Rocco the Guard: Part One (special preview)

Deep within the woods, much farther than anyone should go, lies a house made of cobwebs and stone. Far from prying eyes the house shines light all day, probably from the cauldron that is boiling away. Smoke rises from the chimney, whispering secrets and malice. Inside this old house there is not a mouse, there is barely life at all to be seen. Except the witch who lives there, passing out charms both cursed and lucky. But beware her jagged smile, or you may not be seen for a while.

“Mom! What are you talking about?” Kali mumbled from the table.

I looked up from the page in my hand and chuckled. “Oh, nothing dear.” I tossed the paper into the fire and dusted off my hands. “Just reading one of the old nursery rhymes about me.”

Kali gave me a once over with those dark eyes of hers. “Another one?”

I scoffed and slapped my hands to my hips.  “Hey now young lady, your mother was once some hot shit back in her day. You only know the docile sweet mother, but I’ll have you know-”

Kali snickered and bit down on her lips to keep from laughing.

I leaned in close to her. “What’s that about?”

“Docile and sweet,” she giggled.

I grabbed her up, mussing up her dark hair and tormenting her with kisses. “I was a wild child, you hear me? A wild one!” I lifted her up into the air with my magic, using only a snap of my fingers. Kali giggled and snorted, floating up there close to the rafters.

“That’s why we gotta live out here, kid.” I brought her back down to her seat. “Mama still has a few wanted posters.”

“I thought it was because you didn’t like paying rent,” she says with that adorable, smug, smile of hers.

“No one likes paying rent. And I'll be damned if I make some fat cat even fatter!” I snapped my fingers towards the stove which lit up in flames. “Watch that kettle now, sweetie.” I kissed her temple. “I’ll be out for a bit.” I called over my cloak which I wrapped around me. “Don’t forget to feed Piglet when he wakes up, and if you need anything-”

“I know, Mom.” Kali waved from the table. “Don’t get yourself caught today.”

“Ha!” I laughed. “No one can catch me! I am the greatest witch of all time! I once terrorized the Seven Isles! I, who told the-”

“-great Queen to shove a rat down her house. The one who still causes terror when her name is spoken. That name is Kaireni of the Ghost Shores!” Kali said dramatically, even mimicking my hand movements.

I clicked my tongue. “Teenagers.” I then blew her a kiss. “Love you, bye!” The door swung open and, as I ran outside, I tapped my staff against the ground and the trees opened up over my head and I flew into the sky.

“Bye, Mom!” I heard Kali call out from below.

I brought the hood around my head and breathed in deeply. “You can really smell the vapors from the Mint Swamps this morning.” I looked around as I flew, checking to make sure my spell walls in the forest were still running. From the moment I knew I was pregnant with Kali I had done everything in my power to protect her. I built a home that would keep her safe, I got her a pet that would love her and guide her as well as teach her to be kind and nurturing. I have made sure Kali is the safest child in all the Seven Isles.

Something whizzed by my head, and when I turned to look, something went past on the other side. “Fucking buzzard flies.” I waved my hand around my face, only to knock something out of the way. “Ow!” On the back of my hand there was a mark and, beside me, a huge cloud of smoke erupted.

“Oh crap,” I grumbled under my breath. I flew away from the smoke, with more objects flying at me from within it. “Can’t just have a nice shopping day, now could I?” I mocked under my breath. “No, you can’t, Kaireni.” Another smoke bomb flew past my head and I scoffed. “These jerks won't leave me alone. I’m like candy to them.”

“Rotten candy!” A voice snarled behind me.