The gently rolling hills dream under the wisps of mist and the early morning light adds a pearly quality to the landscape. The crisp air smells of earth and leaves, invigorating the woman walking along the path that follows the ridge. Her wrap is the color of ripe blackberries, making her a part of the autumn scenery.

Where the path dips down into the valley someone had fashioned a seat from a fallen log. Coming upon it, the woman sits, welcoming the opportunity to rest for a while. She smiles a bit wistfully as she looks out over the countryside. It looks so peaceful now, so innocent.

As the sun climbs in the sky, the mist clears away and it actually begins to get warm, just as it did on that day. For a minute she feels as if everything is like it was ten years ago. She had not planned it this way, but as memories catch up to her, she stays seated on the crest of the hill, the deep purple wrap pooled around her on the wood of the log. Maybe it's better to relive the past now, before going on.



At the foot of the hill is the light depression, the hollow bowl rimmed with thorn bushes and hazel trees. It is late afternoon and she feels excited, a bit scared too. They will celebrate Samhain tonight. For the first time they will come together as a true coven, establishing their own rituals. They have decided that they will start their life as members of the same assembly by honoring their ancestors.

As Una starts down the hill she recounts to herself how it all started. They were just a bunch of students, interested in preserving nature. In the months before they have been talking endlessly. At first a bit embarrassed, but gradually more and more serious about committing themselves to a life of serving the earth. From there it was only another step to serving the Goddess. They decided to create a coven, transforming themselves into witches to dedicate their life to serving Gaia, mother Earth.

And tonight, tonight they will embark on their new life. Tonight is Samhain, the eve of November, the start of winter when the veil between the worlds is so thin that it is possible to contact the dead. It was Coyle's idea, to start their life as a coven by asking their ancestors for their blessing, but they all agreed it was a brilliant plan.

The past weeks they spent a lot of time in developing some kind of ritual, but none of them really knew a lot about being a witch or witchcraft. In fact Coyle seemed to know the most. Coyle and Tara. But then, Tara was very good at researching and she had done a lot of digging in the library.

Una circles the natural depression, checking for unwanted trash but nothing seems to mar the place they have chosen. On impulse she has gathered stones on her way over and she wonders where the idea has come from. For now she has the perfect use for them, laying the smooth stones in a circular pattern, almost like sealing off a space.

She knows it's her way of making sure she is useful. The way Tara has been making herself indispensable is definitely irritating. Una smiles as she prepares the spot for their very first ceremony. Coyle will be pleased with her efforts, she's sure of it. Even if the first goal of this assembly were a very noble one, she would be a fool to let an opportunity like this go by unused. In love and war anything goes, and she's convinced Tara will do all she can to snare Coyle.

Next she lays out a small pentagram in the middle, using more rocks. They have no real knowledge of what they are doing, so she uses the five points of the pentacle to place symbols of the five elements. What do they know? When she is done, she steps back to admire her handiwork, very pleased with her cleverness and properly impressed with the way the place looks. Hopefully Coyle will be equally impressed.

She doesn't have to wait too long before the others show up. Most of them arrive in pairs, as they are already couples in everyday life. Aidan and Doreen are the first. Followed by Darren and Kyna, arguing as usual. They always do and Una suspects they like making up so much, they constantly look for an excuse to fight.

Fergus and Bebhinn are almost the opposite. Fergus hardly ever says anything and Bebhinn merely adores him, no matter what. Una likes Bebhinn, but she sometimes wishes she would have a bit more personality. She is so sweet; it is a bit nauseous at times.

Eamon and Seorus come together, with Leitis and Edana following close behind them. The last to arrive are Coyle and Tara. And for a moment Una wonders if it is coincidence. She knows Tara has a crush on Coyle. Well, so does she if she is honest. But up till a few days ago, Coyle seemed reluctant to chose between them. Una thought he was starting to show an interest in her, but it could just as well be a case of wishful thinking.

Finally they are all there and almost automatically Coyle takes command of their little group. It's nearly sundown and he wants them all to change into their robes. They all agreed it would be proper to dress in something untainted by chemicals. So Bebhinn and Doreen made them all a robe from thin unbleached chambray.

Edana and Leitis giggle a bit as the girls withdraw behind the bushes. They decided to forego all modern amenities for the ritual, which means no underwear. The men are changing on the other side of the hollow and Una can't help wondering if the others are just as excited as she is; not only from the stimulating plans they have, but just as much or maybe even more so from the fact that she is naked beneath the thin robe.

There have been jokes about witches who celebrated their sabbath in the nude, with a lot of sexual activities, but that was only in jest. Wasn't it? Deep down Una has to admit the thought of having sex with Coyle is very rousing. And she remembers vaguely that there were references to heightening the level of energy by sexual activities.

Once all of them are garbed in the simple robes they find themselves a bit uncertain. They suddenly look unfamiliar and the atmosphere turns solemn. Coyle however, has a satisfied look on his face as he motions them to form a circle. He opens his mouth to start the actual ritual, when Tara interrupts.

"Please remember to stay inside the circle. It was very good of you to build one, Una. It will protect us from harmful spirits."

"Harmful spirits?" Doreen sounds a bit scornful. "I thought there was no such thing as good or evil beings in this witchcraft business. Only intent on keeping the balance."

Kyna jumps in as usual. "True, Doreen, but the intent can be evil. Not everybody will be striving for maintaining the balance. But we won't have to face that tonight, will we?" She laughs and turns to Darren, as if daring him to disagree.

Leitis giggles and snuggles up to Eamon. Una sees her nipples clearly defined beneath the thin fabric of her robe, telling her she is not the only one who finds it exciting to be naked save for the robe.

The others snicker a bit. They all know Kyna is referring to a different kind of balancing and when Darren smacks her butt they all cheer. Edana even adjusts Seorus' robe, taking the opportunity to smooth the fabric over his thighs, accidentally touching the small tenting that's beginning to show.

Coyle shakes his head. "Really, you're just a bunch of horny devils." He chuckles. "Maybe you want to turn this into a medieval orgy after all?"

"Wait!" Tara's voice cuts through the laughter. "We said we were serious about this." She softens her voice a bit. "I don't want to let my research go to waste. Please, I really want to do this in a proper way."

Everybody sobers up a bit and most of the guys shrug their shoulders. Una frowns a bit. Something in Tara's voice sounded oddly angry for a moment. But there is no time to think on it. Coyle takes her hand in his, grabbing Tara with his other hand to start the circle.

For a few seconds Una is feeling uncomfortable with the fact they are with thirteen. Tara told them it was just a stupid old superstition, a coven could have any number of witches up to thirteen, but something about it is still bothering her. Then Coyle's voice takes all of her attention.

"We are gathered here to dedicate ourselves to a life of serving the Goddess, trying to live by her rules, striving to maintain and if possible restore the balance of all life. We pledge ourselves by the five elements presented to us as part of the pentacle in our midst."

Una feels proud that she thought to include the symbols for all the elements.

Coyle's voice continues. "The salt for the earth to ensure our stability as a coven and to keep us practical. The bell symbolizes air, which we need to communicate and which gives us intellect and understanding. Next is the chalice with water to make sure we are in touch with our emotions and to give us the power of regeneration. The element of spirit is represented by the quartz to give us balance and illumination for eternity. And last, the element of fire."

Tara breaks the circle and steps forward to light the small candle as Coyle finishes.

"The element of fire, needed to give us the will, the power and the life-force. And maybe, one day we will be worthy of a true transmutation."

Instead of stepping back into the circle, Tara stays in the middle and pulls forth a ritual knife, an athame. It's only an old-fashioned bread knife with a bone handle, but in the shadows and the hushed atmosphere it takes on a different aura.

Probably without conscious thought Aidan closes the gap in the circle. Sealing Tara inside. Una tries to remember if they really wrote this part of the ritual. She can't remember. Surely she would have objected? After all, Tara broke the circle before they were done. It doesn't feel right. Still frowning Una feels it should have been Coyle standing in the middle of the circle during the whole ritual. Coyle lighting the candle. She opens her mouth to say something but Tara is faster.

"I know we did not rehearse this. But I found out something I think is important to us." She smiles at Coyle, ignoring the rest of them. "Gathering together at Samhain, we really can call forth the power of our ancestors to aid us in this world. I mean literally, not in some metaphorical way."

Without waiting for a reaction from any of them, Tara raises her arms, the athame pointing upwards. Her dark hair reaches below her shoulders, making her look like an ancient witch for a moment, instead of a nicely curved if bitchy psychology student.

"Spirits in this world and the next, please hear our pledge. To serve and uphold, we will do all in our power, but we need your blessing."

Una feels Coyle's hand tightening. A swift look to his face shows his eyes are glued to Tara, his expression a mixture of anger, doubt and confusion. Una knows he hates to be delegated to the sideline. Tara has made a major mistake here. Una can't help but feel a bit triumphant as she realizes it.

In the next second Una feels her mouth drop open. With a swift movement of the knife, Tara has cut her robe in half. A wriggle of her shoulders is enough to let the cloth slither down her body, pooling around her feet. Tara looks beautiful in the flickering light of the lone candle. The shadows dancing over her shapely legs and round hips, her breasts almost hidden in darkness, only the undersides clearly visible.

"Go on, all of you. Don't pretend you don't want to. You were all more than willing just a minute ago. Besides, we do need the sexual energy to accomplish something. Coyle, why don't you set an example? I would really love to see your body." Tara's voice ends in a throaty laugh.

Una feels her lips tighten in anger. There is no doubt in her mind Tara is doing it on purpose, not to further their cause but to get Coyle. She has merely upped her bet. Una feels like Tara is really challenging her. Two bitches fighting over the leader of the pack. She tries to scorn herself for reacting so primordial, but the feelings are strong, stronger than she would have guessed. And with a growl she rips off her own robe, fully aware that she is competing with Tara's body.

She sees Coyle raise his eyebrows as he looks from one to the other. For a moment she wonders if he is actually comparing them; Tara's dark haired, softly rounded form to her blond and long legged slimness. As he winks at her, she feels herself relaxing, breathing out with a sigh. She never even realized she was holding her breath.

Coyle yanks his robe over his head, tossing the fabric behind him, outside the circle. It only takes a few moments before the rest of them follow suit. The air is filled with nervous giggles. They never gathered like this before. Sure, they have been to parties, seen each other make out, but that was different.

Tara wears a smug look on her face and she places her hands on her hips as she stands in the middle of the pentagram, pushing her breasts out. Una watches her and has to admit that Tara looks gorgeous, sexy and confident, somehow in control, although Una has no idea what she could be in control of.

She finds out soon enough. Tara starts to caress her own body, her hands following the curves of her ribcage, her hips and her backside as she slowly turns around in the middle of their circle. Edana and Aidan are the first to give in. Una clearly sees how aroused Aidan is, his cock is fully erect by the look of it and he grabs Doreen around her hips. Edana is moaning softly as she rubs her body against Seorus.

Kyna and Darren are watching each other with hungry looks and even Fergus and Bebhinn are starting to caress each other. Eamon has his arm around Leitis as he rubs over her hard nipples, making her giggle and sigh.

Swallowing Una turns her attention back to Coyle and Tara. Coyle will have to choose this time. She realizes nobody is really interested whether Tara is right or not. Coyle called them horny bastards, and with a small smile, Una admits he is right. They are, herself included. Right now, all she is interested in is exploring Coyle's body. His pale form looks beautiful in the dancing light from the candle and she can see he is aroused.

The sight of her friends, all nude, all intent on pleasuring each other, is turning her on as well. She knows her nipples are hardening and she can feel a tiny spark in her belly. When she sees Aidan reach for Doreen she can almost feel it between her own legs. And when Leitis throws her head back, giving Eamon full access to her throat and breasts, Una feels envious of the strong brown hands that are stroking Leitis' skin.

All around them the night air is filled with noises from people kissing, licking and sucking. The spicy fragrance of autumn is fast replaced with the scent of sex and soon the first couple is producing the slapping sounds of serious fucking. Una smiles. Aidan is pounding away at Doreen who is down on her hands and knees, head thrown back as she urges her lover on.

The tension between the threesome is building and Una sees Coyle take himself in hand. She frowns, is he waiting for one of them to seduce him? He steps to the middle of the circle and something snaps inside her. She'll be damned if she'll let Tara win this easily.

Coyle wears a satisfied smile as she steps in after him and she suddenly realizes he wants them both. Una hesitates for no more than a second. Confident she can outdo Tara, she's willing to share Coyle, for now. She smiles when Tara grabs his face between her hands to kiss him soundly on the mouth. Una simply steps next to him letting her hands glide down to his hips, sinks to her knees to stroke his buttocks and blows softly on his hardening cock.

Soon Coyle is stretched out in the middle of the pentagram and for just a moment Una wonders how it's possible that he landed exactly right, his arms, legs and head filling the points. But the building tension reclaims her attention. Tara stopped kissing Coyle at some point and is now feeding him her nipples. Una shakes her head. It is a very exciting sight and she wants to touch him too. One look at him and she is certain that she has the better part of this deal, then dives down between his legs.

Una inhales deeply, enjoying the smell of him before she touches the head of his cock with her tongue. She knows she's greedy, but she can't help herself and engulfs as much of him as she can take. Her mouth filled with his hard flesh, she licks and sucks, savoring the taste of him.

She can see Tara kneeling near Coyle's face, kissing him and urging him to fondle her breasts, but his eyes are straying towards the blond head bobbing between his legs. His hands may be kneading Tara's breasts but his eyes are locked with hers, Una's.

In a flash Una sees the entire hollow from above, looking down on it. Their sacred hollow has turned into the stage of a steamy orgy of couples fucking and loving every minute of it. Their sounds reveal how excited the others are. She can feel how turned on she is knowing that everybody can see what she's doing. She can see how she's kneeling between Coyle's legs as well, her legs tucked under her, back bent, looking like an adoring slave servicing her master.

The thought makes her wet and she moans around the meat filling her mouth. One of her hands slides over his hips, down his thigh to end between her own thighs. She can feel the heat and the moisture of her own arousal, but before she can touch herself more firmly her hand is taken away.

"Let me do that."

Coyle's voice holds a small laugh and Una looks up at him with her eyes wide. She takes in a furious Tara, obviously brushed aside, but Coyle demands all her attention. His fingers on her hips turn her around so he can taste her pussy, which is now dripping wet. The minute his tongue touches her, she feels her hips jerk and in reflex she sucks hard on his cock.

She thinks she hears Tara scream something, but she is too wrapped up in the sensations of her own body to take it in and she dismisses the other girl from her thoughts. It doesn't take Coyle long before he has her reduced to a moaning, quivering mass of lust, barely capable of keeping him in her mouth, afraid to bite him. His fingers reach inside her, filling her as he adds another. Coyle suddenly rams his fingers deep inside her and she arches her back, his cock slipping out of her mouth as she is focussed on her own climax. She knows she is practically howling, but she can't stop. The furious pumping is bringing her to the edge and when she feels his tongue on her clit, she comes with a wail, clenching around his fingers and bucking her hips against his hand.

Una slips down beside him, her head resting on his hip until she gets her breath back. As she lifts her head, intent on returning the favor, she gets knocked aside. Tara actually kicks her out of the way as she dives down. Equally intent on tasting Coyle, wanting to bring him off no doubt and maybe thinking she can win him over. Wincing a little from the kick Una crawls aside, confident Coyle can take care of himself.

To her surprise, she feels Coyle's arm curve around her waist for a moment, patting her in a reassuring way. Then he sits up, grabbing Tara by her arms to keep her from engulfing him.

"No Tara, stop it. I'm sorry, but I want Una. You know I don't want you, I told you before. You are a friend, bright, beautiful, but just a friend."

Suddenly the clearing is silent like the grave. Even the heavy breathing has stopped. Not so much as a stirring of leaves is heard. All is focussed on Tara. A Tara who is beside herself with fury. Her pretty face is twisted in anger and when she stands up her hands are balled into fists.

"Really? You have chosen, have you?" Tara's laugh is a horrible mocking sound. "Well, I have news for you. I am the only one with enough power to choose. Why do you think I wanted you all to fuck like rabbits? I told you, but you didn't believe me, did you? Well, we'll see if the sexual energy of all of you is enough."

Stretching her body to its full length, she lifts her arms above her head and starts a prayer none of them ever heard before.

Spirits of my ancestors hear my plea. Spirits of my ancestors set me free. Spirits of my ancestors grant me power, make this time my finest hour. I want this soul to love and keep, till the everlasting sleep.

For long minutes nothing moves, nothing happens. All twelve people have their eyes glued to Tara where she stands in the center of the hollow, her hands raised to the sky, her face upturned.

Una feels the stones she laid out earlier biting into her knees and she shifts a bit, wanting to lean into Coyle. He is moving away however, getting away from the center, out of the pentagram and he motions for Una to do the same. She follows him without hesitation, fearing Tara has done something irrevocable.

Nobody really understands what is happening, but all are aware Tara has crossed some line. Their faces show their turmoil; not all of them sure she can do any real harm, but none of them is willing to take a risk. Una feels Leitis crawling towards her, hugging her for comfort when they are all shocked by the cold blast of wind that suddenly rushes through the hollow.

Una brings both hands to her face, her eyes wide with horror. No doubt all her friends have the same look of disbelieve and fear on their faces. In the middle of the pentacle a dark cloud is forming, emanating a coldness that's numbing their bodies and their minds alike. The air carries a faint trace of brimstone and Tara steps back from the smell. Before she can leave the pentagram however, the cloud has formed into the figure of a man. He is towering over the girl and grabs her arms, pinning them behind her back.

"You want this soul to love and keep, huh?" His voice is a deep booming sound and his laugh shakes the ground. "You should have checked which souls were near when you spoke your wish, girl. You forgot perhaps you called to the spirits from this world and the next alike."

He holds her arms with one hand, the other going to the front of her body, fondling her breasts. It seems that he is not aware of the other people, or else he doesn't care. Whatever the case, he lets his big hand slip down to Tara's thighs, his laughter booming out again when she tries to keep him out.

"You asked for this soul to love and keep, girl. Till the everlasting sleep. Well, you got me, and I don't mind, not one bit. Your flesh is warm, alive and feels deliciously soft."

Tara's face turns to a mask of fear when she realizes she summoned this creature. She tries to jerk free, but her squirming is in vain. The creature seems delighted with her writhing and in a few moments it's obvious why. He was just biding his time. The minute Tara starts moving her legs, he puts one of his muscled thighs between hers, preventing her from locking him out again. He yanks her arms and bends her backwards, her body nearly forming a half circle, presenting her body to his free hand.

Una watches in fearful fascination as he moves his big, dark hand across Tara's pale body. Fondling her lush breasts and moving down. Before he reaches her pussy Tara starts moaning. But it is not from pleasure.

"Please, no. You're hurting me." Her voice is soft, but carries in the hushed night. "You're so cold, so cold, you're freezing me. Please, let me go."

His only reaction is a soft growl. "No, you called me. You shouldn't have bothered me. Now we are bound together."

In the faint light of the candle, which is half burned by now, Una can see how Tara's body is getting paler by the minute. Her nipples are standing straight up, but it looks as if her lips are turning blue and she can hear her teeth chattering from the cold.

"Coyle, he's freezing her. She'll die." Una whispers nearly sick with fear. "We have to do something."

Without realizing it Una is inching forward, intent on getting Tara away from whatever it is, she has summoned. Before she can enter the pentagram again, Coyle pushes her out of the way however. In one swift movement he snatches up the quartz and throws a pinch of salt at the apparition.

"Let her go. She is matter and you are not." Coyle's voice rings out in challenge and he keeps the quartz in front of him.

Aidan rises to his feet as well and grabs the chalice with water while Kyna dives towards the bell. Una hesitates and sees Fergus take hold of the candle. There seems to be some vague idea to chase the spirit away by using the elements of the pentagram. She has no idea if it makes any sense, but it's probably all they've got.

It takes only seconds and Coyle is the first to enter the pentacle again. Immediately the spirit directs his gaze to this new living being. Una has the fleeting impression the spirit can only sense beings inside the pentacle, but the thought is soon lost amidst the turmoil of events.

The spirit looks like a big, dark man, but his face is indistinct and where his eyes should be, Una sees twin flames of a cold blue fire. As the gaze passes her over she shivers from the cold that flows out. The thought of him touching her flesh has her nearly wailing in terror and she starts towards Tara again. No matter what, she can't turn her back on her, not now.

For the second time Coyle prevents her from entering the space in the center. This time by acting unexpectedly. He straightens to his full height but only reaches to the spirit's chin. His fist with the quartz in it reaches out. Maybe he thinks to use the power of balance or of summation. Una has no idea, but whatever Coyle has in mind it's not working.

The apparition laughs his booming sound again. "Are you challenging me? Me? Radu Abelescu?"

With a gesture of contempt he shoves Tara aside and turns all of his attention on Coyle. One hand brushes the salt from his shoulders and the other grasps Coyle's fist. Una watches in horror as she can hear the bones break and crush under the unnatural pressure. The spirit is crumpling Coyle's fist as if it's a piece of paper and Coyle's face is turning a sickly white as he cries out in agony. He is forced on his knees and Radu throws his head back to send a triumphant laugh to the skies.

Bebhinn has wrapped her arms around her knees and is rocking back and forth while moaning in terror. Leitis is close by her side with eyes wide in fear. Aidan and Fergus are hovering just outside the pentacle, hesitant to draw attention to themselves. Then Darren takes a lunge and pulls Tara out, just as Kyna uses the bell.

Somehow the sound of the little silver bell seems to break the tension. Radu whirls around but Kyna was smart enough to stay out of the pentacle and the spirit turns his gaze back to the only one he can detect, Coyle.

Kyna shakes the bell again; not sure why but at least it distracted the spirit the first time so maybe it will be enough for Coyle to get away. It's not happening however. The apparition seems to grow even bigger, but Una realizes he's merely taking a deep breath.

In a mighty sigh the spirit sends his glacial breath over Coyle as he wails his despair at being robbed off his female and Coyle's form slumps on the ground as the darkness dissolves in the air.



Shivering from the terror still buried inside these memories, the woman pulls her wrap over her shoulders and looks around to make sure she really is alone. She has never been back since that awful night. They sat there for hours, afraid to enter the pentagram, almost willing Coyle to stand up and come over. He never did. At daybreak they plucked up enough courage and found him frozen to death, his hand crushed to a pulp.

The local police were suspicious of foul play but there wasn't enough evidence to charge any of them with a crime. Una secretly thought they should have arrested Tara for manslaughter or something. After months of investigations producing nothing, they were all finally allowed to get on with their lives; what was left of them.

Una shakes her head and passes her hand across her eyes. She's not crying, but the memories are making her sad. She really loved Coyle and if it hadn't been for Tara - she sighs. They never could look each other in the eye again and all of them left the area within weeks after the police closed the case. As far as she knows they never contacted each other again.

Huddling in her purple wrap she goes over her reasoning once more. She has no clue if one of the others ever investigated further. Maybe she is the only one. She heaves a sigh. If so, it really is up to her to undo the harm they did in their ignorance.

Tara summoned this Radu and if she understands correctly, he will roam this world till Tara dies. Somehow Una doubts Tara will behave as if she is responsible. With a sigh she picks up the small backpack and swings it over her shoulder. It's not so heavy she has to strap it on properly and she gets up to descend into the hollow at the foot of the hill.

It's a beautiful October day, just like that other time. The air is crisp and spicy. It's early afternoon by now and she wants to be gone before sundown. She has no intention of reliving anything remotely resembling that awful night. All she really wants now is to test her little theory.

Quite by accident she found out Radu is a Romanian name and from there it was easy to find out Abelescu meant something to do with breath. She remembers how cold she felt when his blue gaze swept over her, even without really seeing her. And Tara's body had carried white spots of frostbite where the spirit had touched her. For a fleeting moment Una wonders if they turned into scars. She never saw Tara again.

She suspects Tara is still nearby though, as the bond between Tara and Radu was supposed to last till the everlasting sleep. Oh well, that is why she's here now, isn't she? Una steps into the hollow and stands for a moment, taking in the entire area.

The brambles and hazels are still there, bigger and more jumbled and the place is even more secluded now. But it still is a beautiful spot. Una leaves her backpack near one of the hazel trees and slowly walks around. At first she is merely absorbing the place, but after a while, she starts to notice how silent it is. No insects, no birds, no breeze to ruffle the colored leaves. And even more significant, it's cold.

It's been a warm autumn day, the sun has been shining down on the hollow for most of it and it should be nice. But the temperature in the middle of the depression is decidedly lower than Una expected. No, that is not true. She actually expected it to be cold. There were too many cases of people who died of exposure in these hills over the past ten years. She always suspected they died from cold, his cold. As all deaths occurred within walking distance of this hollow.

Since Radu was called inside the pentacle she laid out so many years ago, she thought he would be tied to the spot. And perhaps Tara had to stay close as well. Her stone figure had confined him and the circle around the whole as well, but they were no doubt broken long ago. One dislodged stone was all it took to break the protection. She can't even find one of the many stones. They have all disappeared beneath the grass and moss that covers the floor of the hollow.

Una is confident she can contact the spirit from this place however. With care she makes her preparations. She empties the contents of her backpack on a flat piece of rock and picks up the silver chain first. It makes a sparkling circle, securing the place for the ritual Una is about to perform. She knows there is a risk, but she feels too responsible for all those poor girls who died over the last ten years. Besides, she believes herself to be a proper witch now. She should be able to restore this particular bit of balance.

Inside the circle she rebuilds the pentacle, using new stones she picked up on her walk across the ridge. She doesn't need to lie out all the elements. That looks nice but is no more than a symbol and not necessary for what she is about to do. Cautious to leave everything in place Una steps out of the circle for a moment. Surveying her handiwork she takes a deep breath, nervous but determined and as she expels the breath she lets her wrap slip from her shoulders and steps back in.

She is still slim, her hair is a shade darker, but otherwise she looks almost the same. She's not wearing that ridiculous robe; plain jeans and a lavender sweater are just as serviceable. Her feet are firmly planted on the earth, encased in black ankle boots with hardly any heel, giving her a good grip.

As she closes her eyes and focuses her attention inside, her hand grips the tiny bell, dangling from the slim chain around her neck. She needs only a few moments to clear her mind of everyday clutter; practice does that for you. Her blue eyes are clear and have a faraway look in them when she opens them again, looks at the pentacle around her feet and pulls her athame from its sheath at the small of her back.

Deliberately pointing in five directions with the ceremonial knife Una dedicates the pentagram, naming all elements and their important properties, ensuring she is guided and balanced for what she is about to do. Next she points to the center and speaks softly.

Spirits of my ancestors hear my plea. Spirits of my ancestors set me free. Spirits of my ancestors hear my request to put a wandering soul to rest. Calling Abelescu was wrong and more, pull him back into the core.

Una stands perfectly still, waiting for a sign, something to tell her she did it right. She is hoping she sent the horrible apparition back. She knows Tara will probably never thank her, but she doesn't care, not really. All she wants is to erase that night as much as possible and restore the balance for as far as she can.

While she stands there, waiting for something, the face of Coyle suddenly swims in front of her eyes. Afraid to disturb some delicate balance all she dares to do is blink a few times. She is desperate to get rid of the image that's been haunting her for years now. She waits for a long time. Finally, when the shadows start to lengthen she knows it's time to leave.

Weary she brushes the back of her hand across her forehead, the athame still clutched between cold fingers, her shoulders slumping in defeat when she jerks upright. Suddenly a soft wind rustles among the dead leaves, breaking the silence of the dying day. As the air touches her, she shivers in the icy current.

Una keeps still, holding her ground inside the circle, her eyes straining to see something, anything happening. Outside the hollow the beautiful autumn day is slowly ending, but here the shadows are already driving the sunlight away. But it's not all natural shadows. Fear coils inside her when she realizes the spirit of Abelescu is gathering itself in front of her.

The darkness is almost formed like a man when she sees the twin blue flames where its eyes should be. This time she is inside its sphere so it can detect her. And it does. The icy stare rests squarely on her face but to her shock there is no extra cold. Not like she remembers it. The blue flames lick their way over her body, almost like tracing her pattern.

"You are not her." The booming voice sounds questioning.

"No. I'm not her. I'm sorry."

Una is not sure why she says that, but she feels truly sorry for the spirit. He never asked to be pulled back to this plane. Tara trapped him here for her own purpose.

"Yes, you are. I can sense it." The spirit coalesces further. "Why are you here? Sending me back?"

Una lifts her shoulders. "I don't want you to kill any more people. Responsibility maybe, guilt, who knows?"

The sudden laughter surprises her and the shaking of the ground that follows it is a bit frightening. But so far the spirit of Radu seems rather friendly. She keeps a hold of her bell however.

"Nonsense. You're not responsible. That other one should be here. But she's a scared chicken. No blood in her veins either. Pffft." The spirit makes a dismissive gesture. "But you have. Hmmm." He makes a noise as if he is sniffing the air, catching her scent.

"Have you ever seen her again? Tara I mean?" Una knows she should probably not be talking to the spirit, but she is too curious.

The apparition laughs softly. "Tara eh? I never knew her name. Thank you for telling me that. And no, she managed to avoid me. Stayed away from this place. I could sense her near sometimes, but never close enough. And the last time has been a long time ago now." It sounds almost as if he sighs.

"Will you leave now?" Una tries to divert the spirit from Tara's existence and she wants to know if her prayer will be enough to send him back.

"How bad do you want me to?" The deep voice sounds seductive. The darkness edging a little closer. "You are taking a big risk, you know that, don't you?"

Una nods and swallows. The air is chilly, but still nothing remotely like the glacial storm that froze Coyle to death. To her surprise the shadows stop deepening and it looks like there's a man standing behind a veil. A big man, broad shouldered, dressed in ancient clothes, the blue flames in his eyes no longer so terribly intense.

"Are you going? Please? It was a mistake to call you. Can't you just go? You're only making your slate grow longer by killing more people. You know that."

Again the low rumbling laughter shakes the ground. "You make it sound almost easy. I'll miss the warmth of living bodies though. What will you do to persuade me?"

The voice sends a shiver along her spine and Una feels her body come alive. She bites her lip and has to remind herself to keep her hand on the bell shaped pendant. She mustn't forget that. It's her only defense now. The spirit has been talking to her and she realizes she has been tricked into staying till after sundown.

Angry with herself she opens her mouth to end the conversation, but the spirit is quicker. As the last rays of the sun disappear behind the hill, the veil in front of him rips apart and for the first time Una sees his face clearly.

He is dark haired, dark eyed, dark skinned and he wears leather garments. And he is sexy as hell. Una feels weird for thinking something like that when face to face with a deathly spirit. But it's true. She can feel her blood throbbing through her veins.

"Yes, I know." He chuckles and reaches out to her. "I like you too."

"No." Una staggers back and raises her hand to ward him off. Too late she realizes the gesture made her let go of the pendant.

For a moment unsure she hesitates. She vaguely motions the athame but before she can grab the pendant again the use the bell, the spirit has closed the space between them. Big hands close around her arms and she opens her mouth to scream.

"I am pleased to meet you too." His lips seal her scream inside and he pulls her body against his.

In the back of her mind she wonders that his touch is not cold, she will certainly get no frostbite marks from his fingers. On the contrary. As his kiss deepens, she feels his hands travel across her back, stroking her buttocks, pulling her closer. And where his hands have touched her, she can feel her skin burning.

As if they have a will of their own, her arms wind themselves around his neck and she presses her breasts against his chest, wanting to feel his broad body. She doesn't understand this sudden need, but it's powerful and she gives in with a small moan. Her hands are soon roaming across his chest, undoing laces and straps when she encounters them.

When the kiss ends she bends back her head a little to look up to him. The movement brings her hips in closer contact and she can feel his arousal. A gasp escapes her lips and the sudden smile on his face sends hot sparks through her body.

"Ah, you have true warm blood in your veins. Lovely. You have no idea how cold it is on the other side of the veil." He bends his head and kisses her neck.

For a moment Una fears he will suddenly grow fangs but she brushes the silly thought aside. Vampires are only a figment of the imagination. The warm lips on her throat are exciting and she sighs her approval. Her fingers finally manage to get rid of his leather tunic and the feel of his smooth dark skin is firing her further.

Softly stroking his shoulders she bends her head to kiss his chest, smelling and tasting him. Hardly aware of his actions she looses herself in the sensations of his body. Only when the rapidly cooling night air touches her bare back is she conscious of the fact that he is undressing her as well. She doesn't mind. For a moment she steps back and allows him to pull her sweater over her head, he snaps her bra, pushes the straps down over her arms and tosses the thing over her shoulder.

The blue flames are back, like tiny sparks deep in his dark eyes as he admires her. His hands cup her small breasts, pushing them up and he sticks out his tongue, slowly nearing the tip, making her wait for that first contact between her breast and his tongue. When he finally touches her nipple she cries out softly, her back arching in an automatic response.

He smiles again and that sends another wave of heat through her body. She is long past caring, intent only on feeling more of his body, exploring his flesh, his muscles, his strength. If this is what it takes to send him back, she will gladly pay the price.

The spirit seems to know what she wants, gently lowering her to the ground, getting rid of her boots and her jeans in moments. Una is not even troubled by the fact that she is nearly naked in a very public place. Not that there will be many people passing by. Not at this time of the day. And for a moment she recalls it's Samhain again, after sundown, so nobody will come this way. This is a haunted hollow now.

Strong hands call her attention to her body however; the fire between her legs is burning more intense by the minute. The apparition murmurs softly in her ear, all the while stroking her skin. Rubbing her nipples, following the line of her hips, fondling the soft skin of her thighs.

"You're so beautiful. So warm and vibrant. Do you know what you do to me? Have you felt it?"

She lets him guide her hand, gliding over his pants to feel the length of his cock. The minute she touches it, she starts fumbling to get it out and her clumsy eagerness has him chuckling again.

"Shhh, wait. You're so impatient. I have all the time in the world. There's no hurry."

He raises himself and gets rid of his pants. Naked he stands in front of her, a proud man with an impressive body and Una finds herself opening her arms.

"Come, I want to touch you. Taste you."

She is not even aware how she got out of her panties and it never enters her head how odd it is to touch and taste a spirit. All she knows, is how good it feels. So good, that she opens her legs at his merest touch. Willingly opening up to his touch, his fingers trailing the inside of her thigh till they reach her wet lips. She sighs when she feels him stroking her, calling forth her juices and when he slips a finger inside for a minute she lifts her hips, silently begging him for more.

Her hands caress his buttocks but when she tries to touch his cock he gently pushes her away.

"No, not yet."

He bends his head and softly licks her pussy, his flat tongue swiping her slit from the bottom to the top, ending at the pearl that is peaking out. His lips nibble for a moment, but when her breathing starts to get a bit erratic, he pushes her legs farther apart.

"I want to enter you. Will you let me? I need your warmth." His voice whispers in her ear as his fingers drive her on, teasing her at the entrance, going in circles but never entering her. "What do you want? Tell me what you want."

Una is hot and wet, nearly aching with the need to feel him inside her. She can't remember ever having been so aroused and she can feel her hips moving of their own accord, trying to capture his fingers inside her.

"Yes, please, please Radu, enter me. Use me."

She lifts her hips and feels his cock at her entrance. Anticipating that wonderful feeling of a cock sliding inside, she looks up at his face, smiling with lust glazed eyes. His face makes her gasp but it is too late.

With the blue flames burning at full force, his lips twist into a triumphant grin as he rams his cock home in one movement.

"Thank you for inviting me, my dear. I will most certainly use you, and your warmth." His laugh rolls across the hollow.

Supporting himself on his elbows he bends his head to lick her nipples, bite the soft flesh of her neck and nibble at her ears. His cock stretches her to her limits and every aggressive movement of his hips brings her closer, her body is out of control, intent on receiving a climax and when he plunges his tongue deep into her mouth she hurtles over the edge.

Her scream is sucked into his mouth and her hips buck furiously against his, then her spine arches, she freezes for a moment and he can feel her muscles clenching around his cock. The ripples of her orgasm make him come too. He throws his head back and growls in triumph. With one last violent move he seems to impale her quivering body, making her come again.

When the ripples finally subside she closes her eyes with a sigh; her body limp but satiated. He slips his cock out and bends over her. Kissing her softly on the mouth he says goodbye.

"Thank you. That was the best farewell gift I ever had."

Grinning he looks down at her for the last time, taking in the long limbs and the peaceful look on her face. Then the shadows in the center start to gather again, he calls them to him and slips back through the veil, never looking back.



The fire in the hearth suddenly crackles and leaps as if someone used a pair of bellows on it. Tara looks up with a frown on her face. The unexpected cold has her rubbing her arms. The old frostbite marks are tingling and she looks around in sudden fright. Experience taught her the marks are only tingling when the spiritman is near and she has managed to stay away from him for the past five years. She found out he cannot go beyond walking distance of the hollow and this house is too far away. Isn't it?

The dark shadow that gathers in front of the fireplace makes her scream in terror, but the sound is cut off abruptly.

"Still chicken, aren't you? It's time my sweet." His deep voice sends shivers down her spine.

In panic Tara whirls around, trying to run to the door, flee the house, but the spirit is way too fast. He needs only moments to grab her. And just like so long ago, he forces her arms behind her back. Only this time all he does is whisper in her ear.

I want this soul to love and keep, till the everlasting sleep.

"You never said whose everlasting sleep you meant. See I've been kind of busy the last decade so it will be a while before I will be granted everlasting sleep. And I want you, Tara, to keep me company."

His laughter has a triumphant sound as he jerks her into his embrace. The flames in the hearth do another erratic dance as the thickening shadows swirl for a minute before disappearing, leaving nothing behind but a faint trace of brimstone lingering in the air and a woman's wail that slowly dies down.