My eyes widened with every creak of the door opening. A stirring tried to enter my feet, but my body was too stunned to budge. It was inevitable. I was not going anywhere. I just froze. Behind the door, the light blazed through my eyes. Still frozen, I squeezed my eyes tightly. “What are you doing out of bed so late, Sis?” The boyish deep voice in my ears began to thaw my frozen stature.
Blinking my lids repeatedly, an overwhelming sensation of excitement made my heart jump. My brother Brighton was home. I could tell him everything!
CHAPTER 4
“Brighton!” I shouted, hoisting myself up onto his body while wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. I buried my face in his chest. Tears poured down my cheeks like a dripping water faucet. “Hey there. Shhh… All is ok little sis.” Brighton said while running his hand over my head.
After the water works had dried up, Brighton made some porridge. Every bite was soothing to my tummy and filling it full. I licked my lips, letting Brighton know his porridge was delicious.
“Now, can you talk?” Brighton asked, looking at me with unsettlement written all over his face. The inside voice screaming to get out wanted to tell him everything. How awful Mother was. How I didn’t feel loved or even safe. The spell, the lashings, and so on.
But, I could not. She was his mother, too, and I would not be the one to ruin his vision of her. I held back more tears as I lifted my head to say, “I had the worse day, Bubba. First, I tripped in the woods during my walk to school. Then after, I had chores at home so I couldn’t play today. It was just a bad day. I am so glad you’re home!”
Leaning down to eye level with me, he squinted his eyes, giving me a look of distrust. He did not believe me. Who could blame him? I was lying straight through my teeth to the only person who would protect me. But I couldn’t come clean. I just couldn’t.
Lifting my chin with his knuckles, he said, “Hey, Lissy, how would you like to pick out your very own horse tomorrow? I am in the market for a new one myself. Wanna go to the village with me in the morning?” Glee rushed up inside of me as if it were a firecracker going off in my heart. My head moving up and down so fast, he understood my answer. Guffawing at my silly body language, he nodded in agreement.
Skipping through the village hand in hand, people awkwardly stared at us. Brighton did not acknowledge anyone around us. He only cared about the gleam in my eyes and the over-excited smile on my face.
Stillness hit our feet as we turned to look at this beautiful, tall colt that caught our eyes. “He’s a ripe looking horse, don’t you say, Lissy?” He had comfort in his eyes. I felt content. Like our hearts were forming a spiritual connection. Looking at Brighton, I smiled and said, “He’s perfect, Bubba! Can I keep him?” Throwing his head back, he chuckled. “Of course, Lissy! He is yours.”
I leapt up into my brother’s arms and squeezed his neck with joy. “Thank you! Thank you!” I continued to yell in a satisfied state.
Brighton lowered his head to mine and gave me a playful yet loving headbutt. That was our thing, and I knew he was telling me, “Anytime, Sis.”
“So, what are you going to call this guy?” he asked. Tapping my finger against my chin, I began to gaze over my new friend. “Oh, he is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, Bubba.” So many black spots on his snow-white coat, I started playing connect-the-dots in my head. I giggled. He was so astonishing; I could not look away. His mane reminded me of ashes from the fireplace in our foyer. How they would glisten as they fell. And then it came to me…Ghost!
Meeting my brother’s eye, I could see he was perplexed. “I want to call him Ghost.” Understanding, my brother bobbed his head toward me, giving me a solid nod. With a bounce of my heart, I began to jump up and down as tears of happiness rushed down my cheeks.
“Are you ready to ride him? He looks like he’s ready. It seems he trusts you, Lissy.” Brighton was really determined to get me on Ghost. What was the big rush? Why did he want me to have a horse so badly? Even though I was not sure of my brother’s intentions on the matter, I did not care. I had a horse, my first horse, and he was all mine! “Please let him and Sampson get along.” I thought as my eyes searched the sky.
“Okay, Bubba, let’s go get you a steed.” “Oh, right!” he remembered. “Watching you, I had almost forgot about myself. Okay, Sis, let’s go.” And so we headed off through the village. Ghost walked side by side with us. It was like he didn’t even need the reins on for me to guide him.
We came up to the Knight’s Corner. Surely Brighton would find a noble steed here. Walking up to the gate, I saw my brother’s eyes start to widen. “There!” He pointed his finger in amazement at the tall beast above my head. My back was facing it, so I had to turn around to see this horse that had Brighton overwhelmed in awe.
I had to turn around, my head slung all the way back to where my chin was pointed at the sky. This horse was gigantic! Taller than Brighton. I didn’t even think he was rideable. But my brother paid no mind to all that. He was pulled in deep by the beauty of this beast.
Leaning on the gate door, plopping his chin down onto his hands, he looked my way. “So, what you think, Bubba?” I asked, spreading my hands out on each side. “What do I think?” Brighton could not form words to describe how he was feeling, but I knew this horse was a keeper. “I like his tan socks.” I said, pointing at the horse’s feet, which were all I could see looking forward and not having to creak my neck so far back.
Brighton burst out a sharp chuckle. “Yes, he is quite the looker, isn’t he?” The horse was so tall you needed a ladder to get on him. But he was gorgeous. His color made me think back to Christmastime, when the chestnuts would be roasting on the fire. His tail was the color of snow, and he had a twinkle in his huge hazel eyes.
“This is the one,” Brighton told the keeper while handing him the gold he had in his hand. The keeper took the money and gave Brighton the reins. It was amusing to watch this horse walk beside us. I think it was fearful of trampling us under its hooves.
Leaving the village, I turned to ask my brother what he was going to name the horse. Brighton was so in awe with his new steed, he had forgotten to tell me his name. “Well…?” I asked, while placing my hand on one of my hips. Light shining through his smile, he said, “Nicodemus.” “Nico…what?” I asked with confusion as I looked into my brother’s eyes. Brighton laughed at me. “Nico-de-mus”, he said again, slowly sounding it out this time. “Oh…” Still having no clue how to pronounce the beast’s name, I just gave my bubba a blank nod.
Knowing I wasn’t understanding the horse’s name, he told me to just shorten it. “You can just call him Nico.” “Nico?” “Yes! You got it! Nico.” Smiling at him with light in my eyes, I started to lean in for a hug, but Nico split us with his huge head, only to give me a friendly nudge on my cheek.
Brighton nudged me on my arm with his elbow. “I think he likes you, Lissy.” Tittering while stroking Nico’s leg I said, “I think so too, Bubba.” “Come then, let us take our two new horses out for a ride.”
CHAPTER 5
Learning to ride Ghost was no easy task. At first, I was terrified. I couldn’t seem to steer him in the right direction. We ran into so many trees, and Brighton just laughed as he trotted behind with Nico, giving me pointers along the way.
“It’s no use, and my bottom hurts,” I whined. Nico stopped in front of Ghost to slow him down. Brighton looked down at me and said, "Keep his reins tight and up so he can see where you want him to go, okay?" Nodding my head in comprehension, I grasped Ghost's reins as he proceeded to give me more instructions. "Don't let him think he's in charge, you are the one who calls the shots. Once he has the understanding, you will be able to go anywhere with him."
Tilting my way, my brother said to me, "I want this horse to be your protector, Lissy, especially when I am not around." When he's not around? What did that mean? Did he know about the queen? Had he witnessed her temper too? I should ask. No. I couldn't. Brighton wanted me safe and that was good enoug
h for me. I wanted to enjoy our time together without him having to worry about me.
The ongoing notions in my head silenced when Brighton's voice rang through giving me more tips on how to manage Ghost. "Now click your heels into his side lightly."
I braced myself, took a deep breath, and pushed my heels into each side of Ghost’s body. Taking one step and then stopping, Ghost neighed at me. I began to wonder if he was as confused as I was.
Finally getting the hang of steering Ghost, we became in synch with one another. Ghost knew what to do by the pressure of my heels and the sounds I made. I wanted to ride him off into the sunset and never look back, but that was just a silly fantasy. Besides, who would watch after Kedron or tend to the animals? There would be no one. Like I said, a silly thought.
Brighton caught up to Ghost and me. “I’m afraid it’s time to head back to the castle,” he said, with the sound of a sigh behind his words. I knew he did not want to take me home just as much as I didn’t want to go. But, nevertheless, it was time to return.
“Oh no!” I shouted. “What? What’s wrong, Lissy?” Brighton asked with worry in his voice. “I have been out all day with you, Bubba, and it’s nearly sunset and I have not done my chores yet. The queen will be furious.” “Oh. Is that all that worries you, little sis? Do not be fearful; I will help you. If we do not get done in time, I will take all the blame.”
My brother was so sweet in trying to protect me. Little did he know Cheylenna would hide her feelings of me until he left again. I tried to put on a peaceful smile, but a burning sharp pain on my back reminded me of my truth.
Waking up the next morning excited to ride Ghost and see Brighton, I came racing down the stairs only to see Kedron whimpering near the foyer window. “What is it, Bub?” Kedron wiped his nose and cheeks while lifting his eyes to mine. “He’s gone. Brighton…he had to leave again.” Kedron started crying again. Anger and sadness started to overwhelm me. I had to stop the feeling, realizing I took all his time. The whole day yesterday and Kedron did not even get to see him.
“It’s ok little one. He will return. Next time I will make sure he spends time with you.” Kedron squeezed my sides while wiping his tears on my shirt. Patting his head, I asked, “Would you like to come outside with me today when I get home from school?” “Would I!” Kedron leapt with exultation. “Ok. I will come and get you right after school.”
With Kedron watching me leave out the door, I waved a hand telling him goodbye.
Running down to the stables was pure bliss, knowing my very own horse was waiting for me. I grabbed the saddle Brighton had left me. He really knew what I loved. Baby blue and white leather with sparkles all over. It was like looking into a dream or something.
I tacked up Ghost and we trotted off to school. Arriving up to the Tower of Enchantment, everyone seemed in a trance at the sight of me on a horse. They began bombarding me with so many questions. “How?” “Why?” “Where?” “What’s his name?” Mrs. Bell chimed in with a raise of her voice, “Slow down, children. Let Annalise speak.” Although, when she did raise her voice, it never frightened us. It was still so sweet like honey. “Now then, Annalise, will you tell us about your new horse?”
Blinking my eyes over and over, looking at all their faces in wonder and amazement, I started to tell them how my older brother bought me my first horse. Telling them the story, they began to ooh and ahh in fascination. The bell sounded loudly, so I tied Ghost up, giving him a kiss on his head and telling him, “I will not be long, boy.” He watched me step by step, never looking away until I was safely inside. It was like he was my new protector since Brighton was gone.
“Time for dismissal, class.” Mrs. Bell said while putting her hands together sharply. Happiness of seeing Ghost swept over me like the breeze on a hot day. Rushing through the crowd, I reached the tree where I had tied Ghost up. He was nowhere to be found.
Panicking, I started to think back before class. Oh, there had been so much commotion, I couldn’t remember if I had tied him up or not. And then there was my breakthrough thought. I remembered I had not tied him up…I had just kissed him and walked into school.
Lumps started to rise up in my throat and as I began to breathe deeply, my cheeks felt wet, and then even my chin had water falling from it. Pulling myself together, I bolted home, completely forgetting to see Tailya in the forest. I had a crisis to take care of. I had lost my horse and I could not think about anyone or anything fun. All my focus was on finding my Ghost.
CHAPTER 6
Rummaging through the thick trees while leaping over big logs, I came to the brink of the meadow. Just before reaching the stable barn, Kedron appeared, skipping up to me joyously. I was so tense from losing Ghost that I couldn’t be bothered by him. “Kedron!” I said cruelly. “What is it that you want?” Another snap. His eyes began to water as he jolted off back from where he had come.
A little tug started to pull at my heart strings, but I was too wrapped up in my quest to find Ghost. I opened the door only to see my worries were just that – worries – because Ghost was in his stall waiting for me to return from school! I had been panicking over nothing, and I realized I had treated my poor little brother badly with my panicking.
Patting Ghost on the head, I told him I would be back in a little while. I picked up my footing as I left the stables, running over the bridge to home, wondering what I was going to say to Kedron. I opened the door. “AH!!” I screamed. “You startled me!” Kedron was standing right there waiting for me.
I wrapped my arms tightly around him and pled with him to forgive me. Letting out a large sigh, my brother returned my hug. “Come with me. I want to show you someone you have not met yet.” His face lit up like a Christmas tree at night fall. Grinning widely, he nodded his head. I clasped my hand in his and off we went for Kedron to meet Ghost.
When we reached the stables, horrible thoughts started to race in my mind. “I guess I hadn’t had these thoughts earlier because my mind was all twisted up into finding Ghost.” Not realizing I had spoken out loud, I was startled when Kedron asked, “What thoughts are you talking about Annalise?” I smiled a big fake grin his way and said, “Huh? Oh, nothing important. Not to worry little brother. I am just fine.” But I wasn’t.
It had only been a week since Mother had scourged me. Thinking about it made me feel wretched all over. Knowing I had to hide the truth from Kedron, I found myself yet again lying to someone I loved. I told myself, “It’s for the best. He doesn’t need to know. It would just frighten him.” All those things came racing to memory. I just wanted to keep it all from him. But I would never forget. My back would forever be scarred and ugly.
“Okay, Annalise. It is time to push those feelings deep, deep down and focus on right now,” I said to myself, while shaking my body around and around. “Kedron, I would like you to meet Ghost!” Yelling in excitement, Kedron jumped up and down. “Can I ride him?” he asked with a loud shout. Letting out a couple of giggles, I gave him a twitch of my eye, giving him permission.
He hoisted himself on to Ghost’s saddle, I leapt up behind him, and off we went. Trotting back to the castle, I heard my name being shouted. “Who is that, Annalise?” Kedron asked, with a little alarm in his words. We were too far away to clearly hear whose voice it was. Coming closer, we heard the shout of my name again. This time Kedron was startled out of his seat by the overpowering shout. “Oh no! Are we late?” I couldn’t remember what time we had left.
The sun was still in the sky. A little lower than usual, but still up. I didn’t know what it was I had done. But obviously, it wasn’t good. We reached the stables and tacked Ghost up for the evening. I bid him goodnight and told Kedron to hurry home and wash up for dinner.
Just as I started to leave for the castle myself, my mother stood in the stable doorway restricting me from leaving. “And just where do you think you are off to?” In a feral stance, I could not speak. I did not know what to say to make her happy. I didn’t even know what to do, as the
terror began to swallow me.
“Well?” she asked, with ear-splitting volume in her voice. My body produced an electric charge, causing the hair on my arms to stand at attention. Placing each of her hands onto each of my cheeks, she leaned down and began to shake my head savagely. Large drops of water hit the hay on the ground. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as my consciousness began to slip away.
“Wake up, stupid girl! I asked you a question and I expect an answer!” Coming back to my awareness, I caught eye contact with my mother. “I am waiting, Annalise!” she said sternly. The look on her face made me feel like she was about to throw me down a gaping hole. The fear of being surrounded by darkness forever was not sitting well with me.
I started to feel queasy and my head began feeling fuzzy again. So much for my happy place. I took a deep breath. “My queen, I am on my way home to wash up for dinner. Please let me pass. I have done nothing wrong.”
SMACK!
My face turned sideways as my body plummeted into the hay. “Who do you think you are?!” she snarled. Her voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard. “How dare you speak to me in such an impudent way.” Not understanding what she had said, I put one hand against the other, pleading my apologies. “Much better. Now, see here little Miss Nothing. If you ever address me so un-mannered again, I will just have to give you a lesson in real manners.”
Bringing her pointer finger up to her chin while tapping her foot, she giggled and said, “I think you deserve to have some brought to your attention now.” Mother walked over to Ghost’s stall and I could hear her gloating as she grabbed the wooden broom that was leaning against Ghost’s stall door. It was the broom I used to clean his mess out of the stall so he wouldn’t play in it.
Tromping toward me with her hands tightly gripped on the broom, she lifted it in the air while shouting, “This is what happens when you disobey me you little wench!” Only, she didn’t say ‘wench’, she said a word much worse. Before her arms dropped, my feet swiftly guided my body across from where she was about to pummel me.
Reign of Witches Page 3