Karina Mellows's Story

Dr. Hopkins smirked at the question. "Well, I think that perhaps after-class would be a better time to ask those types of questions. I mean we are concerned with myth and legend here, obviously such things do not exist in the real world."

The teachers remarks received a few laughs and snickers from some of the other students in the classroom. Its not that the doctor meant to sound dismissive of the young woman's question, he simply wasn't expecting that kind of question. The lecture was coming to an end, Dr. Hopkins immediately began to stuff his notes back into his briefcase even before he had finished speaking, taking the last gulp of water from the tall glass which had been laid out for him at the beginning of his talk.

The students were in the process of gathering together their personal belongings before moving on to their next class, several of them were now heading toward the door.

"Oh yes, before I forget."

The doctor's raised voice caused everyone to stop their exodus. "You are all to gather in front of the administration building the day after tomorrow....Thursday, for those of you who have been too busy with your classes to know what day it is. Remember you must all be outside before 5 am, the buses will not wait for the tardy."

What the professor had not been informed of was that hardly any of the students would be taking the trip to Bannerman castle, the class was not a requirement and so most of the students were simply not interested enough to wake up at 4 o'clock in the morning to visit some old rundown building.

"I will be waiting there for you all to arrive. By that time the caretaker will have the gates unlocked. See you then."

The students returned to their efforts to exit the stuffy classroom en masse as the professor gathered up his briefcase and walked out of the room himself, from there he headed for the teachers lounge.