Drawing Down The Moon by A.M. Keen

Author:A.M. Keen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: witch, witches, witchfinder, occult, supernatural, werewolves
ISBN: 9781785384486
Publisher: Andrews UK
Published: 2016-04-20T00:00:00+00:00

Patience

In Elkwood, the day drew on. The cold sunshine turned to twilight, prompting the townsfolk to retreat to their homes or to the tavern. Mayor Randall walked through his township with Reverend Thomas. Both had been distressed by the recent events befalling their community, and even more so now that Matthew Hopkins and his company would be taking residence for longer than anticipated. The Witchfinder’s behaviour and his methods had made everyone uneasy.

The two made their way through the small buildings to Randall’s residence across the square.

“What do you think will happen?” Reverend Thomas asked.

“I do not know!” Randall snapped, angry that for once he could not rectify the problems his town experienced.

Thomas appeared upset by the response. Randall noticed and adjusted his tone. “There’s no saying what they’ll do in the name of the King. We must simply hope they find the Harewood girl and leave for London by dawn’s early light, leaving our township in peace.”

“Ah, the very gentleman,” echoed a familiar voice from the darkness. Randall looked through the fading light to see five shadows emerging into the square. At the head of them was Hopkins, a demonic smile strewn upon his face. “Your servants informed me you were patrolling your town.”

“Master Hopkins,” Randall began, hiding his dismay that the Witchfinder had returned, “did luck serve you well in your quest for Miss Harewood?”

Hopkins sighed, rolling his eyes. “Alas my good man it did not. I am the bearer of bad tidings I am afraid.”

“May I ask what they may be?” Thomas asked.

“Indeed sir, you may. It would appear that young Miss Harewood has escaped from the tree to which she was bound.”

“Good lord,” Randall whispered.

“Now fret not, Master Randall, she is not beyond apprehension,” Hopkins assured him.

“But how? The forest is so dense and so vast that you may never find her.”

“Indeed we will. The bad news we bring is also somewhat encouraging.”

“And how may that be?” the Reverend asked.

Hopkins placed his arm around the Mayor and gestured for them all to walk. The company of men followed his lead and walked within the darkness across the square. “We found that she was helped to escape by some other person, one whose tracks lead right here to Elkwood.”

“What?” Randall shouted, turning to the Witchfinder.

“Indeed it is true. My esteemed companion, Lucian, found the prints leading to the very outskirts of your township.”

Randall looked at the hunter. “Do you know who it was?”

“Indeed we do.”

“Her father?” Thomas asked.

“No. Although grieving for his daughter, he did not return to the trees to assist her.”

“Oh no...” Randall exhaled as realisation set in. Momentarily, Hopkins clasped him tighter. “Unfortunately, yes. Young love is a powerful emotion, Master Randall, and one as smitten as he would be easily influenced by one such as her.”

They walked in silence for a moment. “Then what do you suggest we do?” the Reverend asked.

Hopkins slapped Randall’s back. “Assisting a witch in any way is crime punishable by death, and this is what must be applied.”

“But to one as young as he?” the Mayor asked.

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