Baron Kaming had his own way of returning to 1854. It was not a method anyone could use, but one the Hermits had designed specifically for his "Time Curse."
But this method also required the book "Opening the Forest Door: Our Animal Companions," so before leaving, they had to return it to where it belonged. When Shade explained that he was going back, the Baron rose as well and said he would return with him.
He solemnly expressed his gratitude to Mr. Aug and the others, then embraced each of them. This time, it was a final farewell:
"I will not be coming back again. This gentleman has taken the book, and everything will finally be over."
"I hope your life returns to peace from now on."
The Hermits drew holy symbols over their chests. Since they worshiped the "God of Luck—the White Sacred Tree," perhaps such a blessing might prove useful.
Afterward, Mr. Aug used those magical Tree Hollows to take Shade and the Baron directly to the edge of town. Shade also bid farewell to these Hermits from the past, whom he would likely never see again. Then Owl turned into a mouse and crawled into his pocket. Before the forty minutes were up, Shade and the Baron successfully returned to Erica's family home.
They naturally did not live in the manor, but their house was still quite spacious. Coincidentally, the family members who had just been out also returned at the same time as Shade and the others.
Thus, Shade met Erica Kaming of this era, or rather, Erica Wood, as she was still called now. Of course, this "Wood" had nothing to do with the Wood Family of Moon Bay City. It was not an uncommon surname.
Erica Wood was twenty this year, with beautiful black