Part II: Dressed in black jeans and hoodies, Jack and Jimmy, with their ghost crew watched as the red demon Cernat materialized within a glowing salt pentagram. Jimmy held the only yew they could find, a decrepit old Christmas wreath. It still had tinsel and green ribbons wrapped around it.

          Mrs. Carstairs directed them. "Boys, Jack will have to place the yew bough in the salt barrier. And when it starts growing, the yew will dispel the binding force, the demon will dissipate and we will be free."

          Approaching the chanting mages Jack could feel waves of energy pass thru him like a heavy bass beat.

          Suddenly Cernat screamed, "Interlopers! They are here to destroy us. Stop them!"

          Under three dark hoods, three pairs of glowing yellow eyes looked toward the group. In a barely human voice the lead mage growled, "I can hold the the spell. Stop Jack!"

          The apprentices flew at them like two huge bats. Jimmy ducked and tripped one. It careened into a stone wall not to rise. The second one caught Jack in a bear hug. Jimmy slid the wreath up his arm and threw himself on top of the mage holding Jack.

          The trio stumbled toward the glowing pentagram falling only a few feet away from it.

          The ghosts wailed.

          Jack yelled to Jimmy. "Hold the wreath in the salt then take my hand."

          Then as Jimmy grasped Jacks hand, he became as stiff as a board, his eyes rolling back into his head. Yet, he held firm onto Jack and kept the wreath in the salt.

          The ghosts all gasped and pointed.

          The wreath was slowly growing. It was pushing the salt apart.

          Cernat opened its mouth in a soundless shout. But the remaining mage threw its head back and let out a soul rending scream.

          As the yew twigs grew and strengthened, the salt fully parted. The demon exploded into darkness. The mages collapsed. Their robes deflating into dark piles.

          Jack sat up to see his ghosts floating around him. They were clapping and cheering.

          "Jack you did it. You saved us. "Mrs. Carstairs gleefully told him.

          "Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Jack."

          "Power to you brother, power to you."

          Jack smiled. "You are welcome. But a deal is a deal."

          "Yes of course. Close your eyes." They all said in unison.

          Jack felt a shock wave pass thru his body. When he opened his eyes. He was alone. Jimmy was still holding his hand and the wreath.

          He stood and pulled Jimmy to standing.

          Puzzled Jimmy looked at the fresh green wreath in his hand and asked him. "Dude, what are we doing in this creepy place?"

          Jack laughed. "You really don't want to know."