CHAPTER 17

Back to the present…

In Maplewood, the area of the black witches, they were discussing. "Are you sure of what you are saying Lucy?" One of them who was named Ava asked.

Lucy had told them that the queen of the black witches was around. As they had not had one in a long time.

Lucy replied, "I am sure about it, but she doesn't seem to know what she is."

The oldest amongst them said, "Well, that can be settled. We just need to help her awaken her powers and from there, things will be sorted out." They all agreed.

Over at the other side of Frostholm, Honeystone, where the white witches resided. They found out that their new queen was around also after a long time. But she didn't seem to know who she was.

They decided to look for her and help her realize who or what she was.

Julia was at her wits end. She didn't know what to do. Almost everyone had vacated the town. She just didn't have enough money with her. She had just two more days to vacate the town. She was really stuck. She really missed Thomas.

'If he were here, he would have helped me one way or the other.' She thought.

That afternoon, she went to Pinecrest, the town very close to Oaksville. She went to get somethings she would need until she leaves.

She got to the market in Pinecrest as she was buying the things she would need, she saw some people gathered at one place, women to be specific.

She wondered what was happening. So she moved closer to know what was going on. She saw them staring at something pasted on the wall, she moved closer to see what it was.

She saw that it was a job vacancy for a governess and a maid to be precise.

Just what she was looking for; an opportunity like this. With a sense of excitement and anticipation, she quickly scanned the details of the job vacancy. 'Even if I don't get in as a governess, I can still settle in as a maid.' She thought.

She saw that where she was going to apply for the job was in Ashbourne. She decided to go back home and pack her things.

The following day, as Julie was packing her things, she saw a book at the corner of her wardrobe. "Who owns this?"? Time did not permit her to check whatever that was inside.

She just placed it in her bag and zipped it after packing everything she would need. She went to her parent's room and looked around, she missed them terribly.

She also went to her grandmother's room to look at it, the room still smelled like her, she forced her tears back, she missed her also.

She carried her bag and came out of the house.

She looked at the house one last time, all memories of her childhood were spent here. The faded paint on the walls reminded her of countless hours spent playing in the backyard and chasing butterflies.

As she stood there, a flood of emotions washed over her. The laughter of her parents echoed in her mind, and the scent of her mother's freshly baked cookies filled the air.

But time had a way of moving forward, and life had taken her on a different path.

With a heavy heart, she turned away, taking one final glance at the place that had shaped her into the person she had become. The memories would forever be etched in her heart, but, it was time to create new ones.

She saw one of her neighbor who owned a carriage, "Mr. Briggs." She called out.

Mr. Briggs heard his name and stopped the carriage to check the person that was calling him.

"Ohh. Afternoon Julia." He greeted.

"Good afternoon Mr. Briggs. Are you perhaps heading to Pinecrest?" She asked. "Yes" he answered.

"Could you perhaps give me a ride?" She asked him.

"Come on in." He said. "Thank you."

About some minutes later, they arrived at Pinecrest. She got down from the carriage and thanked him. "Thank you Mr. Briggs."

She wanted to pay for the fare but he refused.

"No problem Julia. See you." He said and then rode away.

Julia went to board the carriage going to Ashbourne. After a few minutes, the carriage became packed with passengers, and then it rode off. As the carriage began its journey, Julia found herself gazing out the window, captivated by the passing scenery.

The rolling hills and lush green fields seemed to blur together, creating a tranquil backdrop for her deep thoughts. Lost in her own world, Julia contemplated the upcoming trip and the adventures that awaited her in Ashbourne.

She reflected on the new experiences she would encounter, the people she would meet, and the memories she would create.

The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels provided a soothing soundtrack to her introspection, and she felt a sense of anticipation and excitement building within her.

With each passing mile, Julia's anticipation grew, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held in store for her in Ashbourne.