(FULL BOOK AVAILABLE IN AMAZON)The Willow Guy
At the end of summer, parents eagerly search for a witch or wizard renowned for their training. Ferlin's friend Marco mentioned a master known for his exceptional teaching—Mr. Vladimir Vetury, who has been instructing for nearly twenty years. He only accepts about thirty students each year, typically those around Roseline's age.
Excited by the prospect, Ferlin, Marco discussed the plan. When Ferlin returned home, he shared the news with Rose Lin and Harold, both of whom were thrilled.
In her excitement, Rose Lin rushed to retrieve her cauldron from the fire, nearly forgetting it.
"Your friend Wod Ridge is joining you too!" Ferlin added, sparking even more excitement in Harold, who quickly grabbed his broom to meet Wod Ridge.
***
Mr. Vladimir Ventury sat in front of the class, discussing chapters created by his uncle, Vitrenz Ventury K. The students were curious if he had ever met him, "It's been seven moons but this season students are more into history than witchcraft" he told them. But Mr. Ventury responded, "I never did, but we would have had a great bond. He loved potions, just as I do. He rarely walked, and neither do I. He never married, and I haven't either. There are many things we share."
"Do you have any of his belongings, sir?" a student asked.
"I used to, but I gave his wand and rings to my nephew, Zack Vinzo K."
The class felt a wave of disappointment wash over them. "Where does Zack live?"
"In Orck Brillz. I was born there and moved here ten winters ago." He turned few pages. "Let's continue where we paused our chapter, 'Arcill Wonders.' Ah, this is a good chapter," Mr. Ventury said with a proud smile.
"Sir," the students pleaded, but he continued undeterred.
"I think you skipped 'Larros Capture,'" one student spoke up.
"Did I?" Mr. Ventury asked, seemingly amused.
"Sir, I heard there are forbidden chapters after 'Arcill Wonders.' May we know why?"
"There were, until a man learned that magic to teach it to evil forces," Mr. Ventury explained gravely.
"What?" everyone thrilled.
"The Devil learns it better than anyone," he continued. "To learn that magic, students must pass many levels, tested in a Kingkorft's Korltknox. No one ever dared to battle their master, fearing they would lose respect. But this student defeated his teacher. The master found him performing forbidden magic and confronted him, it was not forbidden but powerful and might be dangerous. Their combat sent shivers through everyone present. They didn't care that it was a blue moon. Colleagues rushed to intervene, fearing that the spells would awaken restless souls in the Korltknox. Tragically, it was too late; the master was dead. Later, it was discovered that the student had inscribed his dark magic on him as the master caves before fleeing."
"Why didn't they arrive sooner?" a student asked.
"They wanted to, but it was past twilight and blue moon night is dangerous, the most sensitive time for spells, which could awaken many demons."
"But sir, what happened next?" the students pressed.
"You shouldn't know," he warned, but they persisted.
"Please, sir!"
"From then on, the magic book has safe content, so they ripped those chapters and passed those books to learn magic. Those are not forbidden but vigorously concentrated magic and can't be learnt by highly possessed witches" he relented.
"Did you ever see him?" another student asked.
"He used to be my student," Mr. Ventury replied, eliciting gasps from the class.
"What happened?"
"It's been more than twenty winters," he said wistfully.
"What does he look like?" someone asked.
"He's like a pearl—charming, pleasant, untouched by evil. The word 'decent' could be derived from him. He rarely speaks and is quite masculine."
"Why would he teach the Devil?"
"To free his father from a curse. Only devils can break curses, they are curse breakers."
"A curse?"
"His father married a witch," Mr. Ventury gasped. "She wasn't evil, but I still can't believe she would do that. She was connected to the Redgrave."
"Redgrave?"
"Yes. People learned about their practices and decided to burn them to save themselves. That's when witchcraft and wizardry became widespread."
"Why didn't they learn earlier?"
"They always feared that magic would lead to disastrous consequences due to their selfishness in wanting to control everything."
"Oh."
"She was part of Valroxlock and was responsible for burning the dead bodies and books. There's a curse that if anyone kills those wizard or witch, their soul transfers to the killer. Many were buried in a huge graveyard, which now serves as a battleground. This witch was ordered to destroy them all but sold a few to someone instead."
"Oh my god, how many were sold?"
"Not many, maybe ten or eleven. Some say she sold them for her lover. The town cursed him to be invisible and something, unable to enter anyone's home as long as there's a door."
"That's sad, but they deserved it."
"Which town are we talking about?"
" Nelblinxton. It may sound pleasant, but it's a dark graveyard."
"Is she dead now?"
"Witches of our age don't age; they're obsessed with skincare."
"Can we know some sir?" Girls screamed.
"How would I know?" He acted like how a man can know about girl things.
"Sir, have you heard about them from your sisters atleast?"
"Then yes, they do something with cacti and eggs. If you ever rip your skin trying, I'm not responsible for that. It's better to ask your grandmothers."
"Sir, how old are you?"
"That's all for today, children. You always waste my time."
The students lingered, hoping to see their master float away.
"I really like how he never walks," they murmured, discussing the class as Rose Lin made her way home.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" she asked, spotting him.
"I'm here to gather things to make you a separate room for all your stuff, little missy."
"Awe," she beamed, waving goodbye. As she continued home, she noticed Harold, who was ignoring her while chatting with his friends. Curious, she wandered into the garden, where she found a river flowing endlessly. She saw a willow by the river, touching its Osiers to the ground as it's been there like ever since the earth is formed, no one can notice if someone is under it.
Sitting beneath a willow tree, she began reading her favorite book, a classic tale Erold and his Luvi, a beloved tale among teens exploring love. As she reached the part where Erold kissed Luvi for the first time, she closed the book, promising to finish it at home to read the good part. Blushing red and mesmerizing, she whispered, " Erold Erold, you're one such master of love" she giggled with shyness.
Just as she prepared to leave, she heard footsteps—polished shoes approaching. Pretending to be engrossed in her book, she looked up and saw a milky white guy with golden side margined with long pulled back hair, perhaps a year younger than her. Walked towards the willow.
"As he approached, my heart raced. His ocean blue, piercing eyes sent chills down my heart. Never had I seen anyone so handsome—almost Erold-like. Tall enough for me, I thought, will I ever find a guy that tall? Face like death, Will I ever get a man like him, even if I did. Will I be normal or melt like ice? Don't come closer mister. Wait. Please, come back, Mr. Handsome. Just wait a moment!" she thought and crawled to see where he is going.
He paused to take off his shoes, but she thought he is leaving as the willow branches won't let her see anything properly and as she crawled to see where he was headed, he noticed her. Both looked at each other, Flustered, she covered the book on her lap to cover the name on it as the book should not be read outside. He stepped closer, removing his shoes to sit under the willow opposite her.
"I thought he left, but now I'm staring into his eyes. It feels like my heart has been replaced with a brick. I want to scream. Why isn't he looking away? I want to go home, but I also don't want to lose my Erold." she crawled back and sat feeling awkward.
Both sat in silence, opposite each other leaning to the tree.(FULL BOOK AVAILABLE IN AMAZON)