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Chapter 51
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Shadows In The Fire Chapter 1
Faye Wilding opened her eyes. The beams of sunlight streaming in through the curtains of her hospital room, were the first thing she saw. The voices were quiet now. It felt surreal because usually they were so active, so eager to be heard.She took in her surroundings. The hospital room was cold and impersonal. How long had she been here? The last thing she remembered was Nolan slamming his fist into her face.She lifted her hand. Her left eye felt tender and swollen. Had he hit her so hard and carelessly? He was usually so careful about leaving visible evidence.She tried to remember what happened, the fragments of memories arranging themselves as it all came flooding back to her. It was foggy, but not completely indiscernible. It was always like this. She always had to fight to remember the beatings, as if her mind wanted to block out as much as possible, to spare her almost.Last night had been the annual Children’s Charity Ball, her second as Mrs. Nolan Wilding. They’d been
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 2
The fire on the beach had died down and all that remained were the glowing embers, and the remains of the charred woman, roped to the stake.Faye looked down. She was wearing a long white dress and her feet were bare as she walked over the burning embers, her arm outstretched to touch the woman’s blackened face. Her eyes were open. ‘Help me, ’the woman whispered, as hot blood flowed from her mouth, over Faye’s hand. ’Please help me. ’ Faye woke with a start as the sound of her cellphone ringing ended the vivid dream. It felt so real, as if she had really been there, on that beach as the woman burned. Even awake she could still feel the heat from the fire, smell the stench of the smoke and charred flesh. All her life these dreams had haunted her and all her life she had no idea why.Her parents used to tell her it was all in her imagination, that she had a vivid way of conjuring up fantastic stories and they even pushed her to become a writer at one point. Only in her hear
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 3
The English Coast 1794‘Do you understand me, Esther? ’Mathilda asked gently. ’You must trust me, and you must never tell your father or Mary about the people speaking to you in your dreams.’Esther smiled, her face lighting up, stirring Mathilda’s heart. Her precious baby, her daughter. Was this how her gift would awaken? By dreaming of the dead?She would never allow her to burn.‘I understand Mother, ’she answered. ’Are you afraid they will tell Magnus?’Mathilda nodded. ’He is not a good man, dear one, he will take you away from me and I will never see you again.’ ‘I will not say anything to them, Mother, I promise.’Mathilda pulled her into an embrace. ’Our secret my love, ’she said softly, ’our secret forever.'It was late afternoon when Tobias and Mary returned. Outside the sea was restless. A storm was coming and Mathilda pulled her threadbare cloak tighter around her as Tobias opened the ramshackle door of their cottage, followed by Mary, her 12 year old face set in
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 4
Thunder rumbled in the distance and the night itself seemed to grow darker as the breeze from the ocean whipped at her hair. I am not repulsed, Faye thought to herself, watching the blood from the woman’s mouth trickle down her hand. It was hot, a grim reminder of the horrors she had endured. ‘Are you dead? ’Faye asked. ‘Yes, ’the woman replied, ’I am no longer in this world ’ ‘How do you want me to help you? ’Faye asked, pieces of charred flesh coming away with her hand, revealing the bony structure beneath. ‘Save my daughter, ’the woman said, ’save my beautiful daughter.’ ~ ~ ~Sybil’s number was on speed dial and it took a while for her to answer the phone. Faye smiled indulgently as she waited, knowing her sister was probably knee deep in her wedding arrangements. She was marrying her high school sweetheart in two months time and she wanted every detail to be perfect. ‘Well, ’Faye said in mock anger, ’you certainl
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 5
‘What happened to your daughter? ’Faye asked. She looked down, wondering why the red hot embers were not burning her feet. The woman was no longer struggling against her bindings and she appeared unaffected by her falling flesh. She must have noticed Faye’s surprise. ‘I feel nothing anymore, ’she said, ignoring Faye’s question. ’My body is but a vessel now, so I may speak to you.’Faye felt a sense of deep sadness, the woman had burned and she was so accepting of her fate, that her only concern was for her daughter. ‘What is your name? ’Faye asked. ’Who are you and how can I help your little girl?’‘My name is Mathilda, ’the woman said. ’And only you can save my daughter. ’ It was raining as Faye boarded the bus which would carry her away from London and back home to Kirkwood. She only carried one small suitcase. All her other belongings would be sent by one of the maids in the Wilding household. She took her seat, with a measure of heartache but also hope, as
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 6
‘Excuse me?’Lost in thought while staring out the window as the rain came down in a gentle sheet, Faye had not heard what the woman next to her had said. She was older than Faye, pretty with beautiful grey eyes. ‘I asked if you’re also heading to Kirkwood, ’the woman said with a smile. ’I’m Deborah by the way, Deb for short.’She extended her hand and Faye did the same, returning her smile. ’Faye, and yes, that’s my destination.’‘Visiting? ’Deb asked. ’I heard its beautiful this time of year.’‘Actually, I’m moving back there, ’Faye replied. ’I spent some time in London and now I’m going back home.’‘Awesome, ’Deb said. ’Forgive me if I’m being forward. You just seemed so pensive ever since you got on the bus.’‘Just had a lot on my mind, ’Faye answered. ’Are you just going to visit Kirkwood?’‘Its business and pleasure, ’Deb said, shifting the heavy file on her lap. ’I’m doing research for an article I’m writing.’‘Really? ’Faye said. ’You’re a journalist? What coul
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 7
The English Coast,1794 ‘See, Father? See how she rebels against the teachings of God, sympathizing with the witch!’ Mary’s words were delivered in a biting, venomous tone and Mathilda could only stare at her elder daughter in shock as Tobias nodded his head in agreement. ‘You have gone mad Mathilda!' Tobias said through clenched teeth. ’If anyone were to hear of your blasphemy, they may construe you to be a witch yourself!’‘Let them! ’Mathilda bit back. ’Tobias, husband. . . . . this is not the will of God, but of a madman!’ ‘She has been tainted by her association with the witch, ’Mary interjected, ’we must pray for her, so her soul may escape damnation.’‘Be quiet girl! ’Mathilda said. ’You are still my daughter and you will be treated as such! Do not make me beat you into submission!’Mary rushed to Tobias’ side, finding safety in his arms. ‘Father, do not allow her to do this, ’she pleaded. ‘Never Mary, ’Tobias said, ’Never will she beat you. . . .
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 8
The English Coast,1794 ‘Tobias, I beg you, ’Mathilda implored, ’stay here with me and the children. . . . do not go to watch Bess burn.’ Anger flashed in his eyes at the mention of Bess and he pulled Mary closer to him as if trying to protect her from her own mother. ‘The sacred blood of Christ compels us to bear witness to the destruction of evil, ’he said hoarsely. ’I do not understand you Mathilda. I fear for you.’‘Do not fear for me, but for yourself and our daughter, ’Mathilda replied, close to tears. ’Mary has been seduced by Magnus and his teachings which are so very wrong.’‘Sacrilege and blasphemy! ’Mary spat. ’Father, I fear she has been tainted by evil, by Bess.’ ‘Mathilda, ’Tobias said, his tone firm and cold. ’Until such time as you repent, you are never to leave this house again. ’ . ….………‘You’re playing with me, right? ’Faye, said as the bus slowed down due to the rain coming down more intensely. Deb just to
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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
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 43
It took her a while to accept she was home safe.After witnessing the horror of Anna and Nolan’s murder-suicide, Faye was sure she was on the edge of losing her mind. She’d struggled, until she was free and Mathilda had led her to the road.'I couldn't grasp what was happening…. I thought they would come for me, but they just walked off into the woods. I crawled out the driver's side and made my way to the road, with Mathilda's help. That's when Eli and Mark found me. I was so scared Sybil… I can still smell their blood. The entire time, I was thinking about my baby and how close we both came to dying.’Faye's voice broke as she recalled how Nolan and Anna died. Even if she did despise them, their deaths were not something she found pleasure in. Nolan was someone she once loved, before all the abusive madness. Surely there had been some good in him once.Sybil shifted closer to her on the sofa and wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Her cup of chamomile tea, stood steaming
