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COMING!

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76 pages

Sister Witches the call for help .jpg

Copyright © & Illustration Copyright © 2018 Ed Rosek

Sister Witches ~ the call for help

 

When they receive an emergency batmail from their beloved uncle, the Sister Witches; sweet Bellony and older sisters, Araxa and Scarafina, know they must respond quickly. A four-hundred year old ghostly curse is threatening the occupants of uncle Vladdy’s historic Rocking House Mansion. Even with their powerful magical abilities, the three witches will face an overwhelming menace. They’ll be pushed to extraordinary lengths in their battle with the supernatural intrusion that’s plaguing their uncle.
Young Bellony gets excited and giggles over things like delicious frozen spiders, and pouts over wool-of-bat in her stew. Can she put aside childish things and step up to help her big sisters in the conflict to come?

Fun and lighthearted, creepy and suspenseful, this story of an unusual family will delight and surprise, while highlighting the ultimate importance of family bonds and team work.
As a special bonus, a “Glossariadictionarium” is included to assist readers with the fun, created words within the story, as well as providing definitions of the more unusual, ‘big’ words within the text, to sharpen young reader’s vocabularies. 

 ~ Still in the editing phase. Editing will be finished in the near future ~

Chapter 1 

the call for help

 

Bellony . . . Bellony!”

“I’m right here, Scarafina!” Bellony responded. “What?”

“Where’s Araxa? I need to talk to her.”

“She’s getting some more weeds.”

“Weeds?” Scarafina questioned.

“Yes, we’re re-weeding the yard,” Bellony said proudly. “Araxa found some of the most beautiful weeds to accent with!”

“Oh, how nice! What beauties did she get, Bell?”

“Well, so far, we’ve planted purslane, clover, and ivy, but she’s bringing over some buttercup, fox glove, and my favorite–fireweed . . . which is so lovely, but isn’t really a weed, you know?”

“Yes, I know,” Scarafina responded with an oldest-sister-know’s-everything tone.

“Hey!” Middle sister Araxa greeted Scarafina. She was carrying a large tray of seedlings. “What’s up?”

“Looks like you’re working hard on the garden, Rax. I love the idea for the new weeds.” Scarafina replied. “It’ll be beautiful, I’m sure . . . So, listen: I just got a batmail from Uncle Vladicus. He needs our help.”

“Oh!” sparked Bellony.

“Oh my,” Araxa said, concerned. “Is he alright? He’s not sick or hurt is he?” 

“No, no . . . nothing like that,” Scarafina responded, allaying their fears. “But he is experiencing some supernatural problems that he needs our help with.”

“Hmm,” Araxa mused, setting the tray on a stump. “What sort of supernatural problems?”

“Well, he wasn’t really all that specific, but he said there have been many strange occurrences that’ve increased lately, and they have him very nervous. He believes it’s connected to the mansion.”

“It’s the princess,” Araxa responded immediately. 

“Princess? . . . Who’s the princess?” Bellony chimed in, curious.

“Well, Bell,” Araxa said. “Her name is Revacula. She was once owner of Uncle Vladicus’s mansion over four hundred years ago. It was left to her after King Nathan and Queen Desmalia perished in a great forest fire during an outing near False-Fjord in 1606.”

Bellony squinted with sadness.

Araxa continued: 

“The Princess was traumatized by the loss of her father and mother, and was dispirited for many years after. The legend says she also became mean and angry; treating everyone she encountered with cruelty, and forcing most to shy away from her. She eventually fell in love with a commoner who pledged his eternal love and loyalty to her–only to die shortly thereafter, in a battle to save the commonwealth. After that, she was despondent. Then, she became evil. The commoners said she was possessed, mad–emotionally and literally. She talked to herself, or whomever the invisible person with her was. They blamed every botheration on her–every sickness, blight and perversion was attributed to the princess.”

“Eventually,” Araxa continued, “she just disappeared. Nobody knew where or how–nor her whereabouts. She was just gone, and the townspeople were happy about that. They despised her and let history remember her as Princess Revacula . . . the Evil.”

“Eww, that’s just creepy,” Bellony chimed in, wide-eyed with wonder and curiosity.

“I bet you’re right, Rax,” Scarafina stated. “I remember there’ve been many stories about the mansion that could never be substantiated, mostly folk tales dating back for hundreds of years. Goodness, I hope Uncle Vladicus isn’t embroiled in something connected to Princess Revacula.”

“Oh, no! I love Uncle Vladdy,” Bellony said, worried. “Are we going to help him?”

“I believe we must,” Scarafina replied. “He is family and we must do all we can to help him in his time of need. Family is most important.”

“Agreed,” Araxa stated. “Shall we leave at first light tomorrow, girls?”

“Yes,” Scarafina affirmed.

“Oh yay . . . a trip!” Bellony blurted out. “I love to travel . . . yippee!

“Shall we fly, Scarafina?” Araxa asked.

“Well, it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, Rax. If we want to stay dry, we better take the train.”

“The train! Oh goody!” Bellony was so excited. “Oh–but it’s my birthday tomorrow,” she stated with a little frown.

“Well then,” Araxa replied, “we’ll just celebrate it on the train. Two excitements in one!”

“Ok,” Bellony responded, all happy again. “That’ll be fun!”

Chapter 2 

the travel

 

The sun was trying to rise in the east as the three witches boarded the steam engine led train, in the early hours of the October morning. Foreboding clouds snuffed out the sun’s chance as a storm rolled in, darkening the morning sky. Gray light filtered in, mingling with the dim glow of the vintage lanterns mounted on the passenger carriage walls.

Bellony flopped down on the bench seat and watched her sisters as they stowed a few belongings on the rack above them, then under their own bench. She was thrilled. She had only ridden the train one other time–when she was much younger. Mostly the sisters traveled by broom, so this was a treat for Bellony. Her elation showed:

“I love it! I love it! . . . we’re traveling by train! How long will it take to get to Uncle Vladdy’s? . . . will we be riding all day and night? . . . do we get to eat? . . . I love riding the train!” she jabbered.

“Alright, relax a little,” Scarafina directed.

“It’s a day and a half to get there,” Araxa answered, understanding her sister’s excitement. “We also have a sleeping berth, a stateroom, for tonight. As for food, I brought us some sandwiches for lunch and we’ll eat in the diner tonight.” She knew Bellony would love all of it.

“A sleeper!? . . . Yay! And dinner in the diner . . . Whee! Do you think they’ll have Lizard Gizzard stew? Bellony continued, still wound up. 

Scarafina gave her a slight smile, her mind more on their uncle than her sisters. She was nervous about what was to come.

“I doubt that they’ll have that, Bell,” Araxa said with a bright smile, “but I bet they’ll have boiled crab-legs and caviar.” She knew that would draw a mixed response from Bellony, and probably slow her down a bit.

“Crab legs? Yuk. But caviar? I love caviar . . . it’s almost as delicious as eyes of tarsier. The little eggs even have a tiny pop when you bite into them. You can have my crab legs.” Bellony grimaced.

Scarafina removed her hat and settled in to read a book. Most of the passengers had seated themselves, ready for the long trip. She could hear the steam building in the big locomotive, two carriages and a tender ahead of them. She did love the big steam locomotives and shied away from the more modern diesel-electric trains. The occasional burst of steam release reminded her of earlier train rides when she was a kid, even before her sisters were born. She felt a sense of peace at the thought.

A few rain drops pattered the windows as a loud steam puff issued from somewhere ahead. The steam whistle tooted a vintage hoot-hoot followed by the sequential jerking of carriages, a signal the lumbering train was moving and about to strain getting up to speed.

The witches nestled in, enjoying the thick, comfortably cushioned benches. Scarafina was reading and Bellony was pressed against the big window, watching the countryside race by. The lasting, but gentle rocking and clickety-clack of the railway, had lulled Araxa into a sleepy mood. Her sleepy gaze inspected the beautiful emerald green–flocked wallpaper and vintage decor in the carriage. But she was invested in deep thought. She was running through the possibilities of her uncle’s predicament, but kept the troubles subdued out of worrying Bellony. Her younger sister was maturing now, but still had a lot of child left in her and both older sisters were trying to raise her to be brave and meet circumstances head on when the time was right.

“I’m hungry,” Bellony whined. “Can we have lunch now?” she pleaded.

“Sure Bell,” Araxa answered, and stood up to grab a small bag out of her overhead luggage.

“Here you go, Bell.” Araxa handed her a small bag with lunch in it. “Want some lunch now Scarafina?” she asked.

“Sure, that sounds great, thanks.”

“Fried frog leg sandwiches! I love these!” Bellony chirped, excitedly. “Are the bones out?” she asked.

“Yep, just the meat–some ghost pepper skin, and a slice of kohlrabi on a sprig of ostrich fern, topped off with horseradish, all mashed between two slices of sweet lard bread.” Araxa answered. “You’ll also find a pudding mash of yew berries, mushrooms and lavender buds in there too. And a little snack,” she said with a sly smile.

“Oh wow,” Bellony answered with a mouthful of already attacked sandwich. “You . . . are . . . mmm . . . chmmp . . . the . . . best cook in the  . . .  chmmp . . .  world.”

Araxa laughed as she handed Scarafina a bag. “It’s not cooking Bell, it’s just making.”

All three girls enjoyed their lunch while talking, laughing and enjoying the hypnotic sway of the train. Soon thereafter, Bell, satiated by the rich meal, turned toward the window and lay down on her bench, legs curled up, hands between her knees. Scarafina, got up and headed down the aisle between the quietly conversing passengers. Araxa watched her as a younger sister would, with much reverence and love for her older sister. She cleaned up the lunch crumbs and bagged them. She saw Scarafina coming back with a pillow and blanket. She smiled as Scarafina lifted Bellony’s head softly and placed a pillow under it. Bell was deep asleep and didn’t even move. Then the blanket. Araxa knew she was closer to Bell than her older sister, who tended to be the matriarchal one, while she was more the motherly one, but knew Scarafina loved both of her sisters equally and was deeply devoted to their comfort, happiness and safety.

Scarafina kissed Bellony on the forehead and snugged the blanket in around her neck. Bellony mewed like a kitten then rested quietly.

 

Chapter 3 

the reveal

 

“I kinda fibbed a little when I said uncle Vladicus didn’t give me any details about the haunting,” Scarafina opened up to Araxa. “I didn’t want to alarm Bell . . . for now. We’ll have to gently adjust her to what’s going on as we get close.”

“Well, yes, I thought so,” Araxa replied. “I could see in your eyes there was something more sinister stirring. So it is a haunting?”

“Yes,” she responded, “and it’s pretty horrible. Vlad is pretty sure it’s Revacula, and it’s getting worse.”

“What makes him so sure it was princess Revacula?” Araxa whispered, trying not to wake Bellony.

“Well,” Scarafina began. “He was awakened one night by a loud screeching–then, a deep distressed voiced screamed:

You burned my parents!

“He said it scared the bejunky out of him. He said he looked around. Of course nobody was there,” Scarafina continued. “He had had quite a few instances already and was beginning to think it was a haunting. That night though, gave him the idea that it was princess Revacula because of the parents perishing in fire. The very next night he started having nightmares. Most of them were about two people riding in a horse carriage, lost in smoke–followed by harrowing screams. He would wake up sweating, shaking, the dreams so real.

“I’ve heard this story before,” Araxa replied. “The screaming of you burned my parents, is a common theme. As soon as you said Vlad thought it was the mansion, I suspected it was the princess.”

Bellony rolled over and faced the back of the seat. Araxa crouched over and pulled the blanket back up to her neck. It was getting dark now and the vintage lantern lights flickered in an old world way.

“What do you suggest we do?” Araxa asked her older sister.

“Well, I have a few ancient spells for various hauntings. Once we know more, we can narrow it down to the right spell, and hopefully get uncle Vlad out of this predicament.”

“I don’t feel right about using evil spells,” Araxa replied. 

Her sister admonished her, “Don’t be silly Rax, you know we don’t ever use evil spells, and we won’t. Even the ancient spells we’ll use are for uncle Vlad’s protection, not to demonize or destroy Revacula. She’s already been tortured enough . . . for centuries. Maybe with the right spell, we can release her from her torment. 

 

“Bellony,” Araxa said sweetly. “Wake up sweetheart. We’ve got reservations in the diner in about 45 minutes. 

“Mmmm,” Bellony groaned. “No.”

“Bell, it’s time to wake up, no whining,” Scarafina scolded.

Bellony responded to the terse order and lifted her head and rotated around to see her two older sisters looking at her with love in their eyes.

“I’m awake, it’s ok,” she said blurry eyed.

Clickety-clack, clickety-clack, the soft sound and gentle sway was a part of them now as they made their way to the dining car. Surprisingly, it was almost opulent in decor. The three sisters were brought to their reserved table by a noble host, who settled them in with quiet ease. He was handsome with dark hair and blue eyes . . . that seemed to find Araxa immediately. They were, after all, about the same age. As he seated them, Scarafina caught his glance at Rax, as did Araxa and saw the twinkle in his eyes. It made her heart take a subtle skip.

“I saw that,” Scarafina smiled at her as the host walked away. “Hmm.”

Araxa smiled and looked down at her hands, slightly blushing.

The vintage light overhead, cast a warm pink glow. Soft conversation mixed with the warm ambiance in the dining car. 

Bellony caught both her sisters eyes, looking from one to the other: 

“Thank you for my cupcake and dragonfly birthday candle. I forgot to tell you after lunch. The velvet cake was delicious. I love you both.”

“You’re welcome Bell,” Araxa said with pride. Scarafina smiled, and almost welled up, tears glistening, but not ready to drop. She too, was very proud of her younger sister. Then they handed her a birthday card and two small presents. Bellony squeaked at the gifts and quickly opened the card and read it intently, then set it to the side without saying a word. The tears welling up in her eyes spoke to her sisters plainly. She was taken emotionally and they knew. 

They all ate, enjoying the wonderful service, delicious dinner and fun conversation . . . none of it, about what the future had in store for them . . . and uncle Vladicus. 

Bellony loved her gifts: a beautiful ruby and polished black tourmaline brooch, and matching red and black–paisley scarf.

Bellony watched as Araxa whispered to the waiter, while peering at her out of the corner of her eye. She knew it was probably a treat for her birthday and she smiled, knowing her sisters were like that. She was so lucky to have such loving sisters and it made her heart swell.

“I’m not . . . really . . . sure what this is, young lady, but here it is. Happy birthday!” The waiter said with a cheery smile. He handed her what appeared to be a popsicle, but it was much larger, and it had a nice wrap and pretty bow on it. 

“Oh thank you,” Bellony squealed, then looked at her sisters. Feeling the coldness, she said: “I think I know what this is,” and she slid the wrap off the top. “Eeeee, . . .  yay! Oh thank you, it is, it’s a Tarantula pop! My favorite!

She immediately began to lick and suck on the rare popsicle. Through the translucent ice, the outline of a giant tarantula was visible; the legs curled up inside to the edge all around. She lapped at it ferociously, as if to get to the center quickly.

“Easy girl,” Araxa said. “It’s not going anywhere.”

“But these are my very, very favorite,” Bellony replied. “I just love it when you get the outside licked off and the legs pop out!”

“It was deep fried in pumpkin seed oil then dusted with powdered honey-vinegar,” Scarafina stated, knowing how rare it was and how excited she would be.

Bellony squealed, inwardly, but continued to work on the cold treat, lapping at it greedily.

Her sisters both laughed at her exuberance and her young, innocent demeanor. They hoped it would last forever.

After the hardy dinner and celebration, they headed back to their seats. Then gathered their belongings and headed for their stateroom. They hadn’t seen the room yet and were surprised at the compactness, yet refined, comfortable accommodations. It was very nicely designed, with two beds on either side and a bunk above, and guess who got the bunk above? 

The room had a small lavatory, just enough for one of the sisters at a time. After their constitutionals, the three found themselves comfortably buried in the warmth of soft sheets and fluffy duvet’s. At end of a long day, the gentle sway and distant clack of rails, lulled the three sisters into a quick sleep.

 

 

Chapter 4 

the influence

 

Araxa tried to scream, but nothing came out. She knew the train had left the rails, but couldn’t respond, nor stop the terrible screeching that was exploding in her ears. Her mind raced as she thought of Bellony and Scarafina. The horror overtook her that either of them may get seriously injured or . . .  

Oh no, please! she pleaded, not them, please . . . her thoughts attacked her at heart and soul . . . not them . . .  please.

The train careened around the corner, off the rails, bumping and jostling as the carriages detached from one another, all going in different directions, loud horrible sounds, crunching, screeching. Araxa held on for dear life, knowing the end could be near. Then the silence and all went still. Were they in the air? flying, no floating . . . had they derailed off a bridge? An embankment? what? she thought.

“You burned my parents!” was screamed in Araxa’s ears. 

A loud squeal followed. She opened her eyes. Another squeal only it was the steam whistle . . . signaling . . . something? The train crash? A warning to get off the train? She was confused now. She looked a the bunk above her–Bellony’s bunk!

“Oh no,” she whispered, then jumped up to check on her younger sister . . . all was still. She looked toward Scarafina’s bed. She was sound asleep, a light snore could be heard. 

What the heckelberry? 

She checked Bellony. She too was soundly asleep, her sweet face resting peacefully on the pillow. Another hoot–hoot from the steam engine.

We’ve arrived already, Araxa thought. I was dreaming, oh my, I was dreaming the train crash. No, wait . . . she thought a moment. Then she remembered the voice:

You burned my parents!

A shock came over her; It was Revacula! 

She had gotten to Araxa while she was dreaming. But how? We’re near the mansion now, we must be within her influence, she thought, It’s starting.

 

The train cars began bumping to a stop; the last jolt wakened Scarafina and Bellony at the same time. Bellony threw off her covers and excitedly dove to the end of her bunk, reached down and pulled up the window shade and giggled like a kid at Christmas:

“Wheee . . . we’re here!” she exclaimed.

Scarafina was sitting up on the side of her bed. She was filled with mixed emotions–excited to see her uncle, but still apprehensive about what they’d confront there. 

“Bell, get dressed and attend to your ablutions, so we can embrace the day,” she intoned sweetly. “Rax, you’re up already . . . something wrong?”

“No, not really,” Araxa responded pensively. “I had a bad dream, I’ll tell you about it later.” She was looking at Scarafina but darted her eyes toward Bellony, signaling that she didn’t want her to hear. She continued, more upbeat: 

“Oh my what a beautiful day!” she said. “The storm has passed and it’s so sunny nice out. Are you excited Bell?” 

She already knew Bellony was excited. She got excited about everything, but Araxa wanted to help the mood to be positive and upbeat for all of them. Harder things were to come and it was important that they all try to keep on top of their emotions.

“So excited, yes,” Bellony blurted out, dropping out of the bed, wide awake now, and eager to go. She looked out the window again.

“There’s a carriage outside!” she said loudly. “With a horse and a . . . it’s uncle Vladdy!” she blurted in delight. “He has a carriage!”

Scarafina and Araxa looked at each other with the telltale smile, knowing that Vladicus had his great, great grandfathers carriage garaged at the mansion. It was a sweet touch for him to pick them up in it. He was always so kind and considerate of them.

Uncle Vladicus greeted them with a grand smile and arms outstretched. He was a very handsome man, aging well with a gray-white beard, blonde silver hair and perfectly carved crows feet around his eyes. His sharp perfect nose was the center of his great profile.

“Girls . . . oh my girls,” he said, with the tinge of a tearful smile. He always had a twinkle in his eyes, but his nieces brought the twinkle to starburst every time he saw them. The four embraced in a huge loving hug.

“Uncle Vladdy,” Bellony said softly, happily tearful herself.

Vladicus released the hug and stepped back to admire his family. 

“You are all as lovely as ever,” he said with pride, “and Bellony . . . my you have grown. Your parents would be so very proud of the kind beauty you have become.”

Bellony beamed a great smile. 

“Uncle Vladdy, I didn’t know you had a carriage.”

“Well my dear,” he responded. “It was my great, great grandfather’s and it’s been drawing dust for decades and I thought it was time to take the old Brougham out of retirement. And no better reason than for family. Hop in girls and I’ll get your luggage,” he said, quickly grabbing two of the bags. He set the bags up on the imperial, then gave Scarafina a hand to assist her into the carriage, then as she held her long dress, he helped Araxa the same. Bellony just hopped right up and in. Vladicus set the other two bags in on the floorboard and closed the door with an old world click. He mounted the carriage, picked up his buggy whip and with a quick snap, had the brougham bouncing away toward the mansion. Clouds were moving in again.

After ten minutes, Vladicus turned the horse to the north and down an ancient dirt road. The brown dirt was soft from the last night’s rain, and the ride was remarkably comfortable; the old springs creaked to let the riders know–they were working in their favor. Vladicus could hear his nieces talking, laughing and giggling like three kids at a fair. It was such a sweet sound to his ears. 

The thick forest they’d entered just out of town, began to open slightly, letting in the gray light from the now overcast sky. A left turn brought them into view of the mansion. It sat stately out in the open and surrounded by a mix of forest. There were mostly conifers, but the stands of oak, birch and sycamores were still flirting their fall colors, painting a beautiful, hilly tapestry behind the mansion.

“There it is,” Araxa remarked, smiling.

“Oh my gosh!” Bellony croaked. “It’s huge. I don’t remember it.”

“Well, you were pretty young last time we were here Bell,” Scarafina interjected. “You mostly know your uncle Vladicus from visiting us. So this’ll be a new adventure for you.”

“Yay!” Bellony responded.

“It’s just beautiful here,” Scarfina said breathlessly . . .“so beautiful.”

Vladicus drew the carriage up to the front driveway, the hard-rubbered, wooden wheels clonked a little on the ancient cobblestones. He stopped directly in front of the big double-door entry. He locked the wheel, set the buggy whip and dropped down to the hard stony surface. “Welcome to Rocking House Mansion,” he stated with a proud-heritage poise.

He led the three witches up the three stairs to the landing and the massive oak doors. With a soft vintage creak, he pushed both doors open to the grand entryway.

“Please,” he said, gesturing for them to enter.

As the three entered, Vladicus gathered their luggage, brought it in and set it on the stone tile.

“You two know where your rooms are,” He said, glancing at Araxa and Scarafina. “Let’s show Bellony her room, shall we? After that we’ll give her the grand tour.”

Araxa and Scarafina shared the same thought: Bellony will probably end up in one their rooms if they start to encounter malevolent spirits in the old mansion. They both had confidence they would bravely embrace any situation that came their way.

Chapters 5 thru 14 not uploaded

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