Castine, Reflection: Part 2

By Heather Welch

Alison and her family find themselves in Castine a place thought only to have existed in their childhood games. Castine, Reflection is the second in a sequence of four. This installment begins exactly where Castine, Child's Play left off.

Lynn is missing in Brushwood with Alison and the others fearing the worst. However, neither she nor Ray will heed Phaelan's warning to stay put until Lynn is found. The deliberate act of going into Brushwood alone could prove to be a dangerous mistake for Alison. Then again, it may be a blessing in disguise.

Through soul searching and reflection, Alsion comes to terms with her growing feelings for Phaelan, as well as, some family issues she's kept locked away. And in doing so, The Ivory Magyck is unlocked. Castine, Reflection is one of action, surprises and heartfelt emotion. Questions are answered and more questions are born paving the road for Castine, Then There Were Two, Part 3.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather Welch
• Release date: Sep 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370002566

Heather Welch

Heather Welch is a native Rhode Islander now living in the South raising two Southern Belles. She’s been writing stories since she learned to form sentences, and her mother proudly displayed her first one, The Farmer and The Bunny, on their refrigerator.With writing being her main passion, you won’t often find a pen and paper far from her reach. She can often be found, journal in hand, anywhere from seaside to sofa. Life’s precious moments are far too valuable not to capture on paper.Castine has been released in four sequences. They say write what you know, which is exactly what transpired. The idea came to Ms. Welch from an imaginary game played as a child with her own brother and sister back when summer afternoons were filled with magic, monsters, secret powers and faraway places. The book took on a life of its own, and the words flowed freely onto the pages.Each character holds a special meaning for her, and she hopes some will for you as well. If you’ve enjoyed reading as much as she’s enjoyed writing, she’d love to hear from you.Also follow on Instagram - www.instagram.com/heatherwelchnovels

Book preview

Castine

Reflection

Part 2

Heather Welch

Copywright 2016, Heather Welch

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

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Contents

Chapter 8: A Night to Remember

Chapter 9: First Light

Chapter 10: Sudden Chance of Showers

Chapter 11: Reflection and Revelation

Chapter 12: A Rose of Power

Chapter 13: Surprise Attack

Chapter 14: Plans to be Made

Chapter 15: Mishaps & Embarrassment

Chapter 16: Secrets Revealed

Preview: Then There Were Two

Chapter 17: No Sense of Direction

Dear Reader

Author’s Page

Connect With Heather Welch

Chapter 8

A Night to Remember

Pacing back and forth near the entrance to Brushwood, I was growing impatient and tired of waiting for any kind of word to be sent back on Lynn. An anxiety I couldn’t quite explain was building inside of me just waiting to burst free. All I knew for sure was being totally cut off from a guy I was growing closer to each day in a world so different from my own wasn’t helping anything. Back home, I could just pick up a cell phone and find out what was going on but here nothing but time. At the moment, all I could do was stand on the sidelines and drive myself crazy

A small command post had been set up a ways back from where I was waging war with myself. Marbellia was there with Maddie and a few of the top officers no doubt discussing a backup plan. I should have been up there, but I needed to pull myself together first.

I should’ve been paying more attention. If I hadn’t been so focused on showing off my new ability, I would’ve heard Lynn go into those woods, Ray startled me from behind. I didn’t even hear him approaching.

This wasn’t your fault.

All of a sudden, I became one of those guys. The self-absorbed ones I’ve despised my whole life, and now Lynn is missing. Ray took over pacing where I’d left off. He was completely wrapped up in his own guilt.

Alison is right. You do not know if the outcome would have been any different, Marbellia commented as she and Maddie came walking towards us. "You cannot feel guilty over what is already done. With so many sounds going on around you, you would have had to have been incredibly focused to notice when Lynn had strayed off.

From what I have been told, it looks like she entered Brushwood of her own free will and unaccompanied. If a struggle had ensued, you can be sure you would have noticed, no matter what you were doing. I am certain they will find her.

What exactly is Brushwood? I asked looking back into the woods.

"Castine’s oldest and most sacred forest. It extends all the way to the edge of our kingdom. Most people shy away just because of the sheer size of the trees. The further in you go, the harder it becomes to navigate. If you are unfamiliar with the landscape, you can easily lose your way.

The problem we face now is we are losing daylight. With the thick canopy of vegetation, it is hard enough to see when the sun is shining brightly never mind as it begins to set.

Maddie let out a small gasp and put her hand over her mouth. Her eyes were brimming with tears. I gave her a tight hug, but there was nothing I could say.

I have every confidence that your sister will be found safely, Marbellia consoled putting a hand on Maddie’s shoulder. Marcus knows these woods better than anyone else. He has trained many of his men in the lay of the land, and his best men are with him now. He also has Phaelan; and when it comes to tracking, there is no equal.

Watching Marbellia with Maddie, I noticed how much older and wiser she appeared. It made me wonder again about her true age. She led Maddie towards the tent offering her a hot tea to help her relax.

My nerves were on edge, to the point where I could no longer take it. I’d worn a deep enough path into the manicured lawn. Looking around I didn’t see Ray anywhere, but a soldier caught my attention. He was looking left and right as he made his way towards the woods. I followed the suspicious man and watched him drop his shield against a tree and take off his sword. At first it didn’t register, but once I figured out that his only crime was being stupid as he went about his business with nature, I grabbed his sword and began running in the other direction. The direction Phaelan and Marcus took to go find Lynn,

What do you think you’re doing? Ray asked, grabbing my arm and stopping me dead in my tracks.

He’d startled me, but I tried not to show it. Instead I gave him attitude and pulled away.

I can’t sit here any longer. I have to do something.

And just what do you think you’re going to do? He looked down at the sword I had in my hand. Tell me, you don’t plan on using it.

I know. I know, I groaned. But you can’t tell me you aren’t tired of sitting here.

He rolled his eyes, and I punched his arm. I looked at my brother in a totally different light. You’ve been out looking for Lynn.

Not the whole time, he grinned. I got the lecture from Phaelan before you and Maddie arrived. He warned me about the danger these woods could hold. And how he’d feel better if I stayed here and looked after you. I know he was just giving me the brush-off. Besides, I’ve only taken quick trips. She’s family. Did you honestly think I could stay here and do nothing?

Then you know how I feel. I’ve got to look for her.

Okay, fine. But I’m coming with you. Just let me give Maddie the heads-up. I don’t want her freaking out when she finds us gone, too. She’s already going through enough

I agreed to stay put, but as soon as Ray was out of sight, I got to thinking. I was sure Maddie would want to come, too. Even worse would be if Marbellia got wind of it and put a stop to the whole trip. I circled my fingers around my weapon and walked further into Brushwood.

Even though we’d been given the rundown, it didn’t sink in before. Some things you’ve just got to see to believe. The young trees quickly gave way to an older landscape. Only narrow rays of sunlight broke through the green ceiling.

Some of the tree trunks were wider than my SUV, and moss covered the large overlapping roots rising up from the ground. The trail that I’d been following was quickly swallowed up. It didn’t take long to figure out that I was lost.

Taking in a three sixty didn’t shake out one a familiar landmark. Looking up gave no indication of the sun’s position. Instant regret flooded every fiber of my being. Phaelan was going to kill me for this solo excursion.

I found the green eyed monster of jealousy to be a lonely companion. If only I had Ray’s super hearing, I’d find some voices to follow. Even his speed would lead me to a better place than this. I’d settle for Maddie’s skill with a sword right about now. It looks like I may need it if I’m going to survive the night out here. I looked at the blade in my hands and clumsily sliced through the air.

What did I think I was going to do with it? When it came to me and anything physical, I was a mess. Bike riding and roller skating were the extent of my athletics. Thinking of my high school P.E. class always made me cringe. Being picked last was the only consistency I had; it didn’t matter what the sport.

The sound of branches rustling whipped me back to the present. Still, something inside told me not to call out as I listened for any other sounds. These woods had me pretty freaked out.

Alison! I was grabbed from behind.

Before I knew what was happening, Ray and I were perched on top of a huge boulder. His eyes were wild, and his grip was tight.

What the--?

Words failed me. I looked in the direction Ray was pointing. A snarling creature was slowly headed towards us, as a predator does just before it attacks its prey.

At first glance, it was a wolf. Wasn’t it? Its head was definitely wolfish. Although the rest of its body was sleek like a large cat. It was black as midnight. Prowling like a panther, never losing focus.

It’s growling, snarl was blood curdling and unnatural, sending shivers down my spine. Not to mention, its abnormally large size being closer to that of a grizzly bear. Paralyzed with fear, I clung to Ray but couldn’t take my eyes off the creature. No matter how badly I wanted to look away, I was morbidly entranced to stare.

The creature coiled back on its hind legs. Ray grabbed my head and pressed it into his shoulder. I braced myself for the end. Instead, the beast unleashed the most horrific howl. As I looked up, I saw Phaelan’s sword plunged between the creature’s front shoulders and he was turned in the other direction. I scanned the area for Phaelan and found him picking himself up near a root on the other side. I clung to Ray even tighter.

The creature thrashed himself into a tree to free the sword. And faster than humanly possible, Phaelan had retrieved it. The two slowly circled each other for one full rotation. Phaelan lunged forward without fear, and the sound of metal clashing against gnashing teeth filled my mind. Their speed was amazing and vicious at the same time. I soon lost track of them as they darted in and out among the trees. I don’t know which surprised me more, the fact that this creature could move so quickly or that Phaelan could keep up with it.

Marcus and his men finally arrived very much winded. He instinctively raised his bow to help, but he didn’t let go. Phaelan and the beast were too fast even for him to accurately fire a shot.

All we could do was watch in terror, waiting for it to be over. The seconds ticked