Gypsy Witch Read Free

might be how to get him back. Dexter wasn’t attacking them or anything, but he didn’t like the idea of something so unnatural escaping. He guessed he was like his father. According to Ben, anything out of the ordinary was trouble.
    Tom turned his attention back to Dexter as the knight began to speak. “Many centuries ago, the Knights Templar were a group of noblemen who fought in the Crusades and brought back to the Western World much esoteric knowledge and magic. We used this magic to make ourselves immortal in the form of these statues.”
    “How’d ya get here?” Gina asked.
    The knight looked baffled. “Where am I?”
    “Sacramento, California.”
    “I have never heard of such a place, but many centuries have passed since I was placed into the door. I was warned that I might be destroyed or transported to a different land. Perhaps that is what happened.”
    “Why did you want to be a statue?” Tom asked, intrigued.
    “I chose immortality and service. We are to be called in times of strife and need. Who called me?”
    Gina looked nervous. “I, uh, called you.”
    “And what is your need, my lady?”
    Tom winced for her. Feeling bored on a summer day didn’t seem worthy. Before she could respond, the knight said, “Is this stripling your champion, my lady?”
    “Gosh, no,” Tom said. “I’m just nine, and so is she.”
    “I’m too young for a boyfriend,” she said. “What do you mean, a champion?”
    “Your protector in time of need.”
    “I don’t really need anything.” Her chin jutted out. “Elena and I do fine. We don’t need a champion.”
    “Huh. I wonder what my dad would say about that,” Tom said.
    “You have no protector,” the knight said. “Very well—I will be your champion.”
    Tom and Gina looked at each other. “What will we do with a knight in Sacramento, California, in 2013?” she whispered to him. “Shoot. My mom and your dad are gonna kill us. I mean, Mom won’t mind that I messed around with her stuff a little, but we can’t hide this!”
    “Maybe it would be better if he came with me,” he murmured to Gina. “My house is bigger than yours. He can stay in the cabana until we figure out how to put him back.”
    A car whizzed past them. Dexter stared. “Tell me, young sir, what manner of cart is that?”
    Tom groaned. “Gina, I can’t believe what we’ve done! We’ve got to find a way of putting him back!”
    She sighed. “I’ve blown it big time.”
    “No kidding. Sir Dexter, I’m sorry, but you don’t belong here.”
    Dexter started to protest. “But Lady Gina needs—”
    “The Lady Gina will have to take care of herself. You don’t belong here, and you must understand that you have to go back.” Tom nodded at the shattered alcove, wondering what kind of magic could repair it.
    “If there is no need of my services,” Dexter said stiffly, “of course. I was placed in the doorway as a safeguard, for times of need. If there is no need, I will return to my repose.” He started to climb into his niche.
    “Do you know how to get back?” Tom asked.
    “Of course, young sir. I placed myself there in the beginning,” Dexter said, still sounding injured.
    “I hope you’re not offended,” Tom said. “It was really exciting meeting you. Please forgive us for disturbing you.”
    Sir Dexter melted back into his stone niche. Tom was transfixed, but Gina stood head down, shoulders slumped. After a few moments she slouched across the street. Tom hastily packed the basket before following her, and caught up with her in Capitol Park.
    “I’m really ashamed,” she said, misery clogging her voice. She dragged a toe through a pile of leaves. “I gotta admit, I didn’t really believe it would work. Then we woke that poor knight out of his hibernation for no reason at all. I was so embarrassed when he asked to be my champion, and wanted to know my need! Jeez!”
    Back on J Street, a slight breeze swirled through the paper trash on the sidewalk outside