Alice- Emotions

There were five men ahead of us. Two were carrying young children who were perhaps no more than three or four years old. The children had long hair and looked to be the farmer’s daughters. The eldest, a boy of about six or seven years old, was being driven before the largest of the men, who was kicking him up the backside every five or six steps.

I sensed Tom bridle with anger at that cruelty and he gripped his staff tighter. But he would leave this to me. The abhuman he would make his business – unless I could talk him out of it. Tom wasn’t ready yet for such a strong opponent.

Suddenly Farmer Ashton, who’d been walking several paces to our rear, became aware of what was happening and ran forward. But, as he passed by, I caught him by the elbow and brought him to a halt. He was an exceptionally tall man and I had to stand on my tiptoes to whisper into his ear.

The spell worked quickly and his anger and anguish melted away. He nodded to me then dropped back to walk behind us again.

The Last Spook Chapter 2