The clocks began to chime in the banqueting hall and didn't stop until all the talk from the girls had died down. Midnight stood behind her desk lording over the coming proceedings.

"Daughters of the 'Hours'" she began. "For a long time now, I have gathered your predecessors here for the day 31st October to write their 'Hours Curse' in my ledger and every year I have had to turn them away because not all of those who were invited had decided to join me."

There was a murmur around the tables.

"But this year, as you can see, every seat is occupied. We have every hour for next year's 31st October. We have a completed day full of curses to pass on to an unknowing, Father Time!"

There was much applauding and big smiles from the girls gathered. Midnight looked across in my direction and I gave her my most sincere sarcastic smile.

As the applauding continued, servers were coming around the tables filling up the crystal goblets that stood by our 'Hour' names on the tables. It was a clear liquid that appeared to have the consistence like a thick milk shake.

I was interested to see what it was we were being given to drink, so, once the server had filled my glass, I leaned forward and smelled the contents. It was sweet, like a fizzy soft drink. Whatever it was, it wasn't alcoholic.

Once all the goblets had been filled, Midnight held her one aloft and gave a toast to the success of the evening. "Tempus Enim Labilis!" she quoted. It was part of the inscription on the gate. Then she gave...