Shadow Wrack by Kim Thompson

home.”
    â€œI’m fine, Mr. Hacker.”
    â€œThe man’s dangerous!”
    â€œHorace is not dangerous. I’ll be fine. Good night.”
    Hacker gave them both an uncertain look then shrugged and hurried off. “Oughta be locked up!” he hollered again over his shoulder and was gone.
    Willa turned to Horace, who was staring darkly after Hacker. She pointed at the crevice. “Look. Another black stain.”
    Horace nodded.
    â€œI saw this weird stork-headed man go into it.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œAnd what? It was a man with a stork head! And he went in there.”
    Horace settled himself on his usual rock, shrugging. “The Stork Men don’t do much. They come and go.”
    â€œBut the stain, isn’t it dangerous?”
    â€œIf you’re so worried about it, I’ll keep an eye on it.” He raised an eyebrow. “You would do well to keep an eye out closer to home. On the enemies within. It’s those who are closest who do the most damage.”
    â€œThe dwarves?”
    He put one long finger along the side of his nose. “What are they up to in that basement, I wonder?”
    Willa thought about how they wouldn’t open up the door for her today. What if they were plotting something?
    â€œYou should probably get back home now,” suggested Horace, his voice and eyes cold.
    â€œI suppose so.” She was still unsure about leaving him. “Are you sure you’re all right up here?”
    â€œYes! I’m fine!”
    â€œAll right, but could I at least bring you a blanket, or …?”
    â€œI am not in need of a nursemaid, and I certainly do not require the help of a child! ” The last word snapped in the air between them. Willa’s chest felt tight.
    â€œDon’t get mad at me! I’m the one who’s keeping everyone together!”
    â€œAnd what a marvellous job you’re doing,” he sniped, turning away.
    Willa was speechless. She turned and stomped off, her mind seething. Nobody appreciates all the work I’m doing! I get no help from anyone! Why should I even care what happens to them? They can look after themselves from now on!
    As Willa continued down the hill, her anger died down a little. The sun emerged from the clouds again, and she thought about Horace directing the wind. Had she just imagined that, or had he really done it? If he had, that was something she’d never seen before. Has Horace always been able to do things like that? It made her feel a little better, knowing he was perhaps more powerful than she’d expected. Maybe he’s right. Maybe he doesn’t need my help after all.
    A movement caught her eye, and she stopped to watch a tabby cat padding through the grass. It was followed by a second cat, then a third, then a whole silent parade of cats, and at the rear a portly shape came into view….
    â€œBaz!”
    The old woman continued trundling along on all fours, ignoring her. Willa had to step in front and block her way before Baz would stop and look up at her.
    â€œBaz! What are you doing here?”
    Baz stood up slowly, smoothing her dress and looking around innocently. “What am I doing?”
    â€œWhy are you prowling around up here?”
    She pouted a little, patting her matted hair and picking out bits of grass and leaves. “Prowling isn’t against the law, is it?”
    â€œNo, but … what if someone sees you? I’ve already got Hacker in a state about Horace. I don’t need any trouble over you acting crazy too!”
    Baz just smiled and began to purr, which was suddenly echoed from all sides as the other cats joined in. They had gathered in a circle around Willa and were all smiling at her — smiles identical to Baz’s. Willa shivered a little and turned back to Baz.
    â€œStrange things are starting to happen again. There’s a black stain on the hill like the ones we had at the house before …