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[talien]

A dozen white dust-covered children faced them. They had wicked curved knives in hand. Beyond them was a stairwell.

“Now we know the source of the laughter,” said Vlad.

“That’s our exit,” said Kham. “But we’re going to have to fight through them.”

The translucent children advanced.

Vlad switched to Vrosh’s spear. The tip crackled with electrical energy. “Here’s hoping I remembered the old snake’s tactics.” He spun the spear experimentally in one hand.

“Yeah, great.” Beldin sliced through one of the children with no effect at all. It laughed at him. “Just make sure it connects.”

Another child jumped into the air, lunging towards Vlad’s throat. He leaned backwards and it skewered itself on the spear. With an ear-piercing shriek, it disappeared in a flash of lightning.

“It works,” said Vlad grimly.

Kham was busy fending off cuts from all directions. His jacket showed several gashes where the ghostly children had hit home.

Vlad spun again, skewering one of the ghost children behind him. He brought the spear about and whipped it through one of the little beasts, passing the haft of Vrosh’s spear through the translucent child’s torso only to obliterate its companion behind it.

Finally, they were gone.

“Whatever happened in this house since Yolanda was here, it’s bad news,” said Kham. “Very bad news.”

“The Unspeakable One isn’t bad enough?” asked Vlad. But Kham was already down the steps.