Summary
Highlights
James Harrison and his family move into East End Cottage in Legend. James is intrigued by the old house and its quirks. Soon after, mysterious messages begin to appear, and objects are moved, initially dismissed as pranks or coincidences.
James discovers handwritten messages, signed by 'Thomas Kempe isqua sorcerer,' on a blackboard, a prescription, and even his own notebook. These messages, written in an archaic style, reveal Kempe's past as a sorcerer and his desire for James to become his apprentice. The strange occurrences escalate, causing disruption in James's home and school life.
Convinced he is dealing with a ghost, James confides in his friend Simon and explores the local library for information on poltergeists. He learns that exorcism might be an option and, through Mrs. Verity, finds a local builder, Bert Ellison, who is also known to deal with supernatural phenomena. Bert agrees to help James control the disruptive ghost.
Bert attempts to 'bottle' Thomas Kempe. The attempt fails, but Bert reveals that Kempe is a 'persistent beggar' who has learned from past experiences. James, driven by the increasing chaos caused by Kempe, discovers an old diary belonging to Fanny Spence, a former resident of the cottage. The diary reveals that her nephew, Arnold, also suffered from Kempe's haunting in 1856, and that Kempe was successfully 'laid' into a bottle back then.
Kempe's actions escalate beyond James's home, causing trouble for Mrs. Verity and other villagers. He sets Mrs. Verity's house on fire and vandalizes public property with his messages, drawing the attention of the police. James is falsely suspected, but an alibi clears him. He realizes Kempe is becoming dangerously independent.
James learns from the school logbook that Arnold grew up to become a benefactor. He encounters Mrs. Verity who, despite the recent fire, gives him insight into the past. Kempe leaves James a final message, revealing his weariness and asking for help to find his resting place. James, armed with the pipe and spectacles he found earlier, seeks Bert's help. Bert discovers that Kempe is likely buried in a vault beneath the church, a fact overlooked by local records.
Bert and James unseal the vault in the church and find Thomas Kempe's tomb, confirming he was an apothecary. They place his pipe and spectacles on the tomb, and a transient blue light signifies Kempe's peace. With his task complete, James feels a sense of relief and a renewed appreciation for his present, carrying the memories of Arnold and Aunt Fanny with him. The world around him seems to be preparing for new beginnings, much like the new leaves on the trees.