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Chapter 29
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Shadows In The Fire Chapter 30
‘Do go with them, Father, ’Mary said. ’Magnus will not begrudge you, one final goodbye.’Tobias slowly rose from the stool, a look of madness in his eyes. He was a broken man, staring at his condemned wife and daughter. ‘Will you be alright?’ he managed in a hoarse whisper, directed at Mary. ’The night is cold and dark.’‘Father, ’Mary said sternly, ’what darkness can befall me, when evil itself was amongst us all along? Fear not, for my faith protects me.’Mary turned to Mathilda and Esther once more. ’Mother, why not call upon your dark allies to free you? Or has the evil of your soul perished, as the evil of your flesh soon will?’Mary motioned to the guard to remove Mathilda’s gag. She coughed as the filthy rag was pulled from her mouth. ‘The only evil, is you, Mary!’Mathilda spat. ’Since the moment I first held you in my arms, I knew that you were the one tainted by evil. The cursed fruit of my womb, and today, all my fears have come true!’For a moment it seemed as
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 31
The Wilding Estate, London...Anna Wilding sneered contemptuously at the woman seated opposite her. What drivel was she preparing to spew? And how did she manage to slither onto the grounds, at this hour of the night? Clearly, security was lacking on the estate.‘And what did you say your name was?’ Anna asked coldly.‘Eva Miller, Dr. Eva Miller. We have met before, Mrs. Wilding. I treated your daughter in law after her fall down the stairs a few weeks ago.’Anna bristled inwardly, remembering her last confrontation with Faye. For some reason, the little bitch seemed…stronger…that day. The way she stood up to her, was unlike anything she had ever done during her marriage to Nolan.Perhaps Nolan's fists, had beaten her into growing a backbone.‘That woman is no longer a part of my family, doctor. If you came looking for her, I would suggest trying the closest gutter, from where she came. If I never see that worthless garbage again, it will be too soon.'Eva Miller smiled wryly. ‘The p
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 32
At the first peal of thunder, Clarissa lifted her gaze to the darkened sky and pulled her shawl over her head. The rumblings in the village at this late hour could not be true. Surely not Mathilda and her beautiful daughter. Captured by the monster, Magnus. The commotion had woken her up from a deep sleep and when she looked out, she saw Magnus’ guards dragging two figures off towards the cells. It was her neighbors who told her in hushed whispers who it was, and, in that moment, she nearly collapsed in shock. Mathilda was the bravest and kindest of them all. Who could have delivered her into the hands of that demon?It began to drizzle as she finally arrived at Mathilda’s home. Tobias would surely have an explanation for all of this. Perhaps her neighbors were wrong. Perhaps both Mathilda and her sweet Esther were sleeping peacefully in their own beds. Either way, she had to know for sure.The door was opened at her first knock. Mary gave her a withering look and Clarissa felt inwa
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 33
For a moment, it felt to Faye, as if a fog was lifting from her mind. A weight, pinned with a lifelong undercurrent of uncertainty, was being replaced by something concrete, something tangible and all was beginning to make sense.Time froze…even the drops of rain appeared to be suspended in mid-air, as a torrent of memories came surging back. Yet far from being overwhelmed, she welcomed it, feeling the uncertainty slipping away, dropping from her mind as if a gossamer veil was being lifted, layer upon layer.‘They were my sisters and brothers,’ she whispered as if to herself. ‘They lived, they laughed, they loved….and he took it all away. He took them away, one by one, without thinking twice. He took their lives, perverted their legacies, and made it seem like the will of God. I remember all of it now.’‘Then tell me Faye, what happened next?’ Esther asked. ‘What happened after this moment?’‘I went home,’ Faye answered. ‘I was broken at the thought of what you and Mathilda were goin
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 34
The English Coast, 1794‘Those who lose piety, lose their place in God’s kingdom. Therefore, we as the righteous, must ensure that evil has no place amongst us. We must cleanse these witches by fire, so God can look down upon us with mercy.’The cheer erupting from the crowd, as Magnus concluded his sermon, was deafening, and Mary smiled in absolute pride, clapping and cheering with everyone else. Truly, his force of faith, left everyone in awe.She turned to face her father next to her. Tobias had his head down, wringing his hands, a sign that he was anxious. Surely he could not still feel pity towards his wife and daughter, witches who glorified the works of the dark one himself.Mary knew he wished to see them, one last time. She would not permit it though. She would speak to Magnus and convince him Mathilda and Esther deserved no such mercy.She felt a warmth of satisfaction rising within her. She imagined it would take longer to expose Mathilda, but surely fortune had smiled upon
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 35
‘How could this happen Nolan? You said the lunatic was on birth control. Now she’s running around pregnant with your child, my grandchild!’Nolan threw his arms up in frustration, and it angered Anna even more. He was truly an idiot. His father indulged his every whim as a child, and this, was the conclusive result. Now she had to deal with his reckless mistake, as she had to deal with so many others before.‘She was, Mother! For the ten thousandth time, I don’t know how Faye could have ended up pregnant! Maybe she skipped a day or two. How else would it happen?’Anna pursed her lips in anger. That night when Dr. Miller came to the manor and made her outrageous stand, was etched in her memory. She demanded proof of course and by the next day, all of Faye’s medical records were in her possession. It proved beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she was indeed pregnant and had kept the news secret.For Dr. Miller, it provided a payday, beyond her wildest dreams. Her fantasy could finally see
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 36
Days later….Watching the simple wooden coffin descend into the open grave, Faye rested her head against Eli’s chest, as a soft rain began to fall. Glancing across, she saw Mark open an umbrella to shelter Sybil, and Eli did the same for her.No one had claimed Deb’s body. After a long and tiresome search, it was discovered her mother had passed years ago and there was no other family to contact. Faye felt extremely grateful to Sybil, Mark and Eli. Within moments of learning this, they had decided to all chip in, along with her, to give Deb a dignified burial.‘Rest well, Deb,’ Faye whispered, as the service ended. ‘We will meet again, old friend.’The four of them were the only ones at the funeral, and it seemed almost surreal that a whole life had passed, with no family or friends to send her off. How lonely must she have been? How many days and nights had she hoped for it all to end, for someone to just be there for her?‘It was a beautiful service Faye,’ Mark said, as they were wa
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 37
‘Faye, are you sure about this?’‘I am Sybil. You know I’ve never had much of an interest in the day to day running of the coffee shop. Even when I lived here before. You and Mark have been doing great running it and with you getting married soon, it makes sense that you guys start a new legacy. I need to find my own way, after this is over.’She wondered silently how much of her new life she was planning, would include Eli. He’d made it clear he was willing to raise the baby with her, but did she really have a right to expect so much from him?She’d hurt him and shattered his heart in the past, and he was willing to forgive her for all of it. And now, he was by her side, trying to figure out a way to stop Magnus and Mary. What if she was simply placing him in harm’s way?She loved him, she knew that she never stopped loving him, but did she deserve him? He had never been anything, but the perfect boyfriend, while she had been selfish to the core. She’d spent so much time keeping secr
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Shadows In The Fire Chapter 52
The English Coast, 1794‘She has left us,’ Mathilda whispered, into the cold silence of the darkness. ‘And soon, my Esther, will too. Tell me Bess, for what was it all? The suffering, the pain and the immeasurable heartbreak?'Bess pulled her closer and Mathilda took a measure of comfort in her friend’s closeness. Watching Clarissa leave had been difficult, but knowing she had to say goodbye to Esther too, was tearing at her very soul. The Goddess had decreed Esther would sleep, until such time she was needed. There would be no rebirth for her, just yet.‘The difference, though,’ Bess interjected, ‘is that Esther will sleep until she is ready. Our sister, must begin again, without a moment of respite.’‘As will you, dear friend. I will be alone to keep watch, until the time comes.’‘The Goddess knows best, Mathilda. If I must go down the path of rebirth, I shall not question it.’Mathilda led Bess away from the gruesome sight of Clarissa’s remains, down the path towards the beach wher
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 51
The English Coast, 1794The village square was shrouded in darkness, and all the excitement had passed, when Mathilda and Bess found Clarissa, close to the stake where her life had been taken. The smell of burning human flesh, still permeated the air, and some of the dogs from the village, were cautiously circling the still smoldering pyre.She was huddled close to her body, rocking back and forth, with tears streaming down her face. She had burned. Her mortal life was over and all that remained of it, was the heap of crisp flesh and bone, discarded where she died. Magnus had instructed the guards to leave her where she was, only to be removed in the morning. He wanted her remains to serve as a grim reminder to anyone who indulged in witchcraft, what the ultimate punishment would be.Clarissa looked up at Mathilda and Bess. It felt as if her heart was breaking inside her as she remembered the pain, as the flames lapped and feasted upon her. She could not forget how it felt, as the sm
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 50
The English Coast, 1794The day Clarissa died …‘I imagined you would show more fear in my presence, but it appears you are much stronger than what I originally anticipated. The other witches have taught you well.’Clarissa spat at Magnus, through the iron bars of her cell. A laugh of victory escaped her, as she watched him tend to Mary, who was still a trembling wreck on the floor, after she enacted the curse upon him.She felt no fear whatsoever. If anything, she pitied them both. He thought he would feast on witches for all eternity, but the ancient curse she cast upon him, with the help of all her sister and brother witches who died at his claw, would ensure that in one of her future lives, she would destroy him for good.‘How pathetic you are,’ she proudly retorted. ‘The light of my kind, all but turned you and your devil wench, into rats, scurrying at dawn. Tell me demon, do you expect me to cower?’Magnus growled savagely, reaching for her through the bars, but she was too quic
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 49
The storm that erupted a few hours later, was strong enough to knock out the power again. This time, it lasted longer than during the night and just added to the tensions in the Bennet home.After August’s earlier display, everyone was on edge and completely focused on security around the house. The dog refused to go out again and made himself comfortable next to Whisper, on the couch by the window in the living room, while the rain came down unabated. Night would fall soon and with the power out, one question remained unanswered amongst them. Would the darkness give Magnus and Mary the incentive they needed, to attack?Eli and Mark checked the doors and windows at regular intervals, and none of them were without their stun gun. It had a clip, and easily hooked onto the belt loops of their denims. Having it with her, helped Sybil , in particular, to feel a bit more relaxed. ‘If they come, we fight,’ Eli said, as they gathered in the kitchen for sandwiches and ice tea. ‘We don’t back
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 48
Whisper positioned herself comfortably, in the centre of the kitchen counter, as her spellbound audience of four, circled her with curiosity and a good measure of trepidation, amongst three of them.‘The cat you’ve been feeding…talks?’Faye couldn’t help but be amused at Eli’s incredulous tone. Granted, it wasn’t the easiest thing she ever had to tell him. After her conversation with Whisper, she’d left the garage in a state of pure wonder and shock, as what happened, finally had a moment to settle in her mind .‘Yes,’ Faye answered. ‘She talks and she’s a magical creature, known as a familiar. She guides and protects witches. She has lived for thousands of years, moving all over the world, to fulfill her duty in the grand design. She was there, in 1794, living with Mathilda's coven.'Eli and Mark, who’s jaw was practically on the floor, glanced at each other, both unable to believe what they were hearing.'And here I thought our news of getting the stun guns was huge,' Mark drily not
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 47
The English Coast, 1794Clarissa hurried inside her cottage, as the excited jeers from the crowd, watching Bess burn, reached her ears. She closed the door behind her, latching it shut and sank down to the floor, allowing her tears to run free. It felt as if her heart was being crushed within her. Slowly, piece by piece. Another sister had been lost.Bess had burned. Magnus had wilfully taken her life and there were people in their village, who supported him and cheered him on, as he lit the kindling, to take her life.What sway did he have? How did he manipulate the weak and desperate, to the point where they could watch their friends and family die at his hand? All while cheering him on and believing he was doing God’s work.She had not the strength to get up and crawled to her little bed. She pulled the blanket up to her chin as the heartbreak inside her, threatened to consume her very being. How many more had to die in the flames before they found a way to stop this demon? Every t
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 46
There was a chill in the air, as Eli and Mark made their way across the parking lot, to Eli’s pick up. They’d gotten a few supplies. Mostly food for themselves, August, and Whisper, as well as the most important items they had come for, stun guns.Being able to protect themselves was high on their list of priorities. They still didn’t know when the next attack would come, and when it did, they wanted to be ready. Luckily, the house was relatively safe, so that was one less thing to worry about.‘You okay?’ Mark asked. ‘You’ve been a bit quiet since we left the house.’Eli inhaled deeply, savoring the cold air before answering.‘I’ve just had a lot on my mind. Losing my dad, reconnecting with Faye and now this whole business with Magnus and Mary. It’s just making me question a lot of things.’‘Are you worried about Faye? I think she can handle it, and we’re all with her in this.’Eli smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. Truth be told, the last while he felt as if Faye were slipping a
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 45
The following morning, the rain somewhat subsided, but the threat of more, was evident in the dark clouds forming on the horizon. Eli and Mark were heading into town, but first, they made sure the house was completely secure. They double checked all the doors and windows, leaving strict instructions for Faye and Sybil, to not leave the safety of the house and to always stay together.The previous night, Eli had fetched August as well, but for some reason, he refused to go inside. He stayed on the porch the entire night, and occasionally growled at something, none of them could see. This obviously just made all of them feel more on edge. Animals were in tune with the supernatural, so clearly August was aware of something they were not. The only time he calmed down, was when Eli gave him some food and water and left a blanket for him, under the swing seat.‘Please, don’t open the doors for anyone, even if they sound like they’re dying out there. I doubt August will let anyone through th
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 44
They’d found an abandoned old cabin in the woods, falling apart but it provided some measure of shelter. They withstood the cold, knowing it would help slow down the decomposition of Nolan and Anna’s bodies. They knew they had to conserve their strength. The bodies were weak, and just agile enough to get them around. Mary stared at the hands which now belonged to her, lined, with age and lacking youthful vigor. It would take time to get accustomed to it. Precious time, which they did not have. The bodies would decay soon, and they had to strike before that happened. The longer they stayed within these vessels, the more vulnerable they would become. The strength they had fed on, with the deaths of Pastor Evans and Deb, would not sustain them for a substantial amount of time. It had taken a lot to end their lives, more than what they had expected. She glanced at Magnus, who stood by the remains of the window, savoring the icy chill from outside. ‘How much time do we have?’ His
