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Chapter 7
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2024-09-09 13:38:10Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2024-09-22Shadows In The Fire Chapter 9
The rain was coming down in torrents, forcing the bus to pull over to the side of the road. Faye was annoyed. It was such a tedious and long journey to Kirkwood and now they could be delayed by a few more hours. She consoled herself with the fact that the trip wasn’t a total loss, barring their unscheduled stop. She mulled over everything Deb had told her as the other woman took a nap. Faye toyed with the idea, the completely absurd idea, of sneaking the file out of Deb’s backpack, but she didn’t want to risk losing her trust if she were to suddenly wake up and find her going through her things. She was sure that file contained much more information about the witch hunts, information which could lead to an explanation for all the dreams and visions she had had for as long as she could remember. The only person who had ever shown sympathy and some understanding was Sybil and mostly because she was a fan of anything that hinted at the supernatural. She had once even tried to get Fa
Last Updated : 2024-09-23Shadows In The Fire Chapter 10
The sun was shining through the remnants of the storm clouds, when Faye came down for breakfast, after spending her first night back in her childhood home.It gave her a sense of peace to some measure, being back in the place where she had spent the happiest days of her life. It surprised her that Sybil kept her room exactly as she had left it. It felt almost as if she had never packed up to move away in the first place. It was wonderful seeing Sybil and Mark again. They had never really gotten along with Nolan, so visits during her marriage had been few and far between. Most of the time they had kept in touch by phone and e-mail, so seeing each other was quite an experience. She still hadn’t summoned the courage to tell Sybil about the baby. She wasn’t ready to share that bit of info just yet. All that concerned her now was finding out as much as she could about the witch hunts and how that had any relevance to her dreams and visions, if any at all. Deb had booked into th
Last Updated : 2024-09-27Shadows In The Fire Chapter 11
‘The doctors say its something called early onset dementia, ’Eli said softly. ’He forgets a lot and he doesn’t speak much anymore. Sometimes he cries and sometimes he just bursts into laughter and some days he doesn’t even remember me.’Faye and Deb passed a look between them and then focused their attention on the man sitting in the wheelchair in the garden at the back of the house. He had a newspaper on his lap, but all he did was stare into the distance. It seemed as if he didn’t even blink. Faye could hardly believe this was the same man who had shared so many dinners at their house while she was growing up. He had been so full of life. His dark hair was almost completely grey and the lines on his face made him seem years older than what he was. ‘I’m so sorry, Eli, ’Faye said. ’I had no idea. How long has he been like this? ’ ‘About a year now. Its gotten progressively worse, especially after my mother passed on.’‘Its tragic, ’Deb said. ’Does he remember muc
Last Updated : 2024-09-30Shadows In The Fire Chapter 12
Faye hated to see his handsome face composed in such bitterness, as she wiped at her tears with the back of her hand. Eli showed no sympathy, just utter contempt for her and the way she had treated him. I deserve this, she thought to herself, all of it. In the seven years since she had left Kirkwood, she had not once contacted him, thinking it would be for the best if he could just forget her and move on with his life. Obviously her strategy had been dead wrong. He looked every bit as miserable as he probably had, when he had read her letter all those years ago. ‘Why was it so easy for you to forget me, Faye? ’he asked, ’when I spent days and nights thinking only of you?’‘I convinced myself you would be okay, ’she answered honestly, ’I thought in time you would forget me and find someone else. Did you? Find someone else? ’ Eli could barely look at her. He turned his face away, his mouth set in a thin line of anger and hurt. ‘I dated, ’he answered, ’it just wa
Last Updated : 2024-10-02Shadows In The Fire Chapter 13
The English Coast,1794 Mathilda paced anxiously up and down the cold floor. The others were late, and the sleeping herb she had mixed into the soup would soon wear off and Tobias would wake up. He was a light sleeper and since he had forbidden her to leave the house, this was the only way for her to meet the others. Right now he was sleeping soundly, along with Mary and Esther and none of them should know what she was planning. She opened the door. The night was pitch dark and already it was drizzling. She loved the smell of the rain mixed with that of the ocean. It always calmed her senses and brought her closer to nature. She could barely see anything in the dark for a few minutes and then she saw the glow of an advancing lantern. Finally, they were coming. They would have to be quick in getting to the church, the only place they could meet in secret.She closed the door and pulled her cloak tighter around her as the advancing figure reached her, out of breath
Last Updated : 2024-10-02Shadows 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
Last Updated : 2024-10-03Shadows In The Fire Chapter 15
‘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
Last Updated : 2024-10-05
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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
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 54
The mood around the breakfast table, was pensive and quiet, after Faye broke the news of her and Whisper becoming one, to Sybil and Mark. It was clear both of them were upset by it and Faye couldn’t blame them for being worried. The looks on their faces when she told them, was a mixture of shock and disbelief, sprinkled with a healthy dose of 'what the fuck.'When Whisper first told her, she too had her concerns, but as she warmed up to the idea, she realized it would be safe to do. Her physical body, and her baby’s would be safe in her own bed, while her spirit would merge with Whisper, to hunt down Magnus and Mary. Mathilda would be there to guide the process and she knew she and her baby were in good hands.It was Sybil who eventually broke the uncomfortable silence. She took a sip of tea and cleared her throat, making sure she had everyone's attention.‘I know it makes sense to you, Faye, but I’m honestly scared to death about this. Look at the four of us, holed up in or own home,
Shadows In The Fire Chapter 53
Faye opened her eyes and felt Eli’s arms around her. She turned to face him, finding him smiling boyishly, as he took in her naked form. Their night of passion had lasted until the early hours of the morning and she lost count of how many times Eli had taken her. It was almost as if he wanted to make up, for all the years they’d spent apart, and she was glad he did.Her body had never felt so satiated, and loved at the same time. He had taken her to new heights of pleasure, with every achingly gentle thrust of his body.‘No regrets?’ Eli asked, tucking her hair behind her ears. ‘I have none. Last night confirmed our love, and our future.'Faye gently ran her fingers along his chest and gently pinched his nipple. God, his body was so hard and strong...‘None whatsoever, Mr Evans. Thanks for reminding me what I missed out on, more than once.’The memory of her body, reacting with Eli firmly inside her, quickened her pulse once more. She’d forgotten what an amazing lover he was, or how b
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
