The Trespassing of Souls

by M S C Barnes

specifically that, Seb. It is not as easy as that, but I knew something would happen.”

  A glint in the floorboard at his feet caught Seb’s eye. It looked like a little jewel was embedded within the wood.

  Mr Duir carried on talking. “A lot of what you learn will be through experience.” Another glint and now Seb realised he could see these little gems throughout the floorboards, in the walls and closet doors too.

  “Seb?” Mr Duir was staring at him.

  “The floor and walls sparkle,” he said, feeling guilty for not paying attention.

  “Which is why you are safer here.” Seb blinked back at Mr Duir. “What you see are diamonds and aquamarine, two very powerful protective stones. The whole house is embedded with them. It limits the extent to which the elements can be utilised.”

  Seb’s chest felt tight, his throat sore. Mr Duir indicated for him to sit.

  “Seb, the fire that engulfed your house was caused by an individual’s manipulation of the elements.”

  As Seb perched on the bed a short coughing fit overtook him. Mr Duir walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder and the coughing stopped.

  “Do you remember on the coach when you didn’t want to speak with Alice, you were angry, looking out of the window at the mist as the sun evaporated the water?” Seb nodded, remembering the whirling columns rising from the school playground. “Do you remember how the columns of mist vanished when I distracted you?” Seb nodded again trying not to acknowledge the realisation that had just dawned on him. “Anger and hatred, uncontrolled, are powerful emotions but controlled, directed, channelled – they can be devastating!”

  “You are saying I made the mist do that? Because I was angry, like I’ve got some sort of superpower?”

  “I am saying you made the mist do that and it is not a superpower. Every human alive does it, they disrupt the fibre of one or more of the elements when they feel something acutely – whether that be hatred, anger, fear, love, happiness, or grief.

  “All around us the balance of nature is affected not only by the physical acts of each human, each soul, but by the emotional and mental feelings and desires of the soul. Humans heed only the obvious, physical senses. Most have lost the ability to see the effects of emotional thoughts on the elements.”

  Seb was horrified. If he, in ignorance, could affect evaporating water droplets just by being angry what could someone who really knew what they were doing accomplish? Well, hadn’t he seen that – their house, burned to a charred shell?

  Mr Duir continued, “Some, those more aware, can feel, can sense this movement of the elements. You have met people who seem to know instinctively how you are feeling?” Seb instantly thought of Nat. “That ability comes from sensing the elemental changes in the world around the individual, seeing the columns of mist, or the burgeoning of the fire, the strengthening of the wind, the slight vibration of the earth beneath their feet; they feel it all and they can trace its source.”

  An image of Nat was still in his mind as Scarlet bounded in.

  “Oh wow, Seb; I thought my room was fabulous, but yours is too. Mr Duir, thanks for letting us stay. Which teacher will be staying here with us?” Without waiting for an answer she sat on one of the beanbags beside the bookshelf. “Aiden would love this! Look Seb, all these books are about legends, mythological creatures, magic, potions and all sorts – it’s like a library designed just for him.

  She suddenly turned to Mr Duir. “Does our mum know we are here now? She was coming back to the hospital in the morning … to bring us some clothes.”

  Seb realised they hadn’t even checked out through the nursing station or reception. Does anyone know where we are?

  “She does,” Mr Duir said, walking to the door. “And actually, she will be here soon, along with a couple of others.” He smiled. “It seems that Miss Kitchener’s parents were advised today that they have won a spectacular cruise, departing Southampton on Monday for the best part of a month. Somehow,” he paused and looked at Scarlet, “they heard that the school is affording you boarding status. They have spoken to Miss Angel and asked if Nat can also stay.”

  Scarlet leapt up. “Really? Did Miss Angel say yes? Is Nat coming here too?”

  Her enthusiasm was infectious. Seb liked the thought that Nat would join them.

  “Yes, the school said yes,” Mr Duir said. “And what’s more, Aiden Lord will also be joining you.”

  Now Seb was really surprised. “How come? Surely his parents didn’t win a cruise too?”

  “No. But did you know that Master Lord is a looked-after child?”

  Seb didn’t.

  “We had no idea. I’m sure he’s talked about his father … hasn’t he?” Scarlet turned uncertainly to Seb who shrugged.

  “He has lived with foster parents in the village for a year, but that family recently discovered they are due to have their own child and gave notice to the local authority that Aiden will need to be rehoused. Strangely enough, the school were notified yesterday in order for us to make allowances for the turmoil this may cause him. We have been in touch with the local authority and the family today to say that we can board Aiden here while a new family placement is found for him.”

  It’s a Saturday. Offices don’t open on a Saturday. Seb noticed the satisfied smile on Mr Duir’s face.

  Answering Seb’s unasked question he said, “Zach, unfortunately, will not be joining you … yet.” With that he left the room. His footsteps could be heard as he walked back to the creaky staircase and descended.

   

   

  Nearly All Together!

  “Well, that’s amazing!” Scarlet said as soon as the sound of Mr Duir’s footsteps were gone, “Nat and Aiden coming to stay here too.” She flopped down on one of the beds.

  “Mm, amazing. Like they planned it,” Seb said, gazing out of the window.

  “You’re not suggesting the teachers burned our house down, Seb?” Scarlet laughed. Seb shrugged. “You are suggesting that!” She sat up and stared at him.

  “Well, don’t you think it’s strange Mr Duir arrives just as the fire happens, that they conveniently have an annexe with enough beds to house us all, that Nat’s parents conveniently win a cruise and Aiden’s— ”

  “Aiden’s foster parents conveniently get pregnant!” Scarlet stood, hands on hips. “Come on, Seb. I doubt the teachers could make that happen!”

  Seb shook his head. “I don’t know. It’s just that it seems so, well … so planned.”

  “Maybe it is. Maybe they do have an ability to influence what is happening; maybe they think it would be better to have us all under one roof so they can teach us. Is that so bad?”

  At the sound of tyres scrunching on gravel outside Scarlet raced to the window. “It’s Nat,” she screamed, and bolted for the door.

  Seb stood up more slowly and stared out of the window. Dusk had taken its hold on the world outside; all the trees, the woods surrounding the cottage, were gloomily dark. Another car approached. Mum.

  He walked to the door and descended the staircase, reaching the bottom just as Scarlet and Nat unlatched the door. Nat’s eyes lit up on seeing him. Scarlet barged past, dragging her by the arm.

  “Come on, you have to see our room!”

  Nat was carrying a small suitcase and Seb took it from her.

  “I’ll carry that for you.” He smiled, happy to be in her company. He thought back to Mr Duir’s reference to souls who could sense people’s feelings. He wondered if she could sense his. He knew his heart was beating just a bit faster.

  She returned his smile. “Thanks, Seb, I can manage though.”

  “’Course she can, Seb! Don’t be so old-fashioned.” Scarlet grabbed the case and handed it back to Nat.

  “Kindness will never be old-fashioned, Scarlet,” Nat said as Scarlet dragged her up the stairs.

  Seb went to greet his mother. He found her sitting in the kitchen, looking haggard. Mr Duir leant against the butler sink watching her and the look of c
oncern on his face convinced Seb that he couldn’t possibly have put her through this. But if he hadn’t orchestrated the fire then who, or what, had?

  “Seb!” His mum stood and put her arms out. He walked over and hugged her. “This cottage is lovely. Are you okay staying here?”

  He nodded. “Yes, Mum. And when you see our rooms you’ll know that Scarlet is very happy to be here!”

  She looked relieved.

  Miss Angel placed a cup of tea in front of her just as there was a knock on the front door. Mr Duir excused himself to go and open it.

  Taking a seat opposite Seb, Miss Angel pushed a plate of biscuits towards him.

  “The caretaker will be here soon, Mrs Thomas, and then you can see if you are satisfied with the arrangements.” Miss Angel’s sharp eyes flicked to Seb and she smiled a yellow-toothed smile. “You are welcome to drop in to see Scarlet and Seb whenever you like. I would suggest though that you call in advance. The caretaker will take the children on impromptu educational trips.”

  The sound of muted voices drifted through from the front door as Aiden appeared in the gap between the living room and kitchen, looking a bit worried. Relief washed over his face on seeing Seb.

  “Seb, you’re here!”

  Seb smiled and pulled a stool out for him. He hopped up and looked hopefully at the plate of biscuits. Miss Angel pushed it towards him and he grabbed one.

  “We had a house fire,” Seb started and Aiden’s eyes opened wide. “We’re all okay, but we can’t stay at home and our cousin’s house isn’t big enough, so Scarlet and I