Anastasia (The Bolton Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

called for her again and saw her come out of the forest on the far end of the lot. What was she doing there?
    “Why were you in the woods Mary?” I asked her as if she would reply. I put her in her stall and she instantly walked over to the spot the blood had been in my dreams. I made sure there was grain and water for her before closing her stall door. Hope had her head poking out of her stall when I walked by so I made sure she had food and water as well before walking out the barn. I put the lock on the door, checking to make sure it was locked before going back to the cabin.
    “Was she in the forest again?” Simon said when I took off my coat. His face was still in the book in his hands.
    “Yea. How did you know?”
    “I heard you calling out for her. She likes it for some reason.” He shrugged his shoulders. “The only horse I’ve ever met who went in there voluntarily.”
    I thought about that for a second. Maybe it was just the tree’s that intrigued her; after all, they are purple. She is used to seeing brown one’s back on earth. Can horses even see color?
    “Go to sleep, Annie. Nothing is going to happen.”
    “You say that now,” I grumbled as I played with the hem of my shirt. He finally looked away from his book. His eyes locked with mine. I instantly felt safe as if a warm protective blanket had been draped over my low shoulders.
    “Go to sleep,” He repeated. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”
    I did as he told and had no dreams that night.
    ~*~
    The next three days flew by. Simon tried to keep me as occupied as possible. He even had me help him cut fire wood. He taught me how to brush Mary, something I had never done before, and clean her stall, something he always did for me. We also had many lessons about languages and goblins.
    Like witches, there were many different kinds of goblins. The one I had dreamt about was a Trow. They can take the form of anything that had blood running throughout their bodies by drinking their blood. They prefer to be in the form of other beings because they cannot stand the sight of themselves. These creatures though are rare as there is only a handful alive. They hate staying in one place for too long so no one knows for sure how many still live. Oh did I mention they love to kill.
    I was surprised at how easily Simon was able to keep my mind busy from wondering. Before I knew it the four days were up. My parents were supposed to be here any hour and I could not be happier to see them. I have never gone that long without them and I hated it. I miss hearing my dad’s gruff voice telling Simon to do chores he does not like to and my mom’s warm eyes comforting us.
    “When are they going to be here?” I asked Simon for the tenth time that night.
               “Are we inpatient today? They will be here when they get here Annie.”
    My hands started to tap my thighs impatiently so I occupied them by braiding and unbraiding my hair. Simon brought me one of his books. I mumbled my thanks and started to read. I finished it within three hours.
    “Imma be outside,” I walked out to where Mary was grazing. I had really gotten to like her these past couple of days. She trotted over to me and bumped her head against my side. I brought out a sugar cube from my bag and she happily took it from my hands.
    “Good girl.” I scratched behind her ear she seemed to like that. “I hope they get here soon.”

Chapter Three
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    “Dad.” His strong arms wrapped around me and held me tight to him. His warmth instantly made me feel safe. All thoughts from the past couple of days left my mind. Nothing bad would ever happen to us, as long as my family was here.
    “Well hello to you Anastasia.” My mom murmured behind him. I let him go and gave my mom a hug. She barely reached my chin. It was then that I noticed the man waiting by the horses. His tall frame easily towered over my father’s six feet. He wore a simple gray