Charlotte Gaspel: Demons and Ghosts

XXII: Plagues

Journal. Day: 1.

For a better experience in learning the dark arts, Steven gave me this notebook. I should probably write down only the important things, but, being in an environment where I can lose my memory somehow, it's better to write down all my observations so I don't lose them.

Today we went out to the backyard. He says he is going to teach me how to cast defense spells. I'd say it's better to learn to attack rather than defend, because after all, that's what others defend themselves for, to ward off attacks. If I'm good enough at attacking, I won't need to defend myself, but Steven says you have to do the hardest thing first.

It was a strange experience, because he was wearing the amulet all the time, while I had nothing. I was moving my hands like a schizophrenic with no results, but he says I'm doing fine. He says my coordination is pretty good, and that's important when it comes to maneuvering. I'm still having trouble with Latin phrases. I keep mispronouncing the R's. Danny looks at us in admiration, as the sparkles coming out of Steven's hands are hypnotic. Sometimes I wonder what it must feel like to have such a poor grasp of reality.

It wasn't hard to adjust to the quick arm movements. It's fundamental the position of your limbs, I think it's like a sign language for underworld beings or something.

I already asked him. It is not a sign language. In fact, when you have the spell very clear in your mind, it is not necessary to conduct the energy with your body, but only with your will. The most powerful wizards have the ability to move the reality around them without even lifting a finger.

As soon as Steven put the amulet on me, I managed to perform the defense incantations perfectly. I think I caused him some envy, because it was not so easy for him. He told me that not having a soul helps a lot in handling black magic, because I have nothing to hold on to my humanity. Morality and empathy are the main weaknesses of every dark sorcerer.

I managed to get Steven to let me look at the book again. There is no memory erasing spell, but I did find one to control the minds of others. It's barely a fraction of its full potential, because it's only good for manipulating not-so-complex thoughts. Perhaps a superior book will teach how to control the whole body.

It's already late afternoon. Steven and Danny have been playing with the ball. I still don't trust his very kind attitude. He probably feels very lonely in his big house.

"Hey," said Steven, suddenly appearing, "stop writing. The Coffin is here."

That's news. What did he mean by that? Were they outside? Were they inside the house? You can't just say something like that.

To be more precise, The Coffin was about to arrive at the door. This time we see the unforgettable duo again: The beefy one and the blond one, who apparently don't take a sorcerer's house very seriously, because, despite knowing the dangers of black magic, they don't carry protection or backup in case someone ends up bewitched. Apparently, the mob is not intimidated by superstitions, although, ironically, that was Greyson's strongest weapon.

"You bastards," said Steven from the window as he watched them trying to open the door, "you don't even have the decency to wait a week."

"What are we going to do?" Charlotte asked as she watched them with him.

"Good question," he turns and starts walking towards the library. "You're going to gag Danny so he won't move. I'll create a curse to protect the house from future attacks."

"What?" Charlotte asks seriously as she follows him. "What good will that do now? What if they get in first?"

"That's why I must hurry."