The Daughters of Endor: The Witch Tree, #2

By Cathy Walker

Untouched by time and bonded with the witch, Rowan, the ancient tree of knowledge hides on a mysterious island off the coast of Maine. As Rowan's powers wane, the tree sends out tendrils of energy to search for its new guardian.

 

Willow escapes the confines of the commune where she grew up, and searches for a place to belong. Not understanding the mystical force guiding her, she travels until she discovers Woodlight, a settlement hidden in the forests north of Camden. There, she discovers her magickal powers and a birthright that involves battling Lucian, a sorcerer intent on claiming the tree's knowledge. Willow's growing attraction to the powerful druid, Thane, complicates the situation and distracts her attempts to access her magick.

 

While Rowan's powers continue to falter and the sorcerer, Lucian, draws closer, they discover an adversary from Rowan's past is killing witches, burning their trees, and kidnapping their daughters. Darkness hovers over Willow and those she comes to care for, and time is running out. She needs to learn how to wield her powers if she is to bond with the tree.

 

Is Willow strong enough to embrace her destiny? Can Rowan finally defeat her nemesis? After centuries of being protected by witches, will the tree finally fall to Lucian's grasp?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cathy Walker
• Release date: Apr 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224368068

Cathy Walker

Books have fueled my imagination since reading the Black Stallion series when I was younger. Never thinking that I could actually write a book, I sat down and began writing anyway. I now have multiple published books and more on the way. All of them with a theme of myths, legends, romance, or fantasy. I am fortunate enough to live on a farm filled with animals to love and care for. Every morning my dogs, cats, goats, and horses greet me at the barnyard. Spending time with them helps motivates me to write. I also design book covers for various genres. Premade covers are on my website for sale, but I also do custom covers.

Book preview

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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 as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [e-mail]

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Copyright © 2024 by Cathy Walker

Ebook Version

All Rights Reserved

Book Cover by Cathy's Covers

Contents

1.Chapter One

2.Chapter Two

3.Chapter Three

4.Chapter Four

5.Chapter Five

6.Chapter Six

7.Chapter Seven

8.Chapter Eight

9.Chapter Nine

10.Chapter Ten

11.Chapter Eleven

12.Chapter Twelve

13.Chapter Thirteen

14.Chapter Fourteen

15.Chapter Fifteen

16.Chapter Sixteen

17.Chapter Seventeen

18.Chapter Eighteen

19.Chapter Nineteen

20.Chapter Twenty

21.Chapter Twenty-One

22.Chapter Twenty-Two

23.Chapter Twenty-Three

24.Chapter Twenty-Four

25.Chapter Twenty-Five

26.Chapter Twenty-Six

27.Chapter Twenty-Seven

28.Chapter Twenty-Eight

29.Chapter Twenty-Nine

30.Chapter Thirty

31.Chapter Thirty-One

32.Chapter Thirty-Two

33.Chapter Thirty-Three

34.ChapterThirty-Four

35.Chapter Thirty-Five

36.ChapterThirty-Six

37.Chapter Thirty-Seven

38.Chapter Thirty-Eight

39.Chapter Thirty-Nine

40.Chapter Forty

41.Chapter Forty-One

42.Chapter Forty-Two

43.Chapter Forty-Three

44.Chapter Forty-Four

Afterword

Also By

Author Bio

Chapter One

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B acon, three eggs over easy, home fries, and another cup of coffee. The customer thrust the cup at Willow without sparing her a glance. The phone propped up against the sugar dish on the table held his attention.

Shaking her head, Willow tipped the coffeepot and filled the cup with the aromatic, dark liquid. She inhaled. Out of all the cafes and diners she’d worked in over the past couple of years, this place had the best coffee, and this blend topped the list as her favorite. Chocolate with a hint of burnt vanilla.

Order up, Rod yelled from the kitchen, his deep voice booming through the diner.

Willow nodded and made her way to the pass-through window where steaming food waited for pickup. Her sensible, comfortable shoes stuck to the floor in spots and made sucking, sticky noises as she walked.

Rod stood beside the food, and Willow knew by the glint in his eyes he was about to spout a corny joke.

Hey, gorgeous. What do you call a cow in an earthquake?

No idea, Rod.

A milkshake. Rod guffawed and wiped his hands on his apron before picking up a spatula and flipping a couple of burgers on the sizzling grill.

Ha, ha. Not funny, Rod. I think your jokes are getting worse. Willow shot a smile at him to mellow her insult. By the way, I need bacon, three eggs over easy, and home fries. Hopefully, that’s the last order of the day. She loaded the waiting plates on her arms and headed for the table of four waiting for their late lunch.

The low din of voices and clattering cutlery echoed through the diner and comforted Willow. She enjoyed the people and the busy work. It kept her mind from wandering to places she didn’t want it to go. It kept the lonesome, restless feeling from rearing up and taking hold of her until she packed her meager belongings and set off to another town in search of filling the longing within.

For a while, at least.

But it was time to move on.

Which reminded her to let Rod know she needed to talk with him once the diner closed. A quick glance at the wall clock above the coffee maker showed 2:50 p.m. The diner closed in ten minutes.

With a sigh of resignation and a cold band clutching her chest, she cleared a table and carried the dishes to the kitchen. Rod was putting the most recent order on a plate, so she only had a second.

Hey, Rod.

Yup, that’s my name. Don’t wear it out.

Willow laughed. His jokes were silly, his comments cliche, but he’d been good to her and she’d miss him like crazy.

I need to talk with you after work.

Rod’s back stiffened, and his movements stilled. Oh. Okay. He turned and placed the plate on the counter.

The next half hour passed in a blur as customers finished eating and filed out, eventually leaving the diner empty except for Rod and Willow. With practiced moves, the two of them closed, cleaned, and readied the place for opening in the early morning hours.

Rod grabbed the pot of coffee, a couple of cups, and set them on the counter beside plates of apple pie. With a sigh, he plopped on a stool and motioned for Willow to sit next to him.

It felt good to sit after the busy day she’d had, and the hot, soothing coffee went down well with the flaky apple pie. Willow was sure Rod made the best pie she’d ever tasted. He told her it had taken years of failures and experimenting before he finally mastered making a flaky crust.

So, what’s up? Rod avoided looking at her as he lifted his cup to his lips.

Willow’s heart thudded in her chest. She didn’t want to do this, but could no longer deny the urge to move on. Sleepless nights and the yearning for something undefinable drove her from place to place and her time here had ended—just as it had every other town where she’d tried to make a home for herself.

Before she could reply, the front door opened, and a woman entered the diner, stamping her booted feet on the mat. Brown curls framed her face while the woman brushed a stray strand from her eyes. She fixed her gaze on Rod and Willow, hazel eyes taking in the scene.

Seeing Rod’s wife, Dianna, was a surprise to Willow. She normally avoided the diner on her day off.

Rod smiled. Hi, darlin’. What are you doing here?

Dianna moved forward and sat on the stool on the other side of Willow, effectively pinning her in place. Let’s just say I had a feeling I should be here, and I wouldn’t say no to coffee and pie.

Dianna rubbed her hands together when Rod set coffee and apple pie on the counter in front of her. Looks good as always, babe.

Rod harrumphed and sat down.

They ate until the silence weighed too heavily on Willow. She cleared her throat and said, So I suppose I should tell you…

Dianna raised a hand and spoke softly. No need. We know it’s time for you to leave.

Willow almost choked on her pie. But, how…I mean, I wasn’t even sure until this afternoon. I literally just decided. How could you possibly know?

Rod and Dianna glanced at each other while Willow looked back and forth between them.

Dianna shrugged her shoulders. I mentioned before that I have certain abilities. I woke with a vision this morning that showed you in your car driving out of town. Rod and I always knew you were only here temporarily, so it took little figuring to interpret my vision.

Rod nodded. Yup. Though I admit we thought you’d like it enough to stick around longer. We’ll hate to lose you. I mean, who else can put up with my terrible jokes and keep smiling all day?

Willow’s eyes filled with tears. She would miss these two people who’d taken her in and treated her like family. They’d given her a job, a place to stay above their garage, and invited her for dinner multiple times a week. She’d thought this might be the place to stay. Then, the lonesome, restless feeling had returned. Kept her awake, tugged at her emotions, invaded her dreams until she felt like she was going crazy. The only way to squelch the feeling was to move on. She knew that from experience.

A touch on her arm calmed her and brought her back to the present. Dianna put a comforting arm around her shoulder and hugged her.

Willow, sweetie, it’s okay. You have no choice but to go. Your destiny is out there, not in a two-bit diner in the middle of nowhere. There’s a place you belong. People who need you.

Willow smothered a laugh and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Hey, don’t insult the diner. And I’m not sure I believe in destiny. It’s too supernatural for me.

Rod shook his head and concentrated on pouring more coffee all around, while Dianna let out an exasperated sound. Willow, you have scoffed at my few attempts to introduce you to tarot cards, pendulums, crystals—even something as simple as meditation. I know you don’t believe, but that doesn’t mean none of it works. You have a strangely adverse reaction to anything otherworldly.

It’s not so strange if you knew where I grew up. A church on every corner and not a magick store, yoga, or meditation class in sight. Mainly because they would have been driven out of town. Not subtly either, but with force. I came by my disbelief honestly.

Through fear, intimidation, and narrow-mindedness, Rod muttered.

I see that now, and that is why I’ve tried to be accepting when you both talk about that stuff, but I just can’t believe. It goes against everything my father raised me to believe.

Dianna chuckled. My dear, you have no idea what awaits you. She patted Willow’s arm. All I can do is warn you to be prepared. I can’t even tell you what to prepare for because… She frowned and stared hard at Willow. …well, because you are so unusual. There is an earthy, ancient energy whirling around inside you. It’s overwhelming and filled with depths you haven’t even begun to explore.

A band of fear clutched Willow’s chest. She didn’t believe, so why did Dianna’s words strike a familiar chord? Why did the unknown suddenly scare her?

Don’t be afraid, Dianna reassured. I have an idea that your future holds wonder along with danger, and many people who will help keep you safe.

Safe? What do I need to be kept safe from? Her voice squeaked as rising panic tightened her throat. She swallowed and looked at Dianna for an answer.

Dianna shook her head. I’m sorry. All I can do is warn you to be prepared. Mainly, you need to have an open mind. I cannot stress enough how important that will be for you.

No one spoke for a couple of minutes as an entire apple pie disappeared and the coffee pot had nothing left except the dregs in the bottom.

As he stacked dishes and mugs into the plastic tote bound for the dishwasher, Rod said, So, I guess you’ll be heading out now.

If that’s okay. I could stay a few days if you need to find a replacement.

Dianna stood and stretched. No, you go. We’ll be fine. She stared hard at Willow, who became uncomfortable under the focused gaze. Finally, Dianna said, I suggest you head north and keep going until you feel the urge to stop. That’s where you should stay.

Before Willow could reply, Rod set a wicker basket on the counter. Here. You’ll need food and drink for a couple of days. He pulled an envelope from his pocket and thrust it at her. This is your final pay, with a little extra for luck.

Willow almost broke down right then. Why was she leaving a job she enjoyed and people she cared about? Why couldn’t she be content with what she had?

Willow. You’re going because you have to, and never doubt yourself again.

Shocked that Dianna had read her mind so easily, Willow wondered about the validity of the whole magick, mind-reading, and tarot card stuff.

Rod put his hands in his apron pockets while Dianna nodded toward the door and said, Go. This can be our goodbye. But remember, we are always here for you. You can trust us.

Tears welled and Willow couldn’t speak, so she nodded, grabbed the basket, and left the diner and her friends behind.

As she walked to her vehicle, the squeaky diner door slammed shut behind her for the last time.

Chapter Two

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Morning sun cut through the pervasive fog covering the small island. Swirling and clinging to the grass and trees, the fog didn’t want to let go, but light and warmth finally forced it into submission—for now, at least. It left behind a dew-dropped panorama of nature’s untouched beauty.

Birds flitted from tree to flower, dipping and diving. Their cheery chirp carried on the gentle breeze and lent music to the island’s song. The breeze tousled branches and set the leaves to dancing, the rustle mingling with birdsong.

The occasional drip sounded as a drop of dew fell from a flower to the dirt and grass. A small creek, with its gurgling meander through the middle of the island, lent music to nature’s song.

Too bad no one could enjoy the sights and sounds.

The island was visible to very few people.

The tiny paradise off the coast north of Camden, Maine, provided haven to the oldest tree in existence. Its gnarled, textured trunk sank into the loamy dirt in the middle of the island. Roots, both thick and narrow, extended from one side of the island to the other, soaking up nutrition to feed the ancient tree.

The island and the surrounding ocean water hummed with energy as a constant amperage of power generated by the tree fed into the earth. Hidden within the shroud of magick created by centuries of witches and their powers, the island remained unseen, except for those of the bloodline and their protectors.

Lately, the tree had sensed a weakening of defenses. A tiny crack in the shield that had remained secure with the latest in a line of witches connected to the tree. Each witch exuded their own signature of energy as they used their aura and magick to wrap the island in protection.

Today, the tree sensed a new power approaching. It lifted its limbs a wee bit higher and sent out tendrils of white light energy to find the source of this unfamiliar power. Inhaling, the tree trunk expanded and breathed in the enticing scent of life and magick.

Yes, the old guardian may be old and her magick wavering, but the new one was within reach. Another Daughter of Endor to use her archaic powers to fulfill her task of shielding the tree.

The tree relaxed. Warmth and satisfaction infused the wood and bark with a sense of safety and comfort.

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Willow shivered as warm tendrils wrapped around her like a spider web. Not in a clutching and restrictive way, but more tentative and seeking. Fear forced her to steer her car to the side of the road and sit while her heart stopped pounding.

She was unharmed, but that didn’t alter the fact she’d experienced an unexplainable sense. Almost an invasion of her space. Yeah…no, that was crazy. She didn’t believe in otherworldly beings. It seemed too weird. Driving late into the night had caught up to her, that’s all.

When she’d left the diner, doubt had almost made her turn her car and go back. Rod and Dianna had treated her well, and she hated leaving them behind. Hated the fact that she’d likely never see them again.

With a sigh, she pulled onto the road from the rest stop where she’d spent the night in her car. Following Dianna’s advice, she headed north, skirted around Providence’s city limits, and was back on track, heading north.

A rather meandering way to travel, but driving on lesser traveled roads made for a more relaxing time and better scenery. Since she was in no hurry, she could explore aimlessly, and drive wherever the urge took her.

After a gulp of water from her thermos and a couple of bites from an energy bar, she shook off the strange sensation that had forced her to the side of the road. Checking for traffic, she put tires to pavement and continued driving. As she approached Boston, she avoided traffic and drove west around the city. She ended up driving further west than she’d intended. But, having no plan, she wasn’t worried. She’d end up where she needed to be and find a place to work until the urge struck to move on again.

A driving desire to be near the ocean almost overwhelmed her. She would head north as Dianna suggested, but she wanted to get to the ocean first and travel up from there.

It didn’t take long for her to reach I-95 outside the Boston city limits. She circumvented the major city streets and drove for about half an hour when she passed a green highway sign showing the upcoming turnoff for Salem. A major tourist attraction for witches, magick, and divination.

Her stringent upbringing ran deep and her first reaction was one of condemnation for all otherworldly practices. Yet, her recent travels had brought her into contact with such a variety of people and beliefs. Surprisingly, they didn’t have horns or sprout warts on their noses, as her father had led her to believe.

The urge to explore Salem was strong, but not as strong as the urge to keep driving. Salem wasn’t for her, though she made a mental note to come back for a visit one day soon.

She chuckled, the sound echoing in the car’s silence. That she acknowledged the existence of an inner voice and listened to it showed how much she’d changed since leaving her hometown of Grasshollow, Tennessee.

Open-minded. That’s what Dianna told her to be, so that was her focus.

With a sigh, she left Salem behind and continued north, drawn by an inexplicable feeling that her journey would soon be over.

Chapter Three

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Her route took her through Portsmouth and Kennebunk, with a quick stop for a late lunch in Portland, Maine. Her trip up US-1 gave her occasional views of the ocean, small towns, beautiful scenery and not too much traffic, which she was thankful for.

None of the places she passed felt right. Nowhere did she experience an urge to stop and stay. It wasn’t until she approached Camden, Maine, that Willow’s ears buzzed and her heart hammered.

Late afternoon sun lit the town with a golden glow, and a warm breeze brought the salty tang of the ocean with it. Festive downtown buildings painted red, yellow, and green stood out against the more formal buildings of brick. Merchants obviously took pride in dressing up their window displays and front sidewalks with merchandise and flowers.

The town exuded a relaxing touristy sense without giving into tacky or overdone signage or advertising. Each store kept a somewhat eclectic feeling that added to the small-town atmosphere.

The welcoming feel of the main street melded well with the view of Penobscot bay with its dancing white sails dotting the azure water and reflecting against puffy white clouds in an even bluer sky. Historic structures told of a past embraced and preserved by the townspeople. A respect for ancestors and tradition.

Paradise. That was the first word to pop into Willow’s mind. A perfect paradise where the mountains meet the sea, with Camden nestled between the two.

The scent of fresh baked bread mixed with the briny ocean air, making Willow’s belly rumble with hunger pangs.

She released a deep sigh as she passed through the town. A last glance in her rear-view mirror showed the unique town receding, but she had a feeling she’d be back. In the meantime, she needed to find the place that would calm the restless knots in her stomach.

She didn’t have far to go now.

In fact, the dirt road ahead looked ideal as an option for leaving the highway behind. Weeping willow trees on either side of the narrow dirt road drew her attention. Long, elegant branches tumbled into an arch that framed the turnoff and blew gracefully in the gentle breeze. Silvery green leaves reflected sunlight and created an otherworldly glow at the entrance of the narrow road.

Willow turned onto the sideroad and the vehicle’s tires made a crunching sound as they broke through a dried puddle crust and then quieted