6. Keeper of visions; Caster of shadows

The doorbell rang as the Grand Clock struck the hour. It was ten-past, but the Grand Clock always liked to be different.

Miss Duncan, the by-now familiar Head Maid, opened the door to find a lady standing and smiling there.

“Greetings to you all!” she beamed.

“Oh, do come in!” Bellowed the Head Maid, as the trees shook in the Grinds outside.

Miss Duncan, gripping the visitor on her upper right arm,with pincer-like fingers,pulled her as she walked to the Sitting Room.

“One World Rising!” once again bellowed the familiar voice, as its owner flung open the door to the Sitting Room and pushed the lady inside.

“Greetings, Visionkeeper.” The Cloaked Figure gestured his/her latest visitor to take a seat. “I am the Shadowcaster. You are the Visionkeeper, yes?”

“I am me, and that is all I will say at this time” Visionkeeper smiled. She was carrying a small bag, with a hand-written note within. She handed the note to the Cloaked Figure, saying “This note is meant for TL.”

The Cloaked Figure looked at the note:

Well now TL….I understand why you are doing this, but good heavens…Your readers? There is no way I could have done it as a trip across the pond to pin notes and dolls on your trees is beyond my financial capabilities. Not to offend you, but if I were going to spend dollars on airfare it would not be to the Grinds.I would be on the next plane to Tahiti or someplace warm! It is too cold and rainy over there. Besides, my Lyme disease has me laying pretty low these days and most certainly not gallivanting about. I still say the witch is behind this, then again, you still don’t know who or what lives behind that door in the basement! This culprit could be just about anyone…I mean, how do you know Splodge and his friends are not spies for their masters evil intentions without their knowing? Blessings and wishing you luck…. VK

“Hmmm…” The Cloaked Figure gently tapped a small bundle of ginger fur away from the desk, hoping nobody present would see Splodge the Cat sheepishly walk out of the room. “It isn’t raining here tonight…” CF thought aloud. “And we have an extra Full Moon.”

The Cloaked Figure folded the slip of paper and handed it back to ‘VK’, who popped it back into her purse. “You can let TL see that when you see him…”

I don’t know about you, dear reader, but these alibis are all very good, aren’t they? Anyway, back to the night’s events…

“Thank you for calling by,” Miss Duncan showed VK to the Foyer. “Oh, whilst you’re here, why not have a look at this…” she said, as she walked into the Vestibule taking Visionkeeper with her…