Charlotte Stone and the Children of the Nymet Read Online Free PDF

history.’ He beamed again.
    Charlotte hadn’t figured him for a local but he was clearly knowledgeable and, not for the first time, she wished she had Edessa’s ability to read people.
    â€˜I didn’t realise it was special, I just stumbled across it a moment ago,’ she replied.
    â€˜Well, you’ve been standing there… actually more swaying there, admiring it for over an hour.’
    Charlotte wrinkled her forehead. ‘No, I’ve only been here a minute, if that.’
    â€˜I assure you, Miss, you have been there much longer.’ The man pulled out a pocket watch to prove his point. ‘I wouldn’t worry, it does that to people it likes. Where were you headed?’
    Charlotte vaguely remembered her plan to catch a train to London, but now she wasn’t so sure, the tree had changed things.
    â€˜I was heading to the train station…’ she said, noncommittally, ‘… but I…’
    â€˜My my, you had better hurry then, my dear, the last train departs in ten minutes.’
    â€˜I don’t really know the way so I think I’ll just go another day.’
    It was a lame excuse and she knew he was just trying to be helpful but her feet were like lead and she was becoming more and more reluctant to leave.
    â€˜Nonsense, it would be a privilege to escort you, I’m going there myself anyway,’ Etienne insisted.
    He offered her his arm and Charlotte smiled at such old-fashioned manners. She shrugged off her misgivings and allowed him to guide her. While something within her desperately wanted to stay with the tree, her logical side needed facts; something she was sure Etienne could provide.
    â€˜Why is it called the Evergreen Oak when it’s clearly not?’ she asked, looking back one last time.
    â€˜That is an interesting story; and a good question.’ He threw her another of his charming smiles. ‘Some centuries ago people around here were starving due to a particularly lengthy and cruel winter and the crops failed. One smart soul remembered this was a fairy tree and asked the Fey Nation for their help. The following morning, the Evergreen Oak was full to bursting with green leaves and, more importantly, acorns which magically replenished themselves every day. It was a miracle and the only thing that kept the locals and their livestock from death.’
    It was an interesting story but it didn’t shed any light on her dreams at all.

    *
    The air had cooled now the sun was below the horizon and the train station was empty as Charlotte and Etienne stepped into the foyer.
    â€˜A one-way ticket to London please,’ she said to the holes in the glass window.
    An old man who looked about ninety sat behind the counter reading a battered old paperback that looked as old as him. His movements showed that no one would rush him. Peering over his spectacles, he stared at her, a look of suspicion blooming on his face.
    â€˜Yer a bit young to be travlin’ on yer own aint cher?’
    â€˜She is not alone, my good man,’ Etienne stepped forward before Charlotte had the chance to reply and dipped his hat to the man, ‘and make that two tickets if you would.’
    The old man looked Etienne up and down but didn’t budge. He simply bent closer to the glass and gave Charlotte a pleading look.
    â€˜Why not go home? I’m sure yer folks are gonna be worryn’ sick over yer.’
    â€˜That is exactly what she intends to do,’ Etienne spoke for her again, his voice strained though he still wore one of his charming smiles, ‘as soon as she has a ticket, dear fellow.’
    â€˜You sure you want to go, Miss?’ The man ignored Etienne again.
    Charlotte nodded and the vendor gave Charlotte her ticket without another word.

    *
    As the train sped through the descending darkness Charlotte fished her iPod out of her shirt pocket. Switching it on, the angry staccato of flamenco music blared into her ears; it