title: Russet and Gold
author: Perkins, Sue
description: The feet of the creature didnt touch the floor as it floated gracefully towards her. Lise shrank back against the bare stone wall. The spirit came abreast of her and stopped. Large limpid eyes turned in her direction. She held her breath, terrified her stepfathers tales were true and her soul would be taken from her, leaving her an empty husk.Hello. The spirit's green eyes smiled at her, although its lips didnt move.Hello, Lise gasped in response.The spirit nodded and continued down the stairs. Lise sagged with relief and hurriedly continued her climb before the full impact of what shed seen registered in her mind. The beings lips remained still when the eyes smiled, and they had not moved when it spoke. The words had come directly into her brain!