Bite Of Winter
By Nicky Barnes



She ran, heart pounding, hot breath pluming in the icy night air, pains in her chest as her last reserves of strength came to an end.

Clutching her flimsy gown to her body, even though it provided minimal warmth, she climbed the steep incline, clawing at the powdery snow in her haste. Glancing back she swept the cold strings of her hair from her eyes, she could not see it, but she could hear it. From not far away came a mournful howl, it sounded so sad she almost paused.

So close.

She fell in her panic, snow blinding her, she tried to push herself up off of the ground. Numb fingers failing her. So tired...so cold.

A heavy weight knocked her deeper into the snow, trying to get breath to scream she twisted her head from side to side. Pain ripped through her as teeth buried themselves in her shoulder.


Sam ran into the big kitchen, banging the oak door back against the wall with a resounding crash.
"Did she come through here?" His eyes wildly scanned the room for her face. The cook came towards him, her face troubled.
"Eliza? My lord? Why no, I have not seen her for many hours." She studied her masters face, his eyes looked sore and red and full of worry. "No she's not been through here sir."

He ran from the kitchen towards the stables noting the uneven snow tracks, which were rapidly filling in, led from the side of the kitchen towards the stable buildings. Racing inside he noted that Breana his wifes mare was missing. He took down his hunting rifle and checked it was loaded. Quickly saddling and tacking up his own horse he rushed back out into the cold wintery night. The full moons light aiding his direction but the winds cold sting causing his eyes to tear and render the light almost useless.

He followed the tracks for many miles, he felt wretched with guilt and remorse. He never should have said those things to her. Now she was out here in this cold, and in her condition too. He had even accused her of that! No he knew she wasn't capable of adultery, the babe was his not another mans. He was so stupid, he knew the drink made him say evil things. He needed to catch up with her quickly. Before........ no, he must not think like that. She would be well, he would find her.

Cresting a hill he saw a large dark shape silhouetted against the whiteness of the snow. He urged the horse towards it, the horse shied away as they neared, the iron smell of blood filled the air, bringing the death stench to the crisp icy newness. Dismounting he approached, he saw no sign of his beloved, but the sight before him made him spew out his stomach contents. He washed the sour bile from his mouth with some snow. It was Eliza's horse, it was dead. It's abdomen torn apart, entrails strewn around making crimson patterns on the frozen ground. Bite marks in the carcass showed him it had been attacked by wolves, it still steamed in the cold air.

Where was Eliza?

He examined the ground, he heard a howl and a womans scream.

He jumped on his horse and drove it towards the sounds. A horrific sight awaited him, a huge wolf had his wife's body in its jaws. He sighted along his rifle, he worried he would hit his love but he didn't even know if she was still alive! He fired, the bullet hitting the animal in the back of the head. The blood sprayed out painting the snow red. The animal was dead.

Sam ran to his wife, she was breathing! She was losing blood from a gaping wound in her shoulder, but she was alive. Sam held her close to him, tears spilling down his cheeks.

The next couple of months went by, Eliza recovered from her ordeal with only a scar to remind them of that terrifying night. She was blooming in her pregnancy and Sam felt so proud, he never drank to excess again. They were happy.

A womans cries filled the house. Pain laiden screams of pure agony. The midwife ran from the room panic stricken, she had blood all down the front of her apron. She looked for Sam.
"Sir! You must come, there's nothing I can do. Its an abomination, it's against God and all things holy." She ran down the stairs shrieking.

Sam charged into the room in time to see his beloved Eliza's eyes close, her hands, which had been clutching the shreds of her skin together, fell to her sides.

Amongst the gore of what was once her stomach, something moved. Small hands reached upwards towards him, each tiny finger tipped with a black talon it's tiny mouth opened, revealing wickedly sharp fangs, it made a small howl and snuffled towards him.

, Just an MMORPG?
By Nicky Barnes


The room was hot and dark, the curtains drawn to stop the sun's bright glare from touching the computer monitor. A twelve year old boy's gaze is fixed on the brightly coloured screen, left hand feverishly pushing buttons, while the right slides the mouse about on the mouse-mat. Almost there, a few more kills and then the all important.....

Ding! Glowing sparks surrounded his character on the screen as he reached level thirty two.
"Yay! Whoopee, I did it." he shrieked bouncing in his chair.
"Tim, Jason's at the door. Are you coming down?" His mum's voice carried up the stairs pretty well, he guessed, she'd had lots of practice.
"Can you send him up mum?" he yelled back, "thanks."
He swivelled round as Jason walked in.
"Ah man, are you still playing that shit?" Jason gestured at the screen. "No-ones playing that anymore. This came earlier, I ordered it off E-bay, wanna try?" He handed Tim a black box. Tim turned it over to read about the game, there was nothing on the back. On the front was a symbol and nothing else, Y.
"What is this? Platform? Shoot 'em up?"
"Nah said it's an MMORRPG, guess that was a typo in the description but it looks amazing, saw some screenshots. You can't install the full game but you can use my 'friend key'. You can play the trial for a week, then if you like it, you gotta buy the game."
Tim opened the box. It contained a blank plastic case, inside that was a disc and a card. He took the card out and read it. There was just a serial number on it. Weird he thought, guess the game company don't like to advertise.
"Well whats it about?" Tim said.
"I don't know, I'm gonna try it later, I've already got it installed. Anyway gotta go, mum wants me to get milk from the shop. Cya's." Jason left the room and ran down the stairs. Tim heard him call out 'bye' to his mum, then the front door slammed.
Tim looked at the blank game case, guess it wouldn't hurt to try, he thought. He removed the disc and put it into his CD-ROM. A red loading screen appeared on the monitor, with a big flashing Y. The screen showed a bar slowly filling up at the bottom. 10%...23%...36%...
Tim got up and went to use the toilet, then went downstairs to get a drink.
"I hope you have done your homework Timmy." his mother said.
"Yes mum," he answered opening the fridge. He poured himself a cola. "Mum have we got any crisps?"
"No you can't have them now, dinners ready in twenty minutes."
"K mum." he moaned and ran back upstairs, mindless of the splashes of cola leaving his glass. Entering his room he heard music. The game had loaded and there was a box for him to enter the serial code in. He typed it in using two fingers as he read aloud from the card.
The screen went black and a wail came from the speakers. Three choices appeared on the screen: Beginner, Advanced and Expert. Hey, I'm no wuss he thought and clicked Advanced. He felt a tugging and looked down, nothing there. It came again, more insistent, something compelling him to move forward. He was pulled from his seat towards the computer screen. He grabbed hold of the edges of the monitor, trying to brace himself. When his fingers touched the screen they passed through.
"Mum!" he cried out. His head sunk into the screen, followed by his body. Feet kicking the coke glass over as they disappeared from view into the computer screen.

He was somewhere else. It wasn't his bedroom, his mind decided, so I must be somewhere else. The game! He must be in the game, his thoughts whirled with the possibilities.
"Wow! This is so neat." he said aloud.
There was a weight on his back. He slid it off.
"Huh?" The object was a backpack. Un-buckling the top flap, he looked inside. He pulled out a map, some wrapped stuff that looked like dried meat, a flask of water and two bottles. One contained a red liquid, the other blue. He stared at the items and then it dawned on him.
"This is my starter stuff! I really am inside the game. I'm a Newb!" He looked at the map, it depicted an island, showing rivers as winding blue lines, dots marking towns, he noticed there was one nearby and mountains as inverted V's. At the bottom were the words: Kantos Starter Island.....Y 2008.
He kept the map out and put the rest back in the backpack. Swinging it up on his back he headed down the dirt trail.

He approached a village, a guard spotted him and put up a hand.
"Halt newcomer, state your name and your profession."
"Um Hi, I'm Tim and well what professions are there?" he smiled up at the guard, who was wearing bright silver chainmail and had a broadsword at his hip.
"Didn't you read the on-line manual? And what sort of name is 'Tim'?" he sighed.
"Um no. Didn't know there was one. OK I will be 'Blast King'" Tim thought for a moment. Can I be a Fearknight?"
The guard chuckled. "No, you are of good alignment. Your choices are: Paladin, Warrior, Cleric, Mage or Bard."
Tim excitedly thought of throwing fireballs and sending lightning strikes at the enemies, but no, he didn't fancy running round in a robe. Bard? No too pansy. Prancing about singing tra-la-la didn't appeal either. Warrior! yes thats what he wanted to be. A mighty hero, cutting down hordes of attacking orcs and stealing their loot. He liked the sound of that.
"Warrior please and can I change my name to 'Eliminator'?" he smiled pleased with his choices.
"Excellent it will be done."
Timmy felt his skin buzz and he was surrounded by light, when it cleared he saw that he was dressed differently. Gone were his jeans and T-shirt, in their place was a rusty chainmail tunic with leggings, decrepid looking leather boots, on his head a leather skullcap and clutched in his hand a shortsword. It wasn't a nice bright shiny sword, like the guards, it was pitted and dull with nicks along the edges.
"When do I get a sword like yours? and armour! When do I get to wear plate?"
"First you have to gain experience young man, if you want to wear plate you will have to get stronger. It's way too heavy for you to wear yet. Now pay attention I have a chore for you."
"Ooh quests! I love quests." smiled Tim happily.
"Travel to the village centre and speak with Mayor Thornwhittle. He needs your aid."
Tim walked forward and passed through the village gates. There were shops lining the streets with big signs stating what they were: General adventuring supplies, Bank, Exchange, Tailor shop, weapon smith and more. He went in the one marked as bank and backed up quick as a huge tiger man came out.
"Watch where you are going kid."
Tim grinned nervously and entered the bank.
"Good day adventurer, welcome to the village bank. We can assist you with your daily finances." The banker then led him to a safe in the far wall, one of many.
"Your can store un-needed items here. There is a limit of fifty items."
Tim opened his safe, there was nothing inside but a piece of paper. He took it and read: Welcome to Y, you will have the time of your life. Spend it wisely. He left the bank and made his way to the village centre. He felt his skin shiver and voice in his head said, "You have discovered Hayton Village Square." The light surrounded his body again, the voice continued, "You are level 2."
"Cool," thought Tim.
A fat important looking man walked towards him with a lady dressed as a milkmaid.
"Ah there you are adventurer, we need your help. I have mislaid the petty cash box and this young lady here," he looked at the milkmaid, "has lost her cow. There is a cave northwest of here where wolves have been seen. We believe that both our missing things are there. Good luck adventurer." He shook a bag, it jingled. The milkmaid held up a wicked looking mace. "These rewards are for you should you succeed. Off you go."

Tim looked at his shortsword doubtfully and thought, I bet I can't even kill a bug with this. He walked to the place the man had described, ducking behind a big boulder as a huge black wolf came into view. The creatures eyes were red, he could see saliva dripping from its exposed fangs and could smell it's putrid breath. It howled and continued pacing in front of the cave entrance .
"Bugger that!" exclaimed Tim. What do they think I am! Superdude or something?" With his back to the boulder he looked around. He should have been a mage, he thought, then he could have 'in-vised' past the wolf.
"Hail Eliminator, I am known as Shalandra." Came a voice to his left. He looked up at a thin figure dressed in chain, they were carrying a big mallet.
"Hi." he answered.
"You are supposed to say 'Hail' this is a role playing game you know." said the voice.
"Hey your a girl!" he realised. "And why are your ears pointy?"
"Well duh! Im an elf! and girls play too. This is my cleric alt! I have a level 44 pally. Thought I'd give this advanced level a try."
"Wow," said Tim impressed.
"Anyway wanna team up and take that wolf on? I would try on my own but you know, I'll probably die. Not that that matters, we just start again at the village gates." She expertly swung the mallet, it looked more impressive than his sword he thought. "Come on I've just started this character and wanna try this mallet out."
"OK lets do it." He got up and went to walk off.
"Wait! I have to 'buff' you first." She waggled her fingers and coloured lights surrounded him. He felt stronger and somehow safer.
"I have given you a strength buff and warded you."
"Ward? Ah you mean like a defence shield?"
"Yes, right are you ready?"
"OK. Let's do it."
He ran towards the wolf yelling, what he thought, were fearful battle cries.
"Wait for me!" The Cleric chased after him.
The wolf saw them coming and leaped. Tim managed to dodge it, he brought his shortsword round in an arc, striking the beast. The blade sank in but not far enough to cause much damage. The wolf twisted and sank it's teeth into his other arm. Tim screamed, the pain and the shock bringing him to his senses, this wasn't right! He realized he could really be hurt! He tried to pull his arm from the wolf's jaws. He felt faint and his vision clouded. The Cleric looked shocked, judging by her expression she hadn't expected that either. She smacked the wolf on the head with her mallet and it released his arm. She waved her hand and his wounded arm glowed, it had healed! Another player ran up to them, Hey you two, don't you realise this level is Advanced! That wolf is way too tough for you. You should have got yourselves some more experience first."
Tim kept an eye on the wolf, it was still stunned.
"What's the problem? This girl here says it doesn't matter if we die, we just start again."
"NO! This is the Advanced level, this is an MMORRPG you know! It's real, as in 'Massive Multi-player On-line REAL Role-playing Game. You should have picked the Beginn........Watch out!"
Shanlandra swung the mallet again and missed. The wolf was on her in a second, its great jaws fastened on her neck. With a twist of it's head it ripped her throat out before she had a chance to scream. Blood sprayed the air and splattered Tim's face.
"Nooo!" He felt sick, his eyes filled with tears. He backed away, the wolf's eyes followed him. He turned and ran into the cave, he heard the wolf claws scratching on the rock floor, right behind him. He backed up against the far wall. There was a body on the ground next to him, ripped apart and barely recognisable as human. The ribcage was poking up through the torn flesh. The wolf glared at him, blood dripping from its fangs. It crouched getting ready to leap.
"Let me out of here!" Tim screamed as the wolf leaped. "Out, exit....QUIT!"

He was back in his room. He was covered in sweat and shaking from head to toe. He looked at the screen, it read: TRY AGAIN? Y/N. Beginner Advanced Expert.
No way! he thought and switched off the PC.
He raced out of the room and downstairs.
"Mum, mum I'm back!"
His mother looked up, Tim I told you no crisps, dinners ready. Go and wash up you look all sweaty! What have you been up to up there?"
He looked at the clock, he'd been gone hardly any time at all. He went up to the bathroom and washed his hands and face, then joined the others at the dinner table. The day had been totally unreal, he didn't bother telling his parents, they wouldn't have believed him anyhow. He quickly finished his dinner, he was famished! Jason! he had to warn him! He raced to the phone, "thanks mum," he called out. Punching in Jasons number he waited, listening to the phone ring. He gave up and decided to go round there instead.

The back door was open, as always. The Wilsons were used to him and their son coming and going.
"Hello Mr Wilson, Mrs Wilson." Returned 'Hello's' came from the living room. He glanced in, they were watching something on the TV.
"OK if I go up and see Jay?" he asked.
"Yeah, go on up," said Jason's dad, "see if you can drag him away from that bloody computer. You two should be out in the sunshine."
Tim bounded up the stairs two at a time and burst into Jason's room.
"Jay don't..........." he stopped, the room was empty. "Jay?" The computer was on. On the monitor were the words: YOU DIED....END OF GAME.

Survival At Silverlake Woods
by Nicky Barnes



The blow split her lip and the one that followed, her cheek. She touched her fingers to her face, they came away red.
"You filthy bitch, did you think you would get away with it? Did you have him in our bed?"
She tried to speak, tried to make her torn lips form words. "I'm not yours, you bastard! I left you! I loved him but left him because I was afraid, afraid that you would hurt him." She crawled away from him leaving a trail of blood. "You are sick, you need help."
"You are mine! You will always be mine! My life to take."
His fists smashed into her again and again. Bones broke and still he pummelled her.

The joint was passed to Pam, she took it, put it to her lips and inhaled. It made her feel giddy.
"Whoa, long time since I had anything this strong," she coughed, "who made it?" She passed it to Jo, who grimaced and shook her head, so Pam kept it.
"I did sweetie," Kenny grinned, "and theres plenty more where that came from." He swung a sandwich bag at her, it was full of the grass.
"I should have guessed it was my beloved's work," she smiled.
"Kenny man!" giggled Jeff, "you my friend, are the best pal a bloke can have."
"Guys that stuff stinks! Can't someone open another window?" Plumes of smoke filled the camper van. Jo waved her hand in front of her face, sighing she stood up and crossed to the other side, leaning across Kenny to open the window.
"Stop whinging sis," chuckled Jeff, "it's some fine shit." His giggles continued.
"Yeah and I think you have had enough." She sat back down.
"Easy up on him baby." Chris's voice came from the drivers seat, up front. Jo moved forward and joined him.
"He's only having a bit of fun. He did need cheering up, I can't believe she could dump him like that, right before the holiday too."
Laughter could be heard behind them and Jeff's poor attempt at singing.
"Yeah I guess, poor Jeff, I can't stand the stuff though, it makes me feel sick. Anyway are we nearly there? I'm going to need a loo soon." She looked out the window, trees, trees and more trees. "What's the name of this place again? Silverlake Woods?"
"Yeah."
She was glad she had come on this holiday, she hadn't been sure if it was a good idea to come away with Chris, they had only known each other a couple of months. Looking at him now, she realised how much she loved him. He had been badly hurt when his previous relationship had ended, so they had started out as friends. That had grown and become something they both wanted and needed. "Well we are certainly out in the middle of no-where."
"According to the directions I got at that garage, we are almost there. When we arrive first thing I want is a nice cold beer," he said wiping a hand across his forehead, then wiping it on Jo's bare legs.
"Yuk," she laughed, trying to push his hand away. "Chris!" she shrieked.
"Hey guys, watch ya up to? Hope you aren't distracting our boy here from his driving." Kenny's grinning face appeared.
"He's quite capable of distracting himself," Jo laughed.

Chris turned left down a lane. "We are in for a rough ride. Hold on folks." He called out, steering the vehicle around a big dip in the hard packed dirt. After about fifteen bumpy minutes the trees thinned out to the right, then stopped, revealing a large clearing. There was a sign, it read: Welcome to Camp Silverlake. Please take your rubbish back with you.
"We're here," shouted Jo.
Chris stopped the van near a wooden structure, the sign on it read: Washroom, and they all piled out. Kenny pulled his T-shirt off and ran round the area whooping, they had it to themselves. Chris went in the back of the camper and emerged carrying a large cool box.
"Here it is, come and get it." Opening it he drew out a can, pulled the tab and took a long swig. "Ahhh much better." He held the can to his face, it felt wonderful. The others helped themselves to beers, Kenny got the BBQ out and started it up. They had stocked the fridge-freezer with loads of food before the trip and had two large coolers filled with beers.
"Lets have a game while thats heating up," Jeff called, coming out with the bats and a ball.
"You lads carry on," Pam said fanning her face with her magazine, I'm gonna relax and read this.
"I'll play," Jo called jumping up and tying her hair up out of the way.
The game was under way, not enough people to play a proper game of rounders, so they improvised. It was hot work in the glare of the sun.
"Your out Chris," yelled Jeff, "Jo caught the ball."
Chris looked at Jo, "Outed by my girlfriend, how will my heart stand up to the pain?" He clutched his chest and fell to his knees. Kenny ran up behind him and pulled down his shorts.
"Argh!" he screamed, trying to cover his embarrassment.
Jo laughed until she thought she would wet herself.
"Put it away man!" laughed Jeff, "You will put me off my hotdog."
"Thats a point." Kenny ran over to check on the BBQ. He went in the camper to fetch the meat. He leaned out. "One of you lazy buggers gonna give me a hand?" he called. Jo went in to butter some buns and to get started on the salad.

No-body noticed eyes watching them from some nearby bushes, the thick growth kept what ever it was concealed. Nor did they hear the heavy breathing and the look of pure rage of the owner of the eyes.

Later, after they had cleared away all the food and plates, they set the two tents up, got more beers out and sat round a fire. They laughed and joked and told stories late into the night.
Chris spoke quietly to Jo, she giggled and kissed him.
"Night all, we're bushed, it's bed for us." They entered the trailer quickly removing their clothes and jumping on the bed.
The others went to the tents. Pam pulled Kenny down onto the sleeping bags. He pulled up her vest top and nuzzled her breasts. He felt Pam's hand slide down his shorts and grip his length. He groaned.
Pam sat up and removed her shorts and panties. Pushing Kenny back, she straddled him rubbing herself against him, then impaled herself on his sex.

Jeff held his pillows over his ears, the groans from the other tent were making him feel miserable. He missed Nancy, even though she had dumped him, he still loved her.
He started on another beer. It would be a long night, he thought trying to ignore the sounds.

Chris opened the camper door letting in the bright sunlight, the day wasn't too hot yet and there was a light breeze.
"What time is it?" Jo's head poked out from beneath the covers.
"After nine." Chris started on breakfast for them all. Soon the smell of bacon filled the air, attracting the others like bees to a flower. Jeff looked a bit worse for wear.
"Whats wrong bruv? Hangover?" Jo asked.
"Yeah," he grunted and started on his bacon and eggs.
They cleared up and Kenny decided to go off exploring. The girls got their towels and changed into bikinis. Laying the towels out on the grass they worked on their tans, in Jo's case, tried to start one.

A while later Kenny came running back. "There's a lake at the other side of the woods. Im getting in there first!." He ran off again, T-shirt flying in his wake. His bright yellow trunks flashing like a beacon in the sunshine.
"Now that sounds like a brilliant idea," smiled Pam. "Come on Jo." She grabbed her towel, stepped into her shoes and headed off in the direction in which Kenny had disappeared.
Chris looked up waving a beer. "I'm going to lay here a while, veg out and enjoy this excellent chilled beverage, go and join them hun if you want." Jo crouched down and pushed her lips against his.
"OK, I won't be long. Jeff? You coming too?" she shouted to her brother.
He shook his head, wincing as he did so. "No I'm going back to bed, can I use the one in the camper? I'm sure there are rocks under my tent."
"Yeah help yourself mate." Chris said.

Jo headed towards the trees. The woods were nice and cool, the tops of the trees giving some shade from the sun. Coming upon the lake she looked around, this place was beautiful. Pam and Kenny waved, Pam squealed as Kenny dunked her. Jo carefully made her way down the steep bank and sat down to remove her trainers. She wiggled her toes in the grass, bliss. Dipping her toes in the water, she gasped, it was cold. She slowly lowered herself into the water, it felt lovely on her hot skin. She floated on her back and closed her eyes. This was a good idea coming here, she had needed a break from work badly. Her job at the council was so stressful, she had been thinking of packing it in. She was also glad to get away from her own personal stalker, Melvyn. He was polite enough, it's just, well, he made her skin crawl. She decided to wait and see how it went after the two weeks were up. A scream startled her from her thoughts, Pam she guessed, Kenny was probably fooling around.
"Don't suppose anyone remembered to bring any suntan lotion from the camper?" she looked at her pale skin. "Pam?" No answer. Jo looked around, where were they? Swimming to the far side she noticed Pam's towel and something yellow amongst the long grass. She climbed out of the lake and went over to investigate. Dropping to her knees she saw that it was Kenny. The yellow had been his swimming trunks.
"Kenny?" She shook him.
"Ugh," he groaned. He sat up and felt the back of his head, he stared in horror at the redness on his fingers. "Pam? Where's Pam?" he looked wildly around, got to his feet and fell.
"Kenny, what happened?" Jo helped him up, her heart thudded.
"Didn't you see him? I think he took Pam."
"Who? I saw no-one." Jo looked around and hugged herself, conscious of how much skin her bikini showed.
"There was a man here, big, looked powerful, he was butt naked! Pam saw him she screamed. He swung a club at me. It must have knocked me out. I have to find her. Kenny raced off into the woods, the opposite way to where the camper van was. Jo panicked and quickly swam back across the lake.

From his hiding place he watched them. The long haired girl looked tasty, he drooled, his eyes glazing over and imagined ripping into her soft flesh after satisfying himself in other ways.
The other girl groaned softly at his feet, blood seeping from a wound on her forehead. He lifted her, slinging her over his shoulder, he returned the way he had come. She felt nice, his hand clutched her buttock through the flimsy bikini bottoms. He thought back to feeling a similar body, only that one had cooled fast, although the sticky blood had aroused him. He regretted killing that one, no! It hadn't been his fault! It had been the bastard's she had been seeing. He grinned thinking of the things he'd like to do to him.

Jo ran through the woods, stumbling in her haste. Once falling and catching her hand on a sharp piece of branch. She winced in pain but it didn't slow her down much. She broke through the trees into the clearing. "Chris!.......CHRIS!" She saw him stand and run towards her.
"Jo, your hurt, what happened?" He tried to hold her hand to have a look at it. She pulled it away.
"Don't worry about that, Pam's gone missing, Kenny said they saw a man and now he's gone off too." She cried.
"Slow down, what do you mean some man? Who? There's no-one about but us."
"Someone was there Chris, they knocked Kenny out, his head was bleeding." she looked about. "Where's Jeff?"
"He's in the camper asleep, you go and join him, lock the door." She grabbed hold of him.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to find Kenny and Pam. Which way did Kenny go?" He hugged her, she was shaking.
"Across from the lake, he went into the trees on the other side." she kissed him. "Be careful." she ran towards the camper, once inside she shut and bolted the door.

Chris swam across the lake and entered the dimness of the thickly growing trees. Which way? he thought, he carried on straight forward. He had to double back again and again, thick brambles were everywhere.
"Kenny?....Pam?" he yelled loudly. He was rewarded with silence. He came to some rocks and noticed a partially concealed entrance. Pulling bushes out of the way he peered into the gloom. There was some light but not much. He guessed further in there must be some sunlight getting in. Cautiously he walked forward, trying to hear the slightest sound.
Distantly there came a piercing scream...Pam!
He rushed forward heedless of his own safety.

Jo put the book down she had been reading and looked at the clock. Chris had been gone over an hour. She couldn't wait any longer., she had to do something.
"Jeff." Jo shook her brother, "Jeff wake up."
"Hmm?" he blinked blearily up at her, rubbing his eyes. "Hey sis, how long was I asleep?"
"I don't know, listen, somethings gone really wrong." She explained what had happened. "And now Chris has gone after them, he's been gone too long I'm really worried."
"A man you say? Then what are we waiting for? Let's go find them!"
She was surprised slightly by the look of fear and anger on Jeff's face. Jeff went to his bag and rummaged inside.
"What are you doing? Come on!"
Jeff looked at her. "If there is some nutter running around out there I would prefer to have some kind of protection." He pulled out a knife.
"You think he might be dangerous?"
"I think I know who it might be and yes, very dangerous."
"What about the police? Should I call them?" She ran to her phone, switching it on she found there was no signal. "Damn!" and threw it back in her bag.
She looked around. On one of the benches were Kenny's baseball bats. She picked one up it felt good in her hand. Pulling a vest over her head and putting on some shoes, she followed Jeff outside.

They reached the lake, her trainers were still where she had left them, no sign of Pam, Kenny or Chris.
"What did you mean? You said you knew who it was?" she looked at her brother, he looked terrified.
"I didn't want to tell anyone at the time," he began. "Nancy had to leave me because her 'ex' had found out she was seeing someone else, me."
"So? What did that matter, she didn't have to dump you!"
Jeff sighed. "Thats what I thought at first, before she explained to me about Harold. Put it this way, he would have made a good killer in any slasher film. She told me how controlling he had been and how violent. He had been crafty too, hitting her in places that didn't show. Even worse, he had shared her with his brother, Frank, had let him use her and violate her in ways I couldn't have imagined."
Jo blinked back tears. "Why did she let him? She could have told someone! Got away from him!"
"She was terrified of him Jo. He had threatened to kill her if she told anyone and she believed him. Finally she had got enough money together and ran, as fast and as far away as she could get from him. I met her not long after that, two years ago, remember?"
Jo nodded, she had liked Nancy. She had been sweet and a little timid. Now she knew why.
"You think it's this Harold then? That he's here? How would he know where to find us?"
"Nancy was going to come remember? It wouldn't surprise me if he had beaten the information out of her. She broke up with me because she saw Harold's brother spot us together. In the two years I knew her, I didn't have a clue. I wondered why she never wanted to travel down south, what she told me made me feel so sick and angry and I miss her Jo."
Jo put her arms round her brother, "Jeff I'm so sorry, I wish you had told me."
"Thanks sis, well we had better go find the others, they can't have gone too far. Just keep your eyes open and yell if you see anything."
They skirted the edge of the lake, rather than get their clothes wet. Jo pointed out the splashes of blood from Kenny's head wound. They walked past and entered the trees.

Pam looked at the man pacing the cave. He was talking to himself and spouting all kinds of nonsense. She had tried talking to him but he just ignored her. He seemed to go through stages, misery, denial and anger. He stopped muttering and walked towards her, grabbing her arms he dragged her to the middle of the cave. She struggled even harder when she saw his erection.
"Nooo," she screamed. Her pulled at her bikini until the thin material snapped. He shoved her legs apart and forcefully entered her. She managed another scream before his hand clamped over her mouth and his teeth sank into her shoulder.

Chris made his way down a tunnel, there was a smell of decay and mould, getting stronger as he went deeper. He stepped into a cave, the sight that met him was one that had him vomiting up his breakfast. It was Pam. She lay dead on the ground, her face and breasts a bloody mess, it looked like something had taken bites out of her. He turned to run but couldn't see the tunnel where he had entered. Stumbling around he tripped over something. He felt the object, a body, he felt the face and recognised the facial stubble, Kenny. He felt for a pulse and discovered the neck had been slashed.
He groaned and held his head in his hands, until he heard a shuffle from the other side of the cave.

"Where could they have gone?" Jo asked Jeff. "There's just trees, let's try another direction."
"No wait, come over here, I've found something." he stood back to let her see.
There was an opening in the rock with some loose shrubs pulled to one side.
"I bet this is where they went."
"But why? and if they went in why haven't they come out?" Jo felt very frightened. Her imagination conjured up all kinds of scenarios.
Jeff entered the passage, followed by Jo. They went as quietly as possible for two reasons. They wanted to hear any movement up ahead and they didn't want to be heard.

"Are you Jeff?" The man spat the name at him.
"Chris blinked the blood out of his eyes and shook his head, "no, my names Chris, who the fuck are you? Why did you kill Pam and Kenny?"
The man's large fist smacked into his stomach again, forcing the air out of him. He hung from the ropes gasping and trying to draw breath. The man twisted the knife buried in Chris's thigh.
"Where's Jeff?" The man demanded.
"Ahhhh I....I don't know, back....at the camper I guess. Shit!" Chris coughed. "Why do you want him?"
The man thought about this, then grinned. "I'm gonna fuck him up real good," he laughed, "yeah, real good."

Jeff and Jo made the same discovery Chris had earlier. Pam's body. Jo put her hand over her mouth trying to stifle a scream, it came out sounding like a wounded animal. She went to her knees. Jeff held his mouth for a different reason, his stomach contents were trying to come back up.
"Pam," sobbed Jo.
"Oh shit...Shit!" hissed Jeff having just found Kenny.
"What?" Jo turned and made her way over to Jeff and saw Kenny.
"Oh no...no...no...no." The tears flowed again.
"CHRIS!" she screamed.
"Jo!" Jeff listened but all he could hear was the echo of Jo's scream bouncing of the walls.

Harold heard the scream. His eyes brightened. More delights on the way.
"Your friend Jeff maybe? Does he scream like a girl? I can't wait to find out." He laughed, loud and hard, his body shaking.

"What's that? Shhh."
Jeff listened. it sounded like laughing.
Goose-bumps raised on Jo's arms.
"SHUT UP..." she screamed. "SHUT UP....."
"Jo!... Jo! Stop, come here." Jeff put his arms round her and comforted her as best he could.
She clung to him and sobbed. He uttered a grunting noise and fell away from her. "Jeff?" she looked up and saw a brutish face leering at her. He swung something and she felt a sharp pain at the side of her head and fell. She lay still, though her head felt like it was exploding, pretending to be unconscious.
"J.e.f.f..."
She heard the slow whisper and the chuckle that followed. There was a scraping sound as Jeff was dragged away, back the way they had come in.
Jo sat up, her head spun. She had to make an agonising decision, should she go after the man or look for Chris? She was torn. She decided to look for Chris, reasoning that there was no way she could take on that man on her own, she needed Chris's help. If he was still alive. Her breath caught in her throat. Feeling around for the bat she slowly got to her feet and made her way across the cave and into the other tunnel.
It opened up into a smaller cave, with a lamp. Against the far wall was a sleeping bag and clothes strewn about, next to it was Chris. She ran to him.
"Chris? Chris can you hear me?" Dropping the bat she gently lifted his head, wincing at the bruises and cuts.
"Jo? Oh my god Jo," tears ran down his face. "I was afraid he had got you too. Can you cut me down?"
She looked up at the ropes and pulled at the knots, she couldn't budge them. The more she pulled the tighter they seemed to get.
"Is there anything here to cut them with?" She said looking around.
"My leg," Chris said, "pull it out."
"What?" She looked down, there was a big knife sticking out of Chris's leg, his jeans were soaked with blood.
"OK but let me find something to stop the bleeding with after." Nothing looked handy, so she pulled off her vest and tore it down the side.
"This will do, are you ready?"
He nodded and gritted his teeth, she pulled the knife out. Fresh blood flowed. Quickly she tied her makeshift tourniquet round the top of his leg. Picking up the knife she sawed at the ropes. Chris collapsed to the floor. Getting painfully to his feet, with Jo's help, he rubbed at his arms, trying to get the circulation back.
"It's not over yet Chris, he has Jeff. He took him to the camper."
"Shit! He told me it was Jeff he wanted. He said he stole Nancy from him and that Jeff was gonna die for it. He described to me his various methods. He's one sick fuck."
Jo picked up her bat and gave him the knife.

They made their way out of the tunnel and into daylight. When they reached the lake they could hear Jeff's screams coming from the camp site. They speeded up, Chris setting the pace, as fast as his leg could manage. Harold had Jeff spread-eagled on the grass, his arms and wrists tied to the four posts they had used for their game of rounders. He was cutting him.
Jo moved round the perimeter of the camp, keeping out of sight. Chris limped forward towards the psycho.
"Oi! Fucker, get ready to die!" he yelled.
Harold's head snapped round. He brought up a carving knife, it dripped with blood. He grinned. Roaring like a bull, he ran at Chris, throwing him to the ground.
"I knew I should have finished you off you little runt!" He raised the knife and had the sense knocked out of him by the bat in Jo's hand, she had approached from behind. She helped Chris up and hugged him, then turning they knelt to untie Jeff.
"Jeff grinned up at her, thanks sis. I thought he was gonna gut me." He looked at her shocked face and realised it had been a stupid comment.
Jo shrieked and twisted round. Harold had sunk his teeth into her calf. He shook his head and ripped out a chunk of her flesh. Jeff picked up the baseball bat and swung it down with as much force as he could muster.
"That's for Pam..." and again, " and for Kenny..." again," and NANCY!" he screamed.
Jo staggered to her feet, "Jeff, JEFF! It's OK, he's dead. It's OK." She glanced down at Harold, he was dead alright, his skull looked caved in. She put her arms round her brother, they were joined by Chris.

They stood that way, holding each other, for a while, their bodies trembling and then left in the camper to find a police station, a phone, or a hospital, whichever they came to first.

The Lost Fairytale
by Nicky Barnes



Once upon a time........

Thats how most tales start, it's a good beginning, so I guess this one can too. It was told to me by my grandfather Henry many years ago when I was a small boy. I still remember it, although I have never seen it in a book, or heard it told by another. Perhaps he conjured it up from his imagination. Or maybe, just maybe, they are his real memories.

Where was I?......Oh yes......

Once upon a time there were two witches.
Now these weren't the sort that fly on broomsticks or own black cats, these were real witches. Sisters. Marousse was the eldest, eyes of two colours, blue and green. Her face was perfection. Features symmetrical and dazzling to behold. Her sister, Magda, was beautiful with sparkling green eyes, but had been born with a withered arm. Thin and curled up, twisted against her weak body, useless. Both sisters had the Power, it could be felt on the skin, like a shiver.

The village in which they lived was nestled like a jewel, in a green lush valley. The nearby river sparkled, dacing in the sunlight and gurgling its way past. The sisters lived together in a wooden cottage on the outskirts of the village, plying the villagers with their trade, which was healing, advice on just about anything and potions, normally of the love and fertility nature. They lived a simple life, welcomed by the people.

Marousse had a secret...

She had a lover, the son of a nobleman. Even more risky was that it wasn't just any nobleman, which was forbidden for one of her class, but the son of the Lord Nester. He owned the land the village was built on and a lot of the surrounding countryside.

Here the story really starts.

The door to the cottage shut quietly, even so, Magna heard. She had been lying awake, eyes probing the dark, holding her breath and listening for any sound, waiting for her sister to return from her latest rendezvue.
"Marousse?" she whispered loudly.
"Why are you not asleep? And why whisper?" Marousse replied.
There was the noise of clothes being removed and the creak of the bedsprings as her sister climbed into the bed. As the cottage was very small there was only room for the one bed.
"I was worried, I can't sleep when you sneak off to see Edward." Magda tried to see in the darkness, she couldn't see her sister's face even though she was led right next to her. It was like there was a big black hole in front of her, if she reached forwards would she feel anything? The idea frightened her. She told herself off, silly ideas! Marousse often told her she had a fanciful imagination.
"You know I had to see him, I couldn't not meet him, he was expecting me. I needed to be with him." Marousse reached out and held her sister. "I'm sorry I worried you. I thought you were asleep."
"Thats not the point Marousse! What if you were seen? You know what would happen if you were caught! Edward would just get a slapped wrist but you they would punish severely."
"I know and I am very careful but I love him Magda, I truly do and he loves me. He has said we will be together soon. Now sleep Magda you need it to keep your strength up."

Magda was prone to illness, any sickness about, she caught it. Her poor weak body had trouble coping with infection and she took longer than most people to get well again. Only last year Marousse had been in a panic, thinking she would lose her sister to a simple summer cold. Magda had been wrecked with fever and chills for weeks. Marousse was certain it had only been her herbs and healing powers that had kept her sister from death. Magda's gift was song. She could charm the birds from the trees and animals to eat from her hand. Wolves followed her and once she had even called a stag. The proud magnificent animal had bowed its head in homage to her.
"Alright Marousse but please promise me not to take so many risks." she closed her eyes. Sleep evaded her for a while then she sank down into it's welcome embrace.

Magda awoke to the smell of freshly baked bread, she lay with her eyes closed for a while savouring the aroma. The morning chill permeated her blankets. She opened her eyes and sat up. The sun's early rays were coming through the window and making their pots and pans, hung on the wall, gleam.
"It's so pretty." Magna stretched her one good arm and rubbed the sleep dust from her eyes.
Marousse looked to where her sister was gazing and chuckled. "You find beauty in everything," she smiled. She carried a cup over to her sister. "Here, have your drink."
Taking it, Magna blew on the greenish liquid to cool it. She took a sip, grimacing at the sour taste. She had been drinking this concoction every day for as long as she could remember. First made by her mother, then after she had died, her sister. If for some reason she missed a day, her bones seemed to seize up and she was forced to spend the day in bed. She knew something was very wrong with her body, she wished she was fit and healthy like her sister but she could never be jealous, her sister meant the world to her.
"Well get up and dressed lazy bones." Marousse said playfully, "we have work to do, before the first one comes knocking. I've got the bread made ready for market later."

They always had customers this early. Most of the people were farmers, who wanted their help before it was time to start work. Or the farmers wives, who needed things before starting on the daily chores. On cue there was a knock at the door.
"See! And there you are still in your bedclothes," she laughed. Marousse pulled the curtain across that divided the room into bedroom and Kitchen. Opening the door she greeted the middle-aged woman standing on the doorstep.
"Good Morning Mary, isn't it a lovely day?" She stood back to let the woman enter.
"Yes it is fine weather. Morning Magda," she called out.
"Morning." came the reply.
Marousse left the door open, to let more sunlight in and some fresh air. "I have the potions ready over here," she said picking up a small parcel, "and the recipe you said you would like, the one for the apple and nutmeg cake." She handed the woman the parcel and a piece of paper. Mary took them and quickly read the ingredients. "Tom will like this, I will bake it later. How much for these?" she said looking at the parcel.
"Five silvers and if you need more I have plenty in stock."
A face popped round the door. "Good day ladies." The man walked in. He was brawny and his brown face was a mass of laughter lines.
"Greetings Michael, hows your leg today?" The man hobbled through the door and sank thankfully onto a chair.
"It's still paining me some, I came to see if you had more of the lotion." The day before, while gathering hay, he had twisted it badly in a rut and fell in the hedge, right into a patch of nettles! He raised his trouser leg and showed Marousse. "See the rash has gone down but it is still swollen."
"I will be off now Marousse, thank you for these." The woman, Mary, waved her goodbyes and to answering farewells she left the cottage.
Marousse examined the injured leg and felt the swollen tissue, she concentrated and let a flow of healing magic from her hands enter the limb. The previous day she had tried and it appeared that the magic had healed the nettle stings but not the sprain.
"Hows that now Michael?"
The man flexed his foot and stood, taking a few steps around the room, a pleased smile on his face. "Much better, thank you, I won't be needing the cream now." He pressed a whole gold coin into Marousse's hand.
"Michael! This is too much!." she protested trying to give it back to him.
"No I won't hear of it, I am pleased I can get back to work today, I feared I would lose the crops I have yet to harvest. There is only me and Tom working that field this season. You have made me a happy man Marousse, thank you." He bade her and Magda, who had emerged from behind the curtain, farewell and left the cottage. A smile on his face and a healthy spring in his step.

Magda took the gold piece from her sisters hand and twirled round the room. "What a good start to the day!" she exclaimed. "A gold piece! Michael is very generous I think." She sat in the chair, that small exertion tiring her.
"Yes, very! With this we can buy ourselves a new dress each and can re-stock all the shelves. As soon as you are rested we had better get to the market, this bread won't sell itself," she smiled happily.

The market was busy, people were bustling about finding bargains. Woman with baskets grasping children's hands, dogs chasing chickens, horses chewing their bits while waiting for their masters. The wonderful smells of cooked goods filled the air, pies and biscuits cooling on trays, pastries with many different fillings. Roasted hog along with bread rolls being sold for twenty coppers. The cries of the hawkers, laughter of the children and clucks of the hens made this day the same every week.

The sisters had set their small store up in their usual spot next to Sally-ann the seamstress. They chatted about the local news and waited for customers.
"Have you heard about old Lord Roddark?" asked Sally-ann. She was showing Magda her new materials and the girls had been deciding what they wanted their new dresses to be like. The one she had unwound slightly was a beautiful emerald green. Flecks in the cloth caught the light and made it shimmer.
"Lord Roddark? From Emberville? Whats the news about him?" Magda looked up from admiring the material. "I think this one. What do you say Marousse? Isn't it gorgeous?"
"Yes it is lovely but I think I am going to have the blue. Whats the news?" Marousse touched the blue fabric on the counter, quite lovely she thought to herself, "maybe blue and green then it would bring out the colour in both my eyes," she giggled.
Sally-ann smiled at the comment but then looked serious. "He has died, a hunting accident. He was hit by an arrow, his son, Giles, has taken over the lands from him."
The sisters looked at each other, the old Lord had been well admired, a fair and friendly man. His elder son, Giles, quite different. His temper and cruelty were well known, he had been seen beating his servants in the street! For so much as not answering his questions quick enough.
The morning went on. Marousse returned after shopping for supplies. After more discussion, mostly about the topic the sisters had just heard, they started to pack up their stall. All the bread had sold and they had managed to buy most of the things they needed. They spent a few more minutes describing the dresses they both wanted and Sally-ann said that she would have them made within a few days.

Days passed, Sally-ann, as good as her word, delivered the dresses to the cottage. The sisters couldn't wait to try them on. Marousse glided her hands down the fabric, it fit just right, clinging to the contours of her body. She had decided on blue with green trim around the full flowing sleeves and the hem.
"It's perfect!" she said laughing happily, spinning round so the dress flared.
"Magda, let me see yours."
Her sister emerged from the sleeping area.
"Oh Marousse you look so beautiful!"
"Magda! So do you, look Sally-ann at my pretty sister." Sally-ann had made a matching shawl for Magda, so if she wished she could cover her arm. Magda swung the green fabric so the light caught it.
"I am so pleased you like them, you two have done so much for me and all the villagers here. I don't want any payment for these dresses. Everyone gave what they could to pay for the material, so I could sew them. Please accept them with all our thanks."
"Oh." Magda gasped, "we are honoured to accept them."
"How kind people are." Marousse smiled. "Thank you Sally-ann, what you said means so much to us."
They all sat at the old oak table and chatted happily. There came a knock at the door. Magda got up to answer it. She gave a small cry and backed away from the door. Marousse rose and looked out the door.
"Edward! Im mean Sir Nestor." She said quickly correcting herself. "You honour us by visiting." Edward pushed past her and shut the door.
"You both must come away with me now, quickly." He glanced at their company, Sally-ann. "Madam, you did not see me and I suggest you leave now, fast."
With a frightened look at the sisters she left the cottage, hurrying quickly down the path.
"Pack what you need and leave with me now. Please hurry!" He crossed to the window and looked out.
"Edward, whats wrong?" Marousse quickly gathered together a few things, food and water and what money they had. Behind the privacy of the curtain they changed back into their old clothes. Wrapping up the precious dresses and stowing them away in the travelling packs.
"Giles Roddark's men are coming for you. He has taken control of our village and, as he put it, will not suffer a witch to live! You see? You both must flee to safety with me now."
Magda clutched her sisters arm. "He wants to kill us? Why? What have we done?" Marousse held her, feeling herself start to shake.
"It's what you have done, who you are, the whole magic thing. I have heard that Roddark himself has power. So it's not that he is frightened but that he doesn't want competition. He is convincing people that what you two do is evil!"
"The people don't believe him do they? How could they?" Marousse cried her eyes filling with tears.
"Most don't but there are a few that do. He is sending soldiers here this very moment."
Edward opened the door and led the sisters out. His horse was outside and he helped Magda up onto it.
"My Lord, I can not ride while you walk!" she cried out.
"You must," Marousse said, seeing the sense in it.
"Come now, we must go." With Edward leading the horse they entered the forest, leaving their home behind them.

The commander kicked the door down and seeing the cottage empty, his face turned red with rage. His Lord would be angry. "Gone. Those bitches have got away!" He barged past the men behind him and looked around. "You! Wilks isn't it? You and Shaw take two more men and check the woods. Philps you come with me and Grieves back into town. We will ask a few questions. If anyone gives us trouble and I hope they do, we will interrogate the wretches more thoroughly." He strode off and mounted his horse.

The soldiers searching the woods were on edge. It was starting to get dark and that made it more difficult to track their quarry.
"Do you think we will find them in here?" Said the one with the beard, the one the commander had called Wilks.
"Well do you fancy going back empty 'anded?" retorted Simmons, another of the group. "The bastard'll 'ave our guts strung up for the birds to feed on."
"Well if we do find em," said Price, a dirty, greasy individual, "I bags the whole one, Shaw can 'ave the cripple." he chuckled at his joke. Shaw, a very sour faced man shook his head and looked skyward. Price chuckled even more at his expression and leered.

"We had better stop, it's getting dark and we don't want lose our bearings." Edward helped Magda down from the horse. There is a clearing over there, lets have something to eat and you two can bed down for the night." He hobbled the horse and it munched happily on the grass.
"Edward, why are you helping us? You will get into a lot of trouble. They will probably kill you." Marousse unpacked some of the food and shared it out. She passed a water skin to Edward.
"I told you we would be together some day," he smiled. "I'm sorry it's no laughing matter. I couldn't let them take you. I can imagine what horrors they would put you both through. I couldn't live with myself knowing I could have done something."
"Where shall we go? What shall we do?" cried Magda.
Marousse put her arm round her sister. She looked forlorn and very weary. "Don't worry sister, whatever happens I will be with you." She looked at Edward. "What will we do?"
"Well for starters we get as far away as we can. I want to try to get to Tibbstone, I have family there. There's no reason why Roddark should suspect me, so we should be safe with them." He looked at the sisters. He loved Marousse and he longed to be with her. He had never been able to tell a soul, and Magda, he felt protective of her, as though she were his own sister. The fact they were witches meant nothing to him, he loved them for who they were.

"You two can sleep, I will stay awake and keep watch." Edward spread his cloak out on the ground for the sisters to sleep on. Un-buckling his sword, he laid it on the ground then sat next to it, resting his back against a tree. Soon he heard soft snores and the steady breathing of the deeply asleep. He thought of his father. Soldiers had broken in to the manor house that afternoon, they had slaughtered everyone they could find. The women they had savagely raped first. Tossing them to each other as though they were dolls. His father, Lord Nestor and his sister, Lady Elise, had been taken to the castle. It was only by chance that he himself was still alive. He had just been returning home after spending the day hunting. He had seen the chaos and bloodshed. As he had approached the manor some men had been dragging his sister out. She had held her finger to her lips, after first making sure the soldiers were not looking, then making a small shooing motion with her hand. Understanding and respecting his sister's wishes, but feeling a coward, he had stayed out of sight. He had guessed rightly that she thought it wouldn't help to get himself captured too. He had heard the men being given their next set of orders, to capture the witches.

The blow caught Tom across the side of his head. He winced and shook it groggily. He strained against the men but they were too strong for him. He could see one of them on top of his wife! He could hear Mary crying in pain and fear. The mans grunts of pleasure were in time with his thrusting hips.
"Tom!" she shrieked. He tried to heave himself up again, a well placed boot between his legs left him crying in pain.
"Where are they? We know you associate with the hell spawn. Where are the witches?" A hand grasped his hair and wrenched his head to the side. A little to roughly, his neck cracked loudly and then he knew peace.
The soldier cursed and threw the body to the floor. "Alright Philps enough of that, bring her over here." The commander shouted.
"But Sir...." Philps stood and re-buckled his trousers.
"Philps!"
One look at his commanders face and Philps dragged the woman over.
"Now you will tell us what we need to know." He pushed her face down towards the body on the floor. "Or you will be joining him." He thought better of it after seeing the look of hope on her face. "No forget that, I meant, or you will be joining us for more fun at the castle." He grinned as the expression was replaced with one of terror. "Talk whore."

Marousse awoke, it was still dark. The moon was bright and she could just make out Edward against a tree. She rose to join him. Hearing movement, Edward was on his feet in a second.
"It's me." she whispered. "Go and get some sleep. I can keep watch." She looked at Edward, he looked tired.
"No I can't do that, what if they come."
"I can wake you. I will be alright, I'm a witch remember." She took his face in her hands and kissed him tenderly. "Thank you for helping us."
"I forget sometimes," he smiled. "If you are sure you will be alright?"
"Yes go. We can't have you falling asleep on your feet."
When she was sure he was asleep and she wouldn't be disturbed, she took a bowl from her pack and poured some of the water into it. Sitting down she gazed into the bowl, soon an image appeared. A filthy room, stone walls, chains, a dungeon? There was a man chained to the wall, Lord Nester! She recognised him, he was an older version of Edward. He looked to have been badly beaten. A man wearing a leather vest approached him, glowing tongs in his hand. He mouth was moving but there was no sound. The torturer held the tongs against the Lord's face making him scream in agony. Marousse closed her eyes. Opening them, she saw a different scene. Still the dungeon but another room. There was a woman strapped to a table, no a rack! They were turning a wheel, stretching her! The woman's face and body were filthy and covered with blood but could still be recognised, it was Sally-ann. She tried to see more but the image faded.

"Noooo! Please...nooo." The woman moaned.
"Tell us where they are! Where are those filthy whores? Why are you protecting them? They are evil."
She managed to think, if they are evil, then what does that make you?
The man went to turn the wheel again, he could see that if he did, the woman hips would pop out of their sockets. He had already broken her knees and ankles.
The woman murmured incoherently.
"What did you say?" The man leant closer. Blood bubbles burst on the woman's split lips as she tried to speak.
"He came for them," she uttered.
"Who? Who came for them?"
"Edwar........" No more sound came from the motionless figure.
Excitedly the torturer left the room, to report his findings.

"You are sure she said 'Edward'?" The Lord Roddark had been pacing his rooms, anxious for news. He had grown tired of his new plaything. "And you can take that away." He demanded pointing to the bed. The commander walked to the bed and looked down at the battered still body of the Lady Elise. He grabbed her arms and raised her off the bed. She groaned, not dead then he thought.
"Sir, what shall I do with her? She's still alive."
The Lord waved his arms in exasperation. "Do I have to think of everything? Throw her in the dungeon." He rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "Question her and her father. Find out if they have any family living in this area." Hmm, he thought to himself, I have a better idea. He reached for a bowl and a jug of water.
"Wait! Bring the girl back and cut her. I have need of her blood. the family blood," he grinned.

The bird song roused Marousse from her thoughts, it was dawn. She heard a rustling behind her, glancing round she saw her sister sitting up and yawning.
"Marousse did you sleep?" Magda asked concerned.
"Yes I shared the watch. I scry-ed earlier and saw some unpleasant things." She shuddered and told her sister what she had found out.
"Poor Sally-ann to think those man took her! I hope she is alright." Magda wiped a tear from her cheek. Then she had a thought. "Do you think she told them about Edward coming to the cottage?" She clutched at her sister, frightened.
Marousse looked at her in shock, she hadn't thought of that. Under that sort of torture anything could have been said. She couldn't blame Sally-ann.
"You are right." She went to Edward and shook him awake. Explaining about the scrying and what she had found out.
"Well we had better stay away from any of my family just to be on the safe side."
He thumped the ground in frustration.

Bushes crashed around them, soldiers on horseback rushed forward. Edward stood, grabbed his sword and attacked the nearest one. Slashing legs, horse or man, blindly. Magda sang, the magic shimmering in the air, summoning, cajoling, pleading. Birds appeared in the sky and dove on the armored men below. Foxes rushed into the clearing and growled and snapped at the soldiers legs. A huge brown bear lumbered into the camp, its huge paw cloughted one of the men flooring him instantly. Magda's song had brought them all, perhaps now they stood a chance! She turned and was knocked to the ground with the blow from a sword pommel.

The birds and animals, no longer bewitched, fled. Marousse rushed to Magda but two men moved to block her path.
"You are coming with us witch." He spit at her and ripped at her clothes. She looked to Edward for help but he was fighting his own battles and as she watched one of the soldiers cut off his head with a savage blow.
"Noooooo!" she screamed. The soldiers grabbed hold of her arms, trying to tie them. She looked towards where her sister had fallen, two green eyes looked up at her, all life gone. Marousse screamed again and felt a fury rising, like nothing she had ever felt before. She felt power fill her, making her hair crackle and the air hum. She let loose a blast of pure energy as she shrieked her anger. The closest mens skins were ripped from their bodies, then consumed by green fire until only ash was left. The soldiers near Edward's body fell to the ground, with blood coming from their mouths. Their hearts had burst. She felt a momentary pang of regret for the horses as they collapsed dead on the forest floor. She ran to Magda, taking her in her arms she tried her best to heal her. It didn't work, she was too late. Looking at Edward's body, she could see that there was nothing she could do for her love. She sank to her knees and let the tears come. Hot and scalding they flowed down her face.

There came a knock at the door late one evening. The man grumbled and muttered about 'people knocking at this time of night', he got up from his chair by the fire and opened the door. There stood a woman, she looked wretched and was clutching her torn garments together.
"Mercy be," he exclaimed. He caught her as she fell and carried her into his home.
"Here child, drink this," came a kind voice.
Marousse opened her eyes. There were two friendly but concerned looking faces gazing down at her. She tried to sit up, wincing at the pain in her joints, the price she paid for using so much power. Power she hadn't known she possessed. It would pass. she hoped, She took the offered cup and sipped at the liquid it contained. It warmed and calmed her, she smelt camomile and honey.
"I...1 want..." she began. Her throat felt strained and sore.
"Rest first dear one," came the woman's voice. "There will be time for explanations later. First sleep." She took the cup from the Marousse's shaking hands and placed it on a small table next to the bed.

When Marousse awoke, she felt stronger, her head seemed clearer but with a deep painful ache inside her, the loss of Edward was great, but it was the death of her beloved sister that had broken her heart. She rose and noticed a clean gown lying at the bottom of the bed. She removed her soiled clothing and pulled it over her head. She walked down the stairs, the sunny was coming through the window, it was morning.
"Here," said the woman, "take a seat by the fire and in your own time, if you want, you can tell us what happened. My name is Martha and this is my husband Ruben. And this, she said, pulling forward a small cheeky looking boy, is our grandson Henry." Ruben smiled at her and pulled another chair over to the fireplace.
Where to begin? thought Marousse. She told them all that had happened, in disjointed sentences accompanied by tears and anger. When she was done she felt purged and tired.
"...and now I don't know what to do, how do I live without them?"
"You can stay here with us if you would like. At least you will have a roof over your head, you can help me with my nursing work and earn your keep." The woman patted her hand. "In time the pain will dull, I know it doesn't feel like it now but it will."
Marousse looked at them both, they looked to be good people.
"Thank you, thank you both, but why would you offer your home and a job to me, a total stranger?"
"Not a total stranger, I knew your mother, she lived here, long before you were born, before she moved away and married. I see her goodness in you."

Months later Marousse cried out at the contraction. "Martha! They are getting faster and much stronger."
"It's almost time, you will soon have your baby." She wiped Marousse's forehead with a damp cloth.
When the moment came she helped her deliver new life into the world.

Marousse held the little girl in her arms and gazed down at her small perfect features. The newborns sparkling green eyes were focused on her, watching her every movement. She had wrapped her in a lovely sparkling green fabric.
Marousse turned to Henry, she had come to love him like a little brother and Ruben and Martha like parents. "Look Henry, I'm going to name her Maggi Nestor after my sister and my beloved Edward."
The baby gurgled and coo-ed. Chuckling happily as a robin perched on the edge of the bed. Marousse smiled, she had the Power.

Maggi grew to be a powerful and much loved witch, with suitors coming to court her from miles around. The one she fell in love with was a Lord and this time the match was celebrated, not frowned apon, by the lord's family and the local villagers. The best wedding present had been been when her new husband told her of an injustice that had been righted. There had been an investigation, by the kings men, of the lands and holdings of one Lord Roddark. Several sickening things had come to light, one being the discovery of late Lord nestor's daughter. She had been found chained, starving and filthy in the castles dungeons. Worse, it was found that over the years she had given birth to nine children. All had been used in vile ritual ceremonies and had been sacrificed, to whatever foul demon the Lord had worshipped. There had been the gruesome findings in the jail cells. Piles of corpses, various organs missing. The Lord Giles Roddark had been hung, along with his commanding officers, for the use of black magic.
When Marousse heard the news she felt a dark weight leave her.

Now she could properly feel at peace and be content.

Well thats the end of the story. I like to think that the boy, Henry, was my grandfather. He won't say if it was him. His only words on the subject are......

And they all lived happily ever after.