Hallows Chaise was now a self-sufficient, thriving fishing hamlet that over-looked the open sea. It had been busy and noisy, full of families and chil-dren running and shouting in the open air. But now it was harbouring a ter-rible secret, a secret that those living there felt unable to share with any one beyond the few friends and families that made up the once happy and vi-brant village. For the houses and lanes that were once filled with the sound of children had now fallen silent, leaving behind sadness and grief. And, instead of chil-dren’s laughter coming from the houses, you could hear the tears of parents being openly shed in grief. Through all of the distress and misery families consoled themselves with the thought that things may have been better if their loved ones had died. But it was not so, for the children had just gone… they had disappeared in the night without leaving a note or making a sound. Hallows Chaise was a place of intense sadness now, sitting on the edge of a precipice as if its people were waiting to be pushed over the edge.

CHAPTER 1

The Neolithic hill fort at Hallows Chaise had been sleeping beneath the ground for four thousand years. Men, women and children had lived there happily for years but not anymore. They had returned to the ground that they had come from, and now all that remained of the thatched round houses and high wooden ramparts were holes in the ground, leaving distant shadows of the once mighty houses that had offered protection from both the weather and whatever lay outside in the darkness of the Neolithic night. For it was never certain what the family may meet when their dog was barking in the middle of the night. Be it a bear, a wolf, or someone just wishing to cut them to shreds for the price of their

possessions.

What had once been a peaceful and prosperous place for the generations of

families of craftsmen had disappeared into the wood; its people had vanished without a trace. And the only evidence left behind was the white horse and the burial mounds that held their sleeping ancestors.

Hallows Chaise was now a self-sufficient, thriving fishing hamlet that overlooked the open sea. It had been busy and noisy, full of families and children running and shouting in the open air. But now it was harbouring a terrible secret, a secret that those living there felt unable to share with any one beyond the few friends and families that made up the once happy and vibrant village.

For the houses and lanes that were once filled with the sound of children had now fallen silent, leaving behind sadness and grief. And, instead of children’s laughter coming from the houses, you could hear the tears of parents being openly shed in grief. Through all of the distress and misery families consoled themselves with the thought that things may have been better if their loved ones had died. But it was not so, for the children had just gone… they had disappeared in the night without leaving a note or making a sound. Hallows Chaise was a place of intense sadness now, sitting on the edge of a precipice as if its people were waiting to be pushed over the edge.

Resting unknown, beneath the ground of Hallows Chaise, were the dead of prehistory. For more than four thousand years the villagers’ Neolithic ancestors had lain undisturbed. Beneath the fields that had once been tilled, ploughed and assiduously farmed with love and care lay the evidence of those that had gone before, as if they were waiting for an invitation to be released from their stone tombs into the fresh air.

But as far as everyone in the village was concerned, the barrows were just grassy mounds that had always been there. Some of the locals had an

understanding of what their meaning was, but none fully realised that beneath their feet lay the bodies of the ancient dead.

CHAPTER 2

Annie Blake woke in the night and sat up in bed. Something was not right. There was a smell in her room that left a burnt taste in the air, mixed with something else… the taste of soil and leaves, and the feel of bark from the trees in the wood, all scrunched up together in one big ball of she didn’t know what.

There was a rustling noise in the rooms’ corner, she knew its’ cause, but that couldn’t be possible - she was in her bedroom on the first floor – even at her age she knew that much. Clutching at her bed sheets, Annie looked out across the darkened room in fright as the skin on the backs of her arms pricked with anticipation. She had had nightmares before, but she could feel that something was different to those that had gone before, as if something had woken her deliberately; but what that was…

In the corner of the bedroom there appeared to be something that wasn’t there when she had been put to bed the night before, staring at her. The impossible crunching noises continued in and out…

But it was definitely there… she knew that much, and then the shapes

appeared moving back and forth; something was definitely there, but much larger than her bedroom chair where her favourite bear usually sat looking at her with its glass eyes. There was also something twinkling in the corner waiting for its chance, shimmering in and out of view as its shape shifted back and forth. It was as if it was breathing.

This was all getting a bit too much for Annie. Reaching out in the gloom for her bedside light she turned the lamp on – in the corner stood a satyr armed with a spear and small round wooden shield, and it wasn’t alone. Around its cloven feet, crowding together, stood a small group of not too friendly-looking horned

rabbits, which were definitely giving her the evil eye. All the time they moved impatiently back and forth, in and out, as if shifting for the best position, but not once did they lose eye contact with the frightened eight-year-old girl. At least she now knew she had not been imagining what she had heard.

The satyr stood upright on its cloven hooves and was dressed in a green jerkin for modesty, and it definitely should not have been in her bedroom. Surely it was all make-believe? The mythical woodland creature stared down his snout with his beady black eyes towards her whilst appearing impatient to leave at the same time. Mallory knew he had a job to do, and the sooner it was done, the sooner he could be on his way again.

‘Good evening child, my name is Mallory,’ he began, ‘I have come to you with great news from my lord and master, Erebus. He says that you have been chosen and that he wishes to grant you a most special audience with him tonight.’

Despite being scared, Annie spoke to the creatures in her bedroom.

‘What, what does he want?’ she asked. ‘Why must I come?’

‘He has wonders beyond your greatest belief Annie, all of which can be yours if you come with us,’ replied Mallory as he produced a small bag from his belt and held it out to her. When she peered into it, Annie could clearly see gold coins and precious stones sparkling in the low light of the room.

‘Come with us and this, and more, can be yours,’ said Mallory.

Despite the promise of riches Annie was not happy… in fact she was scared rigid; it was as if this was all too unreal – like the things she had read in the books on her bookshelf, so she said, ‘No thank you very much. I think I would rather stay here. Please go away, I’m going to turn the light out and go to sleep.’

This was not what Mallory and his rabbits were expecting; it had always been so easy to bribe these children before. They would have to try something else and quickly, as time was running short. Their window was soon to close and they could not afford to be trapped on the wrong side of it.

Annie moved in bed to turn her light out thinking all was settled. But instead she found that the furred and horned creatures rushed across the room at her, coming in leaps and bounds as if they were all a single entity. Annie yelped in fright, but was silenced by the rabbits who quickly stifled her voice by landing upon her chest and head, whilst Mallory bundled the now helpless Annie into the sack he had taken from behind his shield.

The abduction was over in a matter of seconds. When they were ready to leave Mallory and the rabbits all melted back into the corner they had come from and then through the gateway, taking the stolen Annie with them. Leaving not a single trace of their visit behind them.

Returning from a night at sea Jonny Blake was tired and needed a good meal inside him. It was good to be back on dry land and off the trawler that had been his home for the last 12 hours. Arriving home Jonny shed his heavy boots and jacket and took the hot drink offered to him by his wife, Mary.

As Jonny ate his meal he asked his wife ‘Annie, is she well, is she here?’

She looked up at the ceiling indicating that their daughter was in her bed in the room above.

Taking the narrow staircase, Jonny went to talk to his darling eight-year-old girl. The door at the top was shut, making it difficult to climb up and enter the bedroom at the same time. But with practised skill Jonny pushed the door open using his foot and entered the unusually silent bedroom. The room was colder than usual, it all felt wrong, as if a sea change had occurred.

Jonny was overcome with worry. ‘Please God, let everything be all right,’ he said under his breath as he gripped his mug of tea tighter with his swarthy hands. But, looking around the room, he could see that Annie’s bed was empty. The mug of tea was suddenly forgotten and fell from his grasp, crashing to the floor and casting its contents on to the rug.

‘Oh my, not again – not us, please not us,’ Jonny cried out and, as he said these words, he was joined by Mary, who stood beside him looking at the cold and empty bed. The two parents now stood in a room that had been filled with laughter not less than a day before; but now it felt like an empty casket, a box that had had its contents ripped out and stolen – their daughter had been taken from them but they were not the first to lose a child. There were other families in the village whose children had been snatched in the night. And none of them was ever seen again!

CHAPTER 3

Hallows Chaise sat on the south coast facing out to the open sea with farmland for livestock to the east and woodland on its north-western shoulder. The trees from the wood offered protection from the wind whilst also being a place of darkness and mystery. Old tales told in Hallows Chaise spoke of a being called Danu, the Mother of Creation, the Lady of the Wood, but the villagers just

dismissed these as legends and hearsay.

As far as they were concerned, these were merely tales for amusement on drunken evenings. It was just an old wood, older than anyone could say, which had been there longer than the current settlement’s records could tell – and that was more than 2,000 years.

There was something to the stories though. For, despite all the fairy tales, the children had to be going somewhere - that place was the oldest tree in the wood, the Old Oak.

The Old Oak had once been mighty and strong, giving power, honour and wisdom to those that sought it; as well as offering shade under its great canopy of leaves. But now it was old and defenceless. And something had taken

advantage of this and had taken up residence inside its mighty shell. And, rather than being the seat of wisdom it had been, the Old Oak was now a site of great darkness and evil. For lodged inside its rotting heart was Erebus, Lord of Darkness. And from this place he watched and waited for the right moment to act.

Although he sat on the same physical plain as the humans that he fed upon, Erebus was of another world. To keep himself from becoming hungry he sent his minions in search of fresh meat amongst the warm blooded villagers who dwelt so close that he could feel them, unaware of the growing menace that held them in such regard.

CHAPTER 4

To look at, Hallows Chaise was quiet and unassuming, small and insignificant, a hamlet made up of a small parish church and a collection of identical houses

facing out to sea. A community which stood between the unforgiving coastal elements and the calming countryside spread out behind it. The fields to the rear of the small collection of cement-rendered and slate-roofed cottages rippled up and down outwards from the houses and were overlooked by the Celtic white horse cut into the hill beyond. An ancient emblem of past times that was thousands of years old.

Counterpoint to this, was the Christian church of St. Mark’s. A Saxon,

flint-covered chapel that had survived year upon year of whatever the weather decided to throw at it; the wind and the rain along with the ever-present rising seas and driving winds. Standing firm with its foundations deep in the ground the church did not stir, much like those buried around it in the churchyard.

Because of the small size of the community at Hallows Chaise, there were few families in the congregation of David Harris, the minister, who stood 5ft 6ins and looked out upon the world with hazel eyes. This was to be his last

placing before his retirement and he was supposed to be enjoying it. But, with the problems the villagers had been experiencing following their tragic losses, this was starting to become harder than anything than he had ever seen or

experienced in his forty years of preaching.

David was beginning to feel that whatever he did, he was having the devil’s luck in turning people away from their despair and loss, for everywhere – on almost every lamppost and fence-panel – there was a poster of a missing child. The images of the original lost children looked sad and washed out now the weather had damaged the posters, tattering their edges. The pictures of the

following group of children to disappear were less glossy, but still clear to see. What had started as upset at the first disappearance had turned to anger now that even more children had gone. People were distraught and in despair.

The loss of the children created a cloud of darkness over the whole village. This wound its way into the souls of all who lived there. It was something that had been building over the weeks since six-year-old Harry Roberts had gone away and never returned, leaving his family with an empty space at the dinner table and an empty place in their hearts.

And it was not just Harry’s family who had been affected in this way. For many others were feeling the same loss. Their loved ones had been taken by something unseen and always in the night. But the pattern to the behaviour and the similarity in the way that the children went did nothing to lessen the

individual loss. Something more profound was needed to heal that wound. And that only happened in fairy tales or the Bible. So what chance did they stand of getting any resolution? It was in the luck of the gods.

With the continued despair and loss, David Harris was suddenly finding that his church was full on Sundays as people searched for answers to their prayers but even he was unable to offer anything but words of comfort after the

disappearance of so many children over such a short time.

It was something that even his devotional prayers were unable to cure, for they had not given him the answers he needed. Throughout all of this turmoil what no-one had thought to ask, or had realised, was that after the loss of the children from his parish, David was still in shock himself.

CHAPTER 5

Yet throughout all of this, life continued. Supplies were needed and were

delivered once a week to the village store from a local farmer, thus ensuring

that each and every household was catered for with basics and essentials.

The villagers were truly isolated. Each of the families living in Hallows Chaise knew the other, and secrets and despair were shared. Anyone or anything unusual that appeared that was passed round as quickly as possible. It was as if this quietly isolated and picture postcard hamlet was about to collapse in on

itself. What it needed was a miracle. And over all of this the spring rain started to come down. Unceasingly and unremittingly blowing in from the sea.

The small row of identical cottages stood facing out to sea, as if they were waiting for the fishermen to return safely from their trials. For most of the year, the rain was usually pushed hard against the houses’ whitewashed faces keeping the owners inside if they wished to stay dry. They had to dress in weatherproof jackets and boots just to step outside.

Yet in the springtime the sun shone so brightly from behind the shifting clouds that it was if a magic trick had been cast. This was because the sudden change in temperature and light forced the flowers and other plants out of dormancy and back into life. Trees became green again and new blooms

appeared. The wildlife took advantage of the new season and filled the air with new life; the sound of birdsong and the sight and bleating of freshly born and bouncing lambs were a perennial sign of new beginnings in the new season.

On Sunday morning St Mark’s was filled with families waiting to hear from David Harris. The dark hardwood pews were not the most comfortable seating, but years of use had created a deep shine in the timber that made the benches slippery to sit on.

The lighting through the high windows was bright and cast sharp shards of light within which you could see dust dance around as the congregation settled in preparation for the sermon. This was accompanied by the welcome smell of furniture polish that had been worked into the timber around the small chapel. The stucco walls were covered with plaques that stood as reminders of the community’s fishing heritage. For not one family was unrepresented by a loss at sea on either the white walls or in the gravestones standing in the graveyard

outside.

The usual fare David’s sermons focused on included fire and damnation, in the hope that it would keep the small community together and self-supportive, especially at this delicate time. He considered this to be imperative. Minister Harris was known by his congregation for the expostulations and

over-enthusiasm of his delivery. And this was what drew the adults; whereas the younger family members would gaze up in openmouthed wonder at the man in full flow as he cast out demons and protected his flock. And it was for this that they loved him.

Once his congregation had settled itself down, David Harris entered with a flourish, climbed the steps leading up into the oaken pulpit that had been carved into the shape of a mighty angel, and began. Leaning over the pulpit, the

minister placed his elbows on the golden plate that held his scripture and bent out over the edge of the lectern as if readying himself for the task ahead with his beloved congregation.

Then, taking a deep breath, as if before a plunge, he filled his chest with air and stared out across the faces before him.

‘My dear people,’ he began, ‘my fishers of men, I am, as always, so pleased to see so many of you here with me today at this time of change in our lives. We have been through terrible times together, but please remember that at times like this it is always better to hold on to those you care about, for as much as you are hurting and are in despair (as our Father, the Lord Jesus Christ was) the person nearest to you is also.

‘The losses that we have been suffering will not be in vain. We will rise again and we will see the light of salvation, in the same way that Joseph saved his brothers from damnation. I cannot promise you anything, for that would be foolhardy, but I will say that better times are to come. As I swear on the angels here in the chapel, they are here to bear witness to my words and there will come a day when the light of salvation from this eternal night will dawn upon us all.’

The congregation sat stunned at what they had just heard, taking in the

minister’s words. And as David looked up he could see tears in people’s eyes, and beyond them stood, implacable yet ever watchful, the cold stone statues of the winged angels that guarded the way out of his church,

‘There is not one of you who is not blessed, so take heart and be strong, for we will prevail,’ David added.

He now turned to the Bible and with a deep and controlled voice continued, ‘The story of Lot and his wife is a very ancient one. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were doomed to destruction because of the vile lifestyle of their

inhabitants. The lord sent angels to visit Lot and they told him and his family to leave immediately. The angel’s said, “Escape for your life! Do not look back or stay anywhere within sight of the city. Escape to the mountains, lest you be

destroyed”.

‘After this warning, fire and brimstone fell from the sky and turned the cities into pits of fire and sulphur. Both were consumed by God’s anger. When God had overthrown the cities and the surrounding plain all the inhabitants had been destroyed.

‘But Lot’s wife began to falter. She was shaken by what had happened and unsure of what was to come. She looked back in wonder in what would be her last mortal act. For as she did she then became a pillar of salt.

‘What do we learn from this good people? We learn that our hope and

continued salvation lies not in the past, but in the present and future. Lot’s wife perished not because she looked back, but because she doubted and then turned back – it was a sign of where her real interests were.

‘We must learn a lesson from Lot’s wife but not the hard way! Let us not look back, but look to Jesus and to hope. Let us lay aside the woes that have trapped us. Let us run with freedom through the life set before us, always looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who died on the cross for us and who sits at the right hand of God.’

Looking up from his notes, David Harris cast his gaze across the congregation. There were tears in people’s eyes now at the story and the association with the losses that each of the families had suffered. Yet the church was silent.

Seeing the effect that he had had, David was shocked and changed his

approach. ‘My people,’ he said, ‘please take heart, all is not lost for through prayer and self-belief we will find redemption for us and those that have gone missing.’

The sobs in the congregation continued but he persevered, ‘Have faith for we shall overcome this.’ But in his heart there was pain for those who had been taken and their families also. The loss of a child always cut deep into the soul of a community, and to lose so many was an agony. But unknown to his flock, David was as lost as they were.

In silence the congregation returned their hymn books and walked away to their private grief. For despite the close-knit community and the small number of people that lived there, behind each closed door the loss was different.

As the people left the church in the morning sun they passed the graves of all of those who had died giving their lives to keep their families protected, fed and watered. Alongside those who had been lost to the elements and, if they were lucky, old age, was evidence of children dying of palsy, disease and starvation plus missing mothers who had been lost to childbirth, leaving their families motherless. The majority of headstones giving testimony to the fact that many deaths were the result of mining or fishing accidents.

Each grave that was passed was a family member. Be they stones or

sarcophagi. All of them were familiar shapes and sizes to those that passed. And all of this was watched over by the solitary vine covered angel, one that had stood in prayer unnoticed and uncared for more than 150 years. Its presence becoming so familiar that it was now just considered part of the local scenery. It was now just part of the graveyard.

Hallows Chaise was now its own little time capsule unable to move forwards. But as each of the families left for their homes they cast their eyes heavenward in blessed thanks that they still could give hope that their missing child was not yet under the very sod that they trod upon.

CHAPTER 6

The latest report archangel Michael had received from his fellow angels had brought him to his knees. He was used to the stories of death and destruction he had received for years from across the world. Mankind seemed hell-bent on sending itself to hell in a hand-cart, but the speed of all this was becoming faster and faster. The list of places was getting longer and the death toll deeper as the bodies piled higher.

What bothered Michael the most was that he had no way of intervening;

nothing that would stop these damn humans from ripping themselves to shreds. This had gone on for generations and no attempt at stopping it had been able to prevent the carnage. But now the Dark Lord had arisen from the pits of hell in his chosen form.

Night and day the tree line on the escarpment above Hallows Chaise stood out across the horizon, with each tree bent and twisted by the winds that created

recognisable shapes that could be seen all across the coastal landscape. Each tree stood in stark contrast to the light behind it, like people reaching to the stars.

Behind the village and against the wood stood the ancient burial barrows which led up to groups of trees that, to the untrained eye, appeared to be placed indiscriminately in the view. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear they led the unwary or the adventurous towards a hill on the edge of the wood.

At the top of the hill there was a copse of trees which was a mixture of birch, beech, willow and hawthorn that had been there for many years. There were long barrows and round barrows that all led from the village edge into the countryside and beyond, where the circle of standing stones boldly stood overlooked by the chalk horse.

The many grass-covered barrows lay out in a path which made an avenue leading towards the stone circle. The ancient trees running through the hedgerows were gnarled and twisted due to the weather, living testament to what had gone before. Little did anyone living at Hallows Chaise realise, that these were the link between their own busy existences and what had gone before.

What none of those in the hamlet knew was that there was a complete and separate, equally complex society that existed alongside them, one that was now under threat.

The unrest that had been created in the old wood by Erebus and his satyrs, plus the weak-minded creatures that supported them, had sent shockwaves through the wood. It had been felt in each and every root, each and every leaf and frond, every branch. Within the wood those living and breathing creatures that still had free will were now struggling to keep away from the growing influence of the darkness. It was not unlike a tsunami hitting an island, in that whatever was in its way was bound to be affected for good or ill. It would be the strength of the greatest being that was to influence this outcome.

Within days of taking hold of the Old Oak, Erebus had been able to spread darkness like tendrils through most of the wood. As a result the sprites - dryads of the wood - that held control of the forest for Danu, the lady of the wood, started to panic. It was possible that things could spiral out of control if they did not intercede soon; Peterkin, Bright, Green, Happy and Love all knew that they had a thankless task before them. For as far as they could see, the darkness was spreading faster than they could deal with it and, despite whatever they tried to do, they all knew there was only one being that could and would be able to stop this from happening. That was Danu the Mother of the wood.

But before they committed themselves to making the decision they were

trying to avoid at all costs, the five sprites decided to have one last try to stop the spread of the darkness that was emanating from the Old Oak. They would try to deal with the matter themselves.

As the sprites neared the forbidding tree the air around it became like treacle and was heavy with dark insects, as if the very atmosphere were being used to stop the approach of the five flying dryads. The insects were wiped away by each of the sprites, but Love and Bright were starting to suffer badly from the very thickness of the blackened air; the air was preventing even the merest view of the oak tree they sought.

Coughing and wheezing, the two weaker sprites began to falter.

‘Help, stop,’ called out Love. In response, the others all fell back to surround and protect their friends, not wishing to leave them to the evil elements that were surrounding them all.

‘I cannot go on – I, I, must go back…’ Love continued.

Seeing the distressed state of the weaker sprite, they knew that if they continued it would mean her death. They had no choice but to leave quickly if they wanted to stay alive. Their decision had been made for them, they would have to go back and wake Danu. So turning away from their task they left the insects to dissipate into the shadows around them.

After they escaped the darkness of the wood and the ill effects that had

damaged Love and Bright so badly, the sprites felt rejuvenated. For the weight that had lain so heavily upon them in the wood had lifted and they could move freely as they should.

It was as if they had been given a new spirits now they were free of the evil that emanated from Erebus being. Shaking their wings with renewed vigour, and being able to free their small bodies from the darkness that had attached itself so evilly to them, all five sprites burned with renewed joy as they approached the birch that was the embodiment of Danu.

CHAPTER 7

The goddess Danu, mother of the wood, stood beside a limpid pool in the middle of the wood. Her long branches blowing freely in the wind. These were home to many birds that roosted in her arms before flocking and wheeling in the open sky above. Like the Old Oak, Danu had seen many years, yet her soul was untainted.

The sprites approached their leader with trepidation, not wishing to wake her from her slumber although they knew they must. As they looked on they saw that she had her arms in the air and her toes were clearly planted in the edge of the pool which she stood beside. It was as if she had fallen into silent repose whilst in this position and forgotten to move. Her sap-green face was resting and her eyes were closed to the world that lay beyond.

Full of worry, but knowing that they had no choice, Bright, Love, Peterkin, Happy, and Green approached the birch tree. Looking up at the waving branches and the silvery bark that was Danu, they all knew what magic lay within the tree’s soul; the problem was whether they wanted to face the lady within.

As the five sprites worried about what to do next, flying hither and thither around the tall tree in the spring sunshine, a change occurred within its body and from its heartwood came Danu. Dressed simply in a gown of green, with flowing auburn hair and wearing a crown of silver, the goddess had awoken.

Now that she had woken her bright blue eyes shone out from the silver of her complexion. Piercing all that fell under her gaze as she looked around to find the reason for her waking. The sprites were overcome with the presence of the beloved lady before them and fell silent, and were at first unable to speak. Rather they flapped about and pushed each other back and forth in embarrassment at the fact that they had actually managed to awaken the lady of the wood.

‘Who has woken me?’ Danu asked in her creamy voice. Pushing Peterkin forwards he was left to speak before the omnipresent gaze that all but pinned him to the spot, despite the fact that he actually had the ability to fly away.

Tugging his forelock and trying not to make eye-contact with the towering goddess before him he managed to squeak out a few words. ‘Sorry to, sorry to upset you and wake you, Your Greatness,’ he began. Danu just leaned back into her position and looked on, smiling at the discomfort the sprite was

experiencing, even with a couple of simple lines. And so, saying nothing, she let him continue.

‘We have had to wake you, Your Greatness,’ said Peterkin, ‘because the wood is in terrible trouble and we have been unable to stop the evil that has taken hold there.’

On hearing this, Danu leaned in, taking greater interest in the funny little

being standing before her. Peterkin went on: ‘And also, the poor humans of the village below have now become victims of this darkness.’

When Peterkin said this Danu reacted more concisely. ‘What has happened my little friend?’ she asked.

‘The children from the village are being taken in the night,’ replied Peterkin.

‘And where do they go?’ Danu inquired.

‘We know that satyrs are taking them through the gateway each time they are stolen for no-one ever sees the children go, and as we have looked through the darkness of the wood we have managed to find the other gateway. It is beside the Old Oak.’

Turning to her followers, Danu smiled and light shone from her face as she spoke to them. ‘You were right to tell me of this evil,’ she said, ‘and have done well. But it sounds as if our task has only just begun. We must work fast to drive out this darkness and restore the woodland to its natural balance, for if we do not the growing darkness will surely take control. The humans cannot be allowed to suffer at the hands at whatever demon has decided to feed upon their souls. This must be stopped and stopped soon. We must act together – but help will be needed if we are to prevail.’

Now that Danu had spoken to them the sprites all felt more relaxed and were happier to be in her presence. Love spoke to her saying, ‘O mighty goddess we are sorry to wake you and are happy that you are pleased and understand, but there is so much to do. How can we start in our task to rid the wood of this evil now that you are with us?’

Danu smiled back at them. ‘Do not be too hasty to go to war small friend,’ she said, ‘for there is much to do and much to plan. We must find what is needed and then we can act more clearly.’

‘But what shall we do first?’ asked Love.

‘My beloved friends,’ Danu continued, ‘it is a joy to see you here and I thank you for waking me at this time of need. I realise that there are things to do and that darkness is abroad in the wood. I ask that you help me and the beloved humans by finding the satyrs, in a bid to stop them from kidnapping the children of Hallows Chaise, for these satyrs are the creatures that are taking the innocents to Erebus at the Old Oak, and then into the darkness beyond it. We must prevail, otherwise Erebus will drive us all out and destroy the whole wood. Only by killing him can we survive.’

The sprites were much heartened by the good feeling that had been generated from waking Danu and the words of encouragement that she had shared with them all. Now that these had been spoken the wood sprites felt stronger and better prepared for whatever lay ahead of them. But had been tempered by the words of warning and impending loss that now hung over all of them there, if they were to fail.

CHAPTER 8

Mallory had returned to the Old Oak with Annie in his sack. The tree had been in the wood for many years and had seen its spring, summer and autumn. It was now in its winter as the trunk was covered in fungi and lichen, colouring the deep ridges in the bark green and ochre. The stench of disease also hung around the tree, as if there were something unpleasant lurking in its guts.

As Mallory reappeared with his prize the rabbits all dispersed, their task

complete, and the sack carrying Annie was dropped unceremoniously at the bole of the tree in readiness for what was to happen next. Mallory was pleased to be rid of it as the child had been heavy and had not kept still. At least sitting next to his small fire, he could now warm himself whilst he waited for what was to come. As Mallory relaxed, he found that the rabbits had returned to sit with him in the glow of the fire, but this time they appeared much more content.

Without warning the one that held sway over them appeared: Erebus, their lord and master. Out of a mist created from the ground he appeared before them.

Erebus, the Lord of Darkness, the Lord of the Flies, emerged from a cloud of vapour. He was mighty and his wet, leathery skin was black and shiny in its magnificence. Even in the night the glow from the small fire before him reflected off his skin. His great wings quivered and his eyes burned like fire into those before him.

Rising to his great height, Erebus reached down towards the sack and Annie within, then picking it up in his taloned hand before taking it up to his chest and pulling the now petrified girl from inside. Now she had been removed from the bag, Annie hung limply – the fight she had shown when the satyr took her from her room had drained from her in the presence of the Lord Erebus.

Erebus looked down with hunger upon the fresh offering in his clawed hand, turning the girl over as if searching for the best way to consume her. Then,

raising her up to his mouth, he consumed her in one complete movement,

leaving just mere droplets of blood on the bag for his watching minions to

fight over.

Now that he had been fed, the Dark Master had been placated and was more relaxed in his manner towards those before him and so Mallory was able to look upon his task with satisfaction rather than dread of failure.

‘You have pleased me with this gift,’ said Erebus, ‘but I now have another task that means we are put to the test my friend. If we act swiftly we will be able to conquer and take all the young humans we need for all of us.’

Mallory attempted a cheer and waved the weapon he was holding in the air.

‘But we must remember that where there is a dark side, brightness will exist also. Brightness that we detest and hate,’ Erebus continued. Again the Dark Lord’s captive crowd cheered and booed at his comments. ‘Therefore we must be on our guard for the hated angels. For they will find us, and if they have the chance they will drive you away.’

Hearing this, Mallory was enraged and shouted and danced around his fire, not once noticing that Erebus had faded away into the night.

CHAPTER 9

What the sprites had told Danu was that the families in Hallows Chaise had been almost wiped out by Erebus. The fact that she could feel it so strongly in each and every fibre of her being was because it ran like sap through her soul; and the more she became enraged by what she was experiencing, the more the power and light was shed from her fingertips, shooting into the air in great, glowing shafts.

Her rage became so powerful that it began to explode outwards through her wild auburn hair into the trees around her creating a pleasing and exciting

myriad of lights and colours. The Dark Lord was in her wood and she wanted him driven out. This was likely to get messy.

Without realising what they faced the sprites did not know where to make a start. What they needed was a bit of luck, which would make things easier.

The five sprites were anxious to ensure that Danu was kept happy and flittered around her, flying hither and thither about the green-clad goddess like white darts whilst she grew more and more irate.

But this was becoming a lost cause for, until the removal of Erebus from the Old Oak, Danu would not settle. Her limbs thrashed about and she wailed in anger and despair. But she was not beaten, her time was coming.

Not knowing what to do for the best, the sprites decided it was time to leave Danu, and to give her space to calm herself down, so without a word, they

vanished back into the trees.

CHAPTER 10

However much the families of Hallow Chaise tried to move on, the loss of their beloved children was still leaving a black hole in all their hearts – so much so that they were now openly speaking to one other of their loss of faith and belief. Each of the friends knew that they now had someone they could speak to about their pain and loss – someone who would understood what they were going through at the deepest of levels; meaning that each of them with their separate pain was not alone.

The weekly meetings held in Mary Blake’s front room allowed those present to talk things through openly, accompanied by the clinking of teacups and the drinking of tea and coffee. It had become a place of support and understanding for all that needed it. However, the main conversations were still ones of sadness.

Mary started them off. ‘Well, I don’t know about you,’ she said, ‘but the sermon we’re given each week in chapel is starting to wear very thin. The minister can say what he likes, but it won’t bring my Annie back to me.’ And there was a general clinking of cups again and nodding of heads all around the half eaten Victoria sponge on the table.

Conversation started well. There was talk of shopping, the weather and family but it soon descended into argument and sorrow as each of the bereft mothers opened their hearts about their loss and unspoken grief. Then, rather than supporting one another, the chats became slanging matches in which those present tried to prove they were the most emotionally damaged.

And before long, the small group of ladies who had politely sat round the table to eat cake and drink tea, were standing face to face shouting at each other whilst others were sitting in floods of tears, emotionally detached and scarred by the whole episode.

Yet half an hour later, after copious amounts of tea and coffee, plus two cakes, all those who had been attempting to lay each other out just minutes earlier were again the best of friends and arranging their next get-together.

CHAPTER 11

Mallory and his rabbits had managed to carry and drag the children into the darkness and had placed them in cages in a cavern that had been dug beneath the Old Oak many years before. The roots of trees and plants supported the structure as much as forcing its shape. The children were to be held in these cages so they could be fed to Erebus when he demanded sustenance.

The great cavern was lit was lanterns which shone poorly through the gloom, giving little pools of light to those who waited for what was to come. And

because of this the captive children were able to see both where they were

and that there were others they knew who had also been chained to the walls like them.

The fact they never saw anyone return once they had been removed and dragged away kicking and screaming, biting and punching, was not lost on any of those who had witnessed the comings and goings either.

The terrified youngsters being shackled and chained to the stone walls had then had wooden cage doors shoved in front of them, reducing the space they had; each child knew they would die there… but not when. The only certainty was that they would be chosen – plucked from the wall and taken to the Dark Lord for his delectation.

The constant game to survive that each child had to play was to try and make themselves look as unappealing as possible. What none of those trapped in the oubliettes knew was the cause of the heart-rending noises in the dark, the

terrible screams and howls that chilled each and every one of them to the

marrow, and made them question whether they would live to see daylight again?

The number of children at Hallows Chaise was small now and each one of those left in the hamlet was very aware of what was going on. Even though it did not make any sense, it was as if they were all just waiting at home to be ‘reaped’ and never seen again. But each knew that if they ever came back they would have one hell of a story to tell.

As far as Mallory was concerned, his job was almost done because the

remaining children were too young to take at the moment. It was like fishing; if he took them too soon, they would be thrown back, and that would be a waste of time and effort, even if they did manage to stay alive.

This meant that Erebus was becoming restless, he needed more regular feeding and that meant that young blood was required; but it would have to come from somewhere else. The gateway was still useful but was now unreliable as it was not consistent in its timings, using it was a risk. Therefore, Mallory was going to have to look closer to home but that meant doing something he didn’t want to do, it meant using the woodland animals instead.

CHAPTER 12

Jonny Blake was feeling restless… he could not sit around and do nothing while his beloved Annie was still missing. He had to find her, although he did not

realise it was already too late for hope.

He was convinced the wood, and more specifically the spooky Old Oak tree, held the key to the disappearance of his little girl and decided to go there to see what he could find. Although night was approaching, his brother Mark agreed to accompany him on his journey into the gloom.

Once in the wood an oppression descended with speed which was overwhelming. Jonny and Mark then started to have trouble fending off the gloom that appeared as shadows both around them and in their hearts. And with the darkness came insects that fell from the trees into their hair and over their clothing. Something out there was definitely trying to stop them.

It was as if a cloak of shadows was falling all about them, bringing with it a renewed threat of attacks. The brothers knew they were in danger where they were, but no-one had ever seen anything to prove the fairy tales about the wood were true.

Perhaps it was all make-believe? Why else would there be so many stories about what would happen to the unwary when they were lost in the deep wood? Moving with care through the underbrush Jonny and Mark slowed their steps as it became thicker and the plants encroached from both left and right, obscuring the way ahead.

‘We must push forwards if we are to reach the Old Oak,’ said Mark. The

nearer the brothers got to the tree, the worse the light became. And as the sun set it turned the sky orange, then red, before descending to the darkness of night. That was when the flies came… out of the shadow there was a shift in the light which preceded a shape that appeared out of the trees.

The flies came like a wall of missiles that made straight for the men as they walked nearer the Old Oak. It was as if the tree itself was trying to stop them moving forwards. In one solid wall the flies came at them, hitting them hard, entering their mouths, bouncing off their eyes and climbing up their nostrils.

It was an assault on their very bodies to push them away. But as quickly as it

started, it began to dissipate. The mass of noise and movement dispersed and went in separate directions, like a wave breaking upon a cliff face. And yet the warning had been given. But what had made the flies disappear? Something must have made them go… they would not have gone without reason, and then it became clear.

‘If this is the worst of it I think we’re okay,’ said Mark, pushing his way

deeper into the trees. He held his lantern high in a bid to improve the view of where they had to go. The extra light showed the brothers that the way had been used before, but not by them.

‘Can you see that?’ asked Jonny, as he pointed out a collection of lights that appeared and began to dance around the trees before them. Mark raised his

lantern again to improve the view but Jonny pulled it back down in haste. ‘No, no, no. That won’t help. Look…’

As the torchlight reduced, the fairy light shone brighter. And with it came small, thin voices that worked their way into the heads of both Mark and Jonny as they stood staring in wonder at the sight before them.

‘Can you hear that?’ Asked Jonny, banging the palm of his fat hand against the side of his head in an attempt to clear his mind. But the noise continued. It wasn’t his imagination, there was something out there and it was trying to speak to them. But what did it want?

The voices became faster and faster, yet at the same time clearer to hear. There was definitely more than one voice in the darkness. But what or who was speaking? That was what made the two brothers worried. As far as they were concerned the wood consisted of trees and small fluffy animals, and neither of those were supposed to speak.

That was when things got really bizarre, in front of the brothers appeared small shining shapes with wings. As the two men stood and looked, other creatures joined them from the darkness; at first appearing as faces, and then showing themselves with wings and delicate limbs that were in perfect proportion to their smaller, delicate size.

‘Fairies, are you sure?’ Said Jonny in awe. But there they were bouncing about in front of the brothers. But fairies didn’t exist, did they?

The five small dancing lights appeared to be dressed in gossamer light

material and were floating about at the head height of the two brothers. The sprites’ thin faces were kind and caring and they appeared to be attempting to make contact with Mark and Jonny. The brothers could hear noises that sounded like words spoken from very far away, but it was all but impossible to see the creatures’ mouths moving because they were so minute.

The sprites’ words became clearer. ‘Come closer, come closer, we mean you no harm,’ the ethereal voices said. But both Mark and Jonny felt chills in their bones. This was not correct. There was still no proof they would not come to harm in the gloom if they did as they were asked.

All they could see were the dancing shapes and they had no guarantee that what they were seeing now was not the result of something they had both

inhaled or eaten. But neither of them had imagined what they had heard, for

the fairies were definitely there.

And the closer the brothers looked, the more disturbing the vision was

becoming for although these fairytale beings were supposed to be caring and loving they had to eat also… and as Mark and Jonny looked they could see that at least two of the sprites were holding tightly on to a nice big fat fly each whilst they bit into the flesh and pulled meaty chunks away before eating them. Noticing that they had been seen, Happy and Love stopped in their makeshift meal and gave the two humans a wave.

CHAPTER 13

Unable to know which way to turn David Harris sat alone at home beside the fire with his head in his hands. It felt as if his world was turning in on itself; there had been so many unexplained things happening recently and despite his brave face it was becoming harder and harder to fool his parishioners.

For they were not fools. They had spent most of their lives rising either with or before the sun to bring the daily catch to market. Their skins were weathered and their eyes could see further than they appeared to be looking. There was a depth to them. Deeper than the skin they stood in. Yet they were having their souls taken from them, for their children were being stolen away. So much loss was starting to tell on him.

The idea of coming to a little rural community in the middle of nowhere had appealed at first for it offered him the chance to relax and contemplate. He thought he could possibly slow down from all that gone on before in the busy cities he had worked in before, but he had been given the hardest task of his clerical career so far. The village was losing children faster than they were being born and because of the size of the hamlet every family had been affected.

What he had not shared with anyone was that he also had faced a loss. His niece had disappeared without a trace in the night. One day she was there, and the next morning she had vanished. It was so quick that no-one actually realised he had been affected too.

All he was left with was a crumpled letter with her handwriting on it and a bent photograph, both of which he had placed in frames on the fireplace, and which he prized beyond his own life. Overcome with grief again, David knelt on the ground, folded up in a heap and wept.

David felt that he could do no more. He was at the end of his tether and had given his soul to the poor washed-out people of his parish. Wherever he looked, the faces of the men and women were sullen and drawn for they had known loss and despair. Each friend and family member was now unable even to draw on their own inner strength for they had used that up just getting through the days themselves.

David looked to his own faith and what it could do for him and found himself wanting. What had he done wrong? Why had this happened to him? It wasn’t his choice, but he knew he had to carry on otherwise those around him would fall, and whatever evil was out there would hold dominion. Over his dead body – that was not going to happen.

Sitting in the garden with his drink beside him, David was enjoying the rare sunshine as it moved across the sky. The light was hazy as the sun beams danced off of the garden wall, turning all that was upon it into shadows and leaving them as just shapes of their true selves. Sounds of the season filled his head, bees buzzed from bloom to bloom and the seagulls called to one another as they soared and sailed on the thermals created by the coastal breezes.

This was an all too brief and short period of respite from what had been a trauma, and David was tired. He closed his eyes and relaxed, listening to the sounds whilst absorbing the sunshine – this was better. He could feel the energy returning to his bones as he sat in his seat, eyes closed, being warmed as the sun moved across the sky. He felt himself becoming rejuvenated. All he really needed to be happy was a never-ending supply of tea, something to eat and a

radio that would fill his heart and soul with music.

Ariel, one of Archangel Michael’s acolytes arrived just in time to see David drifting off into sleep in his garden chair. The minister looked careworn and battered. He had worked hard and the years of effort were showing on his face and hands. The angel, Ariel, stood and looked at the minister while he rested, breathing in and out, in and out… steady and calm.

But time was short and Ariel knew that things needed doing quickly to save the poor souls of Hallows Chaise before the evil in the wood took hold and

destroyed those who remained. So reaching out, he moved his hand through

the space between them and into David’s soul.

David felt something enter his chest and pull at his heart; he opened his eyes from his slumber to be met with a vision. It was a seven-foot angel standing before him. And not only that, this apparition had an arm placed inside the ministers’ chest.

‘Sorry to wake you brother,’ said Ariel to the shocked minister, ‘but we are in dire need and we must act quickly to save the good people of your parish. The evil that has been resident in the wood for so long has grown to such a

proportion that it now has the strength to destroy all that it wants.’

‘But if this is true,’ asked David, ‘how are we to stop it from taking what it wants from us?’

‘Do not despair for there is help at hand in the shape of the old lore, the ancient magic, replied Ariel. ‘Evil is spreading in the wood but it will be possible to keep it at bay if the new and the old beliefs act together.’

David was shocked that he had been visited by an angel from the heavenly host; this kind of thing was the food of fiction. The kind of tale he told his

congregation to strengthen their resolve. And yet here he was – sitting in his country garden in the sunshine, talking to an angel! How was this possible?

‘I am your servant. Whatever you feel we have to do to release these poor people I will do,’ said David to the radiant Ariel. And upon hearing this good news the angel vanished, returning to Michael and the host to share his news.

CHAPTER 14

When he returned to the heavenly host Ariel was overjoyed with the good news he had had following the visit to David. He was shining from within and the light was so bright it came through his skin and through the gown he wore.

The host saw him enter the chamber and, as he came, he brought with him a glow that lit the space around him, leaving nothing but darkness once he had passed.

As Ariel began to speak, his feathers bristled behind him; as he did so the sconces around the darkened space offered as much light as they could; with the candles flickering in and out in the gloom. Ariel was full of purpose and had his eyes set on his brothers who had assembled around the table to await his return.

Clear in what he wanted to say, Ariel began, ‘Brothers, have we lost our purpose?’ He raised his voice as he said this and, in response, the lighting spiked and wavered, Michael and the other angels were taken aback.

‘There are humans out there who are in need of our help and we are

neglecting them! How can that be right?’ Ariel continued. ‘You know the answers to these questions my brothers and you know we can do better.’

The other angels looked on, following the impassioned plea and realising that it was something more than irrational hysterics; perhaps there was something to Ariel’s words and his concern.

He looked around at the assembled angels and carried on, ‘We have seen so many die for no reason other than for wanting to take land from their neighbour. How much longer are we going to let this carry on before we do something? Surely we are supposed to be here to care for people and offer them

unconditional support and love – so what is all this rubbish about having to

wait and see if we have the time to care? Who do we think we are? Lord God almighty? Well I have news for you, we’re not! At least not yet.’

The faces around the table were all stunned by the tirade but in their hearts they knew what Ariel had said was correct. They were supposed to be there to support others unconditionally and here they were with their weights and

measures. It was a world gone mad.

After a silence Michael answered Ariel. ‘We hear you brother,’ he said, ‘and will come with you to this place of misery – perhaps together we can find the cause of the unhappiness and drive it out. But first we must ask you to return and observe, to collect proof for the group so that we may act correctly.’

Ariel was incensed. Again the candles wavered in unison, fueled with the emotion around the table. The gathering was listening without hearing him. There was nothing more for him to do, he thought. ‘’Why should I go alone?’ he asked. ‘Why can you spare no help for this? Do we not see what is happening around us anymore, do we not care?’

At this line of questioning the lighting in the room dipped to its lowest, giving light only to Michael’s face as he spoke. ‘We hear your plea brother and we

understand,’ he said. ‘However, you must understand we are guardians of the whole of humanity. There are thousands that die daily, there are many starving and there are those who are trapped and dying because the planet that they live on has become corrupt and is falling apart. We are too spread and too few in number to help everyone.’

Ariel could not accept what Michael had said to him. It was all wrong – as if the angels around the table had become numb to the reality of the destruction that was happening in the real world. They had become complacent.

Ariel knew there was pure evil at work in Hallows Chaise and he would prove it. Once he had done this he would make sure things would be clearer. But

perhaps the brothers needed a jolt, perhaps they needed hard evidence and this would get both him and the grieving villagers what they wanted. He would see things change.

CHAPTER 15

David was alone in his study reading, the light was on in the darkened room and the radio mumbled in the background for company. This was his usual choice of entertainment, much nicer than the choices on the television recently. At least with a good book he knew where he was going and what was likely to happen.

Deep in his chapter, David was disturbed by rustling – rustling that should not have been there, accompanied by a bright light. Well at least he knew what the disturbance was… it was the angel returning as promised.

David looked up to see Ariel standing lit up before him and, as David raised his hand to shield his eyes, the angel reduced his blinding glow to a mere shine.

‘I have returned to you as I said I would before,’ said Ariel, ‘and yet I sense that you are troubled, brother.’

Now that it was mentioned, David felt the weight of his pain on his shoulders and sagged in his chair. He took his head in his hands and cried.

‘Brother do not despair for I am with you,’ Ariel continued, holding David’s shoulder as the minister sobbed.

‘I have tried to bring happiness to these people but nothing has worked, I am tired, I am weary. How can I help them?’ asked David.

In reply Ariel knelt beside the minister and took his hands. Looking into

David’s face, the angel said, ‘Tears from your soul, from those that have lost and have experienced loss in others, are a sign of healing. Do not despair, for to cry releases your soul’s pent-up frustration and despair – despair that has been collected over time.

‘Therefore, through giving forgiveness to others, we can release fear and

anger from them. And in turn this heals them in places where they did not know they could be touched. Ultimately, this can do nothing but good to those trapped in grief, either through their own, or another person’s actions.’

David was still unclear what the angel wanted and asked, ‘But why have you come here today, what must be done to rescue my flock?’

‘My brother,’ replied Ariel, ‘you have a task before you that must be done if you are to save these poor people. An ancient evil has made its home in the wood and is responsible for taking the innocents from your village to feed its needs. It is already strong enough that it has perverted the minds of the smaller creatures and made them work for its cause. Without your intervention this evil will grow and spread, becoming larger than you can imagine, and this land will become a place of death and destruction.’

David was speechless. This was not what he was expecting. Rescuing damsels in distress, yes, he could do that but destroying demons from the darkest pit of hell, well that was something else!

Aware that David was surprised by what he had been told, Ariel continued in a more positive direction, ‘You will not have to do this without guidance or support from the highest of orders – namely the archangel Michael and the host in allegiance with the gods of the old order, who are older than history and the trees in the wood but are linked with them. Those who have their bones and treasures buried beneath the ground you walk upon each and every day.’

And with that said, Ariel left David to his solitude in his study.

David was scared at first, but now he was scared and confused. For if this was to happen it meant that he would either have to take everything on faith or he was in for a few more unexpected and unannounced visits like today.

David knew what the angel had said about Hallows Chaise was true, and it was as if he had been given a shining path that could help him cure the ills of his unhappy parish.

But to know how to deal with something in theory and to know how to carry it out practically tended to be miles apart. What he needed was a miracle but, wait, hadn’t he just been visited by an angel? What else did he need? Perhaps a little latitude and understanding from those around him would help, then maybe the village would start to see a change for the better.

David closed his eyes and counted to ten whilst he processed the information he had just been given. Reopening them, it was as if nothing had ever occurred and yet David wasn’t prepared to tempt fate just to find out, for you never know what might pop up out of nowhere when you’re not looking.

CHAPTER 16

Human beings, the delicate souls they are, were easy to keep track of as far as Michael and the other angels were concerned. For as long as they had kept in contact with the human race Michael had endeavoured to understand what made them tick, but even after millennia he was often at a loss.

For often, as soon as he got to understand why they massacred hundreds of their enemies in the name of civilisation, the same human beings would turn around and enslave their own people in the name of progress. The thing that bothered him and his brother angels was that this lesson of conquest and

domination had been repeated time and time again through the angels’

existence, and yet all they had been able to do was stand by and perhaps appear as shining lights if forced into a corner. But now Michael was the archangel, which meant that he called the shots. It also meant that there would be changes.

Despite being immortal, Michael was feeling tired. Standing at his desk he looked at the reports that he had had back from his fellow messengers. And these had left him greatly troubled because the number of children missing was on the rise.

‘This was definitely different from how it had been before,’ he told Gadreel, who was with him. But then Michael was immortal and that changed his

perspective of time. To mere mortals it seemed to mean everything and yet for him time was a mere grain of sand.

He shifted his position and moved his great wings around to make himself more comfortable, given that he was not in need of any seat. Like his host,

Michael was able to keep himself floating above the ground by rotating and

readjusting his feathers, folding them neatly around one-another as he

repositioned them back and forth. He then spread out his wings and arms fully, and stretched, each of the feathery appendages quivering down its full length to the tip, as he did so.

It felt so good to do this as he had not had the opportunity to use his wings for such a long time, since he was here to oversee his brother angels rather than carry out field work. Oh how he missed getting his hands dirty like he had in the bad old days – it had been so much fun working for Gabriel all those years ago, delivering messages and being part of the heavenly host, his sword in one hand and a golden trumpet in the other.

That was what being an angel was all about, not paper work and reports. But here he was now, stuck behind his desk supervising the other angels under his care. And all because he had the dubious pleasure of having the title of archangel on his door.

Michael’s office appeared just big enough to accommodate his seven-foot frame and the other angels that were similar in size too. However, despite their great wing spans and the wooden desk that was in the middle of the room, there appeared space enough for each of the warden angels to position themselves comfortably around Michael’s desk.

Even though it appeared spacious, the room was poorly lit, with the only light coming from candles mounted in sconces that floated free of any constraint in the periphery of the space. Neither was there any heat, not that those using it

required any because the Angels had no souls or blood to warm through. They were pure being and experience, driven only by emotion and need collected over millennia and mixed into the physical form taken on by each of Michael’s host.

As he looked about him Michael was pleased to see that all the brothers had returned. Gadreel, Adriel, Ariel, Kerubiel, Phanuel, Jehoel and Jegudiel were all helping themselves to the loaves and fishes that were for their repast.

‘Brothers, I have grave news for you,’ said Ariel, ‘news of great evil and

distress. A brother’s prayers have drawn me to a place of much sadness and loss that is in need of our support. And without our help Hallows Chaise will only exist as a place devoid of joy.’

‘How is this possible Ariel?’ asked Gadreel, ‘Surely no such place exists?’

But Ariel answered saying, ‘What I have found is this place is a society that has collapsed because its children are being stolen away. These children are

being taken into the wood by a most ancient enemy – the demon Erebus.’

After he said this, Ariel found he had everyone’s attention. Papers were laid down and forgotten and all present were looking at him.

‘If this is true, we are facing a much harder task than we first imagined Ariel,’ said Michael.

And pleased that he now had the floor Ariel continued, ‘I have spoken with brother David, who is their holy guide, and he is faltering. He needs our

support! Without it, he will fail. Another thing you must know is that the children are being taken to the heart of the old wood by the slaves of Erebus. This is where the Dark Lord has been hiding in the Old Oak. If we do not act soon, all will be lost and Erebus will prevail…’

This was when Ariel landed his trump card. ‘In order to succeed we must look to the old ways and the old beliefs,’ he told the assembled host.

The room erupted as the information sank in.

The angels spoke as one, ‘Are you suggesting that we cannot cope on our own? That we cannot defend those who need our support and we are not strong enough to protect those who show their faith in us through their devotional

belief? How dare you! What do think we are?’

The whole room was in an uproar as the angels digested the information they had heard. They shouted over each other to be heard and waved their arms and flapped their wings in concern and anger.

‘We will not be told what to do by these fly-eating Earth types,’ they roared. ‘How can they help us? What do they know? The whole thing will be a travesty; the Lord is the only way for he is the true Lord.’

But Ariel would not stand down, he knew better. He had been there and had seen the sadness – he had experienced what was going on in Hallows Chaise and knew that if the angels did not help soon all would be lost.

Raising his voice Ariel spoke out, ‘No, no, no. This is not the intention

brothers. We must act now together and appear on behalf of the heavenly host, for are we not God’s representatives on Earth? Do we not stand for what he wants on that green planet?’

The noise had again stopped as the brothers listened. They did not necessarily agree with him, but they knew he was correct.

Warming to his theme, Ariel continued, ’If we do not act together who do we disgrace? Is it you, me, someone else? No, you know it is our Lord God and do you want to do that?’

Those present stood silent and ashamed at their actions.

CHAPTER 17

The disappearance of the children had permeated through Hallows Chaise like a rash, which had become worse when yet another child vanished. Poor Kizzy Longstaff had disappeared without a trace. A search had been made of homes, the old open-cast mine, the mill pond and the surrounding farm buildings, but neither she nor the others had been found.

Their parents and the wider village were distraught and now a great cloud of despair hung over the whole community as they lived in a state of perpetual limbo, waiting for the horror to end and in fear for the next loss.

But the unspoken words that filled people’s minds most were ones of

suspicion and worry about what had made these innocents vanish, and who could have done such a thing. It was like living on a powder keg, with the risk of just one spark blowing all the things everyone held dear sky high. But it was a powder keg sitting on egg shells as no-one was prepared to say anything too loudly but, as shown by the many posters attached to trees, lamp-posts and fences, the community spirit nevertheless ran deep and strong.

It was as if the villagers hoped the presence of the posters would draw the missing children back to Hallows Chaise. And yet, in their hearts the hamlet’s broken-down souls knew this was a futile exercise. So who were they doing it for? Was it for themselves or was it for the outward appearance? But no matter what happened it didn’t help with the return of their beloved children.

The only thing that was keeping the families together was their love for one another, for without this the whole hamlet would collapse.

The fishing crew of Jonny, his brother Mark, Nathan and Hal sat in the village in enjoying a drink after a hard day bringing in the catch.

Most had lost children to the darkness encroaching on them. The drinks tasted good and the company was warm, but this did not fill the holes that had been made in each of their lives by the terrible happenings none of them could

understand.

‘But why is it us? What have we done to deserve such terrible treatment?’ Hal asked his friends.

‘If we knew the answer to that we would be able to find the children wouldn’t we,’ replied Jonny wearily. ‘They have vanished and no-one seems to have any answers – perhaps the only way out of this is through prayer.’

‘But that’s ridiculous, no-one believes in that anymore,’ said Hal. ‘It’s the sort of thing that happened in the Bible, and who around here’s seen a miracle

recently?’

‘We must believe, otherwise if we have no hope, what do we have?’ Said Jonny Do we just give in and roll over? Well, I for one will not.’

CHAPTER 18

The evil created by Erebus had spread darkness throughout the wood like an

unstoppable rash. The satyr Mallory had collected the children and taken them to the Old Oak causing the ground to become so drenched in bad magic that the tree had died, and from the ruined soil, nothing but fungi now grew. Where the grass once covered the ground, it was now littered with the unmistakable shapes of mushrooms and toadstools of luminous hues and bright colours.

If you looked closely, as the sprites were able to, it became clear the growth of these fungi was following a definite pathway. Each one came from the central hub of the rotten heart of the Old Oak, and then spread out through the woodland beyond like a snake, dispersing spores of hate and destruction as it passed by.

The one thing that Erebus had not counted on was that the natural elements he had decided to assault and make his temporary home, would retaliate in an

attempt to remove him from the tree and wood that was their home. After all, he was encroaching upon a place that had been theirs for longer than time and they were not prepared to accept his kind of destructive rule.

Danu had sent the sprites out with clear instructions to find a way to remove the demon, but so far this had not gone well. The defences they had met had sent them away, for the obstacles were too strong for them to deal with – strong enough to be near fatal. This meant that other options were required…

Peterkin, Bright, Green, Happy and Love had all seen the comings and goings of Mallory as he carried out his nocturnal activities; moving back and forth between the woodland plains and the Old Oak. What the woodland sprites came to realise was that this fairytale creature was able to move freely through the woodland completely unchallenged with what looked like a fresh offering for the Dark Lord Erebus, and this needed to be stopped, soon.

‘For if we do not act soon it will too late and others will die,’ said Peterkin.

All the other sprites sparkled in agreement – but each time they attempted to get near to Erebus and the Old Oak they were forced away by clouds of

darkness and noxious smells that came from the trees and bushes nearby. It was becoming an impossible task – the more they tried, the weaker the friends

became, beaten down by constant defeats and setbacks. It was all becoming

too much.

Each time the sprites returned to the goddess it was with tales of loss and

sadness. At first she was caring and kind but, with the mounting number of

failures her followers were experiencing, Danu became more and more

unstable. Her branches thrashed about and her voice raged through the wood, carried on the wind to all who could hear her despair and anger.

The anger was such that the sprites were afraid to approach her, for want of receiving a further tirade. They just knew they had to act quickly to bring an end to the evil in the wood and soon otherwise Danu would start to tear herself apart, possibly taking others with her in the process.

Danu had been enraged by the constant tales of stolen children and the

sadness of the parents in Hallows Chaise. And the more Danu became enraged, the more she became certain that something had to be done. Each time she

received bad news her copious tangle of hair crackled with static electricity, making it stand to attention as the power searched for an earth in the atmosphere about her.

The continual destruction of the humans and their way of life was a threat not only to them but also to Danu herself because the villagers’ sacred wood would be defenceless against whatever attacked it in future. And if the strengthening of Erebus’ dark hold over the woodland creatures and the fairytale realm was

anything to go by, this was something that needed to be nipped in the bud now.

But Danu knew she could not do this alone. Erebus’ power was such that if the goddess attempted to face him on her own, even with all of her might and power over the woodland, she knew she would not prevail. She could not share her fears with her faithful sprites, for they would lose their belief in her and their joint cause. She had to persevere whatever the cost.

In the knowledge that she had lost the smaller woodland creatures to the Dark Lord, Danu sang clearly through the trees for the woodland animals and the sprites to come to her side. Her voice was like the sound of the blowing of a warm spring wind through the wood, enriching the trees and the flowering plants as it passed by.

Within moments the goddess was surrounded by those who had answered her call. Deer of all ages stood before her, birds of all types sat on any available branch and, ensuring the goddess was safe, her faithful sprites danced in and out of the trees and the animals that had harkened to the call.

‘My Faithful followers, I have called you here today as we are facing a mighty foe who is casting a deadly shadow over our home and will destroy us all if we do not stop it soon,’ said Danu. ‘What I speak of is the very monster who has taken the young of the humans and is digesting them in the Old Oak as we speak.’

There was a great deal of fluttering and stamping of feet and disturbance among those that had come to listen. Then a voice from the crowd asked, ‘If we know where our foe is, why do we not just attack and drive it away?’

‘I have asked myself this question,’ said Danu, ‘and the reason for this is that we would perish. For the enemy we face is none other than the Dark Lord

Erebus!’

Again the crowd reacted badly, but no-one faltered.

‘My people do not fear,’ Danu continued. ‘We will prevail and we will beat this foe – for there is a way of succeeding although the cost may be high.’

This was news to everyone. For what she had decided had not been shared with any of the faithful in the woodland realm, for fear of the information being given to Erebus, either willingly or not.

Danu spoke again, ‘What we must do is work with the powers of the holy church who have been appearing in our village. Yes my people, they do exist! The angels who have come to the humans’ aid may be our only saviours and without their help all may be lost.’

There was general uproar as the information was heard and trickled through the large crowd of assorted animals. Feathers were ruffled and hooves were stamped in indignation. In an attempt to calm things, Peterkin, Bright, Green, Happy and Love flew around the assembled animals uttering soothing words in placatory tones. After the joint efforts of Danu and her sprites to calm the crowd, the animals’ voices subsided.

‘My people, my people,’ Danu continued, ‘the angels said the same as you, but now is not the time for selfish motives. If we do not act together – animal, human, angel and goddess – Erebus will destroy all that we hold dear. We have no choice but to share our skills.’

Each and every animal present erupted into spontaneous applause. Danu had won her support.

CHAPTER 19

Danu sent the sprites to the Old Oak in the wood and that was the end of it. There was to be no going back. Despite what they felt, there was a task to be carried out before any of the children could be rescued from the clutches of the demon who had stolen the soul of the mighty tree and was in the process of spreading his evil throughout the woodland around him, through root and branch and also through the creatures that lived amongst them.

The verdant green of the usually friendly wood seemed oppressive and

enclosed. As the five flying friends moved deeper, it surrounded them with a feeling of growing menace.

In response to the atmosphere, the sprites slowed their approach. ‘The air

appears heavier here,’ said Green to the others.

Ever hopeful, Happy replied, ‘But that means that we must be getting nearer at least – we shall soon see the children.’

The others said nothing in reply for they could feel the darkness closing around them, and its oppressive presence felt like treacle, making each stroke of their wings feel heavier and more difficult. It was as if they were being held back on purpose, as if there was an invisible barrier that they had to work through to reach their goal.

The wind and rain had drawn in and the sprites were finding it treacherous moving through the wet weather as it drove towards them through the trees. The howling of the wind and the falling of the rain culminated in the creation of a mighty beast that was strong enough to push the ethereal creatures from place to place as if they were nothing, despite their inner strength and resources.

Raising his voice to be heard, Peterkin shouted through the weather to urge his friends onward through the torrent that threatened to see the end of them. ‘It’s only rain!’ he said in encouragement above the howling gale, despite the fact that the rain continued to batter against his face, almost blowing him

backwards and turning him into a spin.

But the other four were not too convinced, for never had they experienced anything so violent or so volatile in their time in service to Danu. There had to be a reason for this. And yet they continued deeper towards the Old Oak.

As they moved into the wood, the view worsened, with branches blowing around or even falling to the ground before them. It was as if their movement was being tracked, but how was this possible? They were insignificant, just five sprites flying through a massive woodland. How could anyone or anything know they were there? And yet creatures and plants just kept coming at them from left and right, as if the sprites were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But that couldn’t be, because no-one had known they were coming.

‘Should we turn back? It is getting much too dangerous out here,’ shouted Green through the violent storm, but deep in their hearts they knew this would be the wrong thing to do. They had gone there with a task to do. Even if they were driven back on this occasion, there was no saying that things would be any easier if they tried for a second or third time because whoever was watching them would be more prepared than ever.

So the decision had been made for them, their hand had been forced whether they liked it or not. They had to go on towards the Old Oak. But none of them had any idea what lay in store for them when they reached their destination.

‘We have to continue, it’s through there by the look of it,’ said Happy, battling on as best she could in the horrendous conditions. What was clear to all of them was that whatever they were facing, be it supernatural or otherwise, was stronger than they were, and potentially stronger than Danu too. It was a mighty foe!

A bodiless howl rang through the trees, momentarily stopping the sprites, as they were shocked to hear the noise above so clearly through the already loud wind and rain that assailed them. And yet it was clearly there. Something was out there… terrifying and not of this world.

The sprites had always lived in the wood and knew it like the back of their wings, and yet this thing they were up against was trying to throw them off course with a few changes in weather conditions. Well that was not going to work. They could get around the woodland more or less blindfolded.

They knew where they were going and what they were looking for – the Old Oak. The tree had stood in the wood longer than any living creature could

possibly remember, for it had been planted by those who had settled this land, those who worshipped the ground they were now beneath.

The clearing, with the Old Oak to one side, appeared before the sprites as they approached the treeline yet the light did not improve. It was still gloomy, as if the clouds had fallen from the sky and were casting a shadow over all below.

In order to see where they were going, each friend emitted a glow from their soul that gave off a silvery ring of light around them wherever they went into the darkness. The sprites, like five points of light, then moved into the clearing and towards the Old Oak.

What none of them considered, however, was that their lights acted as beacons in the gloom, drawing all the creatures that Erebus had twisted and filled full of spite and hate, confusion and anger towards them. From the shadows there now came faces – faces contorted with malice and hate that watched the movement of the five sprites as they fought through the elements towards the tree.

‘If we have to do this, can we hurry up and get it over and done with,’ said Bright to her friends. ‘It feels wrong being here.’

Although he said nothing, Peterkin knew she was right. There was a feeling in the atmosphere that was just not as it should be, as if they were being led

towards a trap.

‘Perhaps we should all go forwards together,’ suggested Peterkin, offering no explanation but finding that all the others were in agreement regardless. Flying to one single point near the tree the sprites created a light which managed to cast a much brighter and stronger source of luminosity than their single glows had ever done before. But all that did was say was ‘here we are.’

‘Oh my, oh my, oh my…’ was all that Happy managed to say as the sprites now looked around at the new and improved view of their surroundings.

All around, the sprites could now see the creatures that were watching them – from both the ground and the trees. Dancing about in the wind were tree pixies also, who looked as if they definitely wanted a good fight. There was no doubt about it, the five sprites were outnumbered, outsized and out-positioned. But even at these odds, the woodland folk were outclassed.

Realising their predicament, the sprites quickly repositioned themselves into an arrow shape to offer a fighting front to as many foes. Then on a signal from Peterkin, they all extinguished their lights, effectively making them vanish from sight. The reaction from the creatures in the glade was one of surprise, none of them had expected their prey to disappear before their very eyes. For moments they were all caught off guard but it was long enough…

Before the woodland creatures knew what was happening Peterkin, Happy and the other sprites managed to charge into the crowd assembled before the Old Oak. The sprites moved so swiftly that they were able to punch a hole into the animals and pixies, leaving them dazed and confused. As their bodies

collided, the creatures bounced off one another as the sprites punched through to the tree beyond. Peterkin, Bright, Green, Happy and Love had reached

their goal.

CHAPTER 20

Now that they had created a bridgehead, the sprites felt secure, as if they were making progress. They hoped their task of sending the Dark Lord away would be achieved soon but little did they realise that things were about to get much worse.

‘There has to a way into the tree,’ said Love to her friends as they flew around the Old Oak looking for weaknesses. Yet none could be found. The ancient tree appeared impregnable.

The advantage the sprites had had after their assault on Erebus’ supporters was short-lived as the woodland creatures had reorganised and were beginning to turn back towards the vastly outnumbered sprites.

‘If we stay here we are going to pay for it,’ said Green, as the rabbits and squirrels regrouped, herded together by pixies with hazel twigs.

Green panicked and shot a bolt of lightning into the approaching animals

who responded with squeals as some rolled over and died. This just upset the

woodland creatures even more following the unexpected attack and so they bunched up and crowded in, some baring their teeth.

‘Time to leave guys.’ said Peterkin. Leading from the front, he took charge and flew into the air above the ring of creatures enclosing them.

The pixies and woodland animals were again taken by surprise at this move but not shocked. For they knew they were dealing with sprites, and sprites had wings to get them out of trouble.

Expecting such a move, cunning pixie Gudruk had hidden in the hawthorn bush beside the Old Oak. Whilst the other woodland animals were all shouting and making their unhappiness known, he took aim with his bow.

The sprites had all managed to get past the noisy creatures that had trapped them at the Old Oak. Now all they had to do was keep their heads down and they would be clear of the darkness bleeding into the wood from the very tree they been unable to find a way into.

The speed they were moving at was fast and each sprite found it hard to keep in physical contact with their friends. Yet this made it easier to move through the air.

Sensing his opportunity, Gudruk got ready to strike. He could not believe his luck. All five sprites were there at eye level for him to take pot shots at as they flew past. One, two, three, all the arrows missed their mark. The sprites had been moving too quickly, bouncing off the wind.

Gudruk looked again, there was another one but it was too far away… his

arrow would never reach it. Wait… there was a straggler. His luck was in.

Taking his time he tracked its path. Up and down, through the breeze, he would have this one at least. He pulled back on the bow, feeling the tension against his cheek, it felt good. Waiting, waiting. Then. Loose. The arrow flew straight and true. Yes he had hit the smelly, rotten sprite right in the chest. Bingo! He watched as it pulled up and then spiralled to the ground head first, falling amongst the toadstools below.

Although they were separated in the air, the sudden fall of Love from the flightpath created an inner cry inside Green’s heart as she was the closest to the stricken sprite. Green had no choice; she had to go back, for her friend had been injured and, by the sound of it, very badly.

By the time Green arrived at the site of Love’s heavy fall, Gudruk had packed up and gone, pleased with his work. Green knew Love must have been injured by an enemy, and so she was on her guard as she looked about for her friend.

‘Love, Love, where are you?’ Green called, but there was no reply. And this just made Green more agitated, for Love was usually so active and talkative. The only reason for her silence would be because she was wounded or, worse, dead.

Green could see nothing from the air and so decided that she must do something she would rather not do – balancing her position with her wings she descended to the ground.

Once there, Green felt as if the plants were coming in towards her. The fern leaves were bending over, casting great shadows across the mushrooms. Both they and the toadstools that hemmed her in appeared to have a life of their own, as if they were watching her every move.

Cupping her hands to her mouth, Green called out, ‘Love, Love, can you hear me?’ But there was no reply, just the sound of her muffled voice against the fungi and the foliage. Green walked into the plants in search of her friend, shouting out as she went. But there was no response.

Then she saw something that turned her blood cold – the tips of Love’s wings, not crisp and pristine as they should be but mangled, buckled and bent. Green moved in closer, to get a better look. There Love was lying on the ground, and she was nearing death. Rushing to her fallen friend, Green could see that Love’s breathing was very fast and short, coming in gasps as she fought to keep precious air in her lungs. She was bent up and appeared to be in pain. But why was that?

Green took her friend’s shoulder and rolled her over causing Love to cry out in pain. As a result of the movement, the arrow planted in Love’s chest was

exposed. By now her breathing had deteriorated further, there was no way she could be saved. Taking her dying companion in her sylph-like arms and

wrapping her wings around them both for protection from the elements, Green cradled Love in her last moments whilst singing softly to her of the trees and the stars.

Once Love had been lost, Green wept as she lay her body down on the soil and covered it in leaves… to be reclaimed by the wood. There was no time to grieve now. Someone or something had done this to her friend, and that meant that both she and the other sprites were at risk if they did not act quickly. Green looked around herself and then jumped into the air, reaching the clear sky as fast as she could.

CHAPTER 21

Ariel and Michael stood on St Mark’s roof and looked out at Hallows Chaise. They were shocked by the level of sadness created by the dark shadow cast from the wood by Erebus.

‘Dear brother,’ said Michael, ‘now that I can see this myself I realise what has driven you to your desperate measures and I absolve you of your anger and bitterness.’

‘But what are we to do here?’ asked Ariel as he cast his arm around in a sweeping gesture to show the vastness of the loss. ‘We cannot cure this on our own.’

‘No,’ agreed Michael, ‘we have to turn to our friends of the earth and sky, root and branch. Only then will we stand a chance of turning this darkness away.’

The sky was filling with dark cloud, purple, deep blue and black, and then rain fell from the sky. At first it came down slowly and then in great sheets soaking the angels. Then from the clouds there came thunder and lightning which shot out towards the ground.

Through the wind and rain Danu appeared before the Michael and Ariel. ‘You are welcome here travellers, come in peace,’ she said. ‘We need you here to

remove this darkness and death from the wood to free the humans from their slavery under Erebus.’

Now that they had heard this first-hand the angels realised that there indeed was need for their divine help in this god-forsaken hamlet by the sea.

When David Harris went to college he never signed up to deal with ethereal beings in the flesh. They were things that usually appeared in books and not in your back garden. But here he was, having experienced more than his fair share of angels and demons in the past few weeks.

After a busy day on parish business, David was tired and in need of an early night. He went to bed with a new book and soon drifted off into a restless sleep, filled with dreams of shadows and nightmares.

He woke in a sweat but was able to calm down and doze off again after

reading a little of his book. It was as if something was playing on his mind.

In his sleep he once again drifted into dreams. This time there appeared to be a field with a coppice at its centre which was exuding a feeling of power, and for some reason he needed to go there. It was as if he were being pulled there against his will.

In this dream he reached the coppice and was met by Ariel and two other beings he did not recognise. One was an angel whilst the other appeared to be part tree, part human and was wearing a crown. All three wore chain belts from which shining swords hung.

‘Have no fear David,’ said Ariel. ‘With me stand Danu of the woodland realm and my brother, Michael, both of whom are here to help bring joy back to

Hallows Chaise.’

David fell to his knees in happiness as this was what he had wanted to hear. It was divine intervention and it was going to save the land from the threat it faced. Looking up into the faces before him, David said, ‘This is wonderful news and now you are here I hope this change will come soon.’

Danu replied, ‘Fear not, for we will remove this stain from the ground and

return the equilibrium to the soil, all will be as it was and you will be happy.’

David awoke with a start. He blinked and the faces were gone; all he was left with were words ringing in his ears, words that made him feel optimistic for the first time since the disappearances had begun.

CHAPTER 22

Now that Danu and the angels had agreed Erebus must be removed from the wood, the plan was put in motion. It was just a case of putting the required pieces in place.

Standing in the graveyard beneath the yew tree, the three leaders put their plans in motion. ‘What is needed is something to force this creature out,’ said Danu. The angels agreed.

‘And we know also that he is powerful,’ Danu continued, ‘and able to turn the will of those who are weak-minded against themselves for his own purposes – this is something we have seen ourselves. I know of a place that can help us with this if you will trust me.’

Ariel and Michael looked at one another and then back to Danu. ‘What do you propose?’ asked Michael.

‘There are those who walked the land many years ago who would do my

bidding if I asked them and who, in their hearts, would remain true to our cause. They would do anything to protect the wood from the evil within it.’

‘Who are these beings you speak of?’ asked Michael,

‘Those who lived on this land before time existed,’ replied Danu, ‘and whose ancestry is ingrained into the very soil we are standing on.’

Then she raised her arm and summoned a Neolithic warrior from the ground before them. ‘See, here, this man is fearless and true,’ said the goddess. ‘I have given him his life back but he is prepared to die again to protect the wood.’

And then, with another wave of her hand, the man vanished into the air around them.

The Old Oak was like a fortress now that Erebus realised he was under siege and could be at risk. The attack by the sprites had forewarned him of any future incursions and the darkness he had cast about the tree was now vast. However, what no-one had yet realised was that he had secreted the children away in the cages beneath the roots of the tree so that he would have them ready for him whenever he needed to feed.

Leading from the front, Danu advanced upon the Old Oak with the army of Neolithic soldiers who had answered her call to arms. All of them were happy to lay down their newly regained lives to free the tree from its entrapment. But as they came closer, they were attacked from all sides by dark creatures and many fell as a result.

Rallying and moving through the gloom, Danu and the sprites surged

forwards with the soldiers towards the Old Oak. They managed to get within touching distance and the warriors threw grappling irons and rope into the

canopy so that they could climb aloft into the great tree.

Erebus’ minions were temporarily overcome but regrouped and fought back. They had managed to push the attackers away from the tree, pleased that the wooden fortress was not been breached.

Danu directed the movement of the troops, and noticed the unwanted change in fortunes; from good to bad. But even this did not prepare her for what

happened next…

A massive shockwave emanated from the tree without warning, sending everything within its reach hurtling in the opposite direction. Many were slain, while others held their ears in pain as the blast had damaged their hearing. The Neolithic army was shaken into the air, blown away, leaving Danu and the sprites to flee as quickly as they could into the trees… this time Erebus had been victorious.

CHAPTER 23

The fishermen’s wooden hanging sheds stood on the seafront in the sunshine. Their dark exteriors were protected from the weather by the coating of bitumen that made the tall thin tongue-and-groove cladding stand out against the

ever-changing seascape.

The small team of fishermen had been busy since completing a hard day

at sea, but there was still work to do. Among other things this included the hanging of the precious fishing nets – the nets that they needed to bring in the precious daily catch and without which, the village would go hungry.

Piled up against the inner wall of one side of the hut where the team worked was a collection of lobster and crab pots, all prepared for use the following day. Nets and pots together made for a crowded space to start with and when the fishing crew were in there, things were even more cramped.

The fishermen had completed what they were doing and were ready to leave the shed. They were busy wiping their hands clean as they made their way across the net-filled hut towards the door and, as they got there, they found it blocked. Not by fallen pots but by the presence of the angel Ariel. He shone like a beacon in the darkness, bringing light and joy to the fishermen’s hearts who were able to see the heavenly host spread out behind Ariel in the small space. Each angel was singing the praises of the Lord and, at the same time, was armed with a barbed spear that pointed to the sky.

The fishermen were overcome with wonder as they looked on at Ariel, and their brother angels. The voices filled the wooden shed and echoed up and off the walls and ceiling.

Never had they ever imagined the stories they had grown up with were true but they were now faced with the fact that real-life angels were there, within touching distance.

Ariel raised his hand and the glow in the hut reduced, making it easier for the fishermen to see, and said, ‘Friends, I am known to your preacher David. We have met before and it is because of your distress that we have visited you here today. We have come to rescue you and your village from its gloom – please be full of joy and feel safe. We mean you no harm. For it is through us and the spirits of the wood that your prayers will be answered.’

The fishermen were speechless… Goddamn angels, here in Hallows Chaise! Whatever next? And then the hanging shed was pitched back into darkness as the angels vanished as quickly as they had appeared.

The heavenly host now knew what their reason for arriving at Hallows Chaise was. They needed to remove the demon, Erebus, from his stronghold in the wood. For, as Danu had shown them, the previous direct approach using force alone had not been successful. It had even cost many lives among the Neolithic soldiers who had come to her clarion call. As a result Danu and Michael had decided that a more hands-on approach was required in order to get the required result.

The place where the harpy had been holding the children was beneath the overgrown vegetation that grew around the Old Oak. The collapsed

mineworkers’ shelter was all but hidden by hanging tendrils which blew in the breeze. When Michael and the other angels arrived there, they could feel the darkness imprisoning the children. There was definitely something there that was out of place, something that needed cutting out, excising.

As the angels descended into the wood, the harpy was unaware of their

presence. She continued with the children in the cages, worrying about their size and if Erebus, her lord, would show her favour when she delivered the next child to him.

The terrified youngsters were restless and crying. ‘Shut-up you horrid little brats,’ screeched the harpy, kicking out at the cages. ‘Any more noise from you, and you will be mincemeat.’

Suddenly there was a sound like thunder as the roof came crashing down. Where there had been darkness light broke through to blind those trapped

beneath the fallen debris. Children cried in shock, and the harpy screamed as she put her hands to her face to shield her eyes from the brightness and called out, ‘Who is there? What is happening?’ And then silence as her head was cleft in two by the mighty blade of Kerubiel the angel, who cut her down where she stood as he looked upon the misery she had caused.

CHAPTER 24

The sea moved in and out unceasingly, like the beating of a heart. The

undulations of the waves causing ripples and eddies that would move the

flotsam and jetsam back and forth on the tide. In and out, up and down, the mighty sea washed against the cove that was Hallows Chaise, keeping the small collection of fishing vessels afloat with its lunar cycles.

Above the sea that offered up its bounty to feed the small population of the hamlet were the winds which pushed the clouds that dropped rain in torrents upon those who worked in the small vessels that fought against the sea and the constant flow of the tides. From hour to hour, day to day, the sea changed,

having the most intemperate moods and unable to offer anything but

unforgiving destruction and loss to those who chose to disregard its beauty

and majesty. Its strength and power came from the wind and the rain that

could turn on a whim and destroy you if it wished.

Then, after a period of unrest, the waters would return to the stillness and beauty that draws all towards them and gains the respect of those who choose to live either beside or in sight of the mighty sea… the giver of bounty.

Sensing that he was losing a grip on the wood, Erebus sent Mallory and the dark creatures into Hallows Chaise to wreak havoc. Swarming in like a dark shadow, Mallory and the animals headed for St Mark’s with dark deeds on their mind.

Breaking through the wooden door, the creatures fell upon the ancient interior of the chapel. They overturned the pews, tore down the plaques from the walls and, unhappy that their work was not complete, pulled the Holy Cross over and then with dark magic, set the interior of the church alight.

By the time that the flames were visible, and the smoke could be seen rising above the houses below, it was too late to save the building. David was

distraught. His hope and joy had been destroyed by this incursion from the darkness. And now was not the time for feelings of forgiveness, what he felt now was a need for bloody vengeance.

Under the shadow of the burnt-out shape of St Mark’s, David did not know where to turn. His mind was in turmoil and, just as he needed him, the angel who had been his constant companion through this unhappy trial had now

vanished.

David wandered into the wood to think and reflect. When he returned he was met by a small group of his parishioners who were worried that he had been lost to the flames.

‘Father, we are pleased you are here. Do not lose your faith,’ they cried out in relief. But David just looked at them in stunned silence. These words were not working; action was what he required to soothe his damaged soul.

At the back of the small group stood old Meg. She had always been there, like a fixture and fitting that helped prop you up. The person who always opened the door to you at the church, who gave up her time for church meetings and

gatherings, but now she too had lost her rock, her purpose.

Taking David’s hand she came and stood beside him. Just 4ft 10ins tall, she looked up into his eyes and whispered, ‘There is a way we can take this back if you trust me, my boy.’

Smiling, she rubbed the back of David’s hand and waited for a response. He said nothing, but neither did he tell his dear friend to stop talking. So Meg

continued, ‘If we want to rescue the children, I can help you. All we have to do is follow the ways of the wood.’

‘Show me,’ replied David.

Old Meg took him to the birch tree beside the pond and, looking on the ground, she collected branches and twigs in her hands. ‘With these we will write messages of love to the ground we stand upon,’ she explained. ‘Once we have done that, we will throw them into the pool so the full moon reflected in its

surface can work its magic.’

David looked into the water and saw the slivers of birch that old Meg had already placed there but, as kind as she seemed, this was an idea that he could not understand or work with. So he walked away and left the old lady to her idea and the standing water.

Despite his trying, David could not bring himself to believe in the old dark magic of Meg’s mystical world. And given that he had now also been shown that there was such a being as an angel, his belief in his faith was

incontrovertible.

However this had not stopped the encroachment of Erebus and his minions into this small fishing parish, or the loss of so many children from their beds to feed the demon’s greed. David was in a quandary. There had to be a way of dealing with this and yet there, in the back of his mind, was a thread of an idea… one that had been planted in the night.

The minister remembered a dream in which he had met with a woman in green and a crown who stood tall amongst the trees whilst overshadowing the angels at her side. And her voice, oh, her voice – so rich and creamy. It had promised that change would come quickly.

CHAPTER 25

The climb towards the copse was not as straightforward as Mary Blake and the other mothers had planned. None of them had actually gone wondering off into the countryside for a while and the true extent of their rambling activity had only been a dog walk through the woods.

What they found was that they hadn’t necessarily got the right clothes to go gadding about in the countryside, although they did have the proper footwear. Whilst Mary and Michelle were wearing warm and weatherproof coats, Jackie and Jenny had not thought that far ahead. They had come out totally unprepared.

On the whole, they were much happier sitting inside looking at a screen rather than actually using their feet to explore the great outdoors. This was not a problem at first as the four friends walked across the open fields towards the trees. The problems began when they reached the bottom of the grassy mound.

The hill was surrounded by a deep, grass-covered ring ditch, invisible until the women were right in front of it, and not falling in head first stretched their friendship to the limit as they tried to reach the copse and barrow on the other side. But reach it they did by clambering through the brambles and muck and slime that they found in the bottom of the ditch; and what had started as anger ended as tears of laughter as the four friends threw crap at one another, realising that just a little more extra added slime would not hurt.

Tired, the four mothers stood beside the long barrow amongst the trees in the copse whilst the rolling sea mist came down reducing their visibility to a matter of feet. The fog continued to come in, bringing with it a fine mizzling rain that managed to soak everyone’s coats despite the fact they could barely feel the fine droplets falling upon them.

As they sheltered beneath the tall trees at the top of the copse, Jenny asked ‘Why are we waiting here? I’ve got a nice warm kitchen at home and a kettle we can use when we get there.’ the other three thought about this and called Jackie’s dogs, Bobby and Ted, back in preparation to go home.

With the dogs in tow, the group turned and began to walk back down the hill, but then both Bobby and Ted pulled up, scared: and started barking at the mist. There was something there…

Appearing from the damp shadows were shapes of children standing in the falling rain. All four mothers looked on stunned, hoping beyond hope that their babies were finally returning. But these children did not speak or stir, although their shapes did become more defined and their faces became clearer.

Mary, Michelle, Jenny and Jackie all burst into tears, shocking the two dogs. For the figures before them were mere images of those they had lost, and not the children who had been taken from them in the night. Upon each child, pinned to its top, was a piece of birch wood, shining brightly and glistening in the damp like a beacon. Looming up out of the dampening mist behind the children, came fur-clad warriors, each clutching a spear and shield.

‘That’s not what you expect to see when you’re out for a walk in the woods,’ said Jackie, astonished by what they were witnessing. The fog began to clear a little and the new shapes in the haze appeared to be both men and women dressed in Neolithic clothes. As the four mothers continued to look on, the ground before the approaching images became disturbed. It cracked and crumbled, the soil fell away – it was clear that something was coming up from beneath the ground, forcing its way through the loam towards the fresh air above.

What came through the soil was a single grasping hand. This was closely

followed by a shoulder and then the resurrected sleeper pulled himself from his resting place and stood with the other lost souls that were appearing from the mist faster and faster. The now petrified women stood and watched as more bodies emerged from the grassy mound, while the terrified dogs barked and whined.

Stood together in a close circle of fear, the ladies and the dogs became more and more hemmed in by the bodies of the undead which now numbered more than twenty.

‘Please don’t hurt us, stay away,’ pleaded Jackie, but the unhearing, soulless bodies continued on their path straight towards the frozen women. If they did not stop, the risen spirits were going to walk straight into them, and there was nothing the mothers could do about it – they were trapped! The advancing column of undead warriors was getting nearer by the second.

Due to the closeness of the newly risen dead, the four friends could almost taste the earth in the atmosphere as it hung off the clothes the warriors wore. Then the ever-moving column reached the trapped ladies and, for what seemed but just a second, the living and the undead became one.

Then it was all over, the soulless bodies had passed straight through each woman, leaving behind a residual feeling of emptiness where their souls had been joined together, only to be almost immediately torn apart again. Once the Neolithic spirits had passed through into the mist, the four friends, realising they were all still alive and unharmed, burst into tears of shock and relief.

‘There must be something to all of this, there must be a reason,’ said Mary. ‘I know I saw my Annie and I definitely saw your kids too. They were there, but that can only mean… but at least we can hope they are at peace now.’ She gripped Michelle’s hand tightly and did not let go, choosing not to look

anywhere but at her feet. It was all too much at the moment.

CHAPTER 26

The rising of the spirits from the ground was felt through the very soil Danu and the sprites stood upon and the air the host were resting in. It was as if a sea change had occurred. The release of the undead warriors from purgatory had opened the way to move against Erebus. The end was now in sight.

Standing on the knoll beside the burnt-out remains of St Mark’s, Danu held her arms out to receive the followers that had responded to her call. Young and old, ancient and recent, all had arrived with one thought on their minds, and that was retribution. Retribution for the injustice that had been cast upon them, both now and in times gone by. They were prepared to stand up and be counted for their cause and would destroy this creature if it took each and every last soul present to achieve it. For Erebus was the very devil incarnate.

From the church, the angels and Danu could see wave upon wave of souls

arriving to support the needs of the wood and Hallows Chaise. Once they had arrived, the three leaders found they were surrounded by a wall of bodies, many souls thick, above which the four surviving sprites flew with renewed

happiness, pleased with the numbers that had come. And yet despite the throng within sight of the houses below, no-one in Hallows Chaise was aware, for all they felt was the blowing of the wind as the sun set.

The way into the woods was much easier with the huge army, and a great swathe was cut through the plants so that the souls and the heavenly host could pass by unhindered. Any creature foolhardy enough to stand in the way of the advance was ploughed into the ground, trampled under their marching feet.

As Danu’s warriors advanced, the canopy was cleared, allowing the sunset to cast its crimson light into the wood as the forces of good moved closer to the Old Oak and Erebus.

The demon was aware that he was under attack. He had grown complacent feeding off the children brought to him by Mallory and the harpy but Mallory had fled and the harpy was dead, leaving him alone. Now he had to fend for himself.

Sensing that the undead souls were near, Erebus revealed himself. Rising to his massive height, he bellowed across the wood in the direction of the

advancing column, hoping to send Danu’s army scattering in fear. The souls wavered but kept on their clear path straight towards him. He tried again. Once more the undead wavered but still they approached.

Erebus knew he was in trouble. Spreading his wings, he prepared to take flight and attack from above. He tensed his back muscles, bunched his legs and was ready to jump…

At that moment a great metal net descended upon him from the trees above, dropped with care by Peterkin and the other sprites, and guided in by Ariel and the heavenly host. Now they had Erebus trapped they just needed to finish the task. Michael, spear in hand, came to stand with Ariel and together they drove their blades deep into the demon’s back. Erebus let out an almighty scream that levelled the trees around him, leaving the Old Oak alone in the clearing.

Danu and the undead souls were overjoyed. The goddess called her troops

together and said, ‘I cannot thank you enough for the love and devotion you have all shown to me in the sacrifices you have made. It has been a task that none of us was expecting but be certain that, without you, we would not have succeeded.’ And with a wave she released the spirits from their limbo into the graves they had come from.

David and the villagers now knew the children were dead, eaten by the demon who had lived on their doorstep. There would be no bodies to bury, but the lost souls would live on forever in the hearts of their grieving parents. Hallows Chaise would survive… as it already had for thousands of years.

THE END

By John Northern

From: United Kingdom

Twitter: john_northern

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/john.northern.148