#amarabooks

38 (Three Months Later…) “Did you get all that, Astra?” Stella asked her new student. The young woman read back all the remedies, potions and spells that would help a pregnant woman give birth to a healthy

37 Outside Stella’s cottage, Rachel sat astride Melodia, her brilliant blue gown covering a large part of the horse. Tiny gemstones had been sewn onto the garment in many places making it sparkle in the

36 Early in the morning, Rachel went for a ride on Melodia as she did so frequently. Breyind was busily assembling the greenhouse for Stella and Marie’s herbs, so she went alone. Rachel took the long way

35 In the next few days, the portal was installed in the castle. It would allow Katja and Rachel to visit places in the Other World without having to travel clear to the waterfall and cave. All they had

34 There was a knock on Breyind’s door. It was Stella. “You asked for me to call on you this morning.” “Yes, I did,” Rachel said grabbing a paper bag and joining her outside. “I found these herbs for you

33 When they reached Velantia, it was barely mid-day and everyone felt rejuvenated. Katja was surprised too, but realised it was the magick of changing worlds. “What happened?” Marie asked. “Welcome to

32 (Mid-October, 2006, England) As they crossed into England, Katja noticed the autumn leaves littering the trail. It was noticeably cooler as well. Adrick’s warmth kept her comfortable though. She noticed

31 Early in the morning, Adrick knocked on Katja’s door. “Come in, Adrick,” she called. “How did you know it was me?” he asked as he closed the door behind him, then looking longingly upon the half-naked

30 Katja awoke in the morning to kisses and Adrick’s hands caressing her body. She couldn’t imagine a more pleasant wakening. His kisses quickly followed. “I must be dreaming,” she said softly. “If so,

29 Adrick turned up early the next morning again. Katja was wearing her modern clothing in preparation for returning to England. “Can’t I change your mind?” he asked sadly. “Even after yesterday?” She

28 “I have a picnic for us today,” Adrick said. “I want to show you one of my favourite places in all of Velantia!” “Sounds good for our last day,” Katja replied. Adrick felt his heart sink. “Yes,” he

27 “I want to understand more about the portals and the Guardians,” Rachel said to Stella as they sipped tea. “There is much I do not know,” Stella replied. “But I will share what I know provided that

26 In the morning, Adrick rode to the cottage as had become his routine now. He was looking forward to taking Katja riding again. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. The young woman came out before he

25 Uncharacteristically, Stella stayed up into the wee hours. She pored through all her ancient books and scrolls. She couldn’t find anything talking about what she had observed in Rachel. She pulled out

24 Katja and Adrick returned to the cottage as the sun began to set. Stella smiled as Katja entered the cottage. “You enjoy yourself?” she said almost more of a statement than a question. “Yes.” “Adrick

23 Adrick sat with Katja on the rock along the river. The horse ate grass contentedly. Katja watched the ducks on the river and wondered at all she had seen. The land was unquestionably beautiful. She

22 “When do I get my own horse?” Rachel asked as she and Breyind rode back towards the village. “Don’t you like sitting with me?” Breyind asked. “Of course I do, but it would be nice to be able to go places

21 Katja woke to the sunshine streaming into her face. It felt late. She smelled something cooking. She crept out into the landing ready to descend the stairs. Rachel’s door flew open. “Wait!” her friend

20 Katja woke again for a meal – some sort of stew made of some sort of game. “Janas,” the woman explained, bringing a pot to the table. “Similar to your rabbits. Very good for convalescence.” “What did

19 Rachel, meanwhile, was on horseback with Breyind and some other men to fetch her things from her flat in her world. “How are we going to get these wagons through the portal?” Rachel asked. “It was barely