A Magical Place: Witches of Branswell Trilogy, #1

By Ira Fox

Spell! Potion! Vanquish!

 

Time and space collide in this magical story about a powerful witch who returns from the future to change the course of history.

 

But will the seventeen-year-old present version of her be able to accomplish everything needed to stop a monster from coming to power?

 

Skylar Thorne is a young witch who will do whatever it takes because she has nothing left to lose!

 

Come along for the ride of a lifetime as witches, demons, and other supernatural beings work against time for the future that best suits them.

 

Start reading now...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Narmeri
• Release date: Mar 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956133080

Book preview

A Magical Place

Witches of Branswell, 1

Ira Fox

Copyright

Published in the United States by Narmeri LLC.

eBook.

ISBN - 978-1-956133-08-0.

Copyright © 2021 by the Author.

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

For fantasy book lovers.

Contents

Branswell

Epigraph

1. Skylar

2. Roxanne

3. Skylar

4. Julian

5. Roxanne

6. Julian

7. Skylar

8. Roxanne

9. Julian

10. Roxanne

11. Skylar

12. Roxanne

13. Julian

14. Roxanne

15. Julian

16. Roxanne

17. Skylar

18. Julian

19. Skylar

20. Roxanne

21. Julian

22. Skylar

23. Roxanne

24. Julian

25. Skylar

26. Roxanne

27. Julian

28. Skylar

29. Roxanne

30. Julian

31. Skylar

32. Roxanne

33. Julian

34. Roxanne

35. Skylar

36. Julian

37. Roxanne

38. Roxanne

39. Skylar

40. Julian

41. Roxanne

About Ira Fox

Branswell

The story in this book (and in the entire trilogy) takes place in Branswell, a fictional town in Minnesota––on the shores of Lake Superior. It's a magical town, full of witches, demons, and other supernatural beings. In this story, we follow Skylar, Julian, and Roxanne, as they go through atypical spring and summer in this otherwise quaint town. Basically, if you drove from Minneapolis, heading north towards the Canadian border, Branswell would be on your left ––off of Highway 61.

Welcome to Branswell!

One life all we have and we live it we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that a fate more terrible than dying – Joan of Arc

Skylar

Fear is like a double-edged sword. It can render you incapable and scared, or it can be the only thing driving you towards a better tomorrow. That was the way Skylar Thorne saw it, anyway. It was spring, a time that was supposed to be full of love, warmth, and new beginnings. She had never really fully experienced those kinds of life luxuries. Skylar’s closest thing to a real family was her friend Chloe, with whom she planned to enjoy a movie that evening.

Chloe’s sister was out of town, spending time with her fiancé’s family—celebrating his birthday. Chloe had broken into her sister’s apartment like she had done many times before so that she and Skylar would have a place with a lake view. Chloe had wanted to light the fireplace, but Skylar quickly swatted the idea down.

Skylar hated fires. She didn’t see what was comforting about them. The crackling and warmth didn’t bring her a sense of security but a deep-rooted dread from buried childhood memories. Her mom had an accident with fire, and now her mom was gone—the two separated in the unknown. It was also the reason why she bounced from home to home growing up.

It was almost unheard of for the residents of Branswell to not light their fires during the cold months. For some, it was the only thing they could do not to get bitten by the unrelenting cold that fall, winter, and spring brought. Skylar was growing so weary of Minnesota’s cold bite.

Hey, I’ve been thinking, Skylar said, raising her voice. She had to speak loud because she could hear Chloe pump the heater up in the bedroom.

Chloe yelled back, Uh oh. Don’t hurt yourself with those thoughts!

Skylar smiled as her friend made her way back into the living room with a fleece blanket wrapped around her.

Chloe offered Skylar some beef jerky and a cup of coffee.

Skylar accepted the food, pulling the Sedona-colored blanket that was one shade lighter than her red fox hair around herself and using the hot mug to warm her hands.

No, I’m serious, Skylar said.

Chloe knitted her eyebrows at her friend. Well, okay then, go on. I’m listening. You know I always got your back.

The words should’ve made Skylar feel better, reassured at least, but instead, they fell flat. Skylar had been avoiding this conversation with Chloe ever since she thought of it. She knew that Chloe might not be on board with it. But, Skylar quickly swallowed her fear down. Let the fear be what drives you, she thought to herself.

Well, Skylar began. She sat up straight. As you know, Minnesota hasn’t been nice to us. Not one bit.

Ah, but what can ya do? It’s home, after all. Chloe sipped her hot drink, a lock of her golden blonde hair nearly falling into her mug.

Skylar pursed her lips for a moment before continuing, Maybe. Maybe for you, it’s home. She looked down. I mean, for sure, it’s your home; you actually have family here. Then she looked up at her friend. Even if they don’t always want you around.

What are you trying to say exactly? Chloe looked up from her drink and was looking intently into her friend’s blue eyes.

I guess— Skylar paused for a moment. —I guess, what I’m trying to say is that this place isn’t meant for me. I don’t think it ever really was. Not one good thing has happened to me here—

—What about meeting me? Was that not a good thing? Chloe cut Skylar off with a tinge of hurt in her voice.

Of course, becoming your friend was a good thing. I just— Skylar pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment, getting a little irritated. Everything else. You know it’s true, and that’s not the whole point anyway. She straightened herself and stared into Chloe. Look, I was thinking. I hate the cold, fireplaces, and everything that makes Branswell cozy and whatnot. If you don’t have family here, there isn’t any survival. I was thinking— Skylar twiddled her thumbs around her mug.

Go on. Chloe cocked an eyebrow at her friend.

I thought that maybe I want to start over somewhere else. Clean slate. Maybe— Skylar exhaled. —Maybe out in Los Angeles.

Chloe’s eyes went wide. There was a silence between them for a moment before she finally said something. You know, as scary as that sounds, you may be onto something there. Skylar watched Chloe speak with confidence. Sunny California. You wouldn’t have to worry about the snow. Then she chuckled. Hell, take me with you.

Skylar smiled. Really?

Then sadness presented itself across Chloe’s face. But you’re not 18 yet.

But I will be in August, Skylar responded swiftly.

Chloe shot Skylar a genuine smile that sent waves of relief through her friend. They scooted closer together to cuddle for some more warmth, and they clinked their mugs in a toast.

What can I do to help? Chloe asked.

Skylar’s stomach squeezed with nerves, yet she was getting excited. She knew that this was the start of her real life, her actual life. It was going to be an adventure that nobody could stop.

Roxanne

Blankets of fire covered the ground as smoke rose high into the starless heavens. There was nothing, nothing beyond the lifeless space before her eyes. Roxanne Graham stared out across the vast nothingness, seeing the devastation the fire left in its wake. Ash, carried by a gentle breeze, blew around her, dropping into her open palm.

Her piercing green eyes cut through the smoke, focusing on a thin young woman wearing a long black riding coat that resembled ones worn in the 1800s. She looked at Roxanne, her glowing blue eyes like beacons in a sea of destruction.

Roxanne turned away, noticing a sign at her feet that had been scorched by flames. She knelt to the ground, brushing aside the ash to see what the sign said.

The sign read: Roxanne’s Gifts & More.

Julian is coming, said a voice. Consider this your only warning, the young woman hissed then began to cackle.

Roxanne looked at her again, but she had disappeared into the smoke.

POP!

Roxanne Graham woke abruptly in her bed, her long white nightgown covered in sweat. She reached for her moist forehead and wiped it, closing her eyes.

It was just a dream, she kept repeating to herself.

Outside her second-story window, brilliant colored fireworks illuminated the sky. They cast a stunning assortment of colors across her white bedspread.

Roxanne’s eyes focused on the fireworks outside while her mind attempted to rationalize her dream. Her dream felt more like a vision that something horrible was about to happen to her town, Branswell.

She sat up in bed, forcing back the bedsheet. The floor was warm on her feet as she stood to walk to the telephone fastened to her wall. She paused, glancing back at her clock on the nightstand, and it read: 12:06.

She’ll be awake, she decided and called.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! a cheerful voice announced on the other end of the phone.

Roxanne nodded, the anxiety of her dream still clinging to her throat. Yes, right, happy Fourth to you, too. She swallowed. Luna, I need to speak with you. It’s urgent.

It’s after midnight, dear. I’m off to bed. How about we—

—I need to talk to you. It’s... it’s… I just need to speak with you now. I’ll come over, she insisted.

Luna sighed. Okay. I’ll open a bottle of wine and—

––Not wine, Roxanne said. Tea. Make some tea.

Okay. See you in a few minutes.

Roxanne hung up then quickly changed.

Fifteen minutes later, she was on the doorstep of her best friend’s mid-century home, which, thankfully, was only a few minutes away from her own home. She didn’t need to knock on the door because Luna was waiting for her. As soon as she stepped up onto the porch, the door opened for Roxanne.

Thank you for staying up for me, Roxanne said as she entered the house.

Luna helped her put her handbag and keys on the end table in the foyer. If you say it’s urgent, I know it’s urgent. The tea is almost ready. Come into the kitchen, so we don’t wake everyone, she insisted, waving her into the kitchen.

The cup jiggled in Roxanne’s hands as she began to tell Luna about her dream.

Luna reached to Roxanne’s hand on the table, patting it kindly. Roxanne, it was just a bad dream. Nothing is going to happen to Branswell. This town has lasted through wars, famine, and plagues. It can withstand anything, I’m sure.

Roxanne shook her head. Not this time. There was something different about it… a feeling of foreboding. I felt that something horrible, something evil is coming. Roxanne paused for a second. She watched Luna see her mind was overworking. This was more than a dream, Luna, she finally said. I think this was a vision. She swallowed. I know it. I can feel it deep inside like something has awoken within me.

Luna sat back, her expression stern and serious. I thought you didn’t have powers anymore?

I don’t, Roxanne insisted. She paused, her eyes distant. I mean, I shouldn’t. I gave up on magic a long time ago. She took a quick sip of the tea. No, I shouldn’t be having visions.

But you believe you did?

Roxanne hesitated to speak, unsure if she wanted to ask what she was about to. She knew she had to ask, but she didn’t want to bother her friend.

Luna patted Roxanne’s hand again. I know what you’re going to ask, and you don’t need to. The council is meeting here tomorrow. As the leader, it’s my right to bring your vision to their attention. Let them see what they can make of it. It’s probably nothing.

But, what if—?

That’s why I’m going to ask them to look into it with me. It’s better to have answers than guess what’s going on. Then Luna paused for a moment. I wonder if you haven’t seen the past. I mean, there were fires here in the past.

Roxanne raised an amused eyebrow. I hadn’t thought about it that way. She took the last sip of her tea. Then she looked down on the table, and then she looked up at Luna. But, what if—

Leave the ‘what-ifs’ to the council. Now, Luna rose, taking their empty cups to the sink behind her, I’m tired, and you need to sleep. If you like, you can use my guest room.

Roxanne took the hint, rising from her seat. No. No. I’m fine to walk home by myself. She hugged Luna. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

Luna walked her to the door. But not too early, she half-joked.

The door closed behind her, leading her out into the street, and for a split moment, Roxanne was in a different season. Snow lay in piles on the ground, and it was colder than she ever remembered any winter. Oh, she whispered.

Then it all disappeared, and she was in summer again. Her chilled bones were once again warm, and the trees were as green as they were before.

That night, Roxanne Graham was sure the magical world was messing with her. As she walked back to her home, she thought of the many scenarios magic was trying to roll itself back into her life. The streets were empty save for a few stragglers who remained around to celebrate the holiday.

Roxanne pulled her arms closer to her body to keep steady. She paused, feeling a presence lingering behind her. Slowly, the witch turned to a house where the shadow of a man stood, watching her, yet there was no man. Xander, is that you? she called to the shadow.

The shadow stepped away from the wall, forming a human male in his early twenties. He was a tall, strapping boy with blonde hair. He looked like he had just stepped off of a Viking ship if it wasn’t for his modern clothing. Sorry, Roxanne. Luna told me to see that you got home safely. I didn’t want to startle you after that crazy dream you had, he explained.

An awkward grin appeared on Roxanne’s lips. You were eavesdropping on our conversation? she accused.

More like waiting for you two to go to bed so I could grab a piece of pizza from the refrigerator. But then Luna caught me in the hallway and told me to follow you, he admitted.

Roxanne couldn’t help but chuckle. So it seems I now owe you a piece of pizza, she figured as she began to walk again.

Xander followed beside her. As long as Luna doesn’t realize I’m hiding it in the back of the fridge, it should be fine.

You do know Luna knows everything, right?

Xander nodded, then motioned to Roxanne’s house. Your stop, M’Lady, he announced with a bow.

Roxanne nodded her thank you.

Once inside her home, she curled up on her sofa. She didn’t want to go back to sleep in her bed. The couch was comfortable for at least one night.

Roxanne knew she was in a vision. She was standing on Graham Avenue, and she was sure she was looking at a burned-down version of her house. The foundation and parts of the back wall were the only things that remained. And that’s when she saw another place down the street. It was also burned to the ground, and it alerted her to being in the future. She was sure that the plot was empty before.

Roxanne!

Roxanne stopped moving, listening.

Roxanne!

She woke up on her couch. She opened her eyes to the grandfather clock on the wall, and the time on it read 2:21. She shot up like a bolt, panicked that she had slept all day. Once her mind cleared, she remembered she forgot to set the thing right.

The knock came again. Roxanne, are you home?

She held her hand to her chest, attempting to calm her racing heartbeat. I’ll be right there, Richard, she called. She quickly stood, gathering up the blankets off of the couch, stowing them behind the sofa. It was too cold in the AC, she remembered. Then practically ran to the bathroom down the hall, praying she had left a comb on the counter. She had.

If now isn’t a good time, Richard said.

She hurried to the door, opening it. No… now is good, she panted, out of breath from all the rushing around.

On her front porch stood a man in his late fifties, a regal crop of white hair crowning his head and hazel eyes brilliant enough to light a midnight sky. He had a bouquet of lilies in his hand.

I thought I’d start the day off right and invite you on a picnic, he offered, handing her the flowers.

She quickly thought of her hair and clothing, mortified by how she imagined she looked. I couldn’t possibly. For one, it’s a hundred degrees outside. And two, I just woke up.

So go dress. I’ll wait for you. And we have trees at the park; we don’t have to sit in the sun. Roxanne smiled, and