CHAPTER 1

TOM WARD

It had been over a year since I'd had an apprentice. Truth be told, I didn't want another just yet. I was enjoying my time just being alone with Alice. Ever since we'd defeated Talkus, the Dark seemed to have ebbed. I was sure it was just biding its time, but I was content to let it. I was really settling into the typical routine of a spook and dealing mostly with boggarts and ghosts. Even they were in short order. I'd asked Kratch what he thought about it. He told me that many of them were in some sort of hibernation from the after effects of everything that had recently happened. Kratch himself had been a bit groggy of late but was determined to fight it.

It was late in the spring when a mine to the north of us collapsed. Events like this spread quickly through the County, as many people from many different villages work the mines. Two families form Chippenden had been affected, and it was very common for the entire town to help. The men had lived, but both of them had sustained very serious injuries. The first had a terrible concussion that rendered him temporarily blind. The other had broken his neck and was now permanently paralyzed. I felt terrible for both families. Miners weren't wealthy people to begin with. Neither of them would have any income now, unless their wives could find work. I wish that there was something that I could do, yet I thought I'd nothing to contribute; no one would really the help of a Spook in any case. I was very wrong!

Late one evening, I heard the Spook's bell ringing. I hurried out, hoping I might get a bit of excitement. I was shocked to find the wife of Vincent Syner – one of the men who had been hurt in the mines. She looked very troubled and was mopping at her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Master Ward," she greeted, attempting to smile.

"Good evening, Mrs. Syner," I replied kindly. "I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. I hope you aren't being troubled by the Dark, besides."

"No, no, it isn't that. For us, it's worse." She sniffed and blew her nose. "Due to my husband's indisposition, we stand to lose everything. My eldest married a man of title and he's graciously told us that we can move in with them. The trouble is that they live far to the south, in Hampshire. We're selling everything we possess, taking only our clothing and money.

"Master Ward, I am the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter. I also bore seven girls. Until this very day, my three youngest have been living with us. Two of them have made arrangements for themselves, but my youngest is struggling. All of her aunts have turned me down. I can't blame them, they all have large families of their own. She's too young to be married. She's also too young to begin a proper job and all of the women I've asked have daughters of their own to take over for them." Tears began to spill from her eyes again.

"Can you not take her with you?" I asked.

"Unfortunately, my eldest and her husband do not yet own the estate they live on. It's owned by his father. I don't understand his reasoning, but he abhors children. The only reason he had a son in the first place is so that he had an heir. It was very clear that she's not welcome to come with us.

"I... I've no right to beg, Master Ward. I don't mean to guilt you into a position you'd rather not be in. Still, I can't tell you how grateful I would be if you would consider apprenticing my daughter. She's twelve now, thirteen come October. She's very healthy and strong for a girl. Her gifts as a seven of seven are already apparent. I'm proud to say that she was always in the top of her classes at school and can read and write exceptionally well. She's a good girl, Master Ward, and very kind. I realize that an apprenticeship is expensive, but we can afford it."

I sighed inwardly. I didn't want to take anyone on, boy or girl. I also knew that if they'd come to me, this family was truly desperate. People were reluctant to apprentice their sons, and I felt sure that no one would ever willingly let their daughter be a Spook. They were far more likely to force a girl into marriage before it came to that. I still had deep reservations about the whole thing, but my dad had always told me to trust my gut. I knew that if I turned Mrs. Syner down, I was likely to feel very guilty. Despite everything, I felt that taking her daughter on was the right thing to do. I tried my best to smile at her.

"There's no need to pay me, Mrs. Syner. Consider this my contribution. I'd have nothing to do for you family otherwise. I'll come to collect your daughter in the morning."

Mrs. Syner burst into tears and threw her arms about me. Embarrassed, I hugged her back. She thanked me heartily several times before she finally toddled off down the road. Part of me was still feeling very reluctant, and I just hoped I wouldn't come to regret my decision.

Alice wasn't best pleased when I told her what I'd done. She pouted and tried to wheedle me out of it. I tried my best to reassure her. In the end, I had to put my foot down. Alice was sullen and moody toward me the rest of the night. I told her that I wasn't especially excited about it, it was simply one of those things that had to be done as a Spook. Half of our job was to train others, after all. Once I thoroughly explained the situation, she accepted it, albeit grudgingly. I was starting to get irritated with her. I reminded her that my own master had taken her in when she was in a bad way. Alice stomped up the stairs to bed after that.

I finally made my own way to bed after a time. I'd just sat on the edge of my bed and was pulling my boots off when I was struck hard with a pillow. I whipped round to see Alice sticking her tongue out at me. She put her nose in the air, turned her back to me and flopped down heavily on the bed. She refused to speak to me any more that night. Lucky for me, she was in a far better mood in the morning!

I got ready to go to the Cyner's straight after breakfast. I offered for Alice to come with me. Although her attitude was better, she still wanted nothing to do with this. I shrugged and headed out. I set off down the hill and through the small copse of trees, crossing the dirt lane. I began picking my way through town.

After a time, I turned off the main road onto a side street and started down the rows of cottages. I had my hood down and hadn't brought any of my gear, so I didn't look like a Spook. It was probably because of that that a young woman readily helped me when I asked where the Cyner's home was. I followed her directions and turned down another side road until I reached the little lane she'd indicated. I counted the houses as I went down it, stopping at the ninth one on the left.

It was a nice home. Like all the others, it was far taller than it was wide. It was grey, but bursts of color came form painted window boxes and the flowers they contained. It made the place look very cheerful. The small front lawn was neatly manicured and inviting. I walked up the flags to knock on the front door, which was painted blue. Mrs. Syner answered within seconds and beckoned me in.

She led me to the kitchen where a young girl was leaning against the table. The girl looked up at me when we entered. She was very short, no higher than my top ribs. Her mam had said she was strong, but she was lean and wiry, so there was no way to tell. She was so young that I couldn't decide whether she was pretty or not, though she was certainly cute. Her small face was open and friendly looking. She had a small, slightly upturned nose and lovely pink lips. Her eyes were large and blue, with very dark lashes. Her hair hung down past her chest and was a dark auburn color, like the last red leaves of autumn. She would have been more attractive if her expression wasn't so miserable.

"This is Elanor, but she refers to be called Ellie, " Mrs. Syner introduced.

"Hello, Ellie," I smiled kindly. "Ellie is the name of my sister-in-law, too. My name is Tom Ward."

I held my hand out to her and she shook it reluctantly, muttering hello. Her mam shook her head and tutted.

"Pluck yourself up my girl, your face is nearly on the floor!"

Ellie looked at her mam, then smiled sadly.

"Come now, it isn't as bad as all that. I'm sorry, Master Ward."

"It's perfectly fine," I replied. "I understand. I felt the same way when I first left home."

"It really shan't be so awful," Mrs. Syner reassured, again.

"How an you say that, mam?" Ellie exclaimed. "I'm never going to see you again!"

She began to cry and rushed to hug her mam. Mrs. Syner hugged her daughter and invited me to sit down. I did so, feeling sad and awkward. After a time, Ellie calmed down and the two of them sat opposite of me.

"I understand you may have a few questions for her, Master Ward?" Mrs. Syner asked, after giving me a cup of tea.

"Tom, please," I said. "Yes, ma'am, I have. Ellie, have you ever seen things that no one else in your family could?"

Ellie nodded and sniffled before she spoke. "Yes. A few times. We used to have a ghost in our attic, and I saw her plenty of times. I was real scared of her when I was little, but I got used to her before she went to the light."

"That's a good start," I told her. "How did you get over your fear?"

"I think it was more her, really. She realized that I could see her one day. She smiled and waved at me. She was very friendly to me after that. I guess I knew that she was just like any other person. Well, except that she was dead." Ellie gave a little smile then.

I nodded and smiled. "Are you afraid of ghosts anymore?"

"Sometimes," she admitted. "Once when we were at my auntie's, I came across the ghost of a man. He was all bloodied and carrying an ax. I didn't need to talk to him to know he was different. He felt bad and I didn't want to be around him."

"That's good, as well. Not all ghosts are decent, just as not all people are. Some can get quite violent, so that's a healthy attitude to have. Now, I had another female apprentice. She had a gift she called Empathy. She could feel other people's emotions. Do you have that as well?"

"I do, yes, and it keeps getting stronger, too. Sometimes I can get in a person's and change what they feel. I've only done it a few times because it's still new to me."

"Jenny – that was my apprentice – could do that as well. My own gifts are a little different, but I didn't have quite all of them at twelve. I'm sure you'll come in to your own in a year or two. How are you at Latin?"

"Ego dicere quod tum," she grinned.

I was completely shocked and laughed. "You've one upped me! I had to learn it as part of my studies. Where did you learn it?"

"It's required in school now," Ellie replied.

"Well, Ellie, you seem like a very smart young lady. You're honest and have good common sense. I've already told your mam that I'll take you on."

She nodded, looking sad again. I told them I would step outside so that they could say their good-byes. Mrs. Syner thanked me once more and went to hold the front door open for me. I went to wait at the bottom of the garden. I stood there for ten minutes before Ellie finally trudged out. Several bags dangled from each arm and she had a large pack on her back. I grinned at her and opened the gate.

"Looks like you've taken everything but the kitchen sink," I joked.

She nodded absently. When I looked down at her, I could see the tears streaming down her face. I knew this must be incredibly hard for her. She'd probably already had an idea of what she wanted her life to be. It had been taken away from her quite literally overnight. Being a Spook was the sort of thing that needed a bit of mental preparation; it wasn't the sort of apprenticeship to spring on a person.

"I know that everyone keeps saying this, but you really will be ok," I told her gently, putting a hand on her shoulder. "My own parents passed away during my apprenticeship. I totally understand how you feel. I promise you, it does get easier."

"How did you deal with it?" She asked.

"It was rough for a time," I replied. "I tried to focus on all the good times we'd had. I kept myself busy and told myself that in the end, it was something I couldn't change. No amount of tears would bring them back. Besides, I knew they'd be very upset if I carried on being miserable all the time. They'd wanted me to have a happy life. I felt that was the best way to honor them."

Ellie sniffled and nodded.

"Just give yourself time. You'll be homesick at first. Everyone is. That will get better though. After a month, every apprentice is allowed to visit home and decide if they was to continue. I know you won't be able to do that, so I'll tell you what: I've always wanted to see the south. If we can save up enough money, then halfway through your training, we'll head down there and surprise your parents. Would you like that?"

"Really?" Ellie beamed up at me and wiped her eyes. "I would love that!"

Ellie really perked up after that. On the way home, I explained to her about the house boggart. She took a keen interest in him.

"Is he unique, or do other people have them?"

"Some people do," I answered. "Though I think he is pretty different. If you treat the hairy ones right, they can be quite amiable and might be willing to stick around and help out. Many are curious about us, which is how they wind up in houses in the first place."

"We had one round our neighborhood once. It played a few tricks, but people were too daft to notice. I think it got bored and left."

I snickered. "Although, I probably shouldn't laugh. Boggarts can get irritated if people aren't bothered by them. That's when they become dangerous."

She became very quiet again. I could tell that she was deep in thought. I finally asked her if she had any questions for me.

"A few," she admitted. "I keep hearing about how dangerous this job is. Is it really that bad? What's the worst you've encountered?"

"It can get extremely bad, I won't lie about that. Thankfully, I doubt you'll have to come across anything like I did. The very worst I came up against was the Fiend himself! I had some incredible help and we managed to destroy him. Then again, the Kobalos were quite nasty. I've been technically dead twice, and that wasn't so nice. The Dark seems to be at a good ebb now. I really don't think we'll ever deal with anything of the like. We'll definitely study it, and you'll have to be very prepared, just in case."

"What about the witches? Aren't they really bad?"

I had to think about that. "To be honest, Ellie, usually the witches were the least of my problems. Water witches are far worse than the Pendle girls. My master had already dealt with the most dangerous witches already and we captured Bony Lizzie in my first year. On top of everything, I ended up in an alliance with the most feared witch – the Malkins' assassin, Grimalkin."

"You knew Grimalkin?" She gasped. "I can't wait to hear more about that!"

"You certainly will, all in good time."

"I did have one other question. I... I was never very popular. I had a few good friends, only when I told them I was going to be a Spook, they stopped speaking to me. They've told me not to come round any more." Ellie's voice rose and she began to tear up again. "Is it always lonely? Will I ever have friends again? One of my sisters has the most lovely husband, and they had a baby last summer. I fell totally in love with it. I decided I really wanted my own family. I'd started getting to know this lad real well, but now he's ignoring me too, and..." She broke off, giving a small sob and wiping at her eyes.

I was feeling even worse for her. I realized I hadn't lost much by becoming a Spook. My family was still near and they still wanted me to come by. I'd had few friends, none who I was especially close to. I'd never known any girls, save my mam and Jack's wife. Ellie had lost all her future prospects.

"Most Spooks do work alone and that's because they wouldn't want to put their family in danger. Every Spook is different. Some have had women. I bet you can't guess why I'm telling you this," I added mysteriously.

Ellie shook her head.

"I happen to be married."

I laughed when her jaw dropped. "I knew that would surprise you! My master lived with a woman called Meg for a long time as well. We had to go out of the County to have it done, as no priest would be willing to perform the ceremony for a Spook. You're going to find that there's a lot about me that isn't traditional. That includes Alice. She's a witch. I know, I know, I can tell what you're thinking. That's going to be a story for another day, though.

"In any case, Ellie, I really feel that Spooks are only as alone as they choose to be. The average person may not look on you kindly, but friends can be found in the oddest ways – like Grimalkin and I. There's nothing stopping you from getting married if you find the right lad. I rather hope that by the end of your training, you'll come to see me as your friend. I'm sure that Alice will be, too."

Ellie dried her tears and smiled up at me. We had just come to the bell and walked on to the garden fence. I announced her to the boggart and we went in. I explained to her about the about garden as we walked through it. I gestured to where the witch pits were. I pointed out the post where she would be practicing casting her chain. On the other side of the house, the Western garden was where we would have lessons on a nice day.

"It's a beautiful house, Master Ward," she said. "It's like a manor house!"

I grinned. "It is, I suppose. It seems smaller on the inside, especially when we're stuck there because of the rain. Oh, Ellie, one more thing. You don't need to call me 'master'. Jenny never did and somehow I find it strange now. Just call me Tom. You don't want me to call you Apprentice Cyner, do you?"

"No," she giggled. "What's that smaller building there?"

"That belongs to Alice. It's called a greenhouse. It's for growing plants." I paused. "I should explain to you about Alice first. Alice is a witch, and technically she's malevolent. She had a very rough childhood and was raised by one of the worst witches in the County. I met her when I was your age and straight off I knew she was different. She really was trying to be a decent person, but Pendle isn't a nice area to grow up in in the first place. Alice does use a bit of dark magic, yet her heart is always in the right place. You see Ellie, the world isn't always black and white or light and dark. Alice has actually saved many innocent lives by using her magic. I can't say I always condone her methods, but its what we call a necessary evil. I feel that if the end justifies the means, we can be flexible. I always base my judgments on motive. Understand?"

"Sort of."

"In other words, we can't be biased. There are different types of witches, and being a witch doesn't automatically make a woman evil. Even if she uses dark magic, we must find out the entire story. We have to keep the dark away, but we also have to be fair."

"If the witches know that, won't they lie or try to trick us?"

"That's where your training will come in. Plus, your instinct. The very first thing I learned as an apprentice is hat your gut is rarely wrong. Always listen to what it tells you."

Ellie nodded. She gazed back at the greenhouse. "I've never seen anything like that before. Do you think Alice would let me see her plants? Mam and I loved gardening."

"I'm sure she will," I smiled. "I think that Alice wishes I took more interest in them. My mam had a garden as well. When I was a little boy, I fell into one of her rose bushes. I went right off plants after that."

Ellie giggled. I opened the back door for her and told her where she could find her room. Once she'd moved her things in, I gave her a tour of the house. We took a lot of time in the library. Ellie loved to read and she was eager to get her hands on the all the books.

We sat down to lunch just after noon. I warned her that I was a terrible cook. She said that she was still learning, but had mastered a few dishes. Lunch was usually very basic. Today, we were settling for slices of ham between bread. Alice came in just as we were sitting down. She washed her hands and sat next to me.

"Hello," Ellie greeted. "I'm Ellie Syner. You must be Alice."

"Why, what have you heard?" Alice asked suspiciously.

She was serious, but Ellie thought she was making a joke and snickered. Alice glared at her.

"How long have you two been together?"

"Since we were your age."

There was a strong hint in that, that in Alice's eyes, Ellie was very much a child. Ellie didn't notice.

"Really? That's so nice! I was kind of hoping I'd marry my friend, but now I'm a Spook, that's not likely."

"Ran away frightened, did he?" Alice ribbed.

I smacked Alice's leg under the table and she gave me a cheeky grin. Ellie didn't seem to mind at all.

"Something like that. Tom says you really enjoy gardening. I've never seen anything like that greenhouse before! Can I have a look in some time?"

Alice blinked, her face blank. It looked as though she was trying to figure out the motive behind Ellie's friendliness. "I suppose. It'll have to be a time when you ain't busy with lessons though."

She gave me a look that clearly meant I had been keep Ellie busy. I sighed. Ellie hadn't even been here five minutes and it was already shaping up to be another situation very much like the rivalry between Alice and Jenny. I hoped against hope that that wouldn't be the case.