I'm sure most of you know that "Van Locken's Witch," my historical, paranormal romance involves a dashing sea-captain, and the enchanting sorceress he falls in love with while engaged in the rescue of her sister.
But, what most of you don't know, is that Inkspell publishing has released a "second" edition of the story's sequel, "Shadow of the Witte Wieven," and updated it with a brand new cover, created by the very talented Shandra Kay!
Yes, I am very well aware that most author's write the first story first, and then move on to the second, but I've never been one to follow the crowd and am quite adept at following the beat of my own drum...ahem...;)
Actually, due to the length of "Shadow of the Witte Wieven," the back-story had to be snipped from the pages. Yet, many of my readers wanted to know about that back-story. So, I picked up the tattered pieces and created a full-fledged novel.
Anyway, the re-editing of book one which is now book two, solicited thoughts of all the old, majestic lighthouses that are just waiting for an opportunity to serve our valiant seafarers. Those who read book one, which is now book two, will understand the reason for that.
Are you with me so far?
Those thoughts led to stories of haunted lighthouses (no surprise there, right?) and then finally settled on the Heceta Head Lighthouse in Yachats, Oregon...at least for the time being. (More will surely follow.)
Construction on this lovely old lighthouse began in 1892 and in August of 1893, Heceta (named for Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta) reported for duty. The haunting of Heceta didn't begin until sometime during the early 1900's, when the "gray-lady," a wispy spirit dubbed "Rue," chose to spend her after-life within the confines of the lighthouse.
The theory behind the haunting? Some believe that death claimed the life of Rue's young daughter. In response to the tragedy and the sorrow she could never overcome, Rue took her own life in order to be with the daughter she now continually seeks, but never finds. A small grave, discovered within a weedy ravine is thought to be the child's grave.
One lighthouse historian believes the legend originated during the administration of Frank DeRoy and that "Rue" might just possibly be his wife, Jenny. The ghost, whoever she is, is not shy about making her presence known at Heceta, which now serves as a bed-and-breakfast.
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| Heceta Lighthouse, 1938, George A. Grant, Photographer |
People have not only felt her sitting down on their beds, they see the indentation she makes upon the mattress as she does so. She's been known to move objects about the place, set off fire alarms, lock doors, make the lights flicker, and even sweep broken glass into a neat little pile. Now that particular incident occurred after she scared the living daylights out of a worker who saw her floating atop the floorboards in the attic while he busily repaired a window. Overcome with fright, he dropped the glass and broke it. He didn't care. He just wanted out. The following day the caretakers crept upstairs to clean the mess, only to discover the need didn't exist, save tossing the shards into the trash bin.
One might question this particular worker's sanity, if not for all the guests and natives who have also caught a glimpse--and sometimes far more than a glimpse--of Rue. There are several reports of guests fleeing their rooms at night, vowing never to return after one of her late-night visits.
What about you? Would you be inclined to remain for what's left of the night if Rue were to visit you?
