Free The Witches of BlackBrook by Tish Thawer Page A

Danforth.
    Karina screamed and convulsed under their hands, stilling only when they ripped her dress open, exposing her back. They were looking for the ‘devil’s mark’ no doubt, and she knew they would most likely deem her birthmark the tell-tale sign of guilt. But, regardless of where they pulled their truth from, they were in fact accurate in their judgment. Karina was a witch, and deep within her bones she knew the whole town would know it before this night was over.

    “Trin? Are you ready to order?” Caris asked from across the table.
    “I’m so sorry, yes, please.” Trin took the menu and quickly placed her order for a small bowl of clam chowder and a mini meal of the Clam Box’s famous fried native clams. “I think the long drive is finally catching up to me,” Trin confessed as she smiled at Caris.
    Caris made her selections with the waitress, handing back their menus and offered Trin an understanding smile. “I was thinking the same thing. Do you want to get a room instead of driving back tonight, or do you have appointments tomorrow you need to return for?”
    “No. I cleared my schedule until Wednesday, so I’m free, but what about you. Doesn’t school resume tomorrow?”
    “Yes, but I keep a sub-folder in my desk in case of emergencies. If I call in before four, they’ll be able to assign a substitute with no problem.”
    Trin pondered the thought. Would it be wise to remain here after what Lillian had told her? If she was practical, she’d race home to coordinate with Kit to substantiate Lillian’s story. But, Kit was still out of town and if Trin was being honest with herself, she didn’t want to hear how ridiculous Kit thought Lillian’s claim was or have to deal with her jealousy about the time she spent with Caris.
    “Actually, I’d love to stay another night,” Trin announced.
    “Great! If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’ll go make the call.”
    Trin watched Caris walk out the front door of the restaurant, then picked up her own phone.
    Trin: How’s the show going?
    Kit: Good. How are things there?
    Trin: Fine. Really need to talk when you get back, though.
    Kit: I’m all yours come Friday. :) <3
    Caris returned to the table as Trin returned her phone to her purse. “All set.” Caris smiled.
    “Do you have a specific place you prefer to stay when you’re here, or do we need to hunt down the nearest Motel 8?” Trin laughed.
    “I thought we’d stay at The Inn at Castle Hill.”
    Trin fell back against her chair, lost again in another memory. Daniel Epps had owned Castle Hill during Karina’s youth and had allowed many a pagan celebrations to take place upon his grand lawn in front of the lavish country estate, the last being Beltane, where she and Jeremiah danced around the maypole.
    Trin blinked to find Caris staring at her with genuine curiosity written all over her face.
    “That would be lovely,” Trin agreed, giddy as a schoolgirl.
    “Excellent. I’m glad you’re excited. The Inn is one of my favorite places on earth.”
    Mine too , thought Trin. Mine too .

Chapter Thirteen

    Wood splintered against the cave wall. “Damn that witch!” He grabbed his cauldron and threw all the shards of wood and glass into it that had gathered as a result of his anger. “I will not be thwarted.” Mixing the potion had required three days, but now as the liquid boiled black, he was ready to cast his most powerful spell yet. “Dark as night, blinded be, seeping into each of thee. Cut their tie, bind their will, sacrifice the one that’s nil.” Black smoke filled the cave, churning and twisting into something very much alive. His maniacal laughter echoed off the stone as the caustic tendrils drifted into the night sky.

    Caris and Trin finished their meal then traveled the eleven minutes down High Street to Argilla Rd, climbing the beautiful hill to reach the Crane Estate. The Castle itself, now a Tudor Revival, boasted twenty-one outbuildings, one of which served as the