“Wait, Poppy, are you a witch?”
The corners of her mouth lift as she studies me for a moment and then motions behind the counter. “Let’s see how I can help. Come with me.”
She leads me to a small back room, softly lit with tealights. Back here, the shelves are lined with jars of powders, dried flowers, charms I can’t even begin to name. In the corner is a small table draped with black cloth. Poppy motions for me to sit.
As she putters around, picking items up, examining them, and then putting them back down, I give a quick overview of everything I know, including my father’s secret society.
“We’re almost certain the Horseman will come for my dad tonight, and I can’t let that happen. If he… dies,” I stutter over the word, “the Horseman will become real, and he’ll be free to destroy everyone in the town. There must be a way to stop him. We just need more time.” I feel like I’m pleading, but I’m not sure who with.
Poppy nods calmly. “I’ve lived in this town my whole life, we can’t let that happen. I know the legends well, but we weren’t aware of thisOrder,as you call it.”
She’s collected an array of crystals, candles and small hessian bags, and she now deposits them on the table, taking the seat opposite me. She drums her ringed fingers against the tabletop, thinking.
“My family specialises in natural magic — healing, protection charms, tonics for health and wellness, rites to cleanse the mind and body.” She shifts in her seat. “The Horseman is dark magic. He isn’t a ghost or a restless spirit, he’s vengeance given form. My family has never dealt with anything similar. Even with your father’s connection to this society you mention, you and your family are not strong enough to kill him.”
“Then what am I supposed to do?” I try to hide the irritation in my voice.
“I believe there might be a way to trap him. It won’t bind him like before. But you said you needed time, and I think I can give you that.”
“Okay, how?” I lean forward, examining the objects on the table before me.
“This isn’t my usual kind of magic. It’s older, more dangerous,” she says reluctantly. “You’ll need to create a circle using the salt and the herbs.” She indicates the small bags. “And place the crystals and the candles at equal distances. Once the Horseman steps inside, the circle must be sealed with fire. That should hold him, at least for a while.”
“For how long?”
She hesitates, her shoulders dropping. “I don’t know. But long enough to get your father to safety.”
Her words reverberate inside me, as a new idea forms in my mind.
So stupid.Why hadn’t I thought of this before?
Poppy is packing the items for the ritual into a cream tote bag.
“Don’t hesitate. As soon as the Horseman crosses the boundary, light the fire.” She passes the bag across the table to me. “Good luck.”
I thank her, distractedly taking the bag. My mind is reeling, and I quickly check the time. Late afternoon by now. Still time.
Clutching the tote bag, I hurry out of the shop, where the autumn wind is whipping dried leaves up into the air. But inside, I feel calm. I have a new plan, and if we act quickly, I won’t need the witchy items at all.
24
Back home, I hurriedly search the ground floor rooms of Van Tassel Manor, throwing open the heavy doors, barely sticking my head inside before moving on. Ichabod and Toby are in the music room, side by side on the piano bench. They’re talking softly, playing a few notes each, and my heart squeezes at the sight. Ichabod turns to give me a questioning look when I open the door, but I’ll explain later. I need to find my father first.
He and Meredith are in the drawing room, huddled together on a deep red velvet love seat, their hands entwined. Their heads are bowed together silently. They both look up as I enter the room.
“I’ve been so stupid,” I start breathlessly. “I can’t believe we haven’t thought of it before. Dad, pack a bag, quickly. Meredith, call Ben and tell him to get the car ready. We need to get you out of here, Dad, get you to safety.”
He and Meredith exchange a glance.
“I can’t leave, Katrina,” he says.
“I know you want to stay and protect the town, but we can’t fight the Horseman. And if you go, he won’t be able to get to you, and he won’t return to full power! It’s so simple.” I laugh.
“No, Katrina.” He smiles sadly. “In the literal sense. I can’t go beyond the boundaries of Sleepy Hollow.”
Meredith squeezes his hand, and I stare at the two of them, uncomprehending.
“What? Since when?” I hear myself ask.
