Read Online Charlotte Stone and the Children of the Nymet by Tasha O'Neill - Free Book Online Page A

age, and the firelight dancing in his blue-grey eyes.
    â€˜Now is probably not the best time to be discussing the attributes of the Vorla but yes, they are real.’
    â€˜Have you ever seen one? Are they really evil and dangerous?’
    â€˜So many questions.’ Tar’sel’s father laughed. ‘I doubt anyone has seen them; they are older than time and they keep to themselves. As for evil, that would do them an injustice, it’s too simplistic. Do the Rheadak think us evil because we hunt them?’
    â€˜But that’s survival.’
    â€˜It’s nature,’ Tay’mor corrected. ‘Everything has its place in the Triverse and a right to exist, including the Vorla. Let’s just say though, when it comes to the Vorla, I wouldn’t go out of my way to find one but perhaps I’m too full of fear – they can take your negative emotions and use them against you. Besides, many of the old creatures have faded out of existence, there’s not as much magic in the world as there used to be.’ He sighed. ‘Not since the Fey Nation retreated into the Dreamtime.’
    â€˜Shouldn’t they be here, looking after the Nymet tree?’
    Tar’sel stopped short of telling his father his fears. Tay’mor was the guardian of the Nymet after all; if there was anything wrong, he would surely know about it.
    â€˜Don’t worry yourself, Son we have the skills we need to ensure the Nymet remains strong,’ Tay’mor replied, but Tar’sel could swear he heard doubt in his father’s voice.
    In the distance another elder signalled to Tay’mor that his presence was required up at the temple.
    â€˜I have to leave you now, there is still work for me to do, Son. Fine dreaming,’ Tay’mor said, then turned and hobbled off towards the Nymet temple.

Corn Pads, Crystals and Dental Floss

    Charlotte had been right about the slow pace of life in Brackenheath but she was surprised to find it wasn’t as painful as she had thought. The nearest neighbour was a nosey old woman called Mrs Bunratty but Charlotte wasn’t in need of company and she didn’t miss the noise and bustle of Oxford Street or the numerous museums and shows all that much. Her new suite of rooms now housed her own personal collection, every surface covered with artefacts discovered by her own family, and even a whole wall of Edessa’s artwork.
    It was Edessa she pined for most and Charlotte tried to cling to her last words as she busied herself with unpacking and exploring. Knowing there may be a way to talk to her was not the same as having her near.
    I wonder how long the novelty of this place will last?
she wondered as she walked into the morning room, stopping in her tracks at the sight of Clarissa cross-legged on the floor, incense smoke weaving around her. Yep, no need to worry, there was plenty of novelty factor left.
    â€˜It’s OK, you can come in, dear.’
    â€˜I didn’t mean to disturb you,’ Charlotte whispered.
    Clarissa smiled. ‘Being able to meditate isn’t much good if you can only do it in complete silence surrounded by incense and candles, dear, nice as that may be. I’m of a mind that you can only truly meditate if you are able to do it on a crowded, noisy train, and there are many Taoist monks who agree with me.’
    â€˜Fancy putting that to the test some time?’ Charlotte replied.
    Clarissa extinguished the candle flames between her fingers.
    â€˜We can go visit Edessa any time you want, dear, you name the day.’ Clarissa got to her feet gracefully and stretched. ‘I have no desire to keep you from your sister, I know you must miss her terribly.’
    Quintillian, the portly, long-haired grey Charlotte had met on her first day at Rosemary Heights, purred softly as he weaved around Charlotte’s legs.
    â€˜But for now, I don’t know about you but I’m famished; shall we do breakfast?’