Free Griffin of Darkwood by Becky Citra Page A

the castle was closed. Some people in the village believe that Hannah died because a griffin cursed the castle hundreds of years ago.”
    Thom said softly, “The mine, Dad. People blame the griffin’s curse for the mine too.”
    “Yes, they do.” John’s eyes took on a distant look. “Ten years ago, the village got permission from the Linleys to open the castle and have a magic festival. They thought it would bring in tourists. The same night, the mine collapsed. People said it was because we opened up the castle and made the griffin angry.”
    “Maybe you shouldn’t talk about it, Dad,” said Thom.
    “It’s okay. A beam fell on me and I lost the use of my legs, Will, but at least I was spared my life. Twenty-four men died.”
    “Other bad things have happened too,” said Thom. “Right, Dad?”
    “There's stories of a dam breaking and washing away fifty homes in the seventeen hundreds, an epidemic of smallpox in the eighteen hundreds, a Linley who went insane seventy-five years ago and terrorized the village.” John sighed. “And other stories too. People always blame the castle and the griffin. But none of that means that there's a curse.”
    “That’s why the bus driver, Purvis Sneed, said we should stay away,” said Will. “No one wants us in the castle! People are afraid of another disaster.”
    “Don’t worry about Purvis Sneed,” said John. “Most of us are pleased to see the castle lived in again. You mustn’t pay attention to what people say.”
    “That’s what Vespera Moonstone said when we were on the bus. But it’s really scaring me.”
    “Griffins are a figment of our imaginations,” said John firmly. “The castle is just what it appears to be – an old ruin. I’m delighted that your aunt has bought it. It’s time we got rid of these superstitions.”
    But Will saw a shadow pass over John’s face. He’s just trying to make me feel better, he thought uneasily. He does believe in the griffin’s curse.

Capter Fifteen
    Shadow Alley
    Will and Thom left the flat and walked to the bookstore. When they got to the square, Peaches trotted past them carrying a big black umbrella. Vespera Moonstone was going out the door of Ex Libris just as they went in.
    “Favian and I were finalizing some of the details for my poetry reading,” she said. “We’re thinking of serving cream puffs with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. People will come if there’s free food.”
    “Cream puffs!” said Thom. “They’re in Mastering the Art of French Cooking . They have a fancy French name but it means cream puffs! I’ve been dying to try them. I’ll make them for your reading!”
    “Splendid,” said Vespera.
    Favian was on his knees, unpacking a new shipment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
    “I’ve thought of two palindromes for you,” said Will. “ Dad and did . I know they’re pretty lame but –”
    “It’s a start,” said Favian. “It’s much harder than you’d think. I had an inspiration last night. Was it a cat I saw? I might enter it in the next contest.”
    “What are you guys talking about?” asked Thom.
    Will was explaining palindromes to him when Thud! behind a tower of books, a volume hit the floor. A faint voice said, “Whoops.”
    Will and Thom spun around. The girl dressed all in black with long red hair and huge round glasses appeared around a corner. Will’s eyes narrowed. Her again! It gave him the creeps how she kept popping up wherever he was.
    “Are you on your way now, Madeleine?” said Favian. The girl mumbled something under her breath and fled.
    “That was Madeleine de Luca,” said Thom. “She’s really weird.” He frowned. “I hope she’s not spying on us!”
    “Why would she?” asked Will. “What’s the matter with her?”
    “I dunno. I told you, she’s weird. She’s home-schooled, and she’s kind of snobby. Emma can’t stand her.”
    They each found a book. Thom plopped into the saggy armchair, which had been moved to another