Shadows of the Hollow: A Tale Reimgine

The Party

For the rest of the week Crane made sure to avoid me at all cost. I continued to stay far from Katrina. As much as it pains me this is for her safely. I have already pushed Crane. He might take his anger out on her. It was the longest week of my life. I kept myself busy with the forge and the guys. We left during the full moon so Josiah and Levi wouldn't be alone during their hunt. Another thing we all agreed on. Since Crane knows that there are preternatural living here none of us would wander alone at night. Crane might try to pick us off individually. Most nights the boys would stay at my cabin. I have more than enough space and it's well fortified. While the boys and I tended to ourselves, the town was busy preparing for the party. Shops were working to have all the food needed to feed everyone. The tailor was drowned in fabric and the streamstess could barely lift her eyes up before another piece of clothing was placed before her. Van Tassel is to surely have a party to be remembered for decades to come.

The night of the party finally arrived. After washing myself from head to toe I put on the finest suit I had. Daredevil stood outside, tall and fine looking. I spent a good hour combing him until his coat was clean and free of dust. The rest of the boys joined me along the road. We rode together slowly enjoying the quiet autumn afternoon. We arrived right at sunset to the farmhouse. Katrina, being a generous hostess, greeted us when we rode up. She approached, her dress shifting with her movements. She chose a beautiful dress to wear. A deep blue, a near indigo garnish in golden color thread and patch work. The color complimented her.

"You and Daredevil look marvelous." she said, her slim fingers stroking the massive face of the horse. "I was hoping you would come."

Taking her hand I kiss her knuckles.

"Nothing could keep me away. Daredevil messes you anyway. He's growing lonesome."

She was about to say something but halted, her eyes staring off into the distance. Following her gaze I see the reason. Crane was riding towards the house, whistling a merry tune. The man looked downright ridiculous. His clothing flapping in the wind, his knees near his chest because the stupids were aligned correctly. The poor horse he was riding seemed to be miserable. Crane pulled on the reins but the horse continued its jagged trot up the road.

"I didn't have a choice." she said. "He made me."

"I know and don't worry. The boys and I will handle him."

"What are you planning?"

"I don't know yet but I will not spoil the party nor approach him. Until then, please be patient. I will stop him. I promise."

She nodded then took her leave to welcome the other guest. The boys and I led the horses to the barn where the stable hands took them. The house was filled with foods of all types. From cooked meats, to sweets, and spirits, Van Tassel spared no expense for his guests. The music had picked up to a lively tune. Ichabod has pulled Katrina away from the others to dance. Not once has he let her mingle with her friends and family. Nor has the man let anyone else dance with her. A great annoyance to me. When he pulled her into a waltz I found a corner to sit and brew over. The boys had joined me, refreshment and snacks in hand and watched the room. Throughout the party I kept my eyes on Katrina. The scarecrow made sure to keep her at arm's length. Like a happy hostess she smiled as he spun her around the dance floor.

"How are we going to get him Brom?" Levi asks, sharing some cheese with the others. "We can't do anything here."

I didn't answer. All day I have thought of a way to get rid of the annoying scarecrow.

"Tonight is all hallow eve. Anything can happen on this night. The spirits are awakened and the veil between the living and the dead is thinned." Josiah said, eyes gleaming at one of the servant girls working.