from CHAPTER ONE

Back Again

The one-eyed giant skipped merrily along the side of the road, its teeth as large as playing cards. A wispy white ghost followed closely behind, its footsteps echoing clump clump clump in the frosty night air. The headless horseman scurried to catch up as a string of volcanic sneezes erupted underneath his flowing black cape. The monstrous trio zeroed in on a nearby house standing alone under a cover of stars. Warm yellow light streamed out of its windows, gently washing over the driveway and front lawn.

One man watched this unfolding scene in secret, safely hidden behind some nearby shrubs. His curious gaze shifted from one strange creature to the next as they approached the front door. He wrapped his cloak tightly about him to ward off a chill, unable to imagine what the three individuals would do once they reached the house. Should he charge ahead and stop them, or perhaps resort to more drastic measures? What strange goings-on, he thought with a shake of his head. What had happened to this place over the last four years?

He stood and peeked over the top of the shrubbery, then raised a hand and began whispering a few words. When the one-eyed giant rang a doorbell, however, and a lady opened the front door and didnt scream in fright, the man quickly lowered his hand and stopped speaking.

Trick-or-treat! the trio cried in unison, each holding out a cloth bag.

The man behind the shrubs watched as the lady tossed small objects into the bags while uttering delightful comments to her visitors. He scratched his head and rolled his eyes, unable to comprehend what was happening. And as for that chant of trick-or-treat, well, he couldnt begin to imagine what that meant.

Then they left, walking along the road toward the next house over half a football field away. The lady retreated back inside her home. All was quiet save for the steady chirping of crickets and the crackling candle flames inside a dozen jack-o-lanterns sitting on the porch steps and floor.

The man looked quickly about. No one else was aroundhuman or otherwiseso he stepped out from behind the shrubs and made a mad scramble to the front porch and rang the bell. The door opened suddenly and the lady reappeared lugging a large orange plastic bowl of candy bars. She looked at the stranger with a mix of intrigue and wonder. He stood taller than she, wrapped in a brown cloak with a hood draped over his head of thick gray hair framing a pair of ocean-blue eyes. A beard trailed down to his waist.

My, what a terrific costume. But arent you a little too old to be trick-or-treating? she said with a smirk, handing him a candy bar before hurriedly disappearing inside.

The man stood dumbfounded, facing the closed door. But I dont want one of thesethesewhatever it is! he muttered to the glowing jack-o-lanterns. He rang the bell again and the lady reappeared.

Im sorry, sir, but only one treat per night. You should know the rules, especially at your age.

Rules? What rules are you talking about? Artemas said, throwing back his hood. I just want to speak with the Jordan family. He handed the candy bar back to the lady. Forgive me if this sounds like a ridiculous question, but why are you in their house?

Her eyes widened like an owls. This is my house and has been for nearly three years, she said coolly. Now who may I ask are you?

My name is Artemas, and I apologize for dropping by unannounced, but Im seeking the Jordan family who lived here four years ago. Do you know where they are?

Look, Rip Van Winkle, I dont even know who they are. I bought this house about three years ago from a Mr. Abernathy, she explained, resting the bowl of candy on her hip. Apparently you have the wrong address.

Oh, no, no, no! Im quite certain this is the correct establishment, Artemas said. I distinctly remember that barn over there. He pointed to a worn out building standing in the field across the road, nestled among pine trees and shadows.

You do, hmm? Well its a shame that Mrs. Halloway isnt home now. Perhaps she would know where the Jordans went.

Perhaps Artemas said softly, tugging nervously on his beard as he stared at the floor. This is indeed a mystery.

The woman noticed how distressed Artemas appeared and apologized for being brusque. Maybe if you go to the library you might be able to locate the Jordans on-line.

On what line?

On the computer, she said, sighing through her teeth. The Internet?

Oh yes! I remember what one of those looks like. Sam Jordan used a computer in the planetarium to help me determine when Artemas caught himself and offered the lady a crooked grin. Well no need to go there.

She shrugged. Whatever

Anyway, visiting the library is an excellent suggestion, and I already know where it is, Artemas said.

Im so happy for you. The woman stepped back into the house. Now I do have to go inside, sir. Its quite chilly out here.

My apologies again, maam, for troubling you so, especially tonight when Artemas looked at her with questioning eyes. Could you tell me what exactly is going on tonight? Why are strange creatures roaming about?

Its Halloween, mister. You do know what that is, dont you?

I would like to say that I do, but

Well perhaps you can look up that information in the library too, she replied with a wave of her fingers, then started to close the door. Now goodnight and watch out for goblins.

Goblins! Here? What about trolls?

But the door slammed shut and Artemas was left alone on the porch with a bevy of glowing pumpkins, knowing he wouldnt get an answer to his final question. So he draped his hood over his head and walked along the country road. It was less than a mile into town, Artemas recalled, so it wouldnt take him long to get to the library located two blocks from the museum. The magicians thoughts were in a flutter and he hoped the fresh air would clear his mind. After all, this was the last place he had ever expected to be again in his lifetime.