CHAPTER 6: HE RIDES AGAIN!
Charlotte and William rode hard until they finally found themselves crossing the old bridge that led them back in town. The group of kids still stood waiting for them and at the sight of them approaching, they went into soft cheers. Charlotte brought the grey horse to a stop and quickly climbed off the saddle before she reached up and helped William down right after.
Once his feet were on the ground, he threw his arms around the young woman's waist in a tight hug; Charlotte wrapped her arms around the shaken boy and held him close before she leaned her head down and whispered in his ear,
"Take your sister home, stay there for the rest of night. We must be prepared should the worst happen, William."
William softly nodded his head in understanding before he pulled away, "Come on, Alexandria, we're going home." he ordered softly before he led his little sister away from the group of kids.
Charlotte turned to the rest of the peering kids, "It'd be best if you all went home as well."
The kids didn't have to be told twice; it seems that even they knew that something had happened in the woods just now. After the kids had left, Charlotte turned on her heel and quickly swept into town.
She walked passed her own cottage and made her way over to Mrs. Adams' who lived just down the road. With her good hand, Charlotte firmly knocked upon their wooden door; after a few minutes, it opened to reveal a fairly handsome man who was well into his forties, standing in the doorway.
Charlotte gave him a polite curtsey, "Excuse me sir, but is your wife home? It is most urgent that I speak with her." Charlotte explained. The man gave her a soft smile,
"You must be Charlotte. Rose has told me all about you, come on in." Mr. Adams offered as he stepped aside and allowed Charlotte to enter their home.
"Thank you, sir." said Charlotte.
"She's in the kitchen." Mr. Adams stated while he pointed in the general direction of the kitchen. Charlotte gave a soft nod before she quickly made her way through the house till she came into the kitchen; Mrs. Adams was at the sink washing dishes.
"Mrs. Adams?" Charlotte softly called over to the older woman; Mrs. Adams glanced over her shoulder in surprise,
"Why Charlotte," she stated with a happy smile, "What can I do for you?" she asked while she quickly dried her hands on her skirts before she turned around and walked over to where the young woman stood.
Charlotte swallowed softly, "Something has happened..." she answered. All at once, a serious look came over Mrs. Adams features,
"Come we can talk in private in my bedroom." Mrs. Adams stated as she took Charlotte by the hand and led her out of the kitchen. Once they were inside Mrs. Adams' bedroom chamber, she closed the door tightly and led Charlotte and herself over to take a seat on the bed. "Now," Mrs. Adams started, "..what has happened?" she asked with great concern.
Charlotte took in a deep breath of air before she told Mrs. Adams her story. At the end, to confirm it all, Charlotte showed her friend her hand that had been cut by the blade.
"Dear God!" Mrs. Adams breathed out as she took up Charlotte's hand and began examining the wound, "The Witch's Mark..." she whispered.
"Mark? It's just a cut." Charlotte corrected; Mrs. Adams softly shook her head,
"No deary, it's called 'The Witch's Mark' because of what it represents." Mrs. Adams explained softly,
"And what does it represent?" Charlotte asked.
"Black Magic," Mrs. Adams answered.
Her eyes widened with protest, "But I am no witch!" she pointed out defensively,
"No...you're not...but Charlotte..." Mrs. Adams glanced up from Charlotte's hand to meet her eyes, "...you've been marked by one."
The two women grew silent for a few minutes before the young woman quietly spoke up,
"So what do you think is going to happen to me?" she asked. Mrs. Adams placed a motherly hand over Charlotte's hand that she held,
"Nothing deary." She answered, "..Nothing will happen to you. Witch or not, what can Mary Van Tessel use against you?" Mrs. Adams wisely stated.
Charlotte blinked twice before answering, "Who do you think?"
Mrs. Adams shook her head, "She can no longer control him like that."
Charlotte looked down at her hand, her eyes tracing over the cut,
"I think there's more to this 'cut' then meets the eye..." Said Charlotte while she gave a soft nod down to her hand.
"Hush, dear girl. Let's not think about such horrid thoughts. All that matters at this very moment it that you and young William are safe, thanks you."
Charlotte let out a soft sigh before she turned her head to look out the bedroom window; outside the sun was getting ready to set, soon it would be Night. Remembering Mary Van Tessel's last words, Charlotte softly shook her head,
"Don't thank me just yet...come sun down, I may have doomed us all..."
Mrs. Adams reached a comforting hand over and placed it on Charlotte's shoulder,
"Are you still wearing the necklace I gave you?" she asked.
Charlotte reached a hand up and laid it on top of her chest where she could feel the crystal cross beneath her tight fitted bodice; Charlotte nodded her head.
"Good! Keep it close always, it will protect you in your darkest hours." Mrs. Adams reminded,
Charlotte nodded her head silently before she slowly rose from the bed, "Well I best be getting home before it gets too dark." she stated
Mrs. Adams rose too, "Yes...umm...a swell idea. Get home quickly and be sure to take extra precautions tonight Charlotte. Lock up everything. Can you do that for me?" Mrs. Adams asked. Charlotte gave her friend a reassuring smile and nod,
"As long as you do the same." Charlotte answered. Mrs. Adams smiled. The two woman left the bedroom and walked to the front door together. Before Charlotte stepped outside, Mrs. Adams gave Charlotte a parting embrace,
"Be safe dear one. Everything will be alright." She assured. Charlotte nodded before she turned about and started on her walk home.
When the night had finally fallen, the sky was darker than usual; no moon, no stars, just blackened sky. Back at the Tree of the Dead, Mary Van Tessel was nowhere to be seen.
The temperature in the woods dropped abruptly, and the wind picked up while the Tree of the Dead again awoke and opened it roots for a new Hell to come forth. In the blink of an eye, a large black stallion leapt forth, carrying his fearsome master upon his back.
Piercing blue eyes quickly scanned its surroundings while sharpened teeth bared themselves in a frightening snarl.
His witch was gone... and he wanted her back!
The Horseman closed his eyes and inhaled deeply through his nose; a faint and sweet, almost mouthwatering fragrance hovered in the cold night's air. His eyes snapped open; the scent covered his tree before it led off into the woods...towards the small town of Sleepy Hollow. So he had a lead. Certain that if he tracked down whoever the scent belonged to, he'd find his prize, the Horseman gave quick jerk on the reins, turning his black stallion around before delivering a sharp kick to its side with his spurred boots.
The horse sprinted into action, carrying its Master into the woods and as this happened, the horseman threw his head back and let out a loud battle cry, letting all of Sleepy Hollow know that the Horseman has returned.