Seeing Ghosts

Traveling Spellcasters

It's been a week since I returned to Goldrush Valley. I was honestly a little surprised how unsurprised Mark was when the Ghost Army greeted us. I guess he had seen them throughout town, but still. Even I would have been surprised if I hadn't met them previously.

  When we reached my house, my family welcomed me. They talked about how worried they had been. I have to be honest with my thoughts though. It hurt when I was sent away, and not one of them said anything to stop me.

I've avoided Ellen too. Mark helps me to avoid her. He tells me that so long as I agree to stay here, he'll help me to avoid whoever. He was worried. Especially when he knew I went to Phantom Town. It's understandable though.

Phantom Town is usually only thought to be a legend. The few that do find it, don't normally survive to tell about it. It is a town filled with the spirits, or ghosts, of some of the most powerful beings. Most are Moon Spirits and Shadows. Like Ellen's sister, and Mark's family. There are a few Spellcasters too.

The fact that I survived, is amazing. I think it has to do with my connection to ghosts though, honestly. They were great. I'll miss them.

"They are here! The Traveling Spellcasters!" I hide the book in my room and walk out. "What?" Lysie looks at me. "The Spellcasters. I heard they travel through here every year or two. Some of the girls have told me that some of the guys are hot." I frown. "Really Lysie? I guess you've changed your mind on keeping guy free till graduation."

She rolls her eyes. "I can look still." I nod. "Right." Ginger walks through the wall. "Hey, come on. It's a tradition for everyone in town to go out and greet them." I wrinkle my nose. "Do I have to?" She grabs my arm. "Yes!"

I follow the two of them downstairs and out to the street. The rest of the family is already waiting. People are lining the streets. I turn to Gerdie. "Is it really that exciting?" She smiles. "Of course it is dear. You folks are still new here, but every year they stop by, they always help us. They will use spells to strengthen us, or to help fix houses. No matter what."

Hmm. I guess that is nice. Especially for the people here. Lysie and Ginger squeal and lean forward to look. I roll my eyes.

  Finally, a group walks towards us. Several of them have light colored hair, some blond, some white. Others have black hair, or dark blue. One even has dark green hair. They all stop in front of us. I look at one of the ones in the front.

  He's young, older than me though. His hair is blond, but so light it almost looks white. Meanwhile, his eyes are purple. A deep purple. He looks at me. "Do you live here?" I nod. Lysie pulls on my arm. I ignore her.

  "Yes. My family and I do. I'm Eres. You are the Spellcasters?" He nods. "Yes. We need a place to stay while we are here. Do you mind if we stay here?" I shrug. "Personally? I don't, but you'd have to speak to my parents." He nods. Dad walks over. "Stay as long as you like. We have plenty of rooms. Ginger and Bryan can lend you their rooms too."

  Ginger nods. Bryan pushes over. "No way! I'm not giving up my room. Even if they are Spellcasters." I smile. The guy looks at him, then puts his hand out. It goes right through Bryan. "Hey! Don't you know that's rude?" He moves back. The guy nods. "You are a ghost, that means you don't sleep. Yet you need your bed still?"

  Bryan straightens his shoulders. "Of course. You have a problem with me being a ghost or what?" I roll my eyes and step between them. I set a hand on Bryan's chest. "Bryan, cool down. If you want a place to sleep, there is the bed in my room. I'm probably not going to get much sleep tonight anyway. I'll probably be going out. So Ginger can use my bed." I turn to the other guy.

  "And you. Please do not provoke him. He has become a part of our family. You are a guest. One of these days, you may be excepted into our family too, but until then, please mind your manners. This was his house even before it was ours. Though I did slap him the first time we met, he totally deserved it." I sigh.