Promises Beyond The Veil Of Light ( PT 6 )

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Part Six

 

Mina had slept a good part of the day before and through the night while her dad took care of her. Now she was feeling a lot better following her ordeal.

 

After cleaning the cottage Willowmina began packing all her belongings into two carrier bags and school backpack, with clothes and trainers in one and her most treasured possessions in the other, this was the sum of all Mina had, though she was glad to be traveling light.

 

Kendrick stood at the door waiting for her, his tall masculine figure dressed in his usual black attire. “You ready butterfly? It's time we were off.”

 

Mina of course wanted to spend time saying goodbye to her home, still not believing she wouldn't be able to return. Dad picked up the two carrier bags, Mina could tell he was anxious to be off.

 

“Yeah! I suppose I'm ready,” she said feeling like a lost sheep as they closed the door and made their way down the path. There was an eerie strangeness in the air, Willowmina couldn't quite put her finger on what, but it was as if the child and her dad weren't alone, yet they were being watched.

 

Knowing most creatures of the forest would be hibernating as they entered November. Mina was surprised to see a bumble bee buzzing around a dandelion.

 

“Dad!” Mina called out, “look at this bumble bee all on its own.” She just wanted to stand and watch a little bit of nature before going into the other world. The bee flew off suddenly without a sound and came to land on the back of Mina's hand. She gazed in wonder at this tiny creature.

 

As if knowing what the girl was thinking the bee began to buzz, it was then that Mina was sure it spoke to her through her mind. “You take care little girl, nature will always be with you.” Mina knew instantly that it was the bee using mind control.

 

Dad continued gazing at the small creature too. “Looks like this bumble bee has other ideas rather than hibernating.” Mina always hoped that she and her dad would have these special moments together, like she did with mum. “Come on butterfly we've got to get out of the forest before nightfall.”

 

Mina placed the bee back on the dandelion and they went on their way. As they passed the giant oak tree, Mina and Kendrick stood at the graveside lost in thought, paying their last respects to Nina. It was sad that the child would no longer be able to visit her grave, but she was glad to be close to her mum now, if only for just one last time.

 

Continuing on their way with Mina holding back wanting to catch a few last glimpses of life in the forest, there wasn't that much to see apart from a few squirrels running up and down trees, leaping from one branch to another, but Mina knew they'd not go hungry with all the nuts that were around. Apart from the night her mum died, the wolves had been howling every other night since she'd passed, dad said they were in mourning for her.

 

Kendrick was a stealthy walker and never said much. Catching up to him Mina took his hand knowing he was in a pensive mood and didn't want his thoughts disturbed, so they walked in silence. It was at that moment that Mina remembered the envelope and her mother's words.

 

“Dad!” Mina pulled on his coat, thanking the stars she'd remembered before they'd left through the veil.

 

Kendrick stopped and looked down at Mina, she could tell he could see the desperation in her eyes. “What is it butterfly?”

 

“I left something important back at the cottage and need to get it.”

 

Staring ahead at the path, Kendrick gazed in puzzlement turning to Mina . “Are you sure it's important? Only we're nearly at the veil.” The child knew what he was going to say next. “I'll come with you, it's already starting to get dark.”

 

“No!” Mina insisted out right, remembering what mum had said about the letter being a secret. “It's okay dad, I'll be fine, I'll run all the way and be back before you know it.” Mina could see the reluctance on his face, but in the end he agreed. “Okay, I'll wait here for you, but don't be long.”

 

“Thanks dad, you're the best.” Mina started running back along the path. Much further on down, the track split in two directions, but Mina knew exactly which one to take having made this trek five days a week when going to school. Willowmina kept on running till she eventually could see the cabin.

 

Reaching the door and opening it she half expected to see mum busy concocting some brew, or making preserves. Nina had always been busy with one thing or another, but sadly the cottage was quiet, except for a mouse running to hide when it heard the girl enter.

 

Quickly wandering over to her corner of the room she removed the door to the compartment. Retrieving the envelope mum had given her and opening it up Mina Studied the envelope it read: To my darling Willowmina.

 

Unfolding the letter she observed her mum's writing and touched the lettering, it was as if the child could feel her love as she read.

 

My dearest Willowmina,

 

now that you're reading this letter, I don't want you to be sad, life is too precious to hold onto sorrow. Remember my spirit is always with you, even though my body is now an empty vessel.

 

I'm writing this letter because I need you to find your way to a lady by the name of Evie, her address is: 2 Meadowcup Close, which is not far from the foster family you'll be living with. She will tell you everything you need to know and advice you on how to proceed.

 

Evie works for the adoption agency and knows all about our predicament, she's a special lady I befriended while learning to swim, she knows all about our magic and what it means to keep it secret, so speak freely to her.

 

She has a letter, I want her to give to my solicitor after I'm gone. It explains and holds the way for you to return when you're eighteen, but no sooner. I have put a veil of magic up upon my death, so you will not be able to come back through once you're in the other world.

 

I haven't told dad of the letter or of Evie. The forest behind the veil belonged to my ancestors, I know they would want this place kept secret because it is our sacred home. I also know for a fact that Kendrick wants you to follow a career in the outside world.

 

I on the other hand think that's fine if it's what you want. I have a feeling you will enjoy working with animals. Forgive me for saying, but I can see you becoming a vet, or working in a zoo maybe. If I'm wrong then whichever direction you go in, please be happy.

 

Apart from all of this, my senses pick up on you wanting to return, which is fine by me, but of course not until you're eighteenth birthday. It will be hard to settle in with the foster family at first, but I promise it will get easier as long as you make the effort to fit in.

 

Be happy and I love you always.

Mum. Xxx

 

 

Mina's eyes began to fill with tears, she didn't want to cry. “Be strong,” Willowmina told herself, “dad's waiting.” After putting the letter back in the envelope, she quickly stuffed it in the pocket of her long hooded black coat.

 

Knowing dad would want to know what it was she came back for, Mina looked around for something that meant a lot to her, that was when she noticed the brightly glowing ember in the fireplace, “but how could this be?” Mina asked herself. With absolutely no fire lit it glowed in the ashes.

 

Moving closer It started to change from red to orange then gold. Having no idea of what was going on, Mina kept on staring. Within seconds flashes of twinkling lights started to fly out of the ember like a sparkler when lit.

 

Mina felt like a spectator at a fireworks display as it got bigger and bigger and soon the whole cabin was lit up with light. The particles of starry lights floated down on her and all around, Mina felt sudden inner strength building, it was electrifying. All of a sudden the girl's thoughts told her to look under mum's bed, a place she'd always been told to keep away from, but now Willowmina was being drawn there by an invisible source.

 

Feeling like a naughty child who's being disobedient, Mina got down on her knees and lifted the coverlet. There underneath the bed sitting open was mum's book of shadows. Lying on her stomach she reached under and pulled the book out. Mina had only seen it a couple of times, it was thickly bound in leather and felt quite heavy as she slid it out.

 

Gazing at the open page, Mina gulped when she read the first bit of writing. “From ember of fire, let word be known that magic abides in this my home. When flickers of light should appear, take cool ember then disappear.”

 

Mina felt a sudden excitement at what she'd discovered. She couldn't place the book back under the bed, its pages could get chewed on by mice, so remembering her mother's metal chest at the bottom of the bed, Mina placed the book of shadows inside knowing it would be a lot safer.

 

Picking up the ember she felt even closer to mum and her magic. The girl wondered what her dad would say when she told him, hoping that he wouldn't take it away from her.

 

Quickly putting the cooled ember into her pocket, she left the cottage as the sky began to dim with gray drifting clouds. Dad must be frantic by now! She thought, running as fast as she could to join him.

 

Dad was already coming back along the path, Mina could tell by his expression that he was annoyed. Bracing herself for his release of anger, he waved frantically for her to hurry.

 

“I thought you were never coming, you said you'd be quick. I've been waiting for so long I thought something had happened to you.” Kendrick knew they needed to be out of the forest before nightfall, they'd been here far too long.

 

Exhaling and out of breath with the effort of running, Mina stood in front of him. “Sorry dad, I remembered mum wanted me to have this.” Willowmina took the ember which was now gray from her pocket to show him. “But I've got it now, so we can be on our way.”

 

Flinching and tut tutting, not quite believing she'd return just for a piece of coal, he turned away not batting an eyelid. “Come on Willowmina, we need to be out of here.”

 

It was blatantly obvious he was more than irritated, Mina was no longer his butterfly just his Willowmina. She'd never seen him like this, but then he'd never hung around long enough for her to experience his wrath and knew he hated having to be responsible.

 

Again they walked in silence, Kendrick with an expression of vexation, leaving Mina to her thoughts. The forest seemed lifeless, almost hostile with the trees empty of leaves and no resonating sounds.

 

Mina focused on the veil of light straight ahead, it was horrible to think she wouldn't return for another eight years, not having the choice to live at the cabin.

 

As Mina and her dad now stood inches from the light, Kendrick spoke for the first time, his eyes narrowing as he smiled at his daughter. “Well this is it butterfly, say your final goodbyes.”

 

Darkness was beginning to settle, Mina didn't want to look back, for her there wasn't any point. What could she do but just try to imagine her new life, it filled the girl with dread, but mum's words of, 'make the effort to fit in.' echoed again and again.

 

To be continued...