Ghostly Encounter by Pam Swain (ebook reader play store txt) 📕

echoed fiercely from wall to wall in a booming deafening roar.

“We fled down to the huge cave, the walls were so high it was not possible to see the top and it went back as far as the eye could see. It was pitch dark. I had been to this cave many times, it was used to bring supplies into the castle but this night it had an eerie frightening feel. The sea beat against the rocks and the stony ground making it perilous to walk on.

“Oh Reggie,” I cried as he took me in his arms and kissed me.

“My handsome love was waiting for me in a rowboat. He had a few possessions, bundled together in haste and he placed a blanket across my shoulders. The wind was like a high pitched wail, and the rain pelted down on us, making us shiver. The rough sea was beating in and out of the cave thumping against the side of the boat causing it to lurch from side to side. But I didn’t feel the cold or wet. I shivered but it was with excitement that Reggie and I were going to be together at last.

The servant pushed us off and we were aiming to land in Portrush and escape from there. The sea and wind pounded the little boat, water pouring in from above and sea tricked over the top.”

“Cup thou hands together and try and bail out, my love.” Reggie shouted.

“He could hardly be heard above the noise of the wind and sea. Now the thunder started and the sky lit up. The motion of the waves nearly capsized us many times. I could barely see Reggie through the driving rain but I could make out his brow wrinkled in concentration as he desperately tried to row against the menacing tide. He was hunched over with his head down but I could see the pain on his face with every row he made. We were soaked through to our skins, our hair clinging to our faces. I tried bailing out but the more I did, the more seemed to get it.

It was of no use.

I looked back at the White Cliffs, with the rain cruelly whipping my face, where my home towered above the cliffs. I could see lights at the window and a lone figure looking out. Just at that moment the boat lurched and creaked and became airborne dashing us against the rocks.

Reggie was thrown out and I remember the pain as my head and body were scraped by the sharp rocks. I was washed back into the sea, and the salt water stung my nostrils and throat and I couldn’t breathe. My arms and legs thrashed around, not by my doing and I gasped for air as blackness started to envelop me. I couldn’t swim and Reggie swam to me, put his arms round me and tried to get us both to shore. It was no good. The sea was too powerful and it snatched Reggie from me. My last thought was of him and my last vision as I went under for the last time was of my home, sitting imposingly on top of the rocks as if watching over the scene.

I have heard them say that Reggie’s body was found next day but not mine. I came back to wait for him and my family. I keep the place clean until he returns for me. It was after I left my body that I found that father, feeling sad for me, and loving me as he did, had planned the escape so I could be with my love. He had a servant inform Reggie and he had to make it look like was not involved so he could save face. He returned to the castle to see if his plan had worked and it was he who was watching out the window when we were dashed to our deaths. He came after us on his boat and offered any servant half of his worldly possessions if they could save me. But to no avail. I love him for the part he played in trying to help us escape and I know he will come back to find me soon. I will wait for as long as it takes.”

The tears were rolling down both our cheeks now at the tragic heartbreaking tale. I heard my name being called over the wind and I got up and looked out the window. Debbie was shouting to find me and I could make out her shadow by the glow of torch she carried. I shone my torch back at her and shouted that I was coming. I turned to say goodbye to my new friend but when I looked around at the room it was in complete darkness, and bare again except for the broom. I felt my way round the cold stone walls till I got to the door. I turned and shone my torch back for one last look.

“Goodbye, Maive, take care. Thanks for being my friend.” I whispered.

Just then I heard something fall and there at my feet was one of Maive’s decorated hair combs. I have still got it to this day.


Imprint

Publication Date: 02-18-2013

All Rights Reserved