The cat stayed seated and stared at Mike
and Sal. Then it rolled its head to face in the direction of
the gateway.
"Sal, I think this is the place where
we are going to spend the weekend."
"It's a bit creepy isn't it?"
Mike picked up his bag and swung it over
his shoulder then bravely began to stride down the path. Sal
quickly followed him. Mike's bravery soon left him because even
before he could knock on the oak front door it swung open. Even
more unnerving was the fact that no one was behind the door.
"I don't like this Mike, I want to go
home." Trembled Sal.
"Don't worry," said a low but gentle voice, "everything
will go in your favour."
Mike and Sal looked around, but still they
couldn't see anyone.
"Do come in," said the voice. Then
they noticed large armchair with its back to
them and a hand beckoning them in. They moved
closer in looking all around as they did so. It was quite a large
room with wooden beams on the walls and ceiling. It was quite
dark in the room due to the dull, heavy curtains that hung by
the leaded windows. Paintings and tapestries hung on the walls.
Any space that wasn't taken up on the walls with these was filled
bundles of dried flowers and grasses that hung from the beams.
Then they turned the corner and saw Great Aunt Grizzelda sitting
in the chair.
Great Aunt Grizzelda was dressed in along
flowing gown. It was a deep emerald
green. On her fingers she also wore emerald.
Large emerald rings. Her hair was also long and flowing. It was
deep black with flashes of silvery grey. She stretched out a
hand to the small table by the side of her chair. She pick up
a small china teacup took a sip of tea, then looked into the
bottom.
"Fortune has led you here safely and
will look after you during your stay here,"
she said. "He's been with ever since
you stepped of the train. I wonder where he's lurking now?"
Just then…
"Ouch! It's done it again." Yelped
Mike. "That cat's bitten me again."
"Now, now Mike. That's Fortune's way of letting you know
he's there. He doesn't
say much, but he should never be ignored because when you need
him most of all he will have disappeared. But for those in trouble
or in need, if used wisely Fortune can bring hope and freedom."
Yes, Fortune was the cat's name and he was now brushing himself
gently against Mike's ankles. "Some people think black cats
bring bad luck," continued Grizzelda, "but I don't.
I think they bring happiness and peace to those who they favour."
Well, Mike and Sal had met Great Aunt Grizzelda
and a black cat called Fortune.
They were just about to sit down on a huge
sofa.
"Mike!" Whispered Sal.
"What!"
"Where's Great Aunt Grimelda?"
