The Woods Wraith: Brotherhood of the Scythe, #0

By Sam Whittaker

What's Wrong with a Little Harmless Misbehavior?
Brass and Brandt are the twin sons of Tag and Willow from the "Brotherhood of the Scythe." Herein, they find themselves on an adventure of their own.

 

When their mother tells them the fascinating tale about a strange and dangerous creature that lurks in dark forests, it is too much for them to resist. They arm themselves with their mother's bow and arrow and go off in search of a Wood's Wraith. But what they find is darker and more dangerous than they anticipate.

 

Will they be able to escape from the Wood's Wraith's powerful clutches?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sam Whittaker
• Release date: Dec 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005388560

Sam Whittaker

Sam Whittaker lives with his family in Oregon. He has written more than 20 books. He writes in the Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror genres. His series include - Ghostly Elements, I Kill Cursed Creatures, Brotherhood of the Scythe, Rise of the Scythe, Chronicles of Dar'ryn, and Battle Cruiser Elite.

Book preview

Chapter One

Chores were the most annoying obstacle that stood in the way of fun as far as Brass and his twin brother Brandt were concerned. They especially dreaded their current activity, which was mucking out the horse stall in the barn. When they were told that was one of their jobs for the day, they had groaned about how they always came out smelling terrible and feeling sore the next day. Their father, Taggert, had assured them it was a necessary condition inflicted upon all thirteen-year-old boys and that they would make it through just fine. But now they were nearly finished, and after that, they would be free to spend the afternoon in the woods.

So where are we going today? Brass pondered.

Brandt tossed another shovel full of their smelly job onto the cart and shrugged. I dunno, he said, maybe the creek and catch fish?

Brass made a face. We did that yesterday, and we didn’t catch anything.

Brandt stopped, and by the look on his face, Brass could tell an idea was forming and that his brother thought it was a really good one. He planted the head of his shovel between his feet, leaned forward on the handle, and with mirth in his eyes said, I’ve got it.

Brass stared back at him, waiting. After a few heartbeats, he prompted, Well? What’s this brilliant idea of yours?

We get the bow and arrows, and...

Brass was already waving a hand for his brother to stop. Wait, wait, he said, interrupting.

What? Brandt asked, perplexed at his brother’s dissention. More often than not, they were of the same mind when it came to their daily leisure activities. This was especially the case when it came to opportunities to hunt.

Brass gave his brother a reproachful look and said, You remember how last time went, don’t you?

That was not our fault, and you know it, Brandt said defensively.

You put an arrow through the window in the main living space of the house, Brass reminded his brother.

Brandt waved a dismissive hand and replied, I can’t help it if that stupid game hen flew into just the wrong place at just the wrong time. I was trying to supplement our dinner.

You almost hit mom, Brass said.

Brandt raised a finger and said, Aha! ‘Almost’ is not the same thing as ‘did.’ So, tell me, why did we get in trouble for something that actually didn’t happen?

Brass shook his head. You’re an idiot. You know that, right? There’s no way mom will let us use the bow and arrow again for a long time, and I’d like to point out that it’s all thanks to you.

Brandt put a hand on his chest and feigned injury. I’m hurt! Brothers are supposed to watch out for each other and have each other’s backs. Twin brothers even more so!

Brass snorted. I did have your back. That’s why we both got in trouble for the arrow incident if you’ll remember.

Brandt looked away with a wistful smile and said, Oh yeah, that’s right. He gave a funny little giggle. Brass rolled his eyes, then plunged his shovel into the stall again, scooped up more manure, and tossed it onto the cart.

Anyway, Brass said, we need to hurry up and finish this job so we can get to whatever it is we’re going to do today.

Brandt snapped out of his reverie and with a grunt muttered, Right. He likewise returned to the work. A few moments later, he said, I still think hunting is a good idea. I’ll bet if you ask mom and use those sappy eyes of yours, she’ll relent and we’ll be able to use the bow and arrows after all.

Brass growled, then said, Fine, we can give it a try. Just keep your mouth shut and let me do the talking, though, okay? I don’t need you messing up our chances by expressing your perspective.

That’s the spirit, Brandt said with a smirk.

THEY WHISPERED THEIR thoughts to each other as they headed toward the house, getting their plan straight. Brass had rehearsed what he was going to say. Brandt rehearsed questions he thought their mother might lob at them to thwart their purposes.

As they approached the house, the door opened and their mother, Willow, appeared in the doorway. Her arms were folded over her chest and she gazed at