The Witches of Barrow Wood Read Online Free Page B

that you will never come into this wood again – ever!” said Eldrin, in her raspy voice.
    “I promise!” said Sam, a little out of breath.
    “Good boy! That wasn’t so hard, was it?” said Eldrin, patting little Sam’s head.
    When she made contact with Sam’s head, she had visions of Sam getting beaten and bullied by his father. Eldrin looked at the boy and felt pity, for she had known bullying a long, long time ago, and it still angered her.
    “Run along, boy, you should be getting home before it gets dark,” said Eldrin, as she cast a spell and created a white orb of light to lead Sam safely out of the wood.
    “Thank you, Eldrin, I am sorry for any trouble that I caused you,” said Sam, with a smile, and then he trotted off, following the white globe of light out of the wood.
    Eldrin breathed in deeply and looked about. She had been around a very long time, and she sensed trouble on the wind. She watched little Sam as he wandered off, and she smiled to herself. Unbeknownst to Sam, all that was required was one touch, and now Eldrin could tap into his thoughts whenever she wished.

Chapter Six
PUNISHMENT

    Sam exited the wood and started to panic. It was dark, and he knew that he was going to be in a lot of trouble. He ran down the hill as fast as he could, all of the way home. When he arrived at the door, he took a minute to catch his breath, and then he closed his eyes and opened the door.
    He opened his eyes and his mother was standing there with her arms folded, looking at Sam angrily. Sam could see that his mum had been crying, and understood that she had to be stern, for his own good. After all, he had been very naughty, wandering into the wood – again.
    “Harry’s mum called me hours ago. Why did you disobey us and go into that wood again? It’s dangerous, Sam! What if something happened to you and we were unable to find you in time? Go up to your room!” said Clare, hating every second of telling her little boy off, but she had to, to protect him.
    Sam ran up to his bedroom before his father could make an appearance. He wasted no time in getting into his pyjamas and turning out the light. He climbed into his bed and ducked under the covers, praying that the day would end and all would be well in the morning. He thought of Eldrin, and realised that he was very lucky that she wasn’t evil like her sisters. He was very lucky indeed to be home safe in his bed. He figured it was probably best not to tell his parents that he had met a real live witch. He then closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep in seconds.
    Clare sat downstairs with John, discussing their little boy. John was adamant that he should be grounded, but Clare pitied her boy, and couldn’t stay angry at him for a second. They agreed to disagree and then both went upstairs to get ready for bed. Clare opened Sam’s door and peeped in, smiling when she saw her little boy was fast asleep in his bed. She said in a whisper that she loved him, and then went off to her room to get some sleep.
    The next morning, Clare was up early. She had decided to get an early start to get some shopping done, and then was hoping to be able to enjoy the rest of her day doing anything that she so wished. She stopped by Sam’s bedroom. He was already awake and playing with his Action Man as if nothing had happened the evening before.
    “Would you like anything from the shop, Sam?” said Clare, smiling.
    “Yes, please, Mum – can I have a Kinder Surprise, please?” said Sam, beaming.
    “Of course you can, but you must promise to behave yourself, little man.”
    “I promise!” said Sam, with a cheeky smile.
    Clare grabbed her handbag from the kitchen and then headed on out to do her shopping. John had just finished getting himself dressed, and decided to pay Sam a visit. John loved his boy, but he showed little patience for disobedience, and he intended to give Sam a few choice words.
    John walked into Sam’s room. Sam was spread out on the floor,