Raven's Heir | ONC 2021 honourable mention

4 - Guillaume of Corbières

"Trying to frighten our visitors, Miss Miller?" Louis turned the corner, a broad smile on his face and accompanied by Mister Mortimer who wove a figure eight around his ankles. I hadn't heard them approach.

"Alice was so nice to promise us an introduction into the castle's history." I picked up the cat, wondering if his master would mind us talking with guests about our assignment.

"Oh, that's wonderful. Mrs Sinclair's historical knowledge surpasses mine by far. I only know the pious Sir Guillaume built the castle in the twelfth century or there around."

Alice blushed, and Catherine's scowl deepened, her protective instincts plain to read. I stifled a chuckle and pretended to be occupied patting the cat. But Louis didn't pay her attention, studying Matt's outfit and bruised knee instead. "This is a nasty scratch. What happened?"

"Just getting a feeling for the premises." My partner seemed determined to play down his injury. "We searched for Theo."

"He waits for you in the courtyard, dinner is ready."

At the mention of food, my stomach growled. Catherine's scowl faded into a grin. "Let's get you fed before we start on comprehensive history lessons, shall we?"

Aside from the Swedes and my unfortunate encounter from the stairs, half a dozen other guests had assembled in the courtyard under bright yellow sunshades and munched on salads that made my mouth water. Mister Mortimer hopped from my arms and jumped into a wicker chair where he curled up.

At a round table set for three, Theo waited for us, still wearing his long-sleeved shirt, his jacket hung over the back of his chair. Matt waved at his two Swedish friends and plopped down next to our partner. "Here you are, already thought you'd gone on a solo mission to the mysterious illuminated cottage." He dipped a napkin into a water carafe and dabbed his bruise.

"I studied the brochure and explored the castle, trying to get familiar with the layout." Impressive. At least one of us had done his homework. He turned to Matt, frowning. "Which illuminated cottage?"

I pulled out my chair. "Some guests insist they saw a light in one of the re-emerged houses. We will have to check this at nightfall. I plan to earn that money, so we better get our act together and root out the offending wraiths."

"They will find us, don't worry." Theo picked at his salad as if he'd never tasted one before. "They might be averse to being exorcised, though."

I studied his lean features. His age was hard to determine, twenty-five? Thirty? The dark clothing underlined his paleness, and I felt my heartbeat quicken, relieved when the main course arrived and allowed me to busy myself with the pasta.

Conversation died down during the meal. Theo seemed absentminded and Matt distracted by his Scandinavian beauties at the adjacent table, giggling and throwing glances in our direction. When they left and most other guests had wandered off, we ordered coffee and took up the discussion of the ghost hunt.

"Our best lead so far is Catherine's light in the cottage." Matt drew circles with the foot of his wineglass on his tomato-sauce-splattered napkin. "We should try to capture it on video."

"Sure, but how, without professional equipment?" I knew the value of filming evidence. "It would be helpful, but it's not my expertise."

"I brought all we need. Technical gadgets are my cup of tea." A smug smile played on his lips and I remembered the briefing. I should have guessed he was a tech whizz when I saw his luggage.

"Clever, Lou picked complementary talents for the team. I can feel a ghost's presence and sometimes communicate. Courtesy of Grandma Elise, who was a wise woman. What about you, Theo?"