The Aurora Stone Read Online Free PDF Page B

then deciding that a walk was just what she needed, she headed for the hall to retrieve her cloak and shoes. Opening the front door, Eve stepped out into the late over- cast morning. Half way down the main avenue, she heard feet pounding against the road, a muted thud, thud, thud gaining on her fairly quickly. Eve stepped aside to let whoever it was past.
    “Thank the Goddess you stopped! I haven’t run like that since being chased by an angry goose four years past.” Eve turned to see a young man doubled over clutching his side. He seemed familiar to her; most likely she had seen him the night of the storm.
    “Can I be of some assistance to you?” She inquired.
    Straightening up, the man looked down into her mysterious eyes. “I just wanted to meet the woman who stood up for what she believed; and look once again, into your extraordinary eyes,” He complimented. Unsure whether this witch was trying to court her or just had a funny way of saying thank you, Eve smiled and responded politely
    “I did only what I could, I will be on my way now if that is all, I feel the need for a walk.” Turning, Eve was about to continue on her way; when a hand gently touched her forearm. Turning back, she once again looked up into the young man’s eyes.
    “Please, I would very much like to walk with you, if you are not averse to this?” He asked. It was only now that she noticed this witch had eyes as extraordinary as her own. His were were blue, but not just any blue they were the blue of the sea with flecks of silver that seemed to swirl like the crest of a wave breaking on the rocks.
    “If you like; my name is Eve. It is a pleasure you meet you,” Eve introduced herself and offered her hand in greeting. Taking her hand, all the time looking into her eyes the witch replied.
    “It is my pleasure, Eve; I am Caleb.”
    They walked for a while, Caleb telling Eve about Clear Water Valley, pointing out historical landmarks and introducing her to any witch that passed them. After about an hour Eve was feeling a bit tired, though she would never admit it to Violet, she was still feeling a bit run down. The chill she had caught the night of the storm had almost gone, but it had left her drained of energy. Heading back towards Violets’ home, Caleb became aware of the sickly pallor of Eve’s skin.
    “Are you feeling alright, Eve? you are looking a little pale.”.
    “I am just tired, a sit-down and more of Violets awful sage tea shall set me right I am sure,” she replied wearily. Not liking the colour her skin, or the light sheen of perspiration that followed her hairline; or the way she swayed as she walked, Caleb mad a suggestion.
    “My home is close by; my father is there and my sister. I will take you there, make you some tea and you can rest for a moment. I will escort you home after you have some colour return to your cheeks. How does that sound?” Caleb coaxed.
    “I think that may be a very good idea Caleb, thank you,” Eve said weakly and swooned. Panicked, Caleb caught Eve and lifted her into his arms, and ran the remaining quarter mile to his home.
    “I am so sorry, Caleb, I am not making a very good impression here,” moaned Eve as she sat drinking a cool glass of apple juice. She had come around as Caleb had entered the cottage.
    “Oh, I don’t know, you have made quite an impression on my family,” he smiled. A small girl skipped into the room when she caught sight of Eve on the sofa she began hopping up and down,
    “My angel! Daddy, Daddy my angel is on the sofa talking to Caleb!” She squealed. Eve was quite sure she was not an angel but the child seemed so pleased to see her, then it came to her. The girl covered in soot without a pulse. Could it be her? This child was beautiful with blond hair that caught the light, shining in golden tendrils around her face, eyes as green as emeralds and the most glorious smile Eve had ever seen.
    Her inner musings were confirmed when the girl’s father entered the