Subj: Theodore Pt.3
Date: 3/19/00 4:19:55 PM Central Standard Time
From: Marcos1

Collinsport 1880

```

Young Evan Hanley read the story. "How graves give up their dead...and how the night air hideous grows with shrieks...."

"Honest injun, that is one scary story," Quentin said. The two boys were sitting near the hearth. The fire made the atmosphere warm and cozy.

"Still reading, 'Feast of Blood'"? Theodore asked, walking in from his bedroom.

"Yes, it is wonderful!" Quentin exclaimed.

"It was written nearly forty years ago," Theodore said. "I'm surprised that you, young gentlemen would like something so old."

"It's good," Evan said, "But it is just a story. Let's go out to the bone yard. Take our book of grimoire." The young boy giggled. "And make the story come to life."

Theodore grabbed Evan and started to shake him. "Listen to me, young man. The black arts are nothing to play with. Do you understand me?"

Evan moved away from him. "Yes...I understand. But then why do you teach us?"

Theodore looked off into space. His mind drifted for a moment. "I teach you, so you can protect yourselves. There are many evils in this world...especially around Collinsport."

"Like the evil that sent you to hell?" Quentin asked.

"I wasn't in hell," Theodore replied. "But it was a terrible place, full of sick and disturbed spirits." He reached for his brown inverness, to protect him from the cold weather outside. "Yes, Angelique was one of those evils. Take my advice, young fellows, beware a pretty face. They can bewitch you with their charms."

"Uncle Theodore," Quentin said, smiling, his blue eyes had a slight twinkle, "Don't worry about me. I don't like girls."

"But you will someday, young master Quentin," Theodore said, with a laugh, "That is one thing, you can be sure of."

"Are we going to the carnival?" Evan asked. "Or are we just going to sit around here and talk?" The young man still bruising from Theodore's rebuke, was clearly becoming impatient.

"We are going," Theodore replied. "I just need to finish mixing a few things in the pantry."

"Are you going to cast a spell?" Evan asked.

"Yes," Theodore replied. "It is a mixture of bat's wings, mouse whiskers, lizard tails, and ground unicorn horn...with just a touch of my own special ingredient."

"What is the spell for?" Quentin asked.

"Revenge, my dear boy," Theodore replied, laughing. "And a most unusual one at that."

To be continued