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Chapter 13
Last Updated:
2024-10-02 22:33:53
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Shadows In The Fire Chapter 14
‘Is he still in the garden? ’Faye asked, as they walked into Eli’s house. The entire way there, they had barely spoken a word to each other. It was the most uncomfortable ride of her life. There was a time when even their silences had been filled with unspoken words. Now, all there was, was regret and misery. ‘I left him in the kitchen when I went to your place, ’Eli said. ’When he’s like this, he likes to sit there and do crosswords in the newspapers.’‘Like the old days, ’she added. For the first time she saw Eli break out in a genuine smile, although it was tinged by sadness. ’Yes, like the old days. The only time I have a glimmer of the man my dad once was.’Pastor Evans’ face lit up when he saw her. He dropped the pencil he was holding and reached out with both arms towards her. ‘Faye, how lovely to see you, my dear, ’he said. ‘ It’s been too long. Let me look at you.’His embrace was warm and tender, bringing a fresh wave of sadness to her heart. It was so d
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‘Where am I? ’Faye asked. At the sound of her voice, candles flared into life and she saw she was in a church, standing at the altar. Not any church, but the one which had burnt down so long ago. She was wearing her wedding dress and when she reached up to touch her hair, it was styled as it was the day she married Nolan, pulled back in a simple, tight bun. ‘This church has seen much through the years.’Faye spun around. The woman who had spoken to her was tall, with beautiful emerald eyes. She came closer to her and Faye wondered why she was not recoiling from this stranger. She felt so familiar, as if she knew her. ‘I am Mathilda, ’she said, reaching up to caress Faye’s cheek. ’You have never seen me as this before.’‘Never. . . . ’Faye replied, ’always you are burnt in my dreams. Why am I seeing you like this now?’ ‘Because your life almost ended, ’Mathilda said. ’If it had, I would be here to meet you for your journey into the next world.’ ‘Almost? ’Faye a
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‘Please tell me. . . . tell me how to save your daughter, ’Faye implored. The glowing embers from before were dying down beneath her feet and still she felt nothing, no heat, no burning. Mathilda looked at her and it seemed a smile was struggling to form at her deformed, burnt lips, as more blood came from within, thick and with the stench of death. ‘You have all the knowledge within you, Faye, ’Mathilda said. ’You may not remember it now, but in time you will. ’ ‘What knowledge are you speaking of? ’Faye asked. ’And why does it feel as if I know you? ’ ‘Because you do, Faye. You know me as well as I know you. . . . ’ . …………….. ‘There’s something else, Sybil, ’Eli said. ’Something big you should know about.’‘Bigger than your confession that you’re still in love with Faye? ’Sybil teased, clearly trying to lighten the mood. Eli smiled at her, pulling a page from the inside pocket of his jacket. ‘I think so, ’h
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‘What will I remember? ’Faye asked, speaking to the living corpse before her. ’How will it help me protect your daughter?’The corpse of Mathilda fell forward. Her arm had come away and it seemed as if her whole body would soon crumble to pieces as her right leg too, broke free from her body. She was suspended in a grotesque hanging motion, swaying from side to side. ‘You will remember the gift within you, ’she answered, ’the gift to weather the coming storm and the evil it brings. . . . it has already begun. . . . your enemy is in your world, biding its time. ’ ‘Must I fear it? ’Faye asked. ’Is it too powerful for me to stand against? ’ ‘You must respect your foe, and great it is, but you must never fear it, or else all will be lost, ’Mathilda answered. Before Faye could ask her anything more, all that remained of Mathilda, was dust blowing in the wind. …………….‘There was a sense of finality to the dream, ’Faye sa
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‘Returning to the scene of the crime? ’Eli asked, as he let Faye into the living room. ’I was sure you would never set foot here again after what happened.’He motioned her to sit and she smiled. After her conversation with Sybil at breakfast, she’d decided the best course of action would be to see Eli, and find out what his dad’s mental state really entailed. ’Eli, whatever may have happened here, I want you to know that it doesn’t change my feelings towards your dad.’Eli sat down next to her on the couch and she was surprised at how his closeness affected her. It made her feel almost shy being this close to him, the same way she felt when they shared their first kiss so long ago. ‘I’m glad you feel that way, ’he said, ’my dad has always loved you and Sybil as his own. It would devastate him if you were to abandon him now.’Faye shifted nervously, tucking her hair behind her ear. How would she broach the subject she had come to discuss with him? It was sheer madness and t
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Days Later...‘Your father was a good man. . . ’ ‘I will always remember his kindness. . . ’ ‘He’s in a better place now. . . ’ Faye watched as Eli greeted all the mourners on their way out, acknowledging all the things they said about his dad, with a gracious nod of his head and a mechanical smile which showed he was just going through the motions. Pastor Evans was dead and they had just come from his funeral, for which all of Kirkwood had turned out, to pay their last respects to a man, who for years had been such a visible and comforting presence in their lives. The last three days had been rough on Eli. The official story was that the pastor had gone to open the window and then had somehow lost his footing and fell out of it, but Faye and Eli both knew better. Somehow, the pastor’s death was directly linked to the spirit which had attached itself to him, for reasons as yet unknown. Mary. . . . the more Faye thought about that name, the more she
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The English Coast,1794 ‘Your wife has raised your daughters well, ’Magnus said, glancing at both Esther and Mary, where they were sitting on either side of Mathilda. ’They will grow up to be fine young women.’ Mathilda leered at Tobias as he basked in the compliment. Next to her, Esther kept her eyes downcast towards her bowl, while Mary beamed a smile of pure worship towards Magnus. It occurred to Mathilda once again how far gone her elder daughter was. Mary was in complete adoration of the murderer and she would no doubt follow him into hell if he were to ask her. Mathilda stifled back a tear. This was not the daughter she had birthed. Where was the carefree and happy child who loved nothing more than to run along the sand while the waves came crashing in, laughing spellbound every time, as if seeing it was the first? ‘Mathilda is a good wife and mother, ’Tobias answered. ’I am very pleased with her. ’ ‘As you should be, ’Magnus replied. Only Mathilda saw the
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The English Coast,1794 Mathilda sat on the beach, as Tobias, Mary and Magnus disappeared from her view. She breathed a sigh of relief that the abominable visit was finally over and done with and stretched her arms heavenwards as clouds slowly drifted across the full moon. It was impossible not to be enraged, not after having had to endure the murderer’s presence in her home. How could her husband and daughter not see the evil within him? If she did not know any better, she would have sworn that Magnus himself had charmed them with the old ways, the very thing he was so forcefully trying to eradicate. How was it possible that he could have so many follow his ways? What power did he have that she could not see? She smiled as she felt a gentle and familiar touch on her shoulder. Esther beamed her innocent smile at her as she joined her in the sand. ‘Were you afraid, Mother? ’she asked. ’Why was Magnus looking at you so much?’Mathilda felt physically sick as she
Last Updated : 2024-10-13
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Shadows In The Fire Epilogue
Faye basked in the soft rays of sunlight, streaming through the window, where she sat in the nursery. After the events of that night, she packed up and moved in with Eli, beginning their lives anew. They hadn’t gotten around to getting married yet, but they would soon.Mathilda Evans made her way into the world, two weeks before Christmas. Her birth was a joyous moment. She came into the world, kicking and screaming, a fighter from day one.Eli had been with her through it all, and when they finally held their daughter in their arms, their lives felt complete.Now, their little fighter, was peacefully asleep in her cradle. Faye smiled contentedly, gazing out the window, to the garden, where Eli, Sybil and Mark were having a snowball fight, as a light dusting of snow began to fall once more.Sybil and Mark were married soon after that night and shortly after their wedding, they had the biggest surprise of all. Sybil was pregnant and their baby would come in the summer.As for Janice L
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 62
The English Coast, 1794How long she sat in the darkness, Mathilda did not know. Everyone she ever loved was gone and she was truly alone in this new world, tasked with the overwhelming responsibility of keeping watch, until the day Clarissa and Magnus, would face each other for the last time.Clarissa had already been reborn. How many lifetimes would it be, before she was strong enough to defeat the demon? How many years, would she, Mathilda, wait before being granted the gift of sleeping, until it was her own time to be reborn?She was so tired. All she wanted was to rest, but the will of the Goddess had been communicated to her, clearly and concisely. She had a sacred duty, and she would see it through.When she finally had the strength, she made her way to the village square where the smoldering remains of Clarissa remained. Already the dogs had begun their feast. There were more than 10 of them, each one wanting its piece of flesh and bone.They dispersed, whimpering, when Math
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 61
‘Are you sure Janice? Working a double shift?’Tim Conway looked sheepish as he stared at her and momentarily, Janice felt a pang of guilt. He was supposed to take over her shift at the morgue, but he began complaining about stomach aches and feeling unwell. So, she offered to cover his shift, but not out of the goodness of her heart.Because they wanted her here…They said they needed her here…When the two living corpses appeared in the morgue earlier, she’d been shocked and astounded. Even more so when they spoke to her and it felt as if she entered a lucid dream, from which she couldn’t wake up.In all the years she’d worked at the morgue, she always suspected someday, something like this would happen. The pills she’d put in Tim’s coffee earlier, appeared on her desk out of nowhere. That’s why he was feeling ill. He’d gratefully accepted the cup from her hand, glad for the warmth away from the biting cold and rain outside. He never suspected she’d drugged him.They didn’t want a
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 60
Night had fallen and Faye was happy to be back in her own body. As exhilarating as the experience was, of merging with Whisper, it wasn’t something she planned to do again anytime soon. How Clarissa managed it, and enjoyed it, all those years ago, was beyond her understanding. It was a complete reality shift which defied all logic. Beyond belief, her spirit had left her body and merged with another living being.And considering their bloody return when Whisper killed the demon in her room… She could still taste its foul blood in her mouth but was happy that no harm came to the people she loved. If anything, ever happened to them, because of her and the situation they found themselves in, she would surely die.Sybil and Mark seemed fine. Mathilda explained to her that it was some sort of sleep spell the demon performed on them, and it would have no lasting effect on them, or August. They were a bit groggy and disorientated after waking up from their impromptu slumber, but copious amoun
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 59
‘Think about it, my dear boy. Only by killing the witch, will you ever be free from her temptations. The evil in her soul is too powerful. She will corrupt you and you will never enter the gates of Heaven. You will never be reunited with us, the people who love you more than life itself. Kill her, Elijah. It is the will of God that she must die…’Listening to it speak, in his mother’s sweet voice, turned Eli’s stomach. How was this foul creature so good at playing its part? Had Mary and Magnus become stronger, instead of weaker? Their hijacked bodies would soon decay completely, yet they had enough power to cast this illusion.‘I’m no killer,’ he said coldly. ‘I will never take another life, especially the woman I love. My mother would never ask such a thing of me.’Momentarily, just for a split second, he noticed how its eyes changed color. It went from the radiant green of his mother’s, to pitch black. Lord, was this a demon? He wanted to call out to Mark and Sybil, but the house ha
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 58
July 31, 2016‘Harold, I feel the chemotherapy is helping. I feel a bit stronger today. All the doctors say my chances are waning, but I don’t believe them. I feel God is answering my prayers and soon I will be well again. You and Eli have been so good to me during this trying time. Our family is truly what keeps me going.’Nancy took a deep breath and leaned into her cushions. Speaking had exerted her and the rasp in her breathing, was evident for all to hear. ‘I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and cook Eli’s favorite meal. It’s one of the things I look forward to, the most,’ she continued. Pastor Evans swallowed back his tears. They were sitting in their room, on a small little couch by the window, overlooking the garden. This was Nancy’s favorite spot. She always told him it gave her so much peace to sit there and read, while he and Eli were out for the day. It also gave her the perfect vantage point, to see them come home. The minute they walked through the door, she would be
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 57
‘My darling boy, I have missed you every moment of every day, since I’ve left this world. Yes, Eli, it’s me.’Eli let go of Faye’s hand and made sure she was still comfortable, before slowly rising to face the woman before him.Nancy Evans, his mother, who died 9 years ago.Rationally, it occurred to him it was impossible for her to be standing in front of him. He’d been the one to find her, that horrible night, when she’d drowned in the tub, when the pain from her cancer had become unbearable and ultimately ended her life.He remembered pulling her up from the water where she was submerged. Her eyes were open and she was slowly turning blue. Even as he administered CPR, he knew she was gone. She was limp in his arms and he gently laid her out on the floor, her emaciated form bearing almost no weight. He’d wrapped her in a towel, before breaking down in absolute defeat and agony, his tears scorching his cheeks.When he was done, when he could finally find a semblance of composure, he’
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 56
She was acutely aware of everything around her.As Whisper raced through the woods, kicking up mud with her powerful legs, Faye felt as if it was her, as if she were the one running at breakneck speed. Whisper barely stopped to breathe, hurtling over logs and puddles, not once missing a beat. Her power was primal and it surged through Faye, in a current of strength and instinct. ‘I sense your awe,’ Whisper said whimsically. ‘We have done this before, young witch. Clarissa was the only one ever brave enough to merge with me. That is why it feels so natural to you.She did it purely for pleasure though. She wanted to know what it felt like.’Faye was surprised. It seemed Clarissa was quite the adventurer in her day. Was that why she always wanted more from life? Why she packed up and moved to London? Was a part of Clarissa always awake within her? It would explain so much, if indeed that was the case.Seeing through Whisper’s eyes, Faye recognized the area they were in. They were close
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 55
‘Do not be afraid, Faye,’ Mathilda said gently, as Faye leaned back into her pillows. ‘This will bring no harm to you or your baby.’Faye inhaled deeply and protectively placed her hands over her abdomen. Even with all the assurance from Mathilda and Whisper, a part of her still felt nervous for what was to happen. It seemed unreal that she was about to eject her soul from her body, to track down Magnus and Mary. Next to her, Whisper lay outstretched, appearing as if in a deep slumber.‘I can’t help it Mathilda. This was something Clarissa used to do, and those memories haven’t come to me yet. I could fail and place all of us in even greater danger. Even Esther. How can I protect her, if I’m dead?’‘You carry the weight of a great burden, young witch, but your salvation and the survival of your family, lies in you freeing yourself from fear. We can all only help you to a certain point, and from there you must shoulder this alone. The path of a witch, is not an easy one.’‘Nor one I as
