Ghost of a Shadow

by Andrea Engel

“You asked about Mr. Felix’s line of individuals,” Thelo continued. “They were all people like you—each with his or her own strengths—who were called upon to protect the balance between Earth and Mystashan. Each world is critical to the other. They overlap at the Saponi Straime and the spot Banyan occupies.”

  “In what way do they balance each other, and what am I supposed to do?”

  “I understand that you have many questions, but each experience you have will make that clearer. No one here can tell you your mission, because each person’s mission is distinct.” Thelo gingerly stepped down from the boulder and offered Sadie his hand, while he used his walking stick for support. They continued on their stroll.

  “I have so many questions,” Sadie admitted. “I appreciate you talking with me about them.”

  Thelo smiled. “Of course. Now come with me. We have something very special planned for tonight, something just for you.”

  “It’s all wonderful and I appreciate it, but I wish Banyan could be with us.” A burning sensation flooded her eyes again.

  “He will be, Sadie. You will be bringing his gift with you. In a way, it is very much the same thing.”

  Sadie nodded. “I like thinking of it that way.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out the small crystal vial of sap. It still felt warm in her hands. “I wonder what I’ll create with it.”

  They came to a fork in the road. Since Thelo continued on the right side, she asked him if she might take the left fork and visit Penelope before meeting up with him again for the celebration.

  “Of course, Sadie. Enjoy yourself, and we’ll meet up soon.”

  “Thanks, Thelo. I won’t be long. Hopefully I’ll find her. I’ll reach out to you telepathically when I’m on my way back or need anything.”

  Thelo’s wave was nonchalant, and he was soon out of sight.

  CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE

  In the Meanwhile

  On Thelo’s way back to the village, he reached out to Banyan. Yes, I told her, but I have not told her everything. Just what she needs to know for now.

  She will need to know more over time, Thelonious. Of course, it is not possible for anyone to tell her the future completely. We might have misinterpreted the cloffuls. We have done it before. We can hope that she will be spared some of it.

  Indeed. Spared and thriving is the way we would like to see Sadie. Sweet dreams tonight, Banyan. I will see you again, yes?

  It is entirely possible. We have been at this a long time, my friend. You were the first one I saw in the cloffuls.

  Long time gone since then and such a kick in the pants.

  Long time, it is true. I will miss Mr. Felix as well.

  Now wait a minute. You will see him again. Thelo searched his mind for what he could see of Banyan’s face.

  A moment’s hesitation, and then Banyan replied, Yes, I suppose you’re right.

  CHAPTER EIGHTY

  To Err Is Human

  Sadie rejoined Thelo in the village. She had hoped to share her experience today with Penelope, but it would have to wait.

  “Everything looks better than I could ever imagine, even here in Mystashan. Speaking of spectacular, your diamonds are coming back more radiant than before. Are they all in?”

  “Yes, they are, Sadie.”

  Sadie couldn’t help but smile as everyone ran around streaming decorations through the trees and over the houses. They had set up benches throughout the village. Flowers of every sort and color came of their own accord, to beautify and define where the festivities would take place. The moonlight was bright now as the fuller one reached its peak. Some of the Silars took up residence in the lanterns, helping everyone see their way clearly. Many fire pits and torches had been set up as well.

  “Thank you for the party, Thelo, but it really wasn’t necessary. This place, you, everyone in Mystashan—they’re like family to me. I just did what had to be done to protect you.”

  “It is a delight for all of us to do this for you. We have many things to celebrate tonight. It is likely that neither I nor any of us would be here to have this conversation, let alone decorate for a party, had it not been for you, Sadie. Thank you for saving my life and in turn everyone else’s.”

  “He was so evil, Thelo. I thought he killed you. I couldn’t let him hurt anyone else.”

  Thelo’s brows creased together while his mouth tightened.

  “What? What is it?”

  “Take a walk with me, Sadie. There is something I wish to share with you.”

  “Okay. Where are we going?”

  “To the Atrium, but do not worry—we will be back before long.”

  “Are you up for this tonight?” Sadie asked.

  “Yes, thank you. I am feeling much better. In fact, I am ready to go dancing.” Thelo twirled around and flashed Sadie an impish smile. “Care for a spin?”

  “Sure. My mom taught me. I hope I can keep up with you.”

  “Once the music starts, you might be stunned at how accomplished I am. I have not danced in many lifetimes, but I am sure it is something I will never forget. I dance in my memories. Does that count?”

  “I’m sure it does.”

  Several minutes later, Sadie stood in front of the Atrium. The disarray was a sad reminder of today’s events. Stones and crystals were out of their careful placements. Chips had been blown into the crystal walls. Many flowers were trampled and dead. Silars tended the living. She and Thelo made their way to the Velluminator cave.

  “I need to show you a few things in the Velluminator that words cannot explain,” Thelo said, as they stood in front of the device.

  “That reminds me,” Sadie cut in.

  Thelo paused, “Yes, Sadie?”

  “I have a question about the Velluminator. Is it possible to come here when I’m dreaming? When Finn knocked me out, I saw Gramma’s murder and felt everything as if it were happening to me. How can that be?”

  Thelo tilted his head and raised his index finger to his mouth. “Huh…It does happen on occasion. Not many can do that, Sadie. Your subconscious mind traveled here and allowed you to see and feel that unfortunate event from inside the Velluminator. It means you are even stronger than we first thought.”

  Sadie trembled, remembering Gramma’s last moments alive.

  Thelo put his arm around her before continuing. “I can understand why you would think of Finn as thoroughly evil, but there is more to that story. You see, Finn was never supposed to come to Mystashan. It was a decision Mr. Felix made to save Finn’s life when he was a boy.”

  The Velluminator lit up. Images came quickly into focus. Thelo showed Sadie the night on the Clover Bridge and how they both were brought over when it was only supposed to be Rose.

  “Finn did not meld with the frequency of Mystashan. It short-circuited his brain, in a way, transforming all the joy and wonder of this place, of any place really, into pain and misery for him. It twisted him, restricting what typically brings happiness until he could no longer see the good in anything or anyone. We tried to help him, but he began to hurt himself as well as others.”

  Sadie narrowed her eyes. “I don’t believe it. There must have been something in him, something in his personality that made him that way. How could our enchanted Mystashan do that to him?”

  “You can judge for yourself.” Thelo directed her attention back to the screen.

  CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE

  Lots of Luck

  “Finny, look what I found.”

  A young Finn rushed over to where his sister pointed. “What is it, Rose?”

  She gestured toward a patch of bright-green clover. “See it?”

  “Yes, clovers. So what? We see clovers all the time.”

  “Look closer. You’ll see.”

  Finn squatted, arms on his knees for support. He looked at the clovers as hard as he could. Finally he looked up at his sister. “I don’t know what I’m looking for.”

  Rose squatted next to him. “There, Finny. Right there.” She point
ed closer.

  Finn gasped, eyes growing large. “Whoa. I can’t believe it. That can’t be a real four-leaf clover, can it?”

  “It’s real. It’s a perfect four-leaf clover.” Rose gently pulled the clover from the dirt. The soil was a fine powder, and it released the plant without harm. “Here, you take it.”

  Finn shook his head. “I can’t take it. You found it—it’s yours.”

  Rose stood up. “I want you to have it. That way, when I’m not with you, you’ll always be safe. I want you to have all the luck in the world for all your days. I know…why don’t you bring it tonight when we go out with Mother and Father? Remember, Father’s being honored by the mayor, so that would be a perfect time to take it with you.”

  Finn leapt up and hugged his sister tightly. “I love it! Thank you. You’re so good to me. You’re the best sister ever.”

  “It’s only because you’re the best brother. I love you, Finny.”

  “I love you too, Rose.”

  The screen went dark. Sadie wiped her tears on her sleeve. She didn’t want to admit to Thelo how affected she was by what she saw.

  Thelo’s voice came out of the darkness. “How are you holding up? Are you okay?”

  “It was bittersweet watching them together, knowing what he became. I see now how difficult it must have been for you. It breaks my heart knowing they loved each other the way they did and how everything turned out afterward. Thelo, would you do things the same way with Finn if you could do it all over again?”

  “That is not an easy question to answer, Sadie. It is something Mr. Felix asks himself every day. We did what we did based on what we knew at the time, and that led us to who and where we are right now. Ultimately, it was a tough call. What do you think you would have done?”

  “I have to think about that. It’s a lot to take in. You said Finn was no longer a threat. How can we be sure?”

  The Velluminator light came back on.

  Finn stood in front of Banyan.

  Poor Banyan. He looks awful. Sadie put her hand on her heart and focused her love on him. She watched Finn, who appeared upset.

  Thelo’s diamonds turned to sand, which blew away. A weight of overwhelming despair washed over Sadie.

  “No! It isn’t fair! They can’t be gone!” Finn dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. “It isn’t…fair. It isn’t…”

  He couldn’t finish his last word. He clearly tried to speak, but no sound came out. She felt his fear mounting as his body turned to stone. It began with his feet and worked its way up.

  A stiffness overtook Sadie’s body as she tuned in more and more to Finn’s emotions. It was getting harder for her to breathe.

  Thelo reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. Remember, Sadie, you are reacting to what Finn is feeling. It is not your pain.

  Finn’s vision seemed to blacken gradually as his eyes turned to stone along with the rest of him. Sadie felt his helplessness, disbelief, and a second conflicted presence in his last moments as Finn Montgomery.

  A teary-eyed stranger ran up and broke off one of Finn’s fingers right before Finn crumbled and was gone. This only made the man cry harder.

  The screen went to static instead of its usual black.

  “What happened to the picture? And who was that crying person?”

  Thelo sighed. “I do not know who that was. The static happens sometimes. We have our best people working on both things.”

  “That man certainly cared about Finn and seemed to be waiting for him. Should we be concerned about him coming here?”

  “I think the answer must be yes. Until we get more information and get the Velluminator running properly, we will have to stay alert. The word is already out to Penelope and to other helpers living on earth.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me that Gramma Rose had a brother?” Sadie asked.

  “It was not mine to tell.”

  “What does that mean? You could have stopped all the horrible things he did from happening. And Gramma might still be alive.”

  “We cannot know that or see everything.” Thelo motioned to the screen. “The static is one example of how our vision is sometimes blocked.

  “Sadie, you asked me earlier if I would do anything differently, knowing what I know now. I do not think I would change anything, because whatever we choose has its own set of consequences. If Finn had died that day on the bridge so many years ago, we do not know what new obstacles would have emerged on that other road, that new road.”

  Sadie looked at the darkened screen. Dark, dark… “Thelo, there were others coming up behind us in the tunnel. They made it clear they’re on Finn’s side. Do you know anything about that? About who they are?”

  “We suspected Finn was not acting alone, but we could not pinpoint any accomplices. There are powerful people here, and unfortunately many have veils to hide behind.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO

  Changing of the Guard

  “Mr. Finn. What’s happening to you?”

  Basset reached out for his hand and broke off one of Finn’s fingers. The younger man swallowed a scream and sat down heavily, his tears flowing.

  He watched in horror as the only father he’d ever known crumbled to the ground. Finn Montgomery was no more.

  He opened his hand, hoping to find the finger intact, but instead his palm filled with shards of stone, which turned to powder and blew away.

  The rest of the dark pile swirled into a dusty tornado of smaller and smaller pieces.

  “No, Mr. Finn. You can’t be gone. What do I do now? I need you. Please come back.” Tears blinded his vision.

  As he spoke to the empty pile of clothing, his words drew the breeze toward him. Heat invaded his throat.

  Basset swallowed fire. Finn’s whole life entered his consciousness. Pictures of Finn’s world spun through him, including ones of himself at various ages. He finally felt Finn’s love for him, something he’d kept hidden all their life together.

  “Oh, Mr. Finn! Why didn’t you tell me?” Basset sobbed. Others came after—strangers with their own sets of images. What’s happening to me? The last thing Basset remembered before spiraling out of control was a Voice calling him, “Kiddo.” He fell to the ground, his mind awhirl with images and voices. He stared up at a set of puffy white clouds and then only darkness.

  The twinkling blanket of the night sky stretched out overhead, but then Basset realized his eyes were still closed. He opened them.

  I must have passed out. He sat up. Finn’s dusty clothes lay on the ground beside him. They moved. Basset kicked backward like a crab then jumped into a kneeling position.

  “Mr. Finn?”

  A paw emerged from under the sleeve.

  The clothes lifted off the ground as a small object Basset had seen before moved toward him.

  The music box emerged, pushed out by the snout of a cat, whose rich coat shimmered, changing from one bright hue to another.

  “I know you from somewhere, but I can’t think from where. How do I know your name?”

  You know many things now. There is much we need to do, Basset. Grab the music box and let’s go.

  Basset stood, picked up the music box from the ground, then put it in his pocket. He brushed off the dirt from his clothing and out of his hair before addressing the feline. With eyes flashing a scarlet flame, he commanded, “I’ll decide what we need to do.” Wait a minute. Was that me?

  Now you’re talking, kiddo.

  “Did you hear that, Penelope?” Basset asked.

  Yes, I heard your rudeness, and after all I’ve done for you too, she told him. You and I make decisions together, if you’d be kind enough to recall.

  She’s never made decisions with you, the Voice told Basset. She made them with Finn. Don’t let her play for power here. And no, she won’t ever be able to hear me, Basset.

  “The name’s Derrick.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE

  The Celebration

  As Sadie and Thel
o walked back to the village from the Velluminator, paper lanterns rose slowly into the night sky, brought to life by the Silars. The festivities had begun. The musicians grew jubilant at their approach. People stood and smiled as Sadie and Thelonious walked by. Many shook hands or bowed. Sadie and Thelo returned their welcomes.

  The pair settled in their own private nook where a bonfire crackled to life.

  “I know Banyan said I could return to Mystashan without the music box, but he’s not well. Can I really get back without it?” It was very warm as Sadie stood in front of the fire pit. She put her hands in her pockets and rocked back and forth. She moved more out of nervousness than anything else.

  “You will no longer be needing the music box. I think you will find a way all by yourself.”

  Sadie gave him a sidelong glance. “Could you be more specific?”

  “I thought you had a certain assignment to do for Banyan?”

  “I knew you were going to say that, but don’t you really mean I have to figure this out by myself?”

  Thelo placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You are never completely alone, Sadie. You will find help as you need it, and it will not always come from the places or people you expect. Keep an open mind and listen carefully, to yourself as well as others. Trust me. Your awareness will then grow and serve you well.”

  Sadie smiled. “After all we’ve been through, I trust you. It was as if I held your heart in my hands today. As the day progressed, I understood the meaning behind your words. Before, you rarely made sense.”

  As she glanced at Thelo, the color rose in her cheeks as she realized what she’d said. “I’m sorry. That must have sounded awful. I didn’t mean it the way it came out.”

  Thelo gave her a half grin. “Not to worry. I know what you meant. I can read you better now too. There is something else we need to talk about, Sadie. It has to do with one of the reasons you are here.” He motioned for her to sit beside him. “After everything that happened with Finn and Mystashan, your grandmother chose to break her oath and return to earth permanently.”

  “What do you mean by ‘her oath’?”