Woodlington

Chapter 26 - Forgotten Magic

"No!"

It was Mr Wilson.

Everyone moved aside as he strode towards Richard, wand at the ready.

Though his back was straight and there wasn't the slightest tremble to be seen, Alex could see his face was wrought with anguish.

Beads of sweat were breaking out over his forehead.

"Forgive me Richard," he whispered, tightening his grip on the wand.

And then he uttered a string of words that sounded like no language Alex had ever heard.

Every hair on her body stood to attention.

Each sound that came from Mr Wilson's mouth was pure power, and each effected Richard like a bolt of lightning. He writhed, jerking and spasming, as though facing a firing squad.

Those nearest him backed away, watching in astonishment as his thrashing body rose into the air.

Finally, the words ended.

Richard's body dropped like a stone.

There was a hushed silence, broken only by Harold's disbelieving whimpers. "No... no..."

From the floor, Alex gazed around at the motionless witches.

They were rooted to the spot, staring as one, at Richard's limp, unmoving form.

For several seconds he didn't move. Then, with a sudden intake of breath, he sat up.

Alex watched in astonishment as he stood and turned, eyes no longer empty.

"Richard?"

It was Mr Wilson.

He shuffled forward, face wretched.

"Forgive me, please. I didn't know what else to do."

Mr Blackmore stared at him, his expression thunderous.

And then he smiled.

"Willie, my old friend."

The words, coming through long dead vocal chords, emerged as scratchy whispers, but they were loud enough and clear enough for all to hear.

He placed a hand on the bookseller's shoulder.

"There is nothing to forgive. What you did took great courage. You have my gratitude."

As Mr. Wilson, relief etched across his face, stepped back, Richard addressed the room.

"That goes for all of you."

His eyes fell on Jessie.

"There is no greater love than self-sacrifice. That you would risk your lives for my daughter and her friends... it is a debt I can never repay."

Alex squeezed Jessie's hand tighter.

She squeezed back.

Conscious again, bruised throat all but forgotten, she watched in wonder as her father walked towards her.

Gently, Mr Blackmore stooped down and gathered his daughter into his arms.

"Rebecca. How I've missed you."

Ignoring the ragged wound, Jessie reached out to stroke his face.

"Daddy?"

She began to cry.

Hugging her close, Richard turned to Abby and Beth.

"And you two, what can I say? You took in my little girl. You loved her as though she were your own."