Woodlington

Chapter 17 - Middlewood

For Alex, following Abby through the mass of witches took her back to their night in the graveyard - glimpses of lit stalls becoming flickers of lightning, the breeze on the hilltop, the winds of the storm.

But remembering the graveyard was dangerous. It led to the mausoleum, and from there, to Harold.

The very name was like a black void, where all happiness and excitement stopped. How many more innocent people would be hurt by him?

No!

She wasn't going to ruin the best night of her life by thinking of him.

Determinedly, she fixed her gaze on the approaching bonfire.

There were now hundreds gathered around it, many pointing into the air where a dozen or so witches, all adults, were flying around, trails of brilliantly coloured smoke following in their wake. They were soaring in intricate patterns, dodging one another effortlessly, creating a vast, hazy canvas.

But why?

Alex jumped as a rocket suddenly shot out of the blaze, through the flyers, who'd gathered in a wide circle, and into the sky. There was complete silence as the gaping witches craned their necks, waiting to see what would happen.

They were rewarded with a brilliant flash of white, followed moments later by a loud explosion. The flash blossomed into a million fiery comets, all different colours, all fizzing around circling one another. Alex stared open mouthed as the world above became a blurring mass of luminous streaking trails in oranges, blues, and golds, each more vibrant than the next.

Against the smoky backdrop, the spectacle was mesmerising.

Then, as though someone had pressed a universal 'pause button', everything froze.

Alex was rooted to the spot. She wasn't alone; the crowd were as one, gazing above at the impossible scene.

"Look," someone finally gasped. "Over there."

One of the larger comets, a purple one, was falling.

It was the only thing moving.

Down it fell, growing steadily larger as it approached. Faster and faster, nearer and nearer - several witches screamed and threw their arms over their heads.

Those who didn't, saw the comet wink out not ten feet above them.

It did so however, with the deepest boom Alex had ever heard. As though a huge gong had been struck, the sound rang on, reverberating through her entire body.

When it finally faded, there was another gasp, another pointing finger, and another falling comet. This one was smaller, and the sound of its disappearance was like the chiming of a cymbal.

And then they all began to fall.

It was a symphony of drums - countless echoing beats blending seamlessly, highs and lows in perfect harmony. Alex couldn't help but be moved. She was taken on a journey, her spirit lifted higher and higher, until all that existed was the music.

When Jessie tapped her shoulder, she almost cried out.

"Time to go."

Reluctantly, Alex allowed herself to be led away.

The noise continued as they threaded themselves though the stupefied crowd, finally coming to an end with the most thunderous crash yet. It rolled over them like a tidal wave.

Alex turned for one last look.

Above the sea of heads, new fireworks were appearing, these ones silent. She watched for a few seconds, and then lowered her eyes to the gaping witches and the many stalls and attractions.