The Hound of Rowan by Henry H. Neff

it.
    â€œBy all accounts, Solas was a wonder! The greatest minds and Mystics of the age were tutored within its walls, veiled in secrecy from the Enemy until they were strong enough to take their proper place outside. From Solas came those who would bring the Dark Ages to an end.
    â€œAfter their triumphs, mankind was left in peace. For centuries, no great evil emerged, and we began to hope that we had finally succeeded! We believed that the corrupted Stewards and their many minions and offspring had abandoned this world for another. We were wrong.”
    Ms. Richter stood again and backed away from the fire. The image of Solas was lost in flames that swept higher and higher until the beach was filled with strange light and shadows.
    â€œAstaroth came.”
    Max froze at hearing the name again—Mrs. Millen had said it. She had
shrieked
it when she chased after him and his leg had gone numb.
    â€œAstaroth was much more patient and clever than those before him. He did not declare himself, but instead remained hidden, manipulating men and countries like chess pieces across the continents. By the 1640s, our world was in great turmoil. The Ming Dynasty collapsed; the countries of Europe fought with one another; England was consumed by civil war. Brilliant minds were imprisoned and tortured for heresy….”
    Ms. Richter frowned and gazed at the fountain of flames before her.
    â€œThe wisest among us, Elias Bram, perceived that these events were not random follies of man. He sensed that the world’s troubles were stirred in secret by a greater mind and malevolence. Astaroth’s true name and form were revealed, and our people unraveled many evil works near completion. Enraged, Astaroth bent his cunning mind on finding the source of those who opposed him.
    â€œIn the end, we were betrayed. Astaroth learned of us and our school. The great gates were thrown down, and many brave souls were lost. The Enemy paid a heavy price, however. Solas was broken, but Astaroth was broken with it. Bram came and fought with him, and the towers and halls toppled down around them. Bram fell, but not in vain—a great evil was removed from this world.”
    The roaring pillar of flame began to die and wither to quiet licks of flame among the spent logs.
    â€œThe students and teachers who survived fled Astaroth’s armies and sought aid from the Tuatha de Danaan. These precious few were spirited here aboard the
Kestrel,
and Rowan was raised from the countryside. It is Old Magic, children, that hides this place and makes it strange.”
    Ms. Richter sat down once again and took the hands of the two nearest children, giving them a gentle smile.
    â€œAnd, now, you are here.
We
are here so many years after our allies secured this haven and enabled our kind to continue. I am so pleased to have you among us. You have been called to Rowan not to fight, but to learn—to develop that noble spark within you. As the Director and a fellow human being, I hope that you will do your best to kindle that spark within you. Much depends upon it.”
    Max could not tell how long they sat in silence, huddled around the flames as they finally died to embers. He struggled to imagine what his role could possibly be in such a vast history. He turned to David, but his roommate was watching the stars, his small face thoughtful and serious. After a time, Ms. Richter broke the silence.
    â€œIt is late and there is much to do tomorrow. I will lead you back to the Manse.”
    The children picked up their lanterns and followed behind, making the long trek across the lawns to their new home.

                   6                  
    T HE L AST L YMRILL
    T he clanging chorus of Old Tom’s chimes brought Max from his slumber with a shout. He had been dreaming of the hound again, and it was several moments until he remembered