Demon Storm by Justin Richards Page A

them.’ Growl put his hands on Ben’s shoulders and stared deep into his eyes. ‘If only hecan track them down. If only he can see them. So that’s why he trains children with the Sight to be his eyes. He trains them to seek out and exorcise the demons and spectres.’
    ‘Yes, he told me a bit about that.’
    ‘So now you know,’ Growl said. ‘There seem to be more of the unquiet and undead than ever these days. The authorities have finally come to realise that it’s Dirk Knight they need to call in when there’s a problem. A haunted office block, a possessed cat, or –’ he turned to gesture at the misty landscape – ‘sightings in a graveyard. Whatever it is, the police, the army, even the museums and the physicians discreetly send for Dirk Knight.’ He leaned forward so that his round face was all that Ben could see. ‘Are you sure you’re ready to go with him?’
    Ben wasn’t sure at all, but before he could answer Growl straightened up again. ‘Not a word,’ he whispered to Ben. ‘I only just got here, all right?’
    As he spoke, the dark shapes of Knight and Gemma materialised out of the mist in front of them.
    Gemma looked happier and Ben guessed that she was less nervous now she knew what they were facing.
    ‘You know what’s going on?’ Knight said to Growl as they shook hands.
    ‘Oh indeed, yes, yes, yes. Seems straightforward enough. I really didn’t need you to come all this way.’
    Knight nodded. ‘A poor restless soul who craves sleep. Gemma could see her easily enough just now. I’m sure you can manage very well on your own.’
    ‘But there do seem to be a lot of them about,’ Growl said seriously.
    ‘Something drawing them out, you think?’
    Growl nodded. ‘Possibly. What do you think, Gemma?’
    ‘There’s more of everything,’ she said. ‘I see more every time I come out. Maybe there’s no room left in Heaven and Hell.’
    No one seemed to want to speculate on that suggestion. After an awkward pause, Knight said, ‘Right, let’s get this over with, then. We can talk afterwards about … other things. You sure you’re up to this, Alistair?’
    The clergyman sighed and nodded. ‘Did she die violently? It seems more drawn to the violent deaths.’
    Ben wanted to ask Growl what he meant, but a warning glance from Knight silenced him.
    ‘Plague,’ Gemma said. ‘She caught it from her brother. He lived, but she died. I could see the resentment and the bitterness. And the sweat from the fever on her face.’
    ‘Ladies don’t sweat,’ Growl said quietly. ‘That’s for men and horses. Ladies perspire.’
    They had started walking, following Gemma deep into the graveyard. The girl was looking round constantly, staring into the misty distance.
    ‘She’ll be here again soon. I can feel the chill of her coming.’
    The mist seemed to swirl, as if a large shape was pushing through and blowing it aside. But Ben couldn’t see anything.
    ‘There she is,’ Gemma said, pointing.
    ‘I can see her,’ Growl said. His voice seemed even deeper, gruffer and less friendly.
    ‘Will she manifest?’ Knight asked. ‘The locals have seen her, so she must become tangible, surely. Can you see her, Ben?’
    As he spoke, the gap in the mist seemed to solidify into a shape. A woman. Ben had expected her to be old and hunched. But she was young, walking upright, carrying a small bunch of withered flowers.
    ‘Yes – yes, I can,’ Ben said, his voice husky with fear.
    Knight nodded. ‘Me too. A complete manifestation. Anyone else watching will get a shock – she’s come right through into the real world. A proper ghost, if you will.’
    The young woman’s face was as pale as her dress and her expression was completely blank, stony as a statue. She looked at Ben as she approached. He thought that actually she had a kindly face – innocent and unblemished.
    Then the face changed. In a moment it was a snarling mask of rage and fury. The mouth opened impossibly wide and the woman