A Sacred Place

Prologue

Freya's P.O.V

Walking at a slow pace I enjoyed the crunching sounds of freshly fallen leaves on the forest floor. The morning dew still lingered. The air was crisp, allowing the soft earthy scents of soil to entice a calming sensation within me. I enjoyed taking little walks around the depths of the forest, just taking some time to myself. I began humming softly, a peaceful smile formed on my face as I broke out of the tree line. I paused, feeling the soft breeze nudge against my back as I faced the dirt road that separated my land from the neighbouring town. For a moment, I considered heading into town to collect some candy or sweets for my daughter as today marked her 8th birthday. A small tug on the hem of my skirt broke through the calmness, spooking me. My balance wavered ever so slightly. A mess of tangled fire red curls with leaves and other debris from the forest floor caught my eye, belonging to that of a small child. Her head was bowed, looking at the ground her small hand still closed tightly around the hemming of my skirt. Taking a look over her she could not have been much younger than my own daughter, her clothes were tattered and she sported many cuts and grazes on her flushed skin. My heart slowed as I bent down placing my hands gently on the girl's shoulders.

"Hello little one"

I attempted to keep my voice gentle and calm as her fear-stricken emerald green eyes met mine.

"Help me please"

Her little voice was laboured and frantic. It seemed as though she had been running for some time. I glanced around searching for any signs of danger yet I could find none.

"From what my sweet?"

"The monster."

She whispered as her eyes grew bigger pleading with me.

"The monster?"

I asked confused.

"Yes, the monster"

She nodded still whispering as if she thought it could hear her.

"It got my mummy and I ran and ran but it followed!"

Her voice was now shaking, tears falling from her eyes. I stood quickly and pulled her in closer as I heard her trying to stifle her sobs. We were both safe within my lands thanks to my Wiccan heritage, however, there were many other beings that could be confused for monsters. Staring out at the road in the distance, I again tried to see any sign of a threat. My heart had begun to pound. Not with fear, but with a sense to protect this innocent child. I held the girl into me as I debated on what my next steps should be. Protecting the girl was of course on the forefront of my mind but I needed to make sure her mother was dead or just injured.

"Little one, where did you see your mother last?"

"Back... at... the... car"

The poor girl was still sobbing, I gently stroked her hair. Pulling out the sticks and debris as I did.

"Okay, and where is the car?"

She gazed up at me, tears still streamed down her face. Slowly she lifted her hand and pointed in the direction towards town. I sighed heavily, knowing I would have to go and inspect this car and I could not leave her alone. Thankfully I had brought some of my calming herbs with me, in the event of an emergency. I pulled out the soft velvet pouch and grabbed the small one's hand.

"Shh, it's okay little one. My name is Freya and I will keep you safe."

She looked at me curiously as I poured some of the herbal mixture into her cupped hand.

"What is it?"

Her voice was soft and still broken from her sobs.

"Its magic, if you smell it for me it will make you feel better"