Tales of the Esbat: Thirteen Stories of Witches and Witchcraft

By Jon K. Hager

This compelling collection of short stories is written in the genre of magical realism. Magic and spell casting is hard work and takes much practice, physical and mental focus and energy, and in most cases, a good dose of time. The magic in these stories can be subtle employing mind play and 'power over'.

A witch's magic and spell casting are strongest on or near the full moon and the dark moon. An esbat is a term for a full moon ritual, thus the name of this book.

The overall intent of these stories is to hopefully, allow the reader to delve into them and after reading each one, instill a sense of wonder and insight into a subject many truly know little about.

Witches, magic, and the full moon… words inspiring thoughts of dark and spooky woods, evil spell casting and mysterious covens. Yet, witchcraft is not comprised of only the dark side of human nature. While some attempt to associate spell casting and magic with purely an evil bent, witchcraft entails both the good and bad, the light and the dark. Witchcraft is neither good nor evil. It is the intention and spell work involved that determines the good or bad. This is the reflection of human nature. This book of short stories strives to tell the tale of both sides.

In ancient times, many cultures considered the number thirteen good fortune, and for witches it still does. There are thirteen moon cycles in a calendar year. Thirteen is the optimum membership in a coven and there are thirteen weeks between the equinoxes and the solstices, which are crucial to a witch. Thirteen is manifest in many unseen ways in our lives. Thus, thirteen short stories were chosen for this book.

As a practicing second-degree witch, the author takes the concept of magical workings in a full lunar cycle and weaves it into the writing of these short stories.

All the stories within this volume end with a twist, at times inspiring a sense of uplifting hope, or inducing a sense of forlorn dread. As to how the reader perceives these endings most likely, depends on how one sees the world around them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781667802763

Book preview

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Copyright 2021

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN: 978-1-66780-275-6 (print)

ISBN: 978-1-66780-276-3 (eBook)

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Mother’s Sacrifice

Love, the Witch and the Warlock

A High School Sweetheart’s Surprise

Horned One

Evengel

A Witch’s Elevation

Bound By the Broadland Curse

Witch’s Garden

Shadow Witch

Curse of Tuath Ui Failge

The Familiar

Witchin’ Well

Come Play with Me

Introduction

Witches, magic and the full moon… words inspiring thoughts of dark and spooky woods, evil spell casting and mysterious covens. Yet, witchcraft is not comprised of only the dark side of human nature. While some attempt to associate spell casting and magic with purely an evil bent, in reality, witchcraft entails both, good and bad, the light and the dark. This book of short stories strives to tell the tale of both sides.

Witches and covens use the lunar cycle for almost all of their magical workings. An esbat is a term used for a full moon ritual, thus the name of this book. Some of the stories invoke the full moon, which, in the realm of witches and magic, usually connotes a positive or benign aspect of spell casting. Some of the stories are written with the ‘dark of the moon’ as the impetus for the plot line. It is true, the dark moon is a time when a witch or coven will usually practice magic and cast spells of a more deleterious nature. Even so, this is not always the case. For instance, a dark moon ritual may consist of a spell casting to diminish sickness in a loved one, or perhaps, to ‘bind’ or stop the negative effects of a previous spell. This is also true with esbat rituals, using the moon’s burgeoning energy to cause harm to another. Just like everything else in life, there are many subtle shades of spell casting and magical intent.

Witchcraft is neither good nor evil. It is the intention and spell work involved that determines the good or bad. This is the reflection of human nature.

Being a practicing second-degree witch, I take the concept of magical workings in a full lunar cycle and weave it into the writing of these short stories. Although I am a self-taught writer, having taken no courses in journalism or creative writing, I believe I do have quite the imagination. This one intangible asset can help make the leap from just words on a page, to a meaningful and exciting story.

I tend to be an unconventional person and an unconventional writer, enjoying pushing the boundaries of the ‘norm’. For instance, the number thirteen is not favorable to many people. However, I have included thirteen stories in this book because the number thirteen is highly regarded by witches. There are thirteen moon cycles in a calendar year, and thirteen is the optimal number of witches in a coven. Some of these short stories entail experiences from my own spiritual path. Some of the stories include descriptions of ritual proceedings, although none of these stories have any bearing to actual persons or events.

These short stories are written in the genre of magical realism. The magic in these stories is of a more subtle nature, unlike Harry Potter or similar stories which portray magic as the result of a flick of a wand or the uttering of a simple phrase. Magic and spell casting is hard work and takes much practice, physical and mental focus and energy, and in most cases, a good dose of time. In fact, some of the stories in this book contain no magic at all, at least, not in the sense of what most people think of as magic. Rather, the use of mind play, or ‘power over’ is invoked to induce the outcome of the story.

At times the story lines are written from the perspective of the protagonist and other times from the antagonist, and sometimes both.

In closing, all the stories within this volume end with a twist, at times inspiring a sense of uplifting hope, or inducing a sense of forlorn dread. As to how the reader perceives these endings most likely, depends on how one sees the world around them. The overall intent of these stories is to hopefully, allow the reader to delve into them and after reading each one, instill a sense of wonder and insight into a subject many truly, know little about.

A Mother’s Sacrifice

It was the second week of June 1979, and Frank, age 18 had just graduated East Valley High in Spokane, Washington. Frank’s best buddy Jeremy, 17 and his twin sister Jamie had just completed their junior year.

Frank was a tall, strong lad with dark, short-cropped hair, having ambitions of joining the army and applying in the military what he had learned in outdoor survival since he was a small child. His father had taken him hunting, fishing and camping for as long as he could remember. However, before joining the army, Frank wanted to spend one last summer with his two friends, enjoying what the outdoors had to offer.

Jeremy and Jamie’s father had died when they were young, learning the ways of the outdoors on many trips with Frank and his father. Frank’s dad was a hardworking, good-natured man with a loving wife. He felt bad Jeremy and Jamie had lost their father when they were so young, never hesitating to take them along with him and Frank on whatever outdoor adventures they planned. So it was the three friends spent as much time in the great outdoors as possible. They were like the Three Musketeers; one could almost never happen upon one of them, without encountering the other two.

The twins’ widowed mother, dedicated to her two children worked hard to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table and provide decent clothes for them, always appreciating and trusting Frank’s father when her children went along on their adventures. She only wished she knew how to repay the kind and thoughtful man, on many occasions asking him what she could do to return the favor. Each time, he would just tell her, Now don’t you worry a lick about that, someday I’m sure, everything will even out.

Jeremy, blond and also tall of stature, with a medium muscular build, had a knack for the ways of the hunt, while Jamie was a more prosperous fisherman… or in her case, fisherwoman. Jamie displayed lustrous blond hair extending just past her shoulders, usually sporting pigtails, and although possessing physical features a young man finds enticing, she was a tomboy at heart, readily and with confidence tackling and conquering the obstacles the outdoors presented to her. In fact, in many ways she was more proficient at tasks in the field than either Frank or Jeremy.

With the unbounded possibilities of the season calling, it was during that particular week Frank suggested they go for a canoe trip along the Coeur d’ Alene River. Frank said his father would drive them to Idaho and up into Coeur d’ Alene National Forest. He would leave them there, and they would canoe down the river for a week, camping along the way. When they reached Anderson Lake, they would take out of the water and Frank’s father would be there to pick them up. Living only a few miles west of the Idaho border, it would not take them long to get to the river where they could put in with their canoe.

Jeremy and Jamie thought this was a wonderful idea, fishing and camping down the river at their leisure, and it being close to a full moon they could even canoe by moon light if they wanted. So, the night before, they said good bye to their mother, gathering all their camping and fishing gear over at Frank’s house where they would spend the night.

Just after five o’clock Monday morning, after eating a quick yet filling breakfast of oatmeal and toast prepared by Frank’s mother, they packed their gear into the truck owned by Frank’s father. Frank sat up front in the cab with his father, while the twins rode in the back of the truck with their gear, sitting on either side of the secured canoe.

Soon they were off, making quick time on the interstate from Spokane to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. They passed the small tourist town continuing east, taking the state route until reaching the Coeur d’ Alene River. The river was wide here, the road snaking along its broad course.

Shortly, The truck turned off onto a dusty and bumpy state forest road, taking them north, Jeremy and Jamie along with their gear were jostled about, winding their way up into the rugged mountains and into the thick, deep green coniferous wildwoods of Coeur d’ Alene National Forest.

It was not long before the truck pulled to a stop alongside a little used access point for canoeists and kayakers. Jumping out of the vehicle they quickly pulled their gear from the truck, heaving it upon the ground, untying the canoe and carefully placing it alongside their equipment.

I will meet you three at the take out point at Anderson Lake, seven days from now. Frank’s father reminded them. Knowing they were capable canoeists and experienced in the ways of nature he was not in the least concerned for their safety. Frank gave his father a hug, and then his father gave a handshake, half hug to both Jeremy and Jamie, along with a heartfelt kiss upon the top of Jamie’s head. They were almost like his children and he treated them as such.

Now, you all be careful, and I will see you next week. Frank’s father advised, climbing back into his truck.

Bye dad, see you in a few days. Frank replied.

Goodbye Mr. Leafmiller! Jeremy and Jamie called out simultaneously. Thanks for the ride! It was one of those moments when twins share the same space-time and their thought processes work as one. Even for twins, Jeremy and Jamie had an uncanny ability to know what the other was thinking, would say the same things at the same time and would finish each other’s sentences. Frank had witnessed these instances many times before and he liked to call them ‘Twin Twilight Zone’ moments. They watched as Frank’s father placed the truck in gear, waved to them one last time and sped off down the bumpy dirt road, leaving behind a wafting cloud of dust.

They now stood, just the three of them in the midst of the deep green forest. The only sound was the rippling water passing by the riverbank. It was a glorious summer morning, the forest canopy shading them from the bright sun, at least for now. The air was cool and the sky blue and clear, the gentle scent of pines filled their senses. It was a perfect day to start a canoe trip.

It’s just past seven. Let’s get our gear in the canoe and shove off. Frank suggested, looking at his wristwatch.

With great anticipation and excitement, they carried the canoe down to the water’s edge, strategically placing their gear into the belly of the canoe and then, with a concerted shove, they pushed the canoe off the gravel bank and into the lazy stream of clear, cold water. Hopping into the shallow draft canoe they were careful not to rock it, and having been on many canoe trips, they were experts at handling the somewhat unwieldy craft. Grabbing their paddles, they guided themselves out into the middle of the river.

Up high in the mountains, it was more like a wide stream as opposed to a bona fide river, perhaps, twenty feet in width and only a few feet in depth. However, deep pools along the way afforded great trout fishing, the three of them counting on having fish for dinner, but first they had to get to their camp spot.

They spent the morning letting the river carry them along at its leisurely pace, at times employing their paddles to keep them in the middle of the flow, away from the rocky banks. They sang songs and told jokes as the day wore on, by noon having already traveled a few miles downriver. The air was hot now and in the middle of the river, under the rays of the summer sun, they decided to stop for lunch under the cool forest canopy.

They pulled out of the river, and while Jeremy and Frank made sandwiches, Jamie decided to try her hand at fishing. They were in no hurry, so with her pole and tackle box she wandered about, spotting a deep, cool fishing hole just a ways down river from where they had pulled out of the water.

Jamie found a comfortable spot in the shade, atop a large boulder. She baited her hook and cast her line out into the deep pool and although at mid-day the trout would not likely be biting, Jamie could not pass up the chance to fish. She was patient, and there was not a thing in the world she would rather be doing, even if she did not catching anything.

Jamie suddenly sat up, hearing a loud branch crack on the other side of the river. Having fallen asleep, she gained her senses, squinting, peering into the deep forest on the far riverbank. Again, she heard the breaking of a branch. Standing up on the boulder, she stared intensely into the trees, seeing or hearing nothing more. Probably just a deer. She murmured. Just about to sit back down, she saw movement in the trees across the river. It appeared to be black and there were two of them. Thinking it was a black bear with its cub, they did not frighten her. As long as they were on the other side of the river, she posed no threat to them. These forests were full of black bears and occasionally a grizzly would wander down from the Canadian border, but Jamie encountered these animals often and knew how to deal with them.

She stood mesmerized, trying to make out the black forms obscured under the deep shadow of the trees and thick fern undergrowth. Watching in silence, there was something strange about the way the two black forms moved. After a moment, she was aware the two forms were not black bears at all, moving and ambling like a person. Keeping her eyes on the black forms making their way downriver on the far bank through the trees, she was only able to discern they were indeed humans. The two forms passed by, appearing not to notice her as they moved out of sight.

Why are they wearing all black? She wondered aloud, thinking the whole episode rather strange. But after they had gone, she thought no more of it, deciding to head back to the canoe knowing Jeremy and Frank would be waiting for her.

Arriving at the canoe, she found them skipping stones across the surface of the water.

Any luck? Jeremy called out, seeing her approaching out of the trees.

No, but I saw something really strange. She answered, grabbing one of the sandwiches her brother had made for her. The fishing had made her hungry and all she could think about was getting food in her stomach. She sat down and started on the sandwich, grateful for her brother’s thoughtfulness, both of them always making sure the other was cared for, a reflection on the upbringing from their mother.

Jeremy walked up the riverbank, sitting next to Jamie as she ate her lunch while Frank stayed at the river’s edge, tossing stones into the water.

What did you see? He asked, lying back on a patch of grass.

I’m not sure. Jamie said between bites of food.

Well, you said you saw something strange… what did you see? Jeremy prodded her, looking up through the branches of the trees above him.

Well… I think it was two people. Jamie replied, her mouth full.

Two people, Jeremy responded, what’s so strange about that? There are other people in these woods.

Well, yeah… I suppose so.

Jeremy heard the uncertainty in her tone and the hesitation when she spoke. He propped himself on one elbow looking at her, his interest piquing. Come on Jamie, what did you see? She looked at him as if she were trying to find the right words.

Well, I think it was two people dressed in black.

Dressed in black? He answered in puzzled question.

Yeah, I think so. You didn’t see them, you or Frank?

No, we didn’t see anybody.

Well, they were right across the other side, Jamie said, pointing to the far riverbank, coming from up river, so they would have passed by our canoe. She reasoned.

Maybe it was Bigfoot! Frank said jokingly walking toward them from the river, having heard their conversation.

Yeah, right. Jeremy replied as they laughed it off.

All through their childhood they had heard rumors and stories of supposed sightings of Bigfoot or Sasquatch in the region, but none of them believed in Bigfoot. However, now that the topic had been broached, Jamie kept reflecting on what she had seen. What did I see? She kept asking herself. They gathered themselves up and continued their trip downriver, Jamie not able to get her sighting of whatever it was, out of her mind.

Later, as the day wore on, they stopped, pitched camp and prepared dinner. Both Jamie and Jeremy had success that evening catching a few trout, enjoying the fresh fish for their evening meal.

After dinner, they sat around the campfire looking up at the beautiful and wondrous nighttime sky. The moon would be full in a couple more nights, but for now, with the horizons blocked by the surrounding canyon walls, the clear, starry sky above seemed sharpened, more distinct, as if bracketed by a colossal picture frame. They watched as several shooting stars graced their evening in the dark sky above them

After chatting around the campfire for a couple of hours and now extremely tired, they called it a night, heading into their tent and crawling into their sleeping bags.

For a while, Jamie lay there, pondering the strange sighting having occurred earlier in the day, but soon, they were all fast asleep with no other strange instances to disturb their slumber.

The next day, they ate their breakfast of pancakes, bacon and coffee, and then, packed up camp. They spent the morning meandering along with the gentle flow of the river, having canoed perhaps fifteen miles from their original launch point. The water way was a bit wider and deeper now, encountering a few small rapids, but they navigated them without mishap. They stopped mid-day, had lunch and spent time jumping from a large boulder into a deep, cold swimming hole. After this refreshing bit of fun, they continued on their way.

Around four o’clock they spied a wide bank of gravel and sand on the far riverside, with a flat grassy area tucked amongst the forest. It looked like an ideal place for that night’s camp. Soon, they had pulled the canoe out of the water, set up the tent and had a roaring fire going.

Now I’m going to catch us some fish for dinner. Jamie announced, looking about the camp and seeing everything was in order.

I’ll go with you. Jeremy added, gathering their poles and tackle and setting out toward a deep fishing hole they had passed just before pulling out of the river. Frank stayed behind to watch camp and tend the fire.

Jeremy and Jamie walked up river, about an eighth of a mile from their camp, arriving at the deep water hole they had noticed earlier. They spent the next hour hauling in several trout, just right for pan-frying. The sun was hot, but the trees lining the riverbank kept them in shadow. Still, the air was warm and after catching their share of fish they sat by the river letting their feet dangle in the cool water. Neither of them spoke much, the babbling flow of the river and the late afternoon dappled sunlight lulled them into sleepy doldrums.

Jeremy thought he heard someone screaming, sounding distant and muffled, as though through a long tunnel. At first, he thought he was dreaming, startling himself out of his semi-conscious stupor. He sat up, listening intently for any other sound. Then… he heard it again. There was no mistaking it… a long anguished cry and it was coming from down river, where Frank was watching their camp.

Frank! Jeremy thought, the cry did sound like Frank. Something has happened to him! He said aloud, quickly looking about, seeing Jamie had fallen fast asleep. He leaned over and shook her. Wake up Jamie! He said with deep urgency. When she did not respond, he shook her more vigorously. Jamie, wake up! He cried loudly. Jamie started to come around, but a sense of dread had come over Jeremy. He got to his feet, grabbing Jamie by her shoulders. Jamie, you have to wake up! I think something’s happened to Frank!

Jamie saw Jeremy’s look of angst. What- what happened? She asked, jumping to her feet.

Jeremy was already in the process of gathering the fishing poles and the fish they had on a line in the river. I’m not sure, but I heard someone screaming, he replied with fright in his voice, and, it was coming from the direction of our camp. He handed Jamie her fishing pole. Come on! he cried out, goading her to follow.

Jamie was in a state of confusion, but knew her twin brother was dead serious about the matter. She grabbed her fishing pole from his grasp, turning toward the faint forest path leading back to their camp, and just at that moment, they both heard the scream again. It was a long horrific, blood-curdling scream, faint, but they could discern a sense of abject and utter agony from the tormented cry.

Oh my god, that’s Frank! Jamie cried out, bolting past Jeremy, running along the forest path following along the riverbank. Jeremy was right behind her, both moving as fast as they could along the rocky and rutted path. Neither of them had any idea what was occurring, but they feared the worst. Perhaps Frank had been attacked by a bear. Maybe he had fallen and badly hurt himself, or, maybe he burned himself in the fire. All of these thoughts and more, raced through their minds as they hurried toward their distressed friend.

Even though the way was rough, they made record time covering the one eighth mile trek back to camp, bursting out of the forest into the clearing alongside the riverbank, expecting to see the worst scene possible.

Coming to an abrupt stop, looking all about, they saw nothing disturbed and nothing amiss, nothing out of the ordinary. The fire was still burning hot, but Frank was nowhere to be seen. Jamie threw her pole and tackle box down upon the ground and ran toward the tent.

Frank! Frank! She cried out in her frightened state of mind, unzipping the tent door but finding it empty inside. Where is he? She asked in a panic, turning toward Jeremy.

Jeremy just stood there with mouth agape. He did not know.

They both walked around the camp, calling out into the forest to their longtime friend.

Frank! Frank! Where are you? Jamie called out.

Frank, can you hear us? Jeremy bellowed.

All of a sudden, Frank appeared from the depths of the now darkening forest, with an arm full of firewood. He casually walked over toward the fire and calmly dropped the bundle of wood upon the ground.

Frank! You’re okay! Both Jamie and Jeremy said in unison with relief in their voices.

Yeah… what are you guys yelling about? He asked with a puzzled look.

Without another word, they ran over to him, hugging him tightly and earnestly.

Hey guys… come on now. Frank said in mock protest.

Jamie relented on her grasp around Frank’s chest, looking at him. But, you’re okay… She said with astonishment, taking a step back, staring at him with dumbfounded amazement.

Yeah, why shouldn’t I be okay? Frank jokingly asked. Jeremy let go of him and Frank got a look at both of their faces. He could see the mix of fright, anxiety and relief etched upon their brow. Hey guys… come on now. What’s going on? He asked quizzically. You’re starting to give me the creeps.

Jamie and Jeremy quickly recounted the screams they had heard coming from the direction of their camp. It did sound like you. Jamie stated in support of their story.

Well, I didn’t hear any screams. Frank responded. The only ones I heard yelling, were you two. Explaining what he knew.

Jamie and Jeremy looked at each other. They both were certain they had heard blood-curdling screams and they both agreed the screams sounded like Frank. Yet, Frank denied hearing any screams and it was obvious Frank had not been attacked by a bear, nor had he hurt himself. In fact, Frank appeared to be the only one not beside himself with doubt and fear.

Come on Frank, you’re BS-ing us. Jamie said in accusation. She did not mean to sound skeptical of Frank’s denial of hearing the screams, but the episode had frightened her quite thoroughly and the fact Frank stated he had not heard the screams only made Jamie feel that much more frightened.

What… I honestly don’t know what you are talking about. Frank replied in protest.

Well, somebody was screaming, Jamie responded adamantly, and I don’t think it’s a very funny joke. Anger now hinged in Jamie’s voice.

Uh… I’m not joking, Jamie. Frank answered, sensing Jamie was upset at him. Why would I do that? He asked in self-defense.

Jamie did not answer. She just stared at the ground with a look of disgust in regards to Frank. As far as she was concerned, Frank playing a joke was the only logical explanation of what had transpired.

Frank looked over at Jeremy. Jer… Frank said, in a term he used out of endearment, Jeremy looking at him with an expression of disbelief. Hey guys, you have to believe me. I did not hear any screams. He looked at both of them and they stared back at him in silence. "You guys have to believe me… I did not hear any screams, and if you think I was the one who was screaming, to play some kind of joke on you, well, you‘re wrong. Playing games like that out here in the wilderness is not a smart thing to do." Frank looked back and forth at both of them; seeking any kind of acknowledgement they believed him.

As far as Jeremy and Jamie were concerned, they both knew Frank was not the kind of person to play a joke on them out here in the wilderness, at least not the kind of joke that would truly scare them. Neither of them knew what to think. They wanted to believe Frank and they could always trust what he has said in the past, but still, they both knew they heard screams, and if it were not Frank… then who was it?

Frank could sense Jeremy and Jamie had experienced something that to them, was very real. He could not explain it, and although they might not believe his side of the story, he did believe them. Frank knew it was out of character for either of them to make up stories, especially something as disturbing as what they had related to him. This in turn made Frank feel uneasy as darkness took hold of the forest and the river.

Jamie punctuated their feeling of apprehension by stating, You know, all of a sudden I’m not feeling too good about this trip.

Not knowing what actually happened made them feel vulnerable in the oncoming darkness, and clouds had rolled in obscuring the stars and the near full moon. All around them, it was black as pitch. All they could do was put aside their differences and trust each other. They built the fire up large and hot, hoping to keep the shadows and the unknown beyond the fire light, at bay.

Frank, being the only one of legal age to carry a handgun, pulled out his .45 revolver from his backpack. He loaded it, setting it down on the log next to him.

None of them felt particularly hungry, but they had to eat something, so, they quietly went about their business of cleaning the fish. Then they sat, huddled close together by the warmth of the fire, cooking their evening meal.

After eating, they sat around the fire for a while, not speaking. Jamie and Jeremy especially, pondered in silence what had happened earlier in the day. Nobody could explain it and yet it did happen, and except for the lonely hoot of an owl out amongst the deep, dark forest, nothing else was heard for the remainder of the evening. Throwing a huge log upon the fire to stoke it up, they retired into the tent for some much needed sleep.

The next morning was bright and clear although miserably wet, it having rained substantially during the night. They were so exhausted they had slept through the downpour. The once burgeoning fire from the night before had been thoroughly doused by the onslaught of rain and conditions were simply too wet and damp to start another fire, so they ate breakfast bars and drank coffee brewed on their small camp stove.

They ate their cold, meager breakfast mostly in silence, the coffee helping to warm them. They were not in the best of moods, each of them a bit peeved from the incident the previous evening. Frank especially, felt slighted for the insinuations leveled against him, and Jamie and Jeremy, although they wanted to believe Frank, still were not sure if he told the truth.

Jamie, for her own self, wanted to think Frank had been the one who was screaming and he was still playing some kind of cruel joke on them. Although, if that were the case, she would most likely place a fist in his face, once the canoe trip was over and the truth was revealed. On the other hand, she wanted to believe Frank was telling the truth. However, that line of thinking raised the specter of who had actually been screaming. Who was the person or thing that had issued that horrible, bloodcurdling wail… and, if Frank had not been the one screaming, why did not he hear it too? Now Jamie kept thinking about the two human forms dressed in black she had spied along the riverbank two days earlier. Did they have anything to do with the screaming? This raised another possibility.

Hey Frank? Jamie finally said, a bit sheepishly.

Yeah, what? He replied detached, not wanting to talk.

Uh, you know, I’ve been thinking; remember I told you and Jeremy about the two black forms walking downriver? She hesitated a moment for Frank’s response, but he said nothing. Then, she went on. Uh, well, I was thinking… maybe it was them who were doing the screaming.

Jeremy’s head picked up after hearing his sisters words. Hey, you know… that makes sense, He said, in support of his sister’s theory, and now, we’re on the same side of the river those two black forms were on. He affirmed. Maybe that’s why they screamed… because they don’t want us on their side of the river. Jeremy stated in conclusion of the theory.

Frank looked at the two of them, his face relenting from his show of despondence. He stared at them with a deep heartfelt sense of wanting to know the truth. Look you guys, I am telling you all I know. I did not hear anybody screaming yesterday, and I did not scream to play a joke on you. Then, he looked at Jamie. Jamie, if what you and Jeremy say is true, and there really was screaming, then think about it… why didn’t I hear it, and who was the one screaming?

Jeremy and Jamie now saw the look upon Frank’s face. They could see the anxiety in his eyes, realizing his logic followed their own. For the first time they believed him. They could sense they were all telling the truth. There were no jokes being played on any of them, at least not from anybody in their party. Yet, the uncertainty did not keep Frank and Jamie from giving each other a hug and exchanging apologies. Jeremy and Frank also shook hands putting it behind them. However, all of them knew the alternative truth was unsettling.

Finally, Frank said, Well, all I know is, all this talk about screams being heard, and unheard screams and territorial black forms being seen, I’m thinking we should just get the hell out of here.

Jeremy and Jamie looked at each other, not wanting to end the trip so soon. Anyway, they were still quite a ways up river and it would take another two days to canoe down to where the river left the mountains and opened up onto the flats where they would be much safer. Conceivably, they could canoe all day into the night, since the near full moon could guide them, however, that option held its own potential hazards. Pushing themselves on the river may be worse than just going along with their original plans.

Well, I think somebody’s just playing a joke on us. Jeremy said, countering Frank’s suggestion. They probably aren’t even around anymore. He then explained his thoughts regarding high tailing it out of the area as opposed to just going with the flow, so to speak.

I’m with you, Jeremy. Jamie replied. Although, I don’t like to think about the prospects of what happened yesterday, I also don’t think anybody is really trying to hurt us. If they were, they would have already done so.

Frank looked at both of them, reluctantly agreeing to stay the original course of the trip.

After packing away their soggy camping gear, they got back in their canoe and proceeded down river. The day was hot, cloudless and uneventful. By noon, everything was dry once again and one would have never known there was such a downpour the previous night. They stopped briefly for lunch, eating quickly and on their way again. They were on the river for eight hours that day covering almost twenty miles. Pulling out to make camp, they were sore and cramped. They made camp on the side of the river opposite where the black forms had been seen, making a conscientious effort not to rile anybody who may not want them on the other side of the river.

After setting up camp and getting a fire going, Jamie decided to try her hand at fishing again. After their cold, meager breakfast and short-lived lunch, they were ready to indulge in a hot dinner of fresh trout. She had spotted a fishing hole about one hundred yards up river, figuring it was close enough to camp where a repeat of yesterday’s occurrences would be unlikely. Jeremy stayed at camp with Frank. I’ll check on you, in a little while. He told her, as she left them sitting by the fire.

Jamie walked along the riverbank until she found the fishing hole she had seen while canoeing past. She baited her hook, casting her rod into the relatively calm backwater of the fishing hole and then settled down on a flat rock, warmed from