Good morning to all,

 I received a message yesterday from a friend telling me she was very upset. She had received a review on one of her books that she felt was unkind. She felt the words were strictly critical and harsh. She asked if I would read the review and tell her how she should respond. I told her I would read the review but that I made no promises as to how I might answer her question. Being asked to review a friends works is a little bit like "Does this dress make me look fat?" Perhaps it is more likened too asking if someone likes you better with or without the beard "after" you have shaved it off. Better to have left the beard until you had the answer. At least then you would have the ability to shave it off, should the answer be "Without."

 That said, I took myself to the review in question and read. As I read the words left there by a reader, I found myself thinking about critical versus constructive criticism. Before writing her back, I took a moment to look up both words. Was there a real difference in the two words? Defining constructive criticism gave me these words. "Offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one. In collaboration work, this kind of criticism is often a valuable tool in raising and maintaining performance standards." I then looked up criticism and found this definition.  "Definition of CRITICIZE. to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of ... Synonyms blame, censure, condemn, denounce."

 Deciding there was a very definite difference in the two definitions, I went back to the review. I won't copy it as I don't want to expose my friend. The reviewer wrote that after reading the book, he had been left with mixed feelings. He wanted to scream out the wonderful places the story had taken him while wanting to scream at the author for the manner in which she took him there. The time line jumped around in such a pace that he could no longer decipher which era he was in. The suggestion that perhaps a rewrite, defining times and places might be best for this author. "After finding the need to go back numerous times and re-read pages to find where the character was, I skipped to the end, read and closed the book. I would be more likely to urge readers to purchase this book, if and when a rewrite was available."

 Were his words harsh? Perhaps in the eyes of the author they might appear to be. Looking at the definitions of criticism and constructive criticism, I found no problem with the reviewers words. To construct means to build or put together, to erect that which can be entered. Definition of CONSTRUCT. 1: to make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements : build; also: contrive, devise.

 I felt the reviewer followed the word constructive to the letter. The review praised her writing while at the same time, giving direction of how the book might be assembled differently. My response to her was as follows.

 "__________,

 After reading the review, I could find no issues with what he had to say. He was honest and gave you avenues to correct what he felt might hinder sales. The ability to accept criticism, even if it appears negative, is needed for a writer to continue on their journey. Viewing reviews as personal stabs at the writer will eventually destroy the writers desire to write and strip them of their means to write comfortably.  If you take each review and make it a direct hit on you personally, you erase the opportunity to better yourself as a writer.
 I feel this was a very constructive review and having never read your novel in it's entirety, I feel unqualified to question his evaluation of your book. Read the words he left for you and open your mind a bit. Get past the feeling of rejection and look to see what you can do to make this a better novel. He gave you, what I consider to be excellent direction to making this book the seller you want it to be. Remember that not all reviews will be good and not all negative reviews are Bad. Sort them out, be glad someone has chosen to read your works and move on."

  We, as writer and readers, work hand in hand. I take each and every review as a good thing, no matter what it says. To be reviewed is to be read and that is why I write. Having the ability to take the good and the bad reviews is to have the power to maintain my desire to write and not allow words to discourage my writing. Constructive criticism  can be one of the most powerful boosts a writer can receive. They do not say you have failed as a writer. They tell you you Are a writer and you have been read. What you do with the words from a reader defines where you are at with your comfort-ability in writing. You can allow them to discourage you or you can use them as a guide to where you are going.
  

 


 











   

Good day to you all.

 As I widen my search for that seemingly ever elusive #1 best seller, I find the journey a learning experience. A bit like the first time you walk where you have never walk before, you learn where to step and where not to. You find and remember who has a big dog that only looks scarey and who has a little tiny dog, that only looks friendly. There are so many sites for writers and some of them are not "people friendly."  Beware those they promise free as there may be underlying charges. Be cautious as to where you leave your credit card or information that may open doors for those less honest.

 It is the time of year that people come from out of nowhere, hoping to deceive at least a few people. In your efforts to buy on line or in the stores, if it looks too good to be true or offers something normally high priced that is suddenly a "give away", perhaps do a check first. Google them or do a background; even the Better Business Bureau is not a bad idea. 

 As for the sites for authors, enjoy the reading, explore the places people take you too, but think about what you are doing before you do it. I am branching out and enjoying the talents I am finding. I hope you will follow me on this journey.

You can now find my novels on promocave.com http://promocave.com/book/mystery-thriller-suspense.html

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

promocave.com

Mystery, thriller and suspense books in Promocave.

       

Good morning to all...

 The weekend is over and Monday showed up without an invite. Five a.m. looks a lot like three a.m., or at least it did this morning. Continuing to write in my newest story and contemplating writing a short story, seven days/seven chapters, for Hubpages as I have done for a year or so. For now, I am posting an excerpt from the second story in the "Witches of the Forest" series. The title of that story is "One More Forever" and it is available for purchase. The Forest Has Ears is also available on Smashwords as well as all of my novels are.

 Please enjoy the excerpt, perhaps enough to want to read the full story.

Chapter Two

Rachel ran through the forest as fast as she could. Imps jumped in front of her to try to slow her advance. Tree branches reached out for her, their tips sharp as a razor, tearing her clothing and leaving claw marks on her back and neck. She tried to stifle her cries but some of the wounds were deep and terribly painful. Each time she screamed, the imps honed in on her sounds and tore at her a little more. She knew she needed to reach the cabin soon but her body needed healing before she could go on.

Rachel saw a tiny bridge hidden almost completely from view by shrubs and trees. The foliage encompassed the bridge as if it were protecting it from peering eyes. She knew this bridge and of its powers. Reaching the moss covered entrance; she quickly slipped underneath of it. A brook ran underneath and her feet were instantly soaked as she stepped into the clear water. Green, the color of grass, covered the underneath of the bridge. The stones on the bottom were invisible beneath the moss that for hundreds of years had kept it from the eyes of imps and demons. The light from the moon shone down in to the water, reflecting off the rocks that covered the bed of the brook. The movements of the water made it appear as if the moon were dancing, changing with each ripple of brook. Rachel was safe as long as she stayed under the bridge.

As she submerged herself in the cool waters, letting the wetness flow over her wounds, she could feel them closing as they healed. She felt her strength returning slowly. Lying on her back, the water fully covering all but her head, she thought about her Mother. Rachel was only six when her mother had taken her to the bridge the first time. She had fallen from a horse and broken her leg. It was a terrible injury and the bone from her leg had pushed through her skin, exposing it. Her mother had carried her through the forest and set her in the brook. She watched as her mother moved her hands back and forth in the water, slightly touching Rachel's knee each time. She heard her mother whispering words but could not truly hear what she was saying. As the bone began to move back under the skin, the pain subsided.

"Watch what I do daughter, for one day, you may need this water. There are things you must know before coming here alone.'

"Mother, I will never come here alone. I will have you with me and father too."

"No!" Her mother's voice was suddenly sharp and she sounded as if she were afraid. "You must never use this water for anyone but yourself. Your father does not have the gifts that you and I do. My gift was passed down by my mother as I pass it on to you."

"Are we witches, Mother? Is that why we have powers?"

"We do not call ourselves witches, though some may say we are. People fear witches and they would kill us if they thought we were witches. We simply say we are gifted."

"Yes mother, but are we witches? I won't tell anyone."

"Many years from now, you will have family that enters into a Coven. They will call themselves witches. One of your daughters will be the leader of the Coven. She will call upon the trees to help her and the cabin I have taken you too will be a safe haven for them."

"How do you know all of this, Mother?"

"I simply do. Remember this bridge because you will come here one day, alone, and it will heal you and give you strength you need to fight the evil that hides in the forest. There is great evil here but some of the trees are your friend. Call on them if you are ever in need. Only the dark forest harbors the evil ones. The cabin will always be protected and you may hide in it when you need to. There is also healing potions and incantations you will learn to use."

"But mother, why don't you just come with me?"

Rachel remembered the sadness in her mother's eyes. She had looked away without answering Rachel but not before Rachel had seen her tears.

A stone splashed in to the water, bringing Rachel back to reality. She jumped a bit when it hit the water. She looked in all directions to see where the stone had come from. She could feel her body was almost healed. The scratches and deep wounds were nearly gone now. Looking above her at the bridges ramp, she saw a man staring down at her. Startled, she grabbed her torn clothing and held them to her body. Her mind raced, searching for answers to so many questions... questions she was asking herself aloud. "How is it possible for him to see me? How is it he is even here?"

The voice was bass and intoxicating. The face, smiling down at her was handsome. Cold black hair, fluffed in the front like the tail feathers of a duck, eyes as blue as the ocean, that seemed to look directly in to her soul. When he spoke, a gentle tone greeted her ears.

"If those questions are for me, then I will gladly answer them. I can see you because I live in the forest, and may I say I was enjoying your beauty before you covered yourself. I am here because your mother sent me to you. I will guide you safely to the cabin, when you are ready to go."

Rachel looked up at him; her eyes squinted as if she were studying him. He reached his hand over the side of the bridge. Why she took his hand, she wasn't sure but his voice was calm and she knew he could be trusted. Standing, her hand clasped in his, she lost her hold on her clothing. As it fell to the water, she heard him gasp. Trying desperately to reach her clothing, she felt him pull her towards him.

"I have seen all of you when you were lying in the water. You, with your auburn hair, like the mane of a beautiful animal and your eyes, green as the emeralds that only rich men have, should be ashamed of nothing. You have the curves of the finest hourglass and the body to rival any Goddess. I am privileged to look on such perfection."

Rachel was entranced by his words. He handed her new clothing and she quickly covered herself with them. "I cannot waste time talking to you. I must reach the cabin soon."

"Then let us not waste any more time. I have a horse that will take us there. Ride with me and we will battle the forest creatures together."

Without a thought, Rachel climbed on the stallion and wrapped her arms around the man’s body. Leaning into him, she felt his warmth cover her body. "And what do they call you, my handsome savior?"

"I am known by my friends and foe as Jacob. As for being your savior, that remains to be seen. I too can be hurt by the evil that dwells with in this forest."

Without another word, he spurred his horse and they raced to beat the sunrise that was growing closer with each passing moment.

 

  

Hello to all... 

  I thought I would set in some excerpts of the first two stories in the Witches of the Forest series. They will give you a little insight as to what you can be looking for in the third part I have just started writing. The first excerpt will be from The Forest Has Ears. You can find the complete story here.   Please sit back and enjoy.  Darrel  

                                                           The Forest Has Ears

The sky cleared almost as quickly as it had darkened. Karen turned and went back in to check on Ellie. She was sitting up, leaned against the wall of the kitchen. The only sign that she had been hurt was the blood stain on her blouse.
"Stupid, stupid me! If my head had been on right I would have seen that coming, Ellie. I am very sorry."
"Stop it, Karen. There is nothing we can do about it now. Thank goodness I have a little bit of mom in me or I would have been dead for sure. Thank you for the touch healing. That helps."
"What are we going to do, Ellie?"
"Right now, we are going to get out of here before that witch with a B sends more of her flunkies to mess with us. We can't go where we were headed, that's a given. Melody has eyes every-where. We need to find a safe place where she can't feel us for a while."
"Derek was a fool... A wonderfully, brilliant, handsome fool."
"O.k., where are we going with this, Sis?"
"He knew. He knew all along that one day being with a Wicca would cost him his life. He knew and still he stayed."
"He loved you. He always did, Karen."
"And it cost him his life! What kind of exchange was that!? Seventeen years of ducking and diving and hoping the next lightening bolt wasn't meant for you. When we walked the right of passage into Marriage, he knew then. No one has their broomstick break in half just from stepping over it. He said it was because our Love was so strong. I knew better and so did he. It foretold of his death even then. And still, he stayed."
"You have to remember that a lot of things were different with you, Karen. You were confirmed before you were ten years old. Unheard of. You were born with five stars on your shoulder, for cripes sake! At the initiation, we suddenly had a lunar eclipse. Your second Saturn return came to you before you were thirty. Anyone else is 58 to 60 years old, Sis. That's fact! No one really knew what it all meant. Mom and Dad maybe, but if they did, they didn't pass the knowledge on. All we can do is survive as long as we can. You didn't step out of the coven, remember? That was Melody and her followers. You tried to fix the tear in the fabric and..."
"And it cost me my husband and my children! What a price to pay for something I should have walked away from years ago!"
The lights began flickering again. Both ladies looked at the front door.
"Karen, we need to get out of here. We can not stay any longer. Take us to a safe place now."
Knowing the lights were not because the house was old, Karen knew Ellie was right. They finished loading the van and Ellie drove away from the house. As she turned the first bend, an explosion happened behind them. In the rear view mirror she watched as the house turned quickly to ashes. Quicker, she knew than was normal.
"Is it gone?"
"Yes Karen, completely. Where are we going? Point the way."
"There is only one place that Melody can't feel us. Head North to the forest. We can find refuge there while we figure out what we are going to do."
As they drove, a car suddenly appeared behind them. Ellie watched it in the mirror as it got closer to them. The car moved into the passing lane as it approached.
"I think we have company, Sis."
Karen looked at Ellie and then through the back window. The car was like any other car to the naked eye. To Karen, it shimmered and turned from silver to copper color and back to silver over and over again.
"It's more of Melody's girls. I can feel six of them. Keep driving and do not look back, Ellie. Do not even look into your mirror."
The car hit the back of the van. The van lunged forward as Ellie gripped the wheel tighter. "Just hold it as best as you can, Ellie. Keep your eyes glued to the road!"
Karen climbed from the front seat to the back of the van. She glanced up front and saw Ellie watching her. "Damn it, Ellie! I said keep your eyes on the road. Do you want to die!?"
"I am sorry... I am scared!"
"Me too, but I need to concentrate, please!" Ellie turned her eyes back to the road. She kept them focused on the highway in front of her, though she wanted so to watch what Karen was doing. Karen kicked the back door of the Van open just as the car struck it again. She grabbed the side of the door to keep from falling out. A bright light came through the back door and struck the floor. With a wink, the flames were extinguished. Karen stretched out her wand. It was long, longer than the traditional wand. It was a foot long and covered in every color that existed in a witches "tool kit." It was covered in Gold instead of brass and the shine from it could blind a person. The driver saw the wand first. Karen saw her eyes widen as she tried to back the car away from the van. Karen smiled.
Should have done that before you tried to kill us! Now it's my turn." Flashes were coming from every window of the car. They were striking the van on all sides and Ellie struggled to keep the Van on the road. Karen suddenly left the van and in an instant was seated next to the driver. The girls in the car began trying to hide on the floor of the car. Wands were being dropped and the driver could barely keep the car on the road.
"Don't you hate it when your leader forgets to tell you how nasty I am? You girls should have stayed in bed this morning. Now, I have to get mean. How shall we do this, ladies? Do you pull over and try to run or do we do it right here? Trap you like you did my Love and my children."
"It wasn't us, Karen, I swear it wasn't!!!!"
"Then I guess you should have just said "No", Tara. Too late for that though."
As the car came to a screeching halt, all the ladies reached for the door handles. As their fingers gripped the handles, they all heard the door-locks snap down. "Now that wouldn't be nice of you if you left just when I was about to start class, would it?"
With a wave of her hand, the car began to heat up. The windows fogged over quickly. Suddenly, Tara disappeared from the front seat. Karen turned towards the back seat.
"Tara is on her way back to Melody. She is going to tell her what happened here today. Unfortunately, you 5 will not be joining her."
"Please, please, don't hurt us!"
"It will only hurt for a minute, Selena. Much nicer than you were to my loved ones. And please don't deny it. I can still smell their presence on all of you. Bye ladies."
In a bright flash, Karen was back in the van. She watched as the car and all inside, turned to ashes. She crawled back into the front seat.
"Is it done, Sis?"
"For now. Let's get to the Forest. We can listen from there."

    

 

 Good morning to you all,

  Today I am starting the third story in a series of six. The story will follow two short stories already published and available. The "Witches of the Forest" series begins with "The Forest Has Ears," which tells the story of a coven of witches that are at battle within the ranks. Karen and her older sister, Ellie, must fight to hold Karen's rightful place as queen. Her strength is in the elements and the forest is her strength and sanctuary. It was, at least, until Melody, a witch that believes she was born to be queen, steps in. The battles are fierce and the end...? 

 The second story in the series, One More Forever, is the prequel to The Forest Has Ears. Karen and her sister have not yet been born. Their mother, Rachel, is queen of the Wicca coven and the forest is already her hiding place. A series of events, including a fierce demon that wants her dead and a very handsome helper that enters her life, draw her out of the safety she has always relied on. Rachel walks through fire and finds true love in the deepest part of the fires with in her home. Within the burning flames, she will conceive her first born and do battle to keep her alive.

 The third in the series "A Newborn in the Forest" brings to life the birth of Rachel's second daughter. Born to be queen, she will come into the world fighting. She will fight as only a true queen of forest can do battle. I am anxious to write and watch as this story develops. I will be setting short excerpts for you to follow along also.

 With that said, I believe I will sit back, smile and write a bit.

      

 Good morning to you...

 As I begin this day, I turn my focus and things to come. I, like everyone I think, bought a ticket for that "Oh My God" so gihugic Lottery. I, like everyone but two people in America, did Not win the 450,000,000 dollars. Is that even a number??? yes, I know it is and it causes me to wonder why they don't draw say, ummmm, ten different times and split it up a bit. Even for myself, I think that number is ridiculously enormous for one or two people to win. Is that number going to be life-changing???  Hmmmm, is that even a question?

 So going off of that, I think of things that I know would be life-changing. What or how would it change My life? It certainly would open up a few more hours to write, right? It would get me that little cottage that is a perfect set-up for inspiration. In fact, 450 million would be just enough to purchase the cottage and to travel a bit to places like the East coast in the Fall and the beautiful beaches that so inspire everything from a romance novel to a suspense thriller.

 My inspiration for writing more often than not, comes from the things I see when walking or surfing the Net for beautiful places to see. Castles and brick walk-ways, Forests and Wildlife, rain and the setting of a cabin on the lake are all calls for me to write. Oh, how I do love nature and all that it offers to the naked eye. These things, and the love of taking what is in my mind and making it a story, are the passions that burn within me. A romantic at heart, I feel every word that I write and endeavor to create story-lines that transfer those burning embers to you, the reader.

 Did I win the lottery this morning? Nope... but I was given an inspiration to write and write I did. You will find the very same inspiration and passion in every novel you read of mine. The appreciation for support in my writing is given in ways that words simply will not convey. Good morning and happy reading.

  

Hello to you this morning,

 I have been away for what seems like forever. Not away from writing or the Web but away from my blogs and connecting with you. Today, with a new found sense of direction and dedication, I am turning my focus on what I do best... writing. I have made some true accomplishments in the months that have passed and am looking forward to the New year and all it has to offer.

 Where have I been since I last wrote about "things I know about," you may ask? I have been busy walking down new avenues and adding to the knowledge of what writing is and isn't. I have now published six novels and three short stories, two of which are a series ongoing. I have ghostwritten two novels, which has been a learning and growing experience for me. 

 I have walked a bit into the Sci-fi world of writing and found it enticing. There is an entirely new and open genre in Sci-fi in my mind. Why? Because in the Sci-fi world, unlike my writings in the "suspense-thriller"genre, the sky, or perhaps I should say, the Universe is Not the limit. In keeping with reality, my fiction novels of suspense, no matter where I take them, still must follow a line that keeps them "real." Sci-fi, on the other hand can be as close to or as far from reality as the writer wishes it to be. It does leave a lot of room for expansion of the imagination.

 I will be keeping you up to date with my writing and the things I learn about along the way. Where my books are and where they are going will be part of my writing. I do hope to see you around the writing Universe as I open new doors, close a few old ones and peek at what is behind Door # 3.

                         Darrel         

Ghostwriting

I just finished a 243 page, 75,000 word novel in 5 weeks for a client. What a wonderful feeling to write this way. Thank you...

  I am open for another story. Contact me @ boogieman_50627@yahoo.com

  Do you have a fantasy you want lived out in your own book? A novel written about you and your friends and family? A book inside you want brought to life? If you can think it, I can write it for you.
Need a love song written for that special someone... a wedding or milestone? If it is writing, I can do it.
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Contact me @ boogieman_50627@yahoo.com
Prices vary according to word count.

One More Forever... Chapter 7 and final Chapter.

Rachel held her hands over her stomach as the fire came towards her. She wasn't sure how much Eli could hurt her and her baby girl. The fire ball hit her in the chest, knocking her backwards. She saw her fire strike Eli hard, tossing him outside the cabin. She closed the door quickly and turned to her mother.



 "I am fine daughter, you need not worry for me. Protect that baby with all that you have. We can kill Eli but we must be smarter than he is. It isn't as much about brawn as it is brains. If we stay one step ahead of him, we can be ready for anything he tosses at us."


 "Well, mother, he just tossed one hell of a fire-ball at me. How do I fight him and protect Karen at the same time?"


 "With your mind, Rachel. He can not read your thoughts but... we can read his. You are the stronger in mind. Use your gift to find where he is and what he is planning."


 Rachel closed her eyes and focused on Eli. She could see him brushing the flames from his body. She knew then that he could be burned. She saw him calling out to someone in the forest. He was coming back for her with friends. Five witches joined him as he neared the cabin. His hands were already filled with fire as were each of his witches hands. She listen as they spoke to him.


 "It burns my hands, Eli. I can not hold this flame much longer."


 "Azelda, you whine far too much. I know it burns, you idiot, it is fire!!!! None of the others complain."


 "They are afraid of you."


 "I guess you should have been more like them, then. You should have been afraid!"


 Rachel watched him turn towards the witch. He thrust his hands forward as if he were handing off a ball. The flames that came from his hands were so hot they were blue. The fire struck Azelda in the face. She clawed at the fire, screaming, as her skin disintegrated. In an instant, Azelda's body was entirely consumed by the flames. Only ashes lay where a witch had once stood. Rachel cradled her belly and prepared for the very worst.


 "I am coming for you, Sister and this time I will not be pushed outside!!!!"

 "What do I do now, Mother? He is powerful."


 "Absorb the elements around you, Rachel?"


 "What?"


 "The cabin and the trees are your strength so use them. Set them on fire and use the powers of everything that is good."


 As the front door opened and fire rushed inside, flames engulfed Rachel. She could see and feel herself burning but there was no pain. She saw her mother move in to the flames.


 "What are you doing, Mother? Get out of here!!!!"


 "Absorb me, Rachel... take what power I still have and use it, Now!!!"


 Rachel breathed in the fire around her, feeling everything she saw. She watched as her mother was burned by the fire. She could feel her strength growing rapidly. "I love you, Rachel," were the last words Rachel heard from her mother.


 "I love you too, Mother and thank you"


 "Come on, witch, let's be done with this now!"


 "Yes, Eli, let's." Rachel raised her hands in the air, opening them wide. She swirled them in circles and walked through the cabin. A fire-ball struck her in the stomach and she winced in pain. She could feel a change inside of her. "Damn you, Hell Spawn, if you harmed my baby, I will make you burn slow and painfully!!!'


 The cabin was now consumed by the fire. The wood burned hot as the flames rose high into the sky. Fire-ball after fire-ball assaulted her body, each being totally received by her body. The heat caused her hair to move above her head and her body was now more fire than anything human.


 "Come on, dear brother, come and get some of what I have!" Wind rose all around her as she tossed flames into the trees. "Forgive me, my loyal friends, but I have need of you today." The trees, as if they heard Rachel's words, bent in to the flames, allowing themselves to be fully devoured by them. Rachel walked towards Eli.


 "You can not defeat me, Brother, for I have the powers of the cabin and trees and my mother with in me. You want what I have, Brother???? Here it is, all bundled up for you!" She felt another fire-ball strike her stomach, this one bringing with it severe pain. Rachel felt the burning inside of her. She fell to the floor, watching Eli move closer, like a hunter that had just shot a deer. The cabin was collapsing around her as she stood to face Eli. "Enough!!!!!," Rachel screamed out in pain as one last fire-ball struck her. "We are done here, Brother. I'll take your witches, if you don't mind." She pulled her hand back towards her and the witches felt themselves being pulled towards Rachel. Within seconds, they were gone, sucked inside of her being.


 Rachel walked to where Eli stood. She reached out and hugged him to her. He struggled to free himself but her hold on him was more than he could fight. "This is where you die, dear brother."


 Eli knew she had won the battle but not totally. He too had won a battle. "I will die here, sister, but I have taken from you something even more sacred than life. I have taken your Queen from you. Feel your stomach and you will know."


 Rachel touched her belly and knew something had changed inside. She wasn't sure what but she knew that Karen was no longer with her. She squeezed Eli tighter and just as he was going to be absorbed, she pushed him to the ground.


 "No-o-o-o-o-o, Witch, you are supposed to take me inside like the others! I will simply cease to exist if you do not! Damn you, Rachel."


 "I want no part of you left, Eli. Today, I take from you your One more forever. Now go back to hell where you came from!" Rachel pushed the flames from her body and watched as Eli was incinerated. The flames died with him. Now, only Rachel stood amongst the smoldering forest.



                                                           Final Chapter


  Rachel stood staring down at what remained of Eli. She bent down to scoop the ashes in to a container she found. She smiled as she sealed the top.



 "No worries, little brother, you wont go to waste.You will be my payment to a nasty demon that has my horse. You wanted one more forever and you can spend it where you belong. Share it with the foul creatures of hell."


 The cabin still smoldered as Rachel walked around the forest. Trees that had once stood tall and green now lay on the ground or leaning against each other, dead or dieing. Rachel closed her eyes as she ran her fingers over a huge trunk that still burned slightly. She could feel the words coming from inside the tree.


 "Do not cry for us, Rachel. In our death, new life will come forth. We will be re-born and the forest will continue to give to you and yours a hiding place from the evil that is always nearby."


 "I need to go and save my father. I can use the embers from the fire and then, we will find another place to stay, away from cruel people that do not understand."


 As she touched a cooled ember, she felt her mother's presence very strong. She looked around the debris and smiled as the image of her mother rose from the green branches on a live tree.


 "I know you have many questions, Rachel. There was so much lost here this day. The Sun fills the forest with it's warmth and lights your way back to your father.


 "I lost her, mother... I lost my baby." Rachel sobbed in to her hands as she felt the warmth of her mothers embrace.


 "No, daughter, you did not lose her. The battle shifted time a bit and it was not Karen's time yet. You will have another daughter before Karen. She will be born of you and a mortal man. She and Karen will work together one day to rid the world of another dark witch. The cabin will rebuild itself and the forest will be stronger in it's rebirth. Go now to your father and make him well. I love you daughter and will always be here in the forest, should you ever need me."


 Taking Jacob's horse, Rachel rode through the trees until she saw the demon. He blocked her only way out of the forest.


 "So, you did live, did you, little witch?!?" He breathed in her fragrance and smiled. "You have gained in strength and I fear, a battle between you and I would only leave us both bleeding. What did you bring me to trade for your horse?"


 "If I had the time, demon, I would fight you and win but, time I do not have. Here is a container with the soul of my evil brother inside. Take it and make him your slave. This will satisfy both you and I. Do with him whatever you desire... he is my gift to you."


 The demon took the container from Rachel. He held it to his nostrils and breathed in. "Ahhhhhhh, so deliciously evil." He opened the container and Rachel saw the image of Eli appear. The demon grabbed him by the throat and held him to his face. "Struggle all you want, slave, it will do you no good. You are mine now, a gift from your sister. I will use you for my slave and my pleasures. Pain like I will inflict will be like none you have ever known."


 "Enjoy him demon and dear brother... enjoy this forever from me." She took Lazareth and as she rode out of the forest, she could hear Eli's screams. She smiled and rode to the house.


 Her father laid in the bed, exactly where she had left him. He smiled a gentle smile for her.


 "I am going to lay these embers on your chest, Father. You will be well soon and then we need to go away from here. I will tell you all about the forest when you are well. Mothers says to tell you she loves you."


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 It had been a little over 2 years since Rachel had fought in the forest. She looked out the window of the cabin in the forest. Beauty surrounded her as she cradled her baby in her arms. Ellie was beautiful and looked like her father. She would have her mothers powers but not as strong as if she had been born to two with gifts. She thought seldom of Ellie's father, a man who thought to control Rachel's powers for his own use. Where she sent him, he would never return from.


 Night-fall came and Rachel stoked the fire. Though the forest protected her, the chill in the late Autumn air still made her shiver. As she watched the flames grow, Rachel saw the image of something inside the flames. Tears filled her eyes as she watched the hand reach out to her.


 "You are as beautiful as always, my darling. The little one looks like you."


 "I thought you were gone forever, Jacob. How can you be here?"


 "A gift from the forest and flames for what I gave that day. I can only be here for a short time."


 "Then we are wasting precious time talking. We could be..." Rachel smiled an inviting smile, "making a Queen, my Love."


 Pulling her in to the flames, her clothes burned away by the fire, Jacob smiled. He kissed her lips full and laid her down. "Then let us make One more Forever, now..."

One More Forever... Chapters 5 and 6

                                                Chapter 5

Silence filled the cabin as the last wind slowed. Jacob took Rachel's hand and led her to the fire that was once again burning hot. The flames danced around, like a ballerina performing for a huge audience, spinning and rising high in to the air, then falling quickly back in to the fireplace. Only once did the flames reach out and touch Rachel's face, the sting causing her to pull away from the heat that now branded her cheek. Jacob touched her cheek and she felt a cooling sensation exactly where her face had been burning seconds ago.


 "We have no more time, Rachel. Eli knows you will get stronger with time. He can not wait or he risks losing the battle."

 "Where did he go?"

 Lizabeth spoke out. "He went to gather his witches to increase his powers. When he returns, the battle will be fierce."

 "She is right, Rachel. We must perform the ritual now. You need to trust in us that we will not harm you. There may be pain for a short time but the pain will only make you stronger."

 "Then let us get on with it. The sun will rise soon and my father will be visible. I only had the power to shield him while it was dark."

 "You can cloak him fully when the rites are finished. Before your mother died, she left instructions on how to give you full strength. Make the fire hotter, witches and bring the green branches to push in to the flames. Do not do that until I tell you or Rachel could be harmed."

 "I don't understand this. If I have a child, this Karen you called her, then don't we know that I win and go on to give birth? Why don't you and I just get together and make this happen?"

 Jacob looked at her, his eyes filled with both love and fear. He kissed Rachel deep and purposefully. "My darling Rachel, how I wish with all of my heart that we could do just that. In order for us to be one, we must first defeat Eli. I am going to ask you to step in to the flames."

 "What!!!!! Are you crazy? I am not stepping in to a fireplace that burns so hot I moved away from it's heat."

 "Rachel, you will not die. This is the way we coat our body and soul in flames. Your body will absorb the flames and you will no longer be able to be hurt by flames. This is a rite of passage that only queens and princesses can do. Any one else would die a very slow, painful death. Please, Rachel, time is running out."

 "Do not let me die, Jacob, I will come back to haunt you." Rachel stepped in to the raging fire, her feet burning as she pulled herself inside. Jacob and the witches watched as her body was completely sealed inside the flames. She cried out as the flames bit at her and coated her body with what felt like a hard shell. "It burns, damn you, it burns like the fires of hades, Jacob. I trusted you and now my whole body is engulfed in this fire."

 "Rachel, think about it. You are smothered in flames yet you still talk and move. They flames are simply melding in to you so that you can use them for your battle. Please do not leave the fire or all will be lost to us. Think of your baby daughter, waiting to be born and be a Queen."

 Suddenly, Jacob heard screams from the witches. He watched with unbelieving eyes at what he was witnessing. One by one, the flames struck out from the fire, grabbing each witch and pulling her in to the fire. He could see their body's melting, the skin from their faces, sliding away and falling to the flames below their feet. The rancid smell of burning hair made Jacob cover his nostrils. Rachel screamed out as she felt the witches burning flesh be absorbed through her feet. She could feel her body getting stronger with each witch.

 A storm now raged outside the cabin. Lightning struck the ground and trees. The forest seemed to close in around the cabin, keeping the lightning from striking to near the cabin. Burning bark could be smelled and trees were a lit with fire as they sacrificed themselves to save their princess. The wind began to push against the cabin door, trying it seemed, to push it open again. Rachel held her hands out and flames went from her palm to the door, spreading over the door, holding it closed. Lightning lit the sky so fiercely and constantly that the cabin appeared to have flood lights inside. Jacob shielded his eyes from a strike that touched the cabin wall, causing a huge spark to ignite near the base of the cabin wall.

 Rachel screamed out again, this time the sound was pure pain. Jacob tried to reach inside the fire but was pushed back against a wall. He fell to his knees as Rachel's pleading pierced his ears.

 "You promised me, Jacob-b-b-b-b-b-b. You swore I would not die but I feel my body dieing now. I trusted you and you let me down."

 Jacob searched his memory for something he might have missed from Rachel's mom. He could hear her voice talking to him, telling him how to save her daughter from death. Then... it all came back to him. He grabbed the green branches he had gathered from the trees. He began pushing them in to the flames, feeling the heat from the fire intensifying as the flames ate away at the branches. Like a starving animal, the fire tore at the branches engulfing them and leaving nothing but ashes in it's wake. As Jacob watched, his mouth opened wide and his eyes unsure what he was seeing, Rachel body melted in to the flames. He searched the flames and found... nothing. The flames had devoured her body. Jacob fell to the floor, tears pouring from his eyes.

 "I did what you told me to do, damn you!!!!! What the hell did I do wrong????"



                                                    Chapter  6


 Jacob slowly stood and faced the fire. The flames had died down and the only light in the cabin was given by the lightning that ripped through the sky. Trees were leaned over so far by the winds that their branches touched the forest floor. The smoke from the chimney swirled high in to the air, twisting and turning until it formed a face. Jacob watched as the image of Rachel's mother appeared. Her form complete, she descended to the ground and floated more than walked towards the cabin. Jacob reached to open the door but Alexis, passing through the door, was inside before he could open it. He stared at her, wondering how se had found the power to return.


 "Jacob, you did nothing wrong." Her touched was a strange mix of icy cold and warmth. She brushed his cheek and smiled at him. "Wait for a moment and you will see."

 "I don't know if we have a moment, Alexis. Eli will not grace us with time. He wants Rachel dead before Karen can be born."

 "I have seen Eli and he is still trying to gather his people. You must now do your part, Jacob."

 "What is my part? I thought that I had done all you asked of me."

 "You must now enter the fire yourself. Rachel waits for you inside. You need to go to her and create."

 "Create???? You think that I can simply go inside the fire and Rachel will open her arms to me as if we had been together forever?"

 "Rachel has matured and changed inside. She knows what she must do to bring Karen to life. My grand-daughter will one day fight for what is rightfully hers. What you do today will give to you one more forever though your daughter."

 "I am not coming back, am I Alexis?"

 "Jacob, you knew when you went to her in the forest that it was a one way trip. You can step away if you want and no one will ever know the difference. Time will..."

 "Yes, I know, time will go on ad all will be as it is except that Karen will never be born and the dark witches will win. I cannot allow that to happen, can I?"

 Jacob turned away from Alexis as the fire suddenly burst into huge, powerful flames, flames that reached out and began to pull Jacob into thier heated embrace. Jacob could see Rachel standing inside the flames, her arms open, waiting for his touch. Her auburn hair looked like the fire itself and her emerald eyes sparkled with new life. He could see the strength within her and knew that what he was about to share would be more than perfect compensation for his life. He stopped just before entering the flames and looked back at Alexis.

 "Does she know???"

 "No, Jacob, She thinks this is the start of she and you sharing forever. She must'nt know."

 Jacob turned back to the fire and walked inside the flames. Rachel stood before him, her body as he had seen it in the brook, perfect in every way. He took her in his arms and laid her down. Kissing her lips, Jacob felt the fullness of her being.

 "I prayed you would come to me. As soon as I was consumed in the fire, I knew you would come to me. We will make our daughter today and she will be a Queen one day. This is for our life-time, Jacob. Make love to me so that we can be one."

 "I do not need a life-time, Rachel, I just need one more forever. Today, I will have that."

 Jacob slowly covered her body with kisses. He tasted the sweetness of her skin and felt her moving beneath him. Her hands urged him down until reached the very essence of her loving. From streams somewhere in their private world to mountain peaks, Rachel climbed higher and higher until she could take no more. Her sounds pushed Jacob to places he had never before been too with any one. Her fingertips were like fire and ice, burning his skin before cooling it and then cooling it again, like ice being poured over hot embers. Together, the found their own heaven on earth. The blood she drew from his back took Jacob to the very top of pleasures. He moved his body until he was looking into her eyes. His weight fully against her, he pressed his face to her ear. As he felt her body tense, he felt as if he were drunk from her touch. Fully intoxicated by her letting go, Jacob to melded one with her. Moving her beautiful hair from her ear, he whispered... "I love you, my Rachel, and I shall love you even after I am gone away. Such completeness I have never known. I will be watching you from the forest and will be only a call away."

 Quietly, against Jacob's shoulder, Rachel cried. She realized what Jacob was saying to her. She clung tightly to his body, holding him with her legs. "Please, tell me there is another way. Tell me we can find a way for you stay with me, Jacob. I need you and I love you. Please, please, do not leave me alone. I am begging you."

 Kissing her tenderly, brushing her cheek with his fingertips, he leaned forward and gently kissed her eyes. "I am not leaving you alone, my love. You will have a daughter now and she will be at your side. In her, you shall have me and through her... I have one more forever. I love you, Rachel, now and forever."

 Rachel felt the weight of his body suddenly leave her body. She watched as Jacob faded out of sight. She reached out to try and hold him once more. Her hand passed through him and she sobbed. A voice echoed in the fire, a voice she knew brought with it death. She stood and placed her hand on he stomach.

 "I will not let him harm you, my precious gift. We will destroy the evil abomination and then, you my little baby girl, will be a queen."

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 "Where is she, witch. I intend to kill her and all of her kin!!!"

 Eli's hand,tight around Alexis' throat, she smiled at Eli. "You, my son, will be the one to die here. Rachel is already gathering her strength. It is more than enough to kill the likes of you."

 "Oh Mother, how can you wish for something so horrible for your own son."

 "You are Not my son. I only gave birth to you. I will see you die before you harm my daughter or my grand-daughter."

 "Not from where I send you, Mother."

 The flames flared in the fireplace. The heat was so intense, the hair on Eli's arms were seared off. Out of the fire, Rachel appeared. Her body glowed and the heat that was the fires, was now hers to command.

 "Hello, Brother... did you come to leave threats or die? I am prepared to end your miserable existence today."

 "Then let us not delay, dear Sister."

 Both their bodies began to glow brighter. Fire-balls filled both of their palms. The cabin was engulfed in flames, forcing them to go out into the raging storm. Lightning lit the morning sky as the fire-balls flew from their hands towards each other.