A Witch's Tale Read online

  A Witch's Tale

  By

  Dawn Beaumont-Lane

  First Edition

  Dawn Beaumont-Lane © Copyright 2009

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the copyrighter and/or author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

  Other books by Dawn Beaumont-Lane:

  Fairy Glade and Other Enchanting Tales

  ISBN: 978-1-84961-022-3

  Published by: TheEbookSale Publishing

  Limerick, Ireland

  www.theebooksale.com

  DEDICATION

  I dedicate this book to Pearl Droy. I only knew you for a short time but I treasure every minute we spent together. Pearl gave me the nickname of ‘Darling,’ which I will keep forever. Pearl passed away on Aug. 12th, 2009 at the age of 91. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

  Special mentions:

  Shirley Roe, Pearl's daughter, my friend and editor, thank you for the encouragement and for believing in my writings.

  Jacqui Hunt, my cousin, your artistic flare on my book cover. Thank you for visually bringing my story to life.

  To the special men in my life, John, my husband and son, Paschal, whose pride and love is appreciated.

  To my publisher, Richie O'Brien, thank you for believing in my work.

  I'm honoured to know and love you all.

  INTRODUCTION

  Within in these pages you will find a tale of witches, wizards, fairy Princesses and unicorns.

  They live between the human and magical world. They overcome hatred and cruel spells with the help of a magical potion, mixed with love, trust and forgiveness, that changes all their lives. Enjoy!

  CONTENTS

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ONE

  The black sky was cloaked in a blanket of dark, ominous clouds. Lightning bolts cracked across the sky, illuminating the ground below. Thunder rolled, as Aggie flew silently over the forest. A flash of lightning just missed the end of her broomstick. The icy rain felt like pins and needles on her exposed arms.

  “Ouch, I feel like a pin cushion!” she cried out, to no one in particular. Another deafening clap of thunder rolled across the blackened, angry sky. Tree branches whipped and thrashed in the cruel wind. A large branch cracked and broke free from an old oak tree, hitting the forest floor with an almighty thud. Frightened wild-eyed animals scattered into the wet undergrowth. Cackling, she flew down, landing in front of the frightened creatures. She brandished her broom wildly, screaming like a banshee. The terrified animals scurried deeper into the forest, distancing themselves as quickly as possible. Aggie, straddling the broom, lifted into the black night air. Her wicked laugh could be heard in the howling frosty wind.

  Flying low, she spotted one of her favourite places. Deep within the forest, was an enchanted waterfall where ribbons of water cascaded into a lake. Aggie loved to bathe in the magical powers of the water. When she walked into the lake to stand under the waterfall, it transformed her into the beauty she once was, Princess Chauntilla. The spell was short lived, because when she stepped out of the waters, she turned back into Aggie, the ugly witch. She wondered if her sister Mavilene knew about this wonderful, mystical place. For just a few moments, she could be the beautiful woman that she once was. She wished she had time to stop and bathe in the waters tonight, but the weather was growing worse. She giggled when she imagined being struck by lightning. Her now frizzled locks would become more hideous than they already were.

  Gnarled fingers of lightning darted down into the mystical waters of the lake, enhancing its dark beauty that night. She wondered what the Wendles would think of the view she had from her broom, as she flew above the forest canopy. She would hate to be confined to the ground, unable to fly on her broom. Aggie's beady eyes darted here and there with interest as the storm lashed out harshly at the world. She loved watching Mother Nature take hold of the forest and the Wendles’ world, in the village of Nine Wells. The Wendles didn't have her appreciation of Mother Nature.

  The Wendles hated her, and she hated them. She couldn't even remember why they hated one another, but it all started a long time ago. They were terrified of her powers and her ability to appear from nowhere on a whim, only to turn one of them into a stone statue or a toad. They were a mixed bag, half goblin and half human, some good and some bad.

  A wicked smile played on her lips at the thought of her power over the Wendles. Only yesterday, while they slept tucked up safely in their beds, she had gone to their village. She sent a flash of lightening into their Christmas tree setting it ablaze. A wicked smile played on her lips as she remembered. She was thrilled with her power over the Wendles.

  She flew up so high in the sky that she could see the whole of Wexxing County, enjoying the sight of the breathtaking scenery below her. As she swooped low over the forest just above the treetops, on her new broom's maiden flight, she marvelled at this thank you gift from Craggle Nesbit.

  Suddenly, she heard what sounded like a cat's sad cries and howls. Manoeuvring the broom down through the treetops, she soon discovered the source of the noise. She flew down to find Snaggles, her beloved cat tied up by her feet, hanging upside down from a branch of an old gnarled tree. There was no telling how long the poor creature had been hanging there. Shocked and angry, she rescued the poor wet cat, placing her inside her cloak for safety on the trip home. Snaggles snuggled close to Aggie's body for warmth and comfort. Usually, Snaggles loved to fly with her and more often than not, sat behind her and enjoyed the view. But not in this weather and after the trauma she had experienced; she cuddled up tightly to Aggie, frightened and shivering.

  When they arrived home, Aggie laid Snaggles in her basket close to the fireplace. There she would enjoy the warmth. Yellow and orange flames danced and licked up the chimney flue. Aggie warmed her hands for a while before she ladled thick herbal soup into a bowl for Snaggles to sip on. The aroma from the big black cauldron hanging over the fire filled the cottage kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma, making Aggie's tummy rumble, too. Aggie filled a bowl for herself and ate heartily.

  Whilst eating her soup she pondered over the Wendles having done such a cruel thing to her cat. Anger gripped her. She was known for her contrariness. She knew just which one of them had done this. She would turn him into a stone statue or hang him up by his feet, as a penance for the nasty treatment of Snaggles. The Wendles were a strange bunch. A few of them crafty and cruel, like the nasty little man who had hung her precious Snaggle from a tree branch in the forest. He had the long crooked nose, the thin lips of a goblin with long claw like nails. Some of them looked more human, fair of face and good- natured. They'd not mess with her cat again!

  Aggie was pleased with her new broom, and couldn't wait to take off on it again. “I feel like a child with a new toy,” she said absent-mindedly to Snaggles. “I will fly, instead of walking, when I go to visit Craggle Nesbit tonight.”

  Snaggles lifted her head and meowed sadly. “You stay home and rest, and look after the house for me tonight, Snaggles. Just in case the bad Wendles come looking for trouble.” Snaggles lowered her head to her cuddly cushion, and was asleep before her head touched the pillow. Aggie went to get ready.

  The wizard, Craggle Nesbit had made the broom for Aggie, in return for the butter tarts and chocolate cake she'd m
ade him for his birthday. She had a soft spot in her heart for him, but she'd never confessed it to anyone. A weird feeling of sadness or remorse filled her heart and tummy. It wasn't so much fun being nasty. She was lonely. She only had two friends, Mick, the old donkey and Craggle Nesbit. If Craggle knew she was cruel and unkind to the forest creatures and the Wendles, he would not be her friend. Losing him would hurt her badly. I think I like him… love him…! I had better change my ways. He was as ugly as she, but she saw him as handsome. He had steely grey eyes, glossy jet-black hair, and rosy red cheeks. His black beard fell to his waist. What a magnificent sight he was on his white horse, Gaylord. Now why is it I hate the Wendles so much…?

  Aggie gazed into the mirror. What a frightful sight she looked. Rats’ tails for hair, a crooked nose, and an abundance of warts all over her face, made her very ugly. Tears of pity trickled over her wrinkled cheeks. Once she'd been young and oh, so, beautiful! Bitter-tears of remorse followed. Oh, how she wished she hadn't been so cruel to her sister Mavilene. Mavilene had stolen Aggie's true love, King Pazdro. Jealousy had turned to rage and hate, and she'd cast a cruel spell on her sister Mavilene, changing her into an ugly witch. Jealousy is an all-powerful emotion and very destructive. Look at us both now, she thought sadly. Her thoughts went back in time, once more to Pazdro. How she missed his love and tenderness.

  CHAPTER TWO

  King Pazdro of Gracemossy was a handsome wizard. Gracemossy is an enchanted village, high in the misty mountains of Morayshire. It had been Aggie's home, oh so long ago. It was almost a faded memory now. Once again she conjured up the image of Pazdro, young and handsome, with fair hair and blue eyes; so different from the grey-eyed, dark-haired Craggle Nesbit. How did I come to love Craggle Nesbit when he is so different from Pazdro? she thought. Pazdro and Mavilene had turned away from her in shame when she'd caught them together. Pazdro was so upset at the rift he'd caused between the two sisters that he disappeared. It was said he'd locked himself away in the enchanted castle near the top of the mountain.

  Yes, once she'd been the beautiful fairy princess, Chauntilla, full of hope and love. The reflection she was looking at in the mirror was her punishment for being so hatefully cruel to her sister, Princess Dellaphina. Their stepmother, Queen Jarda, had placed a spell on Aggie when she discovered Mavilene had been turned into a witch. Aggie's jealousy over Mavilene and Pazdro had only brought her heartache, loneliness and ugliness. It was said that there was only one special spell and potion that could remove cruel spells. But she'd not found it yet.

  Her sister, Mavilene, lived under the hill on the other side of the forest. They hadn't spoken since that fateful day so many years ago. There were times when she wanted to make amends with Mavilene, but pride and anger got in the way.

  Christmas Eve was tomorrow. Although Halloween was her favourite holiday, she did enjoy Christmas. She would go and see if she could catch a glimpse of her sister. She never showed herself to Mavilene but did enjoy spying on her. She was surprised her sister hadn't felt her presence when she spied on her. With her magical powers, she should have known Aggie was nearby. Snapping out of her daydream, Aggie picked at her hair with a fishbone.

  “I will take Craggle Nesbit the Christmas cake I baked for him, and visit for a while,” she said to Snaggles, who was dozing peacefully.

  Aggie brushed back the strands of hair from her eyes; she powdered her crooked, bumpy nose, and put raspberry juice on her lips and cheeks. “Pretty is as pretty does,” she said, as she placed her black, cone-shaped hat on her head at a jaunty angle. She put the Christmas cake safely in her leather basket, and grabbed her broom on her way out the door.

  The sky lit up with flashes of orange and blue. The lightning would light her way, as darkness came early this time of year. Frost covered the snowy fields and shrubs making them glisten as if they wore diamond mantles. “This ice storm seems to be lingering tonight. It seems as if it's been going on forever,” she mumbled to herself. Aggie jumped on her broom and flew high above the trees of the forest.

  She looked down over the Wendles’ village of Nine Wells. The Wendles were gathered around their Christmas tree singing carols. Light fluffy snowflakes began to fall. Aggie sent down a flash of fire, and then a cruel chilling wind with her magic wand to scare them. They screamed and ran to their homes for cover. “That's just a wee taste of what's to come later tonight!” Her cruel laughter was carried on the current of icy wind.

  Aggie swooped down and landed badly on Craggle Nesbit's roof with a bump. “Ouch! Another bruise on my rear end,” she muttered. She rubbed at the sore spot. “Smells, bells and little fishes, I must practice landing on roofs,” she mumbled grumpily. “Abracadabra, Cavarny!” she said with gusto, and suddenly appeared before Craggle Nesbit, who was sitting in front of his fire, his eyes heavy with sleep. He jumped from his chair in surprise. “Aggie, please don't do that. You scared me half to death! Enter by my front door in the future, please.”

  Craggle's cat, Mongo, ran to a dark corner of the room, spitting and snarling with fright at Aggie's legs as she passed.

  “Now look what you have done. You've scared Mongo, and awoken Screeching, my owl. Go back to sleep, Screeching. It's too early for you to go hunting for mice tonight.”

  “I'm sorry, Craggle. I didn't mean to scare you all.” Aggie had a sheepish look on her face. It amused Craggle Nesbit to see Aggie this way. Craggle turned to Aggie. “All's forgiven Aggie, it's nice to see you Merry Christmas, what's in the basket?”

  “Merry Christmas to you to Craggle, I have your Christmas present. Here are some butter tarts and scrumptious Christmas cake. We can enjoy them with our stinging nettle tea. Shall I put the kettle on? I am really sorry I scared you and your critters with my clumsy arrival, Craggle. I'll have to practice my landing spell,” she cackled merrily as she left the room.

  “Bah,” muttered Craggle Nesbit.

  Aggie hobbled off to the scullery. She busied herself making the tea and arranging the tarts and cake on a plate. She giggled to herself knowing that she'd put a love potion in the baking. She loved Craggle with all her heart, and wanted him to love her too. Maybe opening up her heart to love would help find the spell that would help return her to the beautiful princess she once was. Remembering why she was the way she was, she realized it would also have to work for her sister, Mavilene. She placed the teapot, cups, and cake plate on a tray and carried them into the living room.

  “There you are, Aggie! I have good news for you. I'm working on a new spell. It's for reversing curses and vengeful spells.” A gleam sparkled in Aggie's eyes. Could this be the answer to her wish to be beautiful again? She thought of her sister Mavilene too. It would be life changing for them both. They could both, once again, be beautiful princesses.

  “Tell me Craggle, how will you know it works? Will you have to test it first?”

  “I thought I would try it on one of the old trees in the forest. If it beautifies the tree, then I will try it on Mongo, my cat. She's so bad tempered and scruffy. If it turns her into a beautiful cat inside and out, then I'll need to find a larger animal to test my potion and spell on. I want to be sure it will work for you and your sister, and even the Wendles. However, there are two very important and necessary ingredients needed to make it work on people.”

  “What are they?” asked an excited Aggie.

  “Love and forgiveness mixed with my potion. It's no good being beautiful on the outside, if you are ugly on the inside. That's also a lesson the Wendles can learn from us, Aggie.”

  “Why the Wendles, Craggle, do you like them?”

  “Of course I like them. Don't you?”

  Aggie lowered her eyes, for fear he would see the dislike she had for the Wendles. Love would be easy, because Aggie truly loved Craggle but forgiveness might be difficult. She pushed the thoughts from her mind.

  Craggle knew she was struggling. “I have someone in my past, Aggie, that I have to forgive. He is my brother, the Warlock Glandugan. He is a cruel Warlo
ck and has done very bad and hateful things in the past. There is hope for every one who is given the chance to change when given the gift of forgiveness.”

  Aggie stared at Craggle but remained silent. Attempting to change the subject, she added, “Craggle, I know a larger animal you could ask. He's my friend. I'll go talk with him and see if he'll agree to test your potion. I'll take care of it on my way home tonight.”

  “Thank you, Aggie. I do appreciate it. Now it's time for us to eat the lovely delicacies you've baked for me.”

  “Here Craggle, let me pour the tea. Take this slice of Christmas cake. It will go nicely with your cuppa. Eat hearty, my friend,” she said, while thinking of the love potion in the cake. They ate cake and tarts, and sipped their tea, chatting happily about this and that, by the warm embers of the fire.

  “I will take my leave of you now, Craggle. I've enjoyed my visit with you. I'll go and talk with Mick, my donkey friend. I'll ask him if he'll try your potion. Good bye, and Merry Christmas, Craggle Nesbit and thank you for my lovely broom.”

  “Good bye and season's greetings to you, Aggie, and thank you for the yummy gifts.”

  The storm had subsided. Moonbeams shimmered across the sky, lighting her way to the field where Mick lived. The night was now clear and the stars twinkled brightly as she flew silently over the forest canopy. The glistening waters of the enchanted waterfall called out to her once more. Not tonight, she told herself. Aggie was eager to tell Mick about Craggle Nesbit's new potion. It would help Mick with his problems too. She knew a few details of Mick's story. Apparently, Glandugan, a very powerful but evil wizard, placed a powerful spell on Mick and his mare, dramatically changing their appearance and lives. When Aggie had first met Mick, he told her, “There's much to tell of my story. I will tell you one day why I look this way. But I will not tell you this night.” This had whetted her appetite for more, but she hadn't pushed him. She could sense it was a touchy subject. She wouldn't mention what Craggle had told her about Glandugan, tonight.