The Order of Pan — Michael White

"There is a surprise in store for the children who go to
Kensington Gardens to feed the ducks in the Serpentine this morning.
Down by the little bay on the south-western side of the tail of the
Serpentine they will find a May-day gift by Mr J.M. Barrie,
a figure of Peter Pan blowing his pipe on the stump of a tree,
With fairies and mice and squirrels all around.
It is the work of Sir George Frampton,
And the bronze figure of the boy who would
Never grow up is delightfully conceived."



There are secrets within secrets, paths hidden, most for good reason. The order of Pan knows this, and we watch and we wait and listen. Look for the signs. We are good at that. Very good. There are seven of us, one of us to watch over each, and that has always been our number. Guardians we are, and we watch, and wait, and on one night of the year we defend what must be upheld across the world, for if we do not then great evil shall fall upon this earth, and all that we have made will be unmade.
.I pulled my cloak tightly about and tipped the brim of my hat forwards as some form of defence against the rain. I made way through the darkness and entered what was in light a place for children and sun and play. Now it was the realm of nightmares, and on this night, especially so. In these times there is but one fence to scale, though that has not always been the case. The park entrance now however is open, and I simply cross into it as a shadow. None will see my passing, for they do not know how. In shade and darkness I make my way to where I will be needed as I am needed on this night every year...

"The Order of Pan" is one of many short stories available from the short story collection, "Liverpool", which is available to purchase separately.