The Ghosts of RedRise House

by Caroline Clark

  Jack sat opposite her, and they joined hands. Shelly knew that for a séance she should really have three people, but she didn't have three people. They would have to do what they could with what they had. At first, she had set up the Ouija Board, but then she closed it and put it to one side. She didn’t know why, but instinct told her they wouldn’t need it to draw out the spirits.

  It was time, and though she knew she should be excited, she was actually afraid. Had she bitten off more than she could chew?

  "Are we ready?" Jack asked.

  Shelly nodded. If she didn't do this soon, he would think she was frightened and she wouldn't allow that.

  "Spirits of the past, we bring you gifts from life into death. Move among us and be guided by the light of this world and visit upon us."

  Shelly waited. Across the table, she could see that Jack was starting to shift in his seat. His hands were sweaty, or was it hers? One of them was shaking slightly.

  Nothing happened.

  She held her breath hoping, waiting...

  The candles flickered, shadows leaped across the room, and her heart pounded in her chest. Before she lost her nerve, she repeated the incantation.

  "Spirits of the past, we bring you gifts from life into death. Move among us and be guided by the light of this world and visit upon us."

  The temperature dropped and her breathe misted before her. Goosebumps rose on her arms, and she could see more mist as Jack exhaled. There was a wonder in his eyes, and his lips parted slightly. He trusted her, he believed in her. Could she do this?

  Whispers came from all around them and something cold kissed the back of her neck. The urge to let go and to run was primal, but she kept still… kept as calm as she could.

  Then it started. Low at first, just at the edge of their hearing. More a pain than a noise, but she knew what it was... the high-pitched keening that came from the sacrificial wounds in the children’s throats.

  They were here.

  It wasn't the welcome she’d wanted from them, and for a moment she wondered if Stacey was right. Should she just leave?

  The keening grew in volume. It grated on her nerves and seemed to strum the bones in her chest. She wanted to cover her ears and to scream at them to stop. But Jack was crushing her fingers as he held her hands so tightly.

  “I came here to help you, to free you… why are you attacking us?”

  The noise stopped as suddenly as it had started, and Shelly let out a desperate gasp. The room filled with mist, and out of it, one by one, stepped over a dozen children. A few of them looked as old as 14 or maybe 15, but some of them looked as young as 6. There were boys and girls, blondes and brunettes, but all of them looked dirty and malnourished. Their eyes shone like the black pits of hell.

  “Who would like to leave here?” Shelly asked, as she stared at the children. Her breath was coming too fast, her chest was tight, and more than anything she wanted to run from the room and never come back. She had been a fool. As soon as they found Jack, they should have left. Now she knew why her sister had abandoned her — Stacey believed she couldn’t be helped, and maybe she was right.

  The smallest of the children came forward those black eyes looked right through her. His lips were curled back like a feral dog, and every inch of him was tensed for attack.

  “I’m here to help you,” she repeated.

  He faded a little.

  She could see the children behind him through his form. It made her feel stronger, more in control. If he was insubstantial then he couldn’t hurt her – could he?

  A laugh echoed around the room. It was from something much older than the children, much older than her, and it was mean and cruel.

  Swallowing, she fought to keep still, to hold her nerve, and to do what she knew was right. Stacey, if you can hear my thoughts, I need you. Help me.

  Nothing happened. It was time, but she couldn’t remember the ritual. All she could do was stare at that child, stare at those eyes, and pray he kept his head level. Right now, if that keening started again... if they raised their heads and showed the terrible gashes in their throats... she didn’t think she could survive it and stay sane.

  “Are you waiting for something?” Jack asked.

  Shelly’s throat was so dry, so tight, she didn’t think she could talk even if she remembered the words. She shook her head, swallowed, and tried to moisten her lips.

  “I’m…” The word was just a croak.

  Jack let go of her hands. He broke the circle, got up, and walked across to the sink, returning with a glass of water.

  Shelly didn’t realize that breaking the circle should have freed the spirits. If she were the one calling them, holding them here, then they would have gone.

  She sipped at the water gratefully. At first, her throat was closed so tightly that the water wouldn’t go down, and she wondered if she would drown.

  Jack put his hand on her shoulder, providing support, comfort, and suddenly she could relax. Suddenly she knew the words.

  “In the Name of Jesus, I rebuke the spirit of...” She didn’t know the name of the child, but suddenly a name came into her mind, and she spoke it. “Daniel Matthews.”

  A huge grin came onto the little boy’s face, his eyes were no longer black. They were tired and surrounded by bags, but they were a warm walnut brown color. There was hope deep inside of them.

  That smile was all the encouragement, all the thanks that she needed. She returned it and nodded to let him know she understood. “I command you leave this place, without manifestation, and without harm to me or anyone, so that He can dispose of you according to His Holy Will.”

  As she finished the releasing prayer, Daniel stood before her with tears in his eyes. He mouthed the words thank you, then turned back to the rest of the children and then he was gone, leaving just a flash of white mist in his place.

  Shelly wondered about a girl sitting to one side. This one seemed to be hiding, but watching Daniel leave was like a drug. She felt invincible and excited to help the next child.

  “Who would like to be next?” she asked.

  But it wasn’t a child that stood before her. It was Mr. Duncan.

  71

  Paralyzed with fear, Shelly couldn't speak, move, or even think. There was something evil about the grey-haired man. It wasn't just the coal black eyes and the way his lips curled back over his teeth.

  Now it's your time, he said and floated over toward them.

  Shelly looked at Jack. How she wanted to apologize, to get him out of there, but it was too late. She understood that now.

  "I'm sorry, Stacey." Turning her eyes to Jack, she squeezed his fingers. "I'm sorry."

  "Don't be sorry, fight it." Jack's eyes were full of fear, but he held onto her hands, giving hope and strength.

  Shelly nodded, but she didn't know how. The children were all against her and behind them were two cloaked adults. She couldn’t see their faces but knew that one would be the other Duncan. The others were simply lost, corrupted souls and she knew that she should pity them, but right now all she felt was fear.

  Together, these spirits held the children. Forced them to comply. Made them join with this man. They added to his power, though she doubted it was by choice. Part of her knew that she should release them, that if she did, then she would reduce his power. But, her mouth wouldn't open, the words wouldn't come.

  There was one little girl sitting to the side, the one she had seen earlier. She was different, cleaner, and purer. It was something she couldn't put her finger on, but this one wasn't touched by the darkness. She wasn’t under their control.

  The little girl smiled.

  Shelly smiled back and then she heard her voice in her head.

  I am Alice, Rosie saved me. I want to help you help my friends. They are not bad children, just trapped, in servitude to evil. Repeat the words of the ritual with me, and we can weaken him.

  Shelly nodded.

  The man roared, and a wind swelled up inside the ki
tchen. It pushed Shelly and rocked the chair she was sitting in, but the young ghost came across and stood between her and the man.

  Alice began to talk, In the name...

  Shelly tried to force the words past the lump in her throat. “I... I... In the Name of Jesus, I rebuke the spirit of."

  They were reciting the ritual together, talking in sync, and she felt her confidence grow as she heard the spirit’s voice in her head. As she got to the name of the child, a little girl stepped forward and the name Claire came into her mind. No last name came, but somehow, she knew there wasn't one. This poor child had lived her life with just a first name, but at least now she would go to peace.

  The little girl looked up and as her eyes cleared, they were the lightest sky-blue, and the smile on her grubby face was worth a million.

  "I command you leave this place, without manifestation and without harm to me or anyone, so that He can dispose of you according to His Holy Will.”

  She clapped her little hands and faded away, leaving just a flash of light before that too was gone.

  While she was repeating the ritual, Shelly hadn't noticed the wind but as the child faded, it howled and batted against her. She wondered how long she could hold on.

  "Are you okay?" she asked Jack.

  He nodded. "You can do this."

  Shelly wondered if she could, as she began the ritual again.

  The children huddled together, an air of expectation hanging around them, but they seemed less hostile.

  “In the Name of Jesus, I rebuke the spirit of Mickey Smith."

  A young boy with holes in the knees of his trousers came forward. Once more, the child offered her a smile and a nod of thanks.

  Shelly returned the smile. Maybe she could do this. "I command you leave this place, without manifestation and without harm to me or anyone, so that He can dispose of you according to His Holy Will.”

  The wind howled around them and yet somehow, they were protected, as if they were sitting in a bubble and the spirit couldn't get to them. Shelly looked at Alice, and she nodded.

  Taking a breath, it was time to say the ritual again, but before she could start, she heard the sound of shouting in the distance. What, now?

  At the sound of voices, Mr. Duncan faded and was gone. The wind dropped in the room, and Shelly let out a sigh of relief.

  "This way," Nick shouted over his shoulder as he ran down the corridor.

  Gail followed. Jesse could see she was excited and looking forward to meeting the spirits, but he still had a nagging feeling about this.

  From the outside, he knew they should have traveled the corridor in less than 30 seconds, but the further they ran, the further it seemed they had to go. The spirits were playing with them, and his sense of distress was even stronger.

  They needed help, and part of him wanted Gail to contact the spirits of the house, but he knew that wasn’t a good idea. Nick was panicking, he should have seen through this but his terror was allowing the illusion to rule. So, as Jesse ran, he calmed his mind and called on his spirit guides. "Guide me, wise ones. Be with me in the dark places and guide me back to the light."

  They carried on, running and running, and for long moments nothing happened. Then he felt enveloped in warmth and love. Rose had answered. Would she be able to help them?

  "Hey you two, hold up for a minute."

  Jesse stopped and closed his eyes. Up ahead he could see the big brindle boxer dog, her pink tongue hanging out, and he could swear she was smiling at him once again. Even in the gloomy light, her tiger-striped coat gleamed and her big brown eyes shone with love.

  "What is it?" Gail asked, but as she turned, a smile formed upon her face and Jesse knew that she could see.

  Nick came back to them. There was a sense of wonder on his face, and he looked from the dog to Jesse and back again.

  Jesse wanted to explain, but he knew that time was short so he nodded at the priest and closed his eyes once more. He could only see Rose with his eyes closed. It was the extent of his gift for now, but that was enough.

  "Hey Rose, we need to find Jack and Shelly. They are held here by malicious spirits, and they are in danger. Can you lead us out of this deception?"

  Rose nodded her head up and down as if she was saying yes, and then she bounced on her feet for just a moment before turning and racing down the corridor.

  "Can you see her Gail, Nick?" Jesse asked.

  "Yes," they both replied.

  "Good. I will follow you, as I don't want to be running down these corridors with my eyes closed."

  Gail nodded and started to follow. Nick raised his eyebrows and Jesse shook his head.

  "That's the only way I can see her."

  As Rose moved down the corridor, the area in front of them shimmered, and suddenly they were walking out into a large open entrance hall.

  There was a staircase on the left and an identical corridor to this one straight ahead, but the dog turned across the open space, glancing back to see that they were following.

  It was a big room, dimly lit by a huge chandelier. There was a door on either side and what looked like the front door to the right of them.

  Rose went straight across to the door on the left, her paws silent on the hardwood floor while their own feet made more noise the further they walked.

  As they came into the kitchen, they felt the temperature drop. Jesse could see Shelly and Jack sat at a table. He let out a sigh of relief because they looked okay, but they weren’t his first concern. There was something dark, something evil here, and he could feel it.

  He closed his eyes, and there in front of him were almost a dozen ragged and emaciated children. Their eyes were black, their faces feral, and their clothes tattered and old. It looked months since they had bathed and there was something malicious about the way they were staring. Behind them stood two cloaked adults. They wore long, dark sacrificial robes that covered their heads and hid their faces. Between the children and the table was another cloaked figure. Even without any skill, Jesse could feel the malevolence coming from that character. He was the leader. He had the strength here, and he was the one they needed to avoid.

  Rose stood in front of them, her legs four square, her head high as she stood guard between them and the danger. Jesse didn't doubt that she would try and help him but his instincts said it wasn’t a good idea.

  “Thank you, Rose,” he said.

  She came up to him and whined softly before vanishing.

  Jesse wanted to call her back, but he had other things to worry about. They needed to get out of here, and they needed to do it quickly.

  He opened his eyes and could see Gail staring at the children. Nick stood, eyes wide, mouth open, and Jesse understood. He was facing down his biggest fear. Afraid that now he was here... a sacrifice would be made.

  Shelly and Jack were conducting a séance, and for a moment Jesse was angry. Why weren’t they trying to escape? Why were they just sitting there? But then he remembered what he had been like. How much of an addiction spirits could be. How many times had he pushed the boundaries when he was younger? Still, it was time they all left.

  "Gail, forget them. We have to get out of here."

  Shelly turned and broke the circle. The spirits were still there. What was more, Jesse could see them with his eyes open. They were strong, they had a lot of power, and they were very dangerous.

  Jesse approached the table.

  "Nick told us you were here," he said. "I’m Jesse, this is Gail and we need to get you out of here, and we need to do it now."

  “No,” Shelly said. “We have to help the children. We are releasing them one by one, and we really don’t need your help.”

  Jesse knew what was happening. The dark spirit was allowing her some success while it gathered its power. She was being lulled into a false sense of security. Soon, the figure would make its move. They had to escape now before it was too late.

  Gail came to his side, a droplet of sweat running down her cheek.
It was taking all her skill to keep the dark one out. Jesse felt a surge of pride. The temptation for her to connect with them must be immense, but she had sensed the danger, and she was fighting it.

  “Nick,” he called.

  The priest was staring into space, so afraid that he couldn’t move.

  Gail nodded. She went to him and reached out. She could touch him, just, and she gently shook him out of his fear. Jesse watched his face clear. He was back with them. Together, they all turned to the table.

  “You must leave,” Nick said.

  “No, not until we have freed all the children.” Shelly was adamant, and she turned away from them.

  Jesse could see that Gail was sympathetic and that even Nick wanted to help. Both of them could feel the pain of the children, but all he worried about was the living. Once they had escaped the house, they could do the releasing ritual from the outside. And then he saw a young girl peeking out from behind Jack.

  She smiled up at him and waved her hand, and then he heard a voice in his head.

  I need to talk to you.

  Jesse answered instinctively, thinking the words in his own mind. It will have to wait. We need to get out of here.

  Yes, you do, and I can help. But first I have to tell you something, and I can't do it from outside.

  Jesse could hear arguing behind him. He knew the two young ghost hunters wanted to stay and that Gail and Nick wanted them out of here. He knew he should join in, he wanted to help, but he needed to hear what the young ghost had to say. It was a feeling so strong he couldn’t explain it.

  My name is Alice, she said, filling the gap of his hesitation. I was here when Rosie came to the house. I had been here a long time. I cannot explain to you what that is like living year after year, decade after decade, century after century. Always bound to evil always forced to bind others. Rosie freed me from this at a great personal cost... I need to help her. Will you give me just a little bit of time?

  "Give me a bit longer to free all of the spirits," Shelly said from the table.

  "Yes," Jesse said aloud in answer to Alice's question.

  Everyone heard and they all thought that he was giving Shelly more time. It looked like he was staring at the children, when in fact he was looking to their left, but it didn’t matter. The decision had been made.