw the empty fireplace. The cauldron was gone. I called out Ramona’s name but no reply came. Everyone was gone. Then I saw Draczaar… He had been turned to stone. I knew something was terribly wrong and soon the vampires would take over, but they didn’t. For some reason, they still couldn’t see the house and without their leader, they were just ordinary blood sucking creatures. Landulf had given them a strange hunger of power and with him gone, everything was back to normal.” Julia concluded and looked at them all.
“Draczaar… Is that the dragon’s name that’s up on the roof?” Kate asked and saw Julia nod.
“What about Kate? Did you find out anything about her?” Jane asked and saw Julia’s face darken.
“Yes but its not pleasant… Kate, you are Katherine Williams, daughter of Eleanor Williams, and you are a witch, just like your mother.” Julia confidently replied while Kate stood frozen with disbelief.
“But how could she be? The years don’t add up?” Anya wanted a logical explanation.
“The mountain where Eleanor was attacked is the same mountain where the Rowan blooms. None of you would be familiar with its unusual tale, it happened a long time ago, when Manora was the witch of the house. The Rowan tree was on top of the mountain and witnessed every chopping of other trees. Plants are living things and have feelings and this particular Rowan tree felt a lot of anger and sorrow over what it saw. One day when Manora walked by, she heard the Rowan complain and cry out about how quickly the woods were disappearing. Manora knew how dangerous that was for the house so she bestowed magical powers upon the Rowan and soon after, the woods became famous for being haunted because whenever someone tried to cut down a tree from the base of the mountain, the Rowan would use its powers, and branches would grab and throw the woodcutter out of the woods. Since then the Rowan kept a soft corner for the witches of this house.” Julia paused to look over at Kate and continued, “That night when I left Eleanor, she was bleeding to death when the Rowan lifted her up the mountain and tried to heal her, but it was hopeless. Eleanor knew about the extraordinary tree so she told it all about Ramona’s plan. The Rowan offered her a choice that would save her child and she accepted. It was decided between them that when her pendant would glow, her child will be born, but until that time the child will remain… planted.”
“Planted? What does that mean?” Anya asked in confusion while Kate remained frozen.
“Eleanor had to be buried alive and she had to offer her being to the earth to become one with it, only then the earth’s life energy will keep the baby in its womb, alive. Rowan saw to it that the child remained safe until the pendant glowed and 16 years later when Anya put her mother’s pendant around her neck, it triggered Eleanor’s pendant and Rowan knew it was time for the child to be born.” Julia came close to Kate and held her hands, “The night you were left at Aunt Maggie’s doorstep, the trees had brought you there and knew you would be safe there, you see, these trees are not just trees…” Kate didn’t let Julia complete her statement and with tears in her eyes, ran out the door. Anya tried to follow but Julia stopped her.
“The trees… what are they?” Jane asked in confusion.
“The soul of Eleanor Williams, she is not amongst the spirits, she is in the earth, in the trees, and in the Rowan.” Julia’s words brought silence in the room. After a while she spoke to Anya.
“Go to her Aunts house, I believe there is a girl there who was close to Kate. I need you to bring her in the house immediately.” Julia ordered.
“Suzie? What does a 15 year old child have to do with all this mess? And doesn’t she need acceptance?” Anya was surprised.
“She is more than what she seems and she does not require acceptance to enter. Go get her.” Julia was firm and Anya left in a hurry. Julia turned to Jane.
“Dear, Kate will need some time alone to digest all this. Be patient with her. This Suzie will help her recover fast. I will return tomorrow to explain other things…” Julia disappeared, and Jane floated alone in the room.

Chapter 10

Kate stood in front of the haunted tree with tears flowing down her face. The sun was setting as she placed her trembling hand on the thick bark of the tree and sighed. A memory of not so long ago looped in her mind as she recalled Suzie’s words.
“Kate, did you ever notice how these trees start to dance when we pass by them?” Suzie pointed towards the trees along their path while returning home from school.
“You have a magical imagination which is why they dance for you.” Kate had smiled down at her.
“No Kate, it is not me they dance for, I have seen them smile when they see you.” Suzie was determined to make her believe it. Kate had laughed at her.
“Trees don’t smile silly girl, and I am not a forest nymph, now come back to earth princess.” Kate had walked in the house while Suzie stood looking behind her.

Now Kate had to wonder about it all. She blamed herself for reading Victoria’s journal. It seemed as if she had somehow landed right in the middle of it all with no way out of it. A part of her wanted to deny all that she had been told but the other part of her knew she had to accept the truth about her strange birth and help fulfill her mother’s unfinished task. Kate gazed over at the mountain on her right and wondered where the Rowan was… Could her mother see her right now?
“Yes Kate, She can see you. She is all around you.” A very familiar voice at Kate’s back answered. She turned around to see who it was.
“Suzie!!!” Kate’s voice was filled with surprise. Anya stood right behind her, nodding at Kate.
“Yes Kate, I know about your mother and Rowan.” Suzie smiled with love in her eyes.
“How do you know? Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Kate questioned.
“I am a star child. Star children, indigo, crystal or rainbow beings are sent to this world to spread peace and harmony. I am, however, here to keep you safe and protected until the witch of the house returns. I couldn’t tell you anything because Rowan instructed me not to.” Suzie replied.
“So all this time you knew about the witch and this house?” Kate spoke up.
“Yes I did. I knew Ramona; she sent me to Rowan. I was to be her child’s protector. When you were born, Rowan sent me to Aunt Maggie’s house to keep you safe. I inhabited the body of a child and now am known as Suzie.” Suzie replied calmly.
“So what were you before taking over her body? And from whom do I need protection from? No one has even heard the name of this lost house for years, why would anyone want to harm me?” Kate was utterly confused.
“I am in true essence, a star-being, and Kate; you are the daughter of Eleanor Williams. She was given a pendant that has the power to bring back Ramona. After her, this responsibility comes upon you, along with all its dangers. It is important to bring Ramona back to keep the balance between the two worlds.” Suzie concluded.
Anya stepped closer and spoke, “Kate, I lost my family that night too and the person who took it is still out there. If Viktor Gordon is still amongst us, there could be others. If Ramona had sent out our mothers to resurrect her later, then there must be a reason. We must try to do what they failed to. We are already 34 years late. Are you with me?” Anya waited for a reply while Kate threw her head down and tried to think things through. She raised her head when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
It was Zommie. Kate hadn’t seen her all day but she realized Zommie had been hiding behind the tree listening to everything. Looking at her, Kate could sense the she wanted her to say yes to Anya. There was so much sorrow in her eyes and Kate could only imagine what she had been through. She sighed and looked over at Anya.
“OK. I am in; I will do whatever is needed to bring the witch back. But I don’t have my mother’s pendant and I have no experience in resurrecting dead witches.” Kate answered and Anya and Suzie smiled at her.
“I can help you with that” Jane floated towards them with a smile, “and so will Julia, but first I think we should try to call Ramona’s spirit and ask her where her body is.”
“If it’s possible to do that, why didn’t you call her spirit before?” Kate asked in amazement and Zommie growled at Jane too.
“Because I can only call her on the request of a witch, a living one, and thankfully now we have you Kate.” Jane smiled and stuck out her ghostly tongue at Zommie.
“Ok then… I request to you Jane, to call the soul of Ramona, the witch of the lost house.” Kate smiled and they all headed inside to the piano. Jane’s ghostly form floated with anticipation as she vanished through the closed door. Everyone else however, had to open it to enter.
……………………………………………………………………………………………

An hour had passed and they were all gathered around the piano staring at the unlit candle with confused expressions. Jane had sung her song three times but no one appeared to answer its call. Jane felt disappointed as she realized the problem.
"This will not work. Ramona is not amongst the spirits. She can not be called by the song."
"That does not make any sense. If Ramona isn't dead then what do we have to resurrect her from?" Anya was puzzled.
"What if Landulf had succeeded in entering the house and had turned her into a vampire? Maybe what we have to do is find her and turn her back into a witch?" Kate suggested.
"Yes that could be possible. Maybe that’s how she defeated Landulf and fulfilled the prophecy and..." Jane started to elaborate Kate's hypothesis but Anya cut her off.
"That is impossible! It takes time to turn into a vampire and Julia said the house had been locked so Landulf couldn’t have gotten in. And if Ramona had turned into a vampire, why did she leave the house?" Anya asked them both. Suzie smiled at the trio and spoke in a calm voice.
"Why don't we wait for Julia to return? I think she might learn something by tomorrow," Suzie paused long enough to see them nod and then she continued, "Meanwhile you can show me around and I can look for clues regarding the whereabouts of the witch.”
“I don’t think you will find anything, I have looked and looked but everyone is either gone or dead asleep around here.” Jane spoke in frustration.
“Well then let’s wake them up!” Suzie smiled.
“I hope you don’t mean Draczaar?” Anya went paler than usual while Suzie laughed out loud.
“No, I think we can skip the dragon for now, I was talking about the gnome.” Suzie replied matter-of-factly.
“What gnome?” Kate inquired.
“If I recall correctly, there used to be a sleepy little fellow who lived on the haunted tree. Maybe he knows something?” Suzie said thoughtfully.
“You mean Grumpz? He was a grumpy gnome who loved to sleep on that tree and if anyone dared to wake him up, he would make that person pay.” Jane’s ghostly figure shuddered as she recalled old memories.
“What did he do to them?” Kate asked in fright.
“Oh dear, he wouldn’t leave you in peace at all, he was extremely annoying and rude to everyone. Only Ramona could make him behave. I don’t think he is here anymore though, because I float around the tree looking for Zommie all the time, but I never saw or heard that little beast.” Jane answered thoughtfully.
“Well there is still that weird spider who likes to sing.” Anya chuckled, “I never get bored sitting on the log alone, though I do get a headache sometimes.”
“Singing spider? I don’t recall seeing a singing spider before.” Suzie was thoughtful.
“It doesn’t sing, it chants, it keeps repeating ‘I Wanna be a Witch’. Jane told me it started to chant after Ramona disappeared.” Kate added.
“Interesting! Let us go there, I want to see it.” Suzie started towards the door.
“Its name is Mr. Feets, and it will attack you if you try to open the stone well, so keep a distance please.” Jane spoke behind Suzie as she floated out the room.

Night had already fallen when Suzie and the others got to the stone well, Mr. Feets started to chant immediately.
“I Wanna be a Witch! I Wanna be a Witch!”
“This gets very annoying after a few minutes, you know.” Anya rolled her eyes.
“Does anyone know what’s inside the stone well?” Suzie walked around examining the covered well.
“No… Do you think Ramona could be inside the well?” Kate inquired.
“That’s highly unlikely, if she were in there, she could have come out herself. She wouldn’t need a resurrection. But maybe she hid her cauldron inside. If we get hold of the cauldron, we can find out where Ramona is.” Suzie answered thoughtfully.
“But how do we convince Mr. Feets to get off the well and let us peek inside?” Jane said.
“Maybe if we could shut the fellow up, it would get off.” Anya muttered annoyingly.
“Yeah, like zap it with a wand and turn it into a witch.” Kate chuckled imagining a witch with eight hairy legs.
“Kate! You are right… This chant is like a riddle. What if we grant its wish and see if it gets off the well?” Suzie was suddenly excited.
“How do we turn it into a witch? I don’t know how to do any spells yet.” Kate asked and heard Zommie growl and moan loudly at their backs. They all turned to see what she was up to and saw her pointing at the haunted tree. They were all confused because Zommie had never acted in such a way, but then suddenly Suzie saw the witch’s hat on top of the tree and almost jumped in excitement.
“Zommie, You are a genius! We don’t need spells; we only need that witch’s hat. The spider wants to play dress-up.” Suzie had the biggest smile on her face.

Chapter 11

“Wait. We should think this over before doing anything. We are not sure what’s inside the well. What if it’s something bad? Something we wouldn’t be able to control once it’s out?” Anya sounded worried.
“And what if that haunted tree awakens when we take its hat? Just look at that scary carved face. Its pointy teeth look ready to eat anyone who dares disturb it.” Kate shuddered as she glanced at the tree.
“Yes, I think we should be patient and wait for Julia to return. We don’t need any monsters on the loose around here right now.” Jane added too.
Suzie stared at the three of them in disbelief while Zommie wanted to growl at them.
“Are you serious? We actually get a chance to do something and you all want to waste a whole day waiting for Julia?” Suzie let out a frustrated breath before continuing, “Okay let me put you at ease… Anya, this house stands to keep the balance between good and bad in check, so no one living in it is a threat to another. Whatever is in the well, it’s safe.” Suzie turned towards Kate, “That haunted tree can not awaken and that carved expression is fake. It was Grumpz who carved it there to scare away the children who disturbed him. Sometimes he would make noises to make them scream and run. And that hat is not supposed to be on the tree. It used to be on top of the witch’s cauldron.” Suzie stated matter-of-factly and finally turned towards Jane, “And Jane, you worry about monsters running loose… have a look around you. We are all monsters here. Now be brave and have faith.” Suzie smiled.
Jane looked around and spoke, “Ok I guess you are right. I think Zommie should go up there and get the hat then. It’s almost midnight.” Suzie nodded and glanced at Zommie; she moaned and started to climb the tree. It didn’t take her long to reach the top and grab the hat. As she climbed down slowly holding on to the hat, she had a funny expression on her face. Every one looked at her closely to see what was bothering her. Kate was the first one to see it. The witch’s hat was moving… Zommie let it go and as it fell near the log, Jane let out a loud shriek. Anya took a step back when she saw something small and round roll out of the hat.
“Grumpz!” Suzie cried loudly and everyone looked down at the round tiny gnome rubbing his eyes.
“YOU HAVE SOME NERVE WAKING ME UP, YOU STAR CREATURE!” Grumpz screamed at Suzie with his clenched fists punching the air.
Everyone jumped back a few steps.
Grumpz was hardly big enough to reach their knees. He had a long brown beard which covered him completely. He had a brown hat on his head to match and stern angry eyes filled with fury.
“Cheer up you grumpy little gnome, 34 years should be enough for a nap.” Suzie smiled down at him.
“Don’t you dare tell me how long I…. What? 34 years? That’s not possible.” Grumpz was surprised and looked around in alarm. He stared at everyone and turned to Suzie again, “Where is Ramona? And where is the cauldron?”
Suzie could tell he was frightened now and Grumpz was never afraid of anything. Jane floated close and spoke soothingly, “Don’t worry, the house is protected. We don’t know where Ramona is but we think the cauldron is inside the stone well. Do you remember anything about the night of the dark eclipse?”
Grumpz stared at Kate and Anya and growled, “Protected? Then who are these two creatures and how did they get in? Why should I tell you anything about the dark eclipse?”
“They are the daughters of Victoria Edmond and Eleanor Williams and they need your help in bringing Ramona back. Trust me Grumpz, you know I don’t lie. If you know anything about that night, please tell us.” Suzie kneeled down near the gnome and waited for his reply.
“I remember seeing Victoria and Eleanor leave with Julia, and then I saw Ramona summon a purple cloud from the cauldron that filled up every space around the house. I asked her what she was doing and she told me she was locking the house. I asked her why but she didn’t answer because someone had arrived. I don’t know who it was but it worried Ramona. Before I could say anything, she turned towards me and said the word ‘Sleep’. That is all I remember.” Grumpz scratched her head in confusion.
“Who was the visitor? Do you remember anything about the person?” Suzie was excited and everyone else stepped closer too.
Grumpz shook his head, “The cloud was too thick by then… I just remember a cloak and … maybe I am mistaken but I think the person had a cane in the hand.” Grumpz tried to remember.
“Oh no…” Suzie stood up and turned pale, “Lord Landulf always wore a cloak and held a cane in his hand… He showed up before Ramona could lock the house then.”
“I don’t understand one thing though… when did Ramona sent you to Rowan for Kate’s protection?” Jane asked Suzie, “If Landulf arrived at the house right after Victoria and Eleanor left, then when did you meet Ramona?” Jane’s question puzzled Suzie too.
“You are right, something doesn’t add up here. I didn’t come to the house that night; Ramona called me in the forest. I assumed at that time that she was heading towards Viktor Gordon’s castle. I had heard about Victoria’s death by then. I asked her why she called me and she told me I should hurry to Rowan and stay with Eleanor’s child till she returned.” Suzie was lost in deep thought.
“If my mother had been killed by then, that means Ramona left the house alive after Landulf arrived here. This also means that Eleanor had died by then too. Julia said it had all happened quickly. So when she returned to the house, Ramona was probably in the forest talking to Suzie. This is all a mess…” Anya shrugged in frustration.
“Yes, you are right. When I reached Rowan, Eleanor had already been buried. Since then I have been with Kate.” Suzie smiled at Kate who looked tense too.
“So again, we have no idea what happened that night except that Ramona put everyone to sleep, hid the cauldron and disappeared. Great!” Kate rolled her eyes.
“The witch’s cauldron… I thought you said it was in that well?” Grumpz pointed at the stone well and suddenly his mood brightened up, “Hey Feetie! Wanna gimme a ride old pal?” Grumpz ran towards Mr. Feets and everyone looked at him in surprise.
“So he can smile too? Amazing!” Anya made everyone chuckle.
“Do you think the spider will talk to him?” Kate asked and got an answer when Mr. Feets started to chant again, “I Wanna be a Witch! I Wanna be a Witch!”
“What’s the matter with Feetie?” Grumpz turned to ask.
“He is like that since that night. We think he wants to wear the witch’s hat. Maybe Ramona hid the cauldron inside the well.” Jane stated.
“Then give him the hat already!” Grumpz stared at Suzie who held the hat in her hands.
“Ok… Let’s hope this works.” Suzie made her way to the well while everyone else except Zommie, stepped back from the place.
Grumpz made way for Suzie as she cautiously lifted the hat and tried to place it on Mr. Feets head. His whole head vanished inside the hat and he became silent and still. Suzie let go the tip of the hat and stepped back to see if the idea had worked or not.

At first nothing happened. Everything was still. But suddenly an earth shaking sound started to move the stone well. It felt like an earthquake. Its force was trying to take the lid off the stone well. Mr. Feets sat frozen on top of it as the lid began to shift to the right. It didn’t take long for the whole lid to slid off of the well and land nearby. The well was opened and Mr. Feets was moving. He forced the witch’s hat off his head and went running towards Grumpz. Grumpz laughed heartily and jumped on top of the spider. They both went playing around the house while the girls stood glued looking at the open well. No one dared move close to look inside. Zommie stooped down and grabbed the witch’s hat that had fallen on the ground. Just then the growls and moans started coming from the well. The girls looked at each other with worried eyes. It was definitely not a cauldron inside. Zommie stood up from the ground and decided to be brave. She walked towards the well as more gargling, painful moans came from inside. When she looked in, she had a confused expression on her face.
They all heard the voice speak from within the well, “Ramona… where… Adam…”
Suzie realized whoever was in there was too weak to attack and had been trapped inside for 34 years. She stepped closer and looked inside. It was an elderly man reduced to a skeleton. He barely had any skin left on his dead bones and had a few strands of hair left on his skull. Suzie wondered who he was and spoke.
“Who are you? And who put you in this well?” Suzie turned to the others and signaled to come closer. They moved besides Suzie and saw the man lying inside.
“Ramona… where… Adam…” again he repeated when he found a little strength.
“He is too weak to speak. Feed him something first. Let’s take him out of the well.” Anya could feel his pain.
“I think Anya is right. We should take him inside. Remember, no one in the premises of his house can harm another.” Kate added and saw them all nod.
“Go get your bed Anya. We can shift him on it carefully and carry the bed in. We would have to be very careful though, I don’t want to break the poor man’s bones.” Suzie instructed and Anya ran in and got her bed.
Soon they had succeeded in bringing the man inside the house and Zommie brought him a glass of blood from the table.
They saw the man gulp all the blood down and ask for more. After another cup Suzie asked again about who he was. The answer was a terrifying shock to them all.
“I am Landulf Orlok. Tell me where Ramona is. Did Adam make it…? Please tell me...”

Chapter 12

Everyone stood dead silent around the coffin shaped bed on which the frail figure of Lord Landulf Orlok lay. No one knew what to say or how to respond to the man’s confession and query. Everything they had heard about Lord Landulf was no match for what lay in front of them.
“Has Ramona returned? Did she bring Adam with her? Why don’t you tell me anything?” Landulf looked ready to cry and Anya realized he had no idea of how long he had been inside the well.
“I… I think it is better if we know more about you before we answer those questions. Tell us how you came to be inside the lost house and who put you inside the stone well?” Anya asked.
“Hasn’t Ramona told everyone about me yet? Oh no… She hasn’t returned… Oh Lord… the house needs to be locked. Hurry before they come!” Landulf was suddenly out of control and almost fell off the bed. Kate and Anya grabbed him by his shoulders while Suzie tried to calm him down.
“Please, you need to calm down. The house is locked and there is no danger of anyone coming here. If you tell us what you know, we might be able to help you and make some sense out of the events of that night.” Suzie waited for Landulf to relax then she continued, “We know you came to the house that night to kill Ramona but you must tell us what happened afterwards.”
“If that is what you know, then you know nothing dear child. I am the last person on earth who would want to kill Ramona. To me, she is a blessing; she is my savior.” Landulf paused for a breath, “It was Victoria Edmond who gave me the courage to do what I did. When she refused to live the life Viktor Gordon had given her and came to live here, I knew Ramona was the one who could help me too. It took me some time to find her alone on the mountain but when I did, I did not waste a minute and told her what I desired and all that I feared. She told me to meet her there the next day, but the next day she had no good news for me. She told me I had to return to my life and wait for the right time. I didn’t understand what she meant and I begged her to take me in. I told her about Adam but still she insisted I be patient.”
“Who is Adam?” Kate had been dying to ask that question. Every thing had become very puzzling since the lid of the well had opened.
“Adam is my son, my only child. When Ramona refused to take me in, I begged her to take Adam but she wouldn’t agree to that either. She said she couldn’t accept a human. It was too risky.” Landulf lowered his head and stared at his boney fingers.
“Why did you want your ‘Human’ son inside this house anyway? What did he need protection from? Was your hunger so great that you feared you would drink from your own son like Viktor Gordon?” Jane spat out the words in such hatred that all the girls turned towards her in surprise. None of them had noticed Jane’s hostility towards Landulf before and now they feared how Landulf will react. He just bowed his head down and sighed heavily.
“Jane, calm down. You don’t need to be rude and angry. He is trying to help us.” Suzie tried to relax her but Jane was too furious to listen.
“Help??? Do you know who this man is? He is Lord Landulf Orlok, The most evil and vicious vampire to walk on mother earth. He has killed so many that even his vampiric mind couldn’t keep count and has turned many innocent people into blood sucking monsters. Why can’t you all see that he is trying to fool us by playing innocent? Why don’t you see that it was probably Ramona who had trapped him in the well for good?” Jane looked like a psychotic banshee as she screamed at them.
“Jane, I am a star-being. I can tell when a creature is lying and I can not be hypnotized by a vampire, so trust me when I tell you that this person is telling us the truth. Now please calm down and don’t make this harder.” Suzie stared at her but Jane shook her head and floated out of the room. Zommie moaned sadly and slowly followed her outside. There was an awkward silence for a while. Then Landulf spoke again.
“I don’t blame the child; the Lord knows she speaks the truth. But there are many sides of truth that we don’t understand.” Anya came forward and put her hand on his shoulder.
“Please tell us your truth, you can trust us.” Landulf looked deep in her eyes and realization hit him hard.
“You are Victoria’s daughter, aren’t you? But you were merely a child when she came to Ramona… how long has it been since the night of the eclipse?” Landulf asked horrified.
“It has been 34 years Landulf. Ramona disappeared that night and now the house stands without its witch. We need to bring her back.” Suzie decided to tell him the truth.
“Then it means she wasn’t able to save Adam and lost her life too.” Landulf had no hope left.
“No. She is not dead. I think she is trapped somewhere but we need to figure out where. Please tell us all you know. According to the prophecy, Ramona was supposed to kill you and restore the balance of good and evil that night, but something came in the way. If you aren’t the evil Lord who wanted power, then who was she fighting that night?” Kate inquired.
“I suppose I should start from the beginning… We were a happy family, me, my son and my younger brother Raoul. My wife had died giving birth to Adam and so Raoul thought it was his duty to give him all his love and attention even though he was a young kid himself. Raoul loved Adam with all his heart and everything was going great. Then one day Raoul went missing for two days and I couldn’t find him anywhere. On the third night, he came home looking pale with bloodshot eyes. I asked him what happened and where he was, he told me the truth… Vampires had taken him and turned him into one of them. My brother cried and begged me to end his life but I couldn’t do it. I loved him too much and told him we would get through this together and started hunting wild animals to keep his hunger satiable. It worked fine at first but then I noticed the changes in him. For some reason he was beginning to loose his memory. Not facts about his life but rather the value of our bond as a family. By then I had sent Adam to boarding school to keep him away from Raoul. Then one night as I lay in my bed, Raoul came to my room and I knew at once he was not my brother anymore.” Landulf let his head fall to his chest and took a long breath. Kate and Anya sat on the bed listening to his story intently while Suzie sat on a chair nearby.
“He turned you into a vampire that night. Didn’t he?” Anya spoke softly, remembering the night she was turned into a vampire herself.
“Yes… He said he needed my power to fulfill his dreams. I didn’t understand what he meant and I refused to accept the life of the monster he had become but he just laughed and hypnotized me and then slowly took my life and filled my veins with his black blood. He said if I didn’t cooperate with him, he would drink from Adam’s veins too. That was when I surrendered to the beast.” Landulf closed his eyes as if to pray.
“What happened next? Did he attack Adam?” Kate asked.
“No, as long as I did what he said, he left Adam alone. All those I killed, I killed to keep my son alive. You may call it evil, but I call it Love. I am sorry for all I did but I had no choice.” Landulf concluded.
“So your brother, Raoul Orlok, was the vampire behind all that happened on the night of the dark eclipse? He found out that you wanted to enter this house and went after your son, right?” Suzie tried to put the puzzle together.
“Yes he found out about me, that I don’t drink human blood and that I wanted acceptance into the lost house and so he threatened me that he would turn Adam into a vampire too. Adam had turned 18 and was returning home that same day. Ramona had told me she wanted information about Raoul and some potion before she could accept me and my son into the house. She needed proof for the others so they would understand I was not the one mentioned in the prophecy. That night, I was trying to get a potion bottle to Ramona when Raoul found me and we had a fight. I managed to escape him but I knew he would go for Adam next. Ramona was my only hope. When I reached the house, she accepted me in exchange of my fangs and the potion. I told her about Adam and she said she will take care of it.” Landulf looked exhausted as he paused again.
“What potion? Why did she need your fangs?” Suzie asked.
“I don’t know about the fangs but the potion was something Raoul had mentioned to me before. Take one sip and one could find the lost house. Ramona needed it to understand what she had to do to lock down the house. She wanted to know how Raoul got his hands on the potion but I couldn’t find that out. Before she left to go get Adam, she told me to sleep inside the well. She said as soon as the night would end she would let me out. She also said that if anyone else awoke me, I was to tell them that the cauldron is with Elizabeth.” Landulf’s last sentence made them all jump up and come close.
“Elizabeth? Who is she? Is she a former resident of the house?” Suzie asked.
“Did Ramona tell you where this Elizabeth lives?” Kate inquired.
“Tell us all Ramona said about the cauldron, Landulf.” Anya insisted.
“Ramona said that the cauldron is with Elizabeth and all you need to do is ask her for it. Then she closed the lid of the well. I don’t know who Elizabeth is or where she lives.” Landulf stated.
“Hmm… This is interesting. So apparently Ramona knew she might not be able to return that night and took care of that too. Maybe she failed to save Adam and Raoul managed to trap her somewhere… But what about Raoul then? Is he out there somewhere?” Suzie wondered aloud.
“Maybe Ramona weakened him somehow and we need to find her before he regains his strength.” Kate added.
“We should all rest for the night and discuss this with Julia. Playing guessing games will not solve this mystery. Landulf needs to rest and we should refresh our energies too. It’s been a long day for all of us.” Anya concluded and everyone agreed.
“I guess I will have to speak with Jane tomorrow, too.” Suzie stated as she turned towards Kate’s bed.

Chapter 13

The next day everyone woke up late. It was almost lunchtime when Suzie went out to look for Jane. She went to the tea table and grabbed a cookie for herself, looking around she didn’t find Jane there. She decided to go ask Zommie about her and went to the haunted tree. She saw Grumpz snoring on one of the branches with his mouth open so she tried to be as quiet as possible. Zommie was hunched in the back with her head on the tree trunk when Suzie signaled her to come out and asked where Jane was. Zommie moaned and started walking towards the duck pond.
The sun rays danced on the clear water of the pond as the duck peacefully floated in it. Suzie called out Jane’s name twice before she appeared floating right beside her. Suzie told her everything Landulf had shared with them and then became silent.
“I am sorry Suzie; I know I should have listened to you. But I don’t know why my anger came over me and I lost control.” Jane apologized.
“I understand Jane; it’s not your fault. You feel deeply for all those who lost their lives because of him. But you must realize that there were other people responsible too, people more dangerous than Landulf.” Suzie said.
“I should apologize to him too I guess… what you suggest we do next?” Jane asked.
“That would be very nice of you dear. Let us all have lunch together, and then we wait for Julia to return.” Suzie walked in the house with Jane floating by her side.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
They had a nice lunch together talking about their lives. Jane and Zommie were reminded of the old times when witches and vampires lived there in harmony. After a long time it had felt like home again. Anya felt she had finally found her family while Kate and Suzie were happy and thankful too.
It was near sunset, when the keys of the piano began to play the song of the dead. Everyone knew Julia had arrived.
“Well bless my soul, everyone looks so merry today.” Julia smiled at them but when she saw Landulf, she floated away in alarm, “How the devil did you get here?”
Anya came forward and told her to calm down and it took her an hour and a half to tell Julia about Landulf and his past. Still Julia seemed to keep her distance from Landulf and asked him questions of her own.
“Did Ramona tell you what she planned to do that night? She had already sent out two residents to resurrect her later so she must have planned something before your arrival?” Julia asked.
“I am afraid I don’t know anything about that. I just brought her the potion through which Raoul could reach the lost house and she asked for my fangs as a condition to entering the house. The rest was all vague to me because the whole place was filled with a purple fog.” Landulf spoke of the same fog Grumpz had told them about.
“How about you Julia, did you meet Rowan again?” Kate inquired.
“Yes I did, Rowan said you have to come to him to take your mother’s pendant and when the two pendants will be placed together, the instructions of the resurrection will be revealed. But first there are two things I need you to do. Rowan said you must take Ramona’s journal and look for clues in it and once that’s done you will know how to awaken Draczaar. Secondly, you will have to ride him to the mountain to receive your mother’s pendant.” Julia calmly replied.
“Awaken Draczaar? Is that really necessary?” Anya was suddenly very worried.
“Oh precious child, you don’t have to be frightened by Draczaar, he is a sweet little thing. You will love him in no time. And yes it is necessary to awaken him because it will open the path to Ramona’s room where we will find her book of shadows. She must have left a clue in it for us.” Julia patted Anya and turned to Kate again, “So are you ready child? Just hold her journal and I can tell you the spell to make it work.”
“Spell? Why do I need a spell? Besides, I think I have already read her journal when I arrived here.” Kate was confused.
“You don’t have to read it dear, you have to hold it and lay down on your bed. Then you whisper the spell of the bookworm and you sleep. In your dream you will be able to see all that has been recorded in the journal. Sometimes witches leave clues inside the journal and one of them will surely help you understand how to awaken Draczaar.” Julia smiled.
“Cool… That is just so amazing! Can it be done with all the books?” Kate was excited.
“I am afraid not. Only those that have real events recorded in them. I am sure it won’t work with your fiction horror books.” Julia smiled back.
“Alright… so when do we start?” Kate jumped to get the journal out of the bookshelf and clasped it in her hands.
“Let’s start!” Julia moved near the bed and told Kate how to hold the book. Then she whispered a spell in her ear which Kate repeated in a low voice with her eyes closed and in a flash, she was asleep. Julia told everyone that it will take her three hours to awaken and in that time they should try to write down everything they know so far. Everyone got to work and started writing their versions of that night. Julia prayed Kate woke up with some answers.
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Kate did not feel like she was dreaming, rather she felt she had somehow shrunk and fallen inside Ramona’s journal. The first page was the same with all the journals, a pencil sketch of the lost house. Kate stared at the strokes that combined together to form the shape of the house. She soon noticed that the black and white sketch had begun to come alive with true vibrant colors. Kate looked at it in amazement as the sketch transformed into a real scene of the house. At the corner of her eye, she noticed branches moving and crows flying in the sky. Suddenly the sketch wasn’t just a picture, it had become real. Kate wondered if she could step forward and enter the house, without noticing she moved towards the pathway that led to the door. It was magic. Kate was in the premises of the house and she almost forgot that it was a dream. She hurried her way to the door and heard strange celebrating sounds coming from within. She decided to see what was going on from the right window for she noticed something had changed about the house.
Indeed everything had changed. There were many people inside the house and Kate recognized none of them. They were all gathered around a lady and shouting congratulations her way. But she just stood in the middle of the house with her head bowed down. She smiled at everyone but Kate could clearly see sadness in her eyes. After a while, a woman wearing a big witch’s hat made her way towards the lady and spoke, “Now I know you are all happy for Ramona but I think, considering the circumstances, we should take our meal and retire for the night.” Kate stared at the lady with her head still lowered down… ‘Ramona’ Kate thought.
“Come on Meredith… The girl has just been chosen as the witch of the house, and we still have to do the gifting ceremony.” One of the women, clearly a vampire with fangs and pale skin spoke out loud.
Meredith, who was probably Ramona’s mother, looked at her daughter and sighed. She knew Ramona wanted to run away from the room to hide away, but Meredith knew the ceremony was too important to leave behind.
“Very well then, let us start with the gifts.” Meredith sighed again.
Ramona sat on a nearby chair as everyone began to present their gifts to her. She smiled and nodded her thanks to everyone. By then Kate had entered the house by walking through the wall. Kate realized no one could see or hear her and she was only present there as an observer. Suddenly the door opened and someone walked in wearing a white cloak and hood. It was hard to see a face but Kate clearly saw white golden hair from underneath the hood. The female held a wooden carved box in her hands.
“May we know who has come to gift the new witch of the house?” Meredith spoke in surprise.
“The Elder Witches wish to congratulate Ramona and to remind her that she is the one chosen to fulfill the 300 years old prophecy.” The cloaked female answered in a soft voice and everyone became silent. Meredith nodded as the female made her way towards Ramona and gave her the box.
“Remember, this gift will help you fulfill the prophecy when time comes. Take good care of it.” The female stood silent for a while and then nodded her way out the door. No one said a word, and then suddenly Ramona got up and handed the box to Meredith. She had tears in her eyes as she ran towards the door. No one followed her as she disappeared. Meredith looked sadly at the box and opened it. Kate could see what was in it and it made her gasp in surprise. Lying inside the box, were two gold pendants that Kate knew too well. Before she could see or hear more, everything around her changed. Instantly, Kate was flying up to the roof. There, she almost had a heart attack.
It was Draczaar, fully awake, with hot air coming out his nostrils. Ramona was embracing him with both arms and crying softly. Kate heard Draczaar speak.
“Don’t cry… it was meant to be this way. You will find a way to make her better, I know you. You are magical.” Draczaar had a deep gravel voice.
“No Draczaar, It was supposed to be Elizabeth sitting on that chair tonight, she was supposed to be the witch of the lost house. This is not fair at all.” Ramona straightened, “I will find a way to make her better. I will not let her live a life like that.”
“Go to her… she needs you tonight.” Draczaar smiled at her and she went around him and halted near a candle that had Draczaar’s tail around it. Ramona closed her eyes for a while and held her right palm on that candle. Softly she whispered, “Aflame!” and the candle lit up. Instantly Draczaar flew towards the mountain and left Ramona standing besides the opening to the witch’s room. Ramona went down inside, Kate tried to follow but she couldn’t. Kate started to feel dizzy and had to close her eyes. When she opened them, she was back in her own time, lying on bed, with her friends around her. She was awake.

Chapter 14

“Come on Kate! Tell us what you saw?” Anya was acting impatiently.
“Dear, give her time to come to her senses, and stop worrying about the sweet dragon.” Julia rolled her eyes at Anya and sat at the corner of Kate’s bed.
“Are you fine Kate? Did everything go well?” Suzie was concerned as she stared at Kate sitting mute since half an hour.
“Ahh… Yes, I am fine… Everything went fine. It was such a strange experience.” Kate spoke slowly as if in a daze.
“Are you fine enough to tell us about it dear?” Julia cautiously asked.
“Yes I think I am. Tell me Julia, was Meredith Ramona’s mother?” Kate inquired.
“Yes she was. I was a good friend of hers. After she passed away, I sometimes came to visit Ramona too. Did you see them Kate?” Julia asked.
“Yes I did. I saw the night when Ramona was chosen the witch of this house… Tell me Julia, why was she so sad?” Kate questioned.
“I don’t remember clearly but I think it had to do something with a girl’s death. She was a dear friend of Ramona.” Julia answered.
“And she was supposed to be the witch of the house if she hadn’t died. I heard Ramona call her Elizabeth. So maybe she isn’t really dead. Do you remember anything about her?” Kate asked.
“I am afraid not dear; I only came to the house when I was called. But I can ask other witches that might have heard some gossip about it.” Julia smiled.
“You mean the Elder Witches?” Kate looked up.
“The Elder Witches are more a myth than a reality dear. No one ever really saw them; they are more rumors about them then actual facts.” Julia said.
“But I thought they were the ones who spoke of the prophecy… and I saw one of them in this house the night of Ramona’s choosing. In fact, they were the ones who gifted Ramona the two pendants she later gave to Victoria and my mother.” Kate spoke in excitement.
“That is interesting… So if we can find the Elder witches, they might be able to tell us where Ramona is.” Anya spoke.
“Yes I think so too. What do you think Julia?” Kate waited for an answer.
“It would help but as I said, The Elder Witches are a myth. No one knows where they are; if they even exist, that is. Right now let us focus on what Rowan said and later I can go ask around about Elizabeth and the Elder Witches too. Did you learn anything about Draczaar?” Julia asked.
Kate looked at Anya and smiled, “Yes I did, and He is so adorable!” Anya rolled her eyes around as Kate chuckled at her tense friend.
“Alright then, let’s go on the roof.” Julia had a wide smile on her face.
“NOW???” Anya almost screamed while Kate patted her on her back.
“Trust me Anya; he is well mannered and caring. You would love him.” Kate said.
“You mean he would greet me before roasting me?” Anya asked sarcastically but Kate chose to ignore her and followed Julia out the door while Suzie, Jane and Zommie stayed behind with Landulf.
On the roof, Draczaar slept right in the middle of the pentagram drawn on the roof’s floor. His tail circled one of the white candles placed at every point of the pentagram. Usually dragons were keepers of treasure and they kept it encircled in their tails. Draczaar was a keeper of the candle because it led to Ramona’s room. Only a witch could make him get out of the way and reveal the pathway inside the room and Kate knew exactly how she had to do that.
Julia, Anya and Kate were circled around the sleepy dragon.
“Awaken the dragon, Katherine Williams.” Julia spoke.
Kate let out a breath and stepped forward. She gently placed her hand on Draczaar’s rough pointy scales and whispered softly ‘Awaken’ while Anya stood frightened and excited at the same time as the dragon began to move.
The purple and black beast wanted to stretch after 34 years of sleep and opened his black fierce eyes as he stood on his huge feet. Upon seeing the company he held spellbound by his mighty stature, realization hit him hard. Anya jumped back when he opened his mouth to speak.
“Ahh… Right on time Julia, Ramona knew you wouldn’t let her down.” Draczaar had the same gravel voice Kate had heard in her dream.
“Glad to see you too Draczaar but I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean.” Julia was confused.
“I was the last one she put to sleep that night and she told me it would take you 34 years to wake me up.” Draczaar looked over at Kate and Anya before continuing, “And these two must be Victoria and Eleanor’s daughters, right?”
“How do you know so much? So Ramona knew about all this 34 years ago?” Julia was surprised and filled with questions.
“I am just telling you what I know. We all know Ramona had changed a lot after the choosing and more so after Meredith died. I believe it was the children, she was really concerned about though.” Draczaar was thoughtful.
“What children?” Kate gathered enough courage and asked.
“You must be Eleanor’s daughter. May I know your name?” Draczaar ignored her query and stared deep in Kate’s eyes.
“I am Katherine Williams and this is Anya Edmond.” Kate nodded at Anya and Draczaar turned around to stare at her too.
“Anya dear, you don’t need to be afraid of me.” Draczaar whispered in a deep voice, “I am the enemy of your enemy and that makes me your friend.” Draczaar winked at Anya and she understood the dragon was referring to Viktor Gordon.
“That makes you my best friend, actually.” Anya smiled and relaxed.
“Draczaar, what children are you talking about?” Julia interrupted and the dragon turned to reply.
“It started with that ghost girl with no memory.”
“Jane?” The three of them spoke at once.
“Yes I believe that is what Ramona named her when she brought her here. Since then she kept her eyes on other such children roaming around with lost memory. The night of the dark eclipse Ramona brought three boys to the house with similar symptoms but said she didn’t have time to cure them.” Draczaar replied.
“Who were the three boys?” Kate inquired.
“Was one of them named Adam Orlok?” Anya asked.
“Girls… Why don’t we let Draczaar tell us everything he remembers about that night?” Julia looked over at Draczaar, “So what do you say dragon boy?”
“Yes I think that would be better too, though there wasn’t much I saw in that awful purple fog. As soon as Ramona summoned it out of the cauldron, it was impossible to see what was going on down there. I do remember hearing someone talk to Ramona about potion bottles and vampire fangs. Then I heard sounds of an earthquake but I didn’t feel anything, still it made me wonder and I flew down to see if Ramona was fine. When I saw her, she seemed to be in a hurry to go out. I tried to stop her because of all the killings going on inside the forest and around Viktor’s castle, but Ramona wouldn’t listen and she left. I waited until it was almost midnight with the eclipse in its full swing, when I saw Ramona return on her broom that carried three unconscious boys. One of them was definitely a newbie vampire. The second was a moon zombie with no memory and the third one, maybe only God could figure out.” Draczaar shook his head as he remembered the boy.
“What was wrong with the third one?” Julia wondered.
“He was half living and half dead… I can’t explain with words Julia, one has to see him to understand. Anyways, Ramona took them inside and when she came out she told me you would wake me up after 34 years and when you do, I must tell you that it would take a full moon for the resurrection to work. After that I slept.” Draczaar sighed as he concluded.
“So where did the boys go?” Kate asked.
“Nowhere, they are still inside her room. She must have put them to sleep too.” Draczaar replied.
“Then we must wake them up. They might know something.” Anya suggested.
“I doubt that. They were unconscious when they arrived and they don’t really have their memories intact.” Draczaar answered back.
“I think its time we opened up the room. I need to see Ramona’s book of shadows.” Julia declared and looked over at Kate.
Kate knew what to do. She went to the candle that had Draczaar’s tail around it and closed her eyes. As she opened her right palm over the candle, she felt warmth fill her hand as she whispered the magic word, ‘Aflame’.
Suddenly, the candle lit up and Draczaar unwrapped his tail to fly down towards the pathway of the house, leaving a dark opening behind that led to Ramona’s room. Kate wondered why he didn’t fly out to the mountain. Julia and Anya came forward to look at the opening that led to Ramona’s room and Julia prayed the answers she was looking for were not as horrible as she feared and floated down inside. Anya and Kate followed the gypsy witch.

Chapter 15

Before Anya and Kate could adjust their sight according to the dim light inside Ramona’s room, they heard Julia whisper in surprise and hurried towards her.
“Oh Lord, this is all too weird.” Julia stood frozen right in the middle of the room.
As Anya and Kate looked around, they had to gasp too. In one corner of the rectangular room, there lay a big table filled with witchcraft supplies. Fresh mushrooms, poison berries and leaves along with a bowl filled with toad eyes were neatly placed on it. There was a mixing bowl and potion bottles lying around too, while a candle on top of an old skull lit up the room with its gloomy, eerie light.
When Kate looked on the left side, she was puzzled and confused. There were three beds… No, they were three graves, inside the room, lying open, along with their residents. The bodies resembled the description of the three boys Draczaar had mentioned to them.
One of them was a pale skinned boy with his shiny unused fangs, lying dead in a grave, while the second boy was a strange blue/purple color with huge blank white moonlike eyes and the third was the most strangest, Kate thought. He was indeed half alive and half dead. The left side of his body belonged to a zombie with decomposing skin and an eye popped out of his socket while the right part of his body was completely normal and healthy looking except for his ear… it was continuously oozing blood.
“Are they dead?” Kate asked in a whisper.
“No dear, they are sleeping. Look at their gravestones.” Julia pointed at the graves and the girls noticed the inscription. ‘Sleep with a Spell, Wake with a wand’ written on all three gravestones.
“I guess that’s a riddle too, now Kate would need a wand to wake them up.” Anya spoke.
“Hey, look at Ramona’s bed.” Julia turned in the opposite direction, where a cozy, purple color bed lay… snoring!
“Is that bed… snoring? Why would a bed do that?” Kate asked amazed.
“I don’t think it’s the bed dear, I believe someone is sleeping here but we can’t see the person. This is an old witch’s trick we are taught in the early years.” Julia floated around the bed, inspecting closely.
“I wish someone would teach me this stuff.” Kate said excited.
“Who could it be? Is there a way to wake the person up?” Anya asked.
“There is always a way. Kate, come here and place your hand on top of the bed. I think if you whisper ‘Reveal’, we might be able to see who sleeps here.” Julia looked over at Kate, who had already put her hand on the bed. As soon as she said the words, a figure appeared lying on the bed in deep sleep. She was a witch, wearing a cherry red cloak and a matching witch hat that covered her black curly hair. Her skin was fair and her age seemed to be around the early thirties. When Julia saw her, she had a big happy smile plastered on her face.
“MARTHAA… This is truly a miracle.” Julia spun around and floated near the sleeping witch.
“Who is Martha?” Kate and Anya asked together.
“She is one of the residents of the house. But all this time I thought no one had survived. It makes me so happy to see an old face again. Martha is like an elder sister to Ramona. Though she is a powerful witch, her true love is baking cakes and cookies for everyone in the house. You will all love her, I know, she is like a mother goose.” Julia spoke with love as she came to stand near the right side of the bed.
“So how do we wake her up? Is she just sleeping or under a spell?” Kate asked.
“It’s a spell but don’t worry, I think Ramona already mixed up something for us in her bowl.” Julia glanced over the table and Anya went to pick up the mixing bowl and smelled it.
“Yuck!!! This smells like rotten bread.” Anya made a face and almost threw down the bowl.
“Exactly what Martha needs to smell, she would think she burnt her bread and wake up in fright.” Julia smiled back.
“That is a funny spell.” Kate chuckled as she took the bowl from Anya and brought it near the bed.
“It’s called ‘Lazy Witch Spell’. When a witch disappears to take a nap, it is justified by a smell that would frighten her to wake up.” Julia explained with a laugh.
“So all I do now is put the bowl to her nose?” Kate inquired and saw Julia nod.
“Yes but stay back because she will wake up thinking the bread is burning and run to find the oven.” Julia winked with a smile and Kate stepped away before placing the bowl right under Martha’s nose. As soon as she inhaled the awful smell, her eyes popped open and she hastily sat up.
“Oh dear, dough is burning… save the bread, you clumsy Martha…” Martha jumped out of bed in a hurry muttering loudly but when she looked around she realized no bread was in danger.
“Martha, I am so happy to see you dear.” Julia floated near to greet her.
“Ahh… Julia. I would hug you right now if I wouldn’t pass right through you. It has been a long time indeed.” Martha smiled and turned towards the girls, “and you must be daughters of Victoria and Eleanor. Welcome home kids.” Martha threw her arms around the girls and patted their backs. It surprised and warmed both their hearts.
“So Ramona already knew about them to tell you they would be with me when you wake up?” Julia was surprised and impressed.
“Well, when she brought these boys here, Victoria had already been killed and when she checked on Eleanor from her crystal ball, Ramona knew things had gone in the other direction. So yes, Ramona knew it was up to these two girls to make all this work.” Martha smiled at them.
“Make what work? And where exactly is Ramona?” Julia asked.
“The back up plan… Ramona made sure that if Landulf failed, she would need a back up plan to fulfill the prophecy. She left you answers in her book to understand more but she also feared that you would think she is mad.” Martha replied with a worried expression.
“Why would I think such…?” Julia started to ask but then became dead silent. She turned towards Kate and whispered, “Dear, get me Ramona’s book from the table.” Kate and Anya looked at each other before Kate nodded and walked up to a round table in the corner. It resembled a gypsy tarot card reading table with a crystal bowl in the middle, a candle on one side and three tarot cards lying on it. Far behind, there was a big bounded black book with a gold pentagram drawn on it. Kate knew it was the book Julia had asked for.
“Did Ramona read tarot cards too? There are three cards lying here, do you think they mean anything Julia?” Kate asked.
“Bring them here too; I will check if they do.” Julia replied and saw Kate try to grab the cards but something seemed to bother her. “What is the matter Kate?”
“I think these are stuck on the table, I can’t get them off.” Kate looked puzzled.
“Then they must mean something…” Anya spoke out loud and saw Julia float towards the table. Indeed there were three cards placed on the table in a specific manner and Kate stepped away as Julia silently inspected them.
Martha came forward and smiled at the girls warmly.
“You know, you two are brave girls to have come this far. Ramona had blind faith on the prophecy so she put the whole house to sleep but you two didn’t even know about it yet you have awakened the whole house exactly when Ramona said you would.” Martha hugged them again and turned to see if Julia had figured out anything. Julia stood frozen, looking down at the cards and hastily asked Kate to open the book to its last page.
As Kate grabbed the black book and opened it to its last written page, she saw a big tombstone sketched on the last yellow page. On it, where four roman numbers, XX, IX, XIII and V. Kate had no idea what she was staring at.
“There are just numbers here Julia… 20, 9, 13 and a 5. What do they mean?” Kate looked up and saw Julia’s eyes turn wild. She frantically floated towards Martha and started shouting.
“How could you let her Martha? After knowing what became of Meredith. There is no way to bring her back… All this has been for nothing, absolutely nothing.” Julia didn’t wait for a reply and flew out the room, leaving Anya and Kate stand confused with Martha, who sighed deeply as she saw Julia go.

“TIME… The numbers spell the word ‘Time’.” Anya spoke when Julia left.
“Huh???” Kate turned to look at what Anya meant.
“Look… T is the 20th alphabet, I is the 9th while M is 13th and E is the 5th. Martha, am I right?” Anya inquired looking over at Martha who sighed again.
“Yes dear, I am afraid you are right.” Martha took the book of shadows from Kate and looked at the hand drawn tomb on which the roman numbers were written.
“Tell us what it means? Why did Julia say there is no way to bring Ramona back?” Kate asked.
“This, my dear, is the symbol of The Tomb of Time. It represents a realm that does not exist in the physical world. This realm is considered to be the darkest form of punishment in the witching world. One, who is sent to this realm, never returns. If they do, they go mad and end their lives within hours of returning. There are few who consider it a boon from God but everyone else believes it to be the darkest curse.” Martha lowered her head as she replied.
“What does it have to do with Ramona?” Anya had fear in her voice as she spoke.
“At this moment Ramona is inside the Tomb of Time.” Martha whispered back and the girls gasp.

Chapter 16

The next day, everyone sat in silence after having their breakfast and wondered about Julia. Anya had brought down Martha’s bed down from Ramona’s room and Draczaar had gone to sit on the roof again, blocking the path inside the room. He wasn’t sleeping anymore, he sat fully awake and alert.
Kate felt she needed to know more about this Tomb of Time so she decided to break the silence and asked Martha about it.
“Is it true that we can’t bring Ramona back from the Tomb of Time?”
“Oh we can bring her back dear, but she won’t be Ramona anymore, just a lunatic who would beg you to end her life.” Martha sighed sadly.
“So Julia is right then… but I don’t understand why Ramona would do such a thing to herself and what does it have to do with the prophecy?” Anya asked.
“Julia always thought Ramona was obsessed with the Tomb of Time, especially when her mother had returned from it and died. Ramona was with her in her last moments and Meredith had tried desperately to tell her something. After she died, Ramona spent all her time trying to figure out what her mother wanted her to know.” Martha paused.
“But why did Meredith go inside the Tomb of Time?” Jane asked from behind the piano.
“After Ramona had been chosen the witch of the house, she started having a dream every night. It was different every time and revealed things about the prophecy. Meredith told Ramona that it was probably the Elder Witches trying to show her the way to her destiny. And then one night Ramona saw herself going inside the Tomb of Time. Meredith couldn’t take it. There was no way she was going to let that happen and if it did, she wanted to make sure her daughter had a way of coming out of it alive and sane, so she went in herself. Everyone tried to stop her but she didn’t listen and summoned a spell of the Tomb of Time. When Ramona brought her back after an hour as Meredith had instructed, she had completely lost her mind. She babbled confusing things and started doodling strange symbols on paper and after a few hours, was so weakened that she died. Ramona didn’t cry a tear and picked up all the papers Meredith had written on and tried to look for answers.” Martha replied.
“So it was necessary for Ramona to go inside the Tomb in order to fulfill the prophecy and Meredith wanted to make sure of Ramona’s safety. I guess any mother would give her life to save her child’s.” Kate spoke softly remembering her own mother’s sacrifice.
“Yes dear, that is what Ramona believed and she wanted to do everything she could to make it all work out as the prophecy had spoken.” Martha smiled.
“Should we call Julia and tell her about this? I don’t feel right in giving up on Ramona, especially when we have the pendants to resurrect her to safety.” Anya asked.
“Julia will return soon, don’t you worry. She will never abandon Ramona. Till then we wait.” Martha replied.
“And what about the boys in Ramona’s room… Aren’t you going to wake them up?” Kate asked.
“No dear. Ramona is the one who is supposed to do that. We might not be able to control them if they wake up without their memories.” Martha warned.
“Did Ramona tell you the names of anyone of them?” Anya asked softly looking over at Landulf who lay silently on the coffin bed.
“Yes… Only one name, the vampire boy is Adam Orlok.” Martha answered back.
“Oh Lord… It is a miracle. Oh Ramona, you fulfilled your promise, you saved my boy…” Landulf was ecstatic to hear Martha’s reply and sat up with difficulty, Anya thought she heard bones crack.
“That is wonderful indeed but you need to relax Landulf.” Kate tried to calm him down.
“Please Martha, wake him up… I want to see my boy, some one please take me to him…” Landulf begged and cried and the girls hurried to comfort him and stood around his bed.
“Landulf I can not do that. His condition wasn’t great when he was brought here. Raoul had tried to drain him dry. It is a miracle that he survived the attack. Let us wait for Ramona to return and then he will be awakened.” Martha smiled reassuringly and Landulf relaxed. Kate turned towards Martha and spoke.
“Julia had told me to fly Draczaar to go to Rowan for my pendant… Do you think I should go now before she returns?” Kate asked confused.
“I think you should ask Draczaar about it. Go with Suzie and if the dragon agrees, I think you should go and get that pendant.” Martha winked at the girl as she and Suzie made their way outside to have a talk with Draczaar.
“I think I should bake something for everyone while we wait for Julia to return… Who wants cupcakes?” Martha asked enthusiastically as she started to wave her wand in the air and everyone smiled.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Draczaar sat majestically on the roof scanning the mountains and the woods for any sign of trouble when Kate and Suzie managed to climb the haunted tree up to where he sat.
“Hello Draczaar…” Kate smiled at him.
“Hello Kate, How have you been? And what should I call you star creature?” Draczaar looked over at Suzie and asked.
“I am Suzie; I believe you remember me from before?” Suzie smiled.
“Yes I do. You brought Ramona the star berries the day before the eclipse.” Draczaar replied back.
“Yes I did and now I know why she wanted them… Did you know she was inside the Tomb of Time?” Suzie asked.
“I feared it but I couldn’t be certain. Now we know though, let’s hope the resurrection works.” Draczaar nodded solemnly.
“Star berries?” Kate looked over at Suzie.
“They are the most important ingredient in summoning the Tomb of Time spell, along with vampire fangs and Rowan fruit.” Suzie stated matter-of-factly.
“Speaking of Rowan… Draczaar, Julia had instructed me to ride you to Rowan for my mother’s pendant, she said when the pendants will be placed together, the instructions of the resurrection will be revealed. Will you take me there?” Kate politely asked.
“Yes I surely will, you will have to climb on my back and hold tight, I will try to fly as smooth as I can. Are you coming along Suzie?” Draczaar asked.
“Yes I am. Ramona had instructed me to keep Kate safe until she returned.” Suzie answered and followed Kate to Draczaar’s back.
As soon as the girls were safely holding on to the dragon, he took his flight, first circling the lost house and then soaring up to the mountain towards Rowan.
“Such a long time since I hadn’t stretched my wings, thank you for waking me up little witch.” Draczaar sounded happy.
“I am glad I could help Draczaar.” Kate replied and thought about her meeting with Rowan. She was extremely tensed and confused about what to expect. Julia’s words echoed in her head, “… these trees are not just trees…” in Kate’s heart, she wanted to feel her mother when she met Rowan and in her head she knew she was being silly and emotional. Suzie could read her thoughts and she wrapped her arms around Kate tightly.
“You will feel her Kate… I know for sure.” Suzie softly whispered.
“I wish so much that I do… Pray for me Suzie.” Kate felt tears sting her eyes.

Almost on the top of the grey, sharp edged mountain, a small patch of trees stood seeming completely out of place. Draczaar smoothly landed near the trees and instantly the trees opened up revealing a pathway that led inside the rough mountain. Kate and Suzie looked at each other and got off the dragons back.
“I will wait here for you. Don’t worry; this place is as safe as the lost house.” Draczaar spoke and the girls nodded before heading into the trees.
As soon as they stepped inside the trees, Kate felt a branch reach out to caress her cheek. She closed her eyes as the leaves touched her and she could swear she felt a hand caress her. When she opened her eyes Suzie was smiling at her.
They kept on walking for a while before arriving in front of a big Rowan tree that glowed with a purple hue. As they stepped closer, the girls noticed a face appear through the twisted bark of the tree. The face looked old and wise and Kate saw the Rowan smile at them.
“The witch and her Star… One has to marvel at Ramona’s faith indeed.” Rowan’s voice was more like the sound of leaves brushing together than an actual voice. Kate wondered if they were hearing the words inside their minds.
“I have come for the pendant and also to thank you for saving my life.” Kate spoke hesitantly.
“All I have for you are these fruits,” A branch reached out and placed five Rowan fruits in Kate’s hand, “And your pendant awaits you there… someone has been waiting a long time to give it to you.” The branch stretched out towards the right direction, pointing at a lush green tree Kate had never seen before. Suzie came forward and whispered in her ear.
“I remember your mother was buried there Kate.”
Kate walked towards the tree and saw all its branches open up to greet her and hug her in. She was completely clasped inside the green warmth that felt like a mother. It was her mother. The tree was Eleanor Williams. Suzie was glad for Kate as she heard her weep softly in the embrace of the tree. She stayed there for a while.
When Kate emerged from it, she was smiling and she had the pendant around her neck. The Rowan spoke in a firm voice, “You must hurry now and remember to eat the fruits I gave you. They hold your mother’s memories and her abilities as a witch. You will need them after the resurrection.”
The girls nodded and hurried back to Draczaar, who safely flew them home.

Chapter 17

When Kate and Suzie returned, Martha was quick to hand them their cupcakes she had baked and both the girls thought they tasted great. Later, Kate told Martha about the Rowan fruits and Martha understood what had to be done.
“Dear I think it would be better if you ate them up in Ramona’s room. If it holds the memoirs of Eleanor Williams, you might take a few days before waking up.” Martha patted her back.
“Is it dangerous to glance at memoirs of a person?” Kate asked.
“Not dangerous but it is extremely exhausting for the mind to take in the information all at once. That is why it will take you a few days to awaken. Do you wish to go ahead with it?” Martha inquired.
“Yes… Yes, I surely want to go ahead with it. Maybe by then Julia would return and I would know a little more about my mother.” Kate smiled bravely.
“You will know all about her Kate. The fruits will not enable you to feel what she went through but it will give you all the information you need.” Martha explained and then turned towards the door to take Kate to Ramona’s room. Kate said farewell to everyone and followed Martha out. Suzie followed her too and said she would stay with her all the time to make sure Kate is fine.
There was no sign of Julia that day and Anya felt hurt. She hadn’t expected Julia to abandon them, especially not Ramona. Jane asked Martha if they should call Julia through her song but Martha thought it best to give Julia all the time she needs.
“I truly believe in Ramona’s planning and insight. She knew Julia was against her theories but still she trusted her. Let’s have faith in that trust.” Martha smiled and the girls nodded.
“I wonder how it feels to be inside the Tomb of Time. What kind of horrible torture does a person endures while trapped inside.” Anya wondered aloud.
“The Tomb of Time is a mirror of the soul. It is a bit like what Kate must be experiencing right now, but much severe and lifelike.” Martha paused to see the confused expressions on the girl’s faces.
“I don’t understand? Is Kate in danger?” Jane sounded worried.
“No dear, she is merely glimpsing through her mother’s life but a person who is forever banished to the Tomb of Time has to live through life over and over again. Let me try to explain this… When a witch or any other creature, brought great harm to people and disobeyed the laws of keeping the balance of yin n yang, it was decided to banish the said person to the Tomb. Once a person is sent there, his or her physical being disappears to a place not known to the physical world while the mind, soul and heart are forever trapped in the Tomb, cursed to experience the same life they lived, again and again. It is obvious that a bad person has a diseased soul and has made negative choices all their lives and by living through them repeatedly they experience a special kind of hell inside the Tomb.” Martha replied.
“That is why they go mad, just by glimpsing through their own life?” Anya couldn’t understand.
“No dear, it’s not just glimpsing through life, its being born again and again, and feeling the same things, making the same mistakes when they know it to be a mistake. No one can change their past choices inside the Tomb and that makes you go mad. Just think about it Anya, if only you hadn’t sat in the carriage that was sent by your grand father, you might still be human… things like these, choices made in innocence and ignorance haunt us forever and inside the Tomb, they are our only companion and they drive us mad.” Martha sighed and everyone was quiet for a long time.
“You know, I spent 18 years in this house after I turned into a vampire and I kept thinking the same thing you mentioned. The question plagued me and haunted me that why did I had to become what I had become? What was the reason behind it all? And all my answers were answered when my pendant glowed and pulled me towards Kate. Now I am not sorry for what happened. I do not pity myself anymore because if I hadn’t sat in that carriage and gone to Viktor Gordon, this house would still be sleeping and Kate would still be planted in the soil. Landulf would still be trapped in that well and being cursed for all that he had been forced to do by someone else.” Anya let out a long breath and felt Martha’s arms around her.
“Oh my child, you have a very strong soul indeed. And yes I agree with everything you have said. Nothing in our lives, good or bad, happens without a reason. I am glad you came to have some peace about yourself. It is a precious and unique gift surely.” Martha was proud of Anya as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
“I wanted a family and I got one, only an idiot would complain about the fact that you could pass right through half of them.” Anya winked at Jane and everyone laughed.
“Very funny Anya, but tell me Martha, you said for some, the Tomb was a gift or a boon. If it is such a horrible place, why would it be a boon to anyone?” Jane asked Martha as she floated near Landulf’s bed.
“There are some creatures that have been put under spells that can not be broken. Often sorcerers and evil witches have caused harm to the good witches and trapped their souls in special magical prisons. Sometimes, though rarely, if there is no cure or spell to lift the effects of an evil spell or black magic, the victim was sent to the Tomb for an hour’s time. You see, inside the Tomb, no spell or magic survives. When a person returns, he or she gets cured from all types of black magic. But because of losing their minds in the Tomb, they never live beyond a day and depart for the spirit world. Still it is better than to be trapped forever by evil.” Martha replied.
“Why hasn’t anyone found a way to cure the effects of the Tomb after returning back?” Anya asked.
“The Tomb is supposed to be a jail for the evil hearted ones. It is not difficult to return but if there was a cure for the effects then no one would fear it. And there is another reason for it… You see, this universe is not the only one we live through; there are other parallel realities to our life spent here. Inside the Tomb, one can jump into other realities and get any information they want from it. Many had voluntarily gone inside the Tomb just for that purpose. But alas! When they return, they all end their lives in madness.” Martha shook her head sadly.
“Hmm… that is interesting. Do you think Ramona went inside for the same reason?” Jane inquired.
“She went inside the Tomb because she had to. It frightened her but she knew something that had made her strong and determined to follow her destiny. Ramona had great faith in the prophecy and she also understood how important it was to fulfill it.” Martha smiled.
“Maybe the Elder Witches have the cure to the Tomb? Maybe these pendants will heal the madness for Ramona?” Jane wondered aloud.
“I think Ramona felt the same way, which is why she went inside even though she feared it. But following the instructions of the pendants would demand sacrifice… Ramona told Victoria and Eleanor about it but now it is up to Kate and Anya to abide by the rules.” Martha explained.
“What kind of sacrifice?” Anya inquired.
“I am afraid I don’t know anything about it but you will know when the instructions would be revealed. Let us take rest now. When Kate will wake, we will place the pendants together and have more answers.” Martha got up and got ready for bed as Anya nodded, lost in thought. Jane floated outside to see where Zommie had gone while Landulf closed his eyes and slept.

The next day, Martha prepared breakfast for everyone with the help of her wand and took some to Ramona’s room for Suzie. Jane finally found Zommie sleeping under Draczaar’s wing and Landulf finally managed to walk inside the room with the help of his cane. Everyone had rested and regained their energies and Martha thought it was a great day to have a picnic in the lawn. Anya smiled at her enthusiasm as Jane played the piano. Grumpz and Mr. Feets where having fun playing with a worm they had found inside the stone well and wanted to present it to Zommie when she woke. It was a cheerful day indeed.
It was after their picnic, when they all sat inside having a cup of tea and pints of blood when the piano started playing frantically all by itself. Everyone turned to look at it in surprise.
“I think Julia is back.” Jane commented.
“And I think she is still angry.” Martha gulped.
When the ghost of the gypsy witch appeared standing besides the piano, they all saw the worried look on Julia’s face and they knew something had gone wrong. The ghost was paler than usual.

Chapter 18

“They know about Ramona and they know she is coming back on the next full moon!” Julia screamed in alarm at them all. Landulf sat up in bed when he heard the news.
“I knew he wasn’t dead. All this time Raoul had been waiting for her to come back. He wanted to kill her and he wouldn’t rest until he does.” Landulf kept shaking his head.
“I don’t know about your brother but Viktor Gordon is preparing to attack the house on the night of the full moon as we speak. He has gathered every vampire and witch of the dark side to come here. It is a strong army.” Julia was trembling as she spoke.
“Raoul must be behind Viktor Gordon, they must have come together to attain the powers of this house. Only Raoul knows how to find the Lost House. Viktor can not do anything on his own.” Landulf persisted.
“So you think that Ramona went inside the Tomb to hide from Raoul?” Julia asked.
“Maybe she went inside to find a way to defeat Raoul once and for all. We have to bring her back, only she can save this house from being destroyed.” Landulf was determined.
“Martha, did Kate take Draczaar to the mountain?” Julia turned to ask Martha, who stood bewildered by all the information.
“Yes, she asked me and I told her it was best if we didn’t waste any time. Rowan gave her its fruits with the memoirs of Eleanor and I put her in Ramona’s room so she can take her time to absorb it all. Suzie is with her since yesterday.” Martha explained.
“When Draczaar flew in the air, the vampires knew the time had come for Ramona’s return. Apparently, one of the dark witches had prophesied that when Ramona’s dragon would fly to the mountain, she would return on the night of the next full moon. Immediately after that, Viktor’s puppets began to gather themselves in the castle.” Julia let out her breath in anger.
“All this strengthens my faith that Ramona will return to the house. Tell me Julia, where did you go after you left us that night?” Martha asked.
“I wanted to ask around about the Elder Witches but again I had no luck, then I heard about the prophecy of the dark witch and I was about to return here to warn everyone not to fly the dragon when I saw him fly to Rowan myself, I knew it was too late. Then I remembered another thing I had to ask about… Elizabeth. But alas! I had no luck with her either.” Julia let out a breath of frustration.
“Elizabeth? What about her?” Martha asked in surprise.
“Oh… we forgot to tell you that when Landulf was awakened, he told us that the witch’s cauldron was with Elizabeth and all we had to do was ask her for it. Too bad we don’t know who Elizabeth is and where she lives.” Anya explained as Martha stared at her in disbelief.
“What do you mean? Is this some kind of a joke?” Martha asked in confusion.
“Why would we joke about Elizabeth? We don’t even know who she is.” Julia stated and saw Martha turn her head towards the girls and stare at them… No, not all of them, only one of them, Zommie!
“That is Elizabeth, standing right in front of you.” Martha pointed towards Zommie and everyone gasped in amazement.
“But that’s Zommie… Jane told me her name when I came…” Anya began to speak but then she remembered that Jane had called her by that name because she didn’t knew the girls real name, and Zommie couldn’t speak so she went along with it.
“Oh dear, all this time and you were right here with us.” Anya stepped closer to Zommie and put a hand on her shoulder. Zommie just bowed her head down and Anya saw a tear roll down her eye.
Suddenly the door burst open and Kate came rushing in with Suzie following right at her back.
“I know who Elizabeth is!” Kate announced loudly with her hair flying everywhere.
“Yes we know too… Zommie is Elizabeth.” Julia nodded towards her and Kate hastily made her way to Zommie and hugged her tightly.
“I am so sorry for all you have been through; don’t worry a bit, when Ramona will return she will heal you for the better.” Kate tried to reassure her and Zommie moaned in reply and nodded.
“Kate, tell us what you saw?” Jane floated closer and asked.
“Everyone had expected Elizabeth to be the witch of the house but on her 18th birthday she was poisoned. Elizabeth’s mother couldn’t take the truth and blamed the witches of this house, especially Meredith, for her death. But Ramona and Elizabeth were best friends and Meredith would never do such a thing. Before Elizabeth could be buried, her body went missing. Later they found out that her mother had buried Elizabeth inside the house, on the dark side where the haunted tree now stands. She had hoped it would bring her daughter back to life, and in a twisted strange way it did. But when Elizabeth’s mother saw her turned into a zombie, her dream of seeing her daughter become the witch of the house shattered forever. She committed suicide by hanging herself by a rope on the haunted tree, which had magically appeared on top of Elizabeth’s grave. Elizabeth didn’t know what to do with her life and wanted to end it but Ramona wouldn’t let her do any such thing. With love and care she began to heal her and make her better. Later Victoria and my mother also helped her with taking care of Elizabeth and trying to improve her ability to speak.” Kate smiled at Zommie and everyone kept silent for a while.
“I didn’t knew that none of you knew who Elizabeth was. Anyways, we have to think about bringing Ramona back now. If that army of Viktor is headed this way, we have to be prepared too.” Martha spoke firmly.
“Speaking of Viktor Gordon, Ramona told Victoria to get something from his safe after the night of the dark eclipse passes. I need Anya’s help to know what exactly it is that she had asked for, but for some reason Ramona knew an army would be by the door when she would be resurrected.” Kate was in deep thought.
“What kind of help?” Anya asked.
“I need your mother’s journal so I can take you with me inside it. Remember the bookworm spell? I know a way to take you with me to look through that journal. There was a reason your mother left you that journal. I believe there are clues inside it that will help you go through the process of the resurrection.” Kate explained.
“And I would also get a chance to see my mother…” Anya smiled at her.
“Well then you too girls should hurry to get this done while we get the cauldron from Elizabeth so I can examine in detail, the last spell that was cast.” Julia announced.
“But we already know that it was the spell of the Tomb… what do you wish to examine?” Martha wondered.
“No Martha, this wasn’t a normal Tomb’s spell. I studied and thought a lot about those tarot cards, there is something different about it. I need to see the cauldron as soon as possible. And Suzie, Ramona must have asked you for the star berry?” Julia turned towards Suzie and inquired.
“Yes she wanted the berries and I brought her both of them a day before she disappeared.” Suzie replied.
“Both? She wanted two star berries?” Julia had the hugest eyes.
“Ahh… yes Julia, I remember clearly, she wanted two star berries.” Suzie saw Julia become dead silent.
“Kate, take Anya and hurry back down here when you are done. We need to solve this mystery before this night. In three days the full moon appears, and we need Ramona to be here when the army attacks.” Martha ordered and the two girls left in a hurry to Ramona’s room.
“Julia, tell me what is going on?” Martha tried to get her attention.
“Let me see the cauldron first, and then I can say more.” Julia replied.
“Alright then let’s ask Zommie… I mean Elizabeth, for the cauldron so we can see inside it.” Jane spoke up.
“Elizabeth, please show us the way to the witch’s cauldron as Ramona had instructed you.” Martha spoke to Zommie and she nodded in reply then walked outside the door. Everyone followed her, even Landulf managed to come out holding on to his cane.
Outside, it was already dark. Grumpz had gone to sleep on one of the branches of the haunted tree while Mr. Feets was feasting on the poison berries near the log. Nearby, the cauldron filled with toad soup, rested on top of the dimly lit campfire. Zommie stepped forward and tried to push the cauldron away from the fire. Suzie and Martha went to help the girl while Jane and Julia floated around Landulf. As soon as the fire was cleared, Zommie turned to climb the haunted tree.
Zommie wanted the witch’ hat and when she got it she slowly returned where the fire burned low. Everyone gasped in horror when they saw Zommie place the witch’s hat on top of the burning fire. Before anyone could react, a purple smoke started to emerge from beneath the hat and the hat began to rise above. It was difficult to see what was going on but it seemed as if an object was manifesting under the witch’s hat. Finally, the purple smoke began to subside and the fire place became more visible and clear. Everyone stood watching what had happened when Zommie stepped forward again and picked up the hat from the top of what seemed to be a pot… No, a cauldron, and not just any cauldron, it was the witch’s cauldron.
“All this time it was inside the witch’s hat, and only Elizabeth knew how to bring it out.” Martha wondered aloud.
“All the pieces to the puzzle are falling into place one by one. Ramona’s plan is working perfectly.” Julia nodded and smiled.
“I think you should go forward and examine the cauldron Julia; we need all the information before Anya and Kate return.” Jane suggested and Julia stepped forward to peek inside the cauldron that glowed with green hue.

Chapter 19

Kate and Anya stood in Ramona’s room, getting ready for the spell that would take them inside Victoria’s journal. Anya was ecstatic as she wondered how it would feel to see her mother alive.
“Remember Anya, we will not be together inside the journal. You have to follow your mother and listen closely to everything Ramona instructs her to do. Also, keep in mind that you would only be able to see them. Trying to talk to them would be a waste of time.” Kate explained as she sat on Ramona’s bed where they had found Martha snoring.
Anya nodded and spoke, “I understand, I am just glad that you found a way to take me with you.”
“It was all in my mother’s memoirs, all the spells and the different ways to use them. I will follow my mother once we get in and you must follow yours. This might be our only chance to get the information we need to bring Ramona back.” Kate spoke seriously and gestured for Anya to sit with her on the bed. Once they were both on the bed, Kate told Anya to hold the journal with her right hand and she did the same herself. Softly, Kate began to whisper the bookworm spell and instantly their heads fell on their chests as they fell asleep…

For Anya, it was a strange experience. One minute she was in Ramona’s room and the next, she found herself standing near the haunted tree with two other women by her side. One of them had red hair and a pale complexion. When she saw fangs peeping through the woman’s red cherry lips, Anya knew she was staring at her mother. The other woman, standing at her right, confirmed the fact as she began to talk.
“Victoria, what I ask of you is too great a sacrifice, I, myself have fear that the plan might not go according to our desire, but there is no other way.”
“Ramona, after all that you did for me and Edmond, I would gladly give my life for you and for this house. I have faith in you and I know you are the only one who can fulfill the prophecy.” Victoria smiled lovingly at Ramona.
Anya stared at the woman on her right. Ramona had black raven curly hair and a fair healthy complexion but her eyes held the magic that could compel the evilest person to love her. She had the expression of an innocent child as she looked over at Victoria, for she probably knew that Victoria would not survive the night of the eclipse.
“I respect your faith, Victoria, but the matter is too sensitive. Even death could doom us all for eternity. You have to promise me that if things went wrong, you would stay away from Viktor Gordon. At no cost should you let him drink from yourself. Promise me Victoria…” Ramona grabbed Victoria’s hands and pleaded.
“I promise Ramona… but why is that so important?” Victoria inquired.
“Because he would read your mind and know of everything related to the prophecy, and with all that information he could easily destroy our back up plan. Remember, as soon as you leave the child with Grace, you have to return to the house. Later, when I return, you would have to take Draczaar to Viktor’s castle for the sword. There you would have your vengeance… but not before that.” Ramona spoke firmly.
“Vengence? I merely want to do my part in securing the house and protecting its residence.” Victoria spoke but Ramona decided to be silent to her comment.
“Do you remember what I told you about the sword?” Ramona inquired.
“Yes, it will be in Viktor’s safe, behind his portrait that hangs in the main hall of the castle, and if I can’t find it there, then Draczaar will take me to the dungeons, where Viktor keeps another safe for his valuables.” Victoria stated.
“Yes, by then his vampire clans would be standing with him outside our door and we would keep them busy with the arrows you and the others have prepared for the night. But be warned, without that sword, we would not be able to control the vampires. Do you remember how it looks like?” Ramona asked about the sword and saw Victoria nod.
“It is a sharp pointy, pure stainless steel blade with a maroon colored ‘M’ etched on the thick, black handle. Don’t worry, I won’t let you down.” Victoria assured Ramona.
“Very well then, now everything is set. Let us see where destiny takes us from here.” Ramona closed her eyes and whispered softly and Anya felt as if she was speaking directly to her, “If things do not go as planned, remember to take Viktor Gordon’s memoirs, Child!”
Anya was so shocked as she realized Ramona had spoken to her that she took a step back from where she stood, but in a blink of an eye she felt herself fall into darkness and found herself outside the convent where she had spent 16 years of her life. She saw her mother crying as she clutched a child to her heart. Anya knew she was seeing her infant self. Her mother whispered soothingly in the girl’s ear…
“I am sorry baby… Mommy needs to go save daddy. Mommy will come back for you.” Victoria kept kissing her child for she knew she might not return. She knew she had promised Ramona to stay away from Viktor Gordon, but if there was a chance to save Edmond then she was ready to risk her life for him…
Anya could not see more as she saw sister Grace come towards her mother, but she felt hot tears flowing down her face. She understood that her mother had gone to save her father and Anya knew quite well how that had ended. Suddenly, she was falling back on the bed and it took great effort to open her tears filled eyes.
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Kate found herself standing near the main door of the lost house. She saw Ramona, near the pond, throwing cookie crumbs to the little duck. Nearby, a woman in white robes and witch’s hat stood waiting for Ramona to speak. Kate slowly made her way to have a better look at the woman. As she made her way towards her, she saw soft blond hair tucked beneath the hat and a bright young face of a woman staring at the light reflecting in the pond. Her eyes were light honey brown and she had sweet pink lips. Kate thought the woman was beautiful and felt pulled towards her, and when she noticed her baby bump, she knew why she felt attracted towards her.
“Eleanor, I have called you here to tell you something important. It might not make sense at the moment but when time comes, it would be very crucial.” Ramona waited to see Eleanor’s response.
“I understand Ramona; you can tell me anything you want.” Eleanor smiled calmly.
“You already know that our plan might not work and I have mentioned if something of the sort happens, you would be given a choice. It would be a very hard choice, Eleanor and the only thing that would make it easy would be love. If your choice would be based on love, then you, and all of us would have a chance, otherwise we would all be doomed.” Ramona threw the last crumb in the pond and turned towards Eleanor.
“Yes Ramona, I remember and have prepared myself for such a fate, but what troubles you at this moment dear friend?” Eleanor sensed Ramona’s hesitation.
“Eleanor, this is only for you to know, you must not speak of it to anyone. When you follow the instructions of the pendant I gave you, I would return to the house, but I would not be alone. These pendants have the cure that I would need immediately when I return, but the one who would return with me, would also need the cure.” Ramona paused and saw the confusion on Eleanor’s face.
“Who is the other person you speak of?” Eleanor inquired.
“I can not tell you that dear, but I need you to trust me when that moment comes, because you are the one who would have to cure the person I speak of. It has to be this way Eleanor…” Ramona threw her head down in despair.
“You can trust me Ramona; I will do exactly as you want me to.” Eleanor tried to assure her.
“Even if the person is our enemy?” Ramona asked as she lifted her head up. Eleanor was silent for a while and then a smile spread on her face.
“Yes Ramona, I would save my enemy if you told me to. You are wise and intelligent beyond my understanding. Be at peace now. I am on your side.” Eleanor smiled back.
“Step into my dreams and you would know how far away I am from peace…” Ramona sadly whispered.
Kate felt the earth shake and suddenly, it was all dark. In a blink of an eye, Kate was standing in Ramona’s room where Ramona slept in her bed. It was not a peaceful sleep at all. Kate saw Ramona thrust her head from side to side, sweat glistened on Ramona’s forehead and Kate had no idea what she was supposed to do. Then she remembered Ramona’s words, ‘…step into my dreams…’ and Kate knew why she was there. Immediately, she placed her palms on Ramona’s eyes and fell inside her dream.
She saw Ramona in a dark room with a huge cloaked man holding on to her neck with his strong hand. As Ramona gasped for air, Kate was reminded of the time when Anya had held her neck in the library, when they had first met.
‘A Vampire’, Kate thought.
“You are no match for my powers, witch! I will drain you before the eclipse darkens your life forever.” He spoke in a hoarse, penetrating voice and in the same moment, dissolved into blackened green smoke and disappeared.
Ramona was shaking when she awakened from her dream; Kate was back in the room with her. She saw Ramona walk towards the table where her book of shadows lay. Kate peered over her shoulder as Ramona opened her book with trembling hands. In the book, there was a sketch portrait of the vampire she had just dreamed. Kate stared at Ramona’s face as she looked down at the sketch and a tear rolled down her face. Kate couldn’t believe what she was seeing but there was no mistake. Ramona’s eyes where filled with love as her hand caressed the face in her book.

Kate fell back to her own time and found Anya crying next to her. As she hugged her friend she thought about what she had just seen.

Chapter 20

“Julia, your silence is torturing us all. Please tell us what you know so far. You have been staring at that cauldron for hours now.” Martha sounded impatient as she paced outside near the tree.
Landulf sat on top of the stone well, while Suzie stood next to it. Jane floated near Zommie, who sat on the log looking down on the ground. Grumpz was snoring on one of the branches while Julia floated besides the cauldron, peering deep into its floating ingredients. Finally she spoke up.
“When Meredith returned from the Tomb, she wrote down 3 numbers that corresponded with the tarot cards we found stuck to her table. Ramona had asked me about what they meant and I told her their meanings individually. But now I see that their true meaning lies in reading them together in the sequence Meredith had written down.” Julia paused before continuing, “The spell Ramona used to summon the Tomb is very different than the one generally used and it is not for one person alone.”
“What does that mean? Are you saying someone else went inside with her?” Martha asked in surprise.
“Not necessarily with her… but yes, someone else went inside the Tomb of Time that night too. The star berry represents the person that goes in. Ramona used two star berries in her spell.” Julia answered and became silent.
“I don’t understand… Who did she banish besides herself?” Suzie asked and noticed Landulf clear his throat.
“Raoul … She banished him inside the Tomb. It makes perfect sense. That is why no one heard of him all these years and why no one came to take over the house.”
“No, that does not make sense at all to me. If Ramona could banish him, why did she need to go inside the Tomb herself?” Martha shook her head at Landulf.
“Especially when she knew that resurrecting her would bring Raoul back too…” Julia added and everyone froze at her remark.
“What??? Are you serious? But I have never heard of such a spell before. We have to know who the other person is before we resurrect her then.” Martha declared.
“Maybe the pendants would tell us something about it.” Jane added and they all heard someone come down from the second floor.
“Well I guess we should ask Anya and Kate to place them together then.” Suzie spoke up as she saw both of them walking towards them.
Anya was smiling with tears glistening in her eyes while Kate walked behind her in silence.
“You saw Victoria, didn’t you?” Martha smiled at Anya and gave her a big hug.
“It was so wonderful, she was so beautiful. I wish I could have talked to her but I am so blessed to have gotten the chance to see how she was when she lived here.” Anya was glowing with peace and everyone smiled at her except Julia.
“Did you learn anything about the resurrection?” Julia inquired.
“Yes I did. I think Ramona knew quite well that things would go wrong that night, yet I feel there was a variable in her plan on which she relied for things to end up all well. I saw her tell my mother about a sword she needed from Viktor’s safe but she said something to me too.” Anya seemed puzzled.
“What did she say to you? And how?” Martha was confused.
“I don’t know but she said that if things went wrong, I was to get the sword from the castle and Viktor’s memoirs too. How do you take a vampire’s memoirs Martha?” Anya looked at her.
“By draining him dry, child…” Landulf answered dryly before Martha could and Anya started to shake her head.
“But I don’t drink human blood… I can not do that.” Anya took a step back.
“Do you think Viktor Gordon is human? He is a monster… He murdered your father and he did worse than that to your mother…” Landulf stood up and spoke in rage.
“That’s enough Landulf!” Julia shouted.
“What did he do to her?” Anya was afraid to know.
“She deserves to know Julia.” Landulf stared at the gypsy witch.
“Tell me Julia, what happened to my mother?” Anya pleaded while Julia closed her ghostly hollow eyes and whispered.
“She ripped off her own head before Viktor could drink from her…”
Anya froze when she heard her. She felt her mind go blank and thought she had died again. Then Ramona’s words came back to her, ‘…At no cost should you let him drink from yourself. Promise me Victoria…’ and her mother had kept her promise. Now Anya understood why Ramona had spoken of ‘revenge’.
“Anya… She is in a place of light now…” Martha tried to sooth her pain and Anya nodded.
“She kept her promise to Ramona, now I must keep mine. My mother left me her pendant and I will abide by her command.” Anya spoke up bravely.
“You have a strong soul child.” Martha smiled at her.
“Tell me about the sword Ramona wanted her to get.” Julia asked.
“It is a stainless steel blade with a maroon colored ‘M’ etched in its handle. That is all I know about it.” Anya answered.
“Impossible! How could that be? Why would Ramona want…?” Julia was cut off by Landulf again.
“…Because that is the only weapon, which will save the house from the army that will show up here in 3 days time.”
“Yes, Ramona said something similar. She said that without the sword, they would not be able to stop the vampires.” Anya remembered.
“Then you must get it before they arrive here.” Martha was worried.
“Not yet. I will have to go on the night of the full moon. That is when the castle will not be guarded. I will take Draczaar and bring the sword and … Viktor Gordon’s memoirs.” Anya answered determined.
“And Kate… what did you find out?” Julia turned towards Kate.
“Umm… I also think that Ramona knew my mother would not survive the night. She also knew about Rowan and…” Kate hesitated as she didn’t know what to say to the others about someone else coming back with Ramona from the Tomb.
“What is it Kate? What is bothering you?” Martha asked soothingly.
“She will not return alone from the Tomb if resurrected.” Kate answered firmly. She couldn’t keep secrets from them.
“So I was right… Go on Kate, did she say who would return with her?” Julia asked.
“No, but she instructed my mother to cure the other person too, she said it was important.”
“If it is important then it must be amongst the instructions of the resurrection… I think it is time to place the pendants together.” Julia declared and Anya and Kate both nodded.
Martha came forward and asked both the girls to give her the pendants. When they were both in her hands, she whispered softly, ‘Reveal thy instructions!’ and they began to glow. The golden light started to move around Martha’s whole body and it seemed as if it was seeping inside her from her nose, mouth and ears. Everyone witnessed as Martha filled up and started glowing like a star and slowly rose above the ground, almost floating like Jane and Julia. Then she opened her mouth to talk… but it wasn’t Martha talking…

“To resurrect a being from the Tomb of Time, the common spell of resurrection will work but once the being is back, it would need the cure, locked inside the pendant to return to sanity. In case of a double resurrection, it is important that both beings be given the cure together. If one being is deprived of its right then the other will suffer too and the cure will not work. Also if two different creatures have been locked together inside the Tomb, then two similar creatures are required to cure them in opposite/inverse order. If the rule is not followed then the cure will not work. If any of the being was mortal when sent to the Tomb, then the cure will not work. Instructions revealed.”
In a flash, the light vanished and Martha almost fell to the ground. Everyone waited for Julia to say something about the instructions. After a while, she spoke.
“Ramona must have taken the potion of immortality before she went in, and I think you brought it for her that night Landulf.” Julia looked over at the vampire’s corpse.
“Yes I did… but I had no idea what Ramona wanted to do with it.” Landulf confessed.
“And the other person she forced inside the Tomb is a vampire, who had no idea, what Ramona was up to that night.” Julia was thinking out loud.
“How can you be sure? And how did she force the person?” Jane inquired.
“Because the cure is to be given in opposite or inverse order; if Anya, who is a vampire, is to cure Ramona, who is a witch, then Kate, who is a witch, is to cure someone who is a vampire. And those two are locked together, so I am guessing that Ramona banished someone who couldn’t normally be put into the Tomb but by offering herself and locking the other person with herself, she managed to force the vampire inside the Tomb too.” Julia was finally solving the puzzle.
“Raoul was protected with dark magic… He could turn into smoke and disappear from anywhere. Trust me Julia; I know he is the one inside the Tomb with her.” Landulf persisted and Julia nodded.
“I am beginning to believe you Landulf…”
“I think I can solve this puzzle.” Kate thought of the vampire in the dream who had turned to smoke, “Anya, get me Ramona’s book of Shadows from her room.” Anya nodded and hurried to get her the book.
Minutes later, Kate held the opened book in her hand and whispered; ‘Reveal’ and a sketch appeared. Julia and Martha looked at the portrait but had no idea who it was.
“He is the vampire Ramona locked inside the Tomb.” Kate declared.
Everyone heard Landulf gasp at the sketch, “That is my brother… Raoul Orlok!”

Chapter 21

After two nights, Kate and Anya sat together near Landulf’s bed, counting the wooden stakes they had prepared for the coming night. Martha walked in the room to inspect the weapons they had gathered.
“I don’t think these will be enough for the army Viktor Gordon is preparing to send our way…” Martha sounded worried and for good reason. She had gone near his castle the previous night to check on things and seen enough red eyed monsters to know that they would need a miracle to survive the approaching night.
“Nothing will be enough if Raoul returns… The vampires outside would mean nothing if we resurrect the devil himself. Alas! All this work will go to waste.” Landulf shook his head and sighed deeply.
Kate and Anya looked at each other, feeling the negative energies weakening their resolve to fight.
“Stop it Landulf!” Anya got up and shouted, “Among us all, I expected you to have more faith in Ramona than anyone else, yet you have already given up on her. She saved your son and also provided you the safety of this house, she sacrificed herself to banish your evil brother, yet now on her return, you give up on her?”
Everyone was silently staring at them both as Landulf’s bones made a cracking sound when he started to stand up from his bed, and faced Anya to meet her eyes.
“I have not given up on Ramona, dear child… But I know Raoul like no one else does.” Landulf opened his boney hands, revealing palms with dead skin clinging on them, “I raised him with my hands, I played with him and made him a man, and a very fine one at that… but when he became a monster, everything was lost. It would have been better if he had died that night, but everything turned out to be more painful… to see him change bit by bit… to see him become a monster.” Landulf shook his head again as he lowered it down in shame then suddenly he raised it and met Anya’s gaze again, “I know Ramona would risk her life for all of us, but I also know that she would loose this time… Isn’t she better alive where she is now?”
“No! I remember Martha telling us how the Tomb of Time keeps us imprisoned in a realm that stands apart from time and space… Do you want Ramona to suffer there for eternity? And who can predict what would happen, maybe Ramona knows of a way out of all this? We need to stay on her side no matter what happens.” Anya spoke strongly but Landulf just shrugged and muttered, “It wouldn’t change Raoul back… He would always be a loved one who became a stranger and finally, a monster.”
“You still love him, don’t you? But he can not change back into a living human being… you know that.” Kate spoke soothingly.
“I know he can’t be a human, but if only he could be my brother again, if only he would remember how we were before everything was ruined…” Landulf answered back.
“I don’t understand what you mean… being a vampire does not erase one’s memory; you should know that, being a vampire yourself.” Martha looked at him, confused.
“Yes, that is true Landulf; I haven’t experienced any memory loss since I became a vampire. Rather, I remember more clearly all I had experienced as a child.” Anya added.
Landulf stood with a puzzled expression on his face as he heard them both.
“I never thought about it in that way… I saw Raoul forget everything slowly after he changed. Within a month of becoming a vampire, he had forgotten everything about his previous life. All he wanted to do was walk in through this gate and kill Ramona to take over the lost house…” Landulf had a far look in his eyes as he remembered the dark past.
“What you say sounds very strange… Didn't you tell us that he had begged you to end his life when he changed?” Kate asked.
“Yes he did, just after he told me that he was no more human and that he needed to kill to survive. But I couldn’t do it; I still think about it… did I make a mistake by not listened to him?” Landulf asked himself, sadly.
“Let’s hope Julia finds a way to handle this mess. She should be back by now.” Martha looked over at the piano with a tense expression on her face.
“She went to ask for Rowan’s help, didn’t she?” Kate inquired.
“Yes. We decided it was best to ask for Rowan’s help to keep the vampire army at bay for as long as possible. If they found the house, there wouldn’t be a chance to perform the resurrection ceremony.” Martha answered back.
“There is one thing I don’t understand though… if Raoul is trapped inside the tomb of time then how do the vampires know the way to the lost house? Only he knew where it was and only he could lead the others towards it.” Landulf stated.
“I’m afraid there is a lot about your brother that is a mystery… I keep thinking how his sketch appeared in Ramona’s book? Kate, tell us how you knew about that?” Anya turned towards her friend.
“I saw it while viewing the journal with you… I believe Ramona had sketched it herself and kept it hidden. She dreamt about him and saw him grab her neck, pinching the jugular vein and threatening to drink her dry… Ramona woke up shaken and worried. I think she sketched the portrait with her memory of the dream.” Kate lowered her head.
“Yes that would make sense, because Ramona had no knowledge of Raoul until I told her about him.” Landulf nodded.
“And maybe her dream was a revelation from the elder witches, trying to tell her that he was the true devil behind all the killings going around the land.” Martha added and Anya nodded in agreement.
Kate however, stood lost in her own thoughts. She couldn’t take her mind off of Ramona’s expression when she had caressed the sketch of Raoul Orlok. Why had Kate got the impression that she was looking at a woman who was gazing longingly at her lovers’ portrait? If the dream was from the elder witches, revealing the evil lord to her, then why did Ramona, secretly sketch him in her book of shadows? And above all, why did Ramona want Kate to see her dream?
Kate’s thoughts were interrupted by the melody of the piano as it began to play itself. Everyone knew what that meant and they turned to face their well awaited visitor. Jane floated inside, passing through the wall next to the piano and Suzie came running in through the door with Zommie at her back.
Julia floated visible next to the lighted candle on the piano as everyone cramped in the room to hear what news she had brought.
“Tell us you found a way Julia…” Martha stated desperately.
“I have found a way!” Julia exclaimed with a smile on her face and everyone let out a deep breath of relief.
“Start talking old friend…” Martha smiled back.
“I will start from the tarot cards Ramona had glued to her table… They talk about a sacrifice that had to be made in the darkest of nights out of love, which would eventually transform into a blessing, eliminating all evil from the land. Though it required a long period of time, and eventually on the brightest night everything sacrificed will return back in the best possible way imaginable.” Julia took a breath before continuing; “Now, we all know Ramona made that sacrifice on the night of the dark eclipse out of love for all of us and we know that a long period has passed since that night, bringing us to the brightest night, the night of the full moon, tomorrow. I believe we should not have any fear regarding the outcome of the resurrection. However, that being said, Ramona had scattered clues and signs for us throughout the house before she left and it would be wise to think that there is an important and vital reason regarding the resurrection.”
“Yes, she did leave us messages, and it is interesting how she didn’t reveal everything to any of us.” Suzie wondered aloud.
“Because she left clues and instructions for everyone separately, it’s like a scavenger hunt. Everyone has their own duty to perform for the resurrection to take place correctly. But what happens after Ramona returns?” Martha asked.
“That is the most vital question which we have to answer before the brightest night comes upon us. We all know Ramona will not be returning alone. Raoul Orlok will return with her from the Tomb of Time. He is the evil lord, the prophecy spoke of and he is the main reason why Ramona had to offer herself to the tomb so she could capture him.” Julia paused and looked at everyone before continuing, “For the previous two days, I kept asking myself why Ramona would trap Raoul in the Tomb to let him go free after 35 years as it is impossible to cure Ramona without curing Raoul. Then it started to make sense when I remembered what Landulf told me about Raoul. He was protected with dark magic and he could vanish from anywhere by turning into smoke. I believe that was the reason why Ramona couldn’t kill him on the night of the dark eclipse.” Julia stated.
“So what would be different when he returns from the Tomb? If we cure him, how would we be able to kill him when Ramona herself had failed to do so?” Anya inquired.
“Oh no dear child… I think I understand what Julia is trying to say. When Raoul will return from the Tomb, his dark powers will no longer be with him. I told you about the Tomb of Time and how it frees a person from dark magic; it is the reason why some call it a boon from heaven.” Martha smiled as it all began to make sense.
“So you are saying my brother will not be able to turn to smoke and vanish after he returns?” Landulf sounded excited.
“Yes! He will only be a vampire. He would have no magical powers. I believe I know why Ramona asked Victoria to bring the sword with an ‘M’ etched on it. It belonged to a brave warrior who used to behead vampires during the time of Manora, the first witch of this house. When Raoul Orlok returns from the Tomb of Time, Ramona would behead him and fulfill the prophecy at last.” Julia had a victorious smile on her ghostly face as she concluded the end of the brightest night.

Chapter 22

Julia informed everyone that Rowan had agreed to help them on the coming night and the trees in the woods would be their guards, protecting the lost house. She left to check on Viktor Gordon’s activity and put Martha in charge.
"Anya, you would need complete rest before the night of the resurrection. You have to bring the sword just before the ceremony begins." Martha looked over at Anya who was still thinking about all Julia had stated.
"Yes but I still have till sunrise to help out with the preparations." Anya persisted.
"Child, only that sword will end the madness. It is very important for you to be alert and strong when you face Viktor Gordon. It’s best if you go to sleep right away..." Martha ordered.
"Don't worry Anya; we will hold the fort while you take your rest." Suzie winked at her and Anya finally nodded her head.
"And Suzie, you should take Zommie and Jane with you outside and start placing these wooden stakes near where you would need to use them when the vampires reach the gate." Martha instructed and Suzie nodded and got to work with the weapons.
"I will help these girls too; we need more man power than we have." Landulf got up from his bed and offered to help, "and I don't see how a ghost girl will put a stake through a vampire’s heart?" Landulf looked over at Jane.
"Hey! I will look out for everyone and warn the girls before they are taken by surprise. You, on the other hand may break your bones while trying to help." Jane snapped back at Landulf.
"I believe I will surprise you with my skills to kill vampires Jane, I have ripped many heads in my time." Landulf's face became dark as he recalled his life before he came to the house.
"Alright, stop arguing you two. Landulf is right, we do need as much help as we can get, but it would be best if you too took a rest before the next night Landulf. None of us would be happy if we had to pick your bones later." Martha turned to look at Kate, who stood near the bookcase in silence, “And Kate, I will need your help with preparing the ingredients needed for the resurrection spell. Follow me to Ramona’s room; I think we will find everything up there.” Martha walked out the door as Kate followed her quietly and everyone else got to work too.

Up in Ramona’s room, Kate mutely stared as Martha frantically consulted the spell books, looking for the resurrecting spell. As her gaze wandered towards Ramona’s table where she kept her crystal ball, she noticed the book of shadows lying next to it. Kate’s thoughts turned towards the sketch of Raoul Orlok and without realizing, she blurted out, “Did Ramona ever fall in love with anyone, Martha?”
Martha froze when she heard Kate’s question and it took her a few minutes to put down the spell book and turn to face her.
“May I know why you ask?” Martha spoke cautiously.
“Just wondering… No special reason?” Kate tried to evade answering.
“And what were you wondering Katherine?” Martha persisted.
“Ahh… I think I shouldn’t have asked about Ramona’s personal life. I am sorry if I stepped out of line Martha…” Kate quickly apologized and Martha stared at her for a long time.
“It’s not that… I am just curious to know why you asked.” Martha shook her head.
“I am not really sure… I just have strange feelings about what I saw and heard while I viewed her journal. I want to make sure we are not leaving out anything regarding the resurrection.” Kate answered with honesty and Martha nodded in understanding.
“When Ramona was ten, Meredith took her to the circus in town. It is not something we are permitted to do but Ramona was stubborn about the circus. Meredith was careful and alert but they were peaceful times, so no one objected. It happened near the woods, as they were returning in their carriage, when one of the cartwheels got stuck in a big muddy puddle. Before Meredith could use her wand to fix their predicament, she heard someone outside. Cautiously, Meredith peeked out and saw a young boy on a horse. He confidently informed that he would help with the wheel and that they shouldn’t be frightened. Meredith could tell he wasn’t lying.” Martha paused for a breath and then continued, “The boy helped them and went his way, and Meredith hurried home before anything else delayed them. After a few days though, Meredith noticed changes in Ramona’s behavior. She started to stay awfully quiet keeping to herself, stopped playing with Elizabeth and started staring at the moon a lot. Finally one night, Meredith found her gazing in the crystal ball, discreetly. When she asked her what she was up to, Ramona hugged her and cried her heart out. She admitted that she was in love with the boy they had met in the woods and she knew she had to forget him because she was a witch. Ramona told her mother how she gazed at him through the crystal ball and that she had decided to put a spell on herself so she would forget about him.” Martha sighed sadly.
“She had amazing control over the material self… and she was only ten?” Kate was impressed as she inquired, “So did she put the spell on herself?”
“No. Meredith didn’t let her.” Martha paused to look at Kate’s confusion, and then carried on, “I know you wonder why?, but you see Kate, Love is considered to be a blessing from the heavens that has the power to transform anyone and in so doing, it transforms the entire creation, making it more beautiful and amazing. Meredith told Ramona that she had to learn to live with her love and be thankful for the pain it causes her heart and eventually; it would transform her into a more caring and giving person. Meredith explained how we learn to love unconditionally once we realize that even though we can’t always live with those we love, they always live within us, in our hearts.” Martha had a smile on her face.
“Wisdom… And so Ramona learned unconditional love… Do you know who the boy was?” Kate asked.
“No dear… Meredith told me all this but when Ramona stopped gazing in crystal balls and began to understand what Meredith had said, there was no need to know more about him. After that I never heard Meredith mention the boy in the woods. Though… there is one time but I don’t know if it’s important or not…” Martha sounded confused.
“Please tell me, maybe it is…” Kate insisted.
“Well… I am not sure if they were talking about him but when the killings started and people began to vanish or were turning into vampires, I heard Meredith and Ramona argue one night. Ramona kept saying that she couldn’t find someone in the crystal ball and she couldn’t find the person among the spirits either. Meredith told her she had to focus on the safety of the house and warned her not to go looking for the person herself. Ramona obeyed with a heavy heart. When I heard this, I assumed they were talking about the boy in the woods, but I can not be sure if I assumed correctly Kate.” Martha stated.
“Hmm… This is interesting… What does it mean if you can not find a person through a crystal ball or among the spirits?” Kate’s mind started racing.
“Magic spells can hide a person from the crystal ball, while not being among the spirits indicates that the said person is still alive, or perhaps transformed into the living dead.” Martha answered back.
“Thank you Martha… I learn a lot from you, can I ask you one last question?” Kate knew she was delaying Martha’s preparation of the spell but everything was finally making sense in her head.
“Yes sure Kate, ask away.” Martha answered patiently.
“The Tarot card Julia mentioned… the one about sacrificing yourself out of love… can you tell me more about it?” Kate smiled sweetly.
“It is similar to what I said before… what Meredith taught Ramona. One has to let go of what one loves to achieve the ultimate destiny, and do you know the destiny of such a priceless sacrifice? Unconditional love! When you sacrifice what you love the most… it is returned back to you in the purest form.” Martha sighed.
“So Ramona sacrificed her love to the tomb of time that night and not herself.” Kate muttered to herself.
“What do you mean by that?” Martha inquired.
“Nothing Martha… just talking to myself. I think we should get to work now… it’s getting late and we need our rest too.” Kate hurried away to fetch the spell book and soon got busy helping with everything they wanted.
Later, Martha forced Kate and Landulf to go to sleep and told the rest of them to take rest too. After a briefing about the coming night with Draczaar, Martha decided to retire for the night too.

Chapter 23

Martha was the first one up and when she noticed the orange sky, she hurried to wake everyone up except Anya and Landulf. Draczaar flew to the mountain to signal Rowan to get ready for the vampires, who were planning to head into the woods right after sunset. Julia had told them she would return the moment the army would march out of Viktor’s castle and inform Anya that it was time to act upon her duty. Suzie, Zommie and Jane started to keep watch over every side of the lost house and Grumpz decided to help too as he rode on Mr. Feets.
Martha stood near the little pond, looking down it its calm waters when Kate walked up to her with a confused expression on her face.
“What is bothering you Katherine?” Martha asked in surprise.
“I had a weird dream… I saw my mother but I don’t really understand what she was trying to tell me.” Kate scratched her head.
“Maybe I can help… tell me what you saw? And are you sure it wasn’t one of her memories?” Martha offered.
“Yes it could be that… but it was so lively and I knew she was looking at me and trying to show me something, trying to teach me a new spell maybe...” Kate’s voice trailed off.
“Child, don’t confuse both of us, we are short with time tonight, let me know what you saw.” Martha inquired.
“I saw Victoria standing in the middle of the woods near a woman’s body drained of blood. A bunch of people were circled around her and accusing her of killing the woman lying dead. She pleaded that she had nothing to do with it but being a vampire was proof enough that she was guilty. They were about to attack Victoria with their pitchforks and wooden stakes when a beam of energy hit Victoria and engulfed her into an orb of golden light, protecting her from the attackers. As everyone turned in surprise to see who had put the vampire under the powerful shield, they saw a woman who was pregnant, wearing a witch’s robe and hat, pointing a wand at Victoria. It was my mother who, somehow had managed to transfer her own life energy into her wand and turn it into a protective blanket with which she had saved Victoria’s life. Later she explained that Victoria was a resident of the lost house and could not have taken the woman’s life and so everyone went away.” Kate let out a breath.
“I remember this… It is a memory of Eleanor. This happened two nights before the night of the eclipse. Victoria and some of the other residents, including your mother were out looking for those who were killing the innocent and also tried to figure out what Landulf was up to… Though it wasn’t Landulf we should have been concerned with.” Martha had a far away look in her eyes as she remembered.
“Hmm… But when I saw my mother transferring her life energy and protecting Victoria, I deeply felt as if she was trying to tell me or teach me something… maybe she wants me to learn the spell? Maybe I need it for tonight when the vampires attack?” Kate wondered aloud.
“That is a good idea Kate… though it is a tough spell and demands experience and knowledge, but I guess with Eleanor’s memoirs and the fact that you were in her womb when she performed the spell and had also transferred part of your life energy too to save Victoria would make you a quick learner.” Martha smiled at her and Kate nodded.
“Thank you Martha, it would ease my heart to know that I could do the same for my friends what my mother did for hers.” Kate sighed.
“Let us hurry to Ramona’s room so I can teach you how its done, then I would have to wake Anya up. It’s almost time for sunset and Julia would come for her.” Martha turned and bumped into Anya, who had probably been standing there for a while now.
“Take your time Martha; I am awake and ready for Viktor Gordon.” Anya spoke seriously.
“How long have you been standing here Anya?” Kate asked.
“…Long enough to know that our mothers really cared for each other.” Anya smiled up at her and spoke, “I think you should hurry and get some learning done. If Julia comes, I would leave with Draczaar and return as soon as I get the sword.”
Martha and Kate nodded and wished Anya luck as they headed towards Ramona’s room. Anya went in to drink a glass of blood and saw Landulf doing the same.
“I hope I am not late?” He asked as he saw Anya enter through the door.
“You are on time; everyone is prepared and ready for the vampires. I am waiting for Julia to tell me what Viktor Gordon is up to.” Anya informed as she grabbed a glass from the nearby table.
“He might try to play with your thoughts and emotions when you drink from him, remember to keep your guard strong and keep in mind that Viktor Gordon deserves no mercy.” Landulf had hatred plastered all over her face.
Anya nodded and walked out of the room. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time now. As she stood near the gate of the house, her ears were waiting for the piano to play.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..

When Martha and Kate returned from Ramona’s room, Kate had a wand in her hand. Martha had given her one saying it was time she started using one. Julia was ordering everyone to be ready for an attack when they saw her. Landulf sat on top of the covered stone well holding on to a stake while Grumpz was standing right in front of the gate, ready to jump on anyone who dared enter without acceptance. Julia floated around speaking in a serious, strong voice.
“Now remember, they would only be able to see the house when Raoul returns, and when that happens, they would be able to enter the house premises too. We have to keep them busy until Ramona regains enough energy to take hold of the sword and fulfill the prophecy.” Everyone nodded at her instructions.
“Have you sent Anya to the castle? What did you find out about their plan?” Martha asked from behind.
“Yes, Viktor is alone in the castle awaiting the news that Raoul has returned, then he plans to show up here and kill him. Viktor wants the house for himself.” Julia answered.
“So the army of vampires is not on Raoul’s side?” Kate asked in surprise.
“The vampires headed this way are Viktor’s. He has been waiting for this chance to take over the house for all these years. Some dark witches have helped him on his way and revealed secrets about Ramona’s return and the fact that Raoul would be unprotected by dark magic tonight.” Julia summed it up.
“Viktor was always Raoul’s rival, even at the night of the dark eclipse, Ramona was faced with two groups of vampires planning to attack the house. Raoul had the upper hand though, because he knew where the house was, but now I guess Viktor has found a means too.” Landulf stated.
“Anya would take care of Viktor Gordon so we won’t have to worry about him, and when she brings the sword of Morgan, Ramona would take care of Raoul.” Martha spoke confidently.
“The sword of Morgan?” Kate asked.
“Yes… The sword Anya is to bring us is no ordinary sword. It belonged to a vampire slayer during the times of Manora. His father, Leroy Morgan, had been a powerful wizard and when vampires killed him brutally, Royce Morgan swore he would kill every vampire that crossed his path. When the lost house was created to shelter all those who believed in living and letting others live, Manora called Royce Morgan to the lost house. She put a spell on the sword of Morgan so Royce would know before he beheaded any vampire if they were evil or good hearted. Since then, the sword has the power to kill any vampire who disobeys the law of yin yang on the land.” Julia gave a brief historical explanation.
“Another interesting thing about the sword is that no one on the dark side can use it. If a vampire tries to hold it, the creature’s skin burns and he banishes because of the spell. That is why Viktor must have kept it well hidden away.” Martha added.
“I hope Anya finds it and returns in time.” Kate spoke softly.
“We must prepare everything around the cauldron and Martha; you would have to stand inside the pentagram. Let’s get to work; the moon would soon be shining on our heads.” Julia looked up and saw the dark of night engulfing the sky.

Anya was staring at the sky as well, as she sat on Draczaar, holding on to his scales, hiding near some trees as they analyzed the castle and its happenings.
“I think those two guards are the only protection Viktor has kept for himself.” Anya pointed out the two iron clad guards on the door to Draczaar.
“Never underestimate your enemy Anya, and especially if the enemy is Viktor Gordon.” Draczaar spat out in hatred.
“He will pay tonight for everything Draczaar… I must hurry; the moon would be out soon.” Anya promised and got off Draczaar’s back.
“I would be close by, so don’t fear for a second.” Draczaar winked.
“Just try not to roast him before I get his memoirs.” Anya muttered and silently made her way to the castle’s back. Immediately she was struck with the memory of the day she had ridden the carriage there hoping to find a family. Instead, she was welcomed by a blood sucking corpse who claimed to be her grandfather and turned her into a vampire.
Anya was fast enough to enter the castle without being seen, but everything was quiet inside, maybe a little too quiet. Anya cautiously made her way to the main hall to look for the sword. There, again for the second time, Viktor Gordon made her heart leap as he sat on the dining table as if he had been waiting for her.
“I knew you would come back home one day.” He smiled menacingly at Anya.
“I came to beg for blood, Grandfather!” Anya taunted back.
“Oh no my child, you have come for something else… This is what you want.” Viktor pointed at the table. There lay a locked bronze case. Inside was a pointy sword with a maroon ‘M’ etched on its handle.

Chapter 24

Anya froze in surprise as Viktor Gordon stood up from his chair and pushed the bronze box towards her. He looked at it as if he was frightened by it. Anya quickly grabbed the handle of the sword and pointed it at Viktor Gordon.
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Viktor asked with a lewd smile.
“Do I have any reason not to? You killed my parents and many other innocent people; even as we speak your army of vampires is marching in the woods to attack my home… How dare you ask me such a thing?” Anya almost screamed.
“Your home… That is not your home child… it belongs to those witches who think they are above everyone and can force us to live by their rules… This is your home, your family.” Viktor had rage in his eyes.
“I am my father’s and mother’s daughter Viktor… I will never be your family!” Anya raised the sword to strike him so she could easily drink from him. Viktor however, read her mind.
“Your mother would not be pleased to know you drank from your own Grandfather, child… she would spank you once she returns with Ramona’s head.” Viktor calmly sat down on his chair again.
“What??? What do you mean ‘when she returns’?” Anya was confused by Viktor’s words.
“She is not dead Anya… She has been waiting for you to return and join us for all these years. You left in a hurry last time so I never got to tell you about her.” Viktor saw Anya’s frustration increase.
“Who the hell are you talking about?” She slammed her hand down on the mahogany table.
“Your mother, Victoria Edmond Gordon!” Viktor whispered back.
“That is a hideous lie!” Anya raised the sword again and struck him on his shoulder, Viktor immediately fell off the chair, “You devil, how dare you speak my mother’s name, she was never a Gordon…” Anya struck the other side as Viktor tried to stop her from attacking, but he seemed too frightened to touch her sword.
“Think about it Anya, just think for a moment. Stop yourself before I am left with no choice but to kill you. I have waited for you to offer you back the family you always wanted. Don’t you understand…? I did not kill my son, your mother did. When he found out about Victoria, he was headed to Ramona to tell her everything. It was Victoria who ripped off his head in the woods and came to me. If I were lying, she wouldn’t be alive today.” Viktor spoke hastily lest Anya struck again.
Anya stood silent for a while trying to make sense of the crazy things Viktor was telling her, then she remembered Landulf’s words, ‘He might try to play with your thoughts and emotions’. It was enough to bring Anya back to her senses as she reminded herself that time was short. She ignored Viktor’s words and went straight for his jugular vein. He tried to attack Anya but with the sword still in her hand, he knew he had lost. His last words as Anya drank the last drops of his blood were, “You have my memoirs now… you will know I wasn’t lying...”
After that, all hell broke loose… Anya screamed and went mad. Draczaar heard her and immediately broke the nearby window and flew inside. But what he saw puzzled him so much that he stood away from Anya and wondered what was wrong. Viktor Gordon lay drained of blood near her feet and she had the sword in her hand, yet for some reason she couldn’t stop screaming with tears of blood pouring down her eyes. It was when Anya raised the sword to strike herself dead that Draczaar thrust his tail at her, making her loose balance. As she fell on the floor, Anya lost consciousness. Draczaar heard footsteps approaching and knew he had to get her out of there. He grabbed Anya’s body with his feet and the sword, and flew out the window just as two guards entered the main hall. They were horrified to see a dragon fly out the window but they were doomed when they saw Draczaar turn back and open his mouth. It wasn’t the big pointy teeth they were concerned about, it was the lash of fire that ended their miserable lives and turned to ash what was left of Viktor Gordon.

When Draczaar returned to the lost house, everyone was ready for the resurrection ceremony but when Martha and Kate saw Anya hanging unconscious from his feet, everyone feared the worst.
“What happened to her?” Kate was the first one to hold her friend and cradle her head in her lap. Martha was right behind her and Julia floated by their side.
“Draczaar what happened?” Julia inquired worried, Suzie and Zommie gathered around her.
Draczaar handed the sword to Martha and looked at everyone’s tensed faces. He didn’t know what to tell them.
“I don’t know Julia… Anya was inside for a while but when she started screaming, I flew in one of the castle’s windows. But Viktor was already dead then, and she had the sword in her hand. There was no one else in the room, yet she kept screaming and crying…” Draczaar looked down at Anya, who had stains of bloody tears over her face.
“The memoirs… she saw what Viktor did to her parents.” Martha spoke softly.
“That doesn’t make sense, she already knew about that.” Julia shook her head.
“She tried to strike herself with the sword Julia… whatever she saw was bad enough to make her want to die. That is why I tripped her with my tail and she fell unconscious.” Draczaar informed.
“Anya tried to kill herself?” Kate couldn’t believe her ears.
“Something must be dreadfully wrong for her to do such a thing.” Suzie declared.
“We can not go forward with the ceremony without her; she holds one of the pendants.” Julia pointed out.
“I can try to wake her up but I don’t know how she would behave when she does… what if she tries to kill herself again?” Martha wondered.
“We have to take the chance; we don’t have much time left. Wake her up Martha. Everyone, gather around her. If she tries anything I want you all to grab her so Martha can put a spell on her to calm her down.” Julia instructed and Martha nodded.
They took her to Ramona’s room and lay her in bed. Martha stepped forward and began to whisper her spell in Anya’s ear. After a few seconds, her lifeless body began to stir. As she opened her eyes and looked at everyone, she seemed to have been awakened from the dead.
No one spoke to her as she slowly sat up in bed. She seemed to be confused about her whereabouts and circumstances. Martha smiled warmly at her and clasped her hands around Anya’s face.
“You have a strong soul my child… everything will be fine.” She tried to soothe Anya’s unknown thoughts.
Everyone waited for her to answer, it came icy and sharp.
“Monsters don’t have souls… I am already doomed.” Anya closed her eyes and a red tear rolled down her marble white cheek.
“Oh Anya don’t say that… you can never be doomed.” Kate sat by her side and hugged her tightly.
“We know whatever you went through must have been horrible, but we also believe that you are above it all.” Suzie held her hand and smiled.
Zommie moaned in agreement and Jane floated closer too.
“You are just like your mother, strong and unstoppable.” Landulf added but his words where like a sharp dagger to Anya’s long dead heart.
“No! I am nothing like her… I would end my life before I become like Her!” Anya spat out in anger and screamed at them all. Kate and Suzie where almost thrown down the bed with the force of her reaction. Everyone hurried to grab her when Martha stopped everyone.
“Anya! Listen to me… Viktor has hypnotized you… You don’t know what you are saying, calm down and think about what happened.”
“He didn’t do anything… I have seen it all; it was my mother who played her part on the night of the eclipse. She was the traitor who betrayed Ramona. She IS the one who is leading the army of vampires to this house… there are no dark witches. It’s all Victoria Gordon.” Anya screamed in hatred.
“Tell me everything Anya.” Julia demanded and Anya told them all that happened.
“When I drank him and viewed his memoirs, I saw it through his eyes. After Victoria left me at the convent, she went to Viktor’s castle, carrying my father’s head. She admitted that she was planning all this time she was living in this house. She wanted to take over and wanted Viktor to help her out. But when Ramona vanished, she couldn’t see the house anymore. She was the one who sent for me when I was 18. She knew I would find the house and then she wanted me to join them in bringing down Ramona. My own mother!” Anya sobbed as she concluded.
“That can not be true… it is impossible to fake acceptance inside the house. Anya your mother could not have done any of this because she was a resident of this house.” Martha stated while Julia floated behind her, lost in thought.
“She must have found a way… remember Kate’s dream, I have no doubt now that it was indeed Victoria, who had taken that woman’s life.” Anya declared.
“Anya, even if somehow all you say is true, it is another reason why we need to bring Ramona back. We are out of time here, so please tell me, are you going to help us?” Julia waited.
“Yes! I will help… I won’t let Victoria win.” Anya decided and got up. She clasped the pendant in her hand that she wore around her neck and nodded for everyone to start the ceremony.