Nature of the Witch

by Helen T. Norwood

  She turned and made her way to her bedroom before Jack caught her snooping. As she closed her bedroom door and undressed she glanced at her bed. She remembered how it felt waking with Jack's arms wrapped around her protectively and she blushed. She needed to shake those sorts of thoughts from her head.

  She climbed into bed and quickly drifted into a deep sleep.

  She was in a wood. She looked around. It was dark and the wind made the leaves rustle. She knew instinctively that she was in the woods that the accident had taken place all those years ago. It was where Jack's parents had died.

  She knew she was dreaming but, as she brushed her hand across the bark of the trees and stepped through the grass in her bare feet, she was amazed at how real it felt. She was in her pyjamas and she shivered against the cold. It was all too real.

  She began to walk. She reached a road and suddenly her mind was besieged with visions. A car was veering off the road with a screech, it flipped through the air and people were screaming. She followed the sounds. A boy was crawling out from the wreckage of the car. There was no doubting it was Jack with his dark hair and eyes; he was frightened and she longed to reach out and help him, but he wasn't real. It was just a vision. She began to run through the woods. Jack was running too, throwing himself forwards in the darkness. There was a woman. She was beautiful. She was running and she was looking for Jack, her large eyes fearful. It was Jack's mother. There was something else there too, blurred and out of focus. If only she could see it then she could tell Jack what had happened.

  Jack was in his mother's arms. Kiera ran with them. Then the visions accosted her. She couldn't separate them. Jack's mum was screaming. A tree was thrown across the road. Jack was running down the road and his mum was being dragged through the woods. Kiera gripped her head and tried to focus her thoughts. Then the visions stopped.

  Kiera was still standing in the woods. She couldn't see Jack or his mother, she was alone. She was standing next to the road; the spot that Jack's mother had been attacked. She moved forward further into the trees. Some flowers grew not far from the roadside. They were a vivid purple with large petals. She picked a handful to put in her room and then laughed at herself. It was only a dream.

  Behind her twigs snapped. She spun round and her heartbeat quickened.

  This is only a dream, she thought, and I'd like to wake up now.

  She backed away towards the road, staring into the darkness around her. It reminded her of being trapped between worlds and she longed to hear Jack's voice waking her up, calling her back to reality as he had done before. Something moved in the corner of her eye and she spun round again. She was breathing heavier. She wasn't alone. Something was in the dark watching her.

  The trees around her rustled slightly. She reached out and placed a hand to the nearest one. She rubbed against its bark. If ever she needed to communicate with the natural world it was now.

  “What is going on?” she whispered, either to herself or to the tree, she wasn't sure which.

  There was a footstep to her right. Something was nearby, closing in on her. Maybe it was her own instincts, but she liked to think it was nature answering her and screaming in her head, 'DANGER! DANGER!' A bush to her right moved suddenly, as though something were about to leap out of it at her.

  And then she was awake, sitting bolt upright and sweating profusely.

  She sat until her breathing was under control, then she shook her head. It was just a dream. She moved the duvet and realised something was in her hand, flowers. She stared down in disbelief at the purple flowers in her hand.

  She dropped them on to her bed and climbed out. She walked quickly and quietly across the landing to Jack. Jack awoke as soon as she entered and looked at her confused, “Are you okay?”

  Kiera went to speak but then stopped. She wasn't sure what to say, she wasn't even sure what had just happened.

  “I think I had a nightmare,” she said quietly.

  She wiped her forehead which was still sweating. Jack frowned and, for a moment, Kiera thought he might tell her to stop being silly and go back to bed. Then he pulled back his duvet and held out his arm. She jumped in beside him and he wrapped himself around her.

  “What was it about?” he asked her, stroking her damp hair away from her forehead.

  “I'll tell you in the morning,” Kiera whispered and snuggled in closer. She didn't feel afraid anymore.

  Chapter Twenty Eight

  They awoke in unison the next morning. Kiera was facing away from Jack and he was nestled behind her. His arm was draped around her waist and her hand held on to his wrist. They didn't try to move. Kiera was worried that things would turn awkward again and she just wanted to enjoy the safe, warm feeling that being in his arms gave her.

  Impulsively she stroked his wrist and then let her hand trail softly up his forearm. She held her breath as she did so, unsure if he would ask her to stop, but he didn't. He drew her in closer and she felt his breath against her neck. Her heartbeat quickened. She knew how close he was to her and it felt as though every fibre of her being was screaming at her to turn and kiss him.

  But another voice, although only quiet, whispered about the dangers of doing so. It reminded her that this man was destined to always be a part of her life and that changing their relationship could ruin everything. The voice also told her that if he didn't want her to kiss him then it would be humiliating, and she would never be able to look him in the eye again. That voice really was a spoil sport.

  Suddenly they heard footsteps on the landing outside.

  “It's time Jack,” Kitto's voice called through and they both froze, “shall I wake Kiera?”

  “No I will,” Jack replied quickly.

  The moment was gone and the awkwardness was back.

  “Morning,” Kiera said shyly, hoping she didn't sound as flustered as she felt.

  “Morning,” Jack sat up and pulled her up with him and they both laughed.

  “Wake me for what?” Kiera asked, smoothing her hair with her hand and hoping she looked marginally more presentable than she had the previous morning.

  “A surprise,” Jack said sheepishly.

  Kiera's face brightened, “What sort of surprise?”

  “The driving test kind of surprise,” he held up his hands ready for her to protest, “you're ready. You're an excellent driver, largely due to your excellent instructor.” He grinned, and then slipping on a t-shirt he said, “I didn't tell you so you didn't have time to worry. Now you do need to get a move on because it's first thing.”

  With the drama of waking up beside Jack and then knowing she had a driving test Kiera forgot about her strange dream until she rushed back into her bedroom. The purple flowers still lay on her bed.

  She pictured Jack, just a small boy, running through the woods in terror, clinging desperately to his mother. She felt a pang as she imagined what life must have been like for him as a child. At least she had had her dad, Jack had grown up with no-one. The thought made her want to run back to his room and throw her arms around him. She wanted to tell him that he wasn't alone anymore, but somehow she didn't think Jack would appreciate it. He wasn't exactly the cuddling and sharing type. At least she had never thought he was, but then she remembered the way he held her so close at night. He was an anomaly.

  She fetched a vase and put the flowers in water. Then she washed and dressed quickly before hurrying downstairs. Breakfast was waiting for her and, whilst she ate, Jack ran through parallel parking and emergency stops. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. By the time she arrived at the testing centre the butterflies had turned into elephants, and she was wishing she'd skipped breakfast as she was feeling nauseous.

  “I'll call you when I'm done,” she said to Jack as she took a deep breath and opened her car door.

  “It's okay, I'll wait for you. Good luck,” he called to her as she climbed out.

  Her tester was a small, stern looking man, which didn't help her nerves. She briefly contemplated usin
g magic to help her, but she knew Jack would disapprove. She tried to concentrate but found she was distracted with thoughts of Jack. She remembered the distant and cold man she had first met and compared him to the man she now knew. Perhaps the distraction worked because she passed, even with a three point turn that looked more like a ten point turn.

  She hugged Jack in delight.

  “What would you like to do to celebrate?” he asked.

  “Can I drive to Mags's house?” Kiera asked.

  They swapped seats, switched on the radio and set off. The mood was light and cheerful. Kiera wondered whether to mention what she'd seen the previous night but decided against it when they were both in such a good mood. Besides, she hadn't seen anything new. If only she could have focused on what had chased him and his mum.

  Jack was pleased to see Kiera so happy. He watched her when her eyes were on the road and thought about how new this was for him. He had never felt so protective over someone, except maybe Kitto. He had once wondered how he would cope with a destiny where he had to spend his life with someone else. Now he couldn't imagine a life without her.

  Mags was pleased to see them. She put the kettle on and cut some slices of homemade cake. Then they settled down in her living room and chatted idly.

  Finally, Jack leant forward. It was a long shot but perhaps Mags could fill in the gaps that Kitto wouldn't talk to him about, “Mags, is there much information around about the Creatures?”

  Mags was surprised by his question. She thought for a moment, “Why do you ask?”

  “The tree-spirit told Kiera that she was being hunted,” he told her.

  Mags looked alarmed and grabbed hold of her walking stick. Kiera glared at Jack. She hadn't wanted him to worry Mags. Jack ignored her and continued. He couldn't beat around the bush, not if there was the possibility that Kiera was in danger, “The tree-spirit didn't give any more info but I'd like to know anything you can tell me about the Creatures.”

  “Have you spoken to Kitto?” Mags asked.

  Jack nodded, “He thinks it's unlikely that the tree-spirit would've meant the Creatures. He's probably right but I'd still like to know more about it.”

  Mags's face was pale as she spoke, “Tales of the Kasadow always terrified me as a child. In all honesty there isn't much written about them. I've read first-hand accounts which describe people's fear of them but none that actually describe them. We have tried to get Kitto to fill in some of the blanks in our history but he…” Mags paused, “I think he finds it difficult to talk about so he hasn't been too forthcoming.”

  Tell me about it, Jack thought.

  He sat back in his chair, “So what do we know?”

  Mags seemed to struggle internally for a moment before speaking, “We know that it all ended rather strangely.”

  “Strangely?” Jack queried.

  “Well,” Mags paused and again seemed uncertain before continuing, “the Creatures hunted down and destroyed witches. Only one coven was protected.”

  “Daughters of the Earth,” Kiera said quietly.

  Mags nodded, “With the Gwithiaz to watch over them and their own powerful magic they remained safe for centuries. The Creatures were rarely able to track them and if they did the Gwithiaz were powerful warriors. It was unheard of for a Daughter of the Earth to be caught and killed.”

  “Then how were they?” Jack asked puzzled.

  “That's what is odd”, Mags shrugged, “they were safe for centuries, working quietly and doing good from behind the scenes. Then suddenly they started to die. Witch and Gwithiaz slaughtered until only three remained. They were sisters, and I don't mean sisters in witchcraft, I mean blood sisters.”

  “Bersaba?” Kiera asked.

  Mags nodded, “She had sisters, Ailla and Kelyn. Bersaba was the last one to die. We just don't know why suddenly they were unable to defend themselves and all perished.”

  “Kitto survived,” Kiera commented. She ignored the look Jack threw her. She hadn't meant it as a criticism.

  “It sounds like he was lucky to,” Jack said with a frown.

  Mags nodded, “Yes and at least he went on to wipe out the rest of their kind. No-one has heard of the Creatures since.”

  “Do you have any theories about what went wrong?” Jack questioned.

  Mags shook her head, “There's no way for us to know and Kitto doesn't like to speak of it.”

  When they left Mags they no longer felt light and cheerful; both were deep in thought. Kiera let Jack drive.

  “You shouldn't have said anything,” Kiera couldn't hide her annoyance, “now she will be anxious.”

  “I have to keep you safe Kiera,” Jack said matter-of-factly, “I can't worry about things like that.”

  “Firstly, let us please remember that it is the 21st century. I don't need you to look after me Jack. We are in this together. Secondly, I'm just worried because her health is already bad,” Kiera sighed, “and she's in that house all alone.”

  “At least you can drive and visit her more often now,” Jack said smiling and she gave him a weak smile back, “yes, that's true.”

  She thought for a moment, “Shall we pick up something for dinner tonight? To celebrate me hitting the roads? Perhaps a bottle of wine?”

  “Maybe if you throw in a beer,” Jack grinned.

  “I'll show you where I used to work,” Kiera said, “I have a friend there I'd like to see again.”

  They wondered around the supermarket, basket in tow. It reminded Kiera of a simpler time, a time when she was just like everybody else and knew nothing of Gwithiaz or magic. It also reminded her of an incredibly lonely period of her life. Dad had just died and she had moved to Cornwall. She had had no-one. The memories of how lost and low she had felt made her shudder and she linked her arm through Jack's.

  They picked up something for dinner, a bottle of wine, a few beers and a chocolate gateau for pudding. Kiera placed some photo frames in the basket and was pleased with herself. She would put up the photos of her dad. It was time.

  Finally she saw someone she recognised. Sharron, from bakery, was a small, rounded woman in her early fifties. She embraced Kiera like an old friend. Kiera was about to ask if Stacey was working when she said sadly, “Did you hear about Stacey? It was so sad.”

  “What happened?” Kiera asked.

  “Killed,” Sharron said shaking her head as though still in disbelief, “both her and her mother.”

  Kiera gasped and she gripped Jack's arm, “No, killed? How?”

  Sharron shrugged and then shook her head again, “Didn't you see it in the paper?”

  “No, I've been a little cut off from the world,” Kiera admitted glancing at Jack, “I haven't read any papers.”

  “It was the strangest thing, must have been a one in a billion chance, but they think a wild animal got into the house and attacked them.”

  “A wild animal?” Kiera repeated. “What kind of animal?”

  “It was never confirmed,” Sharron told her, her eyes glistening, “I think maybe one of those illegal dogs or something, you know, the ones that are bred for fighting? It was never caught.”

  Sharron moved in closer, “I heard the way the bodies were…” she put a hand to her mouth, “well, I heard it was pretty horrific. A neighbour heard the screams and alerted police.”

  Kiera was frozen to the spot in shock. She felt Jack put an arm around her shoulders. Her friend was attacked by a random wild animal? Eventually she whispered, “When did this happen?”

  “Start of December,” Sharron turned as someone called her name, “it was nice seeing you again Kiera, I'm sorry to have to tell you about Stacey.”

  Sharron reached the end of the aisle and then turned back, “You know, I bet you were one of the last people to see Stacey. I remember that your apartment block collapsed and you had just vanished off the face of the earth. We were worried about you. I got a message from Stacey to say you'd been to see her that day and that you were okay. It was the last time I ever
heard from her, she died that night. Anyway, take care Kiera.”

  Kiera stared numbly down the aisle until she felt Jack steering her away. She was vaguely aware that they were at the checkout and then she was being led out to the car. He strapped her seat belt across her and climbed into the driver seat.

  “I'm sorry about your friend,” Jack said quietly.

  Kiera turned to face him, her eyes were wide, “Oh Jack, is it my fault? Am I being hunted? Is it…is it the Creature?”

  The words tumbled out of her mouth. Jack placed his hands on her shoulders and gripped them, “Look at me Kiera.”

  She did as he said, his dark eyes bore into her, “Whatever happened is not your fault. We don't know what happened to your friend. Maybe it was just a random animal attack, or maybe it was…something else. But none of it is your fault. I will find out if something is hunting you and if it is I will stop it. Okay?”

  It took a moment for Kiera to process his words. She felt numb. Stacey had been so friendly and full of life. Her death was so sad.

  “Okay?” Jack repeated, giving her shoulders a little shake.

  She nodded and gathered herself together, “Okay.”

  Then she added, “You mean 'we' will stop it.”

  Jack released her and turned on the ignition. They drove home in silence. Jack held her hand as they walked up to the house. She followed him into the living room. The fire was lit in the hearth.

  “I'll get you a drink,” he said softly.

  Kiera was taken by surprise when he strode over to her and pulled her into his arms. He held her tight and she held him back. She felt some of the tension leave her.

  “I will never let anything happen to you,” he whispered, “I promise.”

  Then he pushed her back down gently on to the settee and left the room. Kitto was in the kitchen. He smiled broadly at Jack as he entered, “Where is she? I must congratulate her.” He pointed at the bag of shopping in Jack's hand, “Looks like we had the same idea. I thought I'd cook a celebratory meal for her, we'll have plenty of wine because I picked up a couple of bottles too…”