“That’s great,” said Anna. They called it a night and all were thinking of the month ahead.
CHAPTER NINE
Auditions
T he next morning Dean took out an ad with the local radio station and posted a classified in the county paper.
Auditions to be held Saturday, September 10, 2018. Paid acting jobs for Haunted Manor. We are located in Briar Glen, Delaware. General Performers wanted to get your Zombie on? We are looking for 10 zombies, 10 character actors, as well as a lot attendant and food/concession. PAID positions for a fun filled, scary, haunted Manor. Needed EVERY Friday & Saturday night from 6-11 pm in October. Also needed from six until midnight on the 30th & 31st. We offer friendly auditions but be prepared to get your scare on. We want to make it believable people. We will make every effort to audition everyone.
The following Saturday Dean and Anna were in the foyer and could see that a line was assembled outside the manor. There must have been a good fifty people or more. Anna was amazed and a bit overwhelmed. Dean put his arm around her and said, “It will be okay. You just watch what I do. Then if you feel comfortable enough you can do some of the interview auditions too.”
“I’ll do my best. Everyone at the shelter is counting on this to be a big success.”
“I have a good feeling about this Haunted Manor. This may just be the first of many years to come.” He looked down at his watch and opened the front door.
The auditions took a total of five hours. Exhausted, Dean made it home and opened a beer. He walked into his office and pulled up the employee handbook he had started when he worked on his first haunted house. It was full of notes and scribbles and strikethroughs where he had made changes and manipulated plans and concepts after each new haunted house production he was involved in.
THERE WAS a lot of preparation and rehearsal before the Haunted Manor was to open its doors. The month of September and the first week of October were very busy. Anna spared no expense when it came to decorating the haunted Manor.
Jim and Steve from the football team built and set up the outdoor props along the drive. They strategically placed lawn zombies and did extensive work creating a small graveyard. Anna bought some plastic skeletons and had them dismantle a couple. Using a little glow-in-the-dark paint made the bones appear eerie. The bones were then scattered around the graveyard for a "bone yard" effect.
“What do you guys think about posing a hand clawing its way out of a grave and prop the top half of a skeleton in front of a headstone?” suggested Mark.
“Dude, that is awesome,” exclaimed Steve.
When he was done it looked as though it had just sat up to look around. It was time to add some creepy atmosphere to the haunted graveyard. Steve piled some dirt in front of the headstones to make it look like a fresh grave. Jim worked on one grave. He did a little digging and placed a pile of dirt on the grave to give the impression that someone tried to dig its way out.
“Good job, Steve,” said Mark. He was surprised at how hard the boys were working. James, another football player, hooked up an animated scorched scarecrow with fog machine about five feet from the front door and another inside with a slow strobe light.
Inside, the drama class was busy decorating and setting up speakers throughout the house. Anna had purchased a collection of scary Halloween music filled with ghostly moans, groans, and screeches.
Patrick decorated Dracula’s room, which was located in a sunken living room part of the house. Charlie helped him. Of course, Anna and Mark did their share of the decorating too. There were lots of silver-plated serving pieces with fake severed fingers and such on them. Goblets of cranberry juice to resemble glasses of blood perched on the table and upon the fireplace mantle. Candelabras with black candles were placed on the table, ready to burn when the attraction opened, and fake candles were placed on the floor throughout the room.
Patrick considered hanging Dracula's cape over the back of one of the dining room chairs that they found in the garage. He decided that he was actually going to lie in the coffin and sit up when the visitors least expected it. Or maybe just open his eyes wide when they peered into the coffin and say “I vant to drink your blood.”
A table sat next to the chair. Anna arranged black roses for the centerpiece. Next to it, she placed a fake fruit bowl with a severed hand coming out of it. Scary portraits adorned the walls and spider webs adorned everything. Three two-foot wide skeleton spider decorations embellished the stairwell wall.
Upstairs, Sarah designed a witch’s hideaway. She purchase a cauldron from the Halloween store and hoped she bought enough dry ice to put inside it, hoping to create a "smoky" effect. She scattered other decorations around the room. Broomsticks, black cats, and witches hats. She brought a chair and small round table where she placed a crystal ball. She convinced Cindy to dress up as a witch, also for the duration, and helped her to entertain the guests.
Flyers were posted around town and the local radio and television stations began to advertise the Haunted Manor. They even created and launched a Facebook page that captured the same information: Come one come all to a night you will never forget! Scare level is HIGH...recommended for ages 10 and over. The Haunted Manor in Briar Glen, Delaware features 5 different experiences, from Graveyard shift, Zombie Graveyard, Creepy Clowns, Dracula’s Lair to Season of the Witch and the Gyspy Queen.
Ticket office is open 6:30pm to 10:00 pm. Zombie Graveyard/Haunted Manor opens around 7 pm. The Haunted Manor will be open EVERY Friday & Saturday night from 7-10 pm in October! Also we’ll be open 7-11 pm on the 30th & 31st (Halloween). So dress up in your scary costumes, grab your friends, and come get the fright of your life! All proceeds are going to our local pet shelter Save the Fur, whose mission is to expand the No-Kill Refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need with a full-service animal adoption center.
Children’s Monster Mash: Suitable for kids up to age ten - admission is just $7 per child.
Kids will be entertained with carnival games, proudly show off their Halloween costumes in a costume contest. Explore their way through the mysterious Monster Mirror Maze, enjoy Transylvania Treats and lots of other fun activities, and win prizes!
• Open Saturday, October 28th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
• Ticket includes a free pumpkin while supplies last!
General admission-$10: For ages10 and up
All tickets include Graveyard Zombies and Haunted Manor attraction!
We often sell out by 9 PM on Saturdays so show up early.
Military and first responders with ID receive $3.00 discount.
EVERYTHING SEEMED on track for a great opening night.
CHAPTER TEN
Briar Glen Covenant of Earth Magic
THE WEEK PASSED and Nadine sold her antique store to the Sökmens. She decided to wait for a year before going to Europe. She liked the idea of hanging onto her money. It was the first time that she had an account with any substantial savings. Besides, this coven that Mark discussed with Anna interested her. Even after the sale, the Sökmens asked her if she and Anna wanted to stay on at the store, and having said yes, Nadine was invited to attend the first meeting of the coven. The store was now doubling as the coven’s meeting place, so it was no bother for her to stay.
The back room in the antique store had a door in the floor. The basement was concealed. Nadine and Anna had been nervous all day about the meeting. They bathed and did all that they were told to do before they got there. Upon entering the basement, both were surprised at what they saw. There were gem crystals, skulls, chalices and ceremonial daggers crowding every surface and three black cats. One of which immediately stalked over and wound its way through Anna’s legs. “Madeline,” said Rose, “show yourself.” It was obvious she was irritated by Madeline’s gesture.
In a poof of blinding light, Madeline became human. She hugged Anna and joined the rest of the group of people in flowing robes holding hands. As they formed a circle around Anna and Nadine, Mar
k approached the center of the magic circle and said, “Welcome to the Briar Glen Covenant of Earth Magic, our coven of white witches.”
Anna just stood there frozen, gazing at everyone. “I am High priest Mekesh Sökmen calling on the elements of earth, sun, wind and fire as this group prepares to cast a powerful spell over the two ladies. This first meeting will consist of questions and answers,” said Mark, “I want to know how you both feel about magic?”
Nadine closed her eyes and said, “I was exposed to magic since I was in college. My roommate was a witch, so I have some knowledge. Although, I have to admit I haven’t really practiced it, or even thought about it in a long time.”
The witches looked to Anna, who was gawking at Nadine, shocked at what she just revealed. She collected herself and exclaimed, “I grew up in a family that was encouraged to learn about the living religions in this world. This week has been a mind-blowing, life-changing event for me, especially in the woods. I thought that was all a dream.”
“On that night I knew you were the one,” Mark said, coaxing her to relax and share her thoughts. “The energy in the rituals were beyond the scale of anything else I have experienced before,” he added.
“This coven seems so loving and caring, like everyone is making me feel so at home,” spouted Anna.
“I’m not surprised, you were chosen to be our high priestess after all,” Rose chimed in. “As the high priestess you will be responsible for the overall well-being of all our coven members, and for maintaining spiritual harmony within our group.”
“I always associated witchcraft with Satanism,” Anna admitted as she looked down at her feet.
“Satanism is the dark side of magic, Anna. It appears to work a lot better because it is based on selfishness. It is easier to make bad things happen than good. They sacrifice animals. Who could justify hurting an animal to help them achieve a selfish goal?” informed Rose.
Mark pointed to a pentacle. "This symbol right here is not evil. It never was," he said. He ran his finger along the four lower points of the star, “these points represent earth, wind, fire and water. The top point is the Godhead.” He paused and looked at Anna, a reassuring look that made her feel more comfortable. “I, for one, don’t believe in summoning devils and demons, although I do believe in asking for Angels help with putting demons in their place.”
“Angels and witchcraft? That seems contradictory,” Anna protested.
Mark replied, “some people practice white magic, others are born to practice black magic.”
Rose broke in, as if on cue. “Black magic goes from using animal blood to using human cadavers. Some books talk about evil spirits brought to our realm through incantations, but, this,” she raised her hand and extended her finger in a wagging motion like she was scolding a toddler, “this is not something we talk about.”
“Mark, if I may,” his father interrupted, “I know you are our High Priest but you just cannot add people to our coven and tell us that one of these new additions is also now our High Priestess.”
“Oh, but I can. I am the High Priest and it is my decision. Anna is the chosen one, the one from the prophecies from my grandmother. When I was just a young boy, your mother took me aside and told me that I would become High Priest and I would meet the High Priestess when we relocated. She forewarned me of the responsibility we have to cast the demons back into hell.”
Arash’s wide-open eyes reflected everything, yet revealed he saw nothing. Behind them was a certain anger, as if something burned within him. His mouth was set in a hard line, and his clenched jaw was a sign of his contempt. Mark had long ago gave up hoping for absolute forgiveness from his father, but was still hoping for at least some confirmation of reconciliation. At this interruption and potential standoff with Arash, he simply hoped to get through the meeting without giving his dad a reason to hate him all the more.
“Nadine, have you gotten everything from the safe out yet? Is the silver box still there?”
A rush went through her and her voice was almost a whisper, “No, Mark, it’s still there.”
“Please go upstairs and bring it down so that I can show everyone here. It will prove to all that we are in the right location and Anna’s ascension to High Priestess is foretold.”
“Sure, I’ll be right back.”
The room fell silent.
Most of the coven stood quietly, looking at the floor or staring straight ahead. No one spoke. However, Arash was looking out of the corner of his eye at his son, embarrassment and envy incasing his heart as he sagged against the nearby wall. He still felt the sting that he had been passed over to become the High Priest. How could his own mother turn him away, he brooded. Arash stared down at the floor and remembered. He would never forget how her words rang out. “Arash you are a weak, pathetic loser. You cannot even stand up to your own son.”
He remembered she took her eyes off him and he crumpled. Her insults that he wore his heart on his sleeve like a sissy girl still cut deep, “You have no balls, none whatsoever son. You are going to let him have your place as High Priest. Mark is the chosen one!” Her voice rang out, “so you need to get over it. Concentrate on providing for your family, but move aside for the good of the coven for this family” He remembered her phone pinged to remind her of her manicure. She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. Her lips pursed like she’d been chewing a lemon rind. She flicked her hair over her shoulder and said, “Arash, don't call on me again about becoming the High Priest.”
“I got it!” Nadine exclaimed as she walked over and handed it to Mark.
“Dad,” he motioned. Looking up and gazing around the room he said, “Everyone, come see our family’s prophecy has come true.”
He opened the silver box and removed the scroll. Handed the box back to Nadine and unrolled the paper. He cleared his throat and began to read aloud,
“Magical light by day or night,
Bring the coven home.
Bring the coven home.
Mighty light into the night,
To whoever finds this,
Ye are now the one called to see the coven home.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Arash demanded as he stood a little straighter and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Our coven is home, here in Briar Glen. That is what it means. I’m not sure, but I’m thinking the old Manchester Manor where the haunted house is located is the location of our future home. Since Nadine purchased this silver box with its contents at the estate sale a few days ago, and Anna found the scroll inside, I just feel more of a pull towards the Manor. I need to do some checking but I believe it is in our family’s history. I doubt that there is another coven that is supposed to come home to Briar Glen. And as it happens, it will be for sale on the Internet soon. We may just purchase the property.”
“Nadine and Anna, as new members we need to go over the rules of the Briar Glen Coven. First we have a zero tolerance policy regarding any use of recreational drugs or the excessive use of alcohol or tobacco. We want our members to live a clean healthy life. Members who attend rituals or ceremonies under the influence of illegal drugs will be asked to leave the occasion, and may find themselves asked to leave the coven altogether.”
They both nodded their heads in agreement.
“Second, there shall be a strict rule of privacy within Briar Glen Coven. No member may ever reveal coven business to anyone outside the group. This includes the names of other coven members, ritual activities, and all meeting information.” Mark paused and looked both women in the eyes and continued, “you will learn that not every witch abides by it, but harm none. A strong coven knows right from wrong. We don’t always have to agree on every little issue, but we all agree on how to treat others as human beings. Our coven is now at twelve. We do not allow racism or discrimination of any kind—be it misogynist, transphobia or anti-gay behavior.” He shot his eyes over at his dad.
“I’m none of those things!” Anna’s voice rose at the insinuation.<
br />
“I know that Anna, I know you have been chosen by the Goddess and Gods themselves to be our High Priestess. We now have a coven with good leaders. Our coven broke temporarily because no leader should ever be in a position to take advantage of a coven member. I’m not mentioning any names. For that person is no longer here.”
“First off, none of you need worry about me. I’m all for women’s rights, I am a woman after all. And treat people the way you want to be treated was one of the first lessons I learned in my life. If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all. And live and let live,” blurted Anna.
Nadine just shook her head yes, and after a few seconds, offered, “we are thankful and I will do all that is in my power to help you, help us all on our magical journey through this thing we call life.”
“Now witches, let us cast the protection spell over our newest members, Anna and Nadine.” As he lit incense and walked around the room Mark said, “Goddess, I burn Basil for you now. To exorcise and protect both Anna and Nadine against evil entities and to attract fidelity, love, good luck in all they do, and health and wealth.”
When the meeting ended, Mark walked Anna home.
Nightly meetings were held in the antique store to prepare Anna and Nadine. After a few more meetings the girls went with Rose to ask their Mother Hanna if she also wanted to join the coven. Making the coven thirteen. “Of course I want to,” exclaimed Hanna. It was discovered that Anna was a natural at most everything. She had mastered the art of spell casting. Spells came to her in her dreams and when she informed her coven that she had started writing them down, Rose stood up, exhaled, raised her arms and announced that Anna was indeed creating her Book of Shadows.
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