The Enchanted Island

By Nesta Staples

On a secluded Island, shielded from the outside world, a close-knit community thrives in joyous seclusion. The islanders abide by a strict rule: never lose sight of the land while sailing, for those who venture too far vanish without a trace. Madame De Voe, the island’s governor, mourns the loss of her husband, son, and his cherished pet seagull, all claimed by the treacherous sea.

But fate takes an unexpected turn when the son miraculously returns, washed up on the shore with a mysterious medallion and accompanied by a loyal seagull. Strangely, his memories are fragmented, with no recollection of his father’s demise, his own perilous rescue, or his time spent among the island’s peculiar inhabitants. As the community celebrates this extraordinary homecoming and plants the sacred spring, a disabled resident named Emma makes a remarkable discovery—a revelation that intertwines their fates and sets them on a path to uncover the island’s secrets.

In this captivating tale of love, loss, and resilience, join the islanders as they navigate forgotten memories, ancient myths, and unforeseen revelations. Can they unravel the enigmatic origins of their island and shape their own destiny, or will the relentless sea keep them captive forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781638299547

Nesta Staples

Nesta Staples grew up in a small English farming village. A widowed lady of the manor supported it, much like Madam DeVoe. She had a bond with the people and the place holds a special place in her heart. Nesta shared the anxiety of the war years with them. She played with her friends in the fields. There were many small animals about, some she took home as pets. Her mother visited sick people, including children. She often went with her. All it took was a knock at the door for help any time of the day or night. This probably turned her later to pediatric nursing. She came to America, married, started a family, and worked. Writing helped her keep these memories alive.

Book preview

About the Author

Nesta Staples grew up in a small English farming village. A widowed lady of the manor supported it, much like Madam DeVoe. She had a bond with the people and the place holds a special place in her heart. Nesta shared the anxiety of the war years with them. She played with her friends in the fields. There were many small animals about, some she took home as pets.

Her mother visited sick people, including children. She often went with her. All it took was a knock at the door for help any time of the day or night.

This probably turned her later to pediatric nursing. She came to America, married, started a family, and worked. Writing helped her keep these memories alive.

Dedication

To Ted and Sarah, and for our wonderful grandchildren:

Molly, Abby, Ada, Maggie, and Loki.

Copyright Information ©

Nesta Staples 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Ordering Information

Quantity sales: Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Staples, Nesta

The Enchanted Island

ISBN 9781638299516 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781638299530 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781638299547 (ePub e-book)

ISBN 9781638299523 (Audiobook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023916174

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 33rd Floor, Suite 3302

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

[phone]

Acknowledgment

I would like to acknowledge Sarah for her technical assistance.

The Enchanted Island –

A Legend

It involves a small island, obscure from the rest of the world. The people and the way of life are described in detail. The rule is that no one must lose sight of land when sailing out to sea; otherwise, there is no trace, no return to the isle again.

The governor of the island, Madam DeVoe, mourns for her husband, son, and pet seagull, all lost at sea.

The son is eventually washed up in his boat close to shore. He has been guided by the seagull, its medallion around its neck. He cannot recall his father dying at sea, being rescued by a serpent, or being hosted by tiny people on a tiny island.

He cannot recall how he was guided home by his bird carrying a very special sprig from a very unusual tree. Yet, obviously, earning this gift meant he did something very profound for these people. Later, the gift’s true value is revealed. Emma, the crippled orphan made an astounding recovery from one of the sprig’s buds.

The legend of that island, its tree, and its people is recalled. A celebration is organized. The enchanted island could be described as paradise.

Part I

Chapter I

If you were ever sailing the Pacific Ocean with a lack of navigator or compass, good fortune might be with you by directing you to a small island, unknown to the rest of the world, owing to lack of identification on all printed maps. Anyone discovering such a place would indeed be a fortunate human being. Alas, it is very doubtful that any of us could have such an experience bestowed upon us.

As you read on, you will find this an island of legend, a strange and mystical tale to be told and retold.

The land is but a small blob in the ocean, dotted with numerous farms and small knotted wooden houses mostly of four-room capacity. Although the roads are almost non-existent occasionally, one would come upon a twisting gravel track. Perhaps leading from the house to farmland, perhaps house to nowhere. Only approximately five hundred people live on this seafaring isle. Simple, nature-loving hearty folk with a keen sense of loyalty to their land.

Amidst the small houses, farmlands, and well-worn tracks, one comes across a large impressive mansion. Many small rock gardens, lily ponds, and lawns surround it. The house is exquisitely built, every detail magnified. Two Grecian pillars stand out from the main doors in a military fashion. One might call the mansion very impersonal if it were not for the small ivy creeper weaving itself up over the arch of the pillars, spreading out generously on each side of the house.

Small shrubs dotted about the expansive grounds. Borders of colorful flowers trim the twisting paths. A large drooping weeping willow tree sags romantically across a lawn, touching the far corner of the house. Many birds were now swarming around an elaborate feeding tray. This was situated immediately in front of the house, overlooking a lily pond. Much excitement and twittering mingled among them. There were shrill notes, soft low notes, and a short snappy twitter. Their colors were diffused like a patchwork quilt. The whole effect was enchanting.

When really scrutinizing the house, one could see pretty frilly-laced curtains at the windows in abundance. Life seemed to sprout out from each one. Occasionally there was evidence of a bedroom mirror, an upright antique chair, in possibly the drawing