Witch Hollow and the Wrong Spell (Book 1)
Page 11
15. Bags of Herbs
A breeze flew over the lake, tickled the leaves above the water, and disappeared between the branches of a willow. Jack was sitting under the tree, playing the flute and gazing at the peaks of the trees that glistened in the rays of the autumn sun.
The day was calm. If not for the rare gust of wind, the nature around the lake could be taken for a painted landscape. The only sound came from his flute. The gentle tune caressed the leaves and petals; the tips of the grass and the flower buds swayed in sync with the music.
Ariadne appeared near the lake, with a basket full of autumn leaves.
“Hello, princess.” Jack gave her a quick glance and looked back at the calm lake. “Did my music bring you here?”
“Not really. I was collecting leaves, heard the flute, and thought you might be sad again.”
“Not sad. Just meditating.”
Ariadne followed Jack's glance. The clear water was playing with the rays of the sun. Reflections of the trees were so sharp it seemed there was a world under the water, looking exactly like the forest. She looked at the chain of mountains that surrounded the lake from the north, at the woods, which guarded it from the west, then stared at the bluish sky.
“Have you ever thought about where we live?”
“In Hollow.”
Ariadne laughed. “Sometimes you’re not tolerable, just like your sarcasm.”
Jack smirked.
“It’s so beautiful here.”
“Compared to what? You have never been outside of Hollow.”
“But I’m not comparing Hollow to other places. Is it necessary to see something else to value the beauty that lies before you?”
For a while they sat in silence. Jack played the flute while Ariadne sorted out the leaves she had gathered. Jack’s dog barked and ran to her.
“Orion, my good boy,” she said tenderly, caressing him and kissing his warm snout. Orion licked her hands, then lay down at Jack's feet.
Jack stopped the music and looked at Ariadne. A gentle breeze was rustling her golden hair, which didn’t differ from the sunrays that were falling upon it through the foliage. She was right, one doesn’t need to see much to value beauty. She was the only one near him, and he could see how beautiful she was without comparing her to anyone else.
“I have to collect more leaves,” she said to herself.
“Nerd.”
“I think I will never finish this book about the nature in Hollow. It’s not even a book, but a huge, thick album with dried flowers and plants. How are your sisters doing?”
“Fine.”
“The last few days we have hardly seen each other. I think they are busy with something. They seem to be a bit worried recently.”
“They are loonies.”
Ariadne smirked. “Don’t call them names. I know how much you worship them.”
“It doesn’t change the fact that all three of them are nuts.”
Ariadne stifled her laugher. “Have you asked them if anything has happened?”
“Surely something has happened. Something always happens to them.”
“Maybe they need help? Do you know what has happened?”
“Not yet.”
Ariadne wanted to say something when a drop landed on her hand. She looked up at a black cloud that was sailing across the recently serene sky. Another drop hit her, bigger this time. Rain drops began pounding on the branches, and the mirror lake played the rain music. Orion jumped on his feet and barked.
“Get up, Jack, let’s run home.”
“Calm down, we’ll not get wet.”
Jack continued to sit on the grass. The rain was gushing around them, but the drops ceased to fall upon him, Ariadne, and Orion.
Looking up, Ariadne saw how the long willow branches formed a canopy over their heads, protecting them from the torrent. She couldn’t help laughing. “Play some more, wizard.”
With a smile, Jack took the flute to his lips.