Read Aegis: Catalyst Grove for Free Online

the bills.   The Manor was built shortly after Greenwood and has remained in the Alexander family since its completion.   It has not served a purpose for the community since the early 1900’s, but I guess it holds a certain sentimental value, so the family wants it kept up.”
    “Chase, you are no longer living here.   Please, call me Olivia.”
    “Yes Ms….um, Olivia,” she said with a smile.
    “Some say that the place is haunted, you know,” said Ms. Winstone.   She leaned in toward Chase like a storyteller at a campfire.   “The children here tell tales of that place almost every night.   They say it is villainous.   Of course, I do not believe in such nonsense…” she trailed off, waiting for a reaction.   After a moment of silence, she signed.   “But there is no denying the reputation that place has.”
    Damien looked at Graham.   “Ms. Winstone actually smiled. She never smiles.   I wonder if it hurt using those new muscles.”  
    Graham chuckled.   Like a unicorn.  
    They both snickered as they turned their attention back to the conversation at hand.
    Chase was amused and intrigued by the stories, though of course he already knew about them.   They were the same ones he and his friends told while he was a resident here.   Enjoying the nostalgia, he decided to just keep quiet and let her continue.  
    “All sorts of emotions come with the changing of seasons, especially as the chill fills the autumn air.   The leaves fall from the trees and the moon shines bright, casting mischievous shadows.   It is a breeding ground for spooky stories and heightened imaginations.”   She leaned in conspiratorially.   “The children tell stories of unexplained light coming from the house, with shadowy figures moving throughout the abandoned building at the top of the hill.   Even I can admit that strange noises wake me up every so often and I find it a bit strange to see the trees bending and shaking all around that place as if something or someone is tromping through the forest.”
    “I assure you, Ms. Winsto….er, Olivia, that I would remember crossing paths with a ghost or goblin.”   Chase grinned.   “The only thing to fear there is the loneliness of a large, empty house.”
    “Well, that is reassuring, Chase.   It suits you to manage a home, you know.   You always did have such a keen eye for detail and a keen ability to handle situations.   Speaking of situations….have you had any more relapses with the nightmares?”
    Graham’s eyes widened in excitement.   He lunged forward, almost to the point of falling into the other room.   He had to be sure he did not miss a single word.   Damien looked over to see the expression on Graham’s face.  
    “You ok, amigo?   You look like you have seen a ghost.”
    “Shhhhhhh,” replied Graham.   He waved his hand dismissively at Damien, trying to focus on Chase’s reply.
    “I am doing just fine.   Cavaness has helped me immensely.   It was hard at first, but over time, I learned why I was having them in the first place.   Once I knew that, I was able to cope.   I haven’t had one in over five years now.”
    Olivia stood up and placed her hand on Chase’s shoulder.   “That is lovely, dear.   Just wonderful.   I am glad to hear it.   You gave us all quite a scare over the years with the screams and cold sweats.”   She walked past Chase, placing her cup of tea on the large marble countertop to the left of the fireplace.   Once placed, she made her way to the large portrait over the mantel.
    Chase watched Ms. Winstone as she placed the cup down and walked over to examine the portrait of Mr. Alexander.   The cup of tea and matching saucer teetered on the edge of the countertop.   He watched the swaying cup as gravity overtook it.   The tea fell over the edge and began to spill.  
    It must have been at least fifteen paces from where Chase was sitting to where the tea cup was falling, but in a single blurred motion,