The Witch Stone - Emily Oakes Page 0,16

still.” He turned back and looked behind them. Rowena gasped. A large tree had fallen in their path. The large black horse flew into the air and jumped over the fallen log, making Rowena lose her grip. She tumbled off the horse and slammed to the ground. She cried out in pain, clutching her head. Jonathon pulled at the horse’s reigns bringing him to a sudden stop. He jumped off the horse and ran to Rowena.

“Rowena! Don’t move!” Jonathon leaned down by her and took her hand. “Where does it hurt?”

Rowena groaned. “Everywhere, I think I can walk though.” She tried to stand.

“No, don’t!” Jonathon placed his hands gently on Rowena’s shoulders, holding her down. He touched her cheek with callused but gentle hands. Without so much as a grunt, he lifted Rowena back onto the horse.

“Are you comfortable?” Rowena nodded back and managed to smile. A sharp pain ran down her back, making her wince.

Jonathon climbed up. “We’ll take it easy. Just hold on tight.”

Rowena was glad to see the wooden sign welcoming them to Oakwoods sticking out of the marshy ground. Small cottages like the ones destroyed in her village, still stood strong as Jonathon led the horse into the village. People milled around large fires singing and chatting. The villagers suddenly grew quiet and watched as Jonathon guided the horse to a small hut near the back. Jonathon brought the horse to a gentle stop and slid down to the ground. He held out his hand for Rowena and she gripped it tightly as she climbed down from the horse.

“How are you feeling?” Jonathon asked.

“I’m okay, just a little stiff. Nothing serious.” Rowena managed a smile that Jonathon swiftly returned. In the dim light of the village, she could finally see his face. Although he had the classic good looks Rowena had always thought were pretty commonplace among men, his eyes stood out, deep brown pools of light against his tanned skin. They were almost inhuman; they were eyes that belonged to a wolf. He pulled down his hood, revealing thick, wavy black shoulder-length hair. She looked away from Jonathon’s deep gaze, feeling her face grow hot.

“We’d better warn everybody,” Rowena suggested, trying to hide her red face.

“Good idea. Who knows when those beasts will arrive?” Jonathon’s remark sent shivers down Rowena’s bruised spine.

Jonathon knocked three loud knocks the small wooden door and waited. A small elf-like woman wearing a long white nightgown opened the door. Jonathon introduced himself and Rowena and asked if they could come inside. The woman led them to a cozy room warmed by a crackling fire.

“My name is Ivy. What can I do for you?” The enchanting little woman sat in the chair closest to the fire and gestured for them to both sit. Jonathon helped Rowena into a seat while he stood close beside her.

“We have some bad news I’m afraid,” Jonathon started. “There was a vicious attack on the nearby town of Wood Grove in Oakwood. All of the women were captured except for Rowena here, she was lucky enough not to have been home when it happened.” Jonathon watched as Ivy’s tired face grew solemn.

“I saw the signs. The moon, and Hawthorn’s message in the scrying pool. Who was responsible?” Ivy asked.

“Men from the city. I guess they are from the church,” Rowen said. Ivy stood up and stared into the fire.

“They’re going to attack here.” Ivy’s wizened old face glowed in the orange flickering light of the fire.

“Yes. We must warn everyone. You have to lead your people deep into the forest. These men do not know the woods very well and are easily lost. They have been told to clear out every village they can find. But if we take down the sign out front and burn all of the cottages, they will think they have been here already,” Jonathon paced as he talked.

“Since Hawthorn’s warning, many have left already.” Ivy sounded tired.

“It’s the only way to ensure the safety of your people. Order the remaining villagers to pack only essential items and lead them far into the valley. There is a small village there, awaiting you.”

Ivy frowned. “How do you know they aren’t going to target that village?”

“A rumor was started about an outbreak of the red fever. They won’t go near it. You will be safe.”

Ivy looked at Rowena. “I’m sorry to hear about your village, Rowena.”

Rowena nodded her head and smiled an empty smile. Jonathon squeezed her shoulder. Although she had only just met