Krampus: The Three Sisters (The Krampus Chronicles Book 1) by Halbach Sonia

Author:Halbach, Sonia [Halbach, Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781620079621
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Published: 2015-11-01T18:30:00+00:00

rancis stood on the stone platform under Myra Lane’s post clock. He was front and center of the growing Foundling crowd, sandwiched between Comstock and Cyrus who were slyly clutching the sleeves of his striped nightshirt.

At first Maggie thought her cousin was being paraded about as a captive, but she quickly realized he wasn’t being held prisoner―he was being celebrated.

“At last,” Comstock bellowed. “The Van Cortlandt heir has returned to Poppel. Here stands, Francis Casimier Moore, grandson of Clement Clarke Moore―the man we owe a great deal of thanks.”

Smiling cruelly, Cyrus gripped Francis’ sleeve tighter.

“Wait!” a voice roared from the crowd.

A moment later, another Garrison came bounding up to the post clock, each hand bracing the shoulder of two similarly sized bodies.

“What is that you have there, Chatham?” Cyrus hissed, peering down from the platform.

“They say their names are Gardiner and Gertrude,” Chatham replied, yanking the children forward. “They arrived to the Sleigh Pit right after Francis.”

Cyrus twisted his head toward Francis. “Relatives of yours?”

Francis gulped before murmuring, “My cousins.”

The Garrisons promptly cheered and after some persuasion, the Foundlings reluctantly followed suit. Francis didn’t seem to know how to take such a reception, while Gardiner and Gertrude were clearly frightened.

“Francis, Gardiner, and Gertrude―welcome to Poppel!” Comstock exclaimed. “Your arrival has been anticipated for many years.”

Looking overwhelmed, Francis stammered, “What’s Poppel?”

“Your new home,” Cyrus answered foolishly, causing Gertrude to burst into tears and Francis to jump off the platform in a panic. But Comstock and Cyrus grabbed his arms and hauled him back up just as Gardiner sprung forward, attempting to shove the Garrisons away from his older cousin.

The Garrisons had almost controlled the situation when a voice boomed from the other end of Myra Lane.

“Silence!”

Castriot stood near the banquet hall stairwell where McNutt had punched Henry. The mere presence of the Head Garrison caused a sudden shift in the crowd. Everyone watched as Castriot strolled down Myra Lane. He didn’t speak until he was standing between Comstock and Cyrus, blocking Maggie’s view of Francis.

“How dare you scare our guests, Cyrus,” Castriot said before turning to Gardiner and Gertrude. “You have no reason to be frightened. We are very pleased to have you here. Your family and our village have a long and pleasant history. Obviously, you may leave when you wish, but we hope you will stay for a little while.”

Castriot then extended his right arm toward the crowd and a couple of Garrisons appeared, arms overflowing with candy and toys. With their tears now sniffled away, Maggie watched as the twins giddily flocked toward the gifts.

Castriot moved to the side and Maggie spotted Francis again. She was pleased to see that he wasn’t as easily enticed by the offerings. But Castriot quickly responded to the boy’s hesitation. He swooped down to Francis’ level and whispered into his ear. Castriot and Francis exchanged words quietly.

“What are they saying?” Clemmie grumbled, pressing his face against the dusty window.

Francis and Castriot continued to talk until Castriot finally straightened up. The Head Garrison peeled off his black jacket and placed it over Francis’ nightshirt.

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