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Flora felt cold water on her face and tried to ignore it.

µFlora¶, a woman¶s voice said above her and then giggled softly. µCome on sleepy, I know

you are awake.¶

µMum?¶ She nestled herself into the soft lap she felt beneath her head.

µSorry child, I am not your mother, but I am a friend.¶ the voice said and a hand stroked

across her forehead.

Slowly Flora opened her eyes. A beautiful woman¶s face looked down at her with care.

Instantly Flora sat up.

µWhat happened?¶ she asked the woman.

µI honestly don¶t know child. I found you behind a headstone and when I called your name

you fainted. You looked so frightened, it must have been as much as you could take, being

out there all by yourself like that.¶ The woman had the softest kindest voice Flora had ever

heard.

µI was not by myself,¶ Flora said quickly, µwhat was that ÷
?¶ She didn¶t want to think

about it, but the thing was going to haunt her for a long time. All black, moving like a ghost

and then doing what ever it was that it did to that poor wolf. It was awful.
The woman looked confused. µWhat thing?¶

µThat black thing, the thing that killed the wolf. Did you not see it?¶ Flora looked at the

woman disbelieving. µI was hiding from it behind the tombstone.¶

µNo, I think I¶d remember if I had seen it.¶ The woman said and smiled a beautiful smile.

Flora believed her instantly. µMaybe if you told me what it looked like I¶d be able to tell you

what it was.¶

Flora described the creature and added what it had done to the wolf. µIt was the most awful

thing I had ever seen. It just ate it¶s soul, just like that.¶ She breathed in sharply through her

nose, explaining how the thing had killed the wolf.

µThat
scary,¶ the woman said. µIt sounds like you were really lucky to get away. How did

you stop it from coming after you?¶ She was intrigued.

µI don¶t know. It must have thought I was dead.¶ Flora suddenly thought and decided that was

what had happened.

µMust be,¶ the woman agreed, µbecause what you saw was a very, very dangerous and wicked

creature called a 


.¶

µA black goblin,¶ Flora repeated, mulling over the words. µThat sounds really nasty.¶ She was

glad to have a name for it, made it seem slightly less scary somehow.
µIt is really nasty,¶ the woman said, µeven nastier than it sounds.¶ Her eyes were wide as she

spoke. µBlack goblins feed on the souls of creatures, as you saw for yourself. They live deep

in the forest and only come out at night when they can dress themselves in absolute blackness

and sneak from tree to tree, looking for prey. I don¶t think there are any animals or creatures

in the whole world more evil and nasty than a black goblin.¶ She knew she was laying it on a

bit thick, but the woman decided that Flora was scared enough as it was and a few white lies

would not do her any harm, just for in case they came across any more that night.

Flora shivered. µDo you think they are still around?¶ she stepped closer to the woman and

looked over her shoulder. Suddenly the graveyard seemed for too big and dark.

µI don¶t think so, no.¶ The woman smiled. µThey usually leave quickly after they have fed.¶

Flora sighed. It had not occurred to her that she did not know the woman, had never seen her

before in her life. It was just so good to have someone else there with her. It had been the

worst ordeal of her life and she felt utterly exhausted.

µI am so glad I came when I did though,¶ the woman continued. She lowered her head a

second and then took Flora¶s hands in her own. µYou were the second person the wolfs saw

tonight, Flora. I really know if there is an easy way to say this, but on their way to the house

they met your father.¶ Flora froze and braced herself for what the woman said next. µHe

fought bravely child. Did everything he could to stop them from getting to the house before

you did, but they were too strong for himǦ

She did not have to finish saying it. Flora sobbed quietly.

µI¶m sorry, child¶, she said and put her arms around the girl, patting her softly on the back.

After a while Flora stopped crying and pulled herself away from the woman. She was sad and

she was frightened, but more than anything she just wanted to go to bed, her bed.

µMy name is Farwolian, Flora. I am a traveller.¶ She waited for Flora to calm down a bit more

before she carried on. The girl looked so frail. µI was passing through the other side of the

forest this morning when I stopped for a cup of tea and, just out of interest, had a look at my

tealeaves«¶ She paused while Flora wiped her face. µThe leaves showed me what was going

to happen to you and where you were, so I hurried over here as quickly as I could. I didn¶t

know what I could do to help, but now I am really glad I chose to come.¶ She rubbed Flora¶s

back gently.

µThank you,¶ Flora said quietly, looking up at the woman with big tearful eyes. She was

really grateful to have Farwolian there with her. It would have been unbearable to have been

here all alone after everything that had happened, especially now she knew her father was

dead.

µNo need to thank me child,¶ Farwolian said, rubbing Flora¶s back harder. µI would not have

been able to live with myself had I left you out here all by yourself.¶ For a moment they were

both quiet, Farwolian rubbing Flora¶s back and Flora collecting her thoughts, trying to come

to terms with things.

µFlora dear,¶ Farwolian said at length, µtell me, do you have any relatives around these parts,

where I can take you?¶

Flora¶s head dropped to her chest. As far as she knew she did not have any relatives at all,

never mind just around these parts.

µNo,¶ she said, sadly.

µOh dear,¶ Farwolian said, µthat¶s not good.¶ She was quiet for a while and then said more

cheerfully, µI tell you what. You can come and live with me!¶

Flora was so relieved. From the minute she met Farwolian the woman had been very nice to

here and the prospect of going to live with her, even though she was a complete stranger,

seemed very welcome indeed. It was also the case that Flora did not have many alternatives

and she knew she¶d be stranded without Farwolian.

µDo you mean it?!¶ Flora could not believe her luck.

µSure,¶ Farwolian answered and Flora thought to herself that Farwolian was the most

beautiful, loveliest woman she had ever set eyes on. µI think some things happen for a reason,

like you being in my teacup this morning.¶ Farwolian said. µThere is just one thing, I¶m

afraid. I need to ask permission from my people to bring you with me and I need to go to

them alone when I ask them. Do you understand?¶ Farwolian sounded really apologetic.

Flora nodded. µYes, of course.¶

µI¶m sure they won¶t have a problem with it.¶ Farwolian quickly added, µI¶ll tell them what a

wonderful girl you are and how you had been so brave. They have a lot of respect for bravery

like that and as soon as they know that about you they¶ll definitely say µyes¶, don¶t you worry

about a thing.¶

Flora instantly liked these brave people where Farwolian lived. She could see herself and

Farwolian living amongst them and it was exciting. µWhere would I stay though, while you

are away?¶ Flora asked desperately.

Farwolian seemed reluctant to answer. µI am afraid I know of only one place near here.

Luckily I know the people who run it very well and they¶ll look after you, I promise.¶

µWhere?¶

µLasiandra House.¶ Farwolian said as if she hadn¶t wanted to say it, µIt is not too far from

here, just a few hoursǦ

µI know where it is.¶ Flora interrupted, disappointed. She had heard horrible things about the

orphanage and was not looking forward to it.

µYou ungrateful little cow.¶ A voice in Flora¶s head growled and she quickly looked up at

Farwolian, but the woman was smiling at her and Flora instantly felt bad for thinking the

beautiful woman had said something so mean. Instead she shook her head quickly and

wondered what had caused her to think those words. Suddenly it occurred to her that the
words were right and that she had to be a little bit more appreciative of what Farwolian was

trying to do for her. Lasiandra House might a horrible place, but it was better than being left

out in the forest all by herself. Great wolves, black goblins« who knew what would have

happened to her if the beautiful woman with the bright red hair had not turned up when she

did.

µI¶m sorry,¶ Flora said to Farwolian, µI don¶t mind waiting for you at Lasiandra House. I

mean, I really appreciate what you are doing for me and I promise I¶ll be good and won¶t

disappoint you.¶

µDear child, it is my pleasure, honestly.¶ Farwolian said and squeezed her shoulder gently.

µCome, let¶s be on our way. The sooner we get to Lasiandra House, the sooner you can come

and live with me.¶ She took Flora¶s hand and led her to the graveyard gate where the biggest

shire horse Flora had ever seen was tied to a post. It had a red saddle on its back that matched

Farwolian¶s red hair and her red dress. It also had red patches on its white coat. She could

imagine that Farwolian had chosen the horse very specifically. They looked great together.

When Farwolian had mounted the horse she lent down and offered her hand to Flora. Easily

she pulled the child up to sit behind her and together they rode away from the graveyard

heading for Lasiandra House.

µYou must feel dreadful,¶ Farwolian said after a long while, noticing the tension in the child

behind her, µdon¶t worry, we¶ll be at the orphanage by the morning and then everything is

going to be just fine. You just try and rest your little head.¶

Flora instantly felt herself relax and she lent forward into the woman¶s back, snuggling up to
her warmth.

The trees with their crooked claw-like branches towered above their heads. Below

them the horse trod carefully on twisted roots. Every now and then an owl would hoot in the

distance or the noiseless flapping of wings would sound a bat passing, but there were no more

wolves that night as much as Flora wished for them. She wished that the horse¶s footfalls

would be louder so wolves would be attracted from far and wide, giving her the chance to

have her vengeance. She did not know how she would hurt them, but she knew that she

would fight them with her teeth and nails, if she had to, until she had killed them all or was

left bloodless on the forest floor. Quietly, with her thoughts on these things, she rode behind

Farwolian for hours until it was so dark that she did not know if her eyes were open or shut.

At length Farwolian stopped and dismounted into the pitch blackness.

µWe have to make our camp for the night, my horse needs a rest.¶ she sounded tired.

Flora dismounted carefully, her step unsteady in the pitch black. She felt her way

forward, trying to reach where she had heard the woman¶s voice when a fire leapt up to her

left and made her jump.

µHa, ha.¶ Farwolian laughed a sweet laugh of enjoyment and brushed her hands

together. µDon¶t fear the flames, child. I just thought you might like some heat and a fire to sit

by.¶

µHow did you«¶ she looked around at the camp that was there, where before there

was only blackness. A wide circle had been swept clear around the flame, where a cooking
pot stood on some rocks. The smell of stew suddenly filled the air. Two thick, richly

embroidered, blankets lay either side of the fire and Farwolian walked over to take a seat

opposite where Flora was stood with wonder in her eyes.

µOh, it was nothing, a simple trick really.¶ Farwolian now held a long stick with

which she stoked the fire underneath the pot. µMmm, doesn¶t that just smell divine?¶ she

smiled at Flora as she breathed in deeply through her nose.

µIt smells great, yeah¶, Flora answered and she was suddenly hungry, starving hungry,

but she still wanted to know where it all came from.

µWait until you taste it!¶ Farwolian laughed another one of her sweet laughs and

stoked away at the fire. µShouldn¶t be long now.¶

µBut it has only been on for a minute«¶ Flora said, bewildered.

µWhat can I say? It is a very, very quick recipe.¶ Farwolian produced two plates from

thin air. µPerhaps I¶ll show you one day. For now, could you be a darling and hold your plate

while I serve up supper?¶

Flora walked over to her side and took the plate Farwolian held out to her. She sat

down on the blanket opposite and waited while the woman hooked the lid off the pot. The

smell was truly amazing, deep meat and onion odours, rich with herbs and a faint scent of

pepper. A meal fit for a king, a very lucky king.

 µCome on dear, I can¶t reach your plate from over here. Hold it a little closer.¶ Flora

leant over a little and watched as the beautiful tall woman scooped big chunks of meat and

potato onto her plate. It look delicious. She was about to ask for a spoon to eat with when she

looked up to see Farwolian holding one out to her. This woman was the most amazing person

Flora had ever met and she decided that she wanted to be like her when she grew up. She

wanted to walk like her, talk like her, laugh like her, dress like her, cook like her, she wanted

to be exactly like Farwolian. Flora sat thinking this as she stared at the woman. Suddenly she

noticed the woman¶s face was sad.

µAre you not enjoying the food, Flora?¶ she asked.

µOh, no, no. The food is great, it is terrific. I was just looking at you«¶ she dropped

her eyes to her plate, µI¶m sorry, it was rude of me. It¶s just«, just that you are so beautiful

and you do such amazing things.¶

µOh child.¶ Farwolian put her own plate down next to her and looked up at Flora, her

food untouched. µYou are sweet, thank you.¶ She blushed beautifully and Flora again thought

how much she would like to be like Farwolian when she grows up.

When their plates were empty the woman stood up, without a word, and walked off

into the woods, leaving Flora with her thoughts and the soft crackle of the camp fire. As

much as she did not like being left alone besides the fire like that, Flora was glad for the

quiet, because it felt as if her head was going to burst with all her thoughts and feelings. In

her mind she could see the face of her mother and father, then the big grey head of the wolf

which nearly ate her came howling past followed by the mysterious black figure she thought
she saw standing in the kitchen. In her mind he was about to lift his hat, as if to say ¶hello¶,

but before his hand to reach the brim of his hat a shadowy figure started etching its way into

her nightmare. A figure so evil that it froze its enemies with fear. Flora moaned in her sleep.

Just beyond the light of the fire, hidden amongst the trees, the woman in the red dress

sat. She was watching Flora and writing on a black leather parchment with a quill-pen. The

pen had a bright gold feather as its quill and a finger piece which was inlaid with purple and

black gems. Her slender fingers held the quill carefully and she moved her lips as she wrote,

whispering every word over and over again.

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As soon as she signed her name the letters started vibrating on the page. A sound, like

a swarm of bees rose from the page and grew louder and louder as the letters sprouted wings.

Starting with the first letter, they took off, one at a time and hovered over Patricia Swithering

where she was chanting softly to them. Over and over again she said:

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They circled around her head until the last letter she had written left the page and

together they swooped away to the City of Wambrigde where the C.D.C. had a big office

with lots of windows for all these letters to fly through and place themselves gently on

another piece of black parchment with a heading that read, µTo Whom It May Concern¶.

After she watched her words fly off she sat watching Flora for a long time. The girl

was a mystery to her. So fragile, but yet so resilient. It was clear that Flora did not know her

powers, but what would happen when the Council come to extract her from the orphanage?

Would the Council react to her message before Flora learned any more of her true self?

Patricia pondered on these questions all night and then had an idea. She pulled a piece of

plain paper and a normal pot of ink from her saddle bag and made some quick notes before

waking Flora up.

µCome child, it is time.¶ she said with a sweet smile after removing all traces of the

camp with a swipe of her hand. They mounted her horse and went off to Lasiandra¶s House.