After the Summerland (The Witches of Spring Hill Book 1) by Patricia Proctor Page B

creating natural seating. The
dense forest surrounding the clearing provides complete privacy for anyone inside
and one would have to know exactly where to look in order to find it.
    Very few people know
this spot even exists on the property, so deeply surrounded by the tall trees of
the dense woods. The trees create a canopy overhead, making it impossible to
see the clearing from above but still allow just enough light from the sun and/or
moon to penetrate past the thick boughs, branches, and leaves.
    Two large gray boulders
overlap one another at the entrance of the circle, so only someone knowing this
space exists can find their way into the clearing. Moss and pine needles cover
the ground so completely that even with the four of them walking, their steps
are soundless. When they finally step into the clearing, their approach is so
silent that both Marcus and Peter start upon their arrival. The conversation
they were having ends abruptly when the family they were discussing enters the
space.
    “Grandpa Marcus! GG
Peter! We didn’t know you would be here!” Chloe squeaks, overwhelmed with
excitement to have everyone together. She is so surprised to see them that it
takes a moment for her to notice that the clearing has been transformed by several
objects that are somewhat familiar to her.
    Inside the circle,
sitting atop a light purple cloth with a pentagram is a wooden box with two
candles burning brightly. The light from the candles illuminates the other
objects that would otherwise be difficult to see in the shade on this cloudy
day. The objects include a chalice, two crystals, a small gold bowl that looks
like a cauldron, a knife, and various herbs and oils.
    Marcus and Peter say
nothing as they watch Rowan, Chloe, and Kaiden take everything in. Liam finally
speaks up and encourages the kids to walk toward the center of the circle and
take a seat next to their elders.
    Just under her breath, Chloe
whispers to herself , “I knew it.” She is somewhat
relieved to discover that whatever is happening to her is expected, even
welcomed. She has been afraid of saying anything to anyone for fear of being
made fun of, or worse, being thought of as crazy, but for the past year or more
she has experienced what she can only call ‘unusual’ moments.
    Last spring as she
transplanted seedlings to the garden, she said a few words to encourage their
growth and pictured herself sharing her energy with the plants. Within a day,
all of the seedlings had grown at least a ½ inch or more. She began saying those
words every time she planted and tended her plants, and her lush gardens were
evidence that whatever she was doing was working. She found herself whispering
words when she wanted to do well on a test or when she was lost for words among
a group. She has felt much more self-aware and self-confident as she’s
continued to discover her abilities.
    She spends Saturdays at
the library researching witchcraft and spells, hungry for information about
what she already suspects about herself. She recently decided that she was
going to attempt a spell on her own. Standing here before her family and the
altar, she is relieved that she can share what she has been experiencing. As
she opens her mouth to speak, her GG Peter makes eye contact with her and
shakes his head, pleading with her to stay quiet. At that moment, Chloe
realizes that while she has discovered her own abilities, her siblings have not,
and may not even be aware of what they are.
    Rowan could not be more
confused by what she is seeing. She recoils at the sight of the altar and
immediately begins backing away from her family. She looks at Chloe who clearly
shows understanding and at Kaiden who looks just as confused, as she imagines herself
to look. How could they? she thinks to herself. She
can feel the rage building inside of her. No! I will not accept this!! I do not
want to be a part of this!! Why me? This is so not fair!! All of these thoughts
bombard her as she takes