From the book...

 

Hi, it's me again.

Did you miss me?

If you're new to this tale you may want to go back and look at what happened earlier. For those of you who have no desire, or have forgotten, I won't penalise you for laziness. I will quickly refresh your memory and give you an overview. You do have a memory, don't you? Or are you a shade?

Let's start at the beginning. There is a witch. Yes, there are witches in this world. Real ones which keep the whole thing ticking along. Without them we are all lost. The witch in question, our witch, is called Anaïs Blue, although she would prefer to be called something else. We won't concern ourselves with that. It is a problem she will have to deal with herself. Her purpose, and that of all witches, is to help the dead. Just as witches do, we shall call the dead shades. In these modern times we wouldn't want to insult anyone by using derogatory terms. The word shade is fairly neutral. At least, I think so anyway. I hope you agree.

The purpose of this book is personal. I need to tell you all I know before it's gone. My memory is fading—fast. I wish I could do something about this, but memories have a finite existence and mine is failing. I will not bother you with the details. I am of no great importance. The knowledge is.

Knowledge and information is the key to all this. Together we are trying to solve a very big problem. I am trusting you with something huge. It would be beneficial if we could keep all this information between ourselves. Let us consider it our little secret. Witches need freedom of movement. This is crucial. If everyone knew what I am about to tell you the entire system would cave in around our ears. Therefore—I cannot stress the point too much—what I tell you is for your eyes only.

Consider yourself a confidant, a partner in crime if you will. However, we will try to avoid doing anything illegal. Be that real or supernatural. We don't want to cause anything untoward to happen. We have enough problems to solve as it is.

Where were we? Oh yes, one particular witch.

In previous exploits our witch, Anaïs, managed to survive a great many things: an enormous explosion, facing a witch high court, labouring with a deceased rock star and finding a solution to his predicament, a trip across the English Channel in a very small boat, inquisitors, hellhounds, family reunions, death and librarians. There is more in store for her, so read on.

I'll be back to keep you informed along the way, and remember, don't breathe a word to anyone. Guard this information carefully. You have a responsibility.

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