Chapter 34
My Dearest Sara,
I have promised to tell you everything I know about sleepers. But before you go on, you must understand that this is powerful magic. Only do it if you are sure. Once it is done, there can be no going back.
The sleeper will awaken and return to you. The time this takes is unsure. Sometimes they return in hours, other times, days.
Once awakened, a sleeper will walk for seven days. After that, they are gone from this world forever. You cannot bring someone back more than once. It is forbidden and, indeed, impossible.
If you are ready, follow these instructions exactly.
These are the things you will need:
A shovel
A candle
The heart of any living animal (you must remove it no longer than twelve hours before the deed)
An object that belonged to the person you wish to bring back (such as clothing, jewelry, or a tool)
You must take these things to a portal. There are doorways, gates, between this world and the world of the spirits. One of these doorways is right here in West Hall. I have drawn a map showing its location. You must guard this map with your life.
Enter the portal.
Light the candle.
Hold the object that belonged to the person in your hands and say these words seven times: “_______ (person’s name), I call you back to me. Sleeper, awaken!”
Bury the heart and say, “So that your heart will beat once more.”
Bury the object beside it and say, “Something of yours to help you find your way.”
Then leave the portal and wait. Sometimes they will come to you right then and there. But sometimes, as I have said, it can take days.
There are two other things I must warn you of: Once a sleeper returns, it cannot be killed.
It will walk for seven days, regardless of what is done to it.
The last thing I must tell you is something I have heard, but have not seen with my own eyes.
It is said that if a sleeper were to murder a living person and spill his blood within those seven days, then the sleeper will stay awake for all eternity.
Please use these instructions wisely, and only when the time is right.
I love you with all of my heart, Sara Harrison.
Yours eternally,
Auntie