Though the magic aided Ann in removing the stones pressed upon Ester, it was not strong enough at the moment to move her body. Ann was able to lift her friend and carry her back to the relative safety of the thicket. There she covered Ester with the foliage as camouflage until she could formulate a plan to return them to Hillston. Just as the last of the flora was placed Ann snapped her head sharply to the right hearing something in the distance. She prayed that it wasn’t someone from the mob. She remained still for a moment until she was certain they were still safe tucked away in the thicket. Ann bowed her head and whispered what sounded like a prayer, stood, brushed off her knees from kneeling, and began to head south.
Ann knew the territory well though it had been many years since she last visited. Just over a mile from where she had hidden Ester was Ann’s childhood home where she had been raised by her aunts. The home appeared vacant and rundown, condemned even. However, as soon as she crossed the threshold of the garden candles in every window illuminated the country cottage as a dissipating glamour revealed that the home was warmly lived in and well maintained. “Aunties! Inesa! Gertrude! Hannah! Come quick I need your help!” Appearing in front of the hearth was a young woman who appeared to be only slightly older than Ann. “Darling girl its been ages since you’ve called on your aunties what in Heaven’s name brings you about now?” inquired Inesa. Ann explained about the Hillston storm, the portal Ester fell through, and the mob that attempted to kill her friend as a witch. “Oh dear, she wasn’t meant to discover this path...tell me young one what of her twin does he know about this time and place?” Ann shook her head. “Good, good then all that is to worry about is returning the girl to her present time with no memory of what has transpired. Warm yourself by the hearth and I’ll call upon my sisters.” Ann took no hesitation in following Inesa’s instructions to warm herself, though the facial expressions did nothing to hide her worry for Ester and the secret. As Inesa disappeared down a hallway that seemed to lengthen with every step there was a heavy knocking at the door. Mason had walked for miles not know where he was or how he came to be here. Wherever “here” is. Until he found what appeared to be an uninhabited cottage. He crossed the threshold of the garden and felt a shock run through his body; he stiffened at the feeling which left him uneasy. He was seeking shelter so if no one were to be home as it appeared empty he would sleep here for the night and continue his journey for answers in the morning. With no response he pushed upon the door which did not give, he tried again and still the door held. Maybe someone does live here and just isn’t home. Not wanting to break a door to a home that might actually be more than a crumbling pile of stone he took up shelter in the garden shed which appeared to be mostly empty aside from a few broken pots, spilled soil, a small spade, and pruning snips. Waiting out the night would not be comfortable, however he would be protected from the natural elements. Sitting on the soil covered shed floor with his back against the wall it only took a few minutes before his eyes closed, heavy from confusion and the physical exertion spend finding the cottage. Ann watched from the window as Mason turned from his efforts to open the door locked with iron padlocks from the inside along magical warding spells. As he settled into the shed she opened the window slightly and whispered an enchantment causing Somnus to find him quickly. “Thank you, Somnus. I owe you a favor in the future.” she whispered to the entity that brushed fine gold powder over Mason’s eyes drifting him into slumber, he would not wake until the aunts reversed the enchantment. About three hours after she had departed down the infinite hallway, Inesa returned with her sisters. Gertrude of average looks and stature welcomed Ann into a warm hug that reminded her of her mother’s. Hannah with wisps of gray hair in her brown wavy locks appeared behind the other two, the lines of her forehead pronounced as she was already deep in thought planning what the four of them might do about Ester. Before the women could greet Ann with words she informed them that whatever Hannah had already thought was now complicated with the arrival of Mason. “Tsk tsk, this will not do!” exclaimed Inesa. “There’s always a rock to stumble upon.” responded Gertrude. “Have faith, there is reason in this turn of events.” Hannah said as though she were clarifying a question. Ann and the other two women turned and looked at Hannah questioningly. She explained to them that Mason and Ester were to experience this time and place as though it were a dream like state and thus having called upon Somnus for his assistance fit right along with how things were to transpire; all that was needed, aside from retrieving the unconscious Ester from the thicket, would be to return them home.
0 Comments
|
AuthorAnielle Kane resides in Katy, TX where she earns a living working as a middle school writing tutor while pursuing her teaching certification. She has taught 1 year of French and one year of 12 grade English (British Literature). Archives
December 2018
Categories |